NY Islanders showcase new lines after training camp roster gets trimmed down

The New York Islanders reduced their training camp roster on Saturday, loaning or assigning nine players to Bridgeport. Forwards Liam Foudy and Julien Gauthier, along with defensemen Cole McWard and Travis Mitchell, were loaned to the AHL club, while forwards Eetu Liukas and Gleb Veremyev, defensemen Jesse Pulkkinen and Marshall Warren, and goaltender Tristan Lennox were assigned to the AHL affiliate. None of the moves were unexpected, but they signal the beginning of roster tightening as Patrick Roy and his staff zero in on potential opening night combinations.

Here are some key takeaways from the weekend:

Lee and Tsyplakov Skate

Sunday’s practice brought encouraging injury news. Anders Lee, sidelined with an upper-body issue, returned to the ice in a red non-contact jersey. Max Tsyplakov, who had been held out for maintenance, skated in a regular sweater. Both developments suggest the Islanders’ forward depth is beginning to stabilize as camp progresses.

Heineman’s Top-Line Trial

One of the day’s most notable experiments was Emil Heineman skating alongside Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin. The 22-year-old Swede, acquired this offseason, has impressed with his shot and work rate, and Roy rewarded him with a chance to audition on a scoring line. If Heineman continues to complement Horvat and Drouin, the Islanders’ forward depth could look very different by opening night.

Shabanov, Duclair, and Middle-Six Tests

Roy also gave Max Shabanov a look on J-G Pageau’s wing, testing the young Russian in a defensively responsible role. Meanwhile, Anthony Duclair skated with Casey Cizikas and Tsyplakov, suggesting a potential new blend for what has traditionally been the team’s energy line.

Schaefer Still With Mayfield

On defense, rookie Matthew Schaefer continued to pair with veteran Scott Mayfield. The No. 1 overall pick has been given every opportunity to show he can handle NHL pace. His steady progress raises the question of whether the Islanders might be tempted to keep him beyond a nine-game trial.

Sunday’s Practice Lines

Here’s how Patrick Roy rolled out his groups:

Forwards

Drouin – Horvat – Heineman

Lee – Barzal – Palmieri

Holmstrom – Pageau – Shabanov

Tsyplakov – Cizikas – Duclair

MacLean – Ritchie – Gatcomb

Highmore (extra)

Defense

Pelech – Pulock

Romanov – DeAngelo

Mayfield – Schaefer

George – Boqvist

The Islanders’ roster is taking shape, but roles are far from finalized. Heineman is trending upward, Shabanov is being tested, and Schaefer remains the story of camp. With two weeks to go before the season opener in Pittsburgh, Roy continues to balance development with evaluation — and every practice is a chance to figure out what the line combinations will be on opening night.