NY Islanders will decline qualifying offer to Marc Gatcomb, forward becomes UFA

One of the feel-good New York Islanders stories has come to an end.

It was reported that the team will not extend a qualifying offer to forward Marc Gatcomb before Monday's deadline, allowing the restricted free agent to become an unrestricted free agent when the market opens Wednesday.

Gatcomb emerged as an unlikely contributor for the Islanders during the 2024-25 season after beginning the year with the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport. After earning a one-year contract last off-season, he appeared in 49 games with the Isles, recording three goals, four assists and 192 hits while establishing himself as a physical player who brought energy every shift.

Gatcomb debuted on Jan. 14, 2025, after being recalled from Bridgeport and scored his first NHL goal on Jan. 30, 2025, against the Philadelphia Flyers. Before his recall, Gatcomb had produced 17 points, including nine goals and eight assists, in 35 games with Bridgeport. He remained with the Islanders for the rest of the season after joining the NHL roster in January.

His most memorable career moments happened as a footnote to Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzy's all-time goals record. Gatcomb scored twice in an Islanders win that afternoon on a game that was on national TV and widely watched as millions tuned in to watch Ovi score.

Across four AHL campaigns with Bridgeport and the Abbotsford Canucks, the Vancouver Canucks' affiliate, he totaled 45 points on 21 goals and 24 assists while developing a reputation for his physical style of play and work ethic.

Prior to turning professional, Gatcomb spent four seasons at the University of Connecticut, where he recorded 46 points, including 22 goals and 24 assists, in 124 games. He also served as an assistant captain during the 2021-22 season.

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