Skip to main content
Eyes On Isles
Fansided

Pete DeBoer provides his theory on why NY Islanders F Simon Holmstrom has struggled

ByJiggs Westfall
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Oct 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (92) skates with the puck against New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (92) skates with the puck against New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

New York Islanders coach Pete DeBoer believes expectations may be contributing to Simon Holmstrom's slow start, prompting a lineup change as the forward looks to build on two consecutive productive seasons.

Holmstrom, who began the season playing alongside Bo Horvat on the Islanders' top line, was moved to the fourth line during Monday's practice ahead of Tuesday's game against the Vancouver Canucks.

The 25-year-old has one goal and one assist through five games after recording 19 goals and 22 assists last season. That followed a career-best 20-goal, 25-assist campaign in 2024-25.

DeBoer believes Holmstrom may be focusing too much on offensive production rather than the details that helped him become an established NHL regular.

Holmstrom
Oct 6, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (92) is taken off the ice after an injury in the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"He's an honest player," DeBoer said. "I think expectations sometimes get in the way. Sometimes you're thinking more about the end result, the goals, the assists, and the process gets lost a little bit in that. So just a reset for him."

Holmstrom is also dealing with a broken nose after being struck in the face by a clearing attempt from Rangers defenseman Sean Durzi during last Tuesday's 5-2 loss at Madison Square Garden. He briefly left that game because of the injury but returned to action.

Despite the injury, Holmstrom acknowledged following his conversation with DeBoer that he's "got to be more involved."

The Islanders entered the season hoping Holmstrom would take another step toward becoming a significant part of their long-term plans. His consecutive seasons of nearly 20 goals suggested he was developing into a dependable two-way forward capable of contributing offensively.

His early struggles come as the Islanders continue searching for consistent production throughout their lineup, particularly with Mathew Barzal sidelined by a knee injury.

For now, DeBoer appears focused on simplifying Holmstrom's responsibilities and getting him back to the habits that produced his previous success.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/NY Islanders News