Pete DeBoer sent Logan Stanley a very personal text message shortly after the NY Islanders signed the defenseman

At the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the surging Buffalo Sabres acquired Logan Stanley from the Winnipeg Jets in preparation for their first playoff appearance in 15 seasons. 

Stanley struggled in Buffalo, appearing in eight playoff games while also spending time in the press box during the Sabres' run to the second round of the playoffs. Entering free agency this season, Stanley went the entire summer unsigned before receiving a one-year deal from the NY Islanders days before the start of the season.

Now, 13 games into the season with his new team, Stanley is playing top-pairing minutes alongside Matthew Schaefer, averaging over 21 minutes per game.

Stanley has been excelling in his role under head coach Pete DeBoer, with the Islanders bench boss playing a role in Stanley’s late signing.

Before becoming a coach in the NHL, DeBoer served as the head coach of the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL from 2001-2008, Stanley’s hometown. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, DeBoer spent time playing pick-up games with Logan’s father. Soon after Stanley inked a deal with the Islanders, he received a text from DeBoer. “I’ve been looking forward to coaching you since you were seven years old.”

A match 20 years in the making, DeBoer and Stanley are both reaping the benefits within the same organization. While Stanley’s offensive production from the very early parts of the season has stalled, his value on the defensive end has increased and has become a crucial part of the dynamic of this team.

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