A dark horse forward who could make the NY Islanders' opening day roster

The long-standing Identity Line is no more as Lou Lamoriello has confirmed that Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck won’t be returning for the 2024-25 season.

The NY Islanders have a handful of options to fill those roles, including Hudson Fasching, Kyle MacLean, and Simon Holmstrom.

With the departure of the two top hitters in NHL history, the Islanders physicality will see a significant drop-off. While the above-mentioned names bring a more skilled and fast-paced game compared to Martin and Clutterbuck, there is still a need for physicality among the checking lines.

The Islanders do have a member of their prospect pool who is built for the fourth line, conveying an element of speed built for the modern game, along with providing bone-crushing hits.

Eetu Liukas joined the Bridgeport Islanders last season for his first foray into North America after playing his entire life in Finland.

A 5th-round pick of the Islanders in 2021, Liukas struggled to start his AHL career. Recoding just seven points (3 G, 4 A) in his first season, adapting to what is still one of the top leagues in the world, Liukas found it difficult to find his offensive game - but that’s not where he’s most valuable. 

Built to play a fourth line role

At 6’2” and over 200 lbs, Liukas is a battering ram who rarely passes up on an opportunity to lay the body - similar to Martin and Clutterbuck. When he’s not using his body to dislodge puck carriers, Liukas has surprising speed for a body his size. 

Along with his skill set that translates to the fourth line, Liukas possesses a surprisingly strong and accurate shot and even has an impressive one-timer in his arsenal. Like Clutterbuck, he can surprise goaltenders with his ability to pick corners. 

If Liukas impresses Lou Lamoriello and Patrick Roy at training camp this fall, there’s the possibility he could start the season with the Islanders.

The biggest obstacle regarding Liukas starting the season with the Islanders is cap space - which speaks to the state of the Islanders' cap situation not being able to fit a player on their ELC under the cap.

The Islanders need to clear $950k to be cap-compliant before the start of the season. Even if Lamoriello trades/waivers Oliver Wahlstrom for a draft pick, that only leaves $50k of space. Fasching would appear to be the name sacrificed to call up Liukas, but even then, Liukas’s ELC carries a $867,500 cap hit while Fasching’s is only $750k, still putting the Islanders over the cap ceiling.

Because of this, Liukas likely has to start the season in Bridgeport simply because the numbers don’t work. He could however be a call-up if injuries occur and could make additional players expendable to complete a trade.