An Early Look at the NY Islanders 2024-25 Lineup

The New York Islanders have had a relatively quiet offseason. While some might have expected a big free agent signing or blockbuster trade, the fact is that this offseason was another typical Lou Lamoriello summer. The quiet, under-the-radar moves the Isles have made thus far promise to pay off during the season.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at what the Islanders lineup could look like this fall. While not radically different, the offseason additions could prove significant in the long run.

An Early Look at the New York Islanders Lineup for this Upcoming Season

Forward Lines

The Daily Faceoff projects free agent acquisition Anthony Duclair to join Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal on the top unit. This line makes sense as the Isles have lacked speed and playmaking ability. Duclair delivers that.

Duclair played a solid role for the Tampa Bay Lightning last season following his trade deadline acquisition. But as much as Tampa would have liked to re-sign Duclair, the team didn’t have the cap space.

That was a huge benefit for the New York Islanders.

Similarly, the arrival of Maxim Tsyplakov looks to bolster the second line. The chemistry between Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri has been undeniable. But the duo has lacked another running mate that can augment the chemistry between them.

Personally, I’d rather see Anders Lee on that second line. But I get why Daily Faceoff would place Tsyplakov on the second line. I’m sure that Patrick Roy will test the idea and see where it goes. Ultimately, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Duclair with Nelson and Palmieri with Tsyplakov getting a look on the top line.

As for the third line, it looks solid. Lee with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Pierre Engvall looks like a solid trio. I’ve liked Engvall since his days with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s fast and defensively responsible. He won’t score a ton of goals, but then again, with a good top six, teams may overlook the Lee-Pageau-Engvall line. That could generate scoring opportunities for this group.

Lastly, the checking line looks good. Casey Cizikas is rightfully placed as the fourth-line center with Kyle MacLean on the left side. Now, I’m not sure about putting Simon Holmstrom on the fourth unit. I think he’s got the potential to do more. Perhaps he will start the season there and move his way up as injuries hit.

Overall, the forward group looks good enough to contend in the Metro Division. Assuming the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers remain one and two, the Isles will have to contend with the Washington Capitals for the third spot.

The Blue Line

Now, let’s talk about defense. The top pair of Alexander Romanov and Noah Dobson looks bulletproof. Barring any injuries, we could see Dobson in the Norris conversation this season, with Romanov being the implacable partner every Norris-Trophy caliber blueliner needs.

The second pairing also looks solid. Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock have played a shutdown role over the last couple of seasons. They will need to continue that role to give the forward group a chance to control the play and drive scoring.

However, Pelech and Pulock have been limited by injuries. If the duo can stay healthy, opposing teams will dread facing the Islanders this upcoming season.

The third pairing is where things get interesting. I like Mike Reilly on this pairing. I think he’ll do a good job. However, Daily Faceoff projects Scott Mayfield as the other blueliner in this pairing. It’s unclear whether Mayfield will be one hundred percent by the time training camp rolls around.

Perhaps the Isles will have to start the season without him. If that’s the case, the question will be who takes his place. Samuel Bolduc and Dennis Cholowski are the next guys up on the depth chart. Perhaps Cholowski can finally deliver on the promise that he showed as a first-round pick.

Otherwise, Lamoriello may be looking for some depth defensive help. There is still time left this summer to examine the remaining free agent options out there or look at trade possibilities to complement the blue line.