Takeaways from day one of NY Islanders training camp

After all the rumors and chatter that dominate the off-season, the skates finally hit the ice yesterday for the start of NY Islanders training camp. It's the second camp in charge for Head Coach Lane Lambert, as the rookies have integrated with the NHL and AHL regulars.

While the players and coaching staff are getting their feet under them just four days before the first pre-season game at Madison Square Garden to take on the NY Rangers, we look at a few notable things to take place on day one:

No Kyle Palmieri

Kyle Palmieri was absent from day one of camp, as it's been reported he was taking a maintenance day following pre-season training. According to the Islanders 'X' account, Palmieri has been fully skating on his own. While it may be just a maintenance day, it's odd for day one of camp.

Palmieri has been bitten by the injury bug the past two seasons, appearing in just 55 games last season and 69 the year before. Lambert is unsure if Palmieri will be ready to go by the first pre-season game. "He's skating on his own, so that's a plus."

A surprise appearance from Dmytro Timashov

Last appearing in an NHL game with the Isles in 2021, Dmytro Timashov and the Islanders agreed to terminate his contract shortly after his only appearance. Timashov played with Brynäs of the SHL in Sweden the past two seasons but now looks to return to North America.

Seeing his name on the roster was a surprise for all, but with no space within the Islanders forward corps, Timashov is playing for a spot in Bridgeport.

Mat Barzal starts on Bo Horvat's wing

It may have been expected, but Mat Barzal took the wing with Bo Horvat down the center, with Arnaud Durandeau on the other side.

"They (Barzal and Horvat) had some great chemistry last year when they first started, and then Barzy got hurt," said Lambert following practice. "We're looking to develop that, so we'll see what happens."

Alexander Romanov is a full go

One of the first questions answered yesterday was whether Alexander Romanov would be ready to go on day one. The defenseman took the ice with the Isles' first group, as he doesn't seem hindered by his off-season surgery.

Bo Horvat and Pierre Engvall's first camp

Though they finished the season with the Isles, Bo Horvat and Pierre Engvall got their first taste of training camp, as they'll continue to familiarize themselves with their teammates.

Both players have signed lengthy extensions with the Islanders as they won't have to deal with a cloud hanging over their heads regarding where they'll be playing next year. Now settled in on Long Island, the Islanders' two acquisitions from last year can now concentrate on hockey.

"It's really exciting," said Engvall on starting with the Isles from day one of the season. "Everyone has been waiting for it (camp) all summer, so you could see in everyone's face they're happy to get going."