Simon Holmstrom fulfilling potential with New York Islanders

Simon Holmstrom has fulfilled his promise this season for the New York Islanders. The 23-year-old Swede had two tallies on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators to push him to the 20-goal plateau this season.

The performance was a significant bright spot for the Isles after losing a disappointing 7-6 overtime game. Holmstrom ended the night with four points, capping off the best night of his career.

At the outset of this season, the expectation was that Simon Holmstrom would really come into his own this season. Early on, he showed some signs of lacking confidence. However, he’s seemed to become increasingly confident as the season has worn on.

As the season winds down, Holmstrom has looked more confident, showing what he can do offensively. His role on the second line with JG Pageau and Maxi Tsyplakov seems to flipped a switch, allowing Holmstrom to truly find his game.

Holmstrom is now riding a three-game point streak, scoring three goals and three assists in that span. His overall successful season bodes well as the Islanders will be looking for answers this offseason. But knowing that Holmstrom can take his game to the next level will be a solid starting point.

It remains to be seen if Holmstrom can finish his season strong, giving the Isles flexibility in roster decisions heading into next season.

New York Islanders must sign Simon Holmstrom sooner rather than later

The New York Islanders must sign Simon Holmstrom sooner rather than later this offseason. He will be a restricted free agent this summer as his entry-level contract expires. Now, I wouldn’t necessarily be concerned about an offer sheet coming Holmstrom’s way.

Of course, some teams could certainly use a young winger like Holmstrom to bolster their offense, but the price they would have to pay in an offer sheet would not necessarily be too palatable.

So, that situation puts the onus on the Isles to get a deal done as quickly as possible. Given how previous deals like the Pierre Engvall and Scott Mayfield contracts have worked out, I don’t foresee the Islanders splurging to keep Holmstrom.

In my estimation, the two sides will explore a bridge deal. Perhaps something along the lines of a two-year deal worth around $2 to $3 million AAV would be something both sides could live with.

That sort of deal gives the Islanders the flexibility needed to add other players to bolster their roster, while also seeing if Holmstrom is the real deal. Thus far, it seems that the Islanders' 23rd-overall pick from 2019 has lived up to expectations and could be poised for a breakout year in 2025-26.