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Eyes On Isles
Fansided

The NY Islanders are getting quality minutes from unexpected players

ByMichael Stahurski
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Oct 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders left wing Ondrej Palat (81) skates with the puck against New Jersey Devils center Cody Glass (12) during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders left wing Ondrej Palat (81) skates with the puck against New Jersey Devils center Cody Glass (12) during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When the NHL’s first buyout window opened this summer, Ondrej Palat was a candidate for the NY Islanders, potentially opening up cap space for the organization to add more significant pieces. Once again, when Alex Jefferies filed for arbitration, there was a second opportunity to buy out the veteran. Yet, Mathieu Darche elected to keep the two-time Stanley Cup winner.

Just before the start of the regular season, Darche added Logan Stanley to the roster. A player who had been unsigned was stepping into the opening night roster. Along with Palat, many Islanders supporters were not just unhappy with both playing on opening night, but were not interested in either being part of the team. But four games into the season, the two have been among the Islanders' most effective players.

Palat and Stanley are stepping up

Palat, in his 15th NHL season, appears to be rejuvenated. Playing on the fourth line, Palat is averaging just 11:46 minutes per game, but has made the most of them. Through four games, Palat leads the team in CF% at 56.76% and has been in the ice for one goal against at 5-on-5, according to Natural Stat Trick. His $6M cap hit still isn’t ideal for a fourth-line player, but he is playing his role and playing it well.

Sending Scott Mayfield to the press box to begin the season, Stanley was expected to play a bottom pairing role, being brought in for his size and penalty-killing capabilities. With Alexander Romanov’s season-ending injury, Stanley has been thrust into a more crucial role. Playing on the top pairing with Matthew Schaefer, the towering defenseman has already added in more ways than expected. Leading the team in assists through four games with four, Stanley has continued to show the improved offensive abilities he showed last season.

There’s still a long way to go this season, but getting contributions from Palat and Stanley will go a long way in the Islanders’ push to return to the postseason.

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