Top 3 underrated NY Islanders players so far in 2024-25

Oh, it hasn’t been the easiest season for the NY Islanders. But how many recent campaigns have been for this team? One reason comes courtesy of the fact that some of their players just haven’t been consistent this year. 

What’s especially frustrating is that this has been one smart, disciplined team that just can’t take advantage of such play. Yeah, it justifies why some Isles fans have just been angry this year, and for good reason. 

But, there is some good news as well, with a trio of players who have, so far, exceeded expectations amidst the up-and-down season. You may know their names, but as for recognition around the league? That’s been hard to come by. So let’s talk about them.  

Dennis Cholowski

Dennis Cholowski is one of those players who doesn’t get a ton of chances to shine, but he’s been making the most of them this season. He may be young, but Cholowski’s been a journeyman so far in his NHL career, as the Isles are the fourth different team he’s played an NHL game for since 2018-19. 

And it looks like he may have either found a home or at least a place to take another step on Long Island, with three goals and eight points in 23 games this season. He’s also seen a bit of an increase in ice time, so don’t be surprised if his 13:43 average increases some. 

Tack on a fair 11.3 on-ice shooting percentage and 14 on-ice goals at even strength, plus a 91.7 on-ice save percentage, and it’s clear Cholowski’s game has improved. 

Casey Cizikas

Oh yes, the career-long NY Islander who, while one of the more recognizable players on the team, just goes to work year in and year out. Once again, Casey Cizikas isn’t known for his ability to produce points, but the defensive-minded forward does just about everything else right, such as landing body checks, winning faceoffs, and putting the Isles in position to make something happen. 

Throughout his long career, Cizikas has also never been a plus-50 player in the Corsi, nor has he directly contributed much to the team’s scoring. For example, his on-ice shooting percentage at even strength is just 8.3 percent since 2011-12.  

But the no-frills, hard-hitting approach that goes unnoticed by many outside of Long Island will be a necessary ingredient to get this season back on track. That said, players like Casey Cizikas, especially when the sense of urgency heats up, will provide a lot of value. 

Simon Holmstrom

Currently fifth on the team in points so far in 2024-25, Simon Holmstrom is a name Islanders fans will want to remember going forward. It’s tough to call this one a ‘breakout campaign’ for the winger, but Holmstrom instead has taken the next step, with 19 points and nine goals in 33 games and 16:30 of average total ice time. 

The former 23rd-overall pick also has an on-ice shooting percentage of 10.1, which isn’t a bad indicator considering how tough goals have been to come by for the Isles so far. 

You might find it curious to put a former first-round pick whose ice time was bound to increase this season as underrated. But, my justification for that was, I felt Holmstrom would experience a full NHL season this year, but take the next step in production next season. So far, he’s ahead of the curve.