The Islanders are going into a season where they have a much bigger chance to make some noise. Their improvements mixed with other Metro teams not making many moves, the Islanders could look a lot better. Here are five takes I have about them going into next season, as we get closer and closer to when training camp opens up.
Jump in Standings
After going 39-27-16 for 94 points last year and placing third in the Metro division, I believe the Isles will see a 10 point jump. Finishing with a 47-29-6 for 100 points. With the additions of Anthony Duclair, Maxim Tsyplakov, and a full year of Patrick Roy as head coach, I think the Islanders are poised to make a leap with a revamped top 6. The addition of Duclair fits seamlessly with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, he could net 25-30 goals on that line. Tsyplakov is more of an unknown, we don’t yet know how he will translate from the KHL to the NHL, but he has size and skill and I like the fit alongside Nelson and Palmieri on the second line.
Sorokin Bounces back in a Big way
This image encapsulates Sorokin’s season last year. By the end he had nothing left to give. But we know what he can be, and how much he can carry a team. I believe Ilya Sorokin bounces back to a .920 save percentage and starts putting up the insane GSAx numbers we saw in 2022-23. I think he will be a serious contender for the Vezina, even if he only goes back up to a .910-.915, it is still a major improvement. Sorokin’s here for the long haul, I have faith he will bounce back. A Sorokin bounceback could also have the Islanders Penalty Kill unit jump back up from where it was last year among the worst in the league, whereas in 2022-23 it was among the best.
Maxim Tsyplakov pots 25 Goals
Maxim Tsyplakov is probably the most intriguing player on the Islanders going into next season. He is a 25 year old coming over from the KHL, and who had more than half of the NHL going after his services. According to both the Daily Faceoff, and The Hockey News, it is projected that Tsyplakov will be playing in the left wing spot on the 2nd line alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, and that he will also get playing time on the 2nd Power Play unit. Though these things are not set in stone, if he ends up on that 2nd line, he could finish with 25 goals and around 45 points with no problem, and that would be a huge boost for the Islanders if they can get that type of production.
Cole Eiserman is a Hobey Baker Contender
The Hobey Baker award is essentially College Hockey’s MVP Award, and Islanders First Round Pick Cole Eiserman I believe will be a contender for the award. Eiserman, The Islanders 2024 First Round Pick is committed to play at Boston University this upcoming season alongside fellow draftee and teammate Kamil Bednarik. Eiserman I believe with his great goal scoring, and improved defensive game could help him be a consideration for the award.
This Years deadline move?
In almost every year as Isles GM, Lou Lamoriello has made a splash at the trade deadline (Pageau, Palmieri, Horvat), If the Islanders are in a potion to buy, and if he is not traded by the beginning of the season, this seasons big time deadline add will be Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers. The Islanders will trade Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Sam Bolduc, Simon Holmstrom, and their 2025 First Round pick for the Jets winger. Ehlers would fit even more perfectly than Duclair on the top line, and would be an electric addition to an already potent top six.
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