Casey Cizikas enters his 15th NHL season focused on redemption alongside a veteran core that endured frustrating recent seasons. Mornings of intense training balanced with family time defined the offseason. New additions include goaltender David Rittich and forwards Jonathan Drouin, Maxim Shabanov, and Emil Heineman, adding energy to familiar faces. Mathieu Darche's early moves as general manager have reinforced belief that the roster can compete. The Islanders' lottery selection Matthew Schaefer provides future buzz while veterans concentrate on proving they still have fight. Training camp will emphasize competitiveness, leadership, and setting a demanding tone for younger players.
"We're excited for all these guys to get here and give ourselves a chance at a little redemption," Cizikas said this summer via NewYorkIslanders.com. "The way it ended last year, none of us were happy. None of us were satisfied with what went down. We have a team now that we believe will push each other and make it as difficult on other teams as possible."
"What he's done this offseason, he's put our team in a position to compete," Cizikas said. "That's the biggest thing he wants to see from each guy, to compete on the ice, throughout camp, throughout games. To bring that kind of energy."
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