"Theres a lot of excitement around the New York Islanders heading into the season. Many around the NHL believe the Islanders could be a sleeper team this year. With a deeper forward group, and Matthew Schaefer expecting to be apart of the defense group, the Islanders have a lot of decisions to make. Training camp is all about learning systems, getting the motions and feel back, while developing chemistry with linemates."
"Let's start with the forwards. The projected lines seem to be: Drouin- Horvat- Palmieri Lee-Barzal-Duclair Holmstrom-Pageau-Shabanov Heineman-Cizikas-Tsyplakov While the lines are still being experimented in preseason, it seemed that Barzal and Duclair have rejuvenated chemistry in their last game against the Rangers. Drouin and Horvat are another duo I would expect together. One name I want to keep an eye on is Simon Holmstrom. After a strong campaign last season with 20G and 25A, he is poised to break out even more."
"The defense seems to be: Romanov-DeAngelo Pelech-Pulock Schaefer-Mayfield New York Rangers v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages At 18 years of age, Schaefer is a bright spot on the backend. He has played in 3 preseason games so far and has tallied 2 assists. While Mayfield has been a fantastic partner to Schaefers so far, it turns into a matter of time as to when he will move into the top 4 on the backend end."
The New York Islanders enter the season viewed by many as a potential sleeper team thanks to deeper forward depth and an emerging defensive prospect. Projected forward lines include Drouin–Horvat–Palmieri, Lee–Barzal–Duclair, Holmstrom–Pageau–Shabanov, and Heineman–Cizikas–Tsyplakov, with Barzal–Duclair showing renewed chemistry and Holmstrom poised for a breakout after 20 goals and 25 assists. Tsyplakov could climb the lineup with productive minutes. Defense pairs project as Romanov–DeAngelo, Pelech–Pulock, and Schaefer–Mayfield, with 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer logging significant preseason minutes and two assists in three games. Mayfield’s heavy minutes raise questions about sustainable workload and potential re-pairing decisions.
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