Michael Ostrower
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Articles by Michael Ostrower
Bo Horvat Training With Islanders Prospect Kashawn Aitcheson
New York Islanders veteran center Bo Horvat was seen training with one of the team's top prospects, defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, as the two prepare for the coming 2026-27 season: Aitcheson, who recently attended the team's development camp from June 29 through July 2, was selected by the Islanders with the 17th pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Former Islanders Defenseman Sebastian Aho Signs With Sweden's Växjö Lakers
Former New York Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho has signed a two-year contract with the Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League. Aho, 30, was drafted with the 139th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Islanders and played 190 career NHL games with the team from 2017 to 2024, amassing 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points. Following the 2023-24 season, he signed a two-year, $1.55 million AAV one-way deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he never suited up in a regular-season game for them.
Former Islanders Defenseman Sebastian Aho Signs With Sweden's Växjö Lakers
Aho, 30, was drafted with the 139th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Islanders and played 190 career NHL games with the team from 2017 to 2024, amassing 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points.
The Islanders' Situation The Last Time The New York Knicks Were In The NBA Finals Original
The New York Knicks completed their sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to their first NBA Finals since the 1998-99 season, when they lost in five games to the San Antonio Spurs. To put things in perspective, the New York Islanders were five years into their 23-season playoff series win drought at the time, coming off a 24-48-9-1 season, tied for the second-worst record in the NHL.
OFFICIAL: Islanders New AHL Affiliaite To Be Called Hamilton Hammers
It was also recently announced that the Islanders have reached an ECHL affiliation agreement with the Trenton Ironhawks, replacing the Worcester Railers, who had served as their ECHL affiliate since 2017.
OFFICIAL: Islanders New AHL Affiliaite To Be Called Hamilton Hammers
The New York Islanders new Hamilton AHL franchise will be called the Hamilton Hammers. Hamilton will replace the relocated Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders. An official announcement is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at Hamilton's TD Coliseum, with the logo and colors to be revealed. Bridgeport went 34-30-3-5 in the 2025-26 regular season and ultimately fell in Round 1 of the playoffs to the Hershey Bears.
Islanders New AHL Affiliate To Be Named The Hamilton Hammers
The Hockey News can confirm Clint 'Bubba' O'Neil of CHCN News' report that the new Hamilton AHL franchise will be called the Hammers: Hamilton will replace the relocated Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders. An official announcement is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at Hamilton's TD Coliseum, with the logo and colors to be revealed. Bridgeport went 34-30-3-5 in the 2025-26 regular season and ultimately fell in Round 1 of the playoffs to the Hershey Bears.
Islanders 2026 Draft Target At No. 13: Tynan Lawrence
While his collegiate production was not where many expected it to be, Lawrence improved with each game, scoring five points in his final five contests, even as Boston University struggled down the stretch. While it is more likely than not that Lawrence will be off the board by the time the Islanders select at No. 13, if he is still available, he would likely be the expected pick.
Islanders 2026 Draft Target At No. 13: Tynan Lawrence
With mock drafts and rankings running rampant, one name that has been connected to the New York Islanders is Boston University's Tynan Lawrence. The left-shot center, who stands 6-foot and 185 pounds, had an up-and-down season, led by a lower-body injury sustained during the 2025-26 USHL preseason with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, which ultimately led him to join Boston University a semester early to close out the year.
Islanders 2026 Draft Target At No. 13: Ryan Lin Original
While his ability to frequently join teammates on the rush has given fans the impression he is an offensive defenseman, he also knows when to prioritize his defensive responsibilities, truly lacking any glaring weaknesses, including in his own zone.
Islanders Invite Northport Native Tanner Adams To Development Camp
The New York Islanders have invited forward prospect and Northport, Long Island native Tanner Adams to their development camp, according to Mark Divver: The 20-year-old, 5-foot-11 right-shot forward recorded 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 36 games with Providence College this season. Across 108 career NCAA games over three seasons, Adams has totaled 67 points (28 goals, 39 assists), leading Providence in scoring during that span.
Islanders Invite Northport Native Tanner Adams To Development Camp
Adams does not lose his NCAA eligibility by attending the development camp, but the invitation gives the Islanders an additional opportunity to evaluate one of the projected top NCAA free agents for Spring 2027.
Clarity On Islanders Defenseman Alexander Romanov’s No-Trade Clause Original
Romanov, who signed an eight-year, $50 million ($6.25 million AAV) deal with the Islanders during the 2025 offseason, was initially reported to have full no-trade protection beginning on July 1, 2026. According to the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player must be a Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agent under Article 10.1(a) to sign a deal that contains a no-Trade or a no-move clause.
Islanders’ Numbers Show Just How Valuable Adam Pelech Really Is Original
With Matthew Schaefer's emergence as one of the NHL's best defensemen, along with multiple other young talents in Marshall Warren and Isaiah George pushing for NHL roster spots, the New York Islanders appear to be overcrowded on the left side of their blue line. With Alexander Romanov sidelined since mid-November, the issue was overlooked, but with him expected to be healthy for the start of the 2026-27 season, that depth will become a key area to address this offseason.
Islanders Head Coach Pete DeBoer Compares Victor Eklund To One Of His Former Players Original
The forward joined the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League following the conclusion of his season with Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, but with New York out of a playoff spot, head coach Pete DeBoer will get an early look at the 19-year-old forward before heading into a long offseason filled with pending roster decisions.
Islanders Reportedly In Mix For Top NCAA Free Agent T.J. Hughes Original
The New York Islanders are reportedly in the mix for top NCAA free agent T.J Hughes, according to THN's Stefen Rosner. Hughes, a 24-year-old forward at the University of Michigan, recorded 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) in 40 games this season and is a Hobey Baker Award finalist. He helped lead Michigan to the Frozen Four, where they fell to the University of Denver in double overtime in Thursday night's semifinal.
Monday’s Islanders-Penguins Clash Could Preview First-Round Series Original
The Islanders sit just one point ahead of Pittsburgh and three points clear of the Ottawa Senators, the first team currently outside the playoff picture. All eight of the Islanders' remaining games come against Eastern Conference opponents, with six against teams realistically competing for a playoff spot and four against Metropolitan Division opponents, including Monday's tilt with Pittsburgh and two against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Sources: Islanders Prospect Victor Eklund Joining Organization, To Begin With Bridgeport
Eklund, 19, was selected in the first round (No. 16) of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Islanders. In 43 regular-season games with Djurgårdens this season, he had 24 points (six goals, 18 assists), followed by three assists in three playoff games.
Sources: Islanders Prospect Victor Eklund Joining Organization, To Begin With Bridgeport
Forward prospect Victor Eklund is joining the New York Islanders organization, The Hockey News has learned. He'll begin his North American career with the Bridgeport Islanders, who are in the midst of a playoff race. Eklund, 19, was selected in the first round (No. 16) of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Islanders. In 43 regular-season games with Djurgårdens this season, he had 24 points (six goals, 18 assists), followed by three assists in three playoff games.
Islanders Recall Isaiah George From Bridgeport; Ryan Pulock To Miss Second Straight Game
At Tuesday morning’s skate, Boqvist was paired with Scott Mayfield on the third pair, while Matthew Schaefer skated on the right side of the top pair alongside Adam Pelech, while Carson Soucy and Tony DeAngelo were on the second pair.
Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Influenced Brayden Schenn To Waive No-Trade Clause In Trade From St. Louis
When the New York Islanders acquired St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, the veteran forward chose to waive his modified no-trade clause to join his new team. When asked why he chose to waive for the Islanders, his answer was simple: Matthew Schaefer: "[Schaefer’s] world-class. He's elite. You hear a lot about him and see the highlights, but you really learn what a guy's about when you start playing with him,” Schenn told Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest.
Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Influenced Brayden Schenn To Waive No-Trade Clause In Trade From St. Louis
“The guys in this room speak very highly of him - not just as a player but as a person. When superstars in this league are great teammates and good guys, players want to be around them and want to come play with them."
Things To Know About The NHL's Olympic Roster Freeze; How It Affects Islanders Original
The NHL's Olympic Roster Freeze will begin on February 4 at 3 pm ET and last through February 22 at 11:59 ET.
TRADE: Islanders Acquire Ondrej Palat, Picks From Devils For Maxim Tsyplakov Original
The New York Islanders have acquired forward Ondrej Palat, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov. Palat, 34, has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 51 games with New Jersey this season. He is in the fourth year of a five-year, $30 million contract ($6 million AAV) and will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2026-27 season.
Report: Rangers & Islanders Working On Carson Soucy Trade
The New York Islanders are working on a deal to acquire defenseman Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers, per Vince Mercogliano. Soucy, 31, is a left-shot defenseman and has eight points (three goals, five assists) in 46 games played with the Rangers this season. In 411 career games, the Alberta native has 30 goals and 65 assists for 95 points split between the Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Kraken, and Minnesota Wild.
Islanders' Brock Nelson Trade Serving As Blueprint For Rangers As They Navigate Artemi Panarin Market
The New York Rangers are using the New York Islanders' & Colorado Avalanche's Brock Nelson deal at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline during ongoing trade negotiations for Artemi Panarin, according to Elliotte Friedman: At the 2025 deadline, the Islanders sent Nelson to the Avalanche in a deal involving top prospect Calum Ritchie, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 third-round pick, along with defenseman Oliver Kylington, who was quickly flipped to the Anaheim Ducks for future...
Former New York Islanders Defenseman Nick Leddy Hits Waivers
Former New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy has been placed on waivers by the San Jose Sharks, per Sheng Peng. Leddy, 34, has four points -- all assists -- in 19 games played with the Sharks this season. He was claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Blues on July 3, 2025, and is in the final year of a four-year, $16 million contract ($4 million AAV) signed on July 13, 2022.
Bridgeport Islanders Sending Defenseman Cole McWard To 2026 AHL All-Star Game Original
McWard, 24, signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the New York Islanders organization this past offseason. He has 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 29 games with the Bridgeport Islanders this season, leading the team's defensemen in goals and points.
Does Stamkos Make Sense For Islanders? Original
The New York Islanders entered the NHL holiday break at 20-13-4, holding third place in the Metropolitan Division and a playoff spot, sitting just three points behind the Eastern Conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes (47 points).
How The NHL Holiday Roster Freeze Affects Islanders
The NHL's Holiday Roster Freeze will begin at 12:01 AM on Saturday (Dec. 20) and go until 11:59 PM on Dec. 27. During this time, NHL teams cannot make trades, place anyone on waivers, or loan players, but they can make emergency recalls and place players on IR and LTIR. For the New York Islanders, this week-long roster freeze shouldn't be much of an issue.
Islanders Prospect Cole Eiserman Pushed For Team USA Spot As A Double Under-Ager Original
New York Islanders prospect Cole Eiserman (2024, No. 20) is set to represent the United States for the second consecutive year at the 2026 World Junior Championship later this month. The Massachusetts native recorded seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games at the 2025 tournament, helping the United States capture a gold medal, and he showed no shortage of confidence throughout the run.
Islanders Matthew Schaefer Reaches 20-Point Mark vs. Colorado Original
ELMONT, NY -- New York Islanders No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer reached the 20-point mark on Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche. He recorded the primary assist on Bo Horvat's goal at 6:58 of the second period and now has eight goals and 12 assists on the season: With the assist, he tied Montreal Canadiens' Ivan Demidov and Anaheim Ducks' Beckett Sennecke for the rookie point lead (20).
Despite Home Struggles, Underlying Numbers Show Islanders Still Playing Winning Hockey Original
After winning six of seven games on their road trip, the New York Islanders have lost four of their first five games to start their seven-game homestand. While the game outcomes tell one story, head coach Patrick Roy remains confident in his squad, which is still 13-10-3 and tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wild card spot. “Sometimes after games there's nothing to be said,” said Roy. “And I think today is an example. We did everything right.
Islanders’ Cap Outlook Shifts After Palmieri Injury - Here’s What Darche Is Weighing
With Kyle Palmieri set to undergo season-ending ACL surgery, the New York Islanders’ cap structure has shifted, well, potentially. Currently, Alexander Romanov and Semyon Varlamov are on Injured Reserve (IR), while Pierre Engvall remains on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who is also injured, has not been placed on IR or LTIR but is expected to return before Christmas, per general manager Mathieu Darche.
BREAKING: Islanders Kyle Palmieri Has ACL Tear, Out For Season
The New York Islanders announced on Saturday that forward Kyle Palmieri will miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 season due to a torn ACL. The veteran got tangled up with Jamie Drysdale in the corner in the second period of the Islanders' 4-3 shootout loss on Friday, leaving the game 5:38 into the second period. He did not return. Palmieri joins Alexander Romanov and Pierre Engvall as players who are out for this season due to injuries.
Islanders Look For Fourth Straight Win As Roy Faces Familiar Foe In Utah’s André Tourigny Original
Riding a three-game win streak to start their seven-game road trip, the New York Islanders will take on the Utah Mammoth for the first time since the franchise adopted its new name. Utah head coach André Tourigny -- who has been with this group of players since he was appointed head coach of the Arizona Coyotes ahead of the 2021-22 season -- joked about his friendship with Islanders head coach Patrick Roy: I asked Tourigny how much he looked up to #Isles coach Patrick Roy as a player.
Ilya Sorokin Gets Shootout Tips From Islanders Head Coach & Hall of Famer Patrick Roy Original
Having a Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender as a head coach comes with its perks. Following Ilya Sorokin's second shootout loss of the season, New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy spent time helping the netminder with his shootout strategy: Sorokin, who is coming off two of his strongest games of the 2025-26 season thus far, has struggled in the shootout, conceding three goals on five shots. "He asked me about how I played in shootouts," Roy said following Friday's morning skate.
Islanders Prospect Cole Eiserman Expected To Return To Practice Next Week
New York Islanders prospect and Boston University forward Cole Eiserman will not play this weekend against Merrimack College but is expected to return to practice next week, per Jay Pandolfo. Eiserman, the Islanders' 2024 first-round pick (No. 20), sustained a lower-body injury against the University of Connecticut on October 25th and was seen using crutches following the game.
Islanders' Mathew Barzal & Bo Horvat Picking Up Where They Left Off
With the New York Islanders' offense struggling early against the Washington Capitals on Friday night, head coach Patrick Roy elected to change up his lines, reuniting Mathew Barzal with Bo Horvat after Calum Ritchie proved rather quickly that he could handle the second-line center duties in his first game up with the club. The Islanders were able to win the game, with Barzal scoring the empty-net goal to seal the deal in a 3-1 victory.
WATCH: Islanders Prospect Cole Eiserman Scores In Boston University’s Season-Opener
Cole Eiserman picked up right where he left off! After netting 25 goals in 39 games as a freshman at Boston University in 2024-25, the New York Islanders’ 2024 first-round pick (No. 20) wasted no time getting on the scoresheet in 2025-26, scoring on his very first shot of the season.
Islanders’ Cal Ritchie Day-to-Day With Lower-Body Injury - Now What? Original
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- The New York Islanders announced forward Cal Ritchie is day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained during the team’s 4-3 win Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers. Ritchie, who was the main return in the Brock Nelson trade package at the 2025 deadline, entered training camp with a chance to make New York’s NHL roster. In four preseason games, he impressed, recording two points (one goal, one assist) across 61 total minutes.
Islanders’ Cal Ritchie Out 1-2 Weeks With Lower-Body Injury
The New York Islanders announced forward Cal Ritchie is out 1-2 weeks with a lower-body injury sustained during the team’s 4-3 win Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers. Ritchie, who was the main return in the Brock Nelson trade package at the 2025 deadline, entered training camp with a chance to make New York’s NHL roster. In four preseason games, he impressed, recording two points (one goal, one assist) across 61 total minutes.
Islanders Kyle Palmieri, NHLPA Take Down Pennsylvania’s Jock Tax
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled the PA Usage Fee, essentially a 'jock tax' in Pittsburgh, is unconstitutional, per insider Frank Seravalli. The fee taxed visiting players 3% of their day’s earnings for every road game played in Pittsburgh. The court found the tax unconstitutionally discriminates against nonresidents, violating the Uniformity Clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
Alexander Romanov Profile & Projection
Mathieu Darche entered his first offseason as GM of the New York Islanders with a handful of roster players to sign, and his biggest contract went to 25-year-old restricted free agent Alexander Romanov. Romanov’s eight-year, $50 million deal ($6.25 million AAV) made him the highest-paid defenseman on Long Island, and his 2024-25 season went a long way in landing the high price.
Marc Gatcomb Profile & Projection
Marc Gatcomb was one of the brightest stories from the New York Islanders in 2024-25, and most fans didn’t even know who he was before the season. Gatcomb joined the Islanders on a one-year, $775,000 deal in the 2024 offseason to strengthen the forward depth for Bridgeport in the American Hockey League (AHL). When injuries began to mount on Long Island, he was emergency recalled ahead of the Islanders’ Jan. 14 game against the Ottawa Senators.
Kyle MacLean Profile & Projection
Despite entering the 2024-25 season with uncertainty surrounding his spot in the lineup, Kyle MacLean earned a place on the New York Islanders’ opening night roster and went on to appear in 81 of the team’s 82 games. He recorded 11 points (four goals, seven assists), a respectable stat line for someone used almost exclusively in a fourth-line role.
Emil Heineman Profile & Projection
Mathieu Darche’s first major move as GM of the New York Islanders was trading defenseman Noah Dobson, with the package centered around two first-round picks. Forward Emil Heineman was also part of the return, and he has quickly flown under the radar since the deal. Heineman, 23, had 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 62 games with the Montreal Canadiens in 2024-25, where he was limited to the bottom-six, primarily playing alongside Jake Evans and Joel Armia.
Simon Holmstrom Profile & Projection
The 2024-25 season did not go the New York Islanders' way, but Simon Holmstrom was a major bright spot. The 24-year-old’s breakout followed a 2023-24 campaign defined by two distinct halves. He tallied 11 goals and five primary assists in his first 37 games, third-most on the team at that point, but managed just four goals over his final 38 games before going pointless in three playoff appearances.
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