Articles / Islanders season preview: Aiming for playoff return with No. 1 pick Schaefer

Islanders season preview: Aiming for playoff return with No. 1 pick Schaefer

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NHL.com
Sep 30, 2025 4:00 AM

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The New York Islanders head into the 2025-26 NHL season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. After falling short of the playoffs in the previous season, the organization has made strategic moves to bolster their roster and return to contention. Key acquisitions, including star defenseman Noah Dobson and forward Mathew Barzal, aim to enhance the Islanders' offensive and defensive capabilities while keeping their identity intact.

In goal, Ilya Sorokin continues to be a cornerstone for the team. His remarkable skills between the pipes have kept the Islanders competitive in tough matchups. He's expected to lead the charge once again, providing the team with the stability they need to make a successful run this season.

The leadership group remains intact, with veterans like Anders Lee and Brock Nelson expected to guide the younger players through the rigors of an NHL season. The coaching staff remains confident that the blend of experienced players and young talent will lead to a significant turnaround. Fans are eager to see how the new roster dynamics play out as they chase another playoff berth.

With a strong start being crucial, the Islanders will rely on their home crowd to create a raucous atmosphere at UBS Arena. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the ice to see if the Islander’s faithful can rekindle their playoff hopes, driven by their star talent and seasoned leadership.