Defense Will Have a Fantastic Remake in 2025-6 for Isles
Defense will have a fantastic remake for the Islanders in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Yesterday, first overall draft pick Matthew Schaffer signed an entry-level contract, which guarantees he will play at least nine games for the Islanders next season on defense. Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech, who starred for the Islanders about eight years ago, will most likely be demoted from the first defense pair to the third one. Schaffer, like previous first overall picks, will play for the Islanders. If so, he likely replaces the traded Noah Dobson on the first defensive pair with Scott Mayfield. Do you think the Islanders will be good enough to make the playoffs this season?
Likely Defense Pairings for Islanders This Season
First overall draft pick Matthew Schaffer will likely pair with Scott Mayfield as the Islanders’ top defense pair. Getting the first overall pick on the blue line will be great for Islanders fans. He replaces Noah Dodson there. Dobson was traded to the Montreal Canadiens after he made an outrageous salary demand of $10 million a year. Schaffer is paired with the dependable Scott Mayfield, who is a solid partner for the youngster. Schaffer will not turn 18 until September.
Ryan Pelech and Adam Pulock will still be paired together. However, they are now on the wrong side of thirty. So, they will likely be demoted to the third defensive pairing. They are both also coming off recent injuries. Pulock missed a chunk of time in 2021, and Pelech missed multiple stints during the last two seasons, in part due to lineup decisions. The two have not been together for long periods since the team’s conference final appearance in 2021. However, the pair will likely be reunited for the 2025-2026 season.
The third defensive pair will likely be Alexander Romanov and Tony DeAngelo. Romanov is emerging as a great defenseman. DeAngelo, who takes some offensive gambles, is one of former General Manager Lou Lamoriello’s best free agent signings. He was said to be a locker room cancer, but the Islanders did not have any problems with the offensively skilled defenseman. This defensive pairing is likely to score the most points for the Islanders and to quarterback the power play.
Many analysts argue that the Islanders have a lack of defense depth, forcing Schaffer to play. However, first overall picks often play. The Islanders also have two additional defensemen with National Hockey League experience. Adam Boqvist and Alexander George both played games for the Islanders last season and provide some depth.
Some Change at Forward Too
The Islanders signed Jonathan Drouin to be on their first line with Bo Horvat and (probably) Kyle Palmeri. Mat Barzel moves to the center and will appear on the second line with Andres Lee and Simon Holstrom. The third line will have star-crossed Anthony DuClair with J.G. Pagueau and newcomer Maxim Shabonov. The fourth line is likely to feature another newcomer in tough guy Emil Heineman. He is likely to team with Maxim Tslipkov and Casey Cizikas as the Islanders look to re-establish their vaunted identity line.
Conclusion
The Islanders finished near the bottom of the league in both the power play and the penalty kill. Both cannot help but get better. The Islanders’ prospect system and minor league teams were in disarray, but not anymore. The defense star will lead a raft of prospects to the Island. Things are looking up for the Islanders, who are trying to contend while they rebuild. This season is likely to be a tough one, but next season, and beyond, look much better.
