This summer has brought noticeable changes to Long Island.
The Islanders kicked off training camp on Thursday, introducing a fresh atmosphere with new general manager Matthew Dersch at the helm.
Matthew Schafer, the top overall pick, is generating buzz. There’s a renewed emphasis on offensive play. Plus, fans will be attending training camp, adding to the excitement.
As the team prepares to launch the regular season, a confident energy fills the air, although I’ve heard it will take more than that to convince the skeptics—like maybe a good subway ride to the rink at $2.90. After all, teams that missed the playoffs last year and have yet to secure a first-round spot since 2021 have much to prove. If they can’t maintain their momentum, the spirit could quickly fade.
Here are some key questions and narratives heading into camp:
How will Schafer perform at his first training camp?
It’s crucial for Schafer to secure a spot on the 23-man roster.
The 18-year-old has so far met all expectations. His earlier performance suggests he belongs in the NHL—unless, of course, the rigors of camp become overwhelming.
It’s unclear if he’ll be playing nightly as a mainstay or starting off in more of a support role as the team’s seventh defenseman. His transition to the NHL could be tricky, especially after only 17 games in the OHL last season.
Training camp marks his initial chance to make a measurable impact with the veterans and really see how he fits in.
Can Maxim Shabanov be a difference-maker?
Coach Patrick Roy expressed some concern the other day, mentioning he plans to start training camps with KHL imports Beaubat and Jonathan Druin on the top line.
Shabanov, a KHL rookie, will also be featured prominently. His offensive prowess was on full display last season with Tractor Chelyabinsk, where he notched 23 goals and 44 assists.
At 5-foot-8 and 157 pounds, there are questions about his ability to endure the physical demands of the NHL, though Roy seems optimistic.
What will special teams look like?
Even at the early stages of camp, special teams—like power plays and penalty kills—dominated discussions among players and Roy as they recognized the necessity for improvement.
Roy intends to focus on special teams earlier this year, right on the third day of camp. This is a shift from last season and reflects a clear pattern: the Islanders’ playoff hopes dimmed as they ranked 31st in both power plays and penalty kills.
Both Drouin and Shabanov could contribute to power plays, and after Tony DeAngelo’s departure, they’ll likely try to fill that key role moving forward. New assistants Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner will each take charge of enhancing power plays and penalty kills.
Is Semion Varlamov ready?
On Monday, Roy conveyed some uncertainty regarding Varlamov’s return. After undergoing a knee surgery and only appeared in 10 games last season, his status for the start of camp is still not confirmed.
Until there’s clarity about Varlamov, who would typically back up Ilya Sorokin—a solid No. 1 goaltender—the situation remains fluid. The Isles brought in David Littich as a potential backup during the offseason, while Marcus Hogberg, who mostly backed Sorokin last season, is still around. If Varlamov can return, he’ll have to show he can withstand the demands at age 37 after such a layoff.
How will the bottom of the lineup shape up?
Training camp is witnessing the same depth the Islanders have had in past years, leading to intense competition for the final few roster spots.
Max Tsyplakov and Emil Heineman might find themselves fighting for a fourth-line position.
If Cal Richie impresses during rookie camp, he could throw a wrench into the Islanders’ plans as they finalize their roster.
After last season’s struggles, Pierre Engvall has a tough road ahead to secure his spot this time around.
On defense, whether Isaiah George can make the cut will likely hinge on Adam Boqvist’s potential placement as the seventh defenseman—or if Schafer will get the nod right off the bat. He drew attention after appearing in 33 games last year as he develops from being the fourth overall pick.
