The New York Islanders' ability to contend in the playoffs is a complex question heading into the 2025-26 season. After missing the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2022, following a season riddled with inconsistencies, injuries, and underperforming special teams, the team has undergone significant changes, leaving their playoff prospects uncertain.
Offseason Moves and Roster Changes
The Islanders' disappointing 2024-25 season led to changes in the front office, with Mathieu Darche replacing Lou Lamoriello as General Manager. Darche's arrival signaled a potential shift towards a retool or rebuild. Noah Dobson was traded to Montreal, while the team welcomed Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Other additions include Jonathan Drouin and Maxim Shabanov, aimed at boosting the team's struggling offense.
Offensive Concerns
The Islanders' offense struggled mightily last season, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals per game and power-play percentage. They tied for 27th in the league with just 2.71 goals per game and had a dismal 12.6% conversion rate on the power play, ranking 31st. While their expected goals at 5-on-5 were better, the team lacked the health and finishing talent to convert those opportunities. The hope is that the new additions, Drouin and Shabanov, along with a healthy Mathew Barzal, can inject some much-needed scoring.
Defensive Identity and Goaltending
Historically, the Islanders have been known for their strong defensive play. However, last season saw a decline in this area, with the team allowing more goals per game than in previous years. Injuries to key defensemen further exacerbated the issue. A return to their defensive identity will be crucial for playoff contention. Ilya Sorokin's performance in goal remains a key factor. While he is considered one of the league's best at his peak, his play has dipped slightly in recent seasons. For the Islanders to make the playoffs, they need Sorokin to be at his elite best.
Special Teams Woes
The Islanders' special teams were a major weakness in the 2024-25 season. Both the power play and penalty kill ranked near the bottom of the league. Addressing these issues will be critical for improving their overall competitiveness. The addition of Drouin, who had a strong power-play record with his previous team, could provide a boost to the man advantage.
Key Players and Potential Impact
Overall Outlook
The New York Islanders face an uncertain path to the playoffs in 2025-26. While the offseason moves have brought in new talent and a sense of optimism, the team still needs to address key areas of concern, including offensive production, defensive consistency, and special teams performance. The health and performance of key players like Barzal and Sorokin will also be critical.
Several factors suggest the Islanders may fall short of a playoff berth. Their odds to miss the postseason are relatively high. Some projections place them just outside the playoff picture in the competitive Metropolitan Division. The team's reliance on an aging core and the need for young players to step up add further uncertainty. The Islanders' ability to close out games, which was a strength in the past, became a weakness last season, with the team blowing several leads.
Ultimately, whether the New York Islanders are built for playoff hockey in 2025-26 remains to be seen. A strong start to the season, improved performance in key areas, and contributions from new and young players will be essential for them to compete for a playoff spot.
