For the last 23 years (13 with The Hockey News) DobberHockey has reviewed each team from a fantasy-hockey standpoint and graded them.

The 24th annual review will appear here on DobberHockey throughout the summer. This is not a review of the likely performance on the ice or in the standings, but in the realm of fantasy hockey both for the season ahead as well as the foreseeable future. Offensively, will the team perform? Are there plenty of depth options worthy of owning in keeper leagues? What about over the next two or three years? These questions are what we take into consideration when looking at the depth chart and the player potential on that depth chart.

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Gone – Anders Lee, Maxim Shabanov, Marc Gatcomb, Carson Soucy, Adam Boqvist, David Rittich

Incoming – Matias Maccelli, Matthew Kessel, Mitchell Chaffee, Vitek Vanecek

Impact of changes

Lee's goal production and overall value may have dipped, but he remained the captain and a long‑time top‑six fixture. The Islanders didn't truly replace what he brought, as their most notable forward addition was Maccelli, a player Toronto decided not to extend a qualifying offer to. Maccelli instead arrives on Long Island with a one‑year prove‑it contract.

The only other meaningful roster shift was Vanecek stepping in for Rittich as the backup goalie. It's a marginal change at best, given that Ilya Sorokin is expected to carry a heavy workload again.

And then there's the late-season coaching shakeup: Pete DeBoer taking over for Patrick Roy with just four games left in the regular season. The move wasn't only about salvaging a fading playoff bid (which ultimately failed), it was also a strategic attempt to get ahead of the offseason coaching market. DeBoer's track record suggests he can elevate this roster, and if that holds true, the Islanders should be positioned to return to the postseason.

Ready for Full Time

Victor Eklund spent most of 2025–26 in the SHL before crossing over to finish the year in the AHL, where he impressed with 10 points in nine games. The Islanders' 2025 first‑round pick (16th overall) is a smaller, high‑energy forward at 5‑11 and 170 pounds. Given his trajectory and late‑season surge, he has a legitimate shot at cracking the Islanders' roster this year. If things turn out right for Eklund, he could be in the mix for the Calder Trophy.

Cole Eiserman turned pro late in the 2025-26 season, scoring nine points in 12 games for Bridgeport of the AHL. He spent two seasons with Boston University, where he scored 43 goals in 71 games. The Islanders could use his sniping ability right away, but a full season in the AHL might be better for him, especially since his two-way game could use work. Expect Eiserman to receive at least a cup of coffee this season.

Selected just one pick after Eklund in the 2025 draft, Kashawn Aitcheson is a defenseman who has the potential to fill numerous roto categories one day. Aitcheson brought the offense for the Barrie Colts of the OHL in 2025-26 with 70 points in 56 games. As well, he also racks up both penalty minutes and hits. Aitcheson will need to work on his skating to be effective in the NHL, but the upside of dominating bangers leagues is worth locking in on.  

Fantasy Outlook

The Islanders' three main scoring threats and most fantasy-relevant players will most likely be Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer. Together, these three should form the core of the top power play, which will need improvement because it was the third-worst in the league in 2025-26 (16.5%). Two players who may make their way onto the top unit were not in the Islanders' lineup for most of the season: Brayden Schenn and Kyle Palmieri. Schenn was acquired from the Blues at the trade deadline, while Palmieri is returning after suffering a season-ending knee injury in late November.

The Islanders also have a few forwards who will need to impress new coach DeBoer because they are in a "make or break" situation in their careers. The aforementioned Maccelli is one. Anthony Duclair, who has missed at least 20 games in each of his two seasons with the Islanders, is another. Ondrej Palat, who recorded five points in 29 games after being acquired in late January from Devils, should also be mentioned here. Maccelli and Palat are both on expiring contracts, while Duclair is signed for two more years. Any of these players could find themselves as high as the second line or as low as a healthy scratch. They could have the added challenge of competing for icetime with Eklund and Eiserman as well.

DeBoer spoke during the offseason of improving the Islanders' defense. That commitment to defense could help Sorokin. The Islanders starter finished with a typical season for him (29 W, 2.68 GAA, .906 SV%), but his quality start percentage of just over 50 percent could be higher. The return of Alexander Romanov could also benefit the Islanders defensively. Romanov, who is a strong hits/blocked shots option, appeared in just 15 games after requiring season-ending shoulder surgery in November.

Fantasy Grade: C (Last year: C-)

Check out the rest of the Dobber team previews here.