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Islanders Predicted to Make Massive Offseason Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 3:24 PM ET

The New York Islanders are entering the offseason with a lot of questions around the roster. After missing the postseason, New York has some work to do in terms of adding talent to the team.

But the Islanders were given a gift by winning the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. New York is likely to take star prospect Matthew Schaefer, and he should help out the defensive unit down the line.

However, New York could also be a big player in free agency as well. If the Islanders are serious about getting back to the playoffs, making a splash signing could be helpful.

One name to watch could be Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets, who will be one of the more coveted names on the pen market. NHL insider Arthur Staple of The Athletic linked the two sides together, listing New York as a landing spot for Ehlers.

The Isles’ lack of playmakers on the wing, especially those who can skate a bit, is pretty evident. Outside of Marner, there aren’t really any potential UFAs with Ehlers’ skill set; signing him would allow Mathew Barzal to move back to center," Staple wrote.

Adding a player like Ehlers could be a solid move for this Islanders squad. Ehlers has been great for the Jets over the years and is coming off a solid season.

The veteran scored 24 goals and 39 assists for Winnipeg during the regular season. Ehlers then scored five goals and two assists over eight playoff games for the Jets.

This could be a nice addition for the Islanders and would give them flexibility across the roster. This Islanders team could be a sleeping giant in the Eastern Conference if it can add some pieces this summer.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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