Latest Updates From the Islanders

Well, we meet again, and it’s still a bit quiet as far as news goes; there really isn’t much of it yet. But it’s another week closer to seeing how things will shake out by the beginning of the season. But that’s the off-season in a nutshell for many teams. A couple of things to break down come from general manager Mathieu Darche. He noted at an Islanders event where players and their partners assembled a playground, in partnership with the Islanders Children’s Foundation, the YMCA of Bellrose, Queens, and KABOOM. This organization helps create play places and spaces every child can enjoy in the local community.

Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Pulock, Bo Horvat, Kyle MacLean, and Adam Pelech attended, along with volunteers to help with the project. Of course, the finished product highlights the Islanders, complete with team logos, colors, and customization to fit the community, keeping the Islanders’ theme.

Beyond all the excitement around showing up and giving back, Darche spoke to the media. The Islanders’ GM made several notes about the upcoming season and what fans could expect. Those include confirmations of expectations for Seymon Varlamov to be a full participant throughout training camp. With training camp quickly approaching, preseason games won’t be far behind, and Varlamov will also take part in them. It will also help manage starting goaltender Ilya Sorokin’s workload down the stretch, as many have noted. Varly has done the work; now taking the ice once again to show what he is capable of will be the next step.

Pierre Engvall will make his return, Darche confirms. Engvall missed the 2025-26 season due to injury and healing from surgery. He underwent an off-season hip surgery last summer and an ankle surgery in the fall. It is worth noting that the injuries are not related, and the ankle-related injury has been considered a lingering issue. The last game Engvall played was April 17th, 2025.

Alex Romanov didn’t finish last season as he intended. Fans are familiar with the hit from Mikko Ranatanen, which included a fiery exchange from then Isles head coach Patrick Roy as players headed to the locker rooms. There was some hope that, at the end of the season, the team hoped they’d gear up for a postseason push, and that Romanov would be dressed and ready for that fight. Ultimately that didn’t happen. Having the off-season means the defenseman comes with a refined, physical game fans have seen glimpses of.

Something to look for is Cole Eiserman’s game being seen regularly. His name could be one that makes the main squad, and his shot could be a helpful tool that gets him there. There is a possibility the team looks a little younger this season, and Eiserman could lead the charge. He was chosen as the number 20 pick in the 2024 National Hockey League Draft. Eiserman has seen ice time playing at Boston University and Bridgeport. But on the ice with the Islanders in Elmont could be the next place fans see the prospect.