Peter DeBoer Hopes Islanders Incorporate Youth Into Season Finale

The New York Islanders are officially eliminated from playoff contention. That will remove the organization’s top goal after firing head coach Patrick Roy and hiring Peter DeBoer in a shocking, April decision. Now, DeBoer – who signed a multi-year deal in New York – will shift his attention towards getting a look at the Islanders’ top prospects in their final game of the season on Tuesday, DeBoer told NHL.com’s Stefen Rosner.

The Islanders have quickly changed directions, largely thanks to the historic success of 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer. New York also drafted winger Victor Eklund and defender Kashawn Aitcheson in the 2025 first-round. Eklund has already turned pro and has an impressive nine points in his first seven games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders. 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman also signed his first pro contract following the end of his sophomore season at Boston University. He has four points in his first nine AHL games. Both wingers could be candidates for their first NHL game in New York’s closing bout. So could defenseman Jesse Pulkkinen, who spent the bulk of the year in the ECHL and has two points in 19 AHL games.

The Islanders could make a few changes to the lineup to fit in their budding prospects. One player who will most definitely sit out is veteran winger Ondrej Palat, who was scratched in a must-win game on Saturday per Rosner. Palat has just one point in his last 10 games and five points in 28 games in New York as a whole since joining the team in a January trade. Palat is signed through the 2026-27 season at a $6MM cap hit. Other candidates to exit the lineup include Kyle MacLean, Marc Gatcomb, and Carson Soucy.