A Look Ahead
I had the opportunity to chat with Stefen Rosner of The Elmonter’s and share some thoughts, about the New York Islanders moving forward. We dove into the 2025-2026 New York Islanders, and discussed the coaching staff, some young guns joining the team and more. Highly recommend checking out Stefen and The Elmonter’s on X at @TheElmonters or @Stefen_rosner.
On June 9th the Islanders announced that Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner will be joining Patrick Roy and Benoit Desrosiers. Ray Bennet most recently ran the Colorado Avalanche powerplay and is expected to run the Islanders powerplay. Bob Boughner most recently ran the Detroit Red Wings PK and is expected to run the Islanders penalty kill. What we do know is that Roy and new GM Mathieu Darche worked together to put this staff together which means Roy finally had a say in selecting his own staff. Lets dive into the staff and much more.
Q: What do you think/expect to see from the Islanders as a group next year?
A: I’d expect to see a similar team in terms of personnel, but I do think we see a better-structured team defensively, which includes the penalty kill. Breakouts weren’t a huge problem for this team in 2024-25 — they were one of the better teams in the league in terms of creating chances off the rush — they just failed to finish. However, the key to the Islanders being better is allowing Ilya Sorokin to be at his best. If they can limit the high-danger chances against and overall shots against per game, this team should be a playoff game.
Q: What do you expect to see from the coaching staff this upcoming year:
A: I expect to see Roy a little more animated. He was hired for his fire and passion, and outside of one or two games, I don’t remember seeing it too much on the bench under Lou. We’ll see if that changes under Mathieu Darche. As for Ray Bennett, I expect him to bring some spice to the PP. He knows what a good PP looks like from being in Colorado, albeit with all that star talent. Boughner is going to hope he can rediscover what he did with the San Jose Sharks, who were dominant on the PK. His time in Detroit didn’t produce the best PK numbers, but it says something that after he was relieved of his duties when Lalonde was let go, that the PK got worse and finished 32nd in the NHL. The Islanders finished 31st. I think Desrosiers will have his hands in every basket, helping out in all facets after leading the Islanders to the best face-off team in the league.
Q: What type/style of players do you think Mathieu Darche could target?
A: Darche did mention at his introductory presser that he wants to be a team that is hard on the forecheck and shoves thier game down the opponents throat. Essentially he wants a Barry Trotz forecheck with an offensive approach.
It won’t happen but a Sam Bennett kind of player, a Marchand. Gabe Vilardi is a RFA, but he would be someone who could be a good get. Not many of these guys available on the open market after the big dogs.
Q:Which player specifically do you want to see have a bounce back season?
A: I am eager to see what Tsyplakov looks like in year two. When he was racking up all the assists, I thought, okay, at some point the goals will come because he’s a goal scorer.
It didn't happen to the level expected but everyone needs to understand the culture shock and the different hockey style. I expect Tsyplakov to cut down on his turnovers in year 2 and finish more. I think he can be effective net-front player on the power play.
Q:What do you want to see from Cal Ritchie this year?
A: I want to just see a simple game, a North-South game to start. Pick and choose his spots but be responsible first and the offense will come.
Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images
Q: Do you think Eiserman joins the Islanders after his upcoming season at BU.
A: I think there’s a strong chance. Ultimately it will depend on where Isles are at come end of Boston Univetsity season. I actually just talked to Cole and he's so excited for development camp. I'm pretty sure he said he was going back to school but after getting a taste of being around NHL guys and wearing Isles practice gear, I think he’ll be eager to get to Long Island sooner than later.
Q: Lastly what do you expect to see from the Bridgeport Islanders?
A: Structure. That needs to be the No. 1 thing. They need to be disciplined with their structure. Too many times was it chaos on the ice leading to a handful of goals entering their net, especially early.
As we all know last year two things crushed the Islanders. Number one was injuries. It felt like it was never ending. Guys would come back and more would go down. Number 2 was special teams. If the Islanders held a PP/PK that was even middle of the pack they would have been a playoff team last year. It will be very interesting to see how Roy and his new staff work together. Now we wait and see for what changes are coming.
Thank you Stefen Rosner for taking the time to chat.