Isles Add Jason Berger As Head Equipment Manager

According to Stefen Rosner from The Hockey News, over the weekend, the Islanders added Jason Berger as the teams new head equipment manager.  Berger had previously been assistant equipment manager with new head honcho Mathieu Darches old organization, the Tampa Bay Lightning for the past 8 seasons.

Berger is replacing Leni DiCostanzo in this role.  DiCostanzo had been with the Islanders organization since 2009.  He worked his way up through Bridgeport before getting a role on the NHL staff in 2018.  DiCostanzo was let go by former Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello.  The reason for the dismissal is unclear, according to The Hockey News.

Berger has extensive experience in the hockey dating back before his time with Tampa having gotten his start with the Providence Bruins in the 2006/2007 season. 

While this isn't a role that the average fan may give much thought to as seasons progress, its good to see Darche continue to put his stamp on the organization. 

Islanders Sign Tsyplakov To 2 Year Deal Avoiding Arbitration

Earlier today, it was announced that the Islanders signed forward Maxim Tsyplakov to a 2 year deal worth 4.5 million.  Tsyplakov was set to go to arbitration coming up in the next week or two.

Tsyplakov as a rookie last year had 10 goals and 35 points last season.  He fit in pretty well on the 3rd line but wasn't without faults.  This seems like a pretty fair contract and good work by Mathieu Darche.  Watching Tysplakov's growth will be an interesting element to this upcoming season.

With Tysplakov signed, this will pretty much be the end of the Islanders work this off season barring some Bridgeport depth.  As we head into training camp how they fit all the forwards will no doubt be one of the big story lines to follow.  The Islanders currently have 16 forwards signed for 12 spots which could lead to some familiar faces seeing reduced roles or even extensive time in the press box.

7:00 Home Starts Have Returned

Earlier today, the Islanders schedule for 2025/2026 NHL season was released.  You can view the full schedule here.  Something notable on the schedule is that home games for the most part will be starting at 7:00 this season.  Since moving to UBS Arena for the 2021/2022 season, home games primarily started at 7:30.

Other notable items on the schedule include 14 games that start at a time other then 7:00.  Additionally, 10 of the Islanders final 12 games will be at home this season.  If they are in the thick of a playoff race this could be a big advantage for them. 

Islanders Sign Eklund To 3 Year Entry Level Contract

Today, the Islanders announced they have signed forward Victor Eklund to a 3 years entry level contract. 

The Islanders selected Eklund with the 16th overall pick in the draft last month.  That pick was of course part of the package the Islanders acquired from Montreal in exchange for Noah Dobson on draft day.

As I said in my earlier post today, Mathieu Darche has a clear plan for the Islanders going forward.  He hasn't only executed that through his moves for the NHL team but through his picks at the draft as well.  Eklund is a player that plays with tempo but is also highly skilled and tenacious which is the exact type of player head coach Patrick Roy likes.

While I don't expect him in the NHL anytime soon, I am definitely excited to see his development as he works toward the NHL in a few years.  

We are Back!!

This title has a double meaning as this is the first post here in over 9 years, so we are back posting again.  On top of that though, our New York Islanders are back as well.  

What I mean by that is for the last several years the Islanders have been spinning the wheels of perpetual mediocrity under GM & President of Hockey Ops Lou Lamoriello.  However, that all changed on April 22nd, just a few weeks after the regular season ended when the Islanders announced Lamoriello would not be returning in his positions.  After an extensive search, the Islanders landed on Tampa Bay Lightning executive Mathieu Darche to replace Lamoriello.

The biggest change in the organization since Darche took over is that it now feels like it has a direction.  For the last few years under Lamoriello the team seemed rudderless just content spinning in place.  That is not the case anymore, Darche has a clear plan and has been executing it very well since taking over.  The type of players he has brought in align well with the system Patrick Roy wants to implement which we learned was a bone of contention last season between Roy & Lamoriello.  

Another big change was the appearance of #1 overall pick Matthew Schaffer on the Spittin Chiclets podcast last week on Youtube.  Under Lamoriello, players were not allowed to make appearances like that.  This appearance further showed Schaffers personality and his quick witted nature creating a bigger connection to fans.  

Now I am not saying I expect the Islanders to contend for the Stanley Cup next year.  That is unrealistic!  However, for the first time in a while there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we know where management wants to go and how they intend on getting there.  If early returns on Darches tenure are any indication, we should have a fun entertaining team to watch next season.