Islanders Fire Roy, Hire DeBoer

Earlier today, it was announced that the Islanders fired head coach Patrick Roy and hired long time NHL coach Peter DeBoer as his replacement.  

According to reports, long standing issues including the power play and poor defensive structure not being resolved were instrumental in Roy's dismissal.  Coming into this year, not much was expected from the Islanders so they definitely exceeded expectations.  However, in recent weeks their performances were more indicative of a team that just didn't want to play anymore.  In instances like this it will always fall on the head coach.  It was a little surprising to see them make the change now but I like the aggressiveness by the organization to make sure they got "their" guy, rather then waiting for the offseason and hoping for the best.

Roy had 2 seasons left on his contract at the time of dismissal, according to reports.

In DeBoer, the Islanders definitely get what they are looking for, he will drastically improve defensive structure which at times has been amateur hour level bad this season.  Also, DeBoer does have a history of taking his teams on deep playoff runs doing so with the Devils, Sharks and Vegas.  According to Andy Strickland, DeBoer is signed for the rest of this season and 4 more seasons.

Islanders Sign 2024 First Round Pick Eiserman To 3 Year ELC

After signing Kashawn Aitcheson to a 3 entry level contract yesterday, the Islanders remained busy today signing 2024 First Round Pick Cole Eiserman to his own 3 year entry level contract, according to multiple reports.

Eiserman, in his second season at Boston University has 28 points in 32 games this season, including 18 goals.  Though Eiserman did have some struggles in the first half of the season, he has really come on fire in the second half.

With this signing, Eiserman is set to join Aitcheson part of Bridgeport as soon as the rest of this season on a try out before their entry level deals begin next season.  The Islanders exciting future just got a little closer!

Islanders Sign 2025 1st Round Pick Aitcheson to 3 Year Entry Level Deal

According to multiple reports, the Islanders have signed 2025 first round pick Kashawn Aitcheson to a 3 year entry level contract.  Aitcheson was taken 17th overall by the Islanders in the draft last summer, following their selections of Matthew Schaefer and Victor Eklund.

Aitcheson has been a superstar in the OHL this year putting up 70 points in 54 games, including 28 goals.  Aitcheson doesn't only produce offense though, he has a mean streak as well.

I am very excited to see the continued evolution of Aitcheson's game as he reports to Bridgeport.  His combination of physicality and production is very rare, if he can translate that at all to the pro level that will only mean terrific things for the Islanders going forward.

Isles Acquire Blues Captain Schenn in Deadline Day Shocker

Earlier today, in quite the deadline day deal shocker, the Islanders acquired Brayden Schenn from St Louis in exchange for Jonathan Drouin, Marcus Gildof, 2026 1st round pick (COL) & 2026 3rd round pick (NJD).

I didn't see this coming from a million miles away, like everyone I was looking at Thomas or Kyrou when it came to the Blues.

Including Drouin in this deal makes it easier to swallow, but I still feel like we paid an extremely high price for Schenn and his 6.5 aav over the next two seasons.  Schenn does have some positives though.  He is good at face offs and is physical, something we have lacked since Matt Martin and Clutterbuck retired.  He also doesn't hesitate to step in for teammates if the situation warrants it.  Given those positives, this isn't the dynamic player the Islanders lack though.  He isn't a great skater and doesn't exactly pile up points.

Moving out Drouin as I said above is one thing that gave me solace in this deal.  After having a promising start, he just went down hill and never recovered.  Even though he still got ample opportunity from the coaching staff he was never able to take advantage.  

Schaefer Wins 1st Star of the Week

Yesterday, it was announced that Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was named first star of the week.

Schaefer, who hit 20 goals in the Islanders game the other night has 4 goals and 1 assist since play resumed after the NHL Olympic break.  With his goals the other night, he is now just 3 goals behind Brian Leetch for the most goals ever by a rookie defeseman.

He is the first Islanders defenseman to ever win this since they started awarding it.