Last night was the deadline to make your restricted free agents qualifying offers around the NHL. The Islanders surprised some, not by who they extended offers to but who they didn't. Among the group that was not given qualifying offers by the Islanders were forwards Max Shabanov & Marc Gatcomb.
First, Shabanov, he was a very highly thought of free agent coming over from Russia last summer. The Islanders actually beat out a handful of teams to sign him. While Shabanov did show some flashes including a 5 point game, he was never really able to get going here finding himself in the press box almost as much as in the lineup. Stefan Rosner said on X that he woudn't be shocked if the Islanders continued talking to Shabanov about a new deal. I personally would not lose sleep over him donning a new jersey next season.
While Shabanov not being given a qualifying offer was not a huge shock to me, Marc Gatcomb not getting one was pretty surprising. Sure Gatcomb is never going to be one to line up the score sheet, but that isn't the role he plays. He chips in a few goals and plays with energy, not sure what else you expect from a 4th line player. If they are opening that spot to put a more skilled player in there and totally rework the 4th line wings alongside Casey that would be one thing but if they are just going to acquire another checker I don't really get it.
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