The New York Islanders are gearing up for another exciting development camp, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. After the successful return of the camp last season, the Northwell Ice Center is expected to be packed once again as fans get their first look at the new crop of talent, including Matthew Schaefer, who drew significant attention last year.
This year's camp promises to be just as thrilling with all five players from the 2026 NHL Draft set to participate. Among them is Malte Gustafsson, a name that already has fans talking. But that's not all-Ryan Healey, freshly acquired from the Minnesota Wild, and Benjamin Brunelle, who impressed with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL last season, will also be showcasing their skills.
While the Islanders didn't snag a goaltender in this year's draft, Assistant GM Darche has assured fans that some promising netminders will be present at the camp. "We were eyeing goalies, but none fell to our picks," Darche explained. "However, we have a few invites that are just as promising as those drafted in the later rounds."
In addition to the new draftees, top Islanders prospects will hit the ice, including Kashawn Aitcheson, the OHL Defenseman of the Year and 17th overall pick in 2025, and Victor Eklund, the 16th overall pick from the same year. Eklund made a notable NHL debut this season, assisting on Bo Horvat's milestone 300th career goal in game 82.
The camp will culminate in an inter-squad scrimmage, setting the stage for two rookie camp scrimmages before the Islanders face off against the NJ Devils prospects in the preseason. It's an exciting time for Islanders fans as they get a glimpse of the future stars of their team.
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Darche Just Signaled A Hard Islanders Roster Decision Is Coming
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What makes the next few days worth watching is the balance between short-term relief and longer-term consequences. Darche made clear the Islanders will keep weighing their options before the window shuts, and that means some difficult contract math is still on the table as the front office decides whether standing pat is the safer play or whether taking a hit now could create more flexibility later. [Read more 🡒]
Islanders Camp Invitees Just Added A Twist Fans Will Notice
The Islanders development camp always brings a little extra curiosity, but this years invite list carries a family wrinkle fans around Long Island will immediately notice. After the club passed on local prospect James Hagens in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery and later watched him land with Boston, the organization has brought in two players with familiar last names, giving camp a broader look at the hockey families that have already intersected with the franchise.
Michael Hagens is part of the group, and Henry Nelson is too, adding another layer to a camp that is supposed to be about development but often doubles as a window into how the Islanders are thinking about their pipeline. Michael is set to move to Vermont in 2026-27, while Henry is heading into his final NCAA season at Notre Dame, where hell be around his brothers again, leaving the Islanders with another reminder of how tightly connected these prospects can be even when their paths are still unfolding. [Read more 🡒]
Islanders Offseason Reunion Had One Unexpected Twist Fans Will Feel
The Islanders offseason has always tended to spill beyond the rink, with current and former players often sticking close together on Long Island and showing up in the same circles after the schedule ends. A recent social media post from the Palm Tree Music Festival captured that again, with a familiar group of names from the organization enjoying the kind of reunion that says as much about the culture as any stat sheet ever could.
Among the players connected to the gathering was Oliver Wahlstrom, whose path has taken him away from the Islanders for now as he tries to find his footing elsewhere in pro hockey. His name still carries some intrigue for fans who remember him as part of the organizations recent wave, but the larger question is what comes next for a player whose future NHL involvement with New York remains unsettled. [Read more 🡒]