The Islanders’ offseason has settled into the kind of quiet stretch where even small bits of news start to matter. That’s where things stand right now: a new depth defenseman to learn about, a former captain making his Utah media rounds, and one arbitration date on the calendar.
On the Islanders side, the newest name to file away is Matthew Kessel. He’s the club’s latest depth signing, and the profile on him points to a player who stands 6’3” but doesn’t really play like the kind of big defenseman that number suggests.
There’s also the Utah connection involving Anders Lee and Vincent Trocheck. Both players are happy to be on the same side now, rather than lining up against each other in New York.
And for anyone tracking the arbitration list, Alex Jefferies has his date. His salary arbitration hearing is set for July 30.
Around the league, the offseason questions keep rolling in. Sportsnet took a look at one question for every team, and the Islanders’ entry is described as something of a punt.
There was also news involving Glenn Healy, who announced the NHLPA’s wellness program for any player who’s played a shift in the NHL. Healy has long made post-career care for alumni a priority.
Elsewhere, TSN posed the question of whether Elias Pettersson is a buy-low target or expensive damaged goods.
And in another front-office reunion, John Davidson and Jarmo Kekalainen are back together again, with Kekalainen bringing the former goalie and broadcaster to the Sabres.
In Other News...
Islanders Make Big Move With Top Defense Prospect
The Islanders took another step in locking in their future on the blue line by signing Malte Gustafsson to a three-year entry-level contract. The 2026 first-round pick has already been on the organizations radar as a big defenseman from Sweden, and his path through the Swedish Hockey League and its Under-20 team only adds to the appeal.
Gustafssons rsum also shows why the Islanders are comfortable moving quickly with him. He wore an alternate captains letter for Swedens U-18 team and helped that group win gold, while his play in international competition and in Sweden has kept him in the conversation as a prospect worth watching closely as he begins the next stage of his development. [Read more 🡒]