The New York Islanders have finalized their forward lines ahead of the season opener, particularly surrounding Casey Cizikas. Following the waiver of Mitchell Chaffee, Ondrej Palat and Anthony Duclair were included in the game roster for the preseason finale against the New Jersey Devils. In the 4-1 loss, the Islanders utilized an 11-and-7 configuration, leading to varied line combinations. Reports suggest that Palat and Duclair will join Cizikas on the fourth line for the upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Kyle MacLean likely serving as the extra forward.
The combination of Cizikas, a straight-line player, Duclair, known for his speed and skill, and Palat, who is working to regain his previous effectiveness, presents a unique fit. "We all bring something different to the table, which is nice, and it’s a lot about communication," Cizikas stated before the exhibition game. Coach Pete DeBoer is looking for secondary scoring, a challenge the Islanders faced last season. Duclair, who has struggled to find consistent scoring since joining the team in 2024, has a history of 20-goal seasons that the Islanders hope to leverage.
Cizikas commented on Duclair's abilities, saying, "He’s got a nose for the net and he’s as slick as anybody with that puck. So we’re gonna try to do everything we can to get him the puck and get him in positions where he’s able to get an opportunity."
In the preseason finale, the Islanders opted for 11 forwards and seven defensemen, resting Matthew Schaefer (upper body) and Brayden Schenn (lower body) as a precaution. DeBoer indicated that neither player is a concern for the upcoming game. Mathew Barzal, dealing with a left kneecap issue, is considered day to day, though his skating status remains unconfirmed.
Before the game, the Islanders made several roster cuts, sending Alex Jefferies, Josh Kotai, Daniil Prokhorov, Matthew Highmore, and Marshall Warren to AHL Hamilton, while placing Chaffee, Pierre Engvall, Liam Foudy, Daylan Kuefler, and Matt Luff on waivers. Engvall's cap hit will adjust from $3 million to $1.775 million while he is in Hamilton.