The New York Islanders have made some key moves this summer in readying the organization for the next NHL season, but there are still some questions left unanswered.
After missing the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2022, the New York Islanders made the playoffs in 2023 but lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. This offseason, the Islanders don't feel like they need to make huge changes in order to make a playoff run next season. They've made some long-term signings, including a seven-year deal for defenseman Scott Mayfield and an eight-year deal for goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
As for the rest of the Islanders' offseason, don't expect too many surprises. Something that wouldn't be terribly surprising at this point is if the Islanders lose prospect Jakub Skarek.
The Islanders have an aging roster, particularly their group of forwards, and the veteran-heavy team might need a little more youth to elevate them from last season's first-round exit. At almost 39-years-old, Zach Parise isn't the answer to that dilemma, but the Isles are wondering if the veteran winger is up for one last ride.
Here's the latest on the New York Islanders.
New York Islanders Rumors: Prospect Jakub Skarek could walk
At 23-years-old, 2018 third-round draft pick Jakub Skarek has yet to see any NHL action. The young goalie has been blocked by veterans, and this isn't likely to change with the Islanders anytime soon. Skarek has yet to accept his qualifying offer.
Elite goalie Ilya Sorokin just inked an eight-year contract extension. Semyon Varlamov was re-signed for four years. The Islanders also have promising prospect Tristan Lennox signed to a three-year entry-level contract. The Isles' goalie situation seems pretty set for the near and far future.
As of now, Skarek's only opportunity to see NHL time will be via an injury to one of the goalies. However, when Varlamov went down for several games last season, Cory Schneider was brought up to back up Sorokin. Schneider is heading to Europe, so Skarek would have the starting spot in the AHL should he stay. However, his lack of opportunity to play in the NHL with the Islanders could be keeping him from accepting his offer.
NHL teams always need goalie depth, so they should want to keep Skarek. For Skarek, though, the best opportunity to play in the NHL might not be with the Isles. At this point, it seems like he could be considering walking away. He could also consider going overseas. Skarek has until 5:00 p.m. ET on July 15 to accept his offer unless the team extends it.
New York Islanders Rumors: Zach Parise's future is up in the air
Veteran Zach Parise has yet to make a decision about playing next season. The Islanders are wondering if he's up for one more year. The soon-to-be 39-year-old winger previously played for the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils. His Isles teammates, Brock Nelson and captain Anders Lee, are hoping that Parise will return.
Nelson and Lee recently spoke to NHL.com about Parise. Nelson noted that Parise wants to win.
"I definitely would love to have him back," he said. "I think he'd be a big part of the team."
While it's clear he hopes Parise sticks around, he said, "I haven't pushed Zach at all, just let him take his time." Nelson expressed that if Parise chooses to retire, he wishes him the best.
Lee weighed in on Parise, stating, "It's really special to play with a guy like that." The captain noted, "you can't find a better guy in the room."
It's evident that Parise's teammates have great respect for him, and he'd be an important part of the roster should he choose to return.
Should Parise decide to keep playing, the Isles seem inclined to find a spot for him. If they don't, though, would he consider playing elsewhere to wrap up his career? Despite his age, he's still proved he's still a valuable NHL player. If Parise's not ready to hang it up, he could squeeze out one more year on the ice.
New York Islanders Rumors: Veteran-heavy roster could use young forward
The Islanders don't seem to think they need to make major changes to their roster, but one concern should be that they're veteran-heavy. The Islanders have a lot of older forwards, and a Zach Parise return would make the forward group even older.
While veteran presences are important, a team also needs to look towards the future. The Isles would benefit from bringing in a little more youth, particularly a forward with some speed and versatility.
The Isles had their eyes on winger Alex DeBrincat. After missing out on the 25-year-old who was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, GM Lou Lamoriello could shift to targeting another player in his 20's to help balance out the roster.
Bringing in a younger forward would elevate the Isles. William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a possible trade candidate Lamoriello could have his eye on. The 27-year-old winger has been part of plenty of trade rumors this summer.
If the Isles don't address their need for youth this summer, it could become a problem next season. It might then be something to address in-season especially if some of the older players show their age. Without addressing this need, the Islanders could find themselves struggling to make it past the first round of the playoffs again.