He looks beautiful, all the prospects look beautiful.
SO much going on as NHL free agency kicks off (though most of the big names are already off the board), the Isles announced a big signing, and prospect development camp is underway.
The Islanders officially issued qualifying offers to Simon Holmstrom, new acquisition Emil Heineman, Max Tsyplakov and Marc Gatcomb.
Notably, Samuel Bolduc — whose stock absolutely plummeted ever since an injury interrupted a “looked great in camp” fall a few seasons ago — and Scott Perunovich did not receive QOs.
Islanders News
- Alex Romanov, however, needed no qualifying offer because he re-upped for eight years, $6.25M per. Big commitment to the big hitter, but we’ll probably still love him while he’s healthy. [LHH | Newsday | Post]
- Dan and Mike unpack an emotional and very pleasing draft weekend. [LHH / Islanders Anxiety]
- Somewhat lost in everything else is a report that the Isles’ Bridgeport AHL affiliate could relocate to Hamilton. [Post]
- Mathew Schaefer was among the new draftees skating for the first time as Islanders. Here’s inside his first day. [Isles | NHL | Newsday]
- It’s been an absolute whirlwind, but Schaefer is focused on making the team this coming season. [Post]
- Also appearing is Calum Ritchie, who hopes for a long career with the Isles. [Newsday]
- Here’s the full development camp roster: 20 forwards, 13 defensemen, 5 goalies. [Isles | Newsday]
- And here’s how they are grouped; also a too-short condensed clip of Mathieu Darche addressing the young pups. [Isles]
- Emil Heineman thought it was “cool” to be traded to New York. He’s also looking forward to connecting with Simon Holmstrom again. “I have to ask him how he managed to bring his dog over—stuff like that.” [Daily Faceoff]
- And more Swedish compadres: Calle Odelius was excited that Victor Eklund was drafted by the Isles. [Isles]
Romanov’s grown steadily since the 2022 trade—once limited with the puck, now makes smart, heads-up plays and brings real presence.
With a rising cap, $6.25M will be the going rate for solid 2nd pair D. If his upward trend continues, it’s a comfortable number. https://t.co/qwwoAAOaZf
— Thomas Hickey (@Thomas_Hickey14) June 30, 2025
When I look back at the Scott Perunovich era on Long Island, this is how I will remember it pic.twitter.com/SLTFlhk9FN
— Isles Den (@IslesDen) June 30, 2025
Elsewhere
- Alex Pietrangelo steps away for a season, may never play again due to bad hips. [NHL]
- That’s really convenient for Vegas as they clear cap space for Mitch Marner who they totally did not tamper with while signing to an 8-year, $96M deal. Toronto gets Nicolas Roy in the exchange or rights (way more than you usually get for free agent negotiating rights, and perhaps hush money for their tampering). [NHL]
- They also dealt Nicolas Hague to Nashville, who signed him for four years, $22 million. [NHL]
- It looks like the Panthers will be able to keep the whole band together: Aaron Ekblad re-signed, and Brad Marchand appears to be retained for a six(!)-year extension that is too long but depresses his AAV ($5.33). [Sportsnet]
- “Master class” by Panthers GM Bill Zito. [TSN Insider Trading]
- All that leaves Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers as the two bigger UFA names. [Athletic]
- The Oilers re-signed Evan Bouchard for four years, $10.5M per. [NHL]
- Holy cow, Ivan Provorov gets seven years at $8.5M from the Blue Jackets. [ESPN]
- Bill Guerin finally has cap space in Minnesota so he…takes late-career Vladimir Tarasenko for future considerations? Didn’t he buy out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to avoid precisely this kind of weight? [NHL]
- Austin, Texas, throws its hat into the expansion ring. [Daily Faceoff]