The New York Islanders ignite hope for the future as top prospect Victor Eklund makes his NHL debut against the Carolina Hurricanes. Can this gritty, high-motor winger finally spark the energy and determination that fans say the Islanders have lacked? Gil Martin breaks down how Eklund’s arrival—alongside rising stars like Matthew Schaefer, Cal Ritchie, and Cole Eiserman—signals a possible culture shift from complacency to relentless effort.
The episode also spotlights the Islanders’ impressive showing in The Athletic’s latest prospect rankings, analyzes the impact of recent roster moves under Peter DeBoer, and previews key storylines for the season finale. Special focus is given to franchise legends like Mariusz Czerkawski in the “Islanders Birthday of the Day” segment. With future draft picks on the horizon and pressing questions about Anders Lee’s tenure, is a new era about to begin for the New York Islanders?
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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20 Comments
Now I have a reason to watch game 82!
Great lets see him. They said Caulfield was too small too. Flyers make playoffs. That sticks in my gut. They were the hottest team at the end of the season. They are big and physical. Tocchet and Jonzey have rebuilt their team. Also watched video on Aitcheson and Eklund and what do both have? A motor! The never quit moving. So add Schaefers motor…this is how they build an identity…Saw Aitchison lay guys out. He needs to be a little less reckless but apparently nobody wants to fight him. He will help protect Schaefer.
Collecting their millions.
Feed Schaefer to score and break the rookie D man record, feed Holmstrom to get his 20th goal of the season. It will be interesting to see what Eklund does also. Losing would not be a bad thing to get a bigger advantage in the lottery.
The following guys should go. Lee, Soucy-don’t resign. Palat, Mayfield-buy out contracts. Pelech/Pulock-trade one or both. Sign a Top 4 Dman to go along with Schaefer, Romanov, George, Aitcheson. Then sign one goon. There is a blueprint let’s see if Darche can do better than he did at the deadline.
I wouldn't play any of the prospects or guys looking to impress. They will play hard unlike many of the current Isles and potentially mess up draft position.
prospect rankings…
-ritchie is ranked tier 4 no. 26.
-eklund is ranked tier 4 no. 30.
-aitchenson ranked tier 4 no. 33. –
eisermann is tier 5 ranked no. 47.
-this is all heresay and speculation that all 4 and the only gold prospects isles have will turn into big time players that produce at the nhl level. the top 3 fwds. need to produce big numbers. at this point darche who i have no confidence in to build a future is putting all of his eggs into one basket and basing future on one flukey lottery win he had nothing to do with and the 8 trade. need prospects of the tier one-two caliber.
just saddeinig to see other teams draft and develop or trade for big time elite scorers as isles twiddle their fingers clueless to find them. every 50 g 100 pt. isle played for al and was drafted or acquired in trade by bow tie. what does that tell you? al, bow tie knew you won with d and being physical yet didn't ignore scoring g's was just as important to success.
-btw for the haters-a guy named m. misa is tier 1 ranked no. one prospect out there.
Bridgeport is in the Playoffs; so its a glass half full… Season!~
Let me get this right: the Islanders are considering bringing up a player who isn’t slow, soft and old? The thought boggles the mind
Darch did GREAT with the Dobson trade and drafting Schaefer. Besides that, his palat trade was a disaster. Trading the first questionable. He’s about to lose Lee for nothing. The JGP signing looks terrible too. Darsch could have traded him for a haul. Darsch is a low IQ GM. Too emotional. His quote “I wanted to reward the guys” is a country club mentality.
It is not going to be easy to reshape this roster. To many long term contracts for bad players. Sauce is not coming back, Lee peobally will not be back, maybe you can buy out 1 other player. We are stuck with Mayfield, Engval, Pilat, Chen, Pagua, and Romanov who was overpayed. Let's not forgot they are still paying Varlomov.
Really hope Schaefer can get that goal to climb to number one! Good to know Eklund will get his chance so show his talent against some of the NHL’s best. It means more now than in a preseason game or beginning of the season when teams are not so competitive! Can’t wait for Aitcheson ! So want Prokhorov to come over as his size and nasty is so needed. Darche can deal Palms to add a pick or trade him at the deadline. Lee and Soucy are gone. Need to unload Palatt, Duke, Engvall, Mayfield if at all possible. We need to and players with heart ♥️! To many spectators at The Long Island country club for sure 👍 Gil!
With all these talented young guys coming up I seriously hope they get an enforcer. Instead of trading a first for shenn I would’ve attempted trading a second or that first for Olivier and possibly a 4th in return. I think Colombus would’ve considered it. Olivier would keep any team honest and he can play a decent game as well
Like most prospects I’ll wait to have any judgements on any be it good or bad
Holy crap! You mean OLD, SLOW and UNISPIRED might be over for the Islanders??? 🎉
Palat, Palmeri, Duclair, Engvall (when off LTIR), Cizikas, and Mayfield take up $23.25M of cap space and have either minimal production or are flat out liabilities. Darche is still handcuffed a bit (Palat is on him). I really hope we give the young guys a chance to develop next year and don’t waste roster space on guys like Soucy.
The goal tonight should be to get Schaefer his 24th of the season. He deserves it.
Good morning team! Gil, I think this is an excellent idea. Bringing up some of the prospects we have, I would have liked to see Cole Eiserman as well. I also agree with some of the other comments here. Feed Schaefer the puck. Why not get the kid the record? At this point, let's play for something, right? The Canes have nothing to play for. They are at the top of the conference and they can't be caught. Colorado already won the President's trophy. I say lay down and let the Islanders score 8 on you. It truly is a reason to watch game 82, but honestly, I would have watched it no matter the situation. I'm looking forward to your off season episodes as well. They make the time off from hockey go quickly, and takes my mind off the Mets for the moment lol. Everyone, have a great day! Enjoy game 82 tonight. See you all again tomorrow. Until then.. Let's Go Islanders!!
Mariusz czerkavski
Too many “negative” fans posting comments!