Locked On Islanders - Daily Podcast On The New York Islanders

The New York Islanders struggle in offseason rankings, but is a breakout year just around the corner? Gil Martin breaks down The Hockey News' and The Athletic’s lukewarm evaluations, exploring why Mathieu Darche’s patient rebuild—bolstered by prospects like Cole Eiserman, Cal Ritchie, and Matthew Schaefer—could set the Islanders up for long-term Stanley Cup contention.

Key topics include the cap space windfall looming next offseason, the debate over the Fisherman jersey in the third jersey contest, and a nostalgic look at the Islanders facing the Hurricanes on Whalers Night. Plus, Gil answers mailbag questions on the Hamilton Hammers’ playoff hopes and spotlights Martin Biron as the Islanders Birthday of the Day. Will the Islanders’ tactical “treading water” pay off, or are rivals pulling too far ahead?

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

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New York Islanders phenom Matthew Schaefer rockets to 7th among NHL defensemen at just 18—are the Isles witnessing the rise of a generational talent? Gil Martin breaks down Schaefer’s historic rookie season, his elite company on the NHL Network’s rankings, and what it means for the team’s future. With Calder Trophy honors and top power play minutes, Schaefer sets a new standard for franchise building blocks alongside Ilya Sorokin.

Islanders fans sound off on GM Mathieu Darche’s polarizing moves and wonder whether he can propel the club from promising to powerhouse. Key discussions include the impact of the Noah Dobson trade, Anders Lee’s departure, and the depth of emerging prospects like Kashawn Aicheson and Cal Ritchie. The episode also spotlights details on upcoming rookie scrimmages with the New Jersey Devils and reveals the eight finalists in the Islanders' third jersey contest. Is another Cup run within reach?

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The New York Islanders face a blue line bottleneck as two first-round picks, KeShawn Aitcheson and Malte Gustafsson, edge closer to NHL readiness. Should veterans Adam Pelech or Alexander Romanov be traded to finally strengthen the Islanders' right-defense depth and scoring wings? Gil Martin breaks down the Islanders’ asset management missteps of recent years and weighs key trade scenarios that could unlock cap space and ignite the team’s retool.

Kyle Palmieri’s imminent return from ACL surgery adds a boost to the goal-starved wing, while the prospect of integrating rookie Cole Eiserman sparks debate. Would giving Eisermann an NHL audition help or hinder his development under Peter DeBoer's system? The episode also spotlights under-the-radar franchise history, with a tribute to unsung blueliner Mike McEwen. This edition is a must-listen for fans tracking the Islanders’ evolving roster, trade rumors, and the strategies that could shape a playoff return.

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The New York Islanders youth movement heats up as Victor Eklund eyes a breakout NHL season—could he contend for the Calder Trophy? Gil Martin explores the rookies’ chances of impacting the Islanders’ roster, analyzing Victor Eklund, Cole Eiserman, and KaShawn Aicheson, plus the obstacles posed by veterans like Anthony Duclair, Ondrej Palat, and Pierre Engvall. Martin breaks down why goal scorers gain more Calder attention and what a standout rookie campaign could mean for the team’s retooling strategy.

Turning to the Islanders’ looming contract puzzle, Martin examines the future of RFAs Simon Holmstrom, Emil Heineman, and Isaiah George—and how their potential new deals affect the much-discussed $40.6 million cap space. Updates include Evan Gold’s hiring as Hamilton’s GM, changes to the Islanders’ third jersey contest, and a look back at Hubie McDonough’s best moments in blue and orange. Can the Islanders prospects accelerate a successful retool?

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The New York Islanders face a pivotal season as management’s risky trade decisions and missed playoff opportunities fuel fan frustration. Is GM Mathieu Darche steering the team toward a successful rebuild, or is the “muddy middle” here to stay? Gil Martin and guest author Greg Prato weigh in on controversial moves—including the costly additions of Ondrej Palat and Brayden Schenn—while top prospects like Matthew Schaefer and Cole Eisermann offer hope for the future.

Key discussion points include Ilya Sorokin’s workload under Peter DeBoer’s new defensive scheme, the void left by Anders Lee, and the captaincy debate surrounding Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. The hosts break down the Islanders’ stagnant power play, roster aging issues, and whether this year could finally see young talent step up. Can New York Islanders fans expect real progress, or are more growing pains ahead?

All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.