Locked On Islanders - Daily Podcast On The New York Islanders

The New York Islanders face a crucial offseason as uncertainty swirls around their backup goaltender situation. With Ilya Sorokin anchoring the net but lacking a reliable deputy, burnout and injury loom as major risks. Can Mathieu Darche secure veteran depth or a breakthrough prospect before the 2026–27 NHL season kicks off?

Host Gil Martin spotlights Sorokin’s stellar play, breaks down David Rittich and Semyon Varlamov’s futures, and weighs the potential of prospects like Joshua Kotai and Russian standout Dmitry Gamzin . Key updates include the Islanders’ new ECHL affiliate—Trenton Iron Hawks—and the unveiling of the Hamilton Hammers as their AHL partner. Plus, Sorokin’s season earns an A-minus amid heavy workloads, and original Islander Bill Mikkelson gets recognized as the Islanders’ birthday of the day. Will the Islanders address their sneaky goalie dilemma—or risk their playoff hopes?

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

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The New York Islanders face a pivotal crossroads: should they rebuild or push for immediate contention? Can Mathieu Darche’s vision finally break the cycle of mediocrity and restore the team as a Stanley Cup powerhouse?

Host Gil Martin examines the Islanders’ roster strategy, balancing aging veterans like Kyle Palmieri and Anders Lee with rising talents including Matthew Schaefer, Cole Eiserman, Calum Ritchie, and Emil Heineman. The episode dissects front-office moves, prospects’ development, and the critical need for more scoring and defensive upgrades. Key issues include Ilya Sorokin’s goaltending workload, the effectiveness of Peter DeBoer’s coaching style, and what recent additions such as Ondrej Palat, and Braden Schenn mean for long-term success. Martin grades Kyle MacLean’s season and explores trade, draft, and free agent options as ownership weighs fan expectations against playoff ticket revenue.

Is the Islanders’ best future built on youth, patience, or another win-now gamble?

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

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

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 eye power forward Oscar Hemming as a potential game-changer with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Could the Finnish winger’s size, physicality, and offensive upside finally add the edge this roster is missing? Gil Martin breaks down Hemming’s rapid rise at Boston College, his chemistry with James Hagens, and what his development timeline might mean for the team’s future.

This episode also spotlights Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman’s standout performances at the World Championships for Sweden, including Holmstrom’s highlight-reel power play goal. Plus, Speaker A grades Mark Gatcomb’s gritty season as a fourth-line catalyst, assesses his potential return in free agency, and celebrates Ty Wishart’s lone NHL goal as the Islanders’ Birthday of the Day. Are the Islanders finally building the top-six and physical presence needed for a playoff breakthrough?

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

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

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 eye a roster boost as Viktor Arvidsson emerges as a smart free agency target. With limited cap space and pressing needs for goal scoring, speed, and youth, could Arvidsson’s shoot-first mentality and playoff experience fill the Isles’ gap in their top six? Gil Martin examines the benefits of a short-term, low-risk contract, the realities of New York’s cap crunch, and why strategic bridge deals may be key to stabilizing the team’s present while building for the future under GM Mathieu Darche.

The episode also pays tribute to 1983 Stanley Cup champion Paul Boutilier, reflects on Maxime Typlakov’s underwhelming season and trade to the Devils, and spotlights Aaron Ness as the Islanders’ birthday honoree. Key topics include the Islanders’ offensive struggles, potential roster shakeups, and the balance between remaining competitive and fostering emerging talent. Can the Islanders chart a playoff path while preparing the next wave of stars?

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

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY

Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon

Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

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.

New York Islanders face a pivotal offseason—can adding top free agents like Alex Tuck or Anthony Mantha jumpstart a run back to contention? Host Gil Martin explores the challenges of the NHL free agent market, highlighting the Islanders’ ongoing salary cap crunch, Mathieu Darche’s impact on the prospect pool, and fresh hope at UBS Arena. With big names available, will the Islanders finally land an elite signing, or does history repeat itself?

The conversation highlights potential blue line upgrades with Rasmus Andersson and Darren Raddysh, focusing on their value as mobile, power play-ready defensemen. Plus, Martin evaluates Simon Holmstrom’s season, offers a player grade, and considers his place in Peter DeBoer’s defensive system. The episode wraps up with a look back at Dave Langevin’s unsung contributions to the Islanders’ Stanley Cup dynasty. Get the latest insights and analysis as the Islanders plot their next moves in pursuit of playoff glory.

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

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Hims

To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL.

Indeed

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

5-Hour ENERGY

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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.