At the dawn of a new season — and a new era under general manager Mathieu Darche — the New York Islanders look and feel different. A strong, detail-oriented training camp has the team entering the 2025-26 season with renewed energy, increased competition, and a renewed belief.
Darche met with the media this week to discuss roster decisions, player development, and the tone being set across the organization. His message was clear: standards are rising, youth is being trusted, and internal competition will drive performance.
At the center of it all is 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick who earned his way onto the opening night roster after an exceptional camp.