New front office, same uphill climb for Islanders’ 2026 playoff bid

The New York Islanders don't have the weakest lineup in the Metro Division, but there's a lot of room for improvement if they plan on making the playoffs.

New York Rangers v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImagesWith a new front office heading things up on Long Island, the New York Islanders have a new hope. But it doesn't mean they're gonna get far with their current crop in 2025-26. Right now, the Isles have the top-end talent, but depth and health is the big question.

Players who were supposed to be key contributors last season like Anthony Duclair and Matthew Barzal suffered injuries that kept the Isles from being anything more than a patchwork group half the time. Others, like…