3 New York Islanders Not Expected Back Next Season

The New York Islanders went pretty close to all in this season, as rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer is certainly accelerating the expectations. Schaefer's burst onto the scene and pushed management to sell off some assets ahead of the trade deadline, and expect to see the Isles pushing to make some noise in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

This offseason, there's inevitably going to be roster turnover, regardless of the outcomes this spring. Here's three Islanders who aren't expected back next season:

Anthony Duclair

Word is, Duclair was on the trade block for over a month leading up to the trade deadline, and frankly, many are surprised he's still on their roster post deadline. Duclair, 30, has two seasons left on his deal at $3.5 million AAV, and it's no secret he and head coach Patrick Roy don't necessarily see eye to eye on his role in the lineup. Duclair's no-trade clause decreases to just a 16-team no-trade clause, so expect to see Duclair moved come July.

Pierre Engvall

While it may have to be an offseason buyout, look for the Islanders to move on from Engvall this summer. Since he signed a huge contract a couple of summers ago, Engvall hasn't been able to stay healthy, and when he is, isn't producing. He's yet to play a game this season, and in 2024-25, registered just eight goals, and 15 points in 67 games. Engvall owns a $3 million AAV deal through the 2030 season.

Semyon Varlamov

Speaking of injuries, Varlamov is currently on the IR, and is a candidate to be moved in the offseaon. The Russian netminder is signed through next season at $2.75 million AAV and owns a 16-team no-trade clause, and with the impression David Rittich is leaving this season, they could look to re-sign him at a much cheaper rate to pair with Ilya Sorokin.

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