Islanders launch season-long docuseries chronicling busy summer and new GM's plans
On The Island will follow Mathieu Darche, the front office’s draft preparations and key roster moves across six episodes released during the 2025 season
The New York Islanders have released the first episode of a season-long docuseries, "On The Island," that chronicles an offseason of major change for the franchise and promises behind-the-scenes access throughout the 2025 campaign.
The six-episode series, each roughly a half hour, premiered its first installment on the team’s YouTube channel Wednesday. The debut focuses on the hiring of Mathieu Darche as the Islanders’ seventh general manager and the club’s “war room” preparations for last June’s NHL draft, in which the team selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer first overall and added forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson later in Round 1.
Alex Leafer, the Islanders’ senior director of production, technology and innovation, said the club spent about a year planning the project and aimed to "bring the fans in and give them the inside look that they’re always hoping to get." Leafer said future episodes will "deep dive" into story lines from development camp and follow the team through key moments of the upcoming season.
The first episode also addresses the trade that sent fan-favorite defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens, with Darche appearing on camera to discuss the move. The Islanders’ cinematographer said future episodes will include "some unexpected cameos" by prominent figures in the hockey world as the team seeks to weave "that superstar element" into the story.
Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick, is a recurring focus in the initial episode. Scenes show the organization’s courting and evaluation process leading up to the draft, and Schaefer is portrayed as having already captured fan attention prior to being selected. The series presents the draft and offseason decisions as part of a broader strategic reset under Darche’s direction.
The Islanders framed the project as a way to deepen fan engagement by granting access to the front office, players and staff during pivotal moments. Episodes will be released at intervals tied to the team calendar, with additional installments planned for October and throughout the season as events unfold.
The documentary effort comes amid an eventful period for the Nassau County franchise, which has navigated roster turnover and leadership changes while preparing for the regular season. By situating the series’ releases around significant competitive and development milestones, the Islanders intend to capture both day-to-day operations and crescendo moments tied to on-ice performance.
The team did not disclose distribution plans beyond YouTube for the six-episode run, and declined to outline whether the club will produce additional seasons. The Islanders have said the series is designed to make fans feel "part of the journey" as the organization pursues its objectives for the 2025 season.