Isles face tight race for final forward spots after 6-2 preseason loss

Sept. 23, 2025 — The New York Islanders opened training camp with a tighter race for their final forward spots after a 6-2 preseason loss to the New Jersey Devils. A year after Max Tsyplakov began the season on the Islanders’ second line and Casey Cizikas frequently played on the third, the club’s depth has grown enough that both were pushed to the fourth line at camp’s outset. The loss came with a lineup light on NHL regulars, while New Jersey dressed many of its top players, raising the stakes for fringe players such as Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb.

With the final two forward spots likely to come down to Kyle MacLean, Marc Gatcomb, Calum Ritchie and Pierre Engvall, who could miss the start of the season while recovering from hip surgery, the competition is wide open. “Preseason are preseason, who cares about the win and losses,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “Yeah you want to win every game you’re playing in, but at the same time, I think it’s more important for us to see those guys and maybe some guys made our decision easier tonight.”

Calum Ritchie, one of the organization’s top prospects and the main piece acquired in the Brock Nelson trade, had a goal and an assist, both on the power play, and centered a line with Simon Holmström and Emil Heineman, showing the pace and poise that have characterized his development. “He was playing a lot against Nico Hischier and I thought he did well,” Roy said. The good news for MacLean, and for Gatcomb, is that if Ritchie isn’t in the lineup every night, it could make more sense for the Islanders to start him in the AHL, where he can play top-line minutes and gain professional experience. And, at least right now, there is not an obvious spot for Ritchie in a 12-man forward group that appears to be set as long as the Islanders continue with Mat Barzal at center. That does not mean MacLean can rest on his laurels. Even if he starts the year in Bridgeport, Ritchie would likely be the first call-up, and it would not be a surprise if he stays on Long Island for good once he gets there.

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MacLean said he spent more time on the ice this summer, remaining on Long Island and taking advantage of access to the team’s facility as he tries to find more consistency after last season. “Kyle will always be Kyle,” Roy said of the forward who has long been viewed as a middle-to-bottom-six option. “He comes in, he works hard, this is his identity. What I’ve seen is exactly what I expect from him.”

Calum Ritchie’s presence provides a test for Islanders’ depth. While none of the skaters turned in a flawless performance in the loss to New Jersey, the chance for Ritchie to prove he can handle top-six minutes in a regular lineup is a central storyline of camp. The plan remains to maximize development for their young players while also defending a roster structure that, for now, seems to favor a balanced mix of veteran depth and young upside.

On the ice, the competition extends beyond the forwards. Isaiah George and Ethan Bear — both of whom played Tuesday — are trying to displace Adam Boqvist as the Islanders’ seventh defenseman, but those spots typically hinge on organizational needs and injury plans. “It’s no secret that it’s competitive fighting for a spot,” MacLean said. “I don’t think it’s different [than last year]. I think every year you’re hungry, you want to show something. This year, no secret, just got to worry about myself, bring my game, work hard and stay hungry.”

The Islanders’ approach to training camp aims to balance immediate roster needs with long-term development. The roster picture remains fluid as the team moves toward the start of the regular season, with the health of Engvall and the performance of the camp invites expected to shape the final 23.