The 2025-26 NHL season starts Oct. 7. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the New York Islanders.

Last season: 35-35-12, sixth in Metropolitan Division; missed Stanley Cup Playoffs

Coach: Patrick Roy (third season)

Biggest challenge

Getting special teams back on par. The Islanders were 31st (12.6 percent) on the power play last season, down from 19th (20.4 percent) in 2023-24. The penalty kill was next to last (72.2 percent) after being last (71.5 percent) the season before. Jonathan Drouin , signed to a two-year contract July 1, had 12 power-play points (three goals, nine assists) in 43 games for the Colorado Avalanche, which would have tied defenseman Noah Dobson , since traded to the Montreal Canadiens, for the Isla

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