Breakout Candidate: Maxim Shabanov, RW
The Islanders won the sweepstakes to ink Shabanov, who posted 23 goals and 67 points in 65 regular-season appearances with KHL Chelyabinsk in 2024-25. He added another 10 goals and 20 points across 21 playoff outings. Skill is not a question, but Shabanov is just 5-8. 156 pounds, so his size could be a detriment. Given how the league has changed. There is a spot for Shabanov, who could end up on the first line.
Buy Low Candidate: Jonathan Drouin, LW
Drouin slots in here as many may feel that his production, which was so-so last year, will crater not next to Nathan MacKinnon. He is a solid complimentary piece who should benefit skating next to Mathew Barzal, who is more of a playmaker than scorer. As long as Drouin remains on the top line and PP, points should ensure.
Riser: Matthew Schaefer, D
Schaefer, the first overall pick, is as a good of a person as he is a player. His upside is substantive, as he eventually will be the team’s first-pair d-man and power play QB. Putting all that on an 18-year old rookie is a bit much, so look for him to be sheltered and eased into action, Growth should come in the second half of the year.
Faller: Anders Lee, LW
Lee notched 29 goals last season, his most 2017-18. The additional talent up front will take some of the pressure off Lee but also adversely impact his scoring. Expecting another 54-point season is a bit much. Look for Lee to finish in 45 or so point range with a decline in goal production.
All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com, moneypuck.com, hockeyviz.com, allthreezones.com, hockey-reference.com, eliteprospects.com unless otherwise noted.