The New York Islanders did not do much reworking of their roster this summer, focusing heavily on retaining players while bringing in some more depth options. What that shows is that the organization is continuing to put its belief in the veterans of the club, and the youngsters, who they expect to take that next step.

The New York Islanders did not do much reworking of their roster this summer, focusing heavily on retaining players while bringing in some more depth options.

What that shows is that the organization is continuing to put its belief in the club's veterans and the youngsters, who they expect to take that next step.

1. OLIVER WAHLSTROM

Fischler: In the past, we've seen an On-Again-Off-Again-On-Again Ollie. But he's come of age. Instead of being the Isles best scorer one week and invisible the next, we're going to see an On-On and On-Ollie.

Rosner: Although Wahlstrom's 2022-23 season was cut short halfway through, we saw a player who showed he understood how to play a two-way, responsible game, which will be the only way he earns top-six minutes this season. There's still the belief that he can be the goal scorer this team has longed for, and now it's time for him to prove it. 

READ MORE: One Year For Wahlstrom, Development & Decisions

2. ALEXANDER ROMANOV

Fischler: No more bottom pair stuff for Big Al. Now that he's fully acclimatized to being an Islander, his foes had better get acclimatized to this Russian's lock-down, knock-down game.

Rosner: It may have taken Romanov half the season to understand the Islanders' system, but once he did, he was one of the Islanders' best defensemen. Unfortunately, an upper-body injury late in the season affected his readiness for the playoffs, as he missed the first two games. Romanov's growth was undeniable, and he has the ability not just to help make the backend dominant again but also can help Noah Dobson flourish. 

READ MORE: Romanov's Exponential Growth Could Catapult Dobson

3. SAMUEL BOLDUC

Fischler: Oh, what a wonderful long reach he has, along with smooth skating. Sammy has the tools to be a latter-day Kenny Jonsson, playing the heady game. He may not be a top or even second-pair guy, but he is usable. We saw some of that last spring.

Rosner: Bolduc was rather impressive in his first stint with the Islanders, but his second showcased a lack of confidence, which negatively impacted his performance. He was thrown into the fire for the first two games of the playoffs with Romanov out, but if he can show more of what he showed initially, Bolduc can be a force for New York. 

READ MORE: Islanders Ink Bolduc to 2-Year Extension, What He Showed in Year 1

4. SEBASTIAN AHO

Fischler: Granted, he's not an All-Star -- at least not yet -- but he does everything you'd want from a bottom-pair guy and then some. He's agile, smart, gutsy, a good puck-mover and agile. I'd put him on the right point on the second power-play unit as a passer.

Rosner: It may have taken Aho a few years to solidify himself as a reliable defenseman, and this past season, he proved he can be serviceable as a bottom-pairing guy while also helping out on the power play. Now, it seems that the Islanders want Aho to go to war with Bolduc for the final spot, and while Bolduc should win, Aho will certainly give him a run for his money. Maybe, not as young as the other players on this list, Aho has only been an everyday player for one year and has the chance to repeat that in year five. 

READ MORE: Just How Good is the Islanders Defense?

5. SIMON HOLMSTROM

Fischler: Granted that it wasn't a whole heckuva lot, but I liked what I saw; especially his hand work along with skating. With more ice time, he could be a solid third-line winger and, eventually, up to the second line at 15-20 red lights. He has a "lunch pail" mindset for corner battles.

Rosner: The offense wasn't there for Holmstrom in his rookie season, but the responsible defense was, which is what earned him minutes. With Zach Parise potentially not coming back, Holmstrom has a glorious chance to win that job at camp but will have to battle Hudson Fasching, Julien Gauthier, and others for the spot. If Holmstrom can find more offense without weakening his defensive game, he can be a significant part of this team going forward. 

READ MORE: Islanders Simon Holmstrom Goes 1-On-1