Islanders Backcheck: Questions Surrounding RFAs, Changes in Bridgeport

Good morning folks.

Before we dive into the week that was, let's take a moment to remember former New York Islanders player and assistant coach Bil MacMillan, who passed away Saturday night at the age of 80. 

MacMillan not only served as an assistant coach on the Islanders' 1980 Stanley Cup team but was the first head coach in New Jersey Devils history. 

The New York Islanders lost out on Alex DeBrincat, and that's okay. But if the Islanders are going to be Stanley Cup contenders entering the 2023-24 season, there needs to be a Plan B:

Islanders Lamoriello Not to Blame For DeBrincat, Executing Plan B a Need

Here is the New York Islanders organizational depth chart:

Islanders Organizational Depth Chart, Areas of Strengths & Weaknesses

With the New York Islanders missing out on Alex DeBrincat, there's still a need for a top-six left winger. Taking a chance on Filip Zadina could have paid off, but he's now a San Jose Shark:

Why Zadina Could Have Been a Strong Fit With Islanders

After 10 total seasons as the New York Islanders AHL head coach, Brent Thompson joins the Anaheim Ducks coaching staff:

Longtime Bridgeport Islanders Head Coach Brent Thompson Joins Anaheim Ducks Staff

On Wednesday, 14-year NHL netminder Thomas Greiss decided to call it a career. The 37-year-old played for six teams over his NHL career, which included five seasons as a member of the New York Islanders:

Former Islanders Netminder Thomas Greiss Retires, What He Meant To Organization

Former New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey is still an unrestricted free agent. Is there a next stop?

What's Next For Former Islander Josh Bailey?

On Sunday, New York Islanders legend John Tonelli will be inducted into the New York Hockey Hall of Fame. Stan Fischler will also be inducted:

Former Islanders Legend John Tonelli Heads to the New York Hockey Hall of Fame

New York Islanders goaltending prospect Jakub Skarek was tendered a qualifying offer on June 30. He has yet to sign it, as we could see him and the Islanders part ways this summer:

Why Islanders & Goalie Prospect Skarek May Be Parting Ways This Summer

With former Bridgeport Islanders head coach Brent Thompson heading to Anaheim to join their NHL staff, the New York Islanders have announced that Bridgeport assistant coach Rick Kowalsky has been promoted:

Kowalsky Named Head Coach of Bridgeport Islanders, The Need to Develop Top-Six Talent

On Thursday, the New York Islanders announced that they had named Rick Kowalsky, head coach of the Bridgeport Islanders, after Brent Thompson took a role with the Anaheim Ducks. On Friday, Kowalsky addressed the media:

Newly Appointed Bridgeport Head Coach Rick Kowalsky Discusses New Role & Outlook

The New York Islanders' prospect pool is not one that has stood out for the right reasons over the last handful of years. But newly-appointed Bridgeport Islanders head coach Rick Kowalsky is rather high on players in the system:

Kowalsky Dives Into 3 Islanders Prospects

Saturday at 5 PM ET marked the deadline for restricted free agents to sign their qualifying offers. The New York Islanders had two players who chose not to sign:

Islanders Wahlstrom & Skarek Do Not Sign Qualifying Offers