The 2024-25 season did not go the New York Islanders' way, but Simon Holmstrom was a major bright spot. The 24-year-old’s breakout followed a 2023-24 campaign defined by two distinct halves. He tallied 11 goals and five primary assists in his first 37 games, third-most on the team at that point, but managed just four goals over his final 38 games before going pointless in three playoff appearances. At just 22 years old, that level of inconsistency was understandable, particularly given his fluctuating ice time during the Islanders’ mid-season coaching change. While 2024-25 brought its fair share of goal streaks and droughts, Holmstrom put together a breakout season, setting career highs in goals (20), assists (25), points (45), and average ice time per game (16:52). He notably finished in the top four among Islanders skaters in each offensive category while primarily seeing time on the second power play unit. Holmstrom’s breakout stemmed from his elevated role and slight increase in shot frequency, with an average ice time per game of over three and a half minutes and 24 total shots on goal, from 2023-24 to 2024-25. While he ranked just second-to-last in 5v5 shots per 60 minutes among Islanders forwards (4.04) – leading only Matt Martin (3.77) – he ranked first in shooting percentage (20%), the highest among Islanders forwards. Among all NHL forwards who scored at least 20 goals, he ranked dead last in shots (96) and in the bottom five in shot attempts (208). Though already established among Islanders faithful, Holmstrom cemented himself as one of the Islanders' top defensive forwards. While Holmstrom’s on-ice metrics hovered around the team average, his role was among the toughest. He started the second-highest rate of 5v5 shifts in the defensive zone and ranked top five on the team in both total ice time and percentage of time spent against ‘elite’ competition, per PuckIQ’s criteria. The data reinforces what was already clear: within his role, Holmstrom’s defensive impact was outstanding, and the Islanders have every reason to be encouraged by his growth. He also finished the 2024-25 season with the fewest penalty minutes per game on the team and the best penalty differential, drawing nine more minors than he took – a net gain of approximately 2.1 goals based on league-average power-play rates. He was also a regular on the penalty kill, trailing only JG Pageau in total ice time while finishing top three in goals against (8.64) and expected goals against (9.74) per 60 minutes among forwards, according to Natural Stat Trick. He also led the Islanders in short-handed points (four), tied with Pageau. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0239c066-379d-4c60-8af4-af33cce6aa51.jpeg] Final Verdict: A There was plenty to like about Holmstrom’s game in 2024-25, but perhaps the most encouraging development was his ability to firmly establish himself as a top-six option. Whether skating alongside Pageau, Casey Cizikas, or Bo Horvat, Holmstrom consistently made an impact, offering Patrick Roy flexibility heading into 2025-26. One certainty is Holmstrom’s role on the penalty kill, where the Islanders expect him to anchor the first unit alongside Pageau. At 5v5, he could slot in anywhere in the top nine, from the first line with Horvat and Jonathan Drouin, to the second with Mathew Barzal, or back on the third with Pageau. The case for putting Holmstrom on the top line is compelling: his high-end skating and elite shot make him a natural fit next to Drouin’s creativity and Horvat’s intelligence. While Kyle Palmieri is the leading candidate for the role, Holmstrom is by no means a long shot. It could also make sense to pair Holstrom with Barzal, pairing the Islanders' best raw goal scorer with their best playmaker and skater. The two spent just 55 minutes together at 5v5 in 2024-25, but could quickly gain chemistry if put alongside another goal scorer. Anders Lee immediately comes to mind, given his history alongside Barzal, though Roy may opt to give Anthony Duclair another shot alongside Barzal, given his speed. If Russian rookie Maxim Shabanov impresses out of camp, he could also get a look on the second line. The fourth, and least likely, candidate to round out the line would be Pageau. Holstrom and Pageau’s chemistry is widely known, and Barzal has had success alongside Pageau in recent seasons. However, this trio would only play together if rookie Calum Ritchie forced his way into the lineup out of training camp. While this is entirely possible, the Islanders have a surplus of NHL-ready forwards, likely preferring to give Ritchie first-line minutes in the AHL as opposed to burying him in the NHL’s bottom-six and off the power play. However, it is possible that Ritchie could be a future linemate of Holmstrom, given his strong playmaking and two-way game. Playing alongside Barzal on the second line is the most likely outcome. Still, Holmstrom may open the season alongside Pageau on the third line, solidifying the Islanders' depth with one of hockey’s better bottom-six groups. Similar to last season, increasing Holmstrom’s ice time will directly increase his point production, so fans can expect another 20-goal, 45-point season with real potential for 25+ goals and 50+ points. CoreNHL’s model projects Holmstrom to provide an estimated $5.3 million of value in 2025-26. Stefen Rosner [https://x.com/stefen_rosner] contributed to this report.
