However, some injuries held the team back a bit at the end of the season, and they ended up narrowly missing the playoffs. Coming into the summer, there was certainly some hope that the team would go make a splash and try to get better.<\/p>\n
That ended up not being the case, and New York will instead be relying on some players returning from injury and some of the younger guys getting better. Now, while that could happen, it doesn\u2019t help them right now look like a contender on paper.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sara Civian of Bleacher Report<\/a> recently ranked the top Stanley Cup contenders as of now. Unfortunately for the Islanders, they didn\u2019t make the top 10.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nov 22, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche speaks with fans at a pre-game event prior to the game against the St. Louis Blues at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images \/ IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n After just missing the playoffs last year, that will be the ultimate goal for the team<\/a> coming into the 2026-27 campaign. If things go right, this team can certainly be in the mix for a playoff spot, and anything can happen if they make it to the dance.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, due to the lack of moves this offseason, there is reason to be concerned about the outlook. Of the additions, the team only added Matias Maccelli to their forward group, but they did lose Anders Lee, which will be a significant blow.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n