Despite the optimism that comes with Peter DeBoer\u2019s first full season behind the Islanders\u2019 bench, there\u2019s always a risk of things falling apart. And if they do, it could lead the organization down another path.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at the two paths facing the Islanders.<\/p>\n
The first path is where everything comes up roses. DeBoer proves to be the defining factor that leads the Islanders back to the playoffs and a prolonged run. His tutelage helps build a successful defensive structure in front of Ilya Sorokin, taking an elite-level goalie to a whole new level.<\/p>\n
The solid defensive play meshes with timely scoring<\/a> and turns the Isles into a solid playoff contender for the foreseeable future. The veteran core begins to coalesce with the younger pieces coming up the pipeline, ushering in a golden age in Long Island.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not a bedtime story. It\u2019s something that could very well unfold if everything happens to work out perfectly.<\/p>\n However, there\u2019s a scenario that no one really wants to see.<\/p>\n Islanders could speed into full-on rebuild<\/p>\n There\u2019s always the possibility that things end up falling apart. DeBoer\u2019s influence may not be nearly enough to transform a core that is past its prime. While individual players may have good seasons, they may not mesh well as a team.<\/p>\n The result on the ice would be a subpar product, leading to questions about the need for a full-on rebuild. At that point, the organization might consider dropping everything and just building around Matthew Schaefer.<\/a><\/p>\n A rebuild wouldn\u2019t be the craziest idea in the world, considering the talent coming up through the pipeline. Islanders fans could see players like Calum Ritchie take over meaningful full-time roles, with Simon Holmstrom, Emil Heineman, and Kyle MacLean becoming the \u201cveterans\u201d on the squad.<\/p>\n The Islanders could go ahead and call up younger pieces like Cole Eiserman, Quinn Finley, Victor Eklund, and Daniil Prokhorov to see what they can do.<\/p>\n The blue line could see an infusion of talent from Isaiah George, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Jesse Pulkkinen. Alexander Romanov could remain as the \u201celder statesman\u201d on the blueline.<\/p>\n Yes, such a scenario would seem like a last-resort type of thing. But it\u2019s not something fans should discount.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the likeliest path for the Islanders in 2026-27?<\/p>\n The Islanders are too good to flop this upcoming season. The team should be better than it was last season. While other division rivals have stocked up, there\u2019s also a chance that some Metro Division teams could take a step back.<\/p>\n If they do, it might just make life a little easier for the Islanders. But we\u2019re not counting on that. We\u2019re counting on the Islanders being the sort of team that can take on all comers. That\u2019s why the beginning of the season will be crucial for the club.<\/p>\n The best thing the Isles can do is just get off to a strong start and take it from there.<\/p>\n
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