Islanders to Give Prospects a Look in Season Finale

New York will prioritize youth over veterans in final game after missing playoffs

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and the puck and ice represented by intersecting lines, capturing the energy and movement of the sport in a deconstructed, multi-perspective style.The Islanders' season-ending lineup changes will give their top prospects a chance to showcase their skills and make their case for a roster spot next year.Boston Today

The New York Islanders have officially been eliminated from playoff contention, prompting new head coach Peter DeBoer to shift his focus towards evaluating the team's top prospects in the final game of the season. DeBoer is expected to make lineup changes to get a closer look at players like 2025 first-round picks Matthew Schaefer and Victor Eklund, as well as 2024 first-rounder Cole Eiserman and defenseman Jesse Pulkkinen. Veteran winger Ondrej Palat, who has struggled this season, is likely to be a healthy scratch.

Why it matters

With the Islanders out of the playoff race, this final game provides a valuable opportunity for the organization to get an extended look at their top young talent and plan for the future. Integrating these prospects into the lineup could give the team a glimpse of their long-term potential and help guide offseason roster decisions.

The details

DeBoer told NHL.com's Stefen Rosner that he plans to incorporate the Islanders' top prospects into the lineup for the season finale on Tuesday. This includes 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer, as well as 2025 first-rounders Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson. 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman, who recently signed his first pro contract, and defenseman Jesse Pulkkinen, who has split time between the ECHL and AHL, could also make their NHL debuts. To make room, veteran winger Ondrej Palat, who has just one point in his last 10 games, is expected to be a healthy scratch.

  • The Islanders have been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
  • The Islanders' final game of the season is on Tuesday.

The players

Peter DeBoer

The head coach of the New York Islanders, who was hired in April after the team fired Patrick Roy.

Matthew Schaefer

The Islanders' 2025 first-overall draft pick, who has been a key part of the team's future plans.

Victor Eklund

The Islanders' 2025 first-round draft pick, who has already turned pro and has nine points in seven AHL games with Bridgeport.

Cole Eiserman

The Islanders' 2024 first-round draft pick, who recently signed his first pro contract after two seasons at Boston University.

Ondrej Palat

A veteran winger who was acquired by the Islanders in a trade in January, but has struggled with just one point in his last 10 games.

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What they’re saying

“Now, DeBoer – who signed a multi-year deal in New York – will shift his attention towards getting a look at the Islanders' top prospects in their final game of the season on Tuesday.”

— Peter DeBoer, Head Coach

What’s next

The Islanders will use their final game of the season to evaluate their top prospects, which could help guide their offseason roster decisions and planning for the future.

The takeaway

With the Islanders out of playoff contention, this final game provides a valuable opportunity to integrate the team's top young talent into the lineup and get an extended look at their long-term potential. Prioritizing prospect development over veteran players shows the organization is focused on building for the future.