Islanders' Regular-Season Finale to Have Preseason Tryout Feel

Coach DeBoer plans to evaluate new players in final game after team's playoff elimination.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:38am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an Islanders hockey game, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the energy and movement of the sport in an abstract, conceptual way.A cubist interpretation of the Islanders' final regular-season game, with the team using the matchup to evaluate new talent for the future.East Meadow Today

With the New York Islanders officially eliminated from playoff contention, head coach Pete DeBoer indicated he plans to use the team's final regular-season game against the Carolina Hurricanes as an opportunity to evaluate new players, including potential call-ups from the AHL's Bridgeport team. DeBoer said he wants to see 'as many guys as possible' in game action as the Islanders look ahead to the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

The Islanders' disappointing season has led to a focus on the future, with DeBoer using the final game to assess young talent and get a head start on preparations for next year. This gives fans a preview of potential roster changes and allows the team to begin the rebuilding process.

The details

After the Islanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday with a 4-1 loss to the Canadiens, DeBoer indicated he'd like to use the last game of the season against Carolina on Tuesday to 'see as many guys as possible.' This could include a debut for AHL Bridgeport player Victor Eklund, and is likely to feature defenseman Isaiah George and other call-ups. DeBoer said he wants to see as many potential future contributors as possible in game action.

  • The Islanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Islanders' final regular-season game against the Carolina Hurricanes is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Pete DeBoer

The head coach of the New York Islanders, hired just a week ago.

Victor Eklund

A player for the Islanders' AHL affiliate Bridgeport team who could make his NHL debut in the final game.

Isaiah George

An Islanders defenseman who is expected to play in the final game.

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What they’re saying

“I'll have to talk to Mathieu [Darche] about roster and some things like that. But for me, the more guys I can see in game action that are potentially part of this going forward, I think that's important.”

— Pete DeBoer, Head Coach

“I'm disappointed. I know they were in a good spot a month ago, or coming out of the Olympic break, probably. A lot of work goes into that. I can only speak to the last seven days.”

— Pete DeBoer, Head Coach

What’s next

The Islanders will use the final game of the 2025-26 season to evaluate potential call-ups and young talent as they look ahead to the 2026-27 campaign and begin the rebuilding process.

The takeaway

With the Islanders' playoff hopes dashed, the team is shifting its focus to the future by using the final game of the season as a preseason-like tryout for new players. This allows the coaching staff to get an early look at potential contributors for next year as the organization begins the process of retooling the roster.