Islanders' Simon Holmstrom promoted to 1st line as season nears end

Young forward looks to spark struggling Islanders with new top-line role

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Islanders' team colors of blue, red, and white, conveying the chaotic energy and multiple perspectives of a hockey game.A cubist interpretation of an Islanders hockey game captures the dynamic energy and fractured perspectives of the team's late-season push for the playoffs.Elmont Today

New York Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom has been promoted to the team's first line by new head coach Pete DeBoer as the Islanders fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. Holmstrom, a 24-year-old winger, has been one of the Islanders' more consistent forwards this season and is now set to play alongside captain Anders Lee and newly acquired center Bo Horvat.

Why it matters

The Islanders have lost four straight games and are in danger of missing the playoffs. Holmstrom's promotion to the top line is an attempt by the new coaching staff to spark the team's offense and get their season back on track with just four games remaining.

The details

Holmstrom has scored 19 goals this season, including 15 in his last 46 games after a slow start. He has also developed into one of the Islanders' most important penalty killers. While he has played with Lee before, this will be the first time Holmstrom plays alongside Horvat, who was acquired in a trade earlier this season. The last few days of practice have been crucial for the new-look top line to build chemistry.

  • The Islanders have lost four straight games heading into Thursday night's clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • Holmstrom is one goal shy of his second straight 20-goal season.

The players

Simon Holmstrom

A 24-year-old forward who has been one of the Islanders' more consistent players this season, scoring 19 goals.

Pete DeBoer

The Islanders' new head coach, who was hired on Saturday and is making changes to the lineup in an attempt to spark the team's struggling offense.

Bo Horvat

The Islanders' newly acquired center, who will now play on the top line alongside Holmstrom and captain Anders Lee.

Anders Lee

The Islanders' captain, who will be reunited with Holmstrom on the top line after the two have played together on the third line at times this season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not trying to put too much thought into it. I just want to keep playing the same way I have been. I'm just happy to play with Bo and Lee now and try to make the best of it.”

— Simon Holmstrom

“We had a lot of discussion. I'll be honest with you, I'm relying a lot on our staff who have watched these guys all year for early combinations. I don't know the group well enough to give a strong opinion on who should play with who. We also look at analytics. But Holmstrom has had a really good year. He's a young guy, almost 20 goals. He deserves to play up in the lineup based on what he's done so far.”

— Pete DeBoer, Islanders Head Coach

“I think our games fit pretty good with each other. He's got a really good shot, he's a great goal scorer, he's strong with the puck, and he's a good skater. I think I can contribute with some playmaking and create some space for him as well out there. We have Lee in front, who is always around the net, and I think it'll be a good line.”

— Simon Holmstrom

What’s next

The Islanders will look to snap their four-game losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night.

The takeaway

Holmstrom's promotion to the Islanders' top line is a last-ditch effort by the new coaching staff to spark the team's struggling offense and salvage their season. The young forward has earned the opportunity with his consistent play, and the Islanders are hoping the new-look line can provide a much-needed boost as they fight to keep their playoff dreams alive.