What We Learned About The Islanders In Week One Of NHL Free Agency

NHL Free Agency is just a week old, but we've learned a lot about the New York Islanders over this stretch.

PATRICK ROY'S IMPACTING THE ROSTER

When Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello hired Patrick Roy, there was a belief that the Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender would have a say in his roster—unlike the situation he had under Joe Sakic in Colorado—which ultimately led to his departure.

Lamoriello said at their shared end-of-the-year press conference that they'd work together.

But, like everything, actions speak louder than words.

The actions were prevalent on day one of free agency when the Islanders inked Anthony Duclair to a four-year deal worth $3.5 million annually.

Duclair, who had never had more than a three-year deal over his 10 years in the NHL—eight teams—took less money to join Long Island.

The reason was Roy.

"He gave me a call this morning and told me that he wanted me," Duclair said when we spoke with him on Monday night. "And when a coach calls you and tells you he wants you on his team, it's hard to say no, especially when it's Pat."

Related: Patrick Roy Is The Reason Anthony Duclair Signed With Islanders

In a similar situation, journeyman defenseman Mike Reilly , who joined the Islanders last season via waivers in late November, became a staple on the backend.

His game took another step when Roy walked through the doors, as he brought the skating and transitioning ability to a backend that was desperately missing that skillset.

As the season progressed, Reilly was confident that his game fit Roy's to a tee and that he'd welcome an extension.

"[Roy's] philosophy is a more aggressive approach. I think it forces the defense and even the forwards to use your feet," Reilly told The Hockey News on May 10. "You're not really trying to stand still as much. You're attacking the puck. If there's a loose puck, go get it and join the rush. I haven't been held back. Obviously, there are times and places in the game, but it's been a good structure and system, philosophy-wise, and I feel like that suits me the way they want to play here."

Related: Islanders Bring Back Mike Reilly On One-Year Deal

Roy's style and philosophy are unique; not every player understands or enjoys them.

But his ability to get Reilly to buy in immediately -- the same way Mathew Barzal did, which had a clear trickling down effect -- was paramount to New York making the playoffs but also key to success beyond the 2023-24 season.

Without Roy, it's doubtful the Islanders would have been able to bring in Duclair, who may not be the flashy top-line forward that the fan base was hoping for.

But he brings foot speed and a dangerous game off the rush, which should make Bo Horvat and Barzal even more of a threat if they play together.

And if it weren't for Roy's system, Reilly likely wouldn't have had the chance to flourish and show his importance.

SAMUEL BOLDUC'S ELEVATED ROLE

One of the biggest questions entering the offseason was what the Islanders' backend would look like in 2024-25.

There wasn't an immediate need to add a defenseman, but if they could bolster the group—like every team—they'd likely see what was around.

But the Islanders, a team cap-strapped from the start, didn't have the cap space to compete with the contracts handed out on day one, which is why Reilly's coming back at a $1.25 million cap hit was huge for the team.

But there was still a question that remained unanswered -- one that is still a question mark as the summer progresses.

Who would serve as the extra defenseman?

The answer became more apparent on day two of free agency when Sebastian Aho inked a two-year deal at league minimum ($750,000) with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Aho's camp had told The Hockey News that he wanted to remain on the island , the only place he'd played over his five-year NHL career.

But the Islanders—again, with cap space being an issue—made a choice, and the choice was to let Aho go, which means one thing for now: Samuel Bolduc is the team's seventh defenseman.

Related: How Sebastian Aho's Departure Affects Samuel Bolduc's Role With Islanders

When Roy took over, he said that Bolduc would get playing time and that there would be a rotation on the backend.

But Bolduc quickly fell out of the rotation, playing just three games before riding the pine until Game 82, a meaningless game against the Penguins.

The 23-year-old Quebec native scored two goals with three assists in 34 games, averaging 13:09 minutes per game.

Bolduc showed flashes of what he could bring to the table, but his lack of consistency and consistent play from Reilly made Roy's decision easy.

There's no question that Bolduc has the skills. When the former second-round pick is on his game, he is a big body who can win battles in corners. He has the hockey IQ and accuracy to make outlet passes. He can skate the puck up and certainly knows how to get shots on goal.

The problem is his confidence.

Seeing Aho walk out the door, his "playing time rival" for lack of a better phrase, should do a lot for Bolduc's confidence heading into camp.

THE WILLINGNESS TO KEEP PAGEAU

Because of centerman Jean-Gabriel Pageau's $5 million cap hit through 2025-26, he became the subject of many trade rumors this summer.

The 31-year-old hasn't been the same offensive player he once was ever since injuring his wrist in the Canadian bubble during the COVID-19 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This past season, Pageau only scored 11 goals with 23 assists, took a step back in the face-off dot, especially in the critical situations, and struggled to lead the penalty kill, which ranked worst in the NHL, operating at 71.5 percent.

But that didn't mean Pageau was going to be dealt.

And with the 2024 NHL Draft in the rearview mirror as well as the first week of free agency, it's more than likely that Pageau will remain on the island for 2024-25 for a few reasons.

One is that the Islanders likely believe, and rightfully so, that Pageau has positive trade value. Another is his connection with newcomer Duclair, as they have been good friends since they both donned the Ottawa Senators jerseys earlier in their careers.

"Yeah, Pager’s an awesome dude," Duclair said. "We stayed in contact ever since we both left Ottawa. He's a close friend of mine. We actually talked today. I'm just very excited to be joining him again. I think we both had some success together as linemates in Ottawa. He's a guy that's extremely smart, plays a 200-foot game, and is very reliable."

If the Islanders were to move Pageau—he has a 16-team no-trade list, by the way—the Islanders would have ZERO right-handed centers.

It might not be a big deal on the surface, especially if the space created by moving his contract could be used to bring aboard another top-six forward, but it matters a whole heck of a lot with face-offs and positioning off face-offs.

With week two of free agency underway, the Islanders do have things to take care of.

Will the Islanders move Oliver Wahlstrom before the team and his agent get to arbitration?

Is prospect Ruslan Iskhahov, who received a qualifying offer, serious about going to the KHL, or is this an agent tactic to get the Islanders to give the silky forward an NHL spot?

Can any move be made to create some cap-space breathing room with just $900,000 in available space?

The NHL offseason rolls on...

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