What Happens If Islanders Simon Holmstrom Doesn't Sign His Qualifying Offer?

The expectation is that by 5 PM ET on Monday, New York Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom will have signed his $874,124 qualifying offer.

But what happens if he decides not to?

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Holmstrom is a restricted free agent, but unlike RFAs who weren't tendered qualifying offers, the 23-year-old doesn't become an unrestricted free agent.

He'll remain an RFA, as the Islanders still hold his rights.

Why wouldn't Holmstrom sign his QO?

If Holmstrom and his camp, who weren't arbitration eligible, believe he deserves more than his QO, they can certainly discuss a raise with Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello.

The two sides can agree on a one-year deal at a new price or even a multi-year extension if that's the route the organization wants to go.

The extension may not be about a pay raise but more about pressure, as it's always a prove-it year when a player enters a season on an expiring contract.

For example, Fasching signed a two-year extension last summer worth $775,000 annually.

Given the Islanders' current cap situation, with just $900,000 in space before committing a dime to Holmstrom, things get dicey if the former first-round pick asks for more than that annually.

Holmstrom did increase his production from his rookie season (six goals, three assists) to his sophomore campaign, scoring 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points in 75 games.

His five shorthanded goals were second most in the NHL behind Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny.

Per our roster projection for the 2024-25 season, Holmstrom will battle Fasching for the final forward spot on the fourth line alongside Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean.

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