New York Islanders News

Vanecek has seen limited action lately, with only three starts since the beginning of January (3-0-1), but was tremendous in last week's 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, saving all 16 shots he faced for his first shutout in a Utah jersey. The 30-year-old Czech goalie has a solid 2.22 GAA and .917 SV% in his last five games (2-2-1). The Mammoth enter Monday's contest as significant -222 road favourites against a Chicago Blackhawks team that lost 4-3 in overtime last night to the Dallas Stars.

Varlamov has not played in the 2025-26 season due to a knee injury and Islanders' GM Mathieu Darche announced on Friday that he does not expect Varlamov back this season. The 37-year-old veteran goalie has one year remaining on his contract with the Islanders.

Pageau, in his seventh season with the Islanders, has signed a three-year contract extension. The 33-year-old forward has solidified his reputation as a reliable two-way forward, perfectly fitting the playing style of the Islanders. In 55 games this season, he is averaging 15:28 time-on-ice, recording 29 points (14G / 15A), 45 blocks, and 81 hits.

After nine seasons with the St. Louis Blues, Schenn will join his fourth NHL team after being acquired in a trade by the New York Islanders. The 34-year-old Schenn will add some grit and goal scoring to an Islanders team trying to secure a spot in the postseason. In 61 games with the Blues this season, Schenn scored 28 points (12G / 16A) and recorded 138 hits.

After Buffalo missed out on Colton Parakyo earlier on Thursday, they ended the day by acquiring defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn from Winnipeg for Isak Rosen, Jacob Bryson, a 2027 2nd Round Pick, and conditional 2026 4th Round Pick as a consolation prize. Stanley is a 27-year-old towering defender who had spent his first six NHL seasons with WInnipeg. He has already set career highs in most statistical categories this season including goals (9), points (21), PIMs (99) and PPP (1).

Pulock is expected to return to the Islanders lineup on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's game due to maintenance. The 31-year-old defenseman has 24 points (3G / 21A) in 59 games this season.

With this being the final game before the trade deadline and Stanley presumably being healthy, scratching him seems likely to be due to roster management reasons. Luke Schenn will also join Stanley in the press box on Thursday, while Isaak Phillips and Ville Heinola will draw into the lineup.

Vanecek has not played in over a month and will make his post-Olympic break return to the crease on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 30-year-old Czech goalie only has one win in his last 11 outings (1-8-2), posting a subpar 3.19 GAA and .876 SV%. He has allowed three or more goals in four of his last five games (1-3-1). The Mammoth enter Thursday's contest as -120 road favourites against a Flyers team on a three-game winning streak.

Vanecek has not played in over a month and will make his post-Olympic break return to the crease on Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 30-year-old Czech goalie only has one win in his last 11 outings (1-8-2), posting a subpar 3.19 GAA and .876 SV%. He has allowed three or more goals in four of his last five games (1-3-1). The Mammoth enter Thursday's contest as -120 road favourites against a Flyers team on a three-game winning streak.

Pulock played 22:12 time-on-ice and recorded an assist in the Islanders' previous game and was given the day off from practice on Tuesday for maintenance. That said, he will not play on Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 31-year-old defenseman has 24 points (3G / 21A) in 59 games this season. Adam Boqvist will enter the lineup as Pulock's replacement.

Duclair was a healthy scratch in the Islanders' final game before the Olympic break, following a game where he only played 3:04 time-on-ice. He made his return to the lineup in New York's previous game, but is clearly in poor standing with the team at the moment and will return to the sidelines. The 30-year-old Duclair has one assist and a -4 plus/minus in his last six games.

Pulock played 22:12 time-on-ice and recorded an assist in the Islanders' previous game and was given the day off from practice on Tuesday for maintenance. That said, he is hopeful to play on Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 31-year-old defenseman has 24 points (3G / 21A) in 59 games this season.

Sorokin is 2-0-0 since returning from the Olympic break and will look to continue his winning ways when he returns to the crease in the tail end of a back-to-back, on Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 30-year-old Sorokin has battled some adversity in recent weeks, allowing three or more goals in eight of his last 12 games, but has still managed an impressive 9-3-0 record while posting a solid 2.51 GAA and .914 SV%.