Noah Pedrazzoli examines the New York Islanders’ forwards leading the charge early in the 2025-2026 season!
The New York Islanders have had a rocky start to the season by essentially playing .500 hockey. But after a dominant win over the New York Rangers, here are a few players that belong in the spotlight.
Bo Horvat
With Matthew Schaefer putting the defense on his back, Horvat has been the catalyst for the Islanders’ offense. The first-line center has been a workhorse and was tied for first in scoring alongside Sydney Crosby and Cutter Gauthier after scoring his 10th and 11th goals in Saturday’s shutout.
They were all then superseded by Nathan Mackinnon who scored his 12th against the Edmonton Oilers. Nevertheless, Horvat currently has 11 goals and 7 assists for 18 points in 15 games, which leads the team. Mat Barzal is in second with 12 points.
Bo Horvat scores a gorgeous one-timer against the San Jose Sharks
What makes Horvat’s play so interesting is that he’s currently accomplishing these feats without Mat Barzal. Barzal was separated from his wing at the start of the season to serve as the team’s second-line center (but often rejoins him on the power play). Instead, Horvat has played alongside Emil Heineman and Kyle Palmieri most recently. Heineman, acquired in the Noah Dobson trade, has been an unexpected delight as he has consistently produced alongside Horvat on the top line.
With Horvat’s newfound chemistry with Heineman and his continued ability to carry the Islanders’ offense, Horvat is the shining star the Islanders have needed: a consistent scoring center that has been phenomenal in the face-off dot and has contributed at both ends of the ice. dominant top-line center and not many teams can bask in that luxury.
“Horvat is the shining star that the Islanders have needed: a consistent scoring center that has been phenomenal in the face-off dot and has contributed at both ends of the ice.”
Emil Heineman
The 6’2”, 194-pound winger has become a favorite after 15 games played. In those games, Heineman produced 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 points. At this rate, he will easily surpass his 2024-2025 career high of 10 goals and 8 assists in 62 games.
There were many eyebrows raised when general manager Mathieu Darche reportedly insisted on Heineman being included in Montreal’s trade package for Dobson. Heineman is known for his shot and physical presence as well as his Montreal Canadiens tenure being cut short due to a car accident that caused a season-ending injury during the 2024-2025 season.
But his recent production has been a feather in the cap for Darche for acquiring an adaptable winger with scoring acumen. For a player projected to be a bottom-sixer, the Swedish forward has been a pleasant surprise for a franchise that continues to retool for the future.
EMIL'S 5TH OF THE SEASON AND 2ND OF THE GAME. pic.twitter.com/HHA7uFsgzc
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 24, 2025
Emil Heineman scores off the rush against the Detroit Red Wings
Jonathan Drouin
The former 3rd overall pick of the 2013 draft found a new home this offseason on Long Island after being signed to a 2-year contract with a $4 million AAV. After playing 14 games this season, Drouin only potted 2 goals, but where he lacks in scoring, he makes up in playmaking. He has 8 assists and 10 points in the early sequence of the season. As of Saturday evening, he is on a 12-goal and 46-assist pace for 58 points in 81 games.
Drouin had an interesting start to his Islander tenure after he was suspended for his retaliatory actions against Pittsburgh’s Connor Dewar. There were many questions if Drouin would be able to contribute and produce without being slated next to generational superstar Nathan MacKinnon. In fact, before his goal passed Igor Shesterkin in Saturday night’s win, Drouin hadn’t scored since the first game of the season against the Penguins.
But Drouin, who is credited for his playmaking creativity and speed, has been a good fit in the top-six as he provides a stabilizing presence for an offense that has needed consistent production. During Saturday night’s win, Drouin assisted on both Horvat’s power play goal and Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s empty-netter to round out his three-point night. Drouin will likely continue to act as another cog in the Islanders’ offensive machine, and fans should be more than content to have him as a contributor.
An outstanding sequence right here.
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) November 9, 2025
Heads up stick from Mayfield
The strength from Pageau
Fantastic feed from Duclair and finish from Drouin#Isles pic.twitter.com/DVhYaTZGZX
Jonathan Drouin dances past Igor Shesterkin for a nifty goal
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