Noah Pedrazzoli shines the spotlight on Simon Holmstrom as he puts his stamp on the New York Islanders 24-25 campaign.
It’s been a turbulent season for the New York Islanders to say the least. However, there have been some bright spots through the team’s injuries and struggles. One of those bright spots is Simon Holmstrom, who has found a way to elevate his game and make substantial adjustments that make him a useful tool to the team’s offense.
Strides In The Right Direction
The young forward was seen as a question during the offseason. Is he a depth player or does he have it in him to one day become a top-six forward? The former first-round pick has always needed that extra jolt to unlock his full potential.
The recent coaching administrations of Barry Trotz and Lane Lambert weren’t exactly the most prospect-friendly regimes as they looked to advance the roster in a unified sense, while prospects like Simon Holmstrom needed additional attention to fully adapt to the fast and aggressive pace of the NHL.
Holmstrom scores a pretty goal vs. the Devils
With Patrick Roy, Holmstrom has received the attention he’s always needed, that final nudge. Roy is pushing for a more aggressive game and it’s shown through Holmstrom, as he was reluctant to get physically involved in the play, but now he’s comfortable as the first man in.
What’s significant about this transition is how he has been more physical without sacrificing his talents in puck handling and speed. Holmstrom had back to back two-goal games against the Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres where he showed that Roy’s tutelage is paying off in his deployment.
“Holmstrom has thrived under an unstable roster that has seen him go from the bottom-six to the top-six from the snap of Patrick Roy’s fingers.”
The Question
Where will he fit when the roster is fully healthy?
Holmstrom has thrived under an unstable roster that has seen him go from the bottom-six to the top-six from the snap of Patrick Roy’s fingers. But with the resurgence of Anders Lee and JG Pageau, Roy will have to answer a lot of questions regarding the roster.
Will he bring back the first line of Duclair, Horvat, and Barzal? How will the bottom-six look? And of course where does Holmstrom fit in this equation?
Simon Holmstrom has proven his worth as a player that is attempting to solidify his place in the NHL. Thanks to his great start, his development can be seen as a sign of hope. He has stepped up in a big way and has earned a more significant role.
Holmstrom enters tonight’s matchup in Carolina at 9-10-19 pacing himself for a 49-point season. This would shatter his previous career high of 25 points through 75 games last year.
And with performances like his 3-point night against the Chicago Blackhawks last Thursday (and another goal Sunday), Holmstrom has made Patrick Roy and Lou Lamoriello’s decisions much harder. When this roster is healthy, Holmstrom is another weapon management will have to consider for elevated minutes.
We’ve seen Simon Holmstrom heat up in spurts before, is this the season he finally finds consistency?
WHAT A SHOT BY HOLMSTROM.#Isles | @Ford pic.twitter.com/owtv2RVkaE
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 13, 2024
Holmstrom sends a laser into the back of the net
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