Entering the 2021-22 season, the New York Islanders’ roster construction faced question marks. While it was a win-now team following two third-round appearances, there were also concerns regarding the age of the team. The concerns branched not only from the pieces that remained from the prior successes, but also in signing 37-year-old Zach Parise, 42-year-old Andy Greene, and 44-year-old Zdeno Chara. While all these players have their shares of experience, signing players at that age can be a bit of a gamble since you never know when their play can fall off.

As a result, the Islanders entered the season with an average age of 29,65 years, the highest in the league. With the question of age, many didn’t know whether the Islanders could win this year, and the early season struggles helped that claim. However, as the Islanders’ have started to find form, it’s their youth that has helped them climb out of the hole. Some of the names in this regard include Oliver Wahlstrom, Noah Dobson, Kieffer Bellows, and Robin Salo. While Wahlstrom and Dobson were each on the roster to begin the year, Bellows and Salo didn’t have regular roles to begin the season. However, with their recent contributions, the case can be made that the Islanders could potentially start to eliminate the narrative of being old in the near future.

As mentioned, Wahlstrom already had a regular role after enjoying a fine rookie season in 2021. The 21-year-old has continued his strong play in his sophomore year, putting up eight goals and seven assists. Lifetime, he boasts 20 goals and 16 assists in 79 games, nearly a full season’s worth of play. Even for a potential slump that got him benched in-game several times, he has more than made his mark on the game putting up goals or points with his linemates. Even for Barry Trotz’s short leash with him, the signs are there he could be alongside Mathew Barzal’s wing in the not-so-distant future.

However, the breakout play of Kieffer Bellows has far greater ramifications on the lineup as of today. With the absence and struggles of several regulars from the lineup, Bellows has stepped up, tallying three goals and five assists. As Bellows has improved, his ice time has also greatly increased, including some power playtime as well. As a result of his play, the case can be made that he could replace Zach Parise’s spot full-time next year, making the middle six younger.

The defense has also seen its share of revelations so far this season. On the left side, Robin Salo has been rising up the prospect ranks for the last few years. After spending several years in Europe, the 23-year-old has adjusted to North American ice very well. After tallying eight points in 14 games in the American Hockey League, he made his NHL debut on November 20, 2021. There were the obvious growing pains, but some continued play in the AHL can help him further adjust to North American ice. If he continues to develop, he could take the spot of either Andy Greene or Zdeno Chara next season, providing much-needed youth to the left side.

However, the most notable breakout has been from Noah Dobson. After looking to find traction as an NHL regular, Dobson has made massive strides, tallying five goals and nine assists. His defense has also made noticeable strides as well, as he has become more assertive and physical in the defensive zone as the season’s gone on. Although Trotz has had to use him with Ryan Pulock out with an injury, his play has earned Trotz’s approval, for he has earned 3-on-3 ice time and ice time in big situations. Although the average age of the right-hand side of the defensive doesn’t change much with his breakout, he has mainly played on the third pair with Greene in a mentor’s role. However, with Dobson ready to make the leap, the team could find him a new, younger partner if he’s ready to take on a larger role.

As a result, with the younger players starting to find traction with the Islanders, the team has a good problem on its hands. These names have pushed the envelope to not only get playing time now but also to earn higher standing in the lineup in the future. Even as the age question still lingers, for now, the Islanders have an opening to get younger for the future with the progress throughout the lineup.

Matthew Page

I am a first year student at Hofstra University and an avid Islanders fan. I have been writing for Drive4Five since March 2020. My family has been season ticket holders for the team since 2016, and hockey is my favorite sport. As I expand my knowledge in the field of Journalism, I am writing to express my love for the Islanders and the NHL.