New York Islanders News

Kessel will play in place of Logan Mailloux, who is a healthy scratch for Thursday's game in Buffalo. Kessel is yet to register a point through five games this season.

Logan Mailloux will be a healthy scratch on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, allowing Kessel to re-enter the lineup. The 25-year-old Kessel has appeared in five games this season, averaging 10:30 time-on-ice and scoring zero points.

The Mammoth will turn to Vanecek between the pipes for the tail-end of their back-to-back in Toronto on Wednesday. Vanecek picked up his second win in as many starts his last time out, stopping 28 of the 30 shots he faced in a 3-2 win in Boston last Sunday. The 30-year-old netminder carries a 2-1-0 record and a .913 SV% into Wednesday's matchup with the Maple Leafs, where the Mammoth enter action at +130 on the money line.

Macelli did not play in Monday's 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, his first time as a healthy scratch this season, but he will re-enter the lineup on Wednesday against the Utah Mammoth. The 25-year-old Finnish forward is averaging 13:40 time-on-ice, recording five points (2G / 3A) and 11 shots in 12 games.

Logan Mailloux will draw back into the Blues' lineup on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals, sending Kessel to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 25-year-old Kessel has appeared in five games this season, averaging 10:30 time-on-ice and scoring zero points.

Maccelli was a surprise scratch on Monday, with the Leafs not announcing his absence prior to warmups. It's unclear whether Maccelli is dealing with an undisclosed ailment or if he is simply a healthy scratch.

The Islanders received solid goaltending from David Rittich in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they will revert back to Sorokin between the pipes on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. The 30-year-old Sorokin has had a forgetful 2025-26 season, posting a 3.40 GAA and .877 SV% in eight games (3-4-1). That said, he played well in his most recent outing, saving 22 of 23 shots (.957 SV%) in a 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

Islanders' head coach Patrick Roy stated that Barzal was a healthy scratch on Thursday for disciplinary reasons after being late to morning skate. The 28-year-old Barzal will return to the lineup on Friday against the Washington Capitals, looking to build on his eight points (2G / 6A) in nine games this season.

Ritchie was supposed to make his NHL debut last night, but poor weather resulted in his flight being cancelled. That said, he will join the Islanders for his NHL debut on Friday against the Washington Capitals. The 20-year-old Ritchie was drafted 27th-overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He has three points (1G / 2A) in three games with the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) this season.

Warren was drafted in the sixth round (166 overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 24-year-old defenseman has spent the previous three seasons in the AHL and has five points (2G / 3A) in four games with the Bridgeport Islanders in 2025-26.

Romanov has only played four games this season, but will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 25-year-old Romanov was averaging 18:12 time-on-ice, with 12 block and 15 hits in four games before his injury.

Islanders' head coach Patrick Roy stated that Barzal will be a healthy scratch for disciplinary reasons after being late to morning skate. The 28-year-old Barzal has eight points (2G / 6A) in nine games this season. Emil Heineman will be the main beneficiary in Barzal's absence, moving up to the team's top powerplay unit.

Chaffee played a career-high 66 games with Tampa Bay last season, tallying 16 points (12G / 6A). The 27-year-old forward started the season with Tampa Bay but was held off the scoresheet in seven straight games, resulting in him being a healthy scratch for multiple contests, and ultimately being placed on waivers on Monday. He will report to the Syracuse Crunch (AHL).

Romanov has only played four games this season, and will miss out least one more outing. The 25-year-old Romanov was averaging 18:12 time-on-ice, with 12 block and 15 hits in four games before his injury.

The Islanders' defensive woes continued with David Rittich tending the twine in Thursday's 6-2 loss to the Islanders. The team will flip the script on the tail end of their back-to-back, turning to Sorokin between the pipes on Friday against the Washington Capitals. That said, the Islanders haven't fared much better with Sorokin. The 30-year-old Sorokin is off to a forgetful start, posting an ugly 3.75 GAA and .868 SV% in seven games (2-4-1). The Islanders enter Thursday's contest as +187 road underdogs against a 6-4-0 Capitals team.

After losing their first three games to start the season (0-3-0), the Islanders have points in five straight (4-0-1). Despite their recent surge in play, the Islanders are still hoping for another level out of Sorokin between the pipes. The 30-year-old netminder is off to a lackluster start to the season, posting an unspectacular 3.70 GAA and .875 SV% in six outings (2-3-1). He returns to the crease on Tuesday against a Boston Bruins team on the tail end of a back-to-back.