What to watch during Islanders’ condensed 13-day training camp

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

The New York Islanders begin a condensed 13-day training camp Thursday, focusing on recovering from a disappointing previous season with limited offseason changes and relying on returning injured players like goaltender Semyon Varlamov and center Mat Barzal, who is expected to miss the season’s start. Barzal’s absence opens a potential roster spot for young forward Victor Eklund, while the team faces ongoing challenges in finalizing lineup decisions amid health concerns and competition for limited positions.

The New York Islanders are set to begin their condensed 13-day training camp on Thursday, aiming to rebound from a 2024-25 season that ended with unmet expectations. With no major offseason acquisitions, the team is relying on the return of injured players, internal development, and the influence of new head coach Pete DeBoer, who was appointed late last season.

One of the key storylines heading into camp is the status of goaltender Semyon Varlamov. The 38-year-old has not played in an NHL game for more than 650 days due to two knee replacement surgeries. Despite these hurdles, Varlamov appeared in two AHL games last spring and arrives at training camp reportedly in adequate condition. The Islanders intend for him to serve as the backup to starting goalie Ilya Sorokin. However, there is uncertainty surrounding Varlamov’s ability to endure the rigors of the full NHL season, making his comeback a potential risk for the team. Vitek Vanecek will also be at camp, but carrying three goaltenders on the roster is unlikely, and it is unclear if Vanecek would clear waivers given demand around the league.

Another significant concern is the status of center Mat Barzal, who was sidelined Wednesday due to an aggravated injury sustained earlier in the year. The Islanders announced Barzal would miss at least two weeks, including the start of the regular season, without specifying whether he will participate in practice, contact drills, or games during his recovery. Head coach DeBoer had planned to use Barzal in the center position, so his absence will force adjustments, potentially pushing players such as Brayden Schenn or Cal Ritchie into the middle. Barzal’s injury also opens an opportunity for 19-year-old forward Victor Eklund, a Swedish prospect who made his NHL debut at the end of last season. Eklund now has a clearer path to making the team’s top six forwards and could see playing time early in the year.

Eklund’s spot on the roster is still subject to competition, with forwards Kyle MacLean, Pierre Engvall, Anthony Duclair, and Ondrej Palat also vying for limited positions. The team may carry 14 forwards, and other contenders like Mitchell Chaffee and Liam Foudy could enter the mix, complicating Eklund’s chances. The Islanders are reportedly cautious about placing prospects on the NHL roster if it means limited ice time in a healthy scratch role versus more prominent minutes in the minors.

As the Islanders head into the 13-day camp period, several questions remain about roster construction and player health, which will shape their approach heading into the new NHL season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.