Islanders Mailbag Part One: Hagens, Offer Sheets, Beards & More

It’s going to be an enjoyable two weeks for the New York Islanders, isn’t it?

Today marks exactly two weeks until the 2025 NHL Draft will commence in Los Angeles. Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche has his hands full between the draft, re-signing free agents, and navigating a chaotic trade market.

The only certainty about the next two weeks is complete uncertainty, filled with rumors from all corners of the NHL.

Naturally, it’s led to all Islanders fans wondering what this team could look like in two weeks when the first round of the NHL Draft is complete.

Is there a serious possibility of the Isles making a move for the fourth pick for Hagens? That would be something. Thank you. – Shaun

Easily the most popular question in the mailbag revolved around the Islanders and trading for the fourth overall pick from the Utah Mammoth to select James Hagens.

Hagens, a Long Island native, would immediately become an immediate fan favorite thanks to his local roots and steadfast commitment to the Islanders at the Draft Combine.

It’s not exactly a secret that the Islanders seem to be set on drafting Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick. He’s the best prospect in the draft and will drastically remake the future of the left side of the Islanders’ defense. The ability to land a potential superstar doesn’t come often.

What’s gotten most Islanders fans excited are the recent reports that the team would be interested in trading for the fourth overall pick to try and draft Hagens. At this point, I believe there is a serious possibility of such a move.

How likely is it? That’s harder to say. What I do know is that the organization is extremely interested in landing Hagens in addition to Schaefer. With that alone, it’s impossible to dismiss the possibility of acquiring the fourth overall pick.

What can the Isles offer for the 4th overall pick? Is Dobson enough for the fourth pick, or do we need something more? – Multiple Submissions

Immediately after many of you asked if the Islanders want to acquire the chance to land Hagens, everyone wants to know what it would cost.

The biggest name attached to that discussion is Noah Dobson. However, I do not believe the Islanders have any interest in trading Dobson at this time. Yes, Dobson just had a down year in a contract year. Yes, he has immense trade value.

However, he shoots right. Too often, I’ve seen fans say Schaefer replaces Dobson. Schaefer shoots left, and would ideally become Dobson’s long-term partner in short order.

In actuality, it might just be Alexander Romanov who is supplanted. Adam Pelech will train with Schaefer this summer, and the team highly values Pelech’s leadership and continued ability on the ice.

Romanov is young and has a lot of talent. But with Schaefer arriving, even if he isn’t quite NHL-ready for October, I believe Romanov can become a huge potential piece in a deal with Utah. Romanov alone wouldn’t be enough. To get back into the top five, the Islanders would need to offer Utah Romanov, one of their 2026 1sts, and very likely the 42nd overall pick in this year’s draft.

It would be a massive deal. But if this franchise lands Hagens, it’d be hard to argue against that cost.

Why are both Chris Lamoriello and Steve Pellegrini still part of the Isles team management? – Dan

I’ll handle this as a clean two-part question. Starting with Steve Pellegrini, it’s clear he’s a valued member of the Islanders’ organizational staff.

He’s served as Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders’ capologist, and is very well-liked in the organization. Darche is only just beginning a job, and having an industry veteran like Pellegrini around is critical for a smoother transition. Darche cannot just fire everyone willy-nilly and leave himself with no staff at all.

Darche continues to work to build out the front office, but things take time.

As for Chris Lamoriello, I’ve been led to believe his role going forward remains under review. I also think he does get a bit too much heat at times, but it’s abundantly clear it’s time for a change in Bridgeport.

Chris Lamoriello, as an executive, has not worked, but he’s also been given extremely limited resources. What he has done is sign players, including Marc Gatcomb, Hudson Fasching, and Kyle MacLean as free agents, all of whom then broke through to the main NHL squad.

Chris Lamoriello has an eye for talent. He could very well have a role as a scout going forward, something he’s proven to be capable of. Whether he’d take a demotion like that or walk away remains to be seen. As of now, everything remains status quo.

Is it a possibility that the Islanders offer sheet a good youngster, and if so, do they have enough picks and cap space? -Machu

Following the St. Louis Blues’ successful offer sheets for Dylan Holloway and Phillip Broberg, everyone in hockey has been quick to call this the summer of offer sheets.

This is despite multiple general managers downplaying the idea of that happening. However, this is an intriguing question. The Islanders would need to go off of their 2026 draft picks to offer sheet anyone.

That’s where the issue begins. Back in July 2023, Lou Lamoriello shipped Josh Bailey’s contract to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with their 2026 second-round pick. That makes almost any offer sheet impossible, as teams hate to go even more shorthanded with draft picks.

I do believe JJ Peterka would be a player of interest to the Islanders, but it’s unlikely that he’d arrive by way of an offer sheet.

Which guys do you think will be the first to grow facial hair and longer hair? Are any players going to switch their jersey numbers? Who will be the first to wear a # 60 or higher in the Darche era? – Cal B

Now on to my favorite question. For beards, Kyle Palmieri immediately comes to mind. We already know his beard is back and better than ever, thanks to this tweet and set of photos from the New York Islanders:

https://x.com/nyislanders/status/1931111127913738654?s=46

Mathew Barzal will likely bring back some of his trademark flow from back in the day, as opposed to his seemingly annual buzz cut he’d get on the eve of training camp and slowly let his hair grow out over the course of the season.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see if Romanov tries to grow out his hair some more, or if Pelech brings back a beard.

What I don’t expect is the return of this era of Scott Mayfield.

As for jersey numbers, it’s hard to say. Schaefer wears #48 with Erie, but that’s not above the 60 threshold. Maybe if they also draft Hagens, he could go for a higher number, as his #10 is currently occupied by Simon Holmstrom.