Islanders Training Camp: Holmstrom on Line Two, Martin Speaks

The shrill sound of a whistle from Patrick Roy’s mouth has begun. He doesn’t even use a real whistle, mind you. All natural sound. Nevertheless, day one of the Islanders training camp is underway.

The team’s drills are the same as those from rookie camp, with the only change being Roy’s loud yells demanding hard work and excellence. Cycling through, we’ve gotten some looks at the initial lines being used.

Holmstrom in the Top Six?

The biggest story is that Simon Holmstrom receives the first look on line two. He’s skating on Brock Nelson’s left wing opposite Kyle Palmieri. Holmstrom, 23, enters after scoring a career-high 15 goals last season, playing mostly on Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s wing.

Holmstrom may not have been the first name people speculated on who would fill the second-line hole, but perhaps he’s the most natural fit.

Holmstrom is soft-spoken, but his on-ice play has developed nicely over time. He’s taken steps to improve each year since the Islanders selected him 23rd overall during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, Holmstrom played 75 games, scoring 15 goals and 25 points. Toward the end of the year, fatigue seemed to set in as he slowed down offensively during the stretch run.

Nevertheless, Holmstrom boasts extremely strong defensive analytics. He also scored five shorthanded goals last year. In 2022-23, Holmstrom played only 50 games and scored six goals and nine total points.

For the second straight season, the Islanders see a lot of potential in Holmstrom. Last year, he started with Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal.

Now, entering his age-23 season, could this be the year for a true offensive breakout for Holmstrom? It’s possible, especially if he does start the year on Nelson’s line. The opportunity is there for Simon Holmstrom. He has to take it.

Matt Martin Skates and Speaks

Matt Martin came into Northwell Health Ice Center today without a contract, just a PTO. Talking to the media, he was very realistic, discussing how it does feel different not to have a contract. But, Martin added, “I have familiarity with the group, and it’s good to be here having fun again.”

Ryan Pulock talked about having Martin back: “Well, I think step one is it’s awesome to see him here. He’s been a key part for a long time, and he’s a guy that I and many of the guys look up to.”

Then, when asked what Martin could still bring to the table, Pulock quipped, “Did you see him out there scoring during the One on Ones? Not bad.”

Then, turned it serious and added, “He’s stuck up for his teammates his whole career. (He) plays a simple game and might not light up the scoreboard, but he does the little things to win.”

Clutterbuck’s Absence Felt

While Martin did return, Cal Clutterbuck did not. Every NHL training camp has opened, yet there’s been radio silence on Clutterbuck’s status. One thing is certain, and that’s that his absence is felt.

Pulock also discussed Clutterbuck’s departure:  “Yeah, it’s different. I look back to when I got drafted, and he got traded here, maybe my first or second year with the team. Then it also turns to Matty, and even Bails (Josh Bailey), it’s a transition.”

“What those guys did for this group over the years and even for me as an individual, just following their footsteps and watching them be pros daily, I think you can take a lot from that. Now, it’s guys like myself, Pely (Pelech), and Scotty (Mayfield) to take over that leadership for guys.”

Lines, Skates, & Bridgeport Notes:

Patrick Roy certainly had an emphasis on skating and physicality today. That’s no surprise, especially if you’ve paid any attention to rookie camp. It’s being emphasized organizational-wide: Work hard, battle hard, skate hard. Nothing will be given to anybody.

Unsurprisingly, Group One saw Anthony Duclair skate with Horvat and Barzal during line drills. Martin and Hudson Fasching skated with summer addition Fredrik Karlstrom. Long Island native Marshall Warren skated alongside Grant Hutton, a player with NHL experience.

In addition to Holmstrom skating with Nelson and Palmieri, Group Two featured Maxim Tsyplakov skating alongside Casey Cizikas and Julien Gauthier. Alexander Romanov and Noah Dobson skated.

Finally, a new pairing emerged for the Bridgeport Islanders. Isaiah George and Aidan Fulp. After a strong rookie camp, Fulp sees himself paired with the smooth-skating George.

The pairing makes a ton of sense. Fulp wants to be a shutdown guy, who opponents fear. Meanwhile, George likes to play a strong two-way game, adding offense where he can. Oh, and both can skate real fast. If that pairing holds, it’s absolutely one to watch down in Bridgeport