PROJECTED LINES*
Drouin – Horvat – Shabanov
Lee – Barzal – Palmieri
Poletin – Highmore – Jefferies
Drew – Romano – Veremyev
Schaefer – Mayfield
Aitcheson – DeAngelo
Warren – McWard
Rittich
Gahagen
*Lines are subject to change
NOTES FROM MORNING SKATE
– Islanders fans will get their first look at Matthew Schaefer in game action as the 2025 first-overall pick is expected to skate on Sunday night. Schaefer has been paired with veteran Scott Mayfield during the first three days of camp, so expect them to be a pairing on Sunday.
“Obviously over the moon right now,” Schaefer said. “It’s awesome to get a morning skate in, get your touches in, but looking forward to tonight, obviously playing the game, but playing in front of the fans. It’s going to be awesome. Can’t wait to get out there and get going.”
– Mathew Barzal will also skate in his first game action since Feb. 1, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. He’s skated between Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri so far in camp and all three players are expected to play on Sunday.
“It’s been a while, so looking to get my legs under me and not too much pressure on myself,” Barzal said. “Just go out there, try to be me and get some chemistry with my teammates.”
– Maxim Shabanov will also be making his unofficial debut, as he is also slated to play on Sunday. Shabanov is expected to play on a line with Bo Horvat and Jonathan Drouin, who he’s skated with so far during camp.
– Kashawn Aitcheson, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 Draft, is also expected to make his preseason debut. Aitcheson took morning line rushes with Tony DeAngelo. The defenseman said he’s excited to unleash the physical part of his game, which he’s had to temper during training camp. Fans who have followed Aitcheson in junior know his penchant for open ice hits.
– Head Coach Patrick Roy is evaluating process over results tonight, getting a feel for where his group is at after three days of camp. Roy is focusing on the power play and penalty kill and seeing how much of Saturday’s session is sticking. Things the coach is looking out for: breakouts, offensive-zone time and scoring chances.
Roy also said he’s not going to put too much pressure on the rookies and just wants to see them be themselves and play their game.
– David Rittich will start Sunday’s game, but the plan is to split the game with Parker Gahagen.
– Laurel Hollow native Marshall Warren is expected to make his preseason debut tonight. Warren grew up an Islanders fan and said he dreamed of playing at Nassau Coliseum as a kid, so there’s a little extra meaning to dress in his first preseason game with his hometown team. Warren said he’ll have some family in the stands. Exciting day for the Warrens.
