Kelly: We've got a brand new third jersey that's got the whole fanbase buzzing, a goaltending controversy brewing, and a trade rumor that just won't die. If you're an Islanders fan, you're going to want to hear this.
Gary: And it's all coming from YOUR questions. This is the mailbag episode you've been waiting for.
Kelly: Welcome back to Beatline, the official podcast of the New York Islanders. I'm Kelly.
Gary: And I'm Gary. And we are talking all things Isles.
Kelly: Today it's all about you, the fans. We asked, you delivered. We've got questions about the new Navy Lighthouse jersey, the goaltending battle between Sorokin and Varlamov, and the center logjam that's got everyone talking.
Gary: Plus, a fun hypothetical and a lightning round to wrap things up. Let's get to it.
Kelly: First question comes from Sarah in Rochester. She asks: 'The Navy Lighthouse jersey is awesome, but what happens to the old Stadium Series jersey? And will the Lighthouse be a permanent thing or just a one-off?'
Gary: Great question. The Navy Lighthouse is the fan-voted winner for this season's third jersey. That's confirmed. The old Stadium Series look is probably going to be retired, at least for now. As for permanence, the team has also launched a fan design contest for the 2027-28 third jersey, so they're clearly looking to keep the fan involvement going. I'd say the Lighthouse is a one-year special, but it could come back if fans love it.
Kelly: I love that they're letting the fans design the next one too. Talk about engagement.
Gary: Absolutely. It's smart marketing, but it also builds a connection.
Kelly: Next up, we've got @Isles4Life asking: 'With all the talk about Varlamov being traded, what's the real plan in net? Is it Sorokin and Vanecek, or is there a chance Varlamov stays?'
Gary: This is the million-dollar question. We've been saying it for a while: Varlamov is likely on his way out. The team has three goalies on the roster – Sorokin, Varlamov, and Vanecek. You don't carry three for long. And with Varlamov's contract and age, he's the obvious trade piece.
Kelly: So you're doubling down on that prediction from earlier this week?
Gary: I am. I think the Islanders roll with Sorokin as the starter and Vanecek as the backup. Varlamov brings back an asset, and it clears cap space.
Kelly: But what if Varlamov stays? Does that create a problem in the room?
Gary: It could, but it's also a luxury. Having three capable goalies isn't a bad problem to have. But typically, you want a clear starter and a clear backup. I think they'll move him.
Kelly: Okay, so let's talk about the center logjam. Mike from Long Island asks: 'With Barzal, Horvat, Pageau, and the new guys, how does this center group shake out? Who's playing wing?'
Gary: That's a great question. You've got Barzal and Horvat as your top two centers, no question. Pageau is your third-line center, and he's perfect for that role – great defensively, wins faceoffs. Then you have the wild cards: Brayden Schenn, Calum Ritchie, and the younger guys.
Kelly: And a guy like Kyle Palmieri – he's listed as a center but has played wing a lot.
Gary: Exactly. Palmieri can play either. But I think the key is Calum Ritchie. If he makes the team, he could push someone to the wing or force a trade. Remember, we predicted he makes the opening night roster.
Kelly: That was a bold take. Still sticking with it?
Gary: I am. He's too talented to send down. They'll find a spot for him, even if it means moving a veteran.
Kelly: So who gets bumped to the wing in your ideal lineup?
Gary: I'd say Schenn slides to the wing on the third line, or maybe even Pageau moves to wing if Ritchie takes the third-line center spot. But that's a good problem to have – too many centers, not enough spots.
Kelly: Alright, stick with us because we've got more fan questions coming up.
Kelly: Welcome back. This next question is from @MetroMaven: 'The defense looks stacked on paper. How do you see the pairings shaking out, and does someone like Tony DeAngelo actually fit?'
Gary: That's a loaded question. You've got Pelech, Pulock, Romanov, Mayfield, and then the new additions like DeAngelo, Boqvist, and the young guys like Isaiah George and Matthew Schaefer. That's a logjam on the back end too.
Kelly: So what are the realistic pairings?
Gary: I'd start with Pelech-Pulock as the shutdown pair. Then Romanov and Mayfield bring the physicality. For the third pair, you could go with DeAngelo and Boqvist for offensive upside, but that's a bit risky defensively. Or you could put a steady guy like Soucy with a young guy like George or Schaefer.
Kelly: So is DeAngelo a fit or not?
Gary: He's a fit if they use him on the power play. He's a great puck-mover, which the Isles need. But at even strength, he can be a liability. So I see him as a third-pairing guy who gets power-play time. It's not a perfect fit, but it adds depth.
Kelly: Next up, Tina from Brooklyn asks: 'With all these new wingers, who's your surprise pick to break out this season? Is Victor Eklund the real deal?'
Gary: Victor Eklund is intriguing. He's a young Swedish winger with skill. But my surprise pick is Quinn Finley. He's been flying under the radar, but he has the speed and shot to make an impact. Keep an eye on him.
Kelly: I like that. What about the goaltending – we talked about Varlamov, but what's the plan for Sorokin? Does he get a full starter's workload?
Gary: Absolutely. Sorokin is the guy. He's a Vezina-caliber goaltender, and they need him to play 55-60 games. The only question is whether Vanecek can be a reliable backup, but I think that's the plan.
Kelly: And what about the opening night lineup? We've got that preseason game against Toronto coming up on September 30th. Who's your starting six?
Gary: I'd go with Barzal, Horvat, and Palmieri up front, with Pelech and Pulock on the back end, and Sorokin in net. That's your core, and I think they'll want to establish that early.
Kelly: But we still have training camp and a bunch of battles to sort out. We'll see how it goes.
Gary: Exactly. That's what makes camp so exciting.
Kelly: More questions coming up after the break – including one that's going to make Gary squirm.
Kelly: Welcome back. This next question is from @HockeyHeather: 'If you could trade any current Islander for a player from another team, who would it be and why? No cap constraints, just a fantasy.'
Kelly: Gary, you're up first. Who's the one player you'd swap out?
Gary: That's a tough one. I'd probably trade a defenseman – maybe Mayfield – for an elite offensive defenseman like Cale Makar. I mean, who wouldn't want Makar? But that's fantasy. In reality, we need that depth.
Kelly: Okay, so you're going for the big name. I'd go the other way – I'd trade a winger for a true goal scorer. I'd send out Anthony Duclair and bring in someone like Connor McDavid. I mean, imagine McDavid with Barzal.
Gary: That would be unfair. But you know what? Let's bring this back to reality. We have a solid team, and we don't need to make crazy moves. We have a good core.
Kelly: True. But it's fun to dream. Alright, time for the lightning round. Gary, I'm going to give you a player and you give me a quick take. Ready?
Gary: Let's do it.
Kelly: Mathew Barzal – over or under 90 points?
Gary: Over. And that's a prediction I've stuck with all week.
Kelly: Ilya Sorokin – Vezina finalist?
Gary: Yes. He's that good.
Kelly: Playoffs – make or miss?
Gary: Make. And not just make – I said top three in the Metro earlier, and I'm sticking with that.
Kelly: Bold. I like it. And we've got one more question that came in just as we were recording. This is from Marcus in Denver: 'What's the one thing that has to go right for the Islanders to win the Cup?'
Gary: It's the power play. If they can get that clicking, they have the goaltending and defense to make a deep run. And we've seen what happens when the power play struggles – it kills momentum.
Kelly: So the power play is the key. We'll be watching that closely.
Gary: You can bet on it.
Kelly: Alright, that's all the time we have for today's mailbag. Great questions, great answers. We talked about the Navy Lighthouse jersey, the goaltending situation, and the center depth.
Gary: And remember, we're sticking with our predictions: the Isles finish top three in the Metro, Barzal hits 90, and Varlamov is traded.
Kelly: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us. And share it with your fellow Isles fans. We'll be back tomorrow with more coverage.
Gary: Until then, let's go Islanders!
Kelly: Let's go Islanders!