The Islanders are rolling into training camp with a roster almost unchanged from the group that scraped into the playoffs last season before losing in the first round.
To captain Anders Lee, that is no reason to fret.
“We came up short in a tight series,” Lee said Saturday at his Kancer Jam fundraiser. “Obviously, doesn’t sit well. Not where we wanted to be. There’s a lot to work off of, but at the same time, it’s a new year. Get to start fresh here.”
The Islanders will report to camp for physicals on Wednesday and will hit the ice Thursday, after prospects had their camp this past week.
Players have been filtering back into town and the entire roster turned out to participate in games for the Kan Jam at Northwell Health Ice Center on Saturday, raising money for families affected by cancer.
Lee has hosted such events before, but because of the pandemic, this was the first he had hosted in person since 2019.
“Just being able to bring it back after having a few years off, being able to do it at the rink, it’s just an exciting day,” Lee said. “I’m really excited to get this going again and be able to hang out with some kids and families today.”
Even though Julien Gauthier is the only new face projected to be on the NHL roster as of now, the Islanders are planning to have Bo Horvat, Pierre Engvall and Mathew Barzal for full seasons in 2023-24.
Barzal missed time due to injury late last season, while Horvat and Engvall were acquired in the second half.
“I don’t really view it as the exact same team,” Scott Mayfield said. “I think every year, you’re just getting better and growing and that’s kinda what we’ve gone with.”
At least as of now, the Islanders are also missing Zach Parise, who is not reporting to training camp as he spends time with his family in Minnesota. It is not clear when or if Parise will return, but that hasn’t been ruled out.
“We support Zach on everything he’s going through,” Lee said. “He just meant so much to our room and our team, obviously his game is still there. He can play this game for a long time, has that work ethic and that drive. I’m excited for him for the next stage of his life. … We’ll see what happens. Regardless, we got his back.