The New York Islanders used a first round pick on Simon Holmstrom but thus far, he’s played bottom-six minutes for the team over his first two NHL seasons. But Patrick Roy is starting him on the second line in training camp with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Is Holmstrom ready to take that leap and be a legitimate top six forward? We discuss it on today’s show.
Plus, if Ilya Sorokin is not ready to start the season on time, who is most likely to serve as Semyon Varlamov’s backup? We break down the top candidates and explain who the favorite is and why.
And we discuss what to look for tonight when the Islanders face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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14 Comments
No, but I'd be happy if he'd develop into a solid and dependable 3rd liner who could kill penalties. I don't see him having the offensive upside to be a top 6 forward.
NO. Doesn't have the offense to play on top lines. Should have never been taken in first round 'bust' will have to linger on bottom lines to carve out his nhl niche. Those type of players are easily found third round and later. 11-15 goals max. Should be teamed up with 26 on bottom lines.
Hopefully Holmstrom takes another step Walstrom to this is Probably it for him if he doesn’t show anything this year, and what going on with sorokin hate when you pay guy than all of a sudden they can’t stay healthy that drive me crazy
I think Holmstrom will take a big step offensively this year. He may not make the top 6 this year, but he'll get there eventually. He's 23, so there is time to develop.
I haven't heard a single word about Wahlstrom. It's painfully obvious he isn't impressing anyone. So sad. He seems like a nice guy who is very talented, but it seems the dream is fading.
Good 🌄, Gil, how are you? I think Simon Holmstrom can make it as a top 6 forward, with a little more developing. Patrick Roy's got Holmstrom on a line with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri on the 2nd line. Holmstrom was drafted in the first round 5 years ago, and Lou Lamoriello didn't trade him shock. He also needs to have confidence in himself. Patrick Roy told him you won't like me now, but down the road, you'll like me later. If Ilya Sorokin's not ready to start, Varlamov is automatically the main goalie, and Skeric and possibly Hochberg may be backup goalie. There's a Garden Party tonight, and even though it's preseason, 👀 these two teams have been going at it for over 50 years, They're going to treat it like the real thing. It's going to be fun to Barzy, Bo, and Duke for the first time. HAPPY 🎂 DEREK BRESARD. Hear from you later, Gil, and LET'S GO ISLANDERS.
How? Lucky to find him on the 4 th line ! With # 7, # 27, Duclair, Engvall , and 10 where do you stick 10? #7 needs to be in top 6! Duclair likely number 2, then Lee goes on line 3? So where does # 10 fit? # 7 is ready respectfully disagree! Like Holmstrom but if you play 7 , Duclair, and Lee …. If 10 is in who is playing 4 th line? Lee?
If Holmstom is in our top 6 our season is cooked. Hes too soft and doesnt go into corners. His 5 SH goals were his highlight because he was hanging at blue line and not playing def.
Really hoping Holmstrom and Wally (if he is still on the roster by season beginning) can step up their games this season. We will need much improvement and contribution from these 2 pieces. Thanks for the great Podcast Gil. LGI
answer….no
Good morning team! Gil, I would hope, after the season he had last year, Holmstrom would have improved enough to be considered a top 6 forward. Is there a possibility he doesn't have what it takes to be a top 6? Yes, there is, but I'm glad Roy is giving him the chance to prove he belongs in the top 6. Playing with better players, on Nelson's line, should help elevate his game a bit more. The flip side to that, I don't want Holmstrom to bring Palms and Nelson's play down, if he doesn't deserve to be there. I think he'll be fine. If you're not getting better each year, that means you're getting worse, and that is unacceptable. Thank you for the informative episode. Everyone, have a wonderful day! Enjoy the game tonight. See you all again tomorrow. Until then.. Let's Go Islanders!!
No he’s a 3rd liner for life sorry. He would’ve broken out by now if he truly was a Top 6 forward
Holmstrom ,Pageau…and Karlstrom…good 3rd line
Holmstrom is not a top 6 forward , bottom 6 guy that is great on the pk.
Hi Gil! Hope all is well my Islander friend. Holmstrom can’t be a top 6. However, he has improved and if he continues to improve, he can be a dependable 3rd liner, oc penalty killer. He does have value but not as a top 6! No one wants Whally but they will take him for free via waiver wire. It’s obvious his trade value is 0! I really like our new 7!! Gil, I think we’re a “Pretty good” team. It’s not enough to win a Cup but I feel enough to get in. We don’t have sandpaper—cone the deadline that’s what we really need and come the summer, we try and go shopping again! Between Duclair and 7 we are improved. I think we will have a very decent year. Holmstrom and Engval are not the type of players that get you thru grueling playoff rounds. Take care Gil!!