Can Simon Holmstrom Develop Into a Top Six Forward for the New York Islanders This Season?

[@darrellbevacqua3871]

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

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Thanks, Darrell. I'd love to see them both take a step forward. Now they have to do it. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@frankiecastro4525]

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!!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Great to hear from you Frankie. I also like the early returns on Tsyplakov. Ideally, Holmstrom is not a top six guy, but he may have to fill in until Tsyplakov is adjusted to the NHL. We'll see. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@cynthiastines8918]

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.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Can't wait for tonight's game vs NYR. Even if it's preseason, as you said, it's always more fun when these two teams meet. We'll see if Holmstrom can take a step forward and earn a top six spot. Thanks for the comment, Cindy. LGI.

[@cynthiastines8918]

@@LockedOnIslanders You're welcome, Gil. Hear from you tomorrow.

[@tonypalumbo898]

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!!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

We'll see what he does this preseason. I don't think he'll play tonight, but he'll play in at least another two of the remaining preseason games barring injury. I hope they find the right fit for Nelson and Palmieri. Thanks for the comment, Tony. LGI.

[@bobhenry6159]

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.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I am always pulling for Wahlstrom. He did have an assist vs NJ. I hope he can find his game but as you said, time is running out. Holmstrom will have to up his game to make the top six but I do feel the raw talent is there. Thanks for the comment, Bob. LGI.

[@philipwittke8491]

Holmstrom ,Pageau...and Karlstrom...good 3rd line

[@LockedOnIslanders]

That would be an intriguing trio. I don't think Karlmstrom will start the season in the NHL. Obviously, that leaves Engvall off the roster or on the 4th line. Thanks for the comment, Philip. LGI.

[@Another_User_Name_]

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.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Fair, Another_User_Name_. We'll see if he can take advantage of this opportunity. I think he would only hold the spot till Tsyplakov is ready to be top six but we'll see. Thanks for the comment, LGI.

[@AnthonyPlayZZYT]

Holmstrom is not a top 6 forward , bottom 6 guy that is great on the pk.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I think that's his long term spot unless he takes his game to a different level. Unless Tsyplakov is ready, though, the Isles may not have anybody else to fill that spot. Thanks for the comment, AnthonyPlayZZYT. LGI

[@foleydvm]

answer....no

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It could be the answer. He certainly has to prove it. Thanks for the comment, foleydvm. LGI.

[@stevenbauer4799]

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.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

He definitely has to be more productive offensively and show more confidence to earn a top six spot. He's shown flashes but has to do it consistently. He had 15 goals last year. He and Wally are first round picks that haven't lived up to their draft position. Lou rarely hangs on to first round picks and has trouble hitting when he does. Thanks for the comment, Steven. LGI.

[@stevenbauer4799]

@@LockedOnIslanders yes but 5 of 10's goals were sh. only 10 at full strength. not good enough for top lines.

[@kaiyoung5458]

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

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Agree on Holmstrom and Wahlstrom. Sorokin hopefully will be ready to start the season or shortly thereafter but backs are tricky as anybody who has a bad back can tell you. We'll keep an eye on it. That's the risk of signing goalies to long-term extensions. Thanks for the comment, Kai. LGI.

[@craigkiger9876]

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.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

If he doesn't change the way he plays, he won't succeed on the 2nd line or at all, really. He doesn't need to be the next Cal Clutterbuck when it comes to physicality, but he can't be trying out for Ice Capades either. Thanks for the comment, craigkiger9876. LGI.

[@PolyMazda]

No he’s a 3rd liner for life sorry. He would’ve broken out by now if he truly was a Top 6 forward

[@LockedOnIslanders]

He hasn't been able to do it consistently. I think he can be better than the 15 goals he scored last year, but I don't think he's a true top six guy until he proves otherwise. Thanks for the comment PolyCX30. LGI.

[@PolyMazda]

@@LockedOnIslanders I could see his peak being 45 points. Needs to be able to set up more goals. 20 goals is the absolute ceiling for him. I don’t mean to be a downer, I hope he can produce considering where we drafted him but it’s just, he’s had 125 games played, I think we see what we got with him. Only 34 points over those games. What I personally consider a true top 6 forward is someone who can put up 55-60 points a season.

[@ottobee709]

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?

[@LockedOnIslanders]

The question is when is Tsyplakov ready for top six duty. If he's ready when the season starts, problem solved. Holmstrom is getting a look there now. He would have to really step up his game to stay there. I could see Lee on the 3rd or 4th line. Duclair starts the season with Bo and Barzy. Engvall is ideally on the third or fourth line. We'll see where Holmstrom fits in. Thank for the comment, Otto. LGI.