Brief
Isles coach DeBoer outlines plan to survive injury surge
DeBoer stresses preparation as the Isles face multiple injuries early in the 2026‑27 season.
By Felo News Desk · Published
New York Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer told the team that the club must "execute" his formula for surviving the rash of injuries that have already sidelined several key players, according to the New York Post.
DeBoer was hired in April after Mathieu Darche dismissed Patrick Roy with four games left in the 2025‑26 season, a move that failed to rescue that campaign but could benefit the 2026‑27 club. The coach highlighted the uncertainty surrounding forward Calum Ritchie and winger Matias Maccelli, who both left the ice early in a Saturday night game in Toronto and have not returned.
DeBoer warned that the Isles may need to play without Ritchie, Maccelli and defenseman Alexander Romanov, who is out for the season, while relying on Mat Barzal and the rest of the top six forwards.
Key facts
- Pete DeBoer was hired as Islanders head coach in April after Mathieu Darche fired Patrick Roy. (nypost.com)
- Calum Ritchie and Matias Maccelli left the ice early in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 17, 2026. (nypost.com)
- Defenseman Alexander Romanov is out for the season, adding to the Isles' injury concerns. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Pete DeBoer gave Islanders the formula to survive injuries — now it’s time to execute”
