Islanders 2024 Free Agents, Draft Targets, Offseason Guide After NHL Playoff Loss | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Andrew Mccoy
Published Mar 25, 2026
Unrestricted free agents: Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin, Mike Reilly, Robert Bortuzzo, Sebastian Aho
Restricted free agents: Oliver Wahlstrom, Simon Holmström, Ruslan Iskhakov, Kyle MacLean
The Islanders added a pair of veteran defensemen early in the 2023-24 season when they claimed Mike Reilly off waivers, then dealt a seventh-rounder for Robert Bortuzzo. Both blueliners are now looking at unrestricted free agency.
Reilly put together one of the most productive offensive stretches of his career with six goals and 18 assists in 59 games and could hope to earn another one-year deal from the Isles or cash in on the open market. Bortuzzo, who turned 35 in March, is likely also looking for a one-year deal if returning to the NHL next season.
The Islanders have another pair of veterans hitting the market in Matt Martin, who just finished his 13th season with the Islanders, and Cal Clutterbuck, who just completed his 11th. After two consecutive playoff exits with this core, Martin and Clutterbuck look like they could be turnover casualties as the Isles aim for a younger, faster team next season.
The team may let Sebastian Aho, who just finished out his fifth campaign with the Islanders, walk in free agency after he struggled in 2023-24, recording just nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 58 regular-season games.
Production from restricted free agent Oliver Wahlstrom also flagged this season in his return from a torn ACL. The third-line winger struggled to control play and was often scratched down the stretch.
One of the most important RFA negotiations this offseason may be with 22-year-old winger Simon Holmström, who proved to be a valuable depth winger down the stretch. He recorded 15 goals during his second NHL season.
