NHL rumors: 2 Islanders forwards named as buyout candidates

The New York Islanders could have a pair of difficult decisions to make this offseason as general manager Mathieu Darche continues evaluating the roster ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The NHL’s buyout window is now officially open, and veteran forwards Ondrej Palat and Pierre Engvall are two players who could suffer that fate this summer, as hockey insider Frank Seravalli reported on Wednesday.

Palat’s situation is particularly interesting given how recently he arrived on Long Island.

Darche acquired the two-time Stanley Cup champion from the New Jersey Devils in hopes that a reunion with the Islanders could help revive his game. Instead, the veteran winger struggled to make an impact after the move.

“Islanders GM Mathieu Darche took a small swing, bailing New Jersey out of Palat’s contract in the hope that a reunion with the Stanley Cup winner on Long Island would rejuvenate his game,” Seravalli wrote.

“Palat scored in his first game as an Islander, but not again in his 28 games to close out the season.”

The 35-year-old finished the campaign with just five goals and 15 points in 80 games. Although Palat has only one season remaining on a contract carrying a $6 million cap hit, Seravalli believes there is logic behind cutting ties now.

“Palat may also be clogging up a roster spot at this point, so moving on and realizing the savings spread over two years makes a lot of sense, too.”

Engvall could be an even more realistic buyout candidate, especially as he didn’t play at all in 2025-26 due to hip and ankle injuries.

The 30-year-old recorded eight goals and 15 points in 62 games in 2024-25, while continuing to struggle to establish himself as a consistent contributor. Unlike Palat, Engvall still has four years remaining on his contract at a $3 million annual cap hit.

“This one seems to make both financial sense and roster sense for the Islanders,” Seravalli explained.

“They can present a $4 million savings in real cash to ownership, which is always appreciated, in addition to $2 million in cap savings per year for four years. Their roster won’t be bogged down by a player who is not a clearly defined contributor to success.”

Whether Darche ultimately pulls the trigger remains to be seen, but Palat and Engvall appear to be two of the most logical buyout candidates as the Islanders continue reshaping their roster for next season.

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