Islanders open season against Maple Leafs in showcase of top picks

Explainer

The New York Islanders open their 2026-27 NHL regular season on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sept. 30.

The matchup will be a showcase for the two most recent first-overall NHL draft picks: 2025's Matthew Schaefer and 2026's Gavin McKenna.

READ MORE: Maple Leafs acquire Kirill Marchenko in blockbuster trade with Blue Jackets

READ MORE: Canadiens edge Maple Leafs 3-2 in season opener

"The first thing that jumps out at you: Schaefer, of course, and then Sorokin in net," Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller said.

Schaefer begins his second NHL season with the Islanders after tying the league's rookie record for goals by a defenseman (23).

The reigning Calder Trophy winner for rookie of the year was named an alternate captain by the Islanders earlier this week.

McKenna was held to 0 points in his NHL debut for Toronto, where he played on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander.

What is the state of the two teams?

This season will be the first full season under Islanders head coach Peter DeBoer, who was hired in April 2026 for the final four games of the regular season after Patrick Roy was fired.

The Maple Leafs opened their season on Sept. 29 with a 3-2 loss at home against the Montreal Canadiens.

DeBoer said both teams are adjusting to new systems with a shortened training camp.

"We are all in the same boat, and we have to make it work," DeBoer said.

Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said he is hopeful forward Mathew Barzal, a centre, will begin skating "by the weekend or early next week at the latest."

The Maple Leafs are without forwards Dakota Joshua (core) and Max Domi (undisclosed).

Forward Bo Groulx will enter the lineup for the Maple Leafs; Hiller did not confirm who would come out.

What are the projected lineups?

According to Sports Illustrated, the Islanders' projected lines are Bo Horvat with Simon Holmstrom and Kyle Palmieri; Matias Maccelli with Cal Ritchie and Brayden Schenn; Victor Eklund with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Emil Heineman; and Ondrej Palat with Casey Cizikas and Anthony Duclair.

Scratches are Kyle MacLean, Scott Mayfield and Matthew Kessel.

The Maple Leafs' lines from their previous game, according to NHL.com, were Kirill Marchenko with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic; Gavin McKenna with John Tavares and William Nylander; and others not specified in the notes.

Defenceman Morgan Rielly said he is developing chemistry with new partner Darren Raddysh.

"It's been great," Rielly said. "We spend lots of time together talking about how we want to play. I think he's done a great job since he's gotten here."

How are the coaches approaching the game?

DeBoer said he has a lot of respect for Hiller, who is in his first full season as Toronto's head coach.

"Prepared. His teams have an identity," DeBoer said. "I thought he did a good job in LA. You knew, when you played against them, exactly what they were trying to do."

Hiller said his team needs to clean up its play after the opening loss.

He said the majority of Montreal's chances came off breakout turnovers, which is something Toronto has to clean up.

He added that offensively, the Maple Leafs just did not execute and were not sharp.

Rielly described the season opener as a little choppier than the last preseason game, suggesting it might be nerves or playing a stronger opponent.

What is the early impression of Gavin McKenna?

DeBoer said he has not seen a lot of McKenna but noted his elite skill.

"When you are looking at the Toronto Maple Leafs, the benefit he has is that he is behind other elite, skilled guys," DeBoer said. "He has a little bit of protection there from both expectation and having to do things himself."

Rielly praised the 18-year-old's play in his debut.

"He hounds pucks. He's got great skill," Rielly said. "I thought he was flying around and looked great, had chances. Just the way that he plays is exciting."

Rielly added, "It's cool to get some new blood. He was obviously very excited. When you get a guy like that in the room, it just kind of lifts up the whole group."

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

With files from Yahoo Sports and Sports Illustrated