How the Islanders can survive injuries to top-six forwards Matias Maccelli and Cal Ritchie
The Islanders' Matias Maccelli takes the puck from the Ottawa Senators' Shane Pinto during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Ottawa on Thursday. Credit: The Canadian Press via AP/Justin Tang
Speculation Sunday was just that for the Islanders with no clarity on the severity of lower-body injuries to Matias Maccelli and Cal Ritchie as the top-six forwards underwent medical testing upon the team’s return from Toronto. Likely, more will be revealed when the team resumes practice on Monday.
We’ll take a look at some potential lineup scenarios if either, presumably both, must miss time, starting with Tuesday night’s match against the Ducks at UBS Arena after the two both exited in the first period of Saturday night’s gutsy 4-1 win against the Maple Leafs.
But, first, it’s important to discuss the disappointment for both the players and Islanders over the potential absences.
Maccelli, 26, elevated to Bo Horvat’s top line to start Saturday’s match, brought a speed and single-minded desire to get to the crease that was much needed for the Islanders, who need scoring wings. Maccelli had two goals and four assists in his first seven games. He’d also like more security as a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights on a one-year, $2.25 million deal after the Maple Leafs failed to tender him a qualifying offer as an RFA.
“I saw him a lot in the West the last four or five years and I’ve always admired his game,” coach Pete DeBoer said before Saturday’s game of Maccelli, who started his NHL career with the Arizona/Utah franchise. “He’s been an offensive guy that’s played a certain way for a long time. We’re asking him to do a few things differently, play a little fast, not those long regroups. He’s been really coachable that way.”
Ritchie, 21, arrived from the Avalanche on March 6, 2025 as part of the Brock Nelson trade and with expectations he could help replace Nelson’s production. He was filling Nelson’s old role as the second-line center (Brayden Schenn will almost certainly slide over if Ritchie is out). But Ritchie is still a young player in his second NHL season and his development could be stunted by a significant absence.
Ritchie had one goal and one assist in his first seven games and was benched in the third period of Thursday night’s 2-1 shootout loss in Ottawa.
He was hoping to make amends against the Maple Leafs but, instead, lasted one shift.
“I was just forcing some plays, trying to generate some chances and stuff just closes off so quickly,” Ritchie told Newsday before Saturday’s match. “You can see a play and if you hesitate for a second, it’s not there anymore.”
That’s the kind of experience players can only gain by being in the lineup.
If Maccelli and/or Ritchie are unavailable, here are some potential lineup scenarios:
-- Recall a forward from the AHL: Liam Foudy, who has played 105 NHL games, is the leading scorer for the Islanders’ affiliate in Hamilton, Ontario. Cole Eiserman, in his first professional season after being selected 20th overall in 2024, is a sharpshooter. Pierre Engvall, in the fourth season of a seven-year, $21 million deal, has the most natural talent, if not the most drive.
But gritty Mitchell Chaffee, who has played 109 NHL games, might fit the best. He had a terrific training camp and could easily slot onto Casey Cizikas’ fourth line along with Kyle MacLean, a healthy scratch the first eight games.
- Get Mathew Barzal back: Obviously, the best option for the Islanders. Barzal has been sidelined since Day 1 of training camp with inflammation of his left knee stemming from a kneecap injury suffered in February, 2025. He has been skating on his own.
- Dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen: The Islanders played smart against the Maple Leafs with 10 forwards for the bulk of the match. DeBoer could insert MacLean as an 11th forward and also use right-shot defenseman Scott Mayfield, a healthy scratch in all but one match so far.
- Give Ondrej Palat more of a role: The two-time Stanley Cup-champion with the Lightning struggled last season after being acquired from the Devils. But he’s been a different player and a difference maker this season. According to NaturalStatTrick.com, Palat on Saturday was on the ice for 19 chances for and just one against in all situations as he logged 13:02.
“He’s been great all year,” DeBoer said. “He’s come back with something to prove. He’s been engaged and ready and he wants more. If anything, it’s on me to give him a little bit more.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
