Isles Eager to Prove Themselves as Training Camp Opens

There were a bunch of new faces on first day of Islanders training camp.
Some were new, like veteran additions Valtteri Filppula, Leo Komarov and Jan Kovar. Some - like a beardless Nick Leddy and Cal Clutterbuck - only felt new, but regardless, there was a different air around the team at media day.
"There is a lot of change and it's just one of those things that we needed a little," Anders Lee said. "It's all stuff that we're excited about and ready to take on and be a part of and move forward as a team and an organization."

The biggest changes in the offseason came at the top. John Tavares left via free agency, but President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello and Head Coach Barry Trotz both joined the organization and are looking to lead the Islanders back to the playoffs after missing out the past two seasons.
"A lot has been said that's fueled us, but the biggest fueling factor is we've gone home early the past two years," Lee said. "We have work to do to get back to where we want to be. It starts today, it starts tomorrow on the ice. It's that excitement of these changes we're all looking forward to."

A new regime means the Islanders will have to prove themselves to the new bosses, as there figures to be healthy competition for roster spots and roles.
"I feel like I'm a rookie coming into my first camp," said Casey Cizikas, who is entering his eighth season with the team. "Theres a lot of new faces and it's a different organization right now. You have to prove yourself all over again."
This will be the Islanders first training camp since 2009 without Tavares, which is another change for the tenured Islanders. Mathew Barzal is expected to become the team's number one center after leading the Islanders with 85 points (22G, 63A) and winning the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year.
"With John leaving, someone has to step up and help this team win games," Barzal said. "I hope to contribute in that sense, work hard and hopefully become a leader at some point."

The on-ice sessions begin Friday, as the team will be split into three groups. The Islanders preseason schedule begins with a Sunday matinee vs the Philadelphia Flyers at NYBC Live, the first of eight preseason games. It'll be Trotz and company's first chance to truly evaluate the team and instill a new identity.
"This team has to be hard to play against," Trotz said. "We're going to look for guys who are willing to put the work boots on, go to work and get better every day. If you don't, we'll weed you out and get someone who wants that position. Our goal, it's a process, it won't happen overnight, but we want to build a consistent contender."
The Islanders main focus will be improving defensively after allowing a league-high 293 goals last season. Trotz, who is coming off a Stanley Cup win with the Washington Capitals, is expected to bring a new defensive structure, as well as a new culture and championship experience.
"He's built the culture everywhere he's been and that's something that takes a little bit of time, but the structure is almost immediate," Thomas Hickey said. "It may take some time to do it repetitively where it becomes religious in your head what to do and what not to do. Tomorrow morning we'll start learning about the structure and how we're supposed to play."

Lamoriello's changes, which include number changes for certain players and no facial hair, have been part of the Hall of Famer's process since his time with the New Jersey Devils. Matt Martin, who played for Lamoriello with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2016-18, said the changes are for the better.
"He brings structure and accountability," Martin said. "He's as black and white as you're going to get. There's somewhat of a misconception about him. I think he is all about his players… The accountability is a big thing for him and the structure. He's very personable in that way, you can ask him whatever you want and if he doesn't like, he'll tell you. If he does like it, he'll tell you. It's easy to play under him in that regard."
It's a new day on Long Island and those changes will ultimately be felt throughout training camp and the season. The hope is it leads to changes in the standings, too.