NOTES FROM MORNING SKATE
- Kashawn Aitcheson will play in his second preseason game on Tuesday, which is a relief after he absorbed a hit from Philadelphia's Noah Juulsen in the third period of Sunday's contest. The 17th overall pick said he was feeling better and still took away a positive experience from his first preseason game despite the injury. He did point out the higher level of the game and how he's focused on getting faster, quicker, stronger to level up to it. Though Head Coach Patrick Roy made it clear that each player will get at least one preseason game, he said it's important to give some of the young guys, like Aitcheson, ample reps.
"For Aitcheson having the two games, I think that's the best thing for him, have a good feel of the NHL and go back to juniors with things he needs to work on," Roy said. "It gives him some experience."
- Calum Ritchie will make his preseason debut for the Islanders. The center, who was acquired by the Islanders from Colorado ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, has played in four preseason games for the Avalanche. He said he noticed that the game was a big step up from junior, but he got the more acclimated the more he played.
"I'm really looking forward to tonight," Ritchie said. "Since being traded here, it's something you think about, just putting the jersey on and getting in game action. It's really exciting."
- The Devils are icing a veteran-heavy lineup on Tuesday (check below for the Devils game group and lines) so the contest presents an important challenge for the Isles' younger players, who will go up against guys like Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, Brett Pesce, Nico Hischier and Ondrej Palat. Roy said it'll push the inexperienced guys with a chance to rise to the challenge.
"I want them to enjoy themselves, work hard and I also want to go out there fearless and just play a strong game," Roy said.
- Ritchie will skate on an experienced line, with Simon Holmstrom on his right side and Emil Heineman on his left, who is also making his Isles preseason debut after he was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens over the offseason. Roy said that Heineman has looked good in camp, noting that it takes time for any new player in the organization to get used to the system.
- Ethan Bear will make his Isles preseason debut on a pair with Romanov. Bear, 28, comes into training camp with 275 games of NHL experience.
