THREE QUESTIONS ON THE CHARLOTTETOWN ISLANDERS

• What does the next step look like?

The Charlottetown Islanders’ buildup since their run to the league final in 2022 has taken the slow and steady route. On the other hand, it’s also been one that never experienced a true “bottoming out” period; the club has not slipped below the 60-point mark in the regular season standings since the roster reconstruction began three years ago. This has led to a team which has stayed relatively competitive as a group but without the luxury of any draft picks at the very top of the selection order to drive the process along any quicker. Despite that, a quick look down the roster indicates plenty of potential for a big step forward this year on the Island. The next playoff game the franchise wins will be its first since Game 4 of the 2022 QMJHL Final, meaning the time has clearly arrived for that dubious streak to be broken.

• How much stronger could this defense become?

The biggest factor behind the Islanders modest improvement in the standings last year was, without a doubt, it’s strengthening defensive play. Some key pieces of that successful group are coming back for more. Owen Conrad built on a strong rookie campaign to become a more refined two-way force, eating up big minutes in all situations. The same can be said for Marcus Kearsey, who brings nearly 200 games of QMJHL regular season and playoff experience into a campaign where his savvy in all three zones will once again be heavily relied upon. A 2024 Import draftee, Nikita Voyaga returns from Russia to provide a stand-up presence on the blue line. In nets, Donald Hickey returns after an impressive rookie campaign that saw him notch 15 wins. Joining him will be fellow 18-year-old (born just two days later, in fact) Vincent Gladu, who was a steady presence when called into action with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada last year.

• Will the offense catch up to the defense?

Of all the teams that finished with a point percentage above .500 in 2024-25, only the former Acadie-Bathurst Titan scored fewer goals than the Islanders. That’s not to say there isn’t a great deal of potential resting within this group, with most of the core having reached veteran status in Charlottetown. Though overage restrictions will likely play a factor, seven of the top eight scorers from last year’s quad are eligible to return. This includes the top two on that list in 19-year-olds Matthew Butler and Ross Campbell. Former Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick Tyler Peddle makes his way over from Saint John to complete his junior career and add some valuable depth. Jude Herron prepares to take on a more integral role with the club after posting 11 goals in 40 games as a 16-year-old. This collection of forwards could receive a significant boost should center Ivan Ryabkin, a 2025 Carolina Hurricanes draft pick, report to the ‘Q’ after star-studded seasons in the USHL and Russian junior ranks.

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2024-2025 Stats: