The New York Islanders have decided not to extend qualifying offers to three NHL-level restricted free agents: forwards Marc Gatcomb and Max Shabanov, and defenseman Adam Boqvist. The deadline for these offers passed on Monday, signaling that the players are unlikely to remain with the team.
General manager Mathieu Darche confirmed that Boqvist would not receive a qualifying offer, citing his struggles to secure a regular spot in the lineup last season. Shabanov, who joined the Islanders last summer from Russia, also appears to be on his way out, having been frequently a healthy scratch during the previous season.
Gatcomb, however, was a more regular presence, contributing on the fourth line for much of the season. An unrestricted free agent, the door remains open for his potential return to the Islanders, though the absence of a qualifying offer suggests he is not a primary part of the team's future plans.
Gatcomb, an undrafted free agent, earned a regular role with the Islanders over the past two seasons through his physical, straightforward style of play.
In addition to the three NHL players, the Islanders also did not extend qualifying offers to several minor league players, including Matt Maggio, Eetu Liukas, Tristan Lennox, and Ruslan Iskhakov. Conversely, Alex Jeffries, Joey Larson, and Henrik Tikkanen, all currently in the minor league system, were qualified and will remain restricted free agents.