The New York Islanders decided not to offer qualifying contracts to their trio of NHL-level restricted free agents by Monday’s deadline, suggesting that Marc Gatcomb, Max Shabanov, and Adam Boqvist are likely parting ways with the team.
An insider shared with The Post that although the Islanders may still consider re-signing Gatcomb as an unrestricted free agent, the absence of a qualifying offer indicates he isn’t a top priority for the team.
Over the weekend, general manager Mathieu Darche confirmed that Adam Boqvist would not receive a qualifying offer after facing challenges in securing a spot in last season’s lineup.
Similarly, it comes as little surprise that Shabanov, who joined the Islanders last summer from Russia, is not being retained after spending much of the season as a healthy scratch.
In contrast, Gatcomb frequently found himself on the ice, making valuable contributions on the fourth line throughout the season.
The former undrafted free agent broke into the NHL with the Islanders two seasons ago and fought his way to a regular role with physical, straight-line play.
Alex Jeffries, Joey Larson and Henrik Tikkanen, all minor leaguers, were qualified and will become restricted free agents.
Also among the AHL contingent, Matt Maggio, Eetu Liukas, Tristan Lennox and Ruslan Iskhakov were not extended qualifying offers.