DALLAS — Kyle MacLean has played just seven NHL games. But the grinding center is making a solid impression on the Islanders.
Head coach Patrick Roy went out of his way to say that MacLean had a future with the club after his first recall.
And after being called up again on an emergency basis against St. Louis on Thursday with Casey Cizikas out, the Isles liked what they saw enough to keep MacLean around on a non-emergency basis once Cizikas got healthy.
Doing so stretches their salary cap space to its limit, but it allowed for Roy to roll out a top line of Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal ahead of Monday’s game against the Stars, since MacLean can fill a role at center.
Plus, the Isles like what MacLean brings to the fourth line.
“My first time up here, obviously nerves,” MacLean said Thursday. “You don’t really want to mess up or make a mistake that’s sitting in the back of your head. Learning to settle in a little bit.
“You do have the ability to make plays. You have a little bit more time than you think as well. I think using that, just a little more confidence this time around. A little more comfortable being up here.”
MacLean said he’s already felt his game evolve since the initial call-up just over a month ago.
“Even though it’s only five or six games, you get a bit more comfortable,” he said. “You get a good feel for things and I think even the second time around, it’s not as new to you. It’s not overwhelming. You’ve been through it a little bit before.”
Scott Mayfield (lower body) did not make the trip to Dallas and Detroit.
Roy mixed up his top two defense pairs at practice, using Adam Pelech with Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov with Ryan Pulock.
“I think it’s good for the younger guys to have a vet with them,” he said. “Noah played with [Zdeno] Chara when he was here. It worked well.”
Based on Sunday’s practice, Oliver Wahlstrom will be a healthy scratch on Monday for the first time since Jan. 25.
“It’s not because he’s playing bad, it’s because we need a centerman to play there, if we make that decision,” Roy said. “I’m happy with his game. I feel like he’s playing some good hockey. Would I like him to be more consistent? Yes. But he had a tough injury [in December 2022]. I like where he is.”