As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches, sportsbooks are already releasing their predictions for the upcoming campaign. According to insider Matthew Schaefer, one team that bettors should strongly consider fading is the New York Islanders. The Islanders are coming off a solid 2025-26 season, but Schaefer believes that their success was largely due to a hot start that ultimately cooled off, and they may struggle to replicate that level of performance in the 2026-27 season. With a revamped roster and a new coach, the Islanders are facing an uncertain season, making them a tempting target for contrarian bettors looking to take the underdog's side.

NHL 2026-27 odds, predictions: Fade the Islanders in Matthew Schaefer’s second season  New York Post