Simon Holmstrom Bio
Simon Holmström is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who plays as a right winger for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on 24 May 2001 in Tranås, Sweden, he was selected 23rd overall by the Islanders in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing 88 kilograms, Holmström has emerged as a dependable depth forward for the Islanders since making his NHL debut in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Simon Holmström was born and raised in Tranås, a small city in the Småland region of southern Sweden. The son of Swedish parents, he grew up immersed in a community where ice hockey serves as a central cultural activity. From an early age, Holmström showed an aptitude for skating and puck handling, traits that would later define his professional profile.
He first played organized youth hockey with his hometown club, Tranås AIF, where he competed at the under-16 level. Holmström consistently played above his age group throughout his youth development, a pattern that drew attention from larger Swedish clubs. In 2015, his strong underage performances convinced HV71, one of Sweden’s most respected developmental organizations based in Jönköping, to sign him to their junior program.
Path to Hockey
Holmström joined HV71’s junior teams in 2015, transitioning from local youth competition to one of the country’s elite development systems. HV71’s reputation for producing NHL-caliber players gave Holmström access to high-level coaching and competition. He quickly advanced through the club’s J18 and J20 (formerly J20 SuperElit) ranks.
During the 2017–18 season, at just sixteen years old, Holmström made his professional debut with HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Though he finished scoreless in his single appearance, the experience marked a significant milestone. The following 2018–19 campaign proved breakthrough, as Holmström scored 7 goals and 20 points in 21 games with HV71’s J20 squad while also earning spot appearances for both the J18 team and the senior SHL roster. He added 3 points in 3 J20 playoff games, further cementing his rising status.
Holmström entered the NHL Central Scouting rankings as a projected late first-round pick. On 21 June 2019, that projection materialized when the New York Islanders selected him 23rd overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Simon Holmstrom Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Holmström’s earliest professional exposure came with HV71 in Sweden, where he balanced junior and senior competition. His 2018–19 J20 SuperElit performance, including 7 goals and 20 points in 21 games, demonstrated the offensive instincts and two-way responsibility that scouts valued. His ability to contribute in playoff games that same season further validated HV71’s developmental investment.
Following the draft, Holmström attended the Islanders’ development camp before signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the franchise on 15 July 2019. The agreement signaled the Islanders’ long-term commitment to his development.
NHL Breakthrough (2022–Present)
After spending time developing on loan in Sweden and within the Islanders’ system, Holmström made his NHL debut on 23 November 2022, appearing in the Islanders’ 3–0 win against the Edmonton Oilers. The shutout victory offered an encouraging start to his top-flight career.
On 17 December 2022, Holmström scored his first NHL goal, finding the back of the net against the Vegas Golden Knights in a 5–2 Islanders win. The milestone confirmed his readiness to contribute offensively at the NHL level. Since that debut season, Holmström has settled into a role as a reliable depth winger, valued for his skating, defensive responsibility, and willingness to play in all situations.
New York Islanders Era (2022–Present)
Holmström has remained with the New York Islanders organization since his 2022 debut, establishing himself as part of the team’s forward depth chart. Listed at 185 centimeters and 88 kilograms, his combination of size and skating has allowed him to handle the physical demands of the NHL game.
Throughout his Islanders tenure, Holmström has continued to refine his game and earn the trust of the coaching staff. His ability to play within a structured system while providing secondary scoring has made him a steady presence in the lineup.
Driving Style and Strengths
Holmström is recognized for his strong skating, responsible two-way play, and ability to contribute in depth scoring roles. His willingness to play above his age group throughout his development translated into a mature professional approach, and his size allows him to compete effectively along the boards and in the dirty areas of the offensive zone.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Holmström’s most significant career moments are his NHL debut win against the Edmonton Oilers in November 2022, his first NHL goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in December 2022, and his selection as the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Internationally, he also contributed to Sweden’s gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, scoring a goal in the final against Russia.
Simon Holmstrom Career Wins
Simon Holmström’s career to this point has been defined more by developmental milestones and international achievement than by major individual trophies. His most celebrated team accomplishment came at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he helped Sweden capture gold on home ice.
International and Junior Highlights
Holmström made his junior international debut with Sweden at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships, held in his home country. He contributed 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points across 7 games, including a goal in the gold medal game against Russia that helped Sweden secure their first under-18 world championship. The performance served as one of the defining moments of his pre-NHL career.
Other Performances
Beyond his international success, Holmström’s standout junior performance with HV71’s J20 team in 2018–19, including 7 goals and 20 points in 21 games and 3 points in 3 playoff contests, established him as one of Sweden’s top prospects for the 2019 NHL Draft.
Simon Holmstrom Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Simon Holmström was raised in Tranås, Sweden, where he developed his hockey roots with the local club Tranås AIF before advancing to HV71’s junior program.
Personal Life
Holmström maintains his roots in Sweden while pursuing his professional career in North America with the New York Islanders organization.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 season progresses, Simon Holmström continues his role as a depth forward for the New York Islanders. Building on the foundation established since his November 2022 debut, he remains focused on earning consistent ice time and contributing to the team’s secondary scoring lines.
His combination of size, skating, and two-way reliability positions him as a valuable piece of the Islanders’ forward group. With the franchise continuing its competitive push in the Metropolitan Division, Holmström’s steady presence offers the coaching staff flexibility across various game situations.
Looking ahead through the remainder of 2025, Holmström’s primary objective is to solidify his standing as an everyday NHL contributor while helping the Islanders compete for a postseason berth. His trajectory from late first-round pick in 2019 to established NHL winger underscores a developmental arc the organization remains confident in.