Denis Potvin was a four-time Stanley Cup winner as a member of the early 1980s New York Islanders, and at the time of his retirement, he was the NHL's leader in goals and points by a defenceman. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, and his #5 jersey was retired by the Islanders on February 1, 1992.

Sparky the Dragon became the Islanders mascot in 2001 and was immediately embraced by Islanders fans of all ages. His tail resembles a hockey stick.

On October 8, 2018, Robin Lehner became the first goaltender in Islanders history to post a shutout in his debut with the team, leading them to a 4-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. At the end of the season, Lehner won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy which is given annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. The league accidentally engraved the trophy with the wrong team, however, reading "Robin Lehner, New York Rangers."

From January 21 to February 20, 1982, the Islanders set a National Hockey League record by winning 15 consecutive games. Since regular season overtime did not yet exist, all of these games were won in regulation. During the streak, the Islanders outscored the opposition 97-35 for a +62 goal differential. The record was surpassed in 1993 by the Pittsburgh Penguins, who won 17 consecutive games, two of which went into overtime.

On November 30th, 1990, the Islanders sent defenseman Doug Crossman to the Hartford Whalers for winger Ray Ferraro. In the following five seasons Ferraro would score 238 points in 361 games for the Isles and emerge as a playoff hero, scoring a pair of overtime winners in the first round series of the 1993 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Washington Capitals.

In 1975-76, Glenn "Chico" Resch played 44 games, recording 23 wins and a franchise-record 7 shutouts.

A fan favourite admired for his scrappy, energetic style of play, Howatt was nicknamed "Toy Tiger" for his small stature (5'9") and oversized toughness.

After being drafted first overall by the Islanders in 1973, Potvin became an immediate star, leading the team in points as a rookie and winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year.

Clark Gillies, who grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, earned his nickname Jethro after a character on The Beverly Hillbillies.

In 1983-84, Greg Gilbert scored 31 goals on 118 shots for a franchise record shooting percentage of 26.3%.