Unfortunately for Long Island, it will be another long season in an old arena. I was a little uneasy to rank them so low at first, but then I realized there is no proof this team can win consistently. The Islanders have a ton of young talent that will one day push them back into contention. One day, not next year. They have the potential to reach the playoffs but there are still more growing pains to experience before that. The good news: after a few seasons of hopelessness, the organization finally has some building blocks to form a solid foundation.
As stated above, especially on offense, this team is packed with young talent. The highest number on the payroll however, belongs to the veteran Rolston. He and a conditional pick were acquired in a trade with the Devils for Hunter. Most importantly, this deal gets the Islanders closer to the cap minimum which is $48.3 million. The Islanders current payroll is just over $48.7 million. Cheap jerks. Rolston brings with him a magnificent slapshot. He may have slowed down over the years, but he can still put a puck or two behind the goalie. Next on the salary cap chart is the franchise's future: Tavares. In his first two years in the NHL, Tavares has totaled 121 points. For such a young player, that's incredible. Not every first overall pick can be Crosby, Stamkos or Ovechkin, but Tavares isn't too far off. In fact, if he played on a better team, I'm willing to bet he'd be right up there with this elite company. Tavares will eclipse 70 points - very soon. Moulson has been an important contributor to this lineup. He has scored at least 30 goals in his previous two seasons. Being a great shooter, I expect more of the same this time around. Grabner was nominated for the Calder Trophy, and rightfully so. He is an incredibly fast, talented, offensive player. I think this season he could be a 40-goal scorer. It's a bit of a stretch, but definitely possible. His positive plus/minus also speaks volumes about his defense. Okposo comes back into the lineup after a season spoiled by injuries. He is another tremendous shooter for this club and will continue reeking havoc on opposing goalies. I would like to see at least 20 goals from him. Niederreiter is a highly touted Swiss prospect. He's only played a few games for the Islanders, so he doesn't have a lot of experience but I anticipate him making an impact in this lineup. Hopefully he brings with him a two-way game that this organization desperately needs. Comeau has played four seasons in the NHL and finally broke out last season with 46 points. His minus-17 looks bad, but most players on this team are negative. Either way, time to tighten it up. Reasoner was brought in to provide some leadership. He has been in the league for 12 years and that's no accident. He's an incredibly responsible forward good for around 25 points. Parenteau left the city and came to the island where he thrived last year scoring 53 points. At 28, he's only played in three NHL seasons, but it looks like he's ready for many more. I honestly don't know much about Martin. I look forward to seeing how he plays. His 14 points last year don't stand out, but he may bring some intangibles to the game. Gillies is a grinder who creates more bruises than scoring chances. He'll be relied upon to protect some of these young guns. Haley didn't see a lot of ice time last season and likely won't this season. Last, but not least, we have one of the best bargains in the league - coming in at $525,000: Nielsen. Here is a great all-around player who will be vital to the Islanders' future. He plays both sides of the puck very well. His positive plus/minus is an indication of his defensive responsibilities and his 44 points prove his offensive worthiness.
Offensive Score: B-/C+
On defense, the Islanders couldn't be happier to get a healthy Streit back in the lineup. This Swiss-born defenseman is the most crucial player in the lineup other than Tavares. Streit missed the entire season last year, but should be back for opening night. He is a fantastic puck-moving defenseman with an accurate shot. The power play truly missed his presence last season. Eaton is another veteran who's going to be counted on strictly for his defensive play. He hasn't had more than 16 points in his entire 11-year career. Although he hasn't played quite as long, the organization is hoping Jurcina will provide the same, sturdy services. Hamonic and MacDonald were the highest scoring defensemen for this team at 26 and 27, respectively. It was Hamonic's rookie campaign at 21-years old, so look for him to shine even brighter this season. MacDonald has had two years of NHL experience and will be counted on for another strong performance. Both players had a rare, positive plus/minus last seaon. Mottau did fairly well in New Jersey, then struggled with the Islanders last year - playing in only 20 games. If his play doesn't improve, he is not going to see more ice time. Reese and Wishart are the final two defenders. Combined, they have 71 games played in four NHL seasons. I'm not going to pretend like I know a lot about either of these gentlemen.
Defensive Score: C
Ah, DiPietro. If only you could recover. After signing an extraordinary 15-year contract, DiPietro has been the victim of constant injuries. Over the past three seasons, he has played in a total of 39 games. The contract looks more and more ridiculous every year. I'm anticipating DiPietro having more injury complications this season. This will finally give Montoya a shot at a number one position. I watched him play on the Rangers and Coyotes. He really is a talented goalie and I'm excited for the opportunity he has in a new city. Although Montoya could shine, the Islanders definitely have some goaltending issues to figure out. Nabakov is another viable option for this team, if he wants to play. The Islanders claimed him off waivers last season, but he didn't report. Suddenly, he's ready to put on the orange sweater. I'm skeptical...and excited to see what develops.
Goaltending Score: C+
Here's to the future...and a new arena.
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