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New York Islanders F John Tavares Needs Better Linemates in 2016-17

By Ryan Ritchie |
Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a power play goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a power play goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

New York Islanders F John Tavares Needs Management to Step up and Find Better Linemates for Their Superstar

After losing in the second round to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the New York Islanders have the summer to re-evaluate the team and their options moving forward.

One big question still remains in goal. It was recently announced that Jaroslav Halak will need surgery – he can’t seem to stay healthy. GM Garth Snow will likely turn to Thomas Greiss as starter, which may put Halak on the trade block. If that’s the case, he may want to think about a second option, unless of course they feel comfortable moving forward with Jean-Francois Berube.

The Islanders have a pair of very promising goaltending prospects in Ilya Sorokin and Linus Soderstrom, although both still remain without a contract.

Perhaps the biggest question moving forward is how to find more suitable linemates for New York Islanders F John Tavares. The question was first proposed by Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report after the Lightning managed to shut down the Isles only dangerous weapon.

via Bleacher Report,

A lack of skilled linemates made it easier for the Bolts to contain Tavares. Right wing Kyle Okposo was ineffective against the Lightning. He’s a free agent this summer and probably won’t be back. Left wing Brock Nelson didn’t fare much better. Management must provide its franchise player with better scoring wingers.

Richardson also suggests that New York could wait for potential blossoming stars such as Ryan Strome or Anders Lee, but that may involve wasting more prime years for John Tavares. 

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They also have Michael Dal Colle on the way in the near future, who could also be an impact player, but we are dealing with a lot of hypothetical’s that need to work out.

It’s unlikely that GM Garth Snow can find the answer via free agency, instead, he may need to explore his trade options.

Those potential options might include the following:

Taylor Hall/or Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers

Rumors suggest the Oilers will be active this summer as they attempt to escape the NHL’s basement. It’s more likely that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Nail Yakupov are moved before Hall or Eberle, but who knows, the right offer may be difficult for Peter Chiarelli to turn down.

Bobby Ryan/or Mike Hoffman, Ottawa Senators

As Hoffman re-unites with his former coach, it’s beginning to sound as though Ottawa will lean to keep Mike Hoffman given his game-breaking abilities. A shake-up in Canada’s National Capital is due however, which makes Bobby Ryan an intriguing potential target to replace Kyle Okposo alongside New York Islanders F John Tavares.

Next: World Cup of Hockey Final Roster Predictions

James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs

Not that Toronto is openly shopping van Riemsdyk, although the possibility always exists after the Leafs nabbed the top pick in the 2016 Draft. The reason JVR makes for an interesting target is given New York’s prospect pool for goaltenders.

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