New York Islanders: Building a Future

How do the New York Islanders build a future after two consecutive disappointing seasons?

I recently went to Brooklyn, NY to see the Flyers play the New York Islanders. There may or may not have been a friendly wager on that game. This article may or may not be the result of that wager.

Bet or not, the Islanders do have at least two pieces to build upon. If they can re-sign him, they have a veteran in John Tavares and a stellar youngster in Mathew Barzal. Both players have the speed and skill that make fans of the opposing team hold their breath each time the puck is on their stick. The Islanders scored five goals in the game I attended. Barzal and Tavares were responsible for four of them, with a pair each.

Unclear Future for Tavares

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Tavares has been the face of the Islanders since he was the first overall pick in the 2009 entry draft. When Mark Streit signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2013, he was named Captain. In the nine-year career of Tavares, the Islanders have been excluded from the playoffs six times.

It is a staggering thought that one of the NHL’s finest players has only seen postseason action for one-third of his career. And has only made it out of the first-round once.

Taveres can become an unrestricted free agent in July. If he tests the water of free agency, he will have no lack of suitors. Islanders management would be wise to resign Tavares before the start of free agency on July 1st. He has steadfastly refused to discuss his future.

With the Islanders record, it would be easy to overlook Tavares as an elite player. However, he scored 84 points in 82 games on a team that finished seventh in the Metropolitan Division. Tavares averaged over a point per game while his team had a -32 goal differential. Imagine what he would do with a team to support him.

Next: Top 5 Islanders Free Agent Signings of All-Time

Building a Future

Barzal is most certainly the front-runner for the Calder Memorial Trophy. The speedy rookie center had one more point than Tavares, compiling 85 points in 82 games. If the captain were to sign elsewhere, Barzal would be the obvious choice to replace him.

Much has been said of the Islanders cross-state rival, the Rangers, who made numerous moves at the deadline to improve their team. The Islanders have far more to build with but need to have a plan to better the team.