Season Prediction
The overwhelming opinion appears to be that the New York Islanders will be one of the worst teams in the NHL. However, I’m a bit more optimistic. Coaching was their downfall last season and Trotz is a huge upgrade there. That said, the Islanders will probably end up in what I think is the worst place for a team to be – the 17 to 25 range.
Considering how dreadful last season was, Isles fans will probably take being merely mediocre instead of awful. It would represent a step forward for them. And with some exciting young players on the way, it would give them a bit of confidence.
The Islanders are probably about a season away from truly contending for the playoffs. Even if Trotz manages to fix the defense (and he deserves Jack Adams consideration if he does), their goaltending is likely still going to be among the NHL’s worst.
Having said all of that, the last time a group of misfits played in the NHL, they made the Stanley Cup Final last season. Not only does this prove nobody knows anything about hockey, it should give Islanders fans some hope. The Isles will need a lot to go their way to make the playoffs, but maybe adding Trotz is enough to get them to sneak on in.