The New York Islanders have mostly been a good team for the last decade. They don’t have a Stanley Cup to show for it but they have been to game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals twice over the last handful of years.
Now, although they are still a fringe playoff team, they may be smart to move in a different direction. That direction is the way of the rebuild. They aren’t likely to win the Stanley Cup with this core anymore and some great players are going to be available at the top of the next few drafts.
During this era, the Islanders have been a defensive-minded team that hasn’t explored the offensive capabilities of their players to the fullest extent. This might be the time to move on from that philosophy.
The next two drafts feature offensive players who may be worth building around. It starts in 2025 with James Hagens who will be the number one pick. He is about to attend Boston College in 2024-25, his draft year.
In 2026, it will be Gavin MacKenna. Of course, MacKenna is known for being Connor Bedard’s cousin but he is also another high-end offensive NHL player. He is getting ready for another big year with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL where he will likely continue to play for the next two seasons.
The New York Islanders may want to consider a new direction going forward
Both of these guys would make great New York Islanders. Living in New York and playing for the Islanders would be a great way for them to become stars both on and off the ice.
It is unlikely that any team will get both but getting one should be the goal for the Islanders who need a new star to build around.
Being in the race for these guys would take commitment from the GM, coach, owners, and fans. It won’t be an easy decision one way or the other but it might be time for them.
They have to ask themselves if they see a Cup in their future with their current core. If the answer is no, a change might be needed in plans.
It is hard to see them making this move even though it would probably be the right move. Would they trade Mat Barzal, Bo Horvat, or Noah Dobson amongst others?
That’s what it may take to be a team selecting first overall over the next two years. It would be great to see the Islanders go bold but don’t count on it.