NHL Season Preview 2016-17: New York Islanders
Will the New York Islanders improve upon their second round exit in 2016-17?
Despite a fourth place finish in the Metropolitan Division in 2015-16, the New York Islanders had a successful season. They only finished one point off their 2014-15 record and they managed to upset the Florida Panthers in the first round of the playoffs. Though they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round, the Islanders made the second round for the first time since 1993.
The Islanders made some big changes this offseason as they looked to improve. While the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins didn’t improve, they didn’t have much room to do so anyway. The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers have improved. Did the Islanders do enough to stay afloat in a competitive Metropolitan Division?
Offseason Review
Here’s a quick review of what the Islanders have done this offseason.
Key Additions: F Andrew Ladd (Blackhawks), F Jason Chimera (Capitals), F P.A. Parenteau (Maple Leafs), D Dennis Seidenberg (Bruins)
Key Losses: F Kyle Okposo (Sabres), C Frans Nielsen (Red Wings), F Matt Martin (Maple Leafs), D Brian Strait (Jets)
Retained: F Shane Prince, C Alan Quine, D Scott Mayfield, G Jean-Francois Berube, C Casey Cizikas
The Islanders couldn’t afford to keep Kyle Okposo, so they signed an aging Andrew Ladd. Ladd is still a good player (25 goals and 46 points last season), but he’s turning 31 years old in December. Okposo is making less than $1 million more per season than Ladd, so it probably would have been better to keep Okposo. Ladd was probably the best replacement for Okposo in free agency.
The Islanders also signed Jason Chimera. He will likely replace Matt Martin on their fourth line. Chimera is an upgrade over Martin, but he’s 37 years old. In 2015-16, Chimera had 40 points while playing for the Capitals. He’s still a fast player who can be effective, but the Islanders should have gone with a younger option.
P.A. Parenteau is a familiar face who could be a great bargain. While he’s 33 years old, it’s worth noting that he had 120 points in two seasons with the New York Islanders earlier in his career. He has good chemistry with captain John Tavares.
Expect Shane Prince to be a top nine wing for the Islanders. They took a flyer on him at the 2015-16 trade deadline and the Islanders like him quite a bit. Casey Cizikas could see an increase in his role after getting a five-year extension. It’ll be interesting to see how the Islanders’ goaltending situation plays out. They have three NHL caliber goalies in their system in Jaroslav Halak, Thomas Greiss, and Berube.
