The New York Islanders were some unexpected beasts of the east this last season. Having not been to the Stanley Cup since 1983, the Isles are itching for some playoff victories. They lost to Tampa Bay in the Conference Finals this year, kissing their shot at Lord Stanley goodbye.
There are several free agents coming out of Long Island this offseason, restricted and unrestricted. Those players include Thomas Greiss, Derek Brassard, and Andy Greene.
Thomas Greiss will likely find a new home net as he has been in the league since ‘04 and has a .915 save percentage.
Derek Brassard has had a bumpy few seasons. He only racked up 23 points on six different squads in the 2018-2019 season. However, he did turn it around this year and scored 32 points from a bottom 6 role, but it is unlikely he’ll stay on the Island.
Andy Greene, the former captain of the New Jersey Devils, was moved to the New York Islanders at the trade deadline last season. There were several injuries on the Island and they needed some new, strong players. With everyone happy and healthy again, his role next season is yet to be determined.
Top scorer, Mathew Barzal is likely to resign with New York. He’s a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning he has completed his entry-level contract but does not have enough years in the NHL to be an unrestricted free agent. He was drafted in 2015 out of the WHL where he played for the Seattle Thunderbirds. He won the Calder Trophy in 2018 and scored 60 points per season in his first 3 year years in the league. He’s become a centerpiece in New York.
Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews are also likely to resign but their contracts will be on the smaller side. Pulock and Toews have struggled to keep up with the top pairings but do very well under pressure. They will likely be extended 1-3 years.
With the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs season wrapping up shortly, it won’t be long before big changes are headed to the Island.
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