New York Islanders Season Preview

[snugerud]

Background: 
The Islanders coming of a dismal season which saw them finish in second to last place have no where to go but up this season.  Last season saw a franchise go into full rebuilding mode where they cut ties with a number of under performing high paid players. including Vincent Cavalier  but added new pieces to their system after going much of the year without any solid goalie prospects they ended the season with Poulin and MacDonald taking the net and adding 2 future goalies with Makarov and Nihlstrop

This year:
The Islanders look to continue a rebuild this year by continuing to build strength within their minor league roster and building around a core group of players.  With 7 picks in this years draft they are taking advantage of the new found space within their minor league. 

Strengths:
A developing young core
Left wing depth
Cap room

Weaknesses:
Goaltending
Depth at center and Right Wing

Needs: 
A bonifide starting goalie
Depth players at RW and Center
Another star Dman.

Future Outlook:
NY Islanders look to be in for another year of rebuilding but with an outside chance of making playoffs if some core players make the jump to NHL and they can have a successful free agency to plug in a few holes.  Look for them to continue with their strategy of building from within and looking for long term success than a short term satisfaction.

[PsychoticPondGoons]

Great review Snug!

Gotta say I've liked watching your rebuild. Mind you there's nothing wrong with short term satisfaction. We're guys afterall right. LOL

Your Islanders have a lot of great young players and when they come around man will they be amazing to watch.

Keep it up man!

[PsychoticPondGoons]

That Lecavalier B/O last yr was a good move and the key to you being able to move into full rebuilding mode. It unlocked a lot of cash for your team.

[snugerud]

yeah i was just looking to do a team review kind of like they do on tsn. kind hoping other teams would follow suit. 

[PsychoticPondGoons]

I'm going to put one together for my Hawks.

[PigsRule]

Background: 
The Islanders coming of a dismal season which saw them finish in second to last place have no where to go but up this season.  Last season saw a franchise go into full rebuilding mode where they cut ties with a number of under performing high paid players. including Vincent Cavalier  but added new pieces to their system after going much of the year without any solid goalie prospects they ended the season with Poulin and MacDonald taking the net and adding 2 future goalies with Makarov and Nihlstrop

This year:
The Islanders look to continue a rebuild this year by continuing to build strength within their minor league roster and building around a core group of players.  With 7 picks in this years draft they are taking advantage of the new found space within their minor league. 

Strengths:
A developing young core
Left wing depth
Cap room

Weaknesses:
Goaltending
Depth at center and Right Wing

Needs: 
A bonifide starting goalie
Depth players at RW and Center
Another star Dman.

Future Outlook:
NY Islanders look to be in for another year of rebuilding but with an outside chance of making playoffs if some core players make the jump to NHL and they can have a successful free agency to plug in a few holes.  Look for them to continue with their strategy of building from within and looking for long term success than a short term satisfaction.

[PigsRule]

Another great initiative, snugerud!

[snugerud]

Update:
GM Larsen has been very active with their cap room this free agency.  With the Islanders in a full rebuild mode almost no one on the original Islanders roster remains at this point. 

Notable Additions:
Torey Krug ( Aquired through trade that say marian Gaborik leave)
John Micahel Lilies
David Clarkson
Michael Grabner
Alexander Burrows
Logan Couture
Brandon Dubinsky
Martin Hanzel
Valeri Nichuskin (added via draft at 9th overall)

Notable Subtractions:
Brad Richards
David Backes
Marian Gaborik (trade for krug)

With just a little over 10 million still left in cap space GM/Owner Larsen claims he is not finished with the roster overhaul yet.  The islanders fully expect their 9th overall pick Valeri Nichuskin to play in the NHL this season.

[PigsRule]

on paper your look good.
I'd like to see the team perform on the ice now... and the big question, will someone let Joey play?!

[snugerud]

I think the answer in the end is no. 

For me the bigger question is can Poulin usurp Khabi