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New York Islanders: 5 Players Who Shouldn’t Be On the Team Next Season

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders left wing Nikolay Kulemin (86) is congratulated after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of game two of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders left wing Nikolay Kulemin (86) is congratulated after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of game two of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Islanders
Feb 25, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders defenseman Marek Zidlicky (28) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. New York Islanders won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Marek Zidlicky

Easily one of the top candidates that will likely not be on the team next season is veteran defenseman, Marek Zidlicky. At 39-years-old, it has been a very nice career for Zidlicky, who has played 14 seasons in the NHL.

Last season was Zidlicky’s first with the Islanders, and it will also likely be his last. In the 2015-16 season, Zidlicky played in 53 games for the Islanders, and he totaled 12 assists and four goals. The hope was that Zidlicky would help on the power-play for the Islanders, but he was only able to total four points.

Zidlicky would certainly return at a relatively cheap price, but the Islanders would be much better going with a young defenseman like Ryan Pulock instead of him. In the playoffs, Pulock showed that he is ready to contribute, as before he got hurt, he played very well against the Florida Panthers in the first round. Pulock showed that he is capable of being a solid player on the power play, and that is something that the Islanders still need to be better at consistently.

Getting younger on defense isn’t a bad idea for the Islanders, who have been stockpiling young defense in recent years. The 2016-17 season will be the time to shine for guys like Pulock on the Islanders defense.

Next: New Starting Goalie

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