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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
Apr 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) during the third period of game two of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Islanders 4-1.Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnny Boychuk

Prior to last season, the Islanders made a great trade to acquire Johnny Boychuk from the Boston Bruins. Adding Boychuk gave the Islanders some much-needed veteran leadership on defense, and also a player with championship experience.

After having by far his best season as a player last season, Boychuk was signed to a long-term deal during the season, which at the time looked like a smart move by the Islanders. Locking up Boychuk was thought to be a must for the Islanders for years to come, but we didn’t see that same Boychuk of the 14-15 season this past year.

This season, Boychuk totaled 10 fewer points, as his assists dropped from 26 to 16. Boychuk’s production on the power-play also significantly dropped, as he totaled five power-play points compared to 15 the season before.

Maybe the most alarming stat for Boychuk was that he didn’t total a point in 11 playoff games this season for the Islanders, as he looked really poor at times. Boychuk is set to make $6 million a year until the 22-23 season, which has to scare Islanders management. If last season was a sign of things to come, the Islanders have to try and move Boychuk as soon as possible.

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