New York Islanders: Going all in on Panarin and Bobrovsky
By Ed Stein
Making it work
It’s very possible the Isles can fit both of these Russian superstars from Columbus under the cap. To make it happen, some adjustments will need to be made from the team that finished last season with 103 points, good for second in the Metropolitan Division, and reached the second round of the playoffs.
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Two players who were key to the New York Islanders success in 2018-19 definitely won’t be back. Goalie Robin Lehner, who started the majority of games last season is one. At this point, the two sides have not come close to reaching a contract extension, so his 25 wins, 2.13 GAA, and .930 SV% will be allowed to walk away as a free agent. Somewhat ironically, the team that seems most interested in him is Columbus, as a replacement for Bob.
Additionally, last season’s Islanders team captain Andres Lee is an unrestricted free agent and if the Russians are coming in, they can’t afford him. It’s too bad. When John Taveras left the team last summer, Lee stepped in as the new captain and provided outstanding on-ice and lockerroom leadership. He wasn’t bad statistically either producing 51 points (23g, 28a) while playing in every game.
Losing those two players is a must, but for the New York Islanders to have a little breathing room, and a long term sustainable roster, more needs to happen. Anthony Beauvillier is a restricted free agent this summer and Matt Barzal will be a restricted free agent after next season. Lamoriello would be wise to lock up both players long term. Obviously, that means more players will have to go.
Andrew Ladd ($5.5M per season cap hit through 2023) is the most likely to be traded. Buying him out won’t save much money, so NYI will probably need to eat some cash and give up a good prospect to get him off the books. Additionally, 35-year-old defenseman Johnny Boychuk ($5M/season through 2022) is another target to go. He’s been very productive since coming to the team in 2014, but his skills are in decline.
Other players who could also depart are Cal Clutterbuck and Leo Komarov.
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