The New York Islanders entered this past season with the expectation of making it back to the playoffs and potentially taking the next step.
However, the season was mired with injuries and inconsistency, leading the Isles to flounder in the Metro Division. By the time the season was over, the team was embroiled in controversy and uncertainty, leading to former GM Lou Lamoriello’s dismissal.
As the New York Islanders embark on what is hopefully a quick retool, five players and personnel stand out as possible roadblocks in the team’s quest to get back into playoff contention.
5 New York Islanders players and personnel detrimental to retool roster after playoff miss
#5 Scouting staff
The New York Islanders pulled off one of the biggest surprises in NHL Draft Lottery history, winning the draw to move up nine spots to pick first overall.
That situation puts the onus on the Isles’ scouting staff to get it right. With three potential franchise players on the board, the club faces enormous pressure to ensure the player chosen lives up to the hype.
Missing on the first overall pick could mire the Islanders into a prolonged slump that could culminate in a painful rebuild.
#4 Mathieu Darche
Former Tampa Bay Lightning assistant GM Mathieu Darche got his big break after being named Lamoriello’s successor with the New York Islanders. But with the new role comes plenty of scrutiny and pressure.
In addition to nailing the first-overall pick, Darche faces numerous questions about retooling the team. Then, there are RFAs that need new deals like defensemen Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov.
Moreover, the team needs a new 2C after Brock Nelson’s departure this past season. Darche will be in tough to ensure he makes the right calls to get the Islanders back into the Eastern Conference playoff race.
#3 Anders Lee
The New York Islanders captain is entering the final year of his current contract. While Anders Lee had a resurgent season last year scoring 29 goals and 54 points, his $7 million cap hit weighs on the team.
Furthermore, Lee’s future with the Islanders seems unclear. If he has another good year, he could fetch one more multi-year deal.
But if he regresses, calls may go out for the Islanders to move on from Lee.
#2 Anthony Duclair
Anthony Duclair joined the New York Islanders on a four-year deal last offseason, hoping to bolster the team’s scoring.
However, Duclair had a disastrous season, missing nearly half of the year with injury. He played through most of his time nursing a lower-body ailment which zapped his production to seven goals and 11 points in 44 games.
Duclair’s unfortunate season prompted coach Patrick Roy to call him “god-awful.” If Duclair cannot rebound, his $3.5 million cap hit and full no-trade clause could make it virtually impossible to move on.
#1 Patrick Roy
Speaking of the Islanders’ coach, Patrick Roy stands as the biggest wild card this upcoming season.
The apparent rift between Roy and Lamoriello seeped into the media, with rumors suggesting that Roy and Lamoriello did not see eye-to-eye regarding roster and lineup decisions.
The situation boiled over to the point where Roy was visibly upset during press conferences, particularly following blowout games in which the Islanders failed to show up, or blown third-period leads.
The team confirmed Roy for this upcoming season. But if Roy cannot keep the team together, it could be a long season for the Isles.
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Edited by Nestor Quixtan
