2014-15 LEADING SCORERS
C John Taveres (38 G, 48 A, 86 P)
LW Kyle Okposo (18 G, 33 A, 51 P)
C Ryan Strome (17 G, 33 A, 50 P)
LAST SEASON
Along with the Nashville Predators and the Calgary Flames, the New York Islanders were another team that had a surprising season, but in a good way. After doing bad enough to recieve the 5th overall pick in the previous NHL draft, the Isles bounced back and made the playoffs the next season.
At the beginning of the season, they made two moves to improve their defense. This included bringing in defenseman Nick Leddy from the Chicago Blackhawks, along with veteran defenseman Johnny Boychuk from the Boston Bruins. These moves along with strong breakout seasons from Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Ryan Strome were enough to carry the Islanders to the playoffs.
At the trade deadline, they made a series of moves to improve their roster heading into the playoffs, including bringing in forward Tyler Kennedy from the San Jose Sharks, goaltender Michal Neuvirth from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Chad Johnson, and forward Dustin Jeffrey from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Cory Conacher. After finishing 3rd in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 47-28-7, they entered the playoffs against the Washington Capitals, but unfortunately lost out in seven games.
This all being said, the Islanders had a relatively young team and still have lots to look forward to heading into next season.
OFFSEASON
IN
Kirill Petrov
Shane Harper
Thomas Greiss
Joe Whitney
Justin Florek
Bracken Kearns
James Wright
Ben Holmstrom
Justin Vaive
Louis Leblanc
OUT
John Persson
Johan Sundstrom
Matt Donovan
Brett Gallant
Jason Clark
Griffin Reinhart
Kent Simpson
Aaron Ness
Colin McDonald
Kael Mouillerat
Rhett Rakhshani
Harry Zolnierczyk
Michal Neuvirth
Eric Boulton
Matt Carkner
Dustin Jeffrey
Tyler Kennedy
Mark Louis
Tomas Marcinko
Alex Mallet
Heading into the 2015 NHL Draft, the Islanders didn't have a first round pick, but GM Garth Snow made it clear that it wouldn't stay like that. He traded defensive prospect Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for the Oilers 16th and 33rd overall pick. They then used the 16th selection to take forward Mathew Barzal of the Seattle Thunderbirds, and then traded their 33rd overall pick along with their 72nd overall pick to the New York Rangers for their 1st round pick at 28th overall, in which they used to select Anthony Beauvillier from the Shawinigan Cataractes. In free agency, they lost a lot of players, but no big names. They weren't very active, but signed a few depth players in Justin Florek, Thomas Greiss, and James Wright. No big storylines for the Isles this time around.
NEXT SEASON PT 1. OFFENSE
The Islanders offense will without a doubt be led by their young captain in John Tavares. Look for the services of young players such as Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson, and Anders Lee to all step up and pitch in. Expect Michael Dal Colle to push for a starting roster spot this season as well.
NEXT SEASON PT 2. DEFENSE
The Islanders defense next season will be led by the services of Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk, with Calvin de Haan and Travis Hamonic also providing support. Look for prospects Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield to challenge for roster spots.
NEXT SEASON PT 3. GOALTENDING
The Islanders will remain with Jaroslav Halak as their starter with Thomas Greiss backing him up. Again, nothing as changed so not much else needs to be said.
POSSIBLE 2015-16 STARTING LINEUP
Brock Nelson - John Tavares - Kyle Okposo
Anders Lee - Ryan Strome - Josh Bailey
Michael Grabner - Frans Nielsen - Casey Cizikas
Cal Clutterbuck - Mikhail Grabovski - Nikolai Kulemin
Johnny Boychuk - Nick Leddy
Calvin de Haan - Travis Hamonic
Ryan Pulock - Brian Strait
Jaroslav Halak
Thomas Greiss
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