Apr 27, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders center
Frans Nielsen(51), Islanders center
John Tavares(91) and Islanders right wing
Kyle Okposo(21) react after their game against the Washington Capitals in game seven of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1, and won the series 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
5. New York Islanders
The Islanders are an intriguing team this summer. They currently have approximately $9 million available under the cap, but they don’t seem intent on using it.
After a disappointing game seven loss to the Washington Capitals last season, the Islanders feel that they are still in a position to contend with this roster. While I don’t believe the Islanders are a bad team, I do believe that others in the Metro have improved too much for the Isles to compete next season if they stand pat.
They are looking for young forwards like Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome to take on a bigger role next season, and they’re still in the market for defensemen to fill out the roster.
The Isles finished last season with 101 points (47-28-7). They also tied the Rangers for the most goals scored within the division with 252. They’ll still have their scoring touch, but after some big additions to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Columbus Blue Jackets, that may not be enough scoring anymore.