Islanders Offseason: Top 5 Possibilities For '14-'15 Season - Forwards

Part 3: Forwards

Last season, Kyle Okposo, John Tavares and Frans Nielsen led the Islanders in solid offensive performances at 69,66 & 58 pts respectively with Tavares reaching the 66 pt mark in only 59 games due to injury.  While there is always room for improvement, the Isles have been able to score goals.  They ranked 17th in the NHL with a 2.63 goals per game average, one spot better than their rival, New York Rangers who have enjoyed some success in the playoffs thus far this season.

With an improved defensive game and more reliable goaltending, the current offense should be enough to make the Isles, at least a bottom bid playoff contender.  The most pressing need is a top forward to play on the first line with Okposo and Tavares.  With Thomas Vanek last season, the first line enjoyed a span of time as one of the top lines in the NHL, so with the right complement, they could be that dangerous once again.

Several other players had pretty good campaigns with the Isles last season at the forward position.  Josh Bailey struggled again but found his stride late, somehow reaching the 38 point mark.  Michael Grabner found new life after the Olympics, finishing the season with 26 pts on 64 games.  Cal Clutterbuck and Colin Mc Donald were impact players and scored 19 & 18 pts.  Casey Cizikas (RFA) wasn't happy with his play last season (16 pts), but vowed to have a better showing next year.  Matt Martin was a hitting machine and like Cizikas, is a real difference maker when he gets on the ice.  Eric Boulton is a limited role player, but favorite team mate and has been re-signed for next season.

 

Another bright spot was the play of some talented prospects brought in to fill holes throughout the season.  The strong play of Brock Nelson (26 pts in 72 games), Ryan Strome (18 pts in 37 games) & (RFA) Anders Lee (14 pts in 22 games) got the attention of management and fans alike.  It is assumed, at least by this blogger that all 3 will remain with the team and be counted on for an even better performance in 2014-15.  John Persson, Johan Sundstrom, Mike Halmo, Brett Gallant and Justin Johnson also had a chance to make an impression for future considerations.

While the offense played well, the Islanders need a few more tweaks on forward to help the team take the next step as an Organization.  In free agent scenarios, there a are a couple of guys I think would be a good fit with the Islanders.

 

1.  UFA, Jarome Iginla of the Boston Bruins played well with an incentive based deal and was 30 & 31 for 61 pts in 78 games with 7 points in 12 play off games.  At age 36, Iginla wants to win a cup, so he may be tough to sign for the Islanders, but might be sold on playing with Tavares for the right price.  Last season, he made $1.8M with a $6M AAV (that included bonus incentives.)

 

 

 

2.  UFA, Jussi Jokinen of the Pittsburgh Penguins is an impact player who would work well on the Isles top line, not to mention add to New York's shoot out and face off threat.  At age 31, Jokinen scored 21 & 36 for 57 pts in 81 games and scored 10 pts in 13 play off games.  He made $3M AAV last season.

3.  UFA, Mason Raymond of the Toronto Maple Leafs is coming off his second best NHL season scoring 19 & 26 for 45 pts in 82 games.  Raymond has the reputation of being a strong skater with good hockey sense and at 28 years old, could be one of the best steals of the off season even when his price goes up.  He made $1M AAV last season.

 

4.  UFA, Ryan Callahan split time between the New York Rangers & Tampa Bay Lightning last season.  As a heart & soul player, Callahan brings a hard nosed, competitive effort to his game.  He made $4.275M AAV last season, but turned down a 6yr/$36M deal on Broadway.  He wanted a NMC the Rangers were unwilling to give him.  Maybe he'll give the Isles a discount to stick it to the Ranger


6/25 UPDATE:  The Tampa Bay Lightening sign Ryan Callahan to a six-year deal that will pay him an average of $5.8 million a season. 

5.  UFA, Thomas Vanek of the Montreal Canadiens could be a good fit.  OK, now before you say it, just hear me out.  Vanek turned down the Isles offer that was apparently a 7yr/$50M contract.  He said he wanted to test free agency, others said he intends to sign with Minnesota.  Despite how good he can be, Vanek may not get the money he wanted this off season and may have to rethink his plan.  We know that he already has chemistry with JT and KO when he chooses to put forth the effort, and although he is streaky, the 30yr old has 20+ goals in each of his 9 seasons and reached 60 pt mark six times over his career.  Lets not forget Vanek scored 27 & 48 for 68 pts last season and has 9 pts in 14 games so far in the playoffs.  He made $7.142M AAV last season.

 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, "Garth Snow told me earlier that he has had "good conversations" with Evgeni Nabokov's agent about a return as backup to Halak."

Isles fans voted for Frans Nielsen for the "Isles Player Of The Year," with 55% of the vote.

Isles prospect D, Griffin Reinhart and the Edmonton Oil Kings beat VDO in a 3 OT Semi and Guelph, 6-3 in the finals to win the 2014 Memorial Cup.

Isles G prospect, Anders Nilsson backs Sweden to a Bronze Medal shut out win in the IIHF WC.

 

NHL Notes:

Per Eric Hornick,"Ex-NHLers say they are hurting, need help but NHL Alumni isn’t there for them."  The Toronto Star article can be found here.

 

IIHF Notes:

Team Russia wins gold in the 2014 IIHF WC.