The Islanders have plenty to build on after improving by 18 points on a lousy 2008-09 season that netted John Tavares in the draft. This summer, however, will be remembered for a missed opportunity.
• 2009-10: 34-37-11, 79 points, missed playoffs
• Key additions: D Mark Eaton, D Milan Jurcina, D James Wisniewski, LW Andy Hilbert, RW P.A. Parenteau
• Key losses: LW Jeff Tambellini, G Martin Biron, LW Sean Bergenheim, C Richard Park, D Freddy Meyer
• Overview: 
The Islanders took a major step forward in 2009-10. After a mostly silent off-season, though, did the beleaguered franchise miss an opportunity to announce it's ready to be relevant in the New York market and NHL landscape? The Islanders, who have done an impressive job stockpiling draft picks and youngsters in recent years, were rumored to have a compiled a 10-year, $100 million contract for Ilya Kovalchuk before ultimately deciding to pass on him (among other free agents). Wisniewski, a second-pair defenseman in Anaheim who was traded for a 2011 third-round draft pick, was the biggest summer acquisition.
• What they're missing:
A lot, but we’re going to focus on the backup goaltending. General manager Garth Snow signed Dwayne Roloson ostensibly as an insurance policy in case the perpetually injured Rick DiPietro wasn't ready. DiPietro wasn’t, and Roloson became the Islanders’ starter by default. He compiled a 23-18-7 record in 50 games with a .907 save percentage and 3.00 goals against. He’ll be the starter in Uniondale this season, but who backs him up?
• Player to watch in camp:
John Tavares. Much like Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, the player he's most often compared to, Tavares had a solid rookie campaign, totaling 54 points in 82 games. Stamkos scored 51 goals last year, his second in the NHL, which has prompted observers to wonder if Tavares could do the same. If you're looking for omens, Tavares told reporters late last season that he was going to become stronger during the summer.
HPT is counting down one team each day before NHL training camps open on Sept. 17. Tomorrow: New York Rangers.
Twitter: @DenisGorman |
<< Home