Id be okay with the team as is

Équipe: 2019-20 Islanders de New York

Date de création initiale: 10 juill. 2019

Publié: 10 juill. 2019

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Let me preface this by saying, I think Lou will make a move for a Top 6 forward, but if he didn't, I'd be okay with the team the way it currently is... and here is why... With a full year of Trotz's system in place and learned, the players will be able to focus more on offense this year, which in turn, should lead to more offense itself.

First line:
Lee - Nelson - Bailey
- This line really came together at the end of last year and should stay together to start the season as Line 1A.

Line 2:
Beau - Barzal - Eberle
- This line showed tremendous chemistry when they were put together at the end of the 17-18 season. Barzal has natural chemistry with both Eberle (last season) and Beau (2 seasons ago).

Line 3:
- dal Colle - Cizikas - Ho-Sang
- Yes, this breaks up the 4th line, but it's likely Clutter is out to start the year anyway. And with the season Casey had last year he deserves a shot at the 3C spot. Putting him with dal Colle and Ho-Sang, give him a bit more offensive wingers to play with, while he anchors the line as the defensive Center.

Line 4:
Martin - Fritz - Komarov
- Fritz seemed to be a favorite of Trotz before he got hurt, so he gets the first shot at taking over Cizikas' spot as the 4C. Komarov plays the RW until/if Clutter comes back.

Extras: Johnston and Kuhnhackl

Defense:
Paring 1:
Toews - Pulock
- I know Pelech and Pulock played well together, but Toews is more suited for 1st pairing minutes, so he gets moved up to play with Pulock

Pairing 2:
- Leddy - Boychuk
- Not a fan of Leddy still being on the team with Aho and Dobson both ready, but if Lou can't find the right trade I'd be fine with him holding onto Leddy and Dobson going back to the CHL (same way Barzal did before his breakout season).

Pairing 3:
- Pelech - Mayfield
- Provides a shutdown Defensive pairing, as both guys made tremendous strides last year.

Extra: Hickey

Dobson goes back to the CHL, since he can't go to the AHL because of his age and Aho is the first guy call up in the AHL

Goalies:
Varlamov - With Korn on board, I'd expect him to put up numbers similar to both Greiss and Lehner did last year. I also expect him to be more of the Starter and playing the bulk share of the work

Greiss - Likely takes on more of a backup role than with Lehner. Can even see him dealt at the TDL, or sooner, if Varly is playing well.