Islanders Key Free Agent Signings

The Islander signed RW/LW Bryan Rust to a 4-year contract to join Mathew Brazil on the 1st-line. Rust had been with the Pittsburgh Penguins his entire NHL career, drafted in the 3rd round (80th overall). Rust is a two-way forward with elite potential. (2022 stats: 82 GP, 31 goals, 36 assists, 60 PIM, +22, AVG TOI 16:44).

The Islanders needed backup for Noah Dodson’s hold out. Offers to a few FA defenseman were ultimately rejected, and so the Islanders make one last effort to pick up another defenseman. Former Calgary RD/LD Nikita Zadorov agreed to a 3-year deal worth $2.00M per year. 27-year old Zadorov played in 82 games with the Flames and scored 15 points with a -4, and 45 PIM. He was a big hitter (98) and shot blocker (80).

Offseason Priorities

The Islanders achieved the ultimate goal of any NHL club when they defeated the Anaheim Ducks to win the Stanley Cup. Now, the focus turns to what would it take to successfully defend their title. The Islanders were ranked 20th in GFPG (2.90), 14th in GAAPG (2.85), 14th in PP Pct (16.0%),and 19th in PK Pct (84.1%). And yet, the Islanders blazed through the Eastern Conference Playoffs. New York can only get better with a few tweaks.

Restricted free agent RW Jack Roslovic (25 yrs old, 82 OVR) was a trade deadline pickup from Columbus and provided a boost in the playoffs, appearing in 25 games and scoring 16 points (6 goals, 9 assists). For the season, his plus/minus wasn’t impressive (-26). He seeks a new deal worth $2.75M.  The Islanders cap space will be around $13.4M.

Islanders Needs

1st-Line Right Wing

4th-Line Center

Player contract negotiations

Top Free Agents