2021-2022 Season Predictions
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. Today, we’ll preview the New York Islanders.
2021 Offseason
The Islanders were under a cap crunch this offseason and moved out some salary via trade to begin their summer. They sent Nick Leddy to Detroit for Richard Panik and also sent Andrew Ladd to Arizona, clearing up cap space. They kept their free agent signings under wraps until late in the offseason, but ultimately announced new deals with Casey Cizikas, Anthony Beauvillier, Kyle Palmieri, and Adam Pelech. The also announced the signing of Zach Parise following his buyout by the Wild, although terms on his deal are not yet clear.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Islanders look like a well rounded team heading into the 21/22 season. There are no real weaknesses among the forward lines and the bottom six looks quite solid. The defense is in relatively good shape as well, with possibly the need for a 2nd pair defender. Goaltending looks like it will be a strength.
Forwards
Mathew Barzal will lead the Islanders offense and the return of a healthy Anders Lee should make the top line effective. The Islanders have a solid group of depth forwards, which should give them flexibility through the season to manage their way through injuries and make their bottom six difficult to play against.
As far as projected value for the newly re-signed forwards, the new deals for Cizikas and Beauvillier look reasonable with their projected value near the league median. The Isles may have overpaid to retain Kyle Palmieri, with his projected value coming in well below league median. Finally, the jury is still out on Parise until financial terms of the deal are clear.
Defensemen
The Islanders key shutdown pair of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock return for 21/22 and lead a relatively solid defense corps. Signing Andy Greene to replace Nick Leddy looks like it was a downgrade, however, it leaves an opportunity for another one of the Isles younger defensemen to earn a larger role.
Goaltenders
The Islanders goaltending duo from last season returns, with Ilya Sorokin signing an extension this offseason. Both goaltenders are very capable and the combination should provide stability in net for the Isles.
Team Performance
The Islanders look ready to compete in a difficult Metropolitan Division again this year. Their solid defensive game has them in the mix for the division title.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
