We have talked about the need for the New York Islanders to acquire someone who can be placed next to John Tavares next season and simply light the lamp. I know this team needs another defenseman, a backup goalie, and possibly a third line center.
But to me, priority number one has to be some talent for the Captain.
Not someone Tavares can make better, someone who has established their own resume.
I have looked at the available free agents on July 1st and the answer is not there. I have stated that if the Islanders are going to find talent for the top line they will have to trade for it. However, could there be another option? The answer is… maybe.
The Russian economy is in shambles and that has effected the vitality of the KHL. They are already talking about contracting four teams and we are going to see an influx of Russian players returning to the NHL this year.
Could the answer for the top line be someone coming back from Europe?
Alexander Radulov has already expressed his interested in returning to the NHL. So has Alexander Burmistrov and Sergei and Andrei, the Kostitsyn brothers. There is also talk that Vladimir Sobotka wants a return to the NHL and he would be a nice fit into that third-line center role if the Isles feel the need to address it. Now all of these players left under dubious situations but there is some clear talent playing in the KHL that could help this lineup.
I’m not saying that this is a better option than pursuing a trade for a Milan Lucic or a Patrick Sharp or even a Jordan Eberle but it may be a more feasible route.
I’m just trying to think outside of the box here for answers if the trade market prices are too steep. The Isles have already been linked to KHL player Miks Indrasis. The 24-year-old has good size and a nice set of hands and has produced consistently overseas. No contract has been signed but you would have to think he would help at the Bridgeport level for starters.
If there is going to be dozens of players coming back from Europe than the Islanders need to be monitoring this closely. This is a very fluid situation and more players are expressing interest daily. It will be fun to watch. Not only do we have free agency and trades, we have this situation that will make for a very fascinating summer.
As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.