Today we will finish our three-part series on offseason targets for the New York Islanders. We have already examined possible solutions in goal and on defense. Finally, we will look at possible offseason targets at the forward position. This is probably the least area of concern, but there is still a tangible need for a top-six forward. We know the Isles have limited resources – and the more pressing need is in goal and on the blue line — but a solid winger that could play on the second line would help this team.
Let’s start by ruling out two players: Matt Moulson and Thomas Vanek. I think we can agree that the ship has sailed on both players, and honestly I think there are players available who could help the Islanders and cost a lot less. I also do not believe that Dany Heatley would be a good fit. His game has gone off the deep end and I have zero interest in signing another “fix-me-up… project. I want a forward who can support the kids on this roster and not block them.
I do believe that Ales Hemsky, Marian Gaborik and Mike Cammalleri would be fantastic fits for the Islanders, but this trio will most likely fetch top dollar on the open market and should have many teams knocking on their doors come July 1st. These three, while all very talented, have not been the most durable players throughout their careers so there is some risk involved. I would without question knock on these doors, but I have a feeling that they are not realistic options.
Two forwards who I do believe could be targets for the Islanders are Milan Michalek and Radim Vrbata. Both have a nice resume of being consistent goal-scoring options and would look good on the second line. I’m looking to add some depth to this roster, and the second line needs some consistent scoring. We saw Josh Bailey on the second line and that frankly did not work. Both Michalek and Vrbata would be solid signings and are guys who could pop in 18-25 goals. Also, both have reasonable contracts and could probably be signed for around 4 million a year.
We all know the Isles track record when it comes to free agency: they have not been successful signing top-flight talent. This, in part, is why I ruled out the big names and tried to focus on two individuals who will not command massive contracts, but could be very helpful adding some scoring depth. We all know the biggest need for the Islanders is in goal, and they also need a veteran on the blue line. With that being said, Frans Nielsen had a career year, and for most of the season he had very little to work with when he was centering the second line. We all expect the likes of Ryan Strome, Anders Lee and Brock Nelson to log valuable minutes, but a reliable veteran winger would surely take a lot of pressure off of them next year.
In Islander prospect news, the team announced that they have signed hulking d-man Loic Leduc to an entry-level contract. The 2012 fourth-rounder stands at a massive 6-foot-6 and will add some size and toughness to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers next season. In Quebec Juniors this season, Leduc had 6 goals, 9 assists, and was a plus-13 as he split time between Cape Breton and Rimouski. Leduc also had 102 penalty minutes. He is definitely a long-term project, but look for him to gain some valuable experience in the AHL next season. As always, for more on all things hockey, please follow me on Twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.