It’s no secret that the New York Islanders were in on Artemi Panarin this summer and lost out. Now, with virtually the same team headed into next season (aside from Semyon Varlamov swapping in for Robin Lehner), the Islanders have failed to make any improvements this offseason. There’s still a chance, though.
Remaining on the UFA list are Ryan Dzingel, Micheal Ferland and Marcus Johansson, among other names. Considering these forwards haven’t signed yet, there could be a reason as to why. Contracts demands- either too long of a term, too high of an AAV or both- could be preventing teams from going in on them. But if they’re still on the board, it means these demands are going to have to come down eventually and the Islanders should be closely monitoring each situation.
It was reported that Dzingel had turned down a five-year deal with Ottawa worth more than $4M per season. There’s no doubt Dzingel struggled in the playoffs with the Blue Jackets, totalling just one point in nine games. Still though, Dzingel had 26 goals and 56 points in 78 games this year and has averaged 21.7 goals and 44.4 points per 82 games across the last three seasons, making for a productive middle-six player. He’s just 27 years old and if Dzingel was now willing to go for somewhere around $5M or slightly below on a four or five year deal, the Islanders should be all over it.
You have to imagine both Micheal Ferland and Marcus Johansson would be asking for a very similar deal, both in AAV and length. Ferland is likely the better player to go after of the two- he’s two years younger than Johansson and has been good for around 45 points per 82 games in each of the last two years, while also adding grit. Johansson is already 29 and has battled injuries, playing just 87 regular season games in the last two years.
One more rumoured name for the Islanders was Brian Boyle. Though he’s not a long-term solution, if he was willing to do a one-year deal, he could be a good, cheap replacement for Valtteri Filppula. Boyle is pretty consistently good for about 15 goals and 27 points per 82 games. Two other potential names, however unlikely, could be Derick Brassard and Patrick Maroon, though both are now 31.
At the very least, the Islanders should be keeping an eye on each of these players. Dzingel and Ferland should the two more significant targets, however any of these forwards at the right price could make for a good addition in New York, where adding a goal scorer needs to be a priority.
Note: Now that I’m back in the country I’ll be back to frequent writing. Thanks for reading!
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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