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For those of you who have read my articles over the course of the last week, I've been including a poll in each one. Every Saturday, I'll be going over the results and providing some thoughts on how they turned out, so here's the first Poll Review:
QUESTION: How would you rate Noah Dobson's first NHL season?
Votes: 168
Fine: 45%
Good: 27%
Underwhelming: 23%
Excellent: 3%
Awful: 3%
This poll pretty accurately represents Dobson’s rookie season. Only six per cent of voters picked one of the extreme options, spread evenly between “Awful” or “Excellent,” while the winner here was “Fine.”
Dobson didn’t get into a ton of game action to warrant a better judgement but it’s not like he performed overly poorly either. I’d expect him to see more ice time next season and maybe if I ask this question a year from now about Dobson’s second NHL season, we’re able to give him a more positive review.
QUESTION: How do you feel about Jordan Eberle playing on Mathew Barzal’s wing?
Votes: 97
He’s a great fit with Barzal and should be on his wing long-term: 43%
It’s not ideal but he’s the best option available for the right side: 34%
Someone different should play with Barzal and Eberle should play with Nelson: 23%
I was surprised by this one and how many people feel that Eberle is genuinely a great fit with Barzal. To me, Eberle works for now but ideally the Islanders bring in a legitimate top-line player who could drive some of the play. Of course that winger could play on the left side, in which case Eberle remains the best option anyways.
Either way 77 per cent of voters felt that Eberle is the best option on the current roster to play right wing with Barzal. For those of you who voted that someone different should be playing on Barzal’s right wing, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
QUESTION: Should the Islanders try to re-sign Andy Greene for next season?
Votes: 95
Yes: 39
No: 32
All depends on the price: 29
Greene was a solid fit for the Islanders this season but the question is, will he still be a good fit next season? With Adam Pelech back, his role would become a bit more unclear.
The majority of voters (68 per cent) would at least entertain an extension depending on the price and this is how I’d answer too. Greene can provide the Islanders with excellent depth but if the dollar figure is too high, even on a one year deal, the Islanders should probably walk away.
QUESTION: Pretend Greiss and Varlamov are the same age and you could get either on a contract for the same price/term. Who do you keep around to be Sorokin's partner in net?
Votes: 95
Varlamov: 64%
Greiss: 36%
I have to admit, I was a bit surprised to see so many side with Varlamov. To me, this might show a bit of recency bias, based on Greiss’ poor end to the year, especially based on the fact that Varlamov is inconsistent from year to year. Having said that, I think having either as a partner for Sorokin would give the Islanders a really solid goalie tandem.
QUESTION: Do you think Ross Johnston will be a regular in the lineup next season?
Votes: 72
Yes: 58%
No: 42%
I still don’t know how I feel about Johnston becoming a regular member of the lineup next season but I think it’s probably going to happen (as do the majority of voters). He’s likely to take over Matt Martin’s spot on the fourth line and does it at a low cap hit, which may become important. He’d add toughness to the lineup and could help to create a revised version of the “Identity Line.”
QUESTION: What is your long-term projection for Koivula's role in the Islanders' lineup?
Votes: 56
Top-nine: 45%
Never wins a spot in the lineup: 32%
Fourth-line: 23%
I was surprised to see that so few view Koivula as a potential fit on the fourth line. He wasn’t great in his NHL stint but I think with another year of development, he may be a decent fit there. Another point here is that the Islanders are set for centers between Barzal, Nelson and Pageau, so if Koivula does make New York’s top-nine any time soon, it’s more likely that he’d do it as a winger than as a center.
Check back tomorrow for a player profile on Leo Komarov (and a new poll)!
OTHER PROFILES FROM APRIL
Thomas Greiss
Ross Johnston
Otto Koivula
ALL PLAYER PROFILES
Josh Bailey
Mathew Barzal
Anthony Beauvillier
Johnny Boychuk
Derick Brassard
Casey Cizikas
Cal Clutterbuck
Michael Dal Colle
Noah Dobson
Jordan Eberle
Andy Greene
Thomas Greiss
Ross Johnston
Otto Koivula 
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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