Despite not being sold on their D, the Isles are starting to look like they're ready to take the next step.

Halak should provide stability in net, the young forwards are getting better every game, and is it just me or is Tavares the least talked about superstar in the sports world?

Yeah, his skating isn't the best, but his hands, vision and creativity are off the charts- didn't they used to say the same about Gretzky?*


*I'm not saying Tavares is Gretzky.
- OzBolts

You could say his skating wasnt great when he was drafted but its actually a strength now. Guy is strong on the puck. As far as him being the least talked about superstar I dont know about that. Oilers fans get pissed due to him being talked about too much and hall not getting any press.

I agree fully. Garth had a great summer. The one thing I don't understand from talking to Isles fans is the quality of their forward depth. I understand that they can ice 12 good forwards on any night, but what is the quality like? I know what JT and Grabo at Center, and know enough to be impressed by Okposo and of course Kuli is a solid possession player, but who are the rest of seemingly untouchable players? Nielson put up some solid numbers over the past few years but other than that nobody jumps out off the page from an outsiders point of view.
Defense aside, how does the Islanders forwards stack up against some of the other high powered teams in the NHL. I'm not talking depth, I'm talking quality. How do the top 9 forwards compare against the BlackHawks, Sharks, Kings, Habs and even Oilers?
- Jeropotato

Honestly, I think the Isles have tremendous forward depth. In terms of the eastern conference, I would honestly put the Isles at #3 behind the Lightning and Bruins, with a slight edge over the Habs and Rangers, who lost a little depth over the summer.

The west is much tougher, and they don't stack up against the Kings, Hawks, Sharks just yet, and the Avs, Blues, Stars, Ducks and Wild are pretty solid as well (sorry, I can't put the Oilers in that category; let's see Yaku bounce back and Draisaitl play a game or two first).

The lineup, barring a trade, will look something like this:

Nelson - Tavares - Okposo
Kulemin -Grabovski - Strome
Lee -Nielsen- Grabner
Bailey -Cizikas- Clutterbuck
Conacher. Martin

Honestly, every single one of their top 9 has either the scored 25+ goals in the past or has the potential to do so in the very near future. Lee has been very productive in his limited NHL time thus far, Strome produced at a 55-point clip during his 2nd callup (and did it with bottom-6 caliber linemates), and Nelson, whose unimpressive numbers are due to playing tough minutes as a rookie, is the most complete player of the 3. If he gets into a more offensive role, I have no doubt he will produce.

Conacher and Clutterbuck can certainly chip in at times and even Bailey can contribute offensively after around St. Patrick's Day (needs about 65 games to round into form).

The blue line is a different story, the coach still sucks and they wear a sweater that everyone now associates with futility, but that is a pretty impressive group of forwards IMO.

You must not live in Alberta... every day, even here in Calgary, I hear Hall's name if not from the media, then from co-workers.

One of them actually called him the next Brett Hull.

Ugh...

Honestly, I think the Isles have tremendous forward depth. In terms of the eastern conference, I would honestly put the Isles at #3 behind the Lightning and Bruins, with a slight edge over the Habs and Rangers, who lost a little depth over the summer.

The west is much tougher, and they don't stack up against the Kings, Hawks, Sharks just yet, and the Avs, Blues, Stars, Ducks and Wild are pretty solid as well (sorry, I can't put the Oilers in that category; let's see Yaku bounce back and Draisaitl play a game or two first).

The lineup, barring a trade, will look something like this:

Nelson - Tavares - Okposo
Kulemin -Grabovski - Strome
Lee -Nielsen- Grabner
Bailey -Cizikas- Clutterbuck
Conacher. Martin

Honestly, every single one of their top 9 has either the scored 25+ goals in the past or has the potential to do so in the very near future. Lee has been very productive in his limited NHL time thus far, Strome produced at a 55-point clip during his 2nd callup (and did it with bottom-6 caliber linemates), and Nelson, whose unimpressive numbers are due to playing tough minutes as a rookie, is the most complete player of the 3. If he gets into a more offensive role, I have no doubt he will produce.

Conacher and Clutterbuck can certainly chip in at times and even Bailey can contribute offensively after around St. Patrick's Day (needs about 65 games to round into form).

The blue line is a different story, the coach still sucks and they wear a sweater that everyone now associates with futility, but that is a pretty impressive group of forwards IMO.
- Snowblind

Our fwd depth is among the best in the conference. Id say its close to better than tampa. Bruins have good size up front which we lack.

You must not live in Alberta... every day, even here in Calgary, I hear Hall's name if not from the media, then from co-workers.

One of them actually called him the next Brett Hull.

Ugh...
- OzBolts

Nope I dont. Im just goong by what ive heard on here which was probablt my first mistake. Tavares will be there if hes not there already. Not really a concern of mine.

I like you once thought Rick Nash the captain and face of the franchise would never ask out......well guess it could happen to anybody, I wouldn't be surprised if Tavares wants out if the Islanders continue the way they are being runned.
- Alexzanki

It's pretty simple for the isles and JT. Win or loose him to FA when his contract expires. The isles have a promising and young roster this year, are moving to a bigger market next year, have new ownership set to take over, and have a ton of cap room to sign him. This all means nothing however if the team cant solidify it's self as a "contender" within the next 2 years.

Nope I dont. Im just goong by what ive heard on here which was probablt my first mistake. Tavares will be there if hes not there already. Not really a concern of mine.
- Cptmjl

Not really a mistake, I'm jaded because of the regional coverage... you're probably right.

It's pretty simple for the isles and JT. Win or loose him to FA when his contract expires. The isles have a promising and young roster this year, are moving to a bigger market next year, have new ownership set to take over, and have a ton of cap room to sign him. This all means nothing however if the team cant solidify it's self as a "contender" within the next 2 years.
- Dgmilazz

Theres no way they loose him to FA. He will be traded if theres any chance of him not resigning. The return would be huge. I doubt it comes to that though.

Despite not being sold on their D, the Isles are starting to look like they're ready to take the next step.

Halak should provide stability in net, the young forwards are getting better every game, and is it just me or is Tavares the least talked about superstar in the sports world?

Yeah, his skating isn't the best, but his hands, vision and creativity are off the charts- didn't they used to say the same about Gretzky?*


*I'm not saying Tavares is Gretzky.
- OzBolts

Have you not watched him skate the last two years? He's got balance, power and added another gear. His skating is now an asset.

The sooner JT gets traded or walks to Toronto, the sooner Josh Bailey can take his rightful place on the first line And begin his ascent to superstar status!!


XxNYIxX

Top 8 in the East quality?
- Jeropotato

Yes just look at the lineups most of us isles fans are posting and tell me that is not a top 8 east offense. With our goaltending solved the problem lies with our D but should be fixed within the next 2 years when our best D prospects will be playing and will have had some time to develop. For now if the team plays defense togther we will make the playoffs no questions about it.

Lived in Vancouver (Coquitlam, Toronto, Ottawa and Jensen Beach Florida). Nothing compares to the sheer brilliance of Vancouver's majestic beauty. Florida beaches are about the nicest place you would want to spend endless days. Ottawa has the highest per capita income of any city in North America. The fascilities and public spaces are amazing. I know of no city that is better for raising a family.
- spatso

Travelbuzz

It's like the past 4 months haven't happened around here!


Did you know, my fine-feathered Tavares-to-TO-baiters (or is it -baters?) that:
1. That, during the playoffs, Isles traded for, then signed Jaroslav Halak?
2. They opted to keep their 1st round pick and used it to pick Michael Dal Colle?
3. Traded back into the 1st round to draft Josh Ho-Sang?
4. Signed Mikhail Grabovski, one of the better available UFAs?
5. Signed his running mate, Nikolai Kulemin?
6. Signed Chad Johnson, one of the better UFA depth goalies available?
7. Took a low-risk, high-reward flier on Cory Conacher?
8. Did the same with AHL-best d-man, TJ Brennan?
9. Wang just sold his majority-stake in the team?
10. Have one more farewell go-round in the old dumpy barn and then move to the newest arena in the league in 2015?

Y'all might wanna freshen up your talking points. The crackpot owner is on his way out, the "backup goalie" GM had himself a rock-solid offseason of wheelin' and dealin' and the team is about to move out of the oldest, most dilapidated arena in the league and into to the newest one smack-dab into the heart of Brooklyn, the hippest place in North America. Why would Tavares possibly want to leave right now when everything looks like it is finally falling into place for this franchise, when he was willing to stay 3 years ago when things were at their bleakest?
- Snowblind

A lot of nice off season moves by the Islanders. I like drafting Josh Ho Sang and signing TJ Brennan; Kulemin not so much.

You must not live in Alberta... every day, even here in Calgary, I hear Hall's name if not from the media, then from co-workers.

One of them actually called him the next Brett Hull.

Ugh...
- OzBolts

Yeah, he's a bust.

Honestly, I think the Isles have tremendous forward depth. In terms of the eastern conference, I would honestly put the Isles at #3 behind the Lightning and Bruins, with a slight edge over the Habs and Rangers, who lost a little depth over the summer.

The west is much tougher, and they don't stack up against the Kings, Hawks, Sharks just yet, and the Avs, Blues, Stars, Ducks and Wild are pretty solid as well (sorry, I can't put the Oilers in that category; let's see Yaku bounce back and Draisaitl play a game or two first).

The lineup, barring a trade, will look something like this:

Nelson - Tavares - Okposo
Kulemin -Grabovski - Strome
Lee -Nielsen- Grabner
Bailey -Cizikas- Clutterbuck
Conacher. Martin

Honestly, every single one of their top 9 has either the scored 25+ goals in the past or has the potential to do so in the very near future. Lee has been very productive in his limited NHL time thus far, Strome produced at a 55-point clip during his 2nd callup (and did it with bottom-6 caliber linemates), and Nelson, whose unimpressive numbers are due to playing tough minutes as a rookie, is the most complete player of the 3. If he gets into a more offensive role, I have no doubt he will produce.

Conacher and Clutterbuck can certainly chip in at times and even Bailey can contribute offensively after around St. Patrick's Day (needs about 65 games to round into form).

The blue line is a different story, the coach still sucks and they wear a sweater that everyone now associates with futility, but that is a pretty impressive group of forwards IMO.
- Snowblind

It is deep, I was never questioning that, but how great to a man, are the players? Tavares is obviously elite, but after that who is there? Is this a high powered offense through committee?

And know, I don't know much about them aside from what I can read on a Stat sheet. Is there anyone on there that should be a household name soon?

It is deep, I was never questioning that, but how great to a man, are the players? Tavares is obviously elite, but after that who is there? Is this a high powered offense through committee?

And know, I don't know much about them aside from what I can read on a Stat sheet. Is there anyone on there that should be a household name soon?
- Jeropotato

Thats how I see the Islanders, as a team outsider and looking at the forward ranks around the league, you could break them down they fall into a few categories:

Prove First Line Talent:
Tavares, Okposo

Proven Top 6
Gravovski, Nielsen

Proven Top 9
Grabner, Kulemin, Clutterbuck

Young Promising talent but Unproven (based on long term productivity)
Nelson, Strome, Lee

Its a nice list of forwards, put its still a but bottom heavy, however if the Young Promising Category can add themselves into the Top 6 category it becomes a bit more balanced in terms of as a Top in the East forward depth team

Yes just look at the lineups most of us isles fans are posting and tell me that is not a top 8 east offense. With our goaltending solved the problem lies with our D but should be fixed within the next 2 years when our best D prospects will be playing and will have had some time to develop. For now if the team plays defense togther we will make the playoffs no questions about it.
- BattleLevel9k

Not saying it is or is not. What I am asking is if your 1st line is top 8?
Is your second line top 8?
Is your 3 rd line top 8?

It probably is but I'm not sure its top 3. I look at Montreal and see a very deep team of established veterans in the top 9. Same goes with Philly. Ditto the lightning.
When I think of forward Depth in the East, I think the Bruins are probably the best (Probably the best 1-2 punch at Center, IMO), and thats without a single Star forward.

Yeah, he's a bust.
- Jeropotato

Totally.... what a (frank)ing waist of a pick.....

Totally.... what a (frank)ing waist of a pick.....
- HouseArrest187

Totally. Really no comparison to John Tavares in any meaningful way.

Totally. Really no comparison to John Tavares in any meaningful way.
- Jeropotato

I know right.... not even in the same universe.

Not saying it is or is not. What I am asking is if your 1st line is top 8?
Is your second line top 8?
Is your 3 rd line top 8?

It probably is but I'm not sure its top 3. I look at Montreal and see a very deep team of established veterans in the top 9. Same goes with Philly. Ditto the lightning.
When I think of forward Depth in the East, I think the Bruins are probably the best (Probably the best 1-2 punch at Center, IMO), and thats without a single Star forward.
- Jeropotato

Hey bro, sorry to disagree but Lucic is a STAR to me ....

Hey bro, sorry to disagree but Lucic is a STAR to me ....
- Ur Not Me

You can disagree, it's fine by me. Who do you think I am, that Spazzy Leafs fan Gardiner Express?

Phanuef for Bailey!!!!
- jimmc7722

Not a chance. Phaneuf will be on the Norris ballot this year !!

Not saying it is or is not. What I am asking is if your 1st line is top 8?
Is your second line top 8?
Is your 3 rd line top 8?

It probably is but I'm not sure its top 3. I look at Montreal and see a very deep team of established veterans in the top 9. Same goes with Philly. Ditto the lightning.
When I think of forward Depth in the East, I think the Bruins are probably the best (Probably the best 1-2 punch at Center, IMO), and thats without a single Star forward.
- Jeropotato

I think the bruins and lightning are no doubt the two top teams in the east in terms of offense and offensive depth. How we compare to the rest of the east I guess you'll see for yourself this season. The thing is top 3 is a while away for the isles but top8 is a certain with this lineup. We can think about our offense being top 3 or not when we start competing, for now top 8 is good enough for all of us Isles fans with what we have been through.

Hey bro, sorry to disagree but Lucic is a STAR to me ....
- Ur Not Me

I think Bergeron is a pretty big star too,