New York Islanders Jason Chimera Good, Bad, And The Ugly

While we gear up for the New York Islanders 2017-18 NHL season we wanted to look at every player. But rather than give you a straight preview I wanted to see the good, the bad and the ugly for Jason Chimera.

So why did I pick New York Islanders Jason Chimera for this? It seems random to take an aging veteran to dissect. But that’s exactly why I took him. Because for his age he still has surprising upside to his game.

The Good

The obvious good from Jason Chimera is his production. Last season, even after a slow start to the year Chimera put up 20 goals and 33 points. For a third/fourth line player that’s a great return.

And his price point makes that return even better. Remember that Chimera, who signed as a free agent in 2016 is in his second year of a two-year $4.5 million deal. That’s a million dollars less total than a single year of Andrew Ladd. And Andrew Ladd could only muster 31 points last season.

Chimera is on back-to-back 20 goal seasons. His role will likely diminish a bit with all the kids coming in this season. But the coaching staff won’t lose any sleep on what Chimera can add on the score sheet.

The Bad

His 2016-17 season didn’t start well. Not only was Chimera not putting up points, but his one defining feature had seemed to have passed him by. His speed.

The Isles signed the then 37-year-old for, in large part his speed. But in the first few months, he looked to be skating with cement in his skates. Call it whatever you want, he wasn’t settled, the coaching, etc…, but there’s no question that Chimera wasn’t the same player the Isles signed.

It made everyone think: “did we get a 37-year-old player on his last legs?” Turns out we didn’t but the seed of doubt is there now.

Then there’s the fact that Chimera’s a pending UFA. We all know how much Garth loves his veterans. If he puts up another 20 goal season the Isles might just opt to keep him. And pay him more.

So when you think of seed of doubt from his age and then factor in a growing price tag I get a bit gun shy. He’ll be 39 in May.

The Ugly

There’s one, and I already mentioned it; age. So why bring it up again? Well, Chimera’s age could be a factor to lower production, but he could still be an OK player. But his age could also make him useless on an NHL level.

Father time doesn’t lose. Sooner or later he will catch up to Chimera and that could be as early as 2017-18. If you look at his last few seasons there’s an unmistakable 19 point year.

This could be the year that it all goes down the tubes for him.

Next: Worst Case Scenarios for Isles in 2017-18

Based on the good, the bad and the ugly Jason Chimera still seems to have some good upside for the New York Islanders. In 2017-18. After that, it seems to be too big of a risk for what could easily be a $2.5 million player.

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