Islanders Point Projections For the 2015-16 Season

The season is almost upon us! How well will our beloved Islanders play? Many fans judge, rightly or wrongly, on a player’s season performance by seeing how many points they scored. With the season just less than a month away, let’s take a look at my point projections on each of the Islanders’ forwards.

Josh Bailey

The former ninth overall pick is still only 25 and put up a career high in points last season with 41. However, Bailey is just a great all-around player, so his value does not just lie in points. Competing for ice time will be slightly tougher for him this year, so I expect his point production to slightly dip. 15 G, 24 A, 39 P

Casey Cizikas

After doing an excellent job of centering the checking line last season, I think Cizikas will want to show off some of his scoring potential. 12 G, 13 A, 25 P

Cal Clutterbuck

Part of that awesome checking line, Clutterbuck will continue doing his job. 6 G, 10 A, 16 P

Michael Dal Colle

A bit of a wild card because he is coming from juniors and may not even make the team. I think he has a good chance to, but his ice time will be limited. 13 G, 20 A, 33 P

Michael Grabner

Has a strong chance of being a healthy scratch most of the time. I also would not be surprised if he sees waivers at one point during the season. 5 G, 6 A, 11 P

Mikhail Grabovski

He is 31, and some worry his play is slowing down. After a pretty disappointing campaign, I see him bouncing back. 14 G, 21 A, 35 P

Nikolay Kulemin

Kulemin, who once put up a 57-point season, has also been a bit disappointing the past couple seasons. Maybe him and Grabovski can spark like they once did with the Leafs. It is a long shot. 13 G, 16 A, 29 P

Anders Lee

Obviously a huge surprise for the team last season, but it is easy to see him come back to Earth this season. I think otherwise. He is already 25 and has everything a top forward needs: size, speed, a physical side, and balance. He could even play with Tavares possibly. 22 G, 21 A, 43 P

Matt Martin

Martin definitely showed he is an everyday NHLer last season. The most important member of the checking line will obviously not put up 50 goals, but hits like crazy. 7 G, 7 A, 14 P

Brock Nelson

Once he gets signed, I think Nelson is a very valuable depth scorer. He will probably end up a one-year deal, which will only make him want to play better to prove how good he is. 21 G, 22 A, 43 P

Frans Nielsen

The production of Nielsen will depend greatly on who he plays with. If he goes down to the third line, it will decrease. If he plays with Tavares, he will obviously have more points. 15 G, 27 A, 42 P

Kyle Okposo

Injuries have held him back the past couple seasons, but he has shown that his potential is close to a point a game. 29 G, 42 A, 71 P

Ryan Strome

After that huge 50-point season last year, I see him keeping pace with that total now that he possibly has competition from his brother, Dylan, in the NHL. 16 G, 32 A, 48 P

John Tavares

Tavares is out to prove something this season. He narrowly missed out on both the Hart and Art Ross Trophies. He also wants to show the world how deep his team can go. 39 G, 51 A, 90 P