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New York Islanders: Top 5 Free Agents To Target

By Matthew Collins
Apr 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) is seen during game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won the game 4-3 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd (16) is seen during game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center. The Blackhawks won the game 4-3 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Frans Nielsen (51) falls on top of New York Rangers goalie Antti Raanta (32) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Islanders won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Frans Nielsen (51) falls on top of New York Rangers goalie Antti Raanta (32) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Islanders won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Frans Nielsen

Position: Center

Points: 52

Faceoff %: 50.13

As of right now Frans Nielsen is still a free agent.

The Great Dane should be the first player the Islanders seek if he reaches the open market. He is simply too valuable for the Islanders to let walk away. With his obvious speed, faceoff ability, shootout talent, penalty kill and powerplay usage, the Islanders would be fools to let him walk.

Even with his obvious skill, production, and consistency, he still manages to frequently lay under the radar around the league. This, in essence, means a cheaper price tag for a valuable commodity.

If New York can lock him up for four to five seasons with an annual cap hit of $5.5 million, it will essentially be a steal.

Unfortunately for Islanders fans, there have been conflicting reports as to whether the multi-tool center is remaining or departing.

Despite this, the Isles should still pursue Nielsen if he hits the market. He fills too many roles in both the offensive zone and defensive zone, and all for a somewhat cheaper price.

Next: Loui Eriksson

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