New York Islanders Roundtable: Our Top Six Forwards

May 6, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) and New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (21) and New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) stand for the national anthem before the first period of game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) celebrates with defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) and center Anders Lee (27) his goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Lizza

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Without question, the New York Islanders will start the season with the top line being John Tavares centering Andrew Ladd and P.A.Parenteau. Tavares and Parenteau know each other well from playing together in past seasons. That is a natural fit. Ladd will give Tavares the best offensive player he has ever played with on a nightly basis in his career.

To start the year the second line is up for debate. It should be a no-brainer and be the talented young trio of Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, and Ryan Strome. The question is can these talented youngsters bring their game, night in and night out on consistent basis the way Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, and Jason Chimera will?

Finally sooner rather than later Mathew Barzal will be in the conversation as one of the Islanders top six forwards. I firmly believe the 2015 first round pick will be in the discussion for the Calder come the latter stages of the season.