New York Islanders Mid-Season Player Grades

Second Defensive Pair

They might not have the same production level that the first two have, but Johnny Boychuk and Travis Hamonic are excellent defenders.

But with low production compared to the rest of the rest of the league’s defensemen and with low Corsi-differential numbers these two can’t crack the top two.

Remember that these numbers are all 5-on-5, so no power play points here for Johnny Boychuk. His powerful shot from the point has long been, and continues to be an asset for the Isles. But Boychuk has found a way to put pucks in the net at full strength. If he continues, he’ll get close to that first year with the Islanders where he hit a career-high 35 points.

Those Corsi-DIfferential numbers are just awful. A full 97% of the league’s defensive players, who have played at least 100 minutes are better possession wise than Travis this season. We know he’s been battling injuries this year, so maybe once fully fit that changes. I hope.