New York Islanders 2016-2017 Player Grades: Jason Chimera

There was immense pressure on Jason Chimera before the season even began. It was an offseason of change for the New York Islanders and Chimera had big shoes to fill in his first season of a two-year deal.

Coming off a 20-goal season in 2015, Chimera was one of the New York Islanders newest additions after the team moved on from fan favorites Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, and Matt Martin.

Just like the Islanders got off to a slow start so did Jason Chimera. Through the first 21 games of the season the Islanders were well under the .500 mark and Chimera had one goal to his name. A lot of time he was non-existent on the ice and rarely put the puck in the net. He was trying to do too much and wasn’t doing anything at all. Islander fans were certainly disappointed with his first half stat line.

New York Islanders

When Chimera played well, so did the Islanders. When the wave came and Doug Weight made his presence known as head coach, Chimera made an impact on the ice. Chimera went on a goal-scoring surge right in the middle of the Isles playoff push. He scored six goals in 10 games, which included a game-tying goal in his 1000^th career game. He padded his stats night in and night out and seemed to have a strong hold on a young locker room.

Chimera notched his 20^th goal of the year in the Isles season finale against the Senators. He has never been known as a goal scorer throughout his career so back to back 20 goal seasons is quite the accomplishment. If Chimera had any bit of a pulse at the start of the season, he would have easily had a career high in goals.

Chimera finished the season with 20 goals and 13 assists in 82 games played.

Chimera seems to have found more a scoring touch with age. The now 37 year old had 83 goals in his first eight. NHL seasons but now has 85 over his last six.

Next: Player Grade: Josh Bailey

Chimera will certainly need to have another big season not only for the team, but also for him in a contract year. Weight will certainly look for Chimera to help mature the young kids while he continues to put the puck in the net. He played well enough to earn an A in the second half but his first half performance brought him down to a B.

Final Grade: B