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New York Islanders Offseason Plan If John Tavares Leaves (Competitive)

By Matt O'Leary
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders reacts in the third period against the Florida Panthers during their game at Barclays Center on March 26, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders reacts in the third period against the Florida Panthers during their game at Barclays Center on March 26, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – MARCH 4: Michael Grabner #40 of the New Jersey Devils warms up prior to taking on the Vegas Golden Knights at the Prudential Center on March 4, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Sign Michael Grabner: Two-Years $6 million ($3 million AAV)

The New York Islanders third line was brutally bad in 2017-2018. The Islanders could use an effective depth player, which familiar face, Michael Grabner is just that.

In 80 games with Rangers and Devils Grabner put up 36 points (27 goals, nine assists). Over the past two years Grabner has scored 27 goals per year and has come at an extremely cheap cost at just $1.65 million.

If the Islanders bump him up to $3 million and he gives you anything close to 20 goals and 35 points I think you’re more than happy. The Islanders just need some depth and some help on the penalty kill after likely losing Nikolai Kulemin.

That’s an underrated part of Grabner’s game. Yes, he’s fast and has scoring upside, but he also can help you out on the penalty kill. He’s essentially a rich man’s Jason Chimera from 2016-2017.

Grabner gets himself a nice raise, while the Islanders find some depth scoring at just $3 million. Grabs is the perfect bottom six player and actually worth a $3 million cap number, unlike Cal Clutterbuck.

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