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New York Islanders Redrafting 2012 NHL Entry Draft

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 22: Griffin Reinhart (C), fourth overall pick by the New York Islanders, poses on stage with Islanders representatives during Round One of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft at Consol Energy Center on June 22, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 22: Griffin Reinhart (C), fourth overall pick by the New York Islanders, poses on stage with Islanders representatives during Round One of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft at Consol Energy Center on June 22, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 26: Adam Pelech #50 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: Adam Pelech #50 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) /

Round 3 Pick 65

Original Pick: Adam Pelech | Our Pick: Matt Murray

Adam Pelech has been an okay NHL defenseman. He’s probably best suited as a bottom pairing guy, and he’ll likely get a chance in that role in 2018-2019 if he’s still with the team.

But, the Islanders could’ve solved their problem in net. Something they’ve struggled with for a very long time. Matt Murray, the two-time Cup champion was available when the Islanders were on the clock.

Murray had a down year in 2017-2018 with a .907 save percentage and a 2.92 goals against average. But, he’s still just 23-years-old and looks to be an excellent goalie for the Pens for the next decade-plus.

His best regular season was 2016-2017 when he had a .923 save percentage and a 2.41 goals against average. Come playoff time Murray is no slouch.

In 44 career games, he has a .923 save percentage and a 2.08 goals against average. The bigger the stage, the better he performs. His 2016-2017 playoff performance was unreal. He had a .937 save percentage and a 1.70 goals against average with three shutouts.

You could make the argument for taking Frederik Anderson here, he also went later in round three, but due to Murray’s age he seems like the better long-term pick.

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