New York Islanders Most Cap Space Available for 2018-19 in NHL

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ST LOUIS, MO – MAY 17: Dainius Zubrus #9 of the San Jose Sharks (not pictured) scores an empty net goal during the third period against the St. Louis Blues in Game Two of the Western Conference Final during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center on May 17, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

What’s Left for Goalies

With all that being said, the New York Islanders still need to bring in a starting goalie. Jaroslav Halak will be out of a contract and nowhere near this team. Thomas Greiss still has two years left on his deal, but after last season there’s no way he gets a starting gig.

Left in the organization is Christopher Gibson and Linus Soderstrom. Of the two only Soderstrom has the potential to be a starter and even that comes with a significant amount of risk. At least for this season.

But with around $4.757 million in cap space, the Islanders could definitely find and pay for a starting goalie.

That $4.757 million doesn’t sound like a lot, it’s only $0.257 million more than Halak was making. But remember, I assumed the cap was only going to increase by $3 million. It also assumes that the Islanders don’t trade anyone from the roster to bring in a goalie.

That still doesn’t mean the Islanders can afford someone like Carey Price. But they don’t necessarily need Carey Price. They need reliable NHL average goaltending. They need a goalie that can play 50-60 games and get them 2.78GAA and 0.912 SV%.

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Next: Redrafting Isles 20120 NHL Entry Draft

The New York Islanders are in great shape to keep the players they want to keep, retool their roster, and ultimately be competitive in 2018-19. Unlike most years, money won’t be an issue.