New York Islanders Will Not Qualify Quine, Prince, and Davidson

Alan Quine, Shane Prince, and Brandon Davidson all failed to receive qualifying offers from the New York Islanders, meaning they will become unrestricted free agents.

These three players aren’t what you would call elite or even everyday players for the New York Islanders, but they fit their roles well as valuable depth pieces.

All these players have unique stories. Hard work and perseverance have been common themes in their careers, and they will now need to search for a new team come July.

Lou Lamoriello is taking full control of this organization, which means some familiar faces will be let go, but it is important to look back at their time in the blue and orange and celebrate their accomplishments.

Eyes on Isles would like to thank Alan Quine, Shane Prince, and Brandon Davidson for their contributions to the Islanders.

Alan Quine

The New York Islanders are the only team that Quine has ever known. After being drafted by the Red Wings in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft, he could not come to terms with Detroit on a contract, so the Islanders swooped in and drafted him in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL Draft.

Quine went straight to Bridgeport, where he had a very successful tenure. As the 2016 season was coming to an end, the Islanders needed forward depth, so Quine finally got the call.

In his first game with the Islanders, Quine tallied a goal. Quine was able to keep his spot in the lineup for the Playoffs, and we all know how that ended.

Shane Prince

Garth Snow made a lot of mistakes. That we know. And perhaps his biggest mistake was repeatedly failing to upgrade his team at the Trade Deadline when reinforcements were so desperately needed.

Shane Prince was one of those players that Snow acquired at the Deadline when fans would have wanted anyone else. Prince was solid in his time with the Ottawa Senators, but at the time, the Islanders needed a more prolific scorer to add to the lineup.

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Prince, however, did not let fans down in his time with the Islanders. Considering he was acquired for only a third round pick, he was very good when healthy and contributed with some timely goals. His most memorable moment as a member of the Islanders was this Playoff tally that concluded a two-goal first period.

Brandon Davidson

Another one of those infamous Garth Snow Deadline acquisitions, Davidson is a solid player that was not the guy anyone wanted when acquired.

Davidson might not be the best hockey player, but he is as tough as it gets. After being diagnosed with testicular cancer in his first pro season, Davidson had a long road back to getting on the ice.

In 2013, his perseverance paid off, and he was awarded the Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award, which is given to the player best exemplifying sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey. 

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Davidson was then traded from Edmonton to Montreal in 2017, waived by Montreal, claimed by Edmonton, and then traded to the Islanders for a 2019 third round pick. Talk about a roller coaster of a year.

While on the Islanders, Davidson was a solid defenseman who occasionally contributed offensively in 15 games with the team. He had one goal with New York this season.