New York Islanders 2018-19 Season Left Wing Depth Chart

Leo Komarov

2017-18 Stats: 7G, 12A, 19P
Cap Hit: $3 million| 4 Years (M-NTC)

Leo Komarov is the big question mark for the Islanders going into the 2018-19 season. Like, why did they sign him? Why did they need to give him four years? Why did they give him a modified no-trade clause?

In terms of what Komarov could bring to the team and the impact, he might have I rank him fifth on the New York Islanders depth chart. But I feel like Lou Lamoriello might have him higher on the list. Much higher. Like third on the list higher.

Even if you think like I do, that Kieffer Bellows should play in the NHL next season it’s hard to see a spot for him in the lineup thanks to Komarov and his four-year $12 million contract. That kind of deal isn’t signed so he can sit on the scratch pad night after night.

That’s a deal that shows intent to play, and play a relatively significant role in the team.

Can it work? Certainly. Komarov is a better version of Nikolai Kulemin and his cap hit is at least $1.1875 million less per year than Kulemin. But his impact will be the same. Low production but with high hustle and good penalty kill. And if there’s one thing the Islanders needed it was some hustle from the bottom six and some competent penalty killing.