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New York Islanders Roster Power Ranking Preseason 2018-2019

By Matt O'Leary
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders wears a "DIFD - Do It For Daron" hat during warmups prior to their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Barclays Center on January 5, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The charitible venture supports mental health initiatives and is named in honor of Daron Richardson the daughter of the Islanders assistant coach Luke Richardson. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 05: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders wears a "DIFD - Do It For Daron" hat during warmups prior to their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Barclays Center on January 5, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The charitible venture supports mental health initiatives and is named in honor of Daron Richardson the daughter of the Islanders assistant coach Luke Richardson. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 22: Thomas Greiss #1 of the New York Islanders looks on prior to taking on the Philadelphia Flyers during their game at Barclays Center on November 22, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

18. Leo Komarov

Komarov comes in to provide, just like Filppula, a responsible and accountable option for the New York Islanders bottom six forwards. He won’t add much scoring, but he will do what he was brought in to do. At least the Isles penalty kill won’t be so terrible next season, hopefully.

17. Thomas Greiss

The 2017-18 season was one that Thomas Greiss needs to forget about as soon as possible. His 3.82GAA and .892SV% were terrible. Which means the starting role goes to new boy Robin Lehner for 2018-19. Unless Greiss can have a good camp he’ll play second fiddle all year.

16. Adam Pelech

Pelech is absolutely the sixth best defenseman on the New York Islanders roster. Gone are the days where Pelech plays on the top pair with Nick Leddy. He’s a great third pairing option, but no more than that. If the Isles bring in another defenseman (as they should) Pelech could see his spot in Jeopardy.

15. Casey Cizikas

Based on how the season plays out Casey could easily jump a few spots in this ranking. But for now, with the down year that Cizikas had last year, 15th is a good place for him. Hopefully the return of Matt Martin brings out the best in him in 2018-19.

14. Valtteri Filppula

Filppula is here to put up some good secondary scoring (to the tune of 30 points) and be a responsible and accountable player. That’s exactly what he’ll do. He’ll be a good NHL player, perfectly average. Maybe even a little below average, he is 34-years-old after all.

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