New York Islanders Jordan Eberle Expectations For 2018-2019

Jordan Eberle is heading into a contract year with the New York Islanders. Playing next to Mathew Barzal should help his cause.

In Jordan Eberle’s first year for the New York Islanders, he was an extremely productive forward despite not serving in the role that he was brought in for. Like many before him, he was acquired to play with John Tavares.

That didn’t last very long as the Islanders decided to reunite the Lee – Tavares – Bailey line that worked so well together the year prior. Eberle found a role on the second line, playing with some kid named Mathew Barzal. It worked wonders.

Eberle put up 59 points (25 goals, 34 assists) with the Isles and built a tremendous chemistry with rookie Mat Barzal. The fact that he was traded straight up for Ryan Strome, who put up 34 points, is still mind-boggling to this day (Thanks, Peter Chiarelli).

Regardless, Eberle gave the Islanders the production they were hoping for. Now, with Tavares gone, the Islanders are likely going to promote the Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle line to top line duties.

Eberle only played 16:04 per night, which was the lowest of his career. He’s going to get more ice time since the first line generally plays more than the second line does. He’ll likely play close to 19 minutes per game.

If that’s the case, Eberle’s numbers should increase.

The Expectation

82 games, 27 goals, 38 assists (65 points)

A six point increase is more than fair to expect with the extra ice time. At 28 years old, Eb’s is still in the prime of his career so the extra ice time shouldn’t be a burden to his body just yet.

There’s one caveat that I haven’t mentioned yet. He might not play the entire year for the Islanders. Both he and Anders Lee are UFA’s at the end of the year, and logically it makes sense to sign just one of them.

If the Islanders decide that Lee is their man, and they’re out of things by the time the trade deadline rolls around, they might be better off flipping him for a first round pick and some prospects.