New York Islanders Three Options for Anthony Beauvillier

Move Him Up

The Islanders can make a winger swap between the first and second lines. We’ve seen what Jordan Eberle can do alongside Mathew Barzal. The New York Islanders can give that a try again.

By moving Jordan Eberle down to Mathew Barzal’s line opens up a spot on the top line. Josh Bailey can slot on the left side on line two, Barzal can stay in the middle, and Eberle can take up the right wing role, Beauvillier would then move up to the Nelson-Lee line.

On the top line, Brock Nelson can continue to play center, Lee can stay on the left side, and Beauvillier can play on the right side. Although a left-handed shot, Beauvillier can act as the trigger man on the line opening up for the one-timer on his off wing.

The Good

Jordan Eberle has been a new player since coming back from injury. Perhaps its time for the Islanders to see if Barzal and Eberle can recapture that blistering form from 2017-18.

If they do, the Islanders will not only be a force defensively but offensively as well.

The Bad

The big issue with this strategy is how well the Lee-Nelson-Eberle line has been playing of late. Against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, the Nelson line was easily the most dangerous line between both teams.

Breaking that up for the sake of giving Barzal a better winger could have an adverse effect by essentially unbalancing both lines.

The Ugly

The Islanders would be dangling a huge carrot in front of Beauvillier’s face. There’s no guarantee that it can work. In fact, based on how he’s playing, there’s little chance that it works. It’s about as high-risk/high-reward as it can get.