New York Islanders: Anthony Beauvillier Has Fallen Out Of Favor

It’s been a tough year for Anthony Beauvillier in 2018-2019. It’s become clear that he has fallen out of favor with the New York Islanders staff.

After a strong finish to the 2017-2018 season resulted in 21 goals, it appeared Anthony Beauvillier was primed for a breakout season this year with the New York Islanders. It has been anything but a breakout year for Beau.

Through 61 games, Beauvillier has 21 points (14 goals, 7 assists). That’s a pace of just 28 points over a full season. A 28 point season isn’t going to cut it for Anthony Beauvillier, especially since he played some time with Mathew Barzal this year.

With just four points in the last 16 games, Beauvillier has begun to lose ice time. He was promptly moved off the Barzal line and put with Val Filppula and Leo Komarov on the third line. A third line role sounds much more appropriate for Anthony Beauvillier at this time.

You can’t continue to run a guy who is on pace for less than 30 points in your top-six, it’s not fair to the players around him. Over the last six games, Beau’s ice time has plummetted. His average on the season is over 14 minutes but over this span, he hasn’t played more than 12:32.

Barry Trotz doesn’t trust Anthony Beauvillier out there and frankly, I can’t say I blame him right now. Yes, Beau is only 21 and can get better, but through three years at the NHL level, he’s shown to be wildly inconsistent.

The worst part for Beauvillier is it’s a contract year for him. He’s an RFA after the season and I would be completely shocked if he got a long-term deal with the Islanders after this season. In all likelihood he will get a bridge deal like Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews got.

It comes as no surprise why Lou Lamoriello was shopping Anthony Beauvillier’s name around at the deadline. They have options like Andrew Ladd for the third line and needed improvement in the top six.

If the Isles could’ve moved Beau and a pick for a top-six guy at the deadline, you have to pull the trigger on it. Unfortunately, the Isles are left with hoping Anthony Beauvillier and Andrew Ladd get hot, because they’re still looking for that elusive scorer.