New York Islanders Superlatives: Most Overrated, Underrated, And More

On Twitter, this most overrated, most underrated, best player, etc, style of superlatives has gone viral in the sports world. Here’s the New York Islanders version.

If you’re on twitter you’ve likely seen this viral tweet where people give out superlatives for their team. Today, we’re going to give out some superlatives for the New York Islanders ranging from Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Best Player, Key New Addition, Could Surprise, Take a Leap, Prove it Year.

Each one of these categories will have a player, or coach, assigned to. We’ll start off with taking a look at most overrated.

Most Overrated: Matt Martin

This one might ruffle some feathers but I’m here for it. I too fall into this category, fans love themselves some Matt Martin. He’s an extremely physical wrecking ball on skates. But, that’s where his skillset kind of ends.

He doesn’t skate well, he’s not a great penalty killer, he doesn’t have a sneaky shot. He’s kind of just a big guy on skates. Yes, he is very good in his role but I’m not so sure the Islanders season is much different if you replace Martin with a player like Tom Kuhnhackl or Leo Komarov on that fourth line.

Most Underrated: Casey Cizikas

Casey Cizikas being utilized on the fourth line is a crime, there I said it. Here’s a hot take, Casey Cizikas should be the third line center next year because his talents aren’t fully utilized playing with Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck.

In a mostly healthy season, he eclipsed the 20 goal mark for the first time in his career. Cizikas is a great penalty killer, a good forechecker, a great leader, and a sneaky good offensive player too. His numbers would be even better playing with third line talent if the Isles give him a chance he could get even better.

Best Player: Mathew Barzal

For the second year in a row, Mathew Barzal led the Islanders in points. Yes, he dropped off his point pace from last year by over 20 points but there’s a variety of factors that led to that (linemates, change of system, etc.)

Barzal is still the most talented player on this team, and at just 21 years old he’s well on his way to being a star. With John Tavares in the distant past, Mathew Barzal is the new face of the franchise and I’m here for it.

Key New Addition: Barry Trotz

Hopefully this changes to a player after July 1, but for now, Barry Trotz will do. He worked wonders with this team and it’s crazy to see the difference that a quality coach like Trotz can make on a team.

With a nearly identical roster to last season, the Islanders improved their point total on the season by 23 points. His contract looks to be worth every penny after just year one.

Could Surprise: Noah Dobson

Genuinely, Noah Dobson should be able to push for a roster spot next year. I know Lou Lamoriello usually likes to wait on prospects but this kid looks pretty special from him QMJHL performance this season, and in the playoffs.

The emergence of Dobson could make a player like Nick Leddy expendable, making way for Noah Dobson to join the defensive unit for 2019-2020.

Takes A Leap: Devon Toews

Devon Toews was simply brilliant in his first stint in the NHL. He finished with 18 points in 38 games, a pace of 31 points over a regular season. As early as next year, his age 25 season, he could make the jump to a defenseman who is putting up in the high 30’s or low 40’s in points.

Devon Toews can be the rich man’s “Good Nick Leddy”. Remember how dynamic Leddy used to be with the puck and how reliable he was in 2015? Kind of like that, but with a slightly higher ceiling there.

Prove it Year: Anthony Beauvillier

Nobody knows what Anthony Beauvillier is. Is he a 20 goal scorer, or is he someone who will maybe give you 25-30 points in a season. If it’s the latter, I’m not too sure he will be with the team past next season.

A repeat performance could get Beau sent packing, but if he finally reaches that 20-25 goal, 35-40 point range on the third line maybe he could have a role after all. He’s still young, just 21, but heading into his fourth year in the league, he’s got to figure it out.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this lighter article, with the summer coming around there will be more trending stuff like this going around. Let us know who would get your superlatives in the comments!