New York Islanders: 2019 Free Agency Best Case Scenario

With free agency officially getting underway tomorrow here’s a look at the best case scenario for the New York Islanders heading into free agency.

We are now less than 24 hours away from free agents being able to sign with new teams. It’s a fun and also a scary time for fans everywhere but this year has been particularly nerve-wracking for New York Islanders fans.

With Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz running the ship you have reason to feel confident, yet at the same time due to past history, it’s completly natural for doubt to slip into your head as well.

I’m going to cheat a little bit because realistically the Islanders have two “best case scenarios”.

Option A: The Russian Duo

The biggest free agent on the market is Artemi Panarin. Since coming into the league in 2015-2016, only seven players have more points than him over that span. Any team that lands Panarin would be extremely lucky, that’s a given.

He’s coming off a career high in points with 87 (28 goals, 59 assists) and theoretically should be in his prime as he’s set to turn 28 in October. Signing him to a seven-year deal would take him through his age 34 season where he should still be productive at that point.

Allegedly a package deal for Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky might be in place. Bobrovsky, who will turn 31 years old in September has two Vezina’s under his belt. A seven-year deal would take him through his age 37 season, which may make the last few years a tad risky but you can’t deny his talent and if it is a package deal for Panarin and Bobrovsky you suck it up and do it every time.

Artemi Panarin: Seven-Years $80.5 million ($11.5 million AAV)

Sergei Bobrovsky: Seven-Years $56 million ($8 million AAV)

Lines:

Panarin – Barzal – Eberle

Beauvillier – Nelson – Bailey

Dal Colle – Cizikas – Kuhnhackl

Martin – Komarov – Clutterbuck

Goalie: Bobrovsky

Option B: Re-Signings And An Additional Piece

With the trade that the Florida Panthers just made it seems likely that they will be going after Sergei Bobrovsky very hard. In all likilihood, they land both Bob and Panarin, which means the Isles should focus on bringing back Robin Lehner and Anders Lee.

The Islanders have expressed interest in both Lee and Lehner but have been far apart on contract negotiations. At this point, Lou Lamoriello may be forced to give in to some of their contract demands and go longer term with both of these guys.

Additionally, they could add a Gustav Nyquist to the fold, who had 60 points (22 goals, 38 assists) with Detroit and San Jose.

Anders Lee: six-years $42 million ($7 million AAV)

Robin Lehner: five-years $26.25 million ($5.25 million AAV)

Gustav Nyquist: five-years $27.5 million ($5.5 million AAV)

Lines:

Lee – Barzal – Eberle

Bailey – Nelson – Nyquist

Beauvillier – Cizikas – Dal Colle

Martin – Komarov – Clutterbuck

Goalie: Lehner

The Islanders should be in fine shape with either of these two scenarios and both are completly acceptable options. Stay tuned later for worst-case scenario for tomorrow