New York Islanders Best All-Decade Starting Lineup

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PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 1: Mark Streit #2 of the New York Islanders skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on May 1, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Left Defence | Mark Streit

What a free agency get by former New York Islanders GM Garth Snow. After a 62 point season with the Montreal Canadiens in 2007-08, the Isles signed Mark Streit to a five-year $20.5 million deal.

In four seasons with the Islanders Streit put up 179 points for the Islanders. He lead the team in scoring with 56 points in his very first season with the Islanders in 2008-09. For those keeping track that 56 point season doesn’t count in this piece.

Without that 56 point season, Streit only has 123 points with the Islanders and a 0.58 points per game, instead of a 0.63.

But that’s fine. Streit was a leader on the ice for the Islanders during a tough period and that counts for something. He wasn’t the exact stability the Islanders needed on the blueline. But Streit performed well for the Islanders and clearly wore the jersey with pride.

Nick Leddy is the only other player that could fit the role as the team’s all-decade left defenseman. With his 191 points, he’s well above the next highest scoring blueliner for the Islanders.

But there’s something to be said about Mark Streit picking the Islanders as a free agent. At the time he was a player in demand. He was older at 29 years old, but coming off a 62 point season his quality couldn’t be ignored. And he chose the Islanders.

That didn’t happen often and still doesn’t happen.

Honorable Mention: Nick Leddy