New York Islanders: Which Forwards Don’t Make The Roster

The New York Islanders have a plethora of forwards on the roster right now. Who makes the cut and who doesn’t in 2019-2020.

With August winding down, the New York Islanders are inching closer to opening training camp. There’s a bunch of storylines to look forward to in training camp as the Islanders try to come up with their starting lineup.

Assuming that Anthony Beauvillier signs eventually, there’s no reason to think he doesn’t sign, the Isles will have 16 forwards to choose from (they’ll likely carry 14 forwards).

Let’s operate under the assumption that Cal Clutterbuck is ready to go and Andrew Ladd opens up the year on IR that drops this list down to 15 forwards to choose from, so that’s one already crossed off the list.

You can check off: Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Jordan Eberle, Josh Bailey, Cal Clutterbuck, Casey Cizikas, Leo Komarov, Matt Martin, Derick Brassard, Mathew Barzal, and Anthony Beauvillier. That’s 11 of the 14 spots already taken.

That’ll leave Tom Kuhnhackl, Ross Johnston, Michael Dal Colle, Tanner Fritz, and Josh Ho-Sang for the final three spots.

Tom Kuhnhackl

Tom Kuhnhackl is someone who the Isles really rode down the stretch. He only played 36 games last year, but he played all eight playoff games and had three assists. He even got top-six minutes which made me want to pull my hair out. But, he’s someone the Islanders really like.

Ross Johnston

With Matt Martin returning last year his carbon copy, Ross Johnston had a diminished role. He played only 17 games and averaged 7:55 a night. He wasn’t a big part of the Islanders plan but he also has three more years left on his deal.

Michael Dal Colle

The Isles really loved Michael Dal Colle last year. He put up seven points in 28 games, which isn’t anything to write home about but he seems to be a fit on that third line. Barry Trotz like MDC a lot so you’d have to assume he has a good shot.

Tanner Fritz

The Isles re-signing Tanner Fritz was kind of a surprise. This year he has a one-way deal but next year it turns into a two-way deal. You’d assume that means he’s destined to be on the NHL team but I wouldn’t be so sure. He only played eight games in the NHL last year and don’t think that’ll change too much.

Josh Ho-Sang

Ho-Sang is an enigma, we know. But with the Isles lack of top-six talent could he get more than the 10 game look he got last year?

Those Who Stay

Of these five, the three that should stay are Tom Kuhnhackl, Michael Dal Colle, and Josh Ho-Sang. Those three have the highest ceilings of the bunch. Kuhnhackl is the perfect 13th forward who can come in and give you something on a rotational basis.

Dal Colle should slot in on the third line, while the Josh Ho-Sang should also push for playing time with the Isles lack of scoring.

Those Who Go

Tanner Fritz is extremely replaceable. With the addition of Derick Brassard, this makes Fritz pretty expendable. If you waive him and someone picks him up you have to deal with it. He can play on most NHL teams as an extra forward but the Isles already have a better version of that with Tom Kuhnhackl.

As much as I like what Johnston can bring I just don’t see how he fits. He’s essentially Matt Martin lite and as long as he’s around, there’s no room for him. I’d rather give his spot to a JHS who can give the Islanders something that they lack, playmaking.

The Lineup

Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle

Lee – Nelson – Bailey

Dal Colle – Brassard – Ho-Sang

Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

Extras: Leo Komarov, Tom Kuhnhackl

Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello have a ton of decisions to make with this team including whether or not Noah Dobson makes this roster. For the forward group though, this crop is likely best case scenario for the Islanders.