3 enforcers the Islanders can't afford to not pair with Matthew Schaefer

It's sometimes called a "dying breed" or a "wasted roster spot," but enforcers can be valuable at times when a team has a young player with superstar potential. The Islanders have one in Matthew Schaefer, so bringing in an enforcer isn't a bad idea.

The only question is: Who? It's hard to find an enforcer who isn't already protecting star players on some of the league's best hockey teams, or brewing stars on the youngest teams. This would leave the Islanders with limited options, but there are a few who could be good fits.

Still, there are three players the team can pair with Schaefer when he's out on the ice: two forwards and one blueliner. Each would make a good fit with the Isles.

1. Nicolas Deslauriers, Philadelphia Flyers

Islanders fans are well acquainted with Nicolas Deslauriers since he is in his fourth season with the Metropolitan rival Philadelphia Flyers. He's an older, part-time player whom the Isles could bring in when they're facing some of the league's most physical opponents. 

Deslauriers is also not a one-and-done rental piece, and he could stick around a place like Long Island for a few seasons until Matthew Schaefer grows into his own player. He also isn't someone who needs a lot of ice time even when he suits up for games, having averaged between six and eight minutes per contest over the past few seasons.

If there's one player on this list who is a "best fit," it's Deslauriers. But if for any reason he's not available, here are two more to consider. One younger name and one older face.

2. Arber Xhekaj, Montreal Canadiens

It would be a tough one to swing, since Arber Xhekaj can stick around in the enforcer role for a young, elite team in the Montreal Canadiens. But here's the catch: The Habs have such a logjam of young blueliners that Xhekaj could be the odd man out before he knows it.

He could factor in better for a retooling team that is still thin on prospects in the defensive rotation, better than one that seemingly has a new blueliner rising through the ranks every year. So, there's a reason to at least pick up the phone and inquire about Xhekaj's availability, as the Canadiens could ultimately have a tough decision to make should they seriously start considering calling up more talent from the AHL. 

The only real issue is, those call-ups may not be immediate, and with Kaiden Guhle on injured reserve, Xhekaj wouldn't work if the Isles wanted to bring in an enforcer as soon as possible.

3. Pat Maroon, Retired

This one would be a massive stretch, since Pat Maroon snagged a job with the NHL Network shortly after retiring, but what's not to say he won't have the itch to come out of retirement for the right price? Or, maybe he wouldn't mind pitching in to help a rookie while giving Islanders fans a reason to cheer him on?

He wouldn't be a long-term fix, as he'd be in his age-37 season if he decided to lace the skates back up. But remember, Maroon's final stop before retirement was in Chicago, where he oversaw and stuck up for a young Blackhawks team, so he may be a willing candidate.

Of the three names listed here, Maroon is also the least likely of the trio to come to Long Island. But if all else fails, it's worth extending the invitation.