New York Islanders Way Too Early Free Agent Predictions

Forwards (UFAS)

Kyle Palmieri

With the Brock Nelson trade, Kyle Palmieri was someone who many expected to be moved but Lou Lamoriello chose not to. I am 50/50 on if the Islanders should bring him back but it sounds like he’s going to be in the blue and orange for next year and maybe even more after that. I think he will get a three-year deal at $4 million per season. 

Defensemen (RFAS)

Noah Dobson

Dobson’s one of the best right-handed defensemen in the league. He’s shown flashes of his offensive ability, but his defense is lacking. That could be hidden if they play him with a more defensive partner like Adam Pelech. The trade rumors that involved Dobson really seemed out of proportion. I wouldn’t expect Dobson to go anywhere. Despite his tough season so far, he’s a long-term piece of the core for the squad, and I believe they will sign him long-term. My prediction is eight years at $8 million per season. 

Alexander Romanov

Romanov has arguably been the Islanders' best defenseman this season. His offensive game has shown as of late. With so many injuries on the blue line, Romanov has shown that he’s a solid top-four defenseman and a long-term core piece. My prediction is an eighth-year deal worth $5.5 million per season.

Adam Boqvist

The former top-10 pick was claimed off waivers and has inserted himself as a solid puck-moving defenseman in the NHL. It might not be exactly for what he was drafted for but he has been a solid pickup for the blue and orange. He’s currently on a deal worth the league minimum and could be brought back for around the same price. I believe the Islanders will keep him on a one-year deal worth $850k. 

Samuel Bolduc

The former second-round pick has had an up-and-down career so far. He still has some potential to become an NHLer. He’s been in Bridgeport for most of the season except for the one game where he played 5:56 minutes. The Islanders will keep him, and I believe it will be for one year at $800k.