3 UFA options for the NY Islanders new 4th line

All signs indicate a new beginning for the NY Islanders' fourth line in the 2024-25 season. Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck are unrestricted free agents, and at 35 and 36 years old, respectively, it's time for the roster to get younger.

It's hard to imagine that RFA Kyle MacLean won't re-signed, as he proved himself worthy of being a part of this roster and will be a cheap option, costing less than $1M per season.

The long-time fourth-line center, Casey Cizikas, showed versatility this season, spending time on the top lines wing alongside Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal. Patrick Roy has options with Cizikas, either keeping him on the fourth line or deploying him elsewhere.

This still leaves at least one spot open on the fourth line. Lou Lamoriello could elect to occupy that position within the organization with someone like Eetu Liukas or Julien Gauthier, or, he could sign someone during free agency.

Here are three free agent options to play fourth line minutes for the Islanders.

Jordan Martinook

A player we became all too familiar with, scoring the game-winning goal against the Islanders in Game 2 of the playoffs after the Islanders held a 3-0 lead. Jordan Martinook is turning 32 next month, and will likely have plenty of suitors requesting his services. He finished this season with 32 points (14 G, 18A), and may force teams into a bidding war to determine where he'll play next season. Martinook would be a great fit on the Islanders' fourth line, but at 32 he'll likely want some term on a new contract and the Islanders shouldn't be the team to offer it.

Yakov Trenin

Traded from the Nashville Predators to the Colorado Avalanche at the trade deadline, Yakov Trenin has versatility on his side, capable of playing center or the wing. At 27 years old, he's in the prime of his career and would fit perfectly into what the Islanders are trying to build. He finished with 17 points (12 G, 5 A) between Nashville and Colorado, but points aren't a big part of his game. He's 6'2" 205 lbs, and unafraid to use his body.

Trenin was born in Russia and spent part of the 2020-21 season in the KHL. The Islanders currently have the most Russian players in the league with four and would give Trenin a sense of home if he were to sign on Long Island. He's a player worthy of a 4-year contract, as he'll be just 31 at its expiration.

Christian Fischer

Christian Fischer was projected as a potential top-6 forward, drafted with the second pick of the second round in 2015. In his first year in the NHL, Fischer finished with 33 points for the Arizona Coyotes but has seen those numbers decrease over the last few seasons. Still, he remains an NHL quality player, just further down the lineup. Playing last season with the Detroit Red Wings, Fischer finished with 19 points (5 G, 14A), playing in 79 games. Like Trenin, he's a big body at 6'2" 215 lbs, and skates very well. He's also only 27, making him worthy of receiving a bit of term without taking on a contract into their late 30s. Fischer may not have been a first-choice penalty killer, but he spent over 62 minutes on the PK last year, and the Islanders could use all the help they can get in that department