Anthony Duclair was an upgrade for the New York Islanders but was he the biggest upgrade this offseason?

The New York Islanders made some big moves this off-season. It started in the spring when they signed the top European free agent Maxim Tsyplakov. It seems that he will get the first look next to Nelson and Palmieri. 

Then the squad signed Marcus Hogberg from the SHL. Hogberg has some NHL experience, playing with the Ottawa Senators from 2018-2021. Both seemed like minor moves but could have a high upside for the Isles. 

On July 1st the Islanders re-signed Mike Reilly and signed Anthony Duclair to a four-year deal. Duclair was looked at as one of the best free agent forwards available. He will complete the Islanders' top line. pairing with Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal. 

So which one is the most important signing? While most would say Anthony Duclair I think I have a different answer that could change fan's minds. My vote for the most important signing would have to go to Marcus Hogberg. 

When you first see this you might think how is a third-string goalie the most important signing for a franchise? When your franchise has Ilya Sorokin listed as the starting netminder, getting him back to his top performance is key. Hogberg allows the Islanders to do that. 

Last season when Semyon Varlamov was injured the squad called up Ken Appleby to backup Sorokin. Appleby appeared in one game without making a start. Sorokin ended up starting 11 games in a row, two of which were back-to-back. 

While many believe Sorokin should be able to handle the workload, it's a lot to put on a starting goaltender. Sorokin had garnered the most 40-plus shots faced in games in the league this season, gassing him out by the end of the season.

Signing a third-string goaltender like Hogberg who has played NHL games and has been a backup before will allow Roy the ability to rest Sorokin even if Varlamov misses time due to an injury. Hogberg should be able to play two to three games in an 11-game span, allowing the Islanders to keep Sorokin fresh throughout the season. 

While it may not look like it, the signing of Hogberg could be a key to the Islanders success this season.