Can Hudson Fasching find himself back on the plus side of the NY Islanders' lineup?

PLUS

Though it seemed inevitable, we now know that Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin won't be returning to the Islanders. This opens up two positions on the Islanders' fourth line as we've seen the last of the Identity Line.

Used throughout the lineup in his two seasons with the Islanders, Fasching has been most effective when playing in a fourth line role. When Clutterbuck missed 33 games two years ago, it was Fasching who assumed that role next to Martin and Casey Cizikas. That's where he made his name and earned himself a two-year, one-way contract.

A hard-nosed forward, Fasching has no issue engaging in battles along the boards or sticking his nose into the dirty areas in front of goal. Of his 14 goals scored with the Islanders, most have come within a few feet outside the crease, either cleaning up rebounds off the goalie's pads or having pucks bounce off his body and into the net - like that memorable goal against the Buffalo Sabres as the Islanders battled for a playoff spot two seasons ago.

Fasching may not be thefleetest of foot, but his speed is good enough for the role he typically plays. Gone are the days of the big-bodied checkers on the fourth line, as now everyone needs to be able to be at least a good skater. Fasching can use that speed to help break pucks out of the defensive end and typically looks to make the safe smart play.