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Casey Cizikas Is a Plus for the New York Islanders’ Heart and Soul

Casey Cizikas is a key part of the New York Islanders' heart and soul. He's been the type of soldier that's been with the team through thick and thin. While questions may emerge about his role on the team, there is no denying his leadership and experience are pivotal to the Islanders' future success.

By Nestor Quixtan |
New York Islanders heat and soul forward Casey Cizikas is a crucial part of the team's identity.
New York Islanders heat and soul forward Casey Cizikas is a crucial part of the team's identity. / Jason Mowry/GettyImages
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Casey Cizikas has become a key part of the New York Islanders' heart and soul. Since being drafted in the fourth round back in 2009, Cizikas has exemplified the courage and determination it takes to remain a useful contributor in the NHL.

Since making his debut in 2011, Cizikas has played in over 800 games for the New York Islanders. In today’s salary cap age, that fact makes Cizikas a rare breed. Despite not breaking any scoring records, Cizikas’ value to the New York Islanders organization has been undeniable.

So, let’s explore why Casey Cizikas adds so much to the plus side rather than the minus side for the New York Islanders.

Exploring the Plus and Minus Sides of Casey Cizikas with the New York Islanders

PLUS

Cizikas is a gutsy player. He’s carved out a role for himself on the Isles’ fourth line. For a while, Cizikas terrorized opposing teams along with Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. The trio kept some of the best competition in check.

If there was ever the need to drop the gloves, Cizikas and company were up to the task.

But Cizikas is not an enforcer. He’s a talented player who can grind and provide depth scoring. Last season, Cizikas chipped in 10 goals and 23 points in 70 games. The year before that, he contributed 21 points. His career high of 29 points shows that Cizikas is capable of providing offensive support if the opportunity arises.

Cizikas has also shown that he’s a versatile player. He’s played up and down the lineup whenever the club has needed him. Last year, Cizikas spent some time in the Isles’ top six when injuries and inconsistency forced the club to make some drastic moves.

While we may not see Cizikas playing with Mathew Barzal or Brock Nelson, we can expect Cizikas to anchor the bottom six with experience and composure.

But there’s one other key element that Cizikas brings to the table: Leadership. As he approaches 1,000 NHL games, Cizikas has become a role model for younger players. That type of role is invaluable to contending teams.

For example, the Chicago Blackhawks have gone out of their way to surround their young superstar Connor Bedard with experienced leaders like Nick Foligno. This approach helps young players develop into superstars who can eventually lead teams on championship runs.

Overall, Cizikas adds so much to the plus side that it’s hard to keep track. The Isles are lucky to have a soldier like him on the team.

MINUS

Like all players, Cizikas is not without his flaws. Despite his courage and dedication to the game, he’s a depth player. As such, the New York Islanders shouldn’t expect Cizikas to carry the team on his back and lead them to a Stanley Cup in the way Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, or Alex Ovechkin have.

Then again, the Isles don’t need Cizikas to do that. Therefore, whatever offensive shortcomings Cizikas may show can be overcome by the high-end talent in the club’s top six.

It’s also worth pointing out that Cizikas is getting older. He’s 33 and not getting any younger. As such, questions have emerged about how much longer he can keep up the style of play he’s shown over the years.

While he could remain a highly physical player for the foreseeable future, there is no telling when injuries may take their toll. If that’s the case, the Isles may need to find a replacement for him on the checking line.

Lastly, Cizikas is in the middle of a six-year deal that carries a $2.5 million cap hit, according to PuckPedia. Now, the contract itself isn’t bad. Some may argue that it’s high for a depth player. But given Cizikas’ spiritual value to the team, the hit is justifiable.

The concern may be that with other young players in need of new contracts, such as Noah Dobson, Cizikas’ cap hit may become somewhat of an obstacle. In that situation, would the Isles consider moving Cizikas?

Let’s assume that Cizikas’ contract never becomes an issue. In that case, does the club re-sign him in 2027 when he becomes a free agent? Perhaps he signs a league-minimum deal just to stay in New York for the rest of his career.

Nevertheless, questions may emerge about Cizikas’ effectiveness and productivity as he gets older.

The Verdict

The New York Islanders cannot part ways with Cizikas as long as he can play. While he may lose some of his signature style as he gets older, the Isles cannot afford to kick him to the curb. The New York Islanders must do everything in their power to ensure Casey Cizikas rides off into the sunset after a long and productive career.

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