Expect few surprises with the New York Islanders defensive core at training camp this fall

Could the New York Islanders bring in a veteran blue liner on a PTO?

Given the lack of open spots on the blue line, the Isles may consider scraping the bottom of the free-agent barrel to bring in a veteran blueliner on a PTO. Doing so would most likely mean creating some competition for the seventh defenseman spot.

In my estimation, it would be fine to push Bolduc to earn the seventh d-man spot. He’s young and has potential to crack to top six. If Bolduc has a great year, he could make Reilly expendable.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The Islanders may consider a veteran looking for one last shot at the NHL. For example, Tyson Barrie signed a PTO with the Calgary Flames. A younger defenseman, Travis Dermott, got a shot with the Edmonton Oilers.

So, why not consider someone like Nikita Zaitsev or Marco Scandella? Such veteran defenseman could provide depth, especially if an unfortunate injury hits the club. The most that such a player could cost at this point is $1 million against the cap.

But if the Isles wanted an even cheaper contract, someone like Tony DeAngelo might sign for league minimum on a one-year, show-me deal.

Ultimately, the New York Islanders must be better prepared this season. Last year, the club got caught flatfooted by injuries on the blue line. Lamoriello cannot let that happen this year. That is why having a solid veteran blueliner behind Bolduc will be crucial to ensuring the Isles have enough healthy bodies to weather a potential storm on defense.

Adding a veteran rearguard will go a long way toward ensuring the club has enough depth options, even if creativity is needed to fit everyone under the cap.