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Kyle MacLean Looking to Stick with the New York Islanders 

Kyle MacLean showed he's got the potential to be a valuable depth player for the New York Islanders last season. This upcoming campaign, MacLean will have an opportunity to become part of the Isles' new Identity Line, as he looks to stick permanently with the club.

ByNestor Quixtan|
New York Islanders forward Kyle MacLean will be looking to become a permanent fixture on the club, as he looks to become a bona fide NHLer.
New York Islanders forward Kyle MacLean will be looking to become a permanent fixture on the club, as he looks to become a bona fide NHLer. | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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MINUS 

On the minus side, MacLean seems typecast into a grinder role. That perception could work against him, especially if Roy feels MacLean is not worthy of an audition in a more predominant role. 

Similarly, there’s always the risk that MacLean’s offensive output limits his ability to move up in the lineup. While that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing, he may not be able to step up when he’s asked to do so. 

Overall, the minus side of Kyle MacLean is not significant enough to write him off as a lifelong fourth liner. Nevertheless, he is a bit of a wildcard. The Isles won’t really know what they have in MacLean until he plays a full season.  

If he blossoms, then the Isles stuck gold in an unexpected place. If he fails to take the next step, MacLean may consistently find himself battling for a roster spot. 

The Verdict 

Kyle MacLean is poised to have a solid year on the Isles’ bottom-six forward group. He should get a chance to show what he can do in the middle six sooner rather than later. If he demonstrates that he’s got what it takes to be a solid third liner, the Isles will have found themselves a true gem. 

In the worst of cases, MacLean could become a valuable role player, the kind that flies under the radar, playing a key role without attracting too much attention. 

 

 

 

 

 

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