Simon Holmstrom is heading into his most important season with the NY Islanders

MINUS

It's difficult to point out the specific negatives of Holmstrom's game, but he sometimes loses focus on the ice. Spending most of his life including his time in Bridgeport as a top-6 forward, Holmstrom was able to be more creative with the puck. Playing in a bottom-6 role, the simple, smart play is what is expected, and sometimes he forgets that.

At 23 years old and on only a one-year deal, Homlmstrom will be playing for another contract. With the lineup currently constructed as it is and the Isles in win-now mode, does it make sense to hold onto a player with skill who may not be deployed in his best position?

While he's shown glimpses of being a top-6 player, it doesn't appear that's going to be the case. If the only available position for him is on the fourth line, does it make sense to play him there over Kyle MacLean and Hudson Fasching?

He would bring another element of skill to that line but lacks in physicality compared to the others. The Islanders wouldn't just let a player of Holmstrom's caliber walk for nothing, but he could become a valuable trade chip at the deadline if Lou Lamoriello is looking to make a splash at the trade deadline.