The best Islanders team of players who left and came back

On Wednesday, The Athletic strived to answer a question, "Which NHL team can build the best lineup of players who left and came back?" It's not the New York Islanders.

There was not an expansive list of choices. The defense is solid and decorated with awards, while the forward group features an All-Star but lacks a steady offensive punch. The biggest problem is that the Islanders' net is empty. We'll explain.

At least the team will be led by legendary coach Al Arbour. Arbour briefly retired for two years after the 1986-86 season before returning to replace Terry Simpson during the 1988-89 campaign.

Here's our picks for the best Islanders team made up of players that left and came back to the Island.