There are no sure things when it comes to the NY Islanders new 4th line

At this point in the off-season, NY Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has essentially confirmed what we all expected; Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck will not be returning to the Islanders next season.

“We’ll probably be moving on,” Lamoriello told Ethan Sears of The NY Post. “That isn’t saying things can’t change. We’re talking about two veterans, two quality individuals. Two team leaders and two real good hockey players, so we’ll have to see how things come about. But we haven’t changed our thought process today any different than the last time we spoke.” 

Two of the greatest hitters in NHL history and players who have been synonymous with the Islanders since they first pulled over a blue and orange sweater leave a hole in the "Identity Line," but the Islanders have options to fill in the gaps.

It will be a new look fourth line, but it's difficult to chisel any names in stone for opening night.

There will be a major position battle

As the lineup is currently constructed, Casey Cizikas is likely the first name inserted into Patrick Roy's fourth line. A role he's played throughout most of his career, Cizikas knows what's expected of him from his head coach. But last season he played throughout the lineup after the emergence of Kyle MacLean, making him valuable to Roy if holes need to be plugged higher up the lineup.

MacLean is probably the second name, who can slot in besides Cizikas. He signed a 3-year deal with a $775k cap hit this summer, as he and Cizikas are both capable of playing down the middle or the wing.

Here's where it becomes more tricky. There's only one spot open with two or three players battling for the position.