The free-agent gamble that would finally fix the NY Islanders power play

The New York Islanders have made significant changes, but their offseason should not be finished. There is still one glaring need that could justify one more aggressive swing in free agency.

They need a legitimate power-play finisher, and Patrik Laine may be the most natural fit remaining.

Laine is not a perfect player. Injuries have disrupted his career, while his five-on-five game has struggled to recover following several extended absences. Any team pursuing him would have to accept that he may no longer be the complete offensive force he appeared destined to become early in his career.

But the Islanders do not necessarily need him to be that player.

“The one thing Patrik Laine can still do is score,” the Mike Johnson said on NHL Tonight. “Score and shoot.”

That is precisely what the Islanders’ power play has been missing. New York finished 32nd in the NHL two seasons ago and 30th last season with the man advantage. Changing the coaching staff and power-play structure could help, but the Islanders also need a shooter capable of forcing penalty killers to adjust.

As Johnson pointed out, Laine could fit a very specific role.

“You recognize what you’re looking for him to do, which is to almost exclusively score goals, and anything at five-on-five is a bit of a bonus,” he added.

The Islanders can surround Laine with players who are responsible without the puck. They would not need him to drive a line, kill penalties or become their best all-around forward. They would need him to find open ice, unleash his one-timer and finish opportunities on the power play.

“Even if you just get the guy who’s one of the best shooters of the puck in the league, he can get you 15, 18 power-play goals,” Johnson said as he concluded his case.

For a team that plays so many tight games, even a modest improvement could change its season.

Laine carries risk, but the fit makes sense. The Islanders do not need him to become everything he once was. They need him to do what he still does best.

Shoot the puck and score goals.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow