The Islanders have been aggressive in their pursuit of the top two unrestricted free agents, the soon-to-be-former Blue Jackets Artemi Panarin and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. That interest seemingly came at the cost of back-and-forth negotiations with current captain Anders Lee and goalie Robin Lehner.
So, what happens if president and general manager Lou Lamoriello is unsuccessful in recruiting both Russians? And what are the implications if both come to Long Island?
The free agent market opens on Monday at noon and the interview window for teams to talk to the impending UFAs – and restricted free agents – ended on Sunday.