The New York Islanders are going to look very different at the start of next season.
Barry Trotz successfully reinvented the Isles’ identity to a hard-checking, defense-first, tight-knit hockey club. Entering the season, it was clear that philosophically the Isles’ front-office wanted to retain and build around the core in place for many more playoff runs to come. After all, one thing Trotz learned after winning the Stanley Cup is that growth as a group is the X-factor in taking it all home.
There will be plenty of cap space to go around next season with the Islanders projected to have a bit over $30 million to spend (according to CapFriendly and before the likely NHL cap hike).