The New York Islanders didn’t exactly pick up where they left off at the beginning of the season.
For the second consecutive season, they had an impressive playoff run, making it to the Eastern Conference Final. Surprisingly, however, the Islanders struggled to begin the 2021-22 season just a few months later.
LHD Nick Leddy was traded during the offseason and his absence was glaring. Last season, he was second among all Islanders skaters in TOI, fifth among all skaters and first among defensemen in points, and first on the team in assists.
This is a significant loss.