The Islanders that will assemble for training camp in a week will largely resemble the squad that reached the Eastern Conference finals in September.
But there still will be some mystery when it comes to constructing the 23-man roster — or fewer for salary cap considerations — that will open the 56-game regular-season on Jan. 13, delayed and truncated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President and general manager Lou Lamoriello and coach Barry Trotz, both entering their third season with the organization, have some tough choices to make, and not all the result of the flat, $81.