The New York Islanders are still in the playoffs; they currently have a 3-2 lead over the Philidelphia Flyers. This doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead into free agency to see who Lou Lamoriello should target. This free-agent class is either a boom or bust, but not because of whos available. This class doesn’t favor the Islanders as it’s defenseman heavy. Could the Islanders go after another defenseman? Sure, is it likely, though? Probably not, but there are some good wingers left that the Islanders could use. I’m not including Mike Hoffman on this list due to originality.
Jesper Fast
Jesper Fast has been archrivals with the Islanders since his debut with the New York Rangers in 2013. Fast is not that perennial goal scorer who all Islanders’ fans want, but that doesn’t mean he can’t score. Putting Fast on the 3rd line with JG Pageau would strike fear into the hearts of the opposition. Like it says in his name, Fast is fast. Fast is a speedy winger who has great hands to dangle around defenseman. Not only that, but he’s solid on defense. Barry Trotz asks of one thing from all his players: play defense. Fast is an excellent option to sure up that 3rd line winger spot for cheap money.
Evgenii Dadonov
If you look past Mike Hoffman (and Taylor Hall), his teammate Evgenii Dadonov is the best winger in this class. Since returning to the NHL, Dadonov has put up three seasons in a row with 25+ goals. In 2019, Dadonov recorded a career-high 70 points. This move means Lamoriello must pay big money. Elite snipers on the wing don’t come cheap. And the Islanders aren’t in the best spot in terms of cap space. In a perfect world, though, Dadonov signs and plays on the 1st line with Mat Barzal and Jordan Eberle. And Anders Lee gets demoted to the second line because Dadonov is left-handed. If Lamoriello somehow pulls this move off, it will only further his Hall of Fame legacy.
Valeri Nichushkin
Since joining the Colorado Avalanche, Valeri Nichushkin’s career has had some kind of a renaissance. In 2018, with the Dallas Stars, Nichushkin picked up just 10 assists in 57 games. But, this year, Nischushkin recorded 13 goals and 14 assists. Nischushkin is a solid defensive forward with a boatload of potential. I could see him filling out the 3rd line right winger spot, or even a 4th line spot. Yes, I know Ross Johnston exists, that doesn’t mean I believe Johnston should play all 82 games though. This is a cheap move for the Isles, and it makes a lot of sense.
Conclusion
There are wingers in free agency who are not named Taylor Hall or Mike Hoffman. Remember, just because they’re a big name doesn’t mean they fit with every team.