• HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • Site Index
  • NHL Salary Caps
  • Hockey 101: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Join Our Team
  • Free Newsletter
  • Store
  • Log in
The Hockey Writers
  • HOME
  • NHL Teams
    • North Division
      • Calgary Flames
      • Edmonton Oilers
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Toronto Maple Leafs
      • Vancouver Canucks
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • East Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • New Jersey Devils
      • New York Islanders
      • New York Rangers
      • Philadelphia Flyers
      • Pittsburgh Penguins
      • Washington Capitals
    • Central Division
      • Carolina Hurricanes
      • Chicago Blackhawks
      • Columbus Blue Jackets
      • Dallas Stars
      • Detroit Red Wings
      • Florida Panthers
      • Nashville Predators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • West Division
      • Anaheim Ducks
      • Arizona Coyotes
      • Colorado Avalanche
      • Los Angeles Kings
      • Minnesota Wild
      • San Jose Sharks
      • Seattle Kraken
      • St. Louis Blues
      • Vegas Golden Knights
  • Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • NHL Prospects
  • World Juniors
  • Archives
  • Podcast Network
  • More…
    • CHL
      • Ontario Hockey League
      • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
      • Western Hockey League
    • Columns
    • Women’s Hockey
    • Other Leagues
    • NHL Entry Draft
    • Books
    • NHL History
Home
Free Agents

5 UFAs That Could Land with Isles

By Patrick Hickey Jr. May 16th, 2017

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

With the offseason quickly approaching, the New York Islanders will look to improve in a variety of areas. After re-signing Dennis Seidenberg and with their host of youngsters in Bridgeport, the Islanders‘ defense is shored up for years to come. On offense, however, the Isles are in desperate need of secondary scoring. Without another dependable scorer besides John Tavares and Anders Lee, the Isles are in need of a shakeup.

Here’s a look at five players that could end up in Brooklyn this free agent season.

Patrick Eaves

Eaves has come a long way in a short time, but he’s still a huge gamble for any team willing to sign him. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

This is a player coming off a massive 32-goal season that rocked the NHL. The chances of that happening again are rare. However, if he finds chemistry with the right players, he can hit 20 again. His price tag is up for negotiation, which could be great for the Islanders and his ability to play in a variety of roles could make him a valued commodity late in the season. He’s coming off an injury in the playoffs as well, so there’s a chance he may get a contract to prove himself.

Martin Hanzal

Martin Hanzal

Martin Hanzal would be a great fit on the Islanders. Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

His two-way play and size alone make him someone that could instantly help the Islanders. Unlike Eaves, Hanzal has never had a monster season, but his appeal isn’t limited to stats. If he can be signed for a respectable price, Hanzal could be the newest member of the Islanders. With only 28 games of playoff experience, however, it’s unsure how much he’ll be able to help an Isles team looking to go deep into the postseason.

Radim Vrbata

Radim Vrbata

Vrbata could be a decent short-term offensive solution for the Islanders. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

A six-time 20-goal scorer, Vrbata is still producing. At 35, he could be an excellent top-six acquisition that would provide the team with some secondary scoring. Making just $1 million last season, Vrbata could be signed at a decent price. That alone makes him someone the Islanders should take a look at. With a lack of other cost-effective signings, Vrbata may be the best fit on this list.

Sam Gagner

Sam Gagner

Gagner’s skills on the power play could entice the Islanders to take a chance. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The former first rounder is talented. Coming off his first 50-point season, Gagner is finally becoming the player many expected. As a threat on the power play, he would be an asset for the Isles. However, with Tavares, Brock Nelson, Ryan Strome, Casey Cizikas and possibly even Anthony Beauvillier and Mathew Barzal at center, Gagner would have to fight for a spot. He’s also due for a big raise, one the Islanders may not want to pay. However, with Nelson and Strome’s inconsistency, Gagner could be a player brought in as motivation.

Dwight King

King could be an excellent fourth line option for the Islanders. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

A better skater than Matt Martin and someone not scared to throw the body, King would be a wonderful fourth-liner in Brooklyn. With Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck, King would be able to score a dozen goals and add as many assists. Coming off an average season between the Kings and Canadiens, his asking price may be low enough for the Islanders to snatch him up.

  • Tags
  • Dwight King
  • Patrick Eaves
  • Radim Vrbata
  • Top Story
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp

Get theScore App Now!
Recent Posts
Jan 20th 6:10 PM
Column

Red Wings News & Rumors: Protocol, Rasmussen, Howard & More

Jan 20th 6:00 PM
Nashville Predators

Predators’ Forward Depth Leading to Wins

Jan 20th 5:35 PM
Column

Islanders Weekly: Shutouts, Injury Scares & Scoring Concerns

Jan 20th 4:33 PM
Archives

2010 NHL Entry Draft: 5 Forgotten Picks

Jan 20th 4:15 PM
Vegas Golden Knights

3 Pros and 3 Cons to Golden Knights’ Goalie Split

Jan 20th 4:05 PM
Florida Panthers

Panthers Offense Flourishes but Goaltending & Special Teams Need Work

Jan 20th 3:15 PM
Column

Red Wings Wednesday Weekly: Hockey is Back Everyone!

Jan 20th 2:35 PM
Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Seeing Hot Starts From Some but Serious Concerns Linger

Jan 20th 2:20 PM
NHL Entry Draft

2021 NHL Draft Rankings: Baracchini’s Top 75 Rankings

Jan 20th 1:50 PM
Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers’ Goaltending & Defense Among Standouts Through Week 1

Editor’s Picks
World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

World Junior Championship All-Time Leading Scorers

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

2021 Guide To the World Junior Championship

Masthead

Newsletters

RSS Feeds

Privacy Statement

Contact Us

About THW…

Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. Over 2 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix.

© The Hockey Writers 2020. All rights reserved.
logo
  • HOME
  • Hockey Headlines
  • NHL Rumors
  • North Division
    • Calgary Flames
    • Edmonton Oilers
    • Montreal Canadiens
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Vancouver Canucks
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • East Division
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • New Jersey Devils
    • New York Islanders
    • New York Rangers
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Pittsburgh Penguins
    • Washington Capitals
  • Central Division
    • Carolina Hurricanes
    • Chicago Blackhawks
    • Columbus Blue Jackets
    • Dallas Stars
    • Detroit Red Wings
    • Florida Panthers
    • Nashville Predators
    • Tampa Bay Lightning
  • West Division
    • Anaheim Ducks
    • Arizona Coyotes
    • Colorado Avalanche
    • Los Angeles Kings
    • Minnesota Wild
    • San Jose Sharks
    • Seattle Kraken
    • St Louis Blues
    • Vegas Golden Knights
  • World Juniors
  • CHL
    • Ontario Hockey League
    • Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
    • Western Hockey League
  • THW Podcast Network
  • Store
  • FREE Newsletter
  • Search THW
  • More…
    • Join Our Team
    • The THW Archives
    • Prospects
    • The Goalie Page
    • NHL Salary Cap Information