2012-13 record: 24-17-7 (55 points)
Lost to Pittsburgh in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: John Tavares
It's a new day for the New York Islanders, as they are fresh off a playoff appearance for the first time since 2007. In addition, they are also rid of the albatross contract of Rick DiPietro (rumors of him getting hurt while getting bought out are unsubstantiated) and are a team that will see a new home in Brooklyn with a new captain in John Tavares. Tavares is far and away, the team's best player and with his designation of the captain's role, the official face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. He makes good players out of guys like Matt Moulson, P-A Parenteau, and even Brad Boyes. The next reclaimation project is Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who has not been able to stay healthy. If he's healthy, he may very well be the next success story in the Tavares legend. As for everyone else, a rebound year from Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey would be nice, as would another 30 goal season from Michael Grabner. Cal Clutterbuck was brought in to bring grit to a team that could use more of it. Defensively, there is no offensive spark plug now that Mark Streit has moved on, but the Isles may have found a shutdown pair in Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald, the former of which was recently locked up with a seven-year deal this offseason. The rest of the pairings is being held together by chicken wire and duct tape, as the likes of Joe Finley and Thomas Hickey (former first round picks that didn't pan out with the teams that drafted them) occupy the spots at the moment. Evgeni Nabokov is back for one more year in goal, and while he is no longer the elite goalie that he was in San Jose, he is still a capable player and will buy time for either Kevin Poulin or Anders Nilsson to develop.
Prospects: With the Isles' blue line not as strong as it needs to be, they would be thrilled if either or both Griffin Reinhart and Matt Donovan make the roster. Reinhart has the upside of the two, but Donovan appears to be more NHL ready at this point. Center behind Tavares will be a strong point if Ryan Strome and/or Brock Nelson make the team, with Nelson more likely to contribute right away. Strome has the ability to contribute, but size does appear to be a bit of a concern.
Prediction: 6th in the Metro Division
The Islanders have the pieces in place to make the playoffs once again, but questions of who will provide offense from the blue line and goaltending if Nabokov goes down make cause problems for an Islanders team that is finally looking good.
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