Torey Krug is one of the best defensemen in the National Hockey League and he will be an unrestricted free agent this Friday. Could Torey Krug and the Islanders be a fit? Hockey writer Scott Burnside thinks so.

“No team benefitted more from the pause than the Islanders who went from a meandering one-trick team that looked like they would slide out of the playoff picture altogether to a formidable multi-dimensional team under super-coach Barry Trotz that dominated Florida, Washington and Philadelphia,” Burnside said. “The Islanders put us in mind of the 2006 Hurricanes, who won a Cup with a defense by committee. Competent and hard-working, the group lacks a bona fide power-play quarterback and puck-mover. The group had contributed five goals through the team’s first 13 postseason games. What would a slick puck-mover like Krug do on an Islander team that now seems just this close to being a Stanley Cup contender?”

The Islanders should always be looking to improve, especially on a struggling power-play, but Krug does not fit in with the organization’s long-term vision.

While the Islanders did not have a success on the man-advantage last season, the group has immense potential. Ryan Pulock, Devon Toews and Nick Leddy are more-than-capable point-men, while Noah Dobson has a bright future leading the power-play as well.

Krug would be a nice addition to the blue line in a perfect world on a team-friendly contract, but the Islanders already have Leddy, Johnny Boychuk and Thomas Hickey making a combined $26 million through the next two years. Unless one, two or even all three skaters are traded, Krug would not in the budget for Lou Lamoriello in a flat cap world.

So, while Torey Krug would certainly make the Islanders a better team, it is unlikely he will be wearing a blue and orange sweater next season.

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