Anthony Beauvillier is back. The Islanders re-signed 2015 first-round draft pick Anthony Beauvillier to a three-year, $12.45 million dollar contract on Sept. 1. This was a phenomenal move – the Islanders solidified arguably the best line on the team.

When Anders Lee got injured midseason, the Islanders’ playoff hopes were shaken up. However, between unbelievable goaltending and steady production from the second line, they made it all the way to the NHL semifinals. Beauvillier’s incredible skating ability paired with Brock Nelson’s finishing ability and Josh Bailey’s elite passing creates chemistry that propels the Islanders.

In terms of Individual Expected Goals Created (ixG), Beauvillier has ranked top-four in the past three seasons. Nelson has ranked top-four in the past three seasons, as well. Another key factor to note is that Jordan Eberle was chosen in the Seattle Kraken Entry Draft – according to JFresh Hockey’s WAR %, Eberle ranked first in terms of all forwards in the Expansion Draft. This loss was extremely impactful to the Islanders offense, further showing how valuable re-signing Beauvillier was.

In the 2020-2021 season, both offensively and defensively, Beauvillier was well above average. In terms of Goals For per 60 (GF/60), Beauvillier ranked more than two standard deviations above average. Also, in terms of Expected Goals Against per 60 (xGA/60), Beauvillier ranks a little under a standard deviation above average.

When ranked against his forward teammates, he is second in GF/60 behind Mat Barzal, and top-two in terms of xGA/60 behind Oliver Wahlstrom – who has had a very small sample size. With the re-signing of Casey Cizikas, Ilya Sorokin and Kyle Palmieri as well, the depth is increasing and the future for the Islanders is looking even brighter – and maybe, they can finally get past the Tampa Bay Lightning and win the Stanley Cup.

John Smark