The New York Islanders are not going to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. After making the postseason for three straight years, the Islanders have serious questions and issues that need to be solved in free agency. One of those issues is the group’s lack of scoring.

The team has had issues scoring goals ever since Barry Trotz took over as head coach. It hasn’t been as big of a problem because of an elite defensive system. But now, the Islanders should fix this problem in free agency.

The Islanders need an elite, top-line forward. The free agent class this year is loaded with big names like Claude Giroux, Johnny Gaudreau and Filip Forsberg. Getting one of these players would make the Islanders’ top-line one of the best in the NHL. They would finally have an offensive weapon other teams would be scared of.

There is a case for Mathew Barzal being that top threat, but he has simply struggled this year. But that can change with the addition of an elite forward. If he had someone on his line who could keep up with him, it would greatly benefit the franchise center.

In the past, the Islanders have attempted to go after big names. Most recently, the Islanders tried to sign Artemi Panarin. Now, that ultimately failed, but it was a good sign for the Islanders and their fans, as it meant the team was attempting to go after the big fish. This offseason will be a perfect time for the Islanders to once again do that, and take their offense to the next level.

Jack Kobil

Hi, my name is Jack Kobil. I am currently attending Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington DC. I am a huge Islanders fan and I love to share my passion for this team.