New York Islanders: Top Five Greatest Defensemen In Franchise History

2 of 6

5. Adrian Aucoin

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Aucion has been one of the more traveled defensemen since coming into the league in 1992. He joined the Islanders during the 2001-02 season and stayed for a full three years. While with the Islanders, Aucoin put up the most consistent offensive numbers of his career, including a career-high 33 assists and 44 points in 2003–04. Two things stood out about Aucion when he was playing: First was his level of endurance. He was averaging about 25-30 minutes a night with the Islanders. It always seemed that the more ice time he saw during a game, the better he played. The other thing that stood out about Aucoin was the shot. He had one of the hardest shots I’ve ever seen, and he used that as a very effective weapon.

During his time on the Island, Aucoin played in 235 games, racking up 33 goals and 80 assists for 113 points. The offensive production wasn’t that great, but the play in his own defensive end sure was.

3 of 6

4. Kenny Jonsson

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Jonsson was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs and played there for three years before coming to the Islanders via trade in 1996. During his nine year career with the Islanders, Jonsson made an impact with the team, both on and off the ice. Fans and journalists considered Jonsson one of the most underrated defensemen in the league during his time in the NHL. He played good positional defense and had sound offensive skills as well, but his quiet demeanor and low-key playing style kept him below the radar of some observers. He was a great teammate and was an anchor on that Islanders blueline on a nightly basis.

Jonsson played 597 games in an Islanders uniform, during which he scored 57 goals, while adding in 175 assists for 232 points. He is currently a member of the Islanders Hall of Fame.

4 of 6

3. Stefan Persson

Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted by the Islanders late in the 1974 entry draft, Stefan Persson proved to be a steal. He played his entire nine year career on Long Island and made an impact almost immediately. Persson's responsible, defensive style was endorsed highly by the Islanders head coach, Al Arbour. Persson also showed an adept passing ability and an occasional scoring touch. His steady play was a calming influence on the team, and he was a key component in the dynasty years. Persson set a record with the Islanders, playing more games than any other Swedish player in the NHL at that time. It has since been passed. He knew how to play, taking responsibility at both ends of the rink.

During his career, Persson played in 622 regular season games, scoring 52 goals and adding in 317 assists for 369 points. The assists and points are both 2nd in team history among defensemen.

5 of 6

2. Ken Morrow

Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Morrow was drafted by the Islanders in 1978 and joined the club shortly after helping the US win gold at the 1980 Olympics. When the Islanders captured their first championship, Morrow became the first player ever to win the Olympic Gold and an NHL championship in one season. He was an integral member of all four Islanders Stanley Cup teams, playing a tough, physical brand of hockey he become known for. Furthermore, although Morrow was never a goal-scorer, during the playoffs the Isles often benefited from his clutch goal scoring at key times. Injuries to his knees would cut Morrow’s career short but not before he could have a major impact on the team. He had a quite impact on the team, because he never said a word. Morrow just went about doing his job and he did so very, very well. He's probably the best defensive defensemen on this list.

Morrow played in 550 games for the Islanders, all the while scoring 17 goals and 88 assists for 105 points. Morrow is currently a member of the Islanders Hall of Fame.

6 of 6

1. Denis Potvin

Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

This one is too easy to pick. Potvin was drafted 1st overall by the Islanders in 1973 and played his entire 15 year career on the Island. Potvin entered the NHL with high expectations, as he was regarded by some as the savior of the Islanders' franchise and by others as potentially the next Bobby Orr. While he did not dominate the game in the same way as Orr, Potvin became an immediate star. Potvin could skate, he could make plays offensively and boy could he hit. Many regard Potvin as one of, if not the best open ice hitting defensemen of all-time. His best season offensively was 1979, during which he became the second defenseman (Orr being the first) to score 30 goals and 100 points in a single season. Potvin was awarded his third Norris trophy for the regular season, which the Islanders finished first overall in the NHL.

Potvin was a more traditional defender than Orr and an extremely physical player. He averaged just under a point per game over his career (0.992), while Orr averaged 1.39 points per game. Late in his career, Potvin suffered a series of injuries that impeded his performance, leading to his retirement following the 1988 season. During his time with the Islanders, Potvin played in 1,060 games while scoring 310 goals and adding in 740 assists for a total of 1,052 points, the most in Islanders history by a defenseman. His 1,052 points are the 3rd most in team history, trailing only Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier. Potvin is currently a member of the Islanders Hall of Fame.