5 Biggest New York Islanders Rumors Heading Into the Offseason

By PowerPlayCJ

5 Biggest New York Islanders Rumors Heading Into the Offseason

Washington Capitals v New York Islanders — After returning to the playoffs and signing some key players to long-term deals, the New York Islanders face an intriguing offseason in 2015. As the team readies for a move to Brooklyn, the front office will be looking to make moves that catapult them from a young, up-and-coming team into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

5. Future At Barclays Center

Islanders Barclays Center

5. Future At Barclays Center

Islanders Barclays Center — The team is obviously moving to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center this fall after over 40 years in Nassau County. Despite this, there will be whispers all summer and beyond about a return to Uniondale down the line, especially if the transition to the Barclays Center fails to go smoothly. It's a longshot, but I wouldn’t rule out a return to Uniondale, even on a part-time basis before the end of the decade.

4. Griffin Reinhart's Future

NHL: Preseason-New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils

4. Griffin Reinhart's Future

NHL: Preseason-New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils — The former top-five pick in the draft spent most of the year in an AHL apprenticeship, but he got his feet wet a few times in the show with the Isles. The team’s additions of Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy made the blue line tougher to crack for the youngster, but he’ll get every chance to make it next season. Patience needs to be stressed with the former Edmonton Oil King, because he is far from a finished product.

3. Team Will Pursue a Veteran Backup

Karri Ramo Calgary Flames December 2014-15

3. Team Will Pursue a Veteran Backup

Karri Ramo Calgary Flames December 2014-15 — The team landed Michal Neuvirth who filled in nicely down the stretch as a backup to Jaroslav Halak and will be looking to keep him around. If Neuvirth does leave as a free agent this summer, then the Isles will be looking to add a steady backup like Viktor Fasth or Kari Ramo to spell Halak and keep him fresh for the playoffs.

2. Michael Dal Colle's NHL Future

DalColleRant

2. Michael Dal Colle's NHL Future

DalColleRant — The Oshawa General posted an excellent year in the OHL after being drafted No. 5 overall by the Isles last June. While there is some work to do in his development, the hulking forward is knocking on the NHL’s door and will be given a chance to make the team in camp.

1. Adding a Legitimate Top Forward

Taylor Hall

1. Adding a Legitimate Top Forward

Taylor Hall — John Tavares is firmly entrenched as one of the best players in the league, but he could use some help up front and there’ll be more than enough teams looking to move forwards this summer. If the Edmonton Oilers put Jordan Eberle or even Taylor Hall on the trading block, it would behoove the Islanders to get a deal done using one or more of their many promising young defensemen as trade bait.

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New York Islanders

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