5 Free Agents the New York Islanders Should Target In 2015 NHL Offseason

5 Free Agents the New York Islanders Should Target In 2015 NHL Offseason

By Nick Villano

5 Free Agents the Islanders Should Target In 2015 Offseason

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The New York Islanders are going to start a whole new life as a franchise. They are moving to Brooklyn's Barclays Center next year, so this team will want to make a huge impact in their first season in order to make new fans. They know the area wants a winner, and they are going to give it to them. To do so, they need to make a few moves on the free agent market. These five players need to be on the Islanders' radar.

5. Michael Frolik

New York Islanders
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5. Michael Frolik

New York Islanders
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The Islanders aren't losing too many forwards to unrestricted free agency, but they could still use some skill up front. Michael Frolik had his best season since he left the Florida Panthers back in 2011. He didn't fit with the Blackhawks, but he found a home with the Jets. He can go on to the Islanders and continue to play with amazing talent. Maybe he can once again become a 20-goal scorer.

4. Anders Lee

New York Islanders
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4. Anders Lee

New York Islanders
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The Islanders have two huge restricted free agents this offseason, and the team should make it a priority to sign both Anders Lee and Brock Nelson. If they have to choose, however, then Lee should be their choice. They both bring a similar style to the team. The problem is both players may be upset with sitting towards the end of the Capitals series.

3. Daniel Briere

New York Islanders
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3. Daniel Briere

New York Islanders
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Daniel Briere had a terrible season last year with the Colorado Avalanche. While this seems curious since Briere's best contributions come as a center, they can use him to help Lee and Nelson focus on building their offensive games. Being a center sometimes hurts young players, so Breire can be used to build up the young core with the Islanders. What's best is he will come close to the veteran's minimum.

2. Viktor Fasth

New York Islanders
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2. Viktor Fasth

New York Islanders
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The Islanders finally found a good enough backup when they acquired Michal Neuvirth. Unfortunately, his play would probably price him out of the range Garth Snow would want to pay for a backup goalie. Viktor Fasth was terrible in Edmonton, so he needs a place to rebound his career. He still has plenty left to give and could find new life in Brooklyn.

1. Martin Erat

New York Islanders
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1. Martin Erat

New York Islanders
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The Islanders could use some wingers, and Martin Erat just did not fit with the Arizona Coyotes. He was so bad that they couldn't deal him at the deadline. That kind of losing gets to a player, so he would be invigorated if he was able to play with the likes of Lee, Nelson, John Tavares and Kyle Okposo.

Nick Villano is the NHL feature writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

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