matt martin on your second line? alright lol yeah have fun with that

also why is barzal on the third line

He clearly just made the trade and didn't set the lineup

the roster looks kinda rough isles better hope they can recreate the same magic from last year

It's almost the same lineup from last year. Our only net loss was Filppula, Lehner to Varlamov is really a lateral move. If they get a legit 3C, we'll be as good as last year if not better.

varlamov isn't guaranteed success though lol thats what I'm worried about if I were an islanders fan

I'm not worried about goaltending. Varlamov was not brought in to be the clear-cut #1 starter that needs to play 65 games. His entire tenure here, he should be platooning with Greiss this year, and Sorokin afterward. We have the best goalie coach in the world. As long as we get ~.913 save% from him (his average from his Avalanche tenure), we're in great shape.

I'm more worried as an Islander fan about scoring and our third line. Beauvillier needs to become consistent (which I am confident about but by no means do I think it's a guarantee), and a balanced third line. Right now our 3C is Tanner Fritz, which I'm not happy about. If we can get Boyle, Brassard, Eakin, Pageau, or one of Buffalo's centers (Girgensons, Larsson, or Sobotka), I'll be happy.

very true, hopefully the islanders don't get sobotka though !

Why? Only one year left on his deal. Hardly any risk. If he can go back to his Blues form, I think he'd do well here.

I kinda hope islanders go for someone better like Boyle or brassard. I use to like sobotka but I feel like he isn't the player he was when he was with the blues originally. I get the risk is low but still rather explore better options when they are out there

Oh no doubt, Sobotka is far from my first choice. I just won't be upset if he ends up being the guy we get.