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Metro Rundown: After Strong Offseason, Where do Jackets Stand?

By Curtis Deem

Sep 25, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Islanders

2021-22 Record: 37-35-10 (84 pts)

Goal differential: 231-237 (-6)

Key Additions: D Alexander Romanov, G Cory Schneider

Key Subtractions: D Zdeno Chara, D Andy Greene

Rumored to be all in on every big free agent name this summer, the Islanders fell flat on their faces and were unable to add a difference maker on the open market. In the end, they add a quality young defender in Romanov … and do really nothing else to improve a team that struggled throughout last season.

ELMONT, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders celebrates his first period goal against the Washington Capitals at UBS Arena on April 28, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders celebrates his first period goal against the Washington Capitals at UBS Arena on April 28, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Up front, they return a pretty good group of forwards led by star center Mathew Barzal. They have a consistent, productive group, and can roll four lines out that play two-way hockey. It’s a nice group, but outside of Barzal they lack real offensive pop – he’s surrounded by guys whose offensive ceilings are likely in the 50-60 point range. Sounds a lot like the 2018-19 Blue Jackets to me. I think they’ll be enough to make this team playoff worthy if they stay healthy; but if they don’t add some scoring, I don’t think they’re a Cup contender.

Defensively, I think Romanov is a really nice addition to this team. He’s one of the game’s best up and coming young defenders, and he joins an already strong quality top-four including Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock, and Adam Pelech. The returning Isles all defend well thanks to former coach Barry Trotz, and several of their blue liners add some offensive pop. Quietly, I think the Isles have a very good defense corps that should make them hard to score on yet again.

MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 15: Goaltender Ilya Sorokin #30 of the New York Islanders makes a pad save during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on April 15, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 15: Goaltender Ilya Sorokin #30 of the New York Islanders makes a pad save during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on April 15, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

In goal, Ilya Sorokin is one of the league’s best kept secrets, and behind this team he could be a dark horse candidate for the Vezina Trophy this season. He’ll be backed up again by Semyon Varlamov, a veteran who gives the Isles a chance to win whenever he’s called upon. This is a pretty good team all-around, although they fired Trotz I do think they’ll be in the mix for a playoff spot. They won’t have a horrific schedule to start the year, anyway.

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