Potential Free Agents the Islanders Should Consider

After ending a 23-year playoff series drought, the Islanders find themselves in position to make big moves towards becoming a Stanley cup contender. To do that, they will need to bring in one or more high level free agents that can not only make an impact on the ice, but infuse their skills within the growing team culture.

Photo: Chris Carlson AP

Milan Lucic LW (2015-16 20G 34A)

He has top line hockey IQ that would give immediate help to John Tavares however, it would take a lot to pry him away from Los Angeles more that perhaps the Isles are willing to go. That being said, it would be a gutsy and highly appealing move bringing a player like Lucic into the fold.

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Andrew Ladd LW (2015-16: 25G 21A)

Here's a player that could fill the potential void left by Kyle Okposo. His numbers have been pretty steady over the past 5 seasons and there is reason to believe he would welcome the opportunity to play in Brooklyn. It'll be interesting to see how much he will command in the open market, but his consistency definitely should make him a more than attractive target.

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Troy Bouwer RW (2015-16: 18G 21A)

He played exceptionally well in the playoffs and should earn a lot of attention in the market. That being said the Islanders would greatly benefit from Brouwer’s scoring prowess. Money could be an issue if he looks to capitalize on postseason performance with a big pay day However this is a risk that the team must be willing to take if they are to take the next step.

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Keith Yandle D (2015-16: 5G 42A)

If there is any place the Islanders could stand to improve it's the defenseman position. It will be important to add a smart playmaker as a counterpart the aggressive and physical Matt Martin. Yandle could be just the guy to fill that role.

Bob DeChiara USA Today Sports

John-Michael Liles D (2015-16: 6G 14A)

While Zidlicky did provide a veteran presence on the defensive side, the team would benefit from adding another vet like him to the roster. At 35 with 13 years of experience, Liles would make a great mentor for young nucleus the Islanders have carefully developed over the years.

James Guillory US 

David Backes C (2015-16: 21G 24A)

Though Frans Nielsen and Casey Cizikas has emerged as stellar middle men for the third and fourth lines, the second line still could use upgrade at center. Signing Backes would lighten the load for Tavares (whom often pulled double duty playing center for the one and two lines in games) giving much more stability for Capuano to shift players around without compromising their strengths. Backes has shown he can create good opportunities for himself and his teammates, something that's at a huge premium in today's NHL.