Islanders Free Agency Wrap-Up 2022

As another EHE Silly Season draws to a close, it appears that the New York Islanders have completed their business. Although more moves would technically be possible, rumour has it that the club has no offers on the table for any of the free agents still looking for a new home—unsurprising, given how close the Islanders are to both the league salary cap and roster limit, not to mention the fact that they have reportedly spent the bulk of their cash reserves set aside for this offseason.

That being the case, here is a look at the players the team lured to the Island during the league's annual player auction.

The Marquee Returnee

D Ryan McDonagh

2021-22 Team:  Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders

Signed For: 2 years, $7.76 million

The biggest piece added by the Islanders wasn't technically an addition at all, with McDonagh returning to the Island after initially being acquired from Chicago last season. After flubbing their offseason calendar, however, Islanders brass failed to secure a contract with the veteran rearguard during the narrow extension window prior to the opening of free agency. That blunder may have cost them some valuable cap space—UFA defencemen signed in the last four offseasons, with a Lacey Value Added Score (LVAS) between 71-75, signed for an average cap hit of $6.2 million—but in any case team officials were relieved when McDonagh chose to stay put after surveying the market. 

Certainly that relief is understandable, given that last season McDonagh anchored a defense that led the Islanders to a top-3 ranking in goals against, acting as the defensive conscience for a group that features two offensive dynamos in Erik Karlsson and Rasmus Dahlin. Further, his veteran presence is clearly valued by the organization, as it has already been announced that McDonagh will once again serve as one of the team's alternate captains.

The Depth Additions

RW Wayne Simmonds

2021-22 Team:  Ottawa Senators, Vegas Golden Knights

Signed For: 4 years, $1.5 million

A late signing at a surprising price, at least in regards to the length of his deal, Simmonds appears destined for the role of 13th forward with the Isles. Certainly he should bring his usual physical style whenever he draws into the lineup, which would be a welcome addition to a team that sorely lacked in that department last season.

G Anton Khudobin

2021-22 Team:  Toronto Maple Leafs

Signed For: 1 year, $2.63 million

With Jack Campbell departing in free agency the Islanders inked Khudobin as their new backup, which should once again give coach Mike Sullivan a strong goaltending duo to work with throughout the season. 

All things being equal, it seems unlikely that Khudobin will garner more than 15-20 starts, but his presence will allow up-and-comer Stuart Skinner to continue his development on the farm for one more year, while a .912 Sv% with Toronto last season offers some confidence that the Russian netminder could temporarily carry the load should starter and countryman Sergei Bobrovsky miss time with injury. 

The Farm Boys

C Glenn Gawdin: 3 years, $1.35 million

Still has a modicum of NHL potential, but is far more likely to spend the year solidifying the Walleyes' depth down the middle.

D Colton White: 2 years, $900,000

One of the better defensive defensemen available to round out an AHL top 6, White will do just that for a Walleye team lacking in quality options.