New York Islanders fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the New York Islanders. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season. 

Ilya Sorokin, G

NHL.com fantasy rank: 19

Reason for optimism:Sorokin won an NHL career-high 31 games last season and ranked second in the League in save percentage (.924) behind Boston Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark (.938; minimum 40 games). Beginning with Sorokin's rookie season of 2020-21, he leads the NHL in shutouts (16) and ranks second (minimum 100 games) in save percentage (.924) behind Ullmark (.926). Sorokin, NHL.com's second-ranked fantasy goalie behind Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers, is worth reaching for as early as the second round in any fantasy format.

NHL.com win projection: 30

Brock Nelson, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 93

Reason for optimism:Nelson had NHL career highs in points (75), power-play points (17) and shots on goal (222) last season and is tied for 21st in goals (73) over the past two seasons combined. He found chemistry with wings Kyle Palmieri and Pierre Engvall down the stretch and is a perennial fantasy bargain based on average draft position.

NHL.com point projection: 75

Mathew Barzal, C/RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 110

Reason for optimism:Barzal, who missed the final 24 games of last season with a knee injury, matched his second highest points-per-game average (0.88) behind his rookie season (1.04 in 2017-18). His fantasy value has been revitalized under Islanders coach Lane Lambert, and a full-time shift to wing on a line with center Bo Horvat would give him a higher ceiling in the goals and shots on goal categories.

NHL.com point projection: 70

Bo Horvat, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 130

Reason for optimism:Horvat had four points (three goals, one assist) in his first six games after being acquired in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 30. He skated mostly with Barzal, who had eight points (two goals, six assists) in seven games on Horvat's wing prior to his injury. Horvat finished with NHL career highs in goals (38), points (70 in 79 games) and shots on goal (229), and brings added fantasy appeal in leagues that count face-off wins (leads NHL with 4,380 since 2018-19).

NHL.com point projection: 60

Noah Dobson, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 146

Reason for optimism:Over the past two seasons combined, Dobson is among the defenseman leaders in goals (26; tied for 14th), power-play goals (eight; tied for eighth), power-play points (41; tied for 11th) and shots on goal (396; tied for ninth). He could reach another fantasy gear with exposure to Horvat on the first power play over a full season.

NHL.com point projection: 57

Other NYI players to consider in fantasy: Anders Lee, LW;  Kyle Palmieri, RW; Pierre Engvall, LW; Semyon Varlamov, G; Ryan Pulock, D; Oliver Wahlstrom, RW