Restricted free agents:J-F Berube, G; Casey Cizikas, C; Scott Mayfield, D; Ryan Strome, RW
Projected 2016 draft picks:4 (1 first)
Projected 2017 draft picks: 7 (1 first)
Needs:Veteran forward
Surpluses:Young forwards
Players Potentially in Play:Jean-Francois Berube, Travis Hamonic, Kyle Okposo
Likely status:Buyer
Skinny:The Islanders are trying to find a way to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 1993. General manager Garth Snow has done a solid job of replenishing the pipeline with promising prospects, some of whom have already reached the NHL. After a 47-win season in 2014-15, the Islanders seemed primed to take another step. But the Metropolitan Division has already been all but won by the Washington Capitals, meaning Snow must do everything in his power to find a player who can at least help the Islanders finish second and secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Hamonic requested a trade closer to his Winnipeg home prior to the start of the season, but it's unlikely Snow will be able to accommodate Hamonic, arguably his most valuable defenseman, by the trade deadline. With forwards such as Ryan Strome (six goals in 43 games) and Anders Lee (nine goals in 54 games) underachieving, it would be beneficial for Snow to find a veteran forward who can help John Tavares carry the offense. Expect the Islanders GM to be active leading up to Feb. 29.
