One free agent every NHL team should sign this offseason

New York Islanders: John Carlson, Defenseman

So to the New York Islanders, you guys are on the clock. Because Tavares is the biggest prize in this year’s class, we’re going to have to look at both scenarios and decide accordingly. One is that he stays for $10 million a season and the Isles erupt with joy. The other of course is that Tavares walks and New York suffers immense rainfall from the tears that are sure to come.

Let’s start with what they could do if he leaves. Get the bad news out of the way immediately. Even without a rise in the salary cap, the Islanders are seeing about $29 million in room which is fantastic. Outside of Tavares, there aren’t many pieces on the roster that will put a dent in that number. They have six restricted free agents and plenty to spend. That also comes after signing Josh Bailey long-term, and 85-point man Mathew Barzal is under contract for another two seasons.

The best bet would probably be to sign John Carlson to at least ensure that you help your team defense. That might be the only band-aid on Tavares leaving, though Carlson is no slouch. Plus, the defense was atrocious in giving up the most goals per game while also allowing the most shots against per game. So it needs a ton of work. And Carlson can add 60 to 70 points to take the sting off of losing a guy who routinely puts up 80 to 90 a year.

But going into next year, all fans will wonder is if Bailey and Barzal can carry the load on offense, or if they were a product of Tavares. It would be even better to pursue Carlson along with a Van Riemsdyk or Evander Kane.

What if Tavares resigns? Okay, well for the same amount at $29 million, it now drops to $19 million with a few holes still to fill. They need to resign unrestricted free agent Calvin De Haan. That could cost them at least $4 million. They also have a few other holes on defense to calk. Hm, it seems this team really needs defense regardless of whether or not Tavares resigns.

That’s why the Islanders could have the best of both worlds, and why we want them to. Resigning Tavares and then going after Carlson is doable. Should the cap rise to $80 million, we’re looking at New York having $24 million to make the pursuit. Will the Capitals’ defenseman also want $10 million a season? It’s probably closer to $7 million or $8 million, which still leaves $16 million to sign De Haan and sign free agents who won’t be getting huge figures. Or to go for more defensive coverage at a cheaper price, like an Ian Cole for the bottom pairing.

Remember too that the Islanders have picks 11 and 12 in the upcoming draft. Maybe it’s time to start dreaming.