NHL’s Offseason Losers

After covering the teams that won this NHL offseason, it’s time to get to the clubs that have struggled this summer. Of course, this wasn’t a very deep free agent class which made things all the more competitive for teams to improve. The running theme throughout this piece will be missing out on retaining or capturing big time players for the three clubs below.

So, let’s jump right in with the New York metro area.

A dejected Islanders bench after their 2015 playoff elimination.

New York Islanders

The above photo captures just about everyone affiliated with the New York Islanders’ reaction to John Tavares leaving for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their franchise leader and cornerstone has now moved on and the Islanders and their fans are left to pick up the pieces. It’s particularly disappointing considering the offseason started with some big and positive change.

The franchise finally changed the brain trust as they replaced GM Garth Snow with Lou Lamoriello, and Head Coach Doug Weight with former Capitals Coach Barry Trotz, fresh off of a Stanley Cup championship.

They did their best to keep number 91 in New York but fell short, so they have looked to retool this roster.

Continue reading NHL’s Offseason Losers at Daily Rivals.