Zero to Hero? The New York Islanders are CPHL Championship Contenders

[TheScorpion]

Get ready.

Bolstered by a top-10 defenceman in Alex Pietrangelo, two top-30 forwards in Joe Pavelski and Pavel Buchnevich, and one of the top defensive groups in the league elevated by Adam Pelech, Jacob Trouba, and Shayne Gostisbehere, the New York Islanders have re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with after finishing last in the league in 2022–23.

The Islanders have already had an aggressive off-season. Although wingers Jeff Skinner, Jordan Eberle, Marcus Foligno, Evgenii Dadonov, and Travis Boyd are returnees from last year's club, the Islanders have also strengthened their overall group with the additions of Ondrej Palat, Zach Parise, Luke Schenn, Sam Lafferty and tandem goaltender Scott Wedgewood.

David Krejci's NHL return means he'll also play a big role in the Islanders' success this year. And we've also added some skilled youngsters to our group, including Jack McBain, Jalen Chatfield, Keegan Kolesar, Connor Ingram, and Alex Nylander, creating one of the deepest groups on paper in the CPHL.

Projected lineup:

Pavel Buchnevich (78) – Joe Pavelski "C" (78) – Jordan Eberle (74)
Jeff Skinner "A" (76) – David Krejci (70) – Ondrej Palat (71)
Zach Parise "A" (72) – Travis Boyd (69) – Evgenii Dadonov (70)
Marcus Foligno (72) – Jack McBain (69) – Sam Lafferty (69)
Keegan Kolesar (69)
Christian Fischer (69)
Corey Perry (69)
Stefan Noesen (68)

Adam Pelech (73) – Alex Pietrangelo "A" (78)
Shayne Gostisbehere (74) – Jacob Trouba (74)
Jack Johnson (70) – Luke Schenn (73)
Travis Hamonic (70)
Sebastian Aho (69)
Jake Middleton (66)
Jalen Chatfield (65)

Scott Wedgewood (78)
Jake Allen (76)
Connor Ingram (74)

Areas of need:

1) Goaltending upgrade
2) Second-line centre
3) Cap space

[Knut]

Go easy on the Canned Pinot down in the US it’s clearly hitting you hard.

[CMPunk]

Originally Posted by Knut

Go easy on the Canned Pinot down in the US it’s clearly hitting you hard.

It's also 4 months before the season starts. 90% of these guys won't be on the roster

[TheScorpion]

I've never looked this strong after re-rates, and our cap situation isn't remotely dire. Not nearly as much incentive to make major changes.

[Goffie]

Can’t wait to put up 7 on Wedgewood.

[savemedrzaius]

Schenn was a waiver wire pickup, right? What a steal that was!

[Swayze11]

Imagine thinking you are a contender with Scott Wedgewood

[Jiri Hrdina]

I think the goaltending is the weak spot, but goalies also seem easier to acquire than other positions.