The 2023-24 season is a big year for the Islanders. Yes, they made the playoffs last season, but there were instances that left much to be desired. The team squeaked into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth, and various players struggled for long stretches of time. However, after an offseason that saw relatively few changes, the team has a chance to further their claim a playoff contender next season. However, doing so requires a few names from last season to step up.
Noah Dobson:
The first of the pieces that will need to step up is one of their young defensemen. Noah Dobson has made noticeable strides on offense the past few seasons, notching 51 and 49 points in the past two campaigns. However, while he has developed nicely on offense, it doesn’t make up for a lack of awareness in his own end. His defense took a step forward in the first half, but the second half was two steps back. He’s often very indecisive on the body and can often be out of position despite his size, both on defense and the power play. As a result, any potential defensive adjustments, or lack thereof, can make or break his tenure on the blue line. The Islanders will gladly take the points and offense he provides, but only if he can make the strides needed to be a complete defender instead of a liability.
Oliver Wahlstrom:
On the offensive side, someone who also needs to step up is Oliver Wahlstrom. After seeing his ice time grow under Lane Lambert, the early results were promising. His game on both ends showed considerable improvement, and his production on offense increased. He was on pace to notch 16 goals and 37 points in 82 games, but a season ending injury put a kibosh to those ambitions. Although Wahlstrom’s spot in the lineup is not in question, as he provides depth and performed decently when healthy, he will need to make a strong impression for Lambert when he returns. If he can turn into a 20+ goal scorer for a team desperate for scoring depth, as well as continue his progress on both ends, it will be a huge boon for the organization.
Simon Holmstrom:
The last of the three Islanders with a lot at stake is Simon Holmstrom. After the Bo Horvat trade which sent Aatu Raty to Vancouver, Holmstrom is one of the few young forwards left from the farm system. He showed signs of promise in his rookie year, displaying a sneaky wrist shot and signs of solid two-way play. The numbers don’t light the world on fire, only six goals and three assists for nine points, but he is still a raw specimen at the NHL level. However, the team’s forward situation is more complicated, with the returns of Wahlstrom and Hudson Fasching, as well as Julien Gauthier joining the mix. With the extra traffic on the roster, Holmstrom will need to earn his way back into the lineup and force the Islanders to keep him in, making this year important to becoming a mainstay on the Islanders.
Stay tuned for more breaking NHL content, including offseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.
Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
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- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/sports/islanders-with-the-most-to-prove-entering-2023-24-season-matthew-page/2023/08/28/
