Every offseason, general managers across the NHL need to evaluate their players and make vital decisions. Over the last two seasons, the stagnant cap has made these decisions even more important. Last offseason, we saw New York Islanders general manager trade RFA defenseman Devon Toews to the Colorado Avalanche for two reasons. While it was certainly a cap move, the trade was made because there was faith that rookie defenseman Noah Dobson could take that next step and become an everyday NHLer.

For the Islanders heading into next season, will there be faith that another young talent could become an everyday player and allow Lamoriello to make a cap-saving move?

After being held off the postseason roster during the 2020 playoff run, Oliver Wahlstrom went overseas to better his game heading into his second season up with the Islanders. He made the team out of camp and while it took a while before he went from the taxi squad into the starting lineup, he showcased the talent he possesses.

As we have come to realize over the tenure of Barry Trotz on the island, the use of youngsters over veterans is a rarety.