The Islanders’ Solid Foundation: Three Players to Build Around

Every team has its cornerstones. Without them, its chances of success go down dramatically. Just as a building structure relies on its cornerstones, a hockey team also has its cornerstones to hold the team together. Imagine a building without a proper foundation. What will happen to it? Like a building or organization, every hockey franchise has to have a solid foundation. Ideally, a team's cornerstone is one goalie, one forward, and a defenceman.

The elite teams have four or five key players, but this is not fantasy; most hockey teams will be happy with three.

So, who are the cornerstones of players who can grow with this team? The best thing going on with the New York Islanders is their prospects. Many of them will be ready to play in the NHL in a couple of years.

Bo Horvat

Bo is a slick forward who can change the game in an instant. Horvat is on a long-term contract; he will be starting his third year of an 8.5-year contract. He is a versatile forward with a great shot. His ability to play wing and centre gives the Islanders plenty of options. He is a terrific skater who can make something out of nothing. Bo is an excellent cornerstone we can build on for years to come.

Alexander Romanov

Alexander has to take over the number one man right now. He has the tools to be better. With Dobson traded, Romanov can get out of his shadow. He has a terrific hard slapshot, perfect for the power-play. He needs to improve his passing, which he can accomplish with more ice time. Alexander is the type of player who thrives under pressure. It will be good for Schaefer to take him under his wing.

Ilya Sorokin

Ilya is still one of the best goalies in the league. He has the reflexes of a cat. His ability to rebound is mind-boggling. Ilya is adjusting to the NHL style more each year. He has it in him to rock this season for the Islanders. Let's give him a mulligan after the rumours of being traded that plagued him most of the season.

Author's Note

Matthew Schaefer will be a solid pairing of defencemen for years to come. There have been many comparisons made to stars of the past. I hope they do not rush him, but let him play in the juniors one more year. That is why I do not have him in the cornerstones for this season.

Randy