It’s A Dark Day on Long Island. But The Future Is Bright.

If you are a fan of the New York Islanders, you should sulk for the next 24 hours, but after that you need to move on. Yes, you did lose the best player that your organization has had in the past 30+ years. I can understand your frustration. But you have a lot to look forward to in the next 5 years. Your youth is exciting and I think the Islanders will become a very solid team over the next few seasons as these kids develop. Also, you now have Lou looking out for your team and obviously the coaching of Trotz to help teach this young team how to play the game the right way. Barry is so underrated and I am jealous that he is behind the Islander bench. But first let’s look at the Islander youth.

Matthew Barzal: The Rookie of the Year recipient had 85 points last year. He will be the future star for this team. His points may drop next year without JT on the team, but this kid has the potential to become a real super star in the NHL.

Anthony Beauvillier: 21 goals in 71 games, Tony is going to be a great player for years to come. He’s a center that can produce and has a good head on his shoulders. I wouldn’t be surprised if this kid becomes a number 1 center in this league.

Kieffer Bellows: Anyone who watched the World Juniors knows that Bellows is the real deal. He had 9 goals and 10 points in 7 games at the WJC in 2018. He is a power forward that loves to have the puck on his stick. 41 goals and 74 points in 54 games for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.

The 2018 draft picks: Oliver Wahlstrom, Noah Dobson, and Bode Wilde. Everyone knows the Islanders had a great draft. A goal scorer and two defensemen that look to be solid NHL players. I think having Lou and Barry in charge should make for true growth with these three players coming into the organization in the next few years.

The Islanders have a few more guys playing in either Juniors or college that could have been easily mentioned in here. Quenville, Durandeau, Cockerill to name a few. I know the is definitely a sad day, but let’s face it. You don’t have a home yet just yet, you just got yourself a new coach, Barry Trotz, that is a proven winner in the NHL. A legendary GM in Louie, that is one of the best in any sport. There is a lot to look forward to. Your time isn’t right now. JT isn’t waiting around for the rebuild or for his new stadium to be built. He wants to win a Stanley Cup on the team he grew up watching. Can you actually blame him? He made the Islanders relevant for the past decade. Thank him and move on because the future is bright

-Papa