New York Badly Needs To Rebuild Forward Depth

I understand Brock Nelson, Casey Cizikas, Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, John Tavares, Matt Martin, Frans Nielsen & recently demoted Ryan Strome were all drafted by the Islanders and/or saw some time in their system.

Colin McDonald was signed out of Bridgeport but was an AHL veteran.

Andrers Lee, (who's not an eighteen year old) Alan Quine, Johan Sundstrom, John Persson would be the next level. Mike Halmo who was not drafted has had a good statistical season.

Kirill Kabanov in his first full healthy year has not impressed statistically. Jason Clark the same.

Beyond that the organization has 2013 picks Taylor Cammarata, Viktor Crus Rydberg & the folly of Kirill Petrov ever signing next summer when another contract is over.

That's the end of the drafted/signed forward prospects in the teams system unless qualified David Ullstrom returns.

For most organizations the key to continued success will be in how it develops, who steps in to replace the depth lost. The clock is ticking on Okposo's contract, on Vanek's time with the Islanders unless management offers him a huge front-loaded contract (expect Nelson to replace him on wing), on Grabner's five year deal, and eventually on Tavares contract.

The three years left on Nielsen's contract after this year will go quickly.

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On defense the Bridgeport depth chart thinned out with Pedan's injury, with Wishart's blood circulation surgery, with the Islander callups.

Mike Dalhuisen has been sent to the ECHL, Mark Cantin is in the final year of his three year deal.

Obviously with Reinhart, Pulock there is top flight help coming in this department. 

There is room for the Islanders to sign their defenders under 5/31 deadline in: Jesse Graham, Loic Leduc, Adam Pelech.

 I believe those rules also apply to Ville Pokka.