Metropolitan Division Preview: Scouting the New York Islanders

Apr 11, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Detroit Red Wings defensemen

(28) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Just like the Rangers, very little was needed to change for the Islanders, in terms of players.

General manager Garth Snow didn’t feel the need to add any pieces, based on their success last season. His willingness to not break up the current roster, speaks volumes of how confident Snow feels in this season’s potential success.

However, there will be one new face in the Islanders lineup this season. Veteran defenseman Marek Zidlicky (formerly of the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, and Detroit Red Wings) was signed to a one-year contract this preseason. He has already drawn comparisons to former Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, as a player who can quarterback the Islanders power play.

Head coach Jack Capuano had this to say of the 38-year-old defenseman Zidlicky:

"Having a guy like Zidlicky, a right shot, that’s a strength of his. He’s an offensive-minded guy, a smart guy, an intelligent hockey player. I see him being a big, integral part of our power play"

Other notable additions were free agent goaltender Thomas Greiss and veteran forward Steve Bernier, who was on a professional tryout this preseason. However, he received a one-year deal from the Islanders.

Last season, Bernier played in 67 games for the New Jersey Devils, scoring 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists).

Next: Offseason Departures