Projections: Top 6 Defensemen

Today, we move on to the top 6 defenseman, again, in no particular order.

1) Alexander Romanov

6 goals

18 assists

24 points

The recipient of a new long term deal, Romanov really grew a lot last season.  I expect that to continue this year as his new contract starts as he further cements himself as a top pairing d-man not only for us but around the league.

2) Adam Pelech

2 goals

18 assists

20 points

The most important thing for Pelech this year is staying healthy.  Three seasons in a row now Pelech has dealt with major injuries that have caused him to miss a significant portion of the season.  After we drafted Schafer I saw some saying that Pelech could be a sort of mentor for him since they play the same side.  The way that will be most effective is if Pelech is able to stay healthy.

3) Tony Deangelo

10 goals

30 assists

40 points

A pleasant surprise last season, Deangelo really earned his extension in the 35 games he played here after we signed him.  With Dobson gone, there will be ample time on the power play available for him.  While his play in his own zone may leave some to be desired, I feel like these numbers will be well within reach for him.

4) Ryan Pulock

5 goals

20 assists

25 points

One of the biggest mysteries in recent years is the lack of offense in Pulocks game.  He showed a lot of it early in his career but then it just fell off a cliff.  With the offense falling off a cliff, being a shut down pair with Pelech carried him for a few years.  But as they have gotten older that has started to slide to.  Hopefully, one of those things is able to resurrect itself this year and by these projections im betting on the defensive play.

5) Scott Mayfield

3 goals

10 assists

13 points

It is no secret, I am not a Mayfield fan.  But more times then not he will be in there for us.  Hopefully, the change in play style will cause Mayfield to enter a time machine and become more effective.

6) Matthew Schafer

1 goal *

2 assists *

3 points *

*assuming he gets the 9 game try out and then goes back to Juniors.

It seems generally accepted that Schafer is likely to get a 9 game look for the Islanders to start the season.  I would love for him to impress enough to stay here the entire season.  If he does that he could turn into a real xfactor for us.  However, with him being so young, one of the youngest in the entire draft, I feel like going back to Juniors for a full season is more likely.

7) Ethan Bear

2 goals

6 assists

8 points

Assuming Schafer gets the 9 game look and then goes back to Juniors, I feel like Bear will be the guy who gets a lot of playing time.