Projections: Top 6 Forwards

As the season gets closer I am going to start doing some projections for the roster I expect to break training camp for the Islanders.  Today I am going to start with top 6 forwards (in no particular order):

1) Bo Horvat

33 goals

32 assists

65 points

Anyone that watches the Islanders know if they want to have success this season, Horvat needs to be one of the principle guys producing on offense.  Given his salary I would like to see a higher level production out of him but when looking at his career progression this would be a very solid season for him.

2) Mathew Barzal

18 goals

42 assists

60 points

This is of course assuming Barzal can stay healthy.  Two of the last three seasons Barzal has dealt with serious injuries including last season missing over half the season.  With him returning to center this year full time after transitioning to wing once we acquired Horvat it will be interesting to see what that does to his production and overall level of play.

3) Jonathan Drouin

12 goals

33 assists

45 points

The surprise move of the off season, I don't think anyone saw us signing Drouin as a free agent.  Much like Barzal, these stats are assuming hes able to stay healthy because like Barzal he has dealt with injury issues in recent years.  However he has always had a lot of skill and played with pace which is something Patrick Roy & new man in charge Mathieu Darche wanted to emphasize.  Plus he has some history with our announce team already as well.

4) Anders Lee

25 goals

21 assists

46 points

Lee had a tremendous season last year, however, another year older I have skepticism that he will be able to once again reach those numbers.  However, this would still be a solid season in perhaps his last as an Islander as he is set to become a free agent next summer.

5) Kyle Palmieri

23 goals

21 assists

44 points

I am not going to lie, I was disappointed we kept Palmieri.  I think Lou made a mistake not trading him at the deadline last season.  He's been a steady Islander for a few years now after dealing with some injury issues when he first arrived.  However, he is not getting any younger and I thought it was time to free that spot in the lineup up as we transition from the bubble teams to a newer core.

6) Simon Holmstrom

25 goals

25 assists

50 points

Nobody burst on the scene last season more then Simon Holmstrom.  Holmstrom set a career high in goals and assists last season.  Additionally, made a very formidable PK pair with JG Pageau.  I expect Holmstrom to take another step forward this season and build on last years success.