In the New York Islanders history, only one player has worn number 31 for the New York Islanders and his name is Billy Smith. In 1970, the Los Angeles Kings selected Billy Smith in the fifth round of the NHL Draft.
He'd go on to play just five games as a King in 1971-1972 as a 21-year-old, before being drafted by the Isles in the 1972 expansion draft. He was the second player the Islanders picked.
His first year with the Isles wasn't so great, he had a .878 save percentage and a 4.