Around the NHL, teams are already getting blown out, players are injured and getting suspended. And the Islanders still have two days till their first game.
Simon’s Turn
The waiving of Ross Johnston, while it shed a $1.1 million cap hit for a seldom-used (albeit beloved, etc.) forward, was more about the flexibility and options the Islanders seek to carry among their wingers.
Under Lane Lambert, Johnston’s slot as 14th forward was strictly “break glass in case of emergency/ruffian opponent.” Specialized and narrowly tactical, if you like. There were times when a winger went on IR, and the Isles called up a different replacement rather than slot Johnston in.