After this past season, one thing was very clear for the New York Islanders. No matter what decision John Tavares made (we all know how that went), the team needed to find an upgrade in goal before the start of the season.
They were linked to former Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Gruabuer at the draft until they traded him to the Colorado Avalanche. They were also in discussion with free agent Carter Hutton who signed with the Buffalo Sabres on the opening day of free agency.
The Islanders found their short-term solution on the third day of free agency, signing former Sabre Robin Lehner to a team-friendly, one-year deal worth $1.