Picture the New York Islanders right-wing depth chart. It’s probably Jordan Eberle (who’s a UFA), Leo Komarov (shots left), and Cal Clutterbuck. Eberle is likely gone in free agency, leaving Cal Clutterbuck as the only right-shot forward that isn’t a dedicated center (Barzal shoots right).
And Cal Clutterbuck might not be ready for the start of the season. The hard-hitting winger might need back surgery this off-season.
That leaves Komarov – again, he shoots left – if you assume Eberle isn’t re-signed. That’s not going to be good enough going forward. Even if the Islanders re-sign Jordan Eberle that’s not going to be enough.