John Tavares’ departure has clearly left a gigantic hole down the middle for the New York Islanders. However, Lamoriello does not seem keen on signing or trading for a top-six center to bolster the lineup.
84 points will be tough to replace. That is certain. To make up for Tavares, it is clear Lamoriello is thinking outside the box: why add 84 points and give up prospects in a trade, when you can give up fewer goals?
It might seem crazy, but the Islanders really do not need John Tavares in this brand of hockey. Physicality and defense will do the trick, and this has been, and will continue to be, the plan for the offseason.