Ever since John Ledecky and Scott Malkin inherited principle ownership of the New York Islanders two years ago, the goal was to carry a once-proud organization back to respectability. The process slowly hit landmarks.
On the ice, the integration of 2015 first-round pick Mathew Barzal was a revelation. The center, along with surprise 40-goal scorer Anders Lee and a dependable Josh Bailey, played an integral role in New York's offensive awakening last season. Barzal ran away with the Calder Trophy with 85 points.
Off the ice, the new owners waded through yet another arena impasse and cleared the path for an eventual return to Long Island.