A look at three offseason targets for the Islanders once free agency begins:
Jeff Skinner
Position: Winger | Age: 32
Unless the Islanders move to clear space, Skinner is probably the highest-end scorer they could conceive of getting on the free-agent market.
After getting bought out of his deal with the Sabres, Skinner could be available for a manageable price and would slot into the top-six for the Islanders, who would love to add another scorer.
Nick Cousins
Position: Forward | Age: 30
If the goal is to remake the fourth line, the first place the Islanders look should be to the quadrant of Panthers who rotated through their fourth line during the postseason.
Cousins, Steven Lorentz, Ryan Lomberg and Kevin Stenlund are all versatile players who bring requisite toughness and would make the Islanders harder to play against.
After Florida held its championship parade Sunday, it’s tough to imagine anyone wanting to leave, but the Islanders will need to do their best.
Brendan Smith
Position: Defenseman | Age: 35
Mike Reilly figures to be the first choice for the left side of the third pair, but if the Islanders can’t bring him back — or even if they do and still need a depth defenseman — Smith would make sense on a one-year deal.
He’s played in the market before, with the Rangers and Devils, can play on the left or right side and is a well-liked veteran.
