Although Tyler Toffoli wouldn't help the New York Islanders get younger, could he provide the right-wing stability the team's core needs?
With NHL Free Agency scheduled to open in less than a month, teams are beginning to look at ways to bolster their rosters.
The New York Islanders are in an interesting position at forward, with a handful of wingers either hitting the open market or entering the final year of their contracts.
In this year's free agency class, one of the top forwards available is Tyler Toffoli, who could be a potential fit for both the short and long term.
Toffoli, 32, had a great year in 2023-24, scoring 33 goals with 22 assists for 55 points between the Winnipeg Jets (18 GP) and New Jersey Devils (61 GP).
His 33 red lights were the second most for him in a season of his career. He also knows a thing or two about scoring against the Islanders, totaling eight goals and eight assists in 20 career games.
The forward is also a longtime NHL veteran, logging 812 games with five different teams. His career stats boast 260 goals and 261 assists for 521 points.
He was also a key contributor to a Stanley Cup win with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014, so he knows what it takes to win in this league.
With Toffoli having a strong campaign, he could be a candidate to join the Islanders with the status of their forward pool.
Among their right wingers, Cal Clutterbuck is set to become an unrestricted free agent with more turnover to come next offseason. The likes of Kyle Palmieri, Hudson Fasching, and Julien Gauthier are also set to hit the market next summer, adding further uncertainty to the position.
In a way, Toffoli could likely assume a middle-six role behind Mathew Barzal and Palmieri and, ultimately, be a potential replacement for the latter.
Toffoli and Palmieri each had similar seasons production-wise, with Palmieri hitting the 30-goal mark for the first time with New York last season, adding 22 assists, playing in all 82 games.
However, Toffoli might not be the ideal fit, given his age.
While he is a year younger than Palmieri, he doesn't quite fit the mold of getting younger that the Islanders might be looking for.
Yes, the talent is certainly there, and you can get the last year or two of prime production, but he might need to be on a short-term pact to optimize his value.
Regardless, he is certainly a piece that can provide stability to the Islanders' forward core.
He won't be relied on to play with Barzal and Bo Horvat, but he can take up a role on either the second or third line.
With a Stanley Cup and lifelong success, Toffoli is a name to keep an eye on as the Islanders look to round out their offense for next season.