Fischler on Tonelli Becoming an Islander Silence. That's been the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/new-york-islanders-bridgeport-islanders-stan-fischler-stefen-rosner] since they signed a trio of depth forwards on July 5 after retaining their own free agents a few days prior. Currently sitting $486,625 above the allotted salary cap [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/islanders], the Islanders are more than likely -- out of necessity -- to subtract a player from their roster rather than add. However, there is one player still on the market after two months of free agency that's a real head-scratcher: Tomas Tatar. [https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/tatarto01.html] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTUxNzQxMjQ1MTA1MjYw/usatsi_20332147.jpg] The 32-year-old is coming off a 48-point season (20 goals, 28 assists), his second in New Jersey. Tatar is a rather versatile player, as he played up and down the Devils' lineup, even seeing minutes on the top line. So, why does he remain unsigned? Well, do we know that is the case? Is it possible a certain team signed Tatar, with the announcement not being made public yet? It's not impossible. Although Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/new-york-islanders-lou-lamoriello-josh-bailey-nhl-draft-2023] is usually the silent assassin -- not announcing off-season moves until training camp -- this summer was different. But that doesn't mean "premature" announcements this one time eliminate that late summer statement. Why would the Islanders want Tatar? That entirely depends on the status of Zach Parise [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/zach-parise-new-york-islanders-hudson-fasching-simon-holmstrom] and Cal Clutterbuck [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/cal-clutterbuck-new-york-islanders-milestone-1000-games-300-points-500-blocks]. If Parise, who was contemplating retirement following his 18th NHL season, does hang up his skates, there's an opening on the left side of Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Before any potential additions, Hudson Fasching [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/hudson-fasching-new-york-islanders-lane-lambert-siblings-cooper-mallory-thn-3] is likely to take Parise's spot, with Oliver Wahlstrom [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/oliver-wahlstrom-new-york-islanders-knee-injury-season-ending-training-camp] holding down Pageau's right side as he returns from a knee injury. Simon Holmstrom [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/islanders-simon-holmstrom-goes-1-on-1-i-have-more-to-give] and Julien Gauthier [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/julien-gauthier-new-york-islanders-hurricanes-rangers-senators] will likely battle for the 13th forward spot if Clutterbuck is healthy enough to play. The 35-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and has missed 56 games over the last two seasons with numerous injuries. If head coach Lane Lambert elects to make Clutterbuck an extra, if healthy enough to play, Fasching would likely play on Casey Cizikas's right side, as they had some strong chemistry in their time together this past season. With Holmstrom being waiver eligible, along with his struggles to produce (6 goals, 3 assists) during his rookie season, it wouldn't be a shock to see him start the season in Bridgeport. It makes more sense for the 20-year-old to continue his development by playing every day, especially after getting a taste of what it takes to be an NHLer. If Tatar came aboard, a natural left winger, that would push Fasching to the 13th forward and Gauthier on waivers. Given his track record, Tatar is likely to bring more offense than Holmstrom, Fasching, and Gauthier. And it could never hurt New York to bring in someone who has had success on the power play over his career. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One would think that Tatar would want to stay in New Jersey if possible, as they are expected to be a dominant force in the East again. However, the Devils already have Meier, Jesper Bratt, and Ondrej Palat down the left side, and on the right, it's Dawson Mercer, Tyler Toffoli, and Alexander Holtz to round out the Daily Faceoff's projected top-9. There just doesn't seem to be any room or real need for the Devils to bring back Tatar, but as mentioned, the Islanders may have that need. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unlike Parise, who would be back on a league minimum deal, Tatar is likely to command between $2-$3 million, which would force the Islanders to waive Ross Johnston and his $1.1 million, along with Karson Kuhlman [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/new-york-islanders-professional-tryout-2023-24] and his $775,000. Those moves could still happen, whether the Islanders are signing someone else or decide that Holmstrom should have a spot on the NHL roster. It's just incredibly interesting to see Tatar still available, and until there's an official announcement that he has been signed, you cannot rule the Islanders out. Join Stefen Rosner's New York Islanders page on Bunches [https://www.onbunches.com/$rosnerislandershockey], a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can listen to Rosner talk Islanders hockey on Hockey Night in New York [http://hockeynightny.com/]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYN7JIgdHnM&t=956s with co-host Sean Cuthbert [https://twitter.com/seanyhockey] Sunday nights at 8 PM ET during the season.
