New York Islanders Forward Clears NHL Waivers

Of all the players Engvall was the biggest shock from the group. He was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a third round pick just last year. General Manager Lou Lamoriello even doubled down on the move by inking him to a seven-year deal with an annual cap hit of $3 million. Now, with six years remaining on his deal the 28-year-old will start in the AHL. He is still owed his $3 million annual salary. Luckily teams can bury up to $1.15 million of a player’s contract in the minors. That leaves $1.85 million remaining on the Islanders books, not ideal but at least it softens the blow a little.

Why Was This Move Made?

The Islanders made this move in an effort to have what they feel is the best roster and lineup possible ahead of opening night. Simply put Engvall had his chance and he got beat out for his spot on the team. Lamoriello viewed him as being a top 6 or top 9 forward at least. Engvall spent much of last year on the teams second line trying to prove him right. He had moments of effectiveness showing his potential and why the team traded for him. Those were mixed in with longer stretches of inconsistency even finding himself as a healthy scratch on some nights. Last season Engvall played in 74 games and only could muster an underwhelming 28 points (10 goals 18 assists).

New comers Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov claimed the open wing spots in the top 6. This left a bottom 6 role only for Engvall to claim and really only third line because his play style doesn’t fit on the fourth line. He even had a head start on his competition, starting camp on the third line next to Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Patrick Roy even talked about keeping this line together, the trio had success in the playoffs. However, Engvall who put forth an inconsistent effort level throughout last season and during camp was made an example of and sent down.

What Does it Mean for the Islanders?

Now that Engvall who was slated to be starting third line on opening night is no longer here, others must step up. The 23-year old former first round pick in 2019 Simon Holmstrom is one of those players. He was projected to be playing fourth line to start this season, he now moves up to the third. Holmstrom impressed in this role last season with his two-way ability something that coach Roy values. His five shorthanded goals and seven shorthanded points led the team and ranked second overall in the NHL. The other is a first round pick as well,  from 2018 in Oliver Wahlstrom. He had a nine-game run under head coach Roy last season, followed by him being scratched down the stretch and in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now after being on the outside looking in, he is slated to be skating the fourth line on opening night.

The fourth line will look a lot different to Islander fans this season without Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. The line will look and play different as well. The role just isn’t defence anymore, its producing offensively as well. That is the main reason why Wahlstrom is here because of his offensive potential. This wasn’t the intended role for him when drafted. He was supposed to be a top 6 kind of guy. However he has changed his game to where the team feels comfortable with him down there. Playing with Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean should rub off on him and only help his defensive side even more.

Closing Thoughts

A move like this signifies something not just on the ice but off it as well. It shows that Roy has just as much say in what’s going on with the team as Lou Lamoriello does. In the media Roy will continue to say that the decisions are up to Lamoriello. This move shows otherwise. Engvall was a Lamoriello signing, he didn’t fit Roy’s aggressive system and he’s gone. Under another coach a player with that contract would’ve found a spot. With Roy it doesn’t matter what your contract is or how you got here, every minute on the ice is earned. It was clear last season when Roy took over things would be different. No more of the “country club” mindset. From the way training camp was run to behind the scenes in roster building, Roy’s impact is clear.