The 2023-24 NHL season is just under two months away. The dog days of the offseason are well underway, and most of the major pieces expected to move have found new homes. However, a handful of notable free agents remain, leading to speculation on where they’ll end up. One of these free agents is winger Tomas Tatar, and while many teams could make a play for him, a team that could fit is the New York Islanders.
Tatar, 32, is a reputable winger coming off a solid tenure with the New Jersey Devils. He played in all 82 games for the team last year, notching 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points, a total that has remained relatively stable throughout his career. He’s hit the 20 goal mark seven times in the past nine season, only missing the feat in the pandemic-shortened 2021 season and the 2021-22 campaign. For his career, he owns 211 goals and 244 points in 783, an 82 game pace of 22 goals and 26 assists. With a depth scoring option available, Tomas Tatar makes sense for the Islanders for a few reasons.
The main reason that sticks out is the hole left behind by Zach Parise. Parise also hit 20 goals last season but turned 39 in July with his future in doubt. General manager Lou Lamoriello has left the door for him to return, but the longer the wait goes, the less likely it is he returns. With Parise still mulling his decision, Lamoriello has to consider pivoting to another option. Julien Gauthier is a start to bolster their bottom six, but Tatar can add some extra punch to their middle six, providing scoring in Parise’s departure.
Where Tatar also fits is his two-way style of play. Last season, Tatar had a plus-minus rating of +41, easily the highest of his career. In fact, his rating has always been in the plus side for all but three of 12 seasons. While the three occasions where he was on for more goals against are pretty noticeable, clocking in at a career worst -22 in 2021-22, a lot of it was due to subpar defense and goaltending throughout. In fact, according to NHL analytics mind JFresh, Tatar is among some of the NHL’s best defensive forwards. His defense sits in the 85th percentile of forwards, meaning he can bring sturdy defensive play along with his scoring touch.
While Tatar fits the style of play the Islanders might be looking for, the question is how can the Islanders fit him in. The Islanders still sit over the salary cap ceiling and need a corresponding move to make the money work. It is entirely possible the Islanders could move a center to clear the cap space necessary, any probable addition can’t happen until the Islanders clear room. Another issue to note is the Islanders have several left wingers. It already includes recently re-signed Pierre Engvall, Matt Martin, Anders Lee, and Ross Johnston in the press box. With Bo Horvat or Brock Nelson also candidates to play on left wing, it’s a crowded group and someone will have to take on a lesser role. However, with no newcomers coming in, it’s still possible Tatar could slot in where Parise was last year.
As a result, while the Islanders look to finalize their roster, Tomas Tatar could be an interesting target. He provides some scoring touch and a solid two-way presence. However, despite any potential fit, it all comes down to how the Islanders can make him fit within their salary cap. If there’s still enough space once a corresponding move comes in, Tatar’s strengths could make him a valuable asset to the Islanders if they still desire to upgrade at forward.
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Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
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