"It's sometimes called a "dying breed" or a "wasted roster spot," but enforcers can be valuable at times when a team has a young player with superstar potential. The Islanders have one in Matthew Schaefer, so bringing in an enforcer isn't a bad idea. The only question is: Who? It's hard to find an enforcer who isn't already protecting star players on some of the league's best hockey teams, or brewing stars on the youngest teams. This would leave the Islanders with limited options,"
"Islanders fans are well acquainted with Nicolas Deslauriers since he is in his fourth season with the Metropolitan rival Philadelphia Flyers. He's an older, part-time player whom the Isles could bring in when they're facing some of the league's most physical opponents. Deslauriers is also not a one-and-done rental piece, and he could stick around a place like Long Island for a few seasons until Matthew Schaefer grows into his own player."
Enforcers can be valuable when teams have young players with superstar potential and can protect those prospects on the ice. The New York Islanders have a high-end prospect in Matthew Schaefer, so adding an enforcer could aid his development and protect him against physical opponents. Options are limited because many enforcers already serve other teams or protect emerging stars, but several fits exist. Nicolas Deslauriers offers veteran physicality, low minutes, and potential multi-season presence. Arber Xhekaj brings youth and toughness but may be surplus in Montreal's crowded defensive system and could suit a retooling team thin on defensive prospects.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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