"Unfortunately, the Islanders don't have anyone like Matt Martin on the team anymore. Martin could have been the immediate answer to that situation. But short of asking someone like Casey Cizikas to become a vigilante protector, the Isles will have to kick the tires on someone who could roam the ice offering protection for Schaefer from the schoolyard bullies. The use of the enforcer types has fallen out of favor across the NHL."
"The idea of the one-dimensional goons has fallen out of style for quite some time. As the league shifted toward more skill and speed, the idea of predominantly physical players without much skill has led clubs to pass on such players. In particular, sacrificing a roster, even a fourth-line or bottom-pairing spot, proves costly for most teams. The rationale is that lining up a 12th forward or 6th defenseman to play 10 minutes a night"
Matthew Schaefer has become a target for opposing teams after a thunderous hit by Nikita Zadorov during Tuesday night's second period brawl. Islanders players reacted on the ice, but longer-term protection for the 18-year-old is necessary. Options include hiring private security, assigning a teammate to monitor opponents, or pursuing a trade for a physical enforcer-type. The Islanders no longer roster Matt Martin, and converting a player like Casey Cizikas into a protector is impractical. The NHL trend away from one-dimensional enforcers and the roster cost of dedicating minutes to toughness complicate straightforward solutions.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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