Who's the next member of the NY Islanders to receive a big payday?

"With the salary cap increasing significantly over the last two seasons, NHL salaries are exploding in size. Last week, Karill Kaprizov signed the biggest contract in league history with a $17M AAV over eight years. Earlier today, it appeared as if Connor McDavid was about to reset the market. In a surprise move, he extended his deal with the Edmonton Oilers for only two years, with an identical $12.5 cap hit as his previous deal."

"Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat are the two highest-earning NY Islanders, making $9.1M and $8.5, respectively. So who is in line to receive the next big payday? The core of the organization is locked long-term, including Ilya Sorokin and Alexander Romanov to the mix alongside Barzal and Horvat. Outside of those four, anybody re-signed will likely come to terms with a middle-of-the-pack deal."

Rising salary cap increases NHL contract values, exemplified by Karill Kaprizov's eight-year, $17M AAV deal and Connor McDavid's surprise two-year extension at $12.5M AAV. Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat top the Islanders' payroll at $9.1M and $8.5M, while the club's core, including Ilya Sorokin and Alexander Romanov, is locked long-term. Outside of those core players, re-signed Islanders are likely to receive middle-tier contracts. First overall pick Matthew Schaefer projects as a future top-pairing defenseman and potential Norris Trophy contender, and could sign an eight-year, >$10M AAV contract after his entry-level deal expires. Schaefer has yet to play professionally.

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