The Islanders' Quarter Century Mount Rushmore mock-up features John Tavares, Mathew Barzal, Brock Nelson, and Anders Lee. John Tavares's inclusion provokes debate among fans because his exit from the team left lingering resentment. Mathew Barzal remains a key piece expected to bounce back after an injury-marred 2024-25 season and could become one of the NHL's top forwards if healthy. Brock Nelson departed last season and signed a three-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche, meaning he will return to face the Islanders as an opponent. Anders Lee succeeded Tavares as captain and earned fan admiration through leadership and grit. Fans suggest potential replacements such as Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck, and Ilya Sorokin.
Some New York Islanders fans may want one particular player's face removed from the team's Quarter Century Mount Rushmore. Specifically, we're talking about former captain John Tavares. B/R Open Ice has been running a series in which it has placed the club's best players from its Quarter Century lists on a Mount Rushmore mock-up. The Islanders' version was published on August 27, and it featured Tavares as the first face from left to right.
Barzal remains a key piece of the Islanders' current team. He will be counted on to have a bounce-back season following an injury-marred season in 2024-25. If Barzal can return to form, the Islanders will have one of the better forwards in the NHL running the show. As for Nelson, his departure last season was a sad one. He signed a three-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche this summer.
There's no denying Tavares is a significant piece of Islanders' history. But given how things worked out, some fans may not be too enthusiastic about Tavares headlining the group. The other three faces, Mathew Barzal, Brock Nelson, and Anders Lee, should not result in many objections from fans. If anything, Lee has endeared himself to Islanders lore. His mettle in taking over from Tavares as captain has made his time in Long Island a memorable one. Here's a look at the Islanders mockup:
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