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Sources from the Islanders and Okposo’s camp maintained all season long that there have been no talks of any substance regarding a contract for the 28-year-old Okposo, who stands to be the second-most coveted UFA forward behind Stamkos on July 1. There are still seven weeks until free agency begins, but there would need to be a drastic change from both sides to see Okposo stick around in his home-run FA summer.
Nielsen, 32, is the longest-serving Islander and one the Islanders would like to lock up, though he’s looking at possibly doubling his $2.75-million average annual salary.
Martin, 27, is the sort of presence many teams would covet (and possibly overpay for) should he reach the open market. If he could command close to $3 million a year, he’d have to take a discount to stay where he’s possibly the most popular Islander in the Long Island community.” data-id=”111780036″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/15304_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11780036″/>
Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac -
Photo Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke -
And then there’s Berube, who sat patiently nearly all season and needs to play next season. Snow has a decision to make, and it could mean trading Halak for very little in return or trying to find a deal for Berube, whom the organization likes quite a bit.” data-id=”111780048″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/15309_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11780048″/>Photo Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke -
There’s no official word on Jack Capuano and his coaching staff, but indications are there are no changes coming this summer. Continuity has been important to Snow through the leaner years, so now, with a modest amount of success this season, it’s unlikely he’ll make changes ahead of a big summer and an ownership transfer.” data-id=”111779965″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/15312_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.11779965″/>Photo Credit: Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Opportunity has turned to uncertainty for the Islanders, who will gather Tuesday for exit interviews and goodbyes following Sunday’s elimination at the hands of the Lightning.
Who knows what the team will look like when it convenes again in September for a training camp that already will be a bit fractured with captain John Tavares playing for Canada in the World Cup and current Isles Frans Nielsen and Jaroslav Halak part of Team Europe.
“I don’t think we really know the chance we had, with (Steven) Stamkos and (Anton) Stralman out for them,” Nielsen said Sunday.
They know full well about the uncertainty. Here are five questions awaiting answers for the Islanders this offseason.
