30 in 30: Reasons for optimism, questions facing Islanders

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 30 teams throughout August. Today, the biggest reasons for optimism and the biggest questions facing the New York Islanders.

The New York Islanders are coming off their second straight season of at least 100 points and last season won a series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 23 years.

But they will have a different look when they open training camp next month. Left wing Andrew Ladd, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, signed a seven-year contract July 1 and is expected to skate on the top line with captain John Tavares. Veteran forward Jason Chimera, who scored 20 goals with the Washington Capitals last season, signed a two-year contract on the first day of free agency. Right wing PA Parenteau, who had 120 points over two seasons with Tavares from 2010-12, is back after signing on July 2.

The three will be expected to help ease the blow of three key losses, players who were a part of the Islanders’ core for several years. Center Frans Nielsen (Detroit Red Wings), right wing Kyle Okposo (Buffalo Sabres) and left wing Matt Martin (Toronto Maple Leafs) each departed as an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Here are four reasons for optimism entering this season:

1. Andrew Ladd’s resume

You can never have enough players who have won championships in your locker room. Ladd has hoisted the Stanley Cup twice, once with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and again with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010. A five-time 20-goal scorer, Ladd plays in all situations and could have his best offensive season yet should he be placed on a line with Tavares.

“Leadership is key obviously, and Andrew is obviously a great leader and a great player and a great person,” coach Jack Capuano said. “More than anything, I just really like his character.”

2. Adjusted to Barclays Center

The results in the Islanders’ new home were ultimately positive; they went 25-11-5 in their first season at Barclays Center, where they also clinched their first postseason series win since 1993. But early last season, they decided to move their morning skates back to Nassau County so players with families could spend a few more hours at home, rather than spending all day in Brooklyn. There also were some complaints about the ice quality at Barclays Center, but the Islanders consistently found ways to win.

“I would say that sometimes it’s blown a little bit out of proportion, but I’m not going to lie to you; it did take a little bit of an adjustment period with the schedule and me meeting with John about the times of practices or the days off because there was a little bit more travel involved,” Capuano said. “I thought that the communication level with John and myself and the coaches were really good, and there was a lot of insight.”  3. Emergence of Ryan Pulock

Capauno often stresses the importance of getting offense from his defense, and that should be the case on a more consistent basis this season with Ryan Pulock set to become a full-time NHL player.

Pulock, who will be 22 on Oct. 6, a first-round pick (No. 15) at the 2013 NHL Draft, had two goals and two assists in 15 regular-season games, …

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