It’s been a minute since the New York Islanders landed a true top-flight free agent.
Years of on-ice inconsistency, uncertainty surrounding the arena situation, and limited cap flexibility all played a role in that.
But one thing has always remained true in the NHL and every other major sport: elite players want to play with other elite players.
And with Matthew Schaefer now on Long Island and already reaching superstar status in just one season, the Islanders are a far more attractive destination than they were a few years ago.
There’s just one issue.