3 Islanders Players Who Won’t Be Back Next Season

The New York Islanders have had a late season surge and are holding down a playoff spot. There were very few changes to the team last offseason, but some are needed to get new blood in the lineup. Let's get into the three players who likely won't be back next season because of this.

Mike Reilly

Mike Reilly has been a nice surprise for the Islanders this season, especially since there have been some injuries. On a cheap contract, he has come in and filled a role nicely after being claimed off of waivers. Since he is a UFA after the season, it doesn't make a ton of sense to keep him around when Scott Mayfield will be healthy and back in the lineup, as well as having Sebastian Aho and Samuel Bolduc in the mix.

Matt Martin

The once great fourth line of the Islanders is finally coming to an end this offseason. Matt Martin, who actually left for a couple years and came back to join the line, is a UFA after the season. I mentioned new blood needing to come in and get their shot, and Martin will be 35 this season. He doesn't help produce offensively at all anymore and there are others who are more productive overall and younger who can pick up the slack.

Cal Clutterbuck

Similarly to Martin, Cal Clutterbuck is also a UFA after the season. While he has been more productive and played more than Martin, the same applies. Clutterbuck will be 37 later this year and it is risky to gamble on a fourth liner at that age as he's expected to fall off considerably more each season. He has done his job this season, but again, younger players need their shot. There's more of a chance he's back than the other two, but I wouldn't count on it.