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After an atrocious start to 2017, the New York Islanders must shift focus

01/14/2017

Dec 10, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save against Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

1) Jaroslav Halak must be traded

What a difference a year makes, or two, for that matter.

Jaroslav Halak, the former All-Star, and Islanders starter will likely spend the rest of the season in the AHL after being waived after a brutal loss to the Wild.

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Despite playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL, Halak’s $4.5 million salary will remain on the Islanders payroll and that’s something that needs to be removed ASAP.

Halak has been vocal on his displeasure with the organization and has not handled this season well at all. Halak finished his NHL stint with the Isles with a .904 save percentage and a 3.23 GAA, some of the worst starting goalie stats in the NHL.

If they manage to get Halak off the books, that’s $4.5 million the (hopefully) new GM can use to finally get a steady winger for John Tavares.

With Thomas Greiss playing as well as he has and youngster JF Berube‘s role growing with the team, it seems that Halak’s time with the Islanders has come to an end.