Preamble: https://nefhl.com/index.php?view=article&id=4150

29: NY Islanders

Key: D, Core: F, Depth: D, Offense: D, Defense: C, Intangibles: D, Goal: B+, Cap: A, Prospects: B, Hoover: D.

Islanders, now enjoying their new carefree rebuilding phase, make sure they are icing a non-competitive roster. They did a great job turning over their useful vets before values depreciated and have brought in a ton of youth. Perron was offered big money on a one year deal to lead their offense through this lean year for the Isles. He helps them meet the salary floor, but he's also someone they can consider as a loyalty for next season. Seth Jones is a roster standout on defense and at over $4 mill for this season is likely to stay on the Island. Sorokin at 81OV for a million bucks is something many contenders will be interested in, especially if he starts the NHL season well. In the meantime, paired with Driedger, Isles have pretty decent goaltending.

30: NY Rangers

Key: C, Core: D, Depth: F, Offense: F, Defense: D, Intangibles: C-, Goal: D, Cap: A+, Prospects: F, Hoover: F.

For numerous seasons that looked like they should, the Rangers refused to rebuild, clinging onto their vets and trading away all futures, to try and get that 8th spot and lose in the 1st or 2nd round of the playoffs. The new GM looks determined to change their ways, trading several vets for futures to kick off the Summer. Currently they're scrambling to put together a valid roster. They weren't able to move Weegar during the offseason and will remain their top player for now, but I do imagine it's only a matter of time before a team builds some cap and makes a move for him. Bryan Rust returns to be their top forward, and another potential trade chip. Cam Atkinson was signed to a 3 year deal to provide secondary scoring, a potential future asset, and helps them meet the floor. His signing is in line with his ratings so does make good longer term bet.