3 Reasons the Islanders Didn't Need Artemi Panarin

The New York Islanders were in the thick of the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes, but they lost out to their crosstown rival in the Rangers. Just a day after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving spurned the Knicks for the Nets.

But, it's not all doom and gloom for the Islanders, and here are three reasons why.

3. Lou Always Finds a Way

Remember when the Isles lost John Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs and signed the likes of Leo Komarov and Valtteri Filppula last offseason? Many thought the Islanders were destined for the bottom of the overall league standings. Instead, they made it all the way to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. General manager Lou Lamoriello has been known to find diamonds in the rough throughout his lengthy career. Islanders fans should be comfortable in any decision he makes this offseason.

2. Saves Money to Extend Matthew Barzal

Following Panarin's decision, reports circulated that the Islanders were offering the winger a hefty $12.5 million annual salary. Now that he's officially of the board, the Islanders can set their focus on re-upping Matthew Barzal, who becomes restricted free agent next year. New York already lost their face of the franchise in Tavares last year, you best believe they won't make the same mistake with Barzal, considering the cap space they have available to them.

1. Rich Prospect Pool

The Islanders have a rather deep prospect pool, especially at forward. Johan Sundstrom and Simon Holmstrom rank as the two of the top three overall prospects in New York's farm system. Not to mention, the Islanders got a steal in Oliver Wahlstrom in the 2018 Entry Draft. While they lost out Panarin, the future does look bright for the Islanders.