Plenty of reasons for optimism

The bitterness of the season coming to an end is still fresh in everyone's minds, but that does not mean that there are not plenty of reasons for optimism. The Islanders will bring back a core group of young players and talent that is capable of competing for a Stanley Cup next season.

"I wouldn't have signed here if I didn't believe in this team and obviously, I do," Johnny Boychuk, who signed a seven-year, $42 Million contract extension in March, told Newsday. Players like Boychuk and defenseman Nick Leddy provide the Isles with a solid core to build around for years to come.

(h/t Newsday)