Fantucchio’s Focus: Islanders Improve Organization Depth; Hornqvist Hangs Them Up

Good Morning; my name is Andrew Fantucchio. Today is Thursday, July 6, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL.

Islanders Add Much-Needed Roster Depth:

While their issues on the power play took center stage last season, the New York Islanders also, at times, struggled to stay afloat through injuries with thin organizational depth. On Wednesday, the Islanders began to address that problem by signing Julien Gauthier, Karson Kuhlman and Brian Pinho.

Islanders Add Depth With Three Free Agent Signings

RFAs Head To Salary Arbitration:

Twenty-two restricted free agents from across the NHL are headed to salary arbitration. Their cases will be heard from July 20-Aug. 4. Among the most notable:

Trent Frederic (Boston Bruins)

Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins)

Tanner Jeannot (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Ross Colton (Colorado Avalanche)

Vince Dunn (Seattle Kraken)

Troy Terry (Anaheim Ducks)

Patric Hornqvist Hangs Up The Skates:

Two-time Stanley Cup champion Patric Hornqvist announced his retirement from the NHL yesterday, closing the books on his 15-year career.

Patric Hornqvist Officially Announces His Retirement from the NHL

More From National Hockey Now:

San Jose: Teams want Sharks to retain more salary in potential deals for Erik Karlsson

Detroit: DeBrincat is on Red Wings’ Radar

Vegas: The Golden Knights will have a target on their back out west as defending Stanley Cup champions