While hard to remember considering his struggles against Pittsburgh, Nabokov had a strong season posting a 23-11-7 mark with a 2.50 goals against average, .910 save percentage and three shutouts. Without him, the Isles would’ve been in the lottery. Nabokov accounted for 23 of their 24 wins in 41 starts. Backup Kevin Poulin won the other game. Poulin and former Islander Rick DiPietro struggled mightily winning once in seven starts.

Nabokov’s 23 victories tied for sixth in the league. He’ll turn 38 on July 25. He signed for a year worth $3.25 million. Facing the prospect of an unbalanced realignment that puts 16 teams in the East, the challenge will be much tougher. Can coach Jack Capuano rely so heavily on Nabokov? Poulin doesn’t have much experience. Strong netminding is a must in a competitive division which features the Pens, Caps, Rangers, Devils, Blue Jackets, Flyers and Canes. It should fall on Nabokov’s shoulders.

One of Snow’s smartest moves was signing Hamonic long term to a seven-year $27 million deal. The former ’08 second round pick blossomed in his third year becoming part of the Isles’ top D tandem. He played in every game including a grueling six-game series against the Pens in which he stepped up following partner Andrew MacDonald’s injury. In 48 contests, the Manitoba native posted three goals and seven assists for 10 points with a minus-eight rating and 28 penalty minutes. Sometimes, you have to look past the numbers. When it comes to Hamonic, he’s a warrior who plays key minutes under Capuano. He’ll throw his weight around and lay out the body. He delivered 59 hits and blocked 109 shots.

Hamonic went up against the best facing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. While he only had an assist and finished minus-four in the first round, he turned heads with a physical style that gave the Pens trouble. He had 20 hits and 10 blocks. What’s more. He’ll only be 23 entering 2013-14. He should only get better.

Isles add Bouchard: In an underrated move covered by Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski, the Isles added veteran forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard. The 29-year old is a versatile wing who can play anywhere. He inked a one-year contract worth $2 million. A bargain basement for a solid player. His goal production was down on an improved Wild, tallying eight goals with 12 assists in 43 contests. However, he’s dealt with injuries including concussions in the past.

Bouchard might not be as productive as Brad Boyes but is a solid character guy good in the locker room. We wonder if this spells the end for Boyes. That might be a mistake considering the chemistry he had with John Tavares and Matt Moulson. The Isles have plenty of cap space. We’ll see if they’re all in.