In the thrilling world of hockey, we are back for part three of the best New York Islanders by jersey number series. The previous edition showcased the current team’s brightest star along with key members from the dominant dynasty-era teams of the 80s and the successful current-era teams from the 2010s.
Let’s dive into the next installment, focusing on the best Islanders by jersey numbers 21-30.
Starting off with the honorable mention for number 21, we have Kyle Okposo, a skilled right wing who spent nine seasons with the Islanders, playing in 529 games and notching an impressive 369 points with 139 goals and 230 assists.
Moving on to number 22, this pick is a no-brainer. Mike Bossy is a true legend in Islanders history and some would argue, in league history as well. The Islanders’ first-round pick from the 1977 NHL amateur draft, Bossy, spent his entire career with the team, contributing significantly to the four consecutive Stanley Cup wins for the franchise. Besides being crowned the Calder Memorial Trophy winner for rookie of the year in 1978, he also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in 1982. With his remarkable career stats of 573 goals and 553 assists in 752 games, Bossy rightfully claimed his spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991. The team honored his legacy by retiring his number in 1992, solidifying his place as the Islanders all-time goals leader.
For number 23, there is no honorable mention, as this jersey number has been retired in tribute to Bob Nystrom. A key player on all four of the Islanders’ Stanley Cup-winning teams, Nystrom was known for his clutch performances, including the game-winning goal in the 1980 Stanley Cup final. His consistent dedication led the team to establish the Bob Nystrom Award in his honor, recognizing leadership, hustle, and dedication. In his 14 seasons with the Islanders, Nystrom played 900 games, scoring 235 goals and 278 assists.
Now, let’s take a look at number 24, with Brent Sutter as the top pick. This jersey number did not offer many strong contenders, but Sutter stood out for his reliability and defensive prowess during the Islanders’ championship reign in the early 80s. Although there were other options like Mikko Makela, Sutter’s consistency over six seasons with the team, playing 304 games and tallying 60 points, made him the standout choice.
As we continue to explore the best Islanders by jersey number, stay tuned for the next installment to uncover more legends who have left an indelible mark on the history of this storied franchise.
