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Islanders Community Projections: Mark Streit, Swiss savior 1A

Mark Streit was the 8th-highest scoring defensemen in the NHL in 2009-10, tying with some guy named Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Kaberle on points (49) but bettering both of them on goals (11). That was a drop from his first season with the Islanders, when he made his "I told you I'm a #1 defenseman" statement with 16-40-56 in 8 fewer games, good for 7th-most points among defensemen.

That's really all the data we have on him as a full-time defenseman. His 13-49-62 totals from his final year in Montreal look better on paper, but that was as a hybrid D-man/winger who played on the top powerplay in the league. (Seriously, 24%? Ridiculous.)

Now Streit enters his age 33 season, a key part of a powerplay that disappointed last year but adds James Wisniewski, probably a healthy Doug Weight and P.A. Parenteau's hands, plus [insert standard line about young forwards improving]. Streit actually had two more even-strength points last year (27) than the year prior -- but seven fewer powerplay points (22) than 2008-09.

It would appear whether his counting numbers go back up will depend on whether the powerplay -- a focus in camp so far -- rebounds.

 

Since the lockout, the best points totals by blueliners 32 or older were an insane 80-point year by Lidstrom, as well as several seasons in the 50s-60s point range by the usual suspects (Dan Boyle, Brian Rafalski, Chris Pronger, Sergei Gonchar, Scott Niedermayer, etc.).

If Streit wants to be considered in any of those guys' company, he'll need some more pretty numbers in the high 50s with the Isles -- although admittedly, his point total is not the most important part of this minute-muncher's game.

Indeed, total points is an awfully simplistic way to evaluate defensemen, but we're doing this thing, so Streit gets the community projection treatment. In comments: How many points do you have him down for? How many goals?

As always, let your mind and comment wander as you wish, but give us at least a guess on GP, G, A, so I can average them all out at a later date -- under the theory of wisdom of crowds -- for our actual "community projection." I don't know about you, but I've been impressed by how realistic people have been so far with these exercises.