Which Islander Should Wear Number 13?

The New York Islanders have only had five players wear the number 13. From 1997 to 2003, Claude Lapointe was the first person to do it. Among the other notables are Bill Guerin, Rob Schremp, and Colin McDonald.

Claude Lapointe will receive honorable mention among those nominated. He wore number 48 during his rookie season with the Islanders in 1996–1997. But for the following six years, he would wear number 13.

His best year with the Islanders came in 1998-1999 when he had 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists). Over seven years with the team, he played in 535 games with 171 points (76 goals, 95 assists).

The best player to wear number 13, was an obvious choice, and he’s even still wearing the number for the team, it’s Mathew Barzal. Barzal was drafted by the Islanders 17th overall in the 2015 draft class, thanks again Boston for passing on him three times.

He would make his NHL debut in 2016, just two games, before being sent back to Juniors after being deemed not ready by Jack Capuano. His first full year in the league, in 2017-2018, he had a season to remember.