"We'll go into the draft and free agency with the same mind-set we've had: We'll try to improve the team any way we can, but within the framework of our game plan," Snow said. "I don't envision any big changes. We have one of the top prospect pools in the league and our core is a good, young group. It's about taking the next step with that core we have."
With young players getting more attention on the Isles roster this season, Snow and coach Jack Capuano are hoping they will grow into more established roles by the end of next training camp, while pushing veterans to perform better.
"Jack said it during this year's training camp: Competition from younger players pushing veterans for spots only improves the entire team," Snow said. "We had that with David Ullstrom earlier in the year, and that allowed us to let [Blake] Comeau go."
During yet another struggling season for the Islanders, Snow often reinstated his faith in Capuano, whom he selected to replace Scott Gordon in November 2010. Capuano's record as Islanders coach is 60-66-21 through 147 games.
"We're all disappointed with the way this season went. Whether you're a fan, a player or a member of the organization, we all want to make the playoffs and show the fans and ourselves what we can do. I still take a lot of positives from this year, and we can build off them and learn from the things we didn't do as well and be better next season."
The Isles ended the season in 14th place of the Eastern Conference, 13 points out of a playoff spot.
