The post-John Tavares New York Islanders have already been projected by many to take a step backwards this season, but defenceman Johnny Boychuk isn't subscribing to those forecasts.

“I’ve already seen some people pegging us as being in the bottom. That’s just a slap in the face when I see it,” Boychuk told Arthur Staple of The Athletic. “Our team is really good. I think we’re going to show them we are a good team.”

Tavares, who signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, led the Islanders in goals with 37 and finished one point back of Mathew Barzal for the team lead in points (85) last season. He also led all fowards in time on ice by an average of more than two minutes. 

Despite Tavares' season, the Islanders missed the playoffs for the second straight year by 17 points. 

“People shouldn’t be worrying about one person. In hockey, one person does not make a team. At all,” Boychuk said. “One guy can’t carry a whole team, be the whole team. It was an important player for us but there’s 23 players on a team and you have to hold 23 players accountable to win a season, a championship.

“If you play bad as a team, one player can play good all year but you’re still gonna lose. That’s why it’s a team sport.”

General manager Lou Lamoriello has added forwards Leo Komarov, Matt Martin, Tom Kuhnhackl, goaltender Robin Lehner and KHL forward Jan Kovar to the roster and Boychuk said morale is high among the players.

“There’s been so many changes, it’s good to check in with the guys and see that everyone is as excited as I am,” he said. “We’re going to be a grittier team next year, I think. More sandpaper, more hard-working. I think that’s a reason for everyone to be excited.”