Devon Toews has had a reputation as an offensive-minded defenseman since entering the NHL.
But coach Barry Trotz said it's a balance at both ends of the rink that allowed Toews to quickly become a lineup fixture.
Toews played in his 100th regular-season game as the Islanders faced the Kings on Thursday night at Barclays Center. He has been in the lineup for every game since being brought up from the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport on Dec. 19, 2018, after Thomas Hickey suffered a concussion.
"He's always been able to be a part of the attack, but I think he's more selective," Trotz said. "His patience of when to go and when not to go is more acute. Sometimes, those offensive guys drift and tend to forget what's behind them. They get that short-term memory. I think his awareness in getting that nice balance in understanding what's behind him and what his opportunity is ahead of him has just matured."
Toews, 25, was selected in the fourth round in 2014 and he became just the second defenseman from that draft class picked after the second round to reach 100 NHL games.
