Thanks for reading.

My stance is that Andy Greene will not be the factor as to whether the Islanders win a Cup this year. Not a waste of a trade, just a half-hearted attempt at winning a Cup. If the Islanders are truly making a run, they need more than Greene.

As for Pageau, was noted in this article (https://www.tsn.ca/countd...-trade-deadline-1.1442182) and was a thought from Arthur Staple. Direct quote is:

"Staple points to Ottawa Senators pending UFA Jean-Gabriel Pageau as a potential option, but isn't sure whether the Islanders are willing to part with a first-round pick to acquire him."
- Ben.Shelley

I agree with this as I stated in an earlier post if this is the extent of our TDL moves than to me it’s a waste of a 2nd round pick. If we get someone like Nate Thompson as Chiefs pointed out as a possibility that to me is pissing in the wind. The play at this point is a legit top 6 fwd or Pageau anything else imo is an incomplete attempt at bettering the team which to me is an absolute waste of assets.

I don’t mind giving up a 2nd for Greene(which I in all honesty believe was a bit too much)but if he’s our only trade then I have a problem with it because it’s all for naught imo. He doesn’t solve the obvious issue this team has with scoring.

I agree with this as I stated in an earlier post if this is the extent of our TDL moves than to me it’s a waste of a 2nd round pick. If we get someone like Nate Thompson as Chiefs pointed out as a possibility that to me is pissing in the wind. The play at this point is a legit top 6 fwd or Pageau anything else imo is an incomplete attempt at bettering the team which to me is an absolute waste of assets.

I don’t mind giving up a 2nd for Greene(which I in all honesty believe was a bit too much)but if he’s our only trade then I have a problem with it because it’s all for naught imo. He doesn’t solve the obvious issue this team has with scoring.
- Cptmjl

From Staple today and yes 7 we know he knows nothing so Ill save you the post

Casey Cizikas still has two to three weeks left before he returns. Cal Clutterbuck is skating but on an indefinite timeline. Lamoriello could find a depth forward to bring some better order to that group, perhaps a center who can bump to third-line duty when Cizikas returns and allow Derick Brassard to move to the wing. Anaheim’s Derek Grant, San Jose’s Melker Karlsson (the Sharks, who come to the Coliseum on Sunday, had four scouts/executives listed on the seating chart here Monday), the Kings’ Trevor Lewis, Buffalo’s Conor Sheary and Ottawa’s Tyler Ennis could fit that role without needing to give up a significant asset. A couple of those guys are wings and not centers.

If Lamoriello were willing to pay a bigger cost, Ottawa’s J-G Pageau could still be a target.

I'll agree Greene is a boost for sure as well as the fact that it became more clear that Dobson wasn't where he needs to be yet. I do think they had a good chance of making the playoffs without Greene though.

My problem is with the idea of moving assets for temporary solutions and while the Islanders may be good enough to make the playoffs, their chances of making a real run at the Cup with the current roster aren't great once they get there IMO. There are too many other teams that are already strong and that are continuing to load up– and to move assets with making the playoffs as the trophy at the end isn't the route I'd go personally. If they've decided to move assets to make a run, they need to commit to it and make more moves.

As for Pageau, didn't claim to know. I have zero inside information on that. I claimed "It’s strange to me that some have speculated" that Lamoriello wouldn't move a first for Pageau after seeing the Greene trade.
- Ben.Shelley

I don't often disagree with your posts Ben.. and Thank you again for writing it.. but to call a Second round pick and a D-man that is no where close to making this team in the next few years.. "moving assets" is a bit nuts to me. Lets look at Isles second round picks in the last 15 years. How many of those work out? It's a crap shoot at best.. .if they work out it's usually after they have moved on to another team. We just got a very good Defensman who had to Waive his NTC to come to the Islanders. He was the Captain of the Devils for a reason. We all just saw how good of a player he is in the first game. I feel pretty good about this trade and would not be surprised if they extend him a year before he hits UFA. giving up a second for that is fine by me.

https://www.hockeydb.com/...aft/teams/dr00007085.html

Here is his highlights from first game. And it doesn't have his best play where he caught up to a Yote on a Break away. https://twitter.com/Isles.../1229553719487946753?s=20

I do however feel that the Isles need more than Greene.. and so does Lou I'm sure.. that said he isn't going to make a trade just to make a trade like Snow would. He wants a legit top 6 or he will stand pat. ... I like that too. I don't want any more washed up depth forwards....we have enough of those.

From Staple today and yes 7 we know he knows nothing so Ill save you the post

Casey Cizikas still has two to three weeks left before he returns. Cal Clutterbuck is skating but on an indefinite timeline. Lamoriello could find a depth forward to bring some better order to that group, perhaps a center who can bump to third-line duty when Cizikas returns and allow Derick Brassard to move to the wing. Anaheim’s Derek Grant, San Jose’s Melker Karlsson (the Sharks, who come to the Coliseum on Sunday, had four scouts/executives listed on the seating chart here Monday), the Kings’ Trevor Lewis, Buffalo’s Conor Sheary and Ottawa’s Tyler Ennis could fit that role without needing to give up a significant asset. A couple of those guys are wings and not centers.

If Lamoriello were willing to pay a bigger cost, Ottawa’s J-G Pageau could still be a target.
- Upstate_isles

Yeah I read that. Again, just more non needle moving moves. Acquiring depth is great for teams who are already strong. For teams that can’t score and have scored one goal in the last three games depth forwards do nothing for us on a team with enough depth forwards. Acquiring any of those players allows us to move up who? Why would anyone in gods name move any of our bottom six forwards up the line up? That doesn’t work Trotz has tried to eek some form of offense out of kuhnackl and Johnston pretty much the entire season. They’re not capable. If you’re going to spend assets to improve your team well I say improve your team don’t half ass it.

Yeah I read that. Again, just more non needle moving moves. Acquiring depth is great for teams who are already strong. For teams that can’t score and have scored one goal in the last three games depth forwards do nothing for us on a team with enough depth forwards. Acquiring any of those players allows us to move up who? Why would anyone in gods name move any of our bottom six forwards up the line up? That doesn’t work Trotz has tried to eek some form of offense out of kuhnackl and Johnston pretty much the entire season. They’re not capable. If you’re going to spend assets to improve your team well I say improve your team don’t half ass it.
- Cptmjl

And the problem is that the market is clearly thin, teams are overpaying for talent that isn't top-tier, and the Islanders can't really afford to move the kind of assets that it would take to land the best of whatever is out there.

I've rambled on about what a great fit Pageau would be for this team for the better part of the last year, but at this point paying a 1st + a good-or-better prospect for a guy that is maybe a fringe 2nd liner would just be ridiculous.

If the prices stay as high as they appear to be right now then I just don't see how the Islanders can be in the market for anyone interesting.

And the problem is that the market is clearly thin, teams are overpaying for talent that isn't top-tier, and the Islanders can't really afford to move the kind of assets that it would take to land the best of whatever is out there.

I've rambled on about what a great fit Pageau would be for this team for the better part of the last year, but at this point paying a 1st + a good-or-better prospect for a guy that is maybe a fringe 2nd liner would just be ridiculous.

If the prices stay as high as they appear to be right now then I just don't see how the Islanders can be in the market for anyone interesting.
- eichiefs9

I have to agree. Does not make sense to give up a lot for Pageau when he is not a sure fire top 6 and he can walk. Problem is the Isles need help on the 3rd line and top 6. If players like Barzal, Lee, Eberle, Nelson, and Bailey are not going to be consistent, it only makes things much worse.

And the problem is that the market is clearly thin, teams are overpaying for talent that isn't top-tier, and the Islanders can't really afford to move the kind of assets that it would take to land the best of whatever is out there.

I've rambled on about what a great fit Pageau would be for this team for the better part of the last year, but at this point paying a 1st + a good-or-better prospect for a guy that is maybe a fringe 2nd liner would just be ridiculous.

If the prices stay as high as they appear to be right now then I just don't see how the Islanders can be in the market for anyone interesting.
- eichiefs9

Well then that’s kind of my point. If we aren’t realistic players then don’t trade anything or I should’ve said we shouldn’t have traded anything. Either go for it or don’t. Half assing it accomplishes nothing save for giving away assets for no reason. I’ll also add no I’m not cool with trading Dobson or Wahlstrom and a first. If that’s the price and we aren’t willing to meet it don’t trade anything at all including that second round pick that could’ve potentially been used in a trade at the draft.

Well then that’s kind of my point. If we aren’t realistic players then don’t trade anything or I should’ve said we shouldn’t have traded anything. Either go for it or don’t. Half assing it accomplishes nothing save for giving away assets for no reason.
- Cptmjl

Just feels like it's not in the cards this year. There isn't anyone worth "going for it" on, in terms of rentals.. Lou should be out there shopping for some of those younger potentially-available RFA's. Kase, Labanc, etc... Those are the moves worth spending assets on and I'm on board for that.

Just feels like it's not in the cards this year. There isn't anyone worth "going for it" on. Lou should be out there shopping for some of those younger potentially-available RFA's. Kase, Labanc, etc... Those are the moves worth spending assets on and I'm on board for that.
- eichiefs9

I get it this team has some lumps but you either go for it or you don’t. Dipping your toe in the pool and not jumping in is exactly what was wrong with Garth Snow. If we’re going to add some depth fwd or do nothing else then Lameriello shouldn’t have done anything to begin with because he’s just doing something to do it and wasting assets in the process. Nobody in their right mind believes Andy Greene makes us a contender. That’s my point.

I don’t disagree with your post. I’m really curious what someone is going to pay for Pageau? He’s a good third line center. Is the price a first and a prospect? I think that’s crazy. Kase is interesting but he’s got a concussion history but I do like his game whenever I’ve watched him play.

Just feels like it's not in the cards this year. There isn't anyone worth "going for it" on, in terms of rentals.. Lou should be out there shopping for some of those younger potentially-available RFA's. Kase, Labanc, etc... Those are the moves worth spending assets on and I'm on board for that.
- eichiefs9

A cost controlled alternative to Pageau might be Tierney.

10-20-30 in points thus far, with an affordable deal that would allow for additional moves. Probably wouldn’t cost too much to extend if Lou so chose. Perfectly suitable 3C.

Beauvillier-Barzal-Eberle
Lee-Nelson-Bailey
Bellows-Tierney-Brassard
Martin-Cizikas-MDC

I get it this team has some lumps but you either go for it or you don’t. Dipping your toe in the pool and not jumping in is exactly what was wrong with Garth Snow. If we’re going to add some depth fwd or do nothing else then Lameriello shouldn’t have done anything to begin with because he’s just doing something to do it and wasting assets in the process. Nobody in their right mind believes Andy Greene makes us a contender. That’s my point.

I don’t disagree with your post. I’m really curious what someone is going to pay for Pageau? He’s a good third line center. Is the price a first and a prospect? I think that’s crazy. Kase is interesting but he’s got a concussion history but I do like his game whenever I’ve watched him play.
- Cptmjl

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pageau get something like that. Maybe, if it's a first, the prospect isn't a high-end one or maybe it's a 2nd and a very good prospect. I just don't think this team is a Stanley Cup team even if we added Pageau. I don't think there are any rentals left out there that we could really justify giving up big time assets for.

I'm pretty much at "make moves with an eye towards the future" or "do nothing" at this point.

edit: And regarding Kase’s injury history…no doubt there’s some risk there but they’re going to have to do something risky because teams obviously won’t part with young RFA’s that are good players.

A cost controlled alternative to Pageau might be Tierney.

10-20-30 in points thus far, with an affordable deal that would allow for additional moves. Probably wouldn’t cost too much to extend if Lou so chose. Perfectly suitable 3C.

Beauvillier-Barzal-Eberle
Lee-Nelson-Bailey
Bellows-Tierney-Brassard
Martin-Cizikas-MDC
- Wildschwein

It's not that I think it's a bad idea but I don't think that lineup is significantly better than the one we have when Casey and Clutterbuck healthy.

I could be entirely wrong, but I was also under the impression that Tierney was someone that Ottawa would like to keep in the fold?

It's not that I think it's a bad idea but I don't think that lineup is significantly better than the one we have when Casey and Clutterbuck healthy.

I could be entirely wrong, but I was also under the impression that Tierney was someone that Ottawa would like to keep in the fold?
- eichiefs9

Of which I’m totally fine with, so long as it is better than it is now.

As far as Ottawa keeping Tierney, I haven’t heard anything regarding that. If anything, I keep hearing that they wanna keep Pageau.

I get it this team has some lumps but you either go for it or you don’t. Dipping your toe in the pool and not jumping in is exactly what was wrong with Garth Snow. If we’re going to add some depth fwd or do nothing else then Lameriello shouldn’t have done anything to begin with because he’s just doing something to do it and wasting assets in the process. Nobody in their right mind believes Andy Greene makes us a contender. That’s my point.

I don’t disagree with your post. I’m really curious what someone is going to pay for Pageau? He’s a good third line center. Is the price a first and a prospect? I think that’s crazy. Kase is interesting but he’s got a concussion history but I do like his game whenever I’ve watched him play.
- Cptmjl

Pageau is definitley not worth a first. If it's a top 6 guy, yes. At some point though, Lou cannot keep going through deadline after deadline, free agency after free agency not bringing in offensive help. After the sweep against carolina, we all saw they needed help. At the draft, Trotz said it publicly. If Pitt can get Zucker, Tampa can get Coleman and Van can get Toffoli, that means opportunities exist.

If you weren't going to upgrade the offense, i don't see the point in Greene. I think Lou will get someone in the next few days.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pageau get something like that. Maybe, if it's a first, the prospect isn't a high-end one or maybe it's a 2nd and a very good prospect. I just don't think this team is a Stanley Cup team even if we added Pageau. I don't think there are any rentals left out there that we could really justify giving up big time assets for.

I'm pretty much at "make moves with an eye towards the future" or "do nothing" at this point.

edit: And regarding Kase’s injury history…no doubt there’s some risk there but they’re going to have to do something risky because teams obviously won’t part with young RFA’s that are good players.
- eichiefs9

Gotcha. I’m somewhere in between which has changed from being all in a few weeks ago. My issue is then why trade a second for Greene?

Pageau is definitley not worth a first. If it's a top 6 guy, yes. At some point though, Lou cannot keep going through deadline after deadline, free agency after free agency not bringing in offensive help. After the sweep against carolina, we all saw they needed help. At the draft, Trotz said it publicly. If Pitt can get Zucker, Tampa can get Coleman and Van can get Toffoli, that means opportunities exist.

If you weren't going to upgrade the offense, i don't see the point in Greene. I think Lou will get someone in the next few days.
- Mancalledsting

The offseason is the time to make the big moves. I know some might not want to move Leddy but if the Isles continue to strike out with FA's, something has to give because immediate help is not coming from the draft.

Pageau is definitley not worth a first. If it's a top 6 guy, yes. At some point though, Lou cannot keep going through deadline after deadline, free agency after free agency not bringing in offensive help. After the sweep against carolina, we all saw they needed help. At the draft, Trotz said it publicly. If Pitt can get Zucker, Tampa can get Coleman and Van can get Toffoli, that means opportunities exist.

If you weren't going to upgrade the offense, i don't see the point in Greene. I think Lou will get someone in the next few days.
- Mancalledsting

100% agree with this in its entirety minus the bold. I think he may just not certain.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Pageau get something like that. Maybe, if it's a first, the prospect isn't a high-end one or maybe it's a 2nd and a very good prospect. I just don't think this team is a Stanley Cup team even if we added Pageau. I don't think there are any rentals left out there that we could really justify giving up big time assets for.

I'm pretty much at "make moves with an eye towards the future" or "do nothing" at this point.

edit: And regarding Kase’s injury history…no doubt there’s some risk there but they’re going to have to do something risky because teams obviously won’t part with young RFA’s that are good players.
- eichiefs9

I know you make the playoffs and anything can happen, but this team just does not feel like a serious Cup team. Outside of Leddy and Boychuk, which players have been on a long playoff run?

I know you make the playoffs and anything can happen, but this team just does not feel like a serious Cup team. Outside of Leddy and Boychuk, which players have been on a long playoff run?
- ses111

Andrew Ladd

Andrew Ladd
- JohnScammo

I feel better.

100% agree with this in its entirety minus the bold. I think he may just not certain.
- Cptmjl

I would think Lou is just not sure about this team and is worried about giving up a lot and the player still does not put the Isles over the top.

I would think Lou is just not sure about this team and is worried about giving up a lot and the player still does not put the Isles over the top.
- ses111

If that’s the case then he shouldn’t have traded a second for Greene

Gotcha. I’m somewhere in between which has changed from being all in a few weeks ago. My issue is then why trade a second for Greene?
- Cptmjl

It's probably more than most people think NJ should've gotten for him, but as much as I don't necessarily think this team is a real Cup contender, I also think that they should be a team that can win a round or maybe get hot at the right time and surprise a few people. Greene filled a need and they paid to do it. They're deeper on the blueline and the sky won't fall if someone gets hurt now. Doubly-so if Pelech comes back in the playoffs and Greene is the 7th guy. I'm not against making some incremental improvements, but I'd rather see them go make some smart deals instead of just throwing assets at rentals and hoping for the best.

I know you make the playoffs and anything can happen, but this team just does not feel like a serious Cup team. Outside of Leddy and Boychuk, which players have been on a long playoff run?
- ses111

Brassard, Spoonmackerel, and Greene. That's about it.