If that is in fact what the line looks like, and it seems like a very reasonable possibility, then I just want to see Bailey fighting for the puck in the corners and along the boards. If he reverts to the Bailey of old, then that line is going to be too easy to play against.
- JohnScammo

I think Upstate's 'who will go to the net' concern with the hypothetical addition of Hall to that line remains the same if not worse with Bailey. That would defintely be a perimeter kinda line

Mike Morreale @mikemorrealeNHL
19s
Travis Zajac will center Josh Bailey and Kyle Palmieri tonight vs. the Flyers.
- eichiefs9

Whelp, swung and missed that curve

I think Upstate's 'who will go to the net' concern with the hypothetical addition of Hall to that line remains the same if not worse with Bailey. That would defintely be a perimeter kinda line
- keaner17

Looks like they're putting the high hockey IQ Bailey with the newcomers.

Barzal and Eberle are way too dominant at 5v5 to split up
- eichiefs9

Wally with those 2.

Whelp, swung and missed that curve
- keaner17

Guessing Beau gets moved up?

Nelson-Pageau-Wahlstrom?

That would be interesting.

Guessing Beau gets moved up?
- potvin05

If Zajac is playing center then one of the centers is getting moved to the wing. Maybe Nelson plays with Barzal/Eberle?

Guessing Beau gets moved up?
- potvin05

I think Pageau may go up

I think Pageau may go up
- keaner17

I bet once they get into games, Trotz does quite a bit of mixing and matching with 5 centers on the roster

If Zajac is playing center then one of the centers is getting moved to the wing. Maybe Nelson plays with Barzal/Eberle?
- eichiefs9

That would work for me. Hopefully it brings out the snarl in Nelson.

I bet once they get into games, Trotz does quite a bit of mixing and matching with 5 centers on the roster
- eichiefs9

Plus how does this guy know what the lineup is? Trotz usually awaits to warmups, No?

That would work for me. Hopefully it brings out the snarl in Nelson.
- potvin05

Makes a lot of sense. Gives Barzal a left-shot winger that can take draws on that side of the ice, similar to the way Lee did. Plus Nelson has a strong shot.

I bet once they get into games, Trotz does quite a bit of mixing and matching with 5 centers on the roster
- eichiefs9

For sure
I'm just sticking with the 'add a defensive forward' in Leo's place. Also, at times when JPP has beeen on the ice with Barzy, they've created some good transition and opportunities. There may be a natural chemistry. Also JPP isn't afraid to go to the net

Agreed
- nyisles7

Are you questioning Trotz? How dare you.

I bet once they get into games, Trotz does quite a bit of mixing and matching with 5 centers on the roster
- eichiefs9

That’s exactly what yesterday’s trade does for this roster. Your top 9 is pretty interchangeable. It seems hard to believe considering we’re a matchup nightmare for most teams before this trade but we’re gonna be an absolute female dog for opposing coaches.

Grossman had Bailey on top line in place of Leo.. and Whalstrom on second line with Brock and Beau. then 3rd line is JGP and the 2 new guys. that seems to make the most sense given Trotz love for Selke candidate Bailey.

if this other guy is right and them move Beau or Whalstrom up with Barzal I would rather that for sure.

I still can't believe they made this deal last night. Somehow I think he finds a way to resign in the offseason, means goodbye for somebody like Bailey or hopefully not Beau and they would still need to move other pieces but if he fits in like we think he will I can see it happening
- Vukota

He fits the Lou and Trotz mold so I was kind of thinking the same thing.

I think Pageau may go up
- keaner17

My thought was well... that line would fly!

I could definitely see Bailey being moved to the top line, justified that he would defensively fill the 'magnificent defensive role' played by Leo on that line.

Of course he could sit Wally in favor of Leo


I would bet on Pageau staying at center since Zajac has a history at wing
- keaner17

Literally makes me want to vomit when someone, anyone, labels Bailey as a defensive player. He is not.

Good value for just a late first and some fluff pieces. That said, it's not the huge win some Isles fans think it is. Zajac is old and a shell of himself, he's not going to move the needle much at all. Palmieri is okay, a middle 6 winger really.

This makes the Isles a little better, but I still don't look at that roster and think they have the horses to take out the Avs, Bolts, Canes, etc, of the league. I think the Canes win that division.

Mike Morreale @mikemorrealeNHL
19s
Travis Zajac will center Josh Bailey and Kyle Palmieri tonight vs. the Flyers.
- eichiefs9

Called it.

Well... sort of.

Literally makes me want to vomit when someone, anyone, labels Bailey as a defensive player. He is not.
- Cptmjl

Rather, he is positively offensive. Even when he scores.

I think Pageau may go up
- keaner17

I don’t really see any reason to do anything with Pageau. I get we have to find some room for the new dudes but Pageau has been so damn effective I wouldn’t mess with it.

Good value for just a late first and some fluff pieces. That said, it's not the huge win some Isles fans think it is. Zajac is old and a shell of himself, he's not going to move the needle much at all. Palmieri is okay, a middle 6 winger really.

This makes the Isles a little better, but I still don't look at that roster and think they have the horses to take out the Avs, Bolts, Canes, etc, of the league. I think the Canes win that division.
- prock

Well, it's a low bar to be an upgrade over the likes of Leo Komarov and Ross Johnston, so Zajac and Palmieri should do fine. Isles are lucky to be in a different division from the teams you listed. I hope you're right that the Canes win their division, because the Bolts scare me more.

I got some bad news guys. P-Rock says not to get too excited. We just got a couple of ok pieces, plus the Canes are going to win the division this year. Should somebody tell him?