Why would they protect Martin?
- JimmyP

His salary is only 1.5 he’s looking to shed salary Martin doesn’t have salary.

His salary is only 1.5 he’s looking to shed salary Martin doesn’t have salary.
- Cptmjl

This is a big factor as well.

Hope so schwein. Rangers leave Goodrow unprotected.
- ses111

The Rangers only have his rights and probably have a deal in place to sign after the expansion draft. If The Kraken where to select him it would be a total loss if he didn’t agree to a contract with him. That said Goodrow, will be a Ranger imho.

The Rangers only have his rights and probably have a deal in place to sign after the expansion draft. If The Kraken where to select him it would be a total loss if he didn’t agree to a contract with him. That said Goodrow, will be a Ranger imho.
- nyisles7

I'm thinking Lou has a similar "deal" in place with Cizikas.

Martin is VERY important to this team
- mighty13duck

There is absolutely no chance that Seattle would take Martin over any of the Islander players exposed.

I'm thinking Lou has a similar "deal" in place with Cizikas.
- JohnScammo

100% JS. If They select a FA off any teams available list they have to be fairly certain they can sign said player.
Casey is going to be an Islander next season, Lou basically said that flat out. Something he doesn’t do typically.
Next priority is signing Pelech after the expansion draft which will clarify what cap space is available.

There is absolutely no chance that Seattle would take Martin over any of the Islander players exposed.
- JimmyP

Well Obviously Lou and Trotz are looking at the 4th line as a important part of the team moving forward in competing for the cup. That’s why Cal is protected as well.
I know it’s hard to imagine having the 4th line staying together being important in fantasy hockey.

There is absolutely no chance that Seattle would take Martin over any of the Islander players exposed.
- JimmyP

You're probably right, but I don't think it's as certain as you say. If Seattle finds good players on other teams, but they are expensive cap hits, they might choose to economize on their selection from the Islanders. From what I can tell, Martin is pretty well-respected around the NHL for being a clean, but hard-hitting 4th liner. His low cap hit gives any team some flexibility.

You're probably right, but I don't think it's as certain as you say. If Seattle finds good players on other teams, but they are expensive cap hits, they might choose to economize on their selection from the Islanders. From what I can tell, Martin is pretty well-respected around the NHL for being a clean, but hard-hitting 4th liner. His low cap hit gives any team some flexibility.
- JohnScammo

They could take him and make a trade with someone looking for some toughness and grit. The Rangers come to mind. It would help them get tougher and screw up the Isles Identity line. (They wouldn’t mind doing that)Never know what side deals are being discussed and no reason to take a chance losing one of that lines players. When they are all together they are effective. When one piece is missing they aren’t the same as we have seen in the past.
Although some believe anyone can replace Martin, I think that lines chemistry and character means a lot to the team. Just my opinion of course.

I think he will. Seattle will take Eberle.
- Wildschwein

You think? Well hopefully you’re right he’s a bit more salary and his playoff performance left a lot to be desired.

I'd rather lose Eberle than Bailey. Wish the draft was today.
- ses111

They probable take Bailey.
They saw the videos of him hauling chains.
Someone gotta “lock up” the Kraken when they go on the road.

Good luck Josh!

Eberle is hopefully the one chosen which allows wahlstrom to move into the top 6, plus more cap space to add. Figure pelech gets similar to Carlo’s deal, Beau at just over 3, sorokin about 3.5, plenty left if eberle selected and boychuk on ir. Could add suter at 3 per, parise at 1, palmeri at 4.5-5, Casey at 2.5 but more term to make up for lower cap hit, still would have another 4-5 to play with. If you can move Leo and/or hickey, may give you enough to add someone like Hoffman or a bigger fish.

I'd rather see a 4th line of

Bellows/Zeeker/MDC.

Martin and Clutter have been awesome for us but they're done and not what they used to be.

I'd rather see a 4th line of

Bellows/Zeeker/MDC.

Martin and Clutter have been awesome for us but they're done and not what they used to be.
- Mr.Black

I thought they were both pretty awesome for us in the playoffs. I’m all for adding young talent to the line up and I would really like to see bellows get an extended look but I’m not sure it’s the right way to do it…

Eberle is hopefully the one chosen which allows wahlstrom to move into the top 6, plus more cap space to add. Figure pelech gets similar to Carlo’s deal, Beau at just over 3, sorokin about 3.5, plenty left if eberle selected and boychuk on ir. Could add suter at 3 per, parise at 1, palmeri at 4.5-5, Casey at 2.5 but more term to make up for lower cap hit, still would have another 4-5 to play with. If you can move Leo and/or hickey, may give you enough to add someone like Hoffman or a bigger fish.
- Isles_since_6

Jesus, look at this guy. Blast from the past all coming out of the wood work. How goes it?

I thought they were both pretty awesome for us in the playoffs. I’m all for adding young talent to the line up and I would really like to see bellows get an extended look but I’m not sure it’s the right way to do it…
- Cptmjl

Totally agree, Cpt. Clutterbuck and Martin were playoff warriors. That line should be kept intact.

Just catching up on this. Have to agree Lou must have some new players in mind and we’ll see a few new faces in top six/top four after past couple days and seeing the exposed list. I’m very surprised they left Bailey available. Three or four years ago I would have been fine with it, but I think he’s been great in the playoffs the past two seasons. He plays all over the ice, prob a great locker room guy - he wears an “A” so obviously some leadership ability. If I’m building a team and can hand select players I’d take as many players with “C” or “A” on there left chest as possible. I’m thinking he gets taken over Ebs.

Eberle is hopefully the one chosen which allows wahlstrom to move into the top 6, plus more cap space to add. Figure pelech gets similar to Carlo’s deal, Beau at just over 3, sorokin about 3.5, plenty left if eberle selected and boychuk on ir. Could add suter at 3 per, parise at 1, palmeri at 4.5-5, Casey at 2.5 but more term to make up for lower cap hit, still would have another 4-5 to play with. If you can move Leo and/or hickey, may give you enough to add someone like Hoffman or a bigger fish.
- Isles_since_6

Nice to see you back 6. Lou has really opened up some space and especially if he loses Bailey or Eberle. This is the time for the Isles to be able to attract a big FA with the two seasons they have had and Belmont opening up. Isles cannot miss like they did in the past.

Bailey is one of my favorite Islanders and a true Islander, but if you are Seattle you definitely choose Bailey over Eberle. Leaving Bailey unprotected means Lou is planning something big for up front this year. Parise is likely to take the Bailey role and the extra cap space will go toward a big name like Tarasenko or the big 8...
- mighty13duck

Landeskog's # is 92.

You think? Well hopefully you’re right he’s a bit more salary and his playoff performance left a lot to be desired.
- Cptmjl

I would have to agree. I like Eberle but he is not consistent enough. That has probably been his biggest knock.

Nice to see you back 6. Lou has really opened up some space and especially if he loses Bailey or Eberle. This is the time for the Isles to be able to attract a big FA with the two seasons they have had and Belmont opening up. Isles cannot miss like they did in the past.
- ses111

Taresenko, Parise, siter will be isles or maybe Palmieri comes back in place of taresenko

Everyone (myself included) keeps talking about Seattle grabbing one of Eberle or Bailey like it’s a forgone conclusion.

Watch (frank) with us all and pick Bellows.

Everyone (myself included) keeps talking about Seattle grabbing one of Eberle or Bailey like it’s a forgone conclusion.

Watch (frank) with us all and pick Bellows.
- Wildschwein

I can’t imagine Ron Francis, former Whalers captain, not taking Bailey. I saw him in play in Hartford vs 80’s oil team, B’s and Rangers. Oil team had 99.

Everyone (myself included) keeps talking about Seattle grabbing one of Eberle or Bailey like it’s a forgone conclusion.

Watch (frank) with us all and pick Bellows.
- Wildschwein

My money is still on Eberle. I'd say 55% Eblerle, 40% Bailey and 5% someone else.

It looks like Lou wants the cap space. Let's hope it works out.