The disappointment with Lou and Barry has been not being able to make the big FA splash. It's still crazy to think Neil Smith made a bigger splash in FA in a short amount of time.

- ses111

Lameriello is in a tough situation now with limited resources to make something happen. Some of it is self inflicted from past moves/signings. Some not. He has tried to sign some big FA’s just hasn’t made it happen. Hoping this off-season is different.

There is definitely some truth to this but Barry’s system was good for the islanders. We had quite a bit of success with it.
- Cptmjl

The system was good for the team but it was also a curse against elite teams when adjustments were needed and did not happen.

Lameriello is in a tough situation now with limited resources to make something happen. Some of it is self inflicted from past moves/signings. Some not. He has tried to sign some big FA’s just hasn’t made it happen. Hoping this off-season is different.
- Cptmjl

I wonder if some players did not want to sign with the Isles because they were afraid of their numbers taking a hit under a defensive system or is Lou seen as too old school for a younger top FA? The lousy building is now out the window. The Isles seemed real close on Panarin and they were better than the Rangers at the time.

Yeah you’re right I’m an idiot
- Cptmjl

Oh my bad. We’ll, I’m glad he’s back 😂😂

I wonder if some players did not want to sign with the Isles because they were afraid of their numbers taking a hit under a defensive system or is Lou seen as too old school for a younger top FA? The lousy building is now out the window. The Isles seemed real close on Panarin and they were better than the Rangers at the time.
- ses111

Shortly after Trotz's dismissal there was a report quoting a few anonymous past players under Trotz that stated his system was not fun to play under and took a mental toll as well as statistical toll. Some referred to it as 'supressing' player creativity and instinct etc. That would likely play a role for some in whether they consider the Isles a destination but who really knows? I still think taxes are a huge problem for UFA's here. It really just depends on the player, I guess. Lou also has never been one to just haphazardly throw money at UFA's. That said, he has managed this team from a 'win now perspective, so you either have to decide are you all in, or are you not?

Shortly after Trotz's dismissal there was a report quoting a few anonymous past players under Trotz that stated his system was not fun to play under and took a mental toll as well as statistical toll. Some referred to it as 'supressing' player creativity and instinct etc. That would likely play a role for some in whether they consider the Isles a destination but who really knows? I still think taxes are a huge problem for UFA's here. It really just depends on the player, I guess. Lou also has never been one to just haphazardly throw money at UFA's. That said, he has managed this team from a 'win now perspective, so you either have to decide are you all in, or are you not?
- keaner17

JT still wanted the Leafs but he would not have liked Barry's system and I'm fine JT is not on the team. Offensive players want to put up big numbers. I'm sure they want to win but they want a nice contract as well and 40 or 50 points will not cut it. Taxes are a problem but the Rangers seem to manage very well and FA's seem to think it's still the NY of the 80's and 90's when it comes to signing with the Rangers.

Lou is going to have to decide if the Isles are in or out and make adjustments as needed.

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I believe the talent has been overestimated. I also think that Lou is over-loyal to players. Particularly vets. Wally and Tito sit for minor mistakes but Bailey floats around the ice, turns it over at the blue line, and there’s no recourse. I know, that’s a coach thing.
I’m not saying that Lou isn’t working, trying to improve the team. I’m certainly not saying he needs to go (looking at you, 7). I’m just saying (again) that I think we’re going to see pretty much the same team next season. I hope Lou can land a legitimate sniper. I just don’t think we have the resources for it. Maybe free agency, but that’s thinning out quick.
- Isleshockeyman