If we’re not adding to the top 6(still possible of course)we’re going to need one of bellows or Wahlstrom ideally both to play somewhat prominent roles next season.
- Cptmjl

Wahlstrom is going to need to improve for sure. His season last year was a disappointment (as was the case for most of the players, in fairness)

I said it earlier, but I don't think there's much more to Bellows than what we've seen. If he could improve on the defensive side of the puck he could have some value as a bottom-six winger that could chip in some secondary scoring but at 24 I don't think there's a whole hell of a lot else that he's got up his sleeve.

I know Lou said he's not shopping Bailey or Varlamov, but I'm not 100% sure I believe him. In fact, him denying it makes me think it's more likely that one of them moves

I just don't see how we can add anything of value without shipping out some serious money.

Frankly, I don't know how adding anyone is possible if we're not shipping out Bailey/Varly/Beau. Dobson is going to get paid and Romanov needs a contract as well. There won't be a whole lot left over to sign any higher-end UFA after that.
- eichiefs9

still pushing that nonsense.. lol.

still pushing that nonsense.. lol.
- niteislander

Did you even read the post or did you just see Beauvillier's name and assume that everyone is dying to move him immediately?

Why do you think they would prefer Wahlstrom over them?
- Cptmjl

I was thinking that they might view him as more nhl ready.

Palmieri may yet prove to be that sniper.

Personally, I think this is the year he returns to form. Injuries fully rehabbed after a long offseason, and no lingering effects from covid or an insanely long road trip.
- Wildschwein

I hope so. I agree with your assessment.

It’s not a rumor Joey. Barzal got Barry fired!
I read it on the internet.
Honestly I would like to see Barzal make the players around him better like most teams #1C. Instead of him needing a snipper to make him better. JT did it with retreads off the scrap heap. Barzal needs to step up this year and become that super star everyone says he is. That would certainly help with the offense on this team imho. He’s capable of it and scoring 100+ points.
If he wants out then you can trade him for your snipper
- nyisles7

This was I view Barzal as above average but not elite yet. Elite players make the ayers around them better. Another reason why Barzal shouls not get elite monies. Not yet aleast.

Did you even read the post or did you just see Beauvillier's name and assume that everyone is dying to move him immediately?
- eichiefs9

Don’t be a pusher of nonsense.

Wahlstrom is going to need to improve for sure. His season last year was a disappointment (as was the case for most of the players, in fairness)

I said it earlier, but I don't think there's much more to Bellows than what we've seen. If he could improve on the defensive side of the puck he could have some value as a bottom-six winger that could chip in some secondary scoring but at 24 I don't think there's a whole hell of a lot else that he's got up his sleeve.

I know Lou said he's not shopping Bailey or Varlamov, but I'm not 100% sure I believe him. In fact, him denying it makes me think it's more likely that one of them moves

I just don't see how we can add anything of value without shipping out some serious money.
- eichiefs9

I don’t see bellows being some kind of game changer but i can see him being a low cost contributor. This is wahlstrom’s season to prove himself and if we don’t add to the top 6 we’re going to need exactly that.

Don’t be a pusher of nonsense.
- Cptmjl

This was I view Barzal as above average but not elite yet. Elite players make the ayers around them better. Another reason why Barzal shouls not get elite monies. Not yet aleast.
- Nfdbulldawg

He needs to take that next step this year it’s vital to the teams success. If Noah Dobson can continue his growth and Barzal’s game stays where its been Noah may be the new face of the franchise imho. He has the talent for sure.

This was I view Barzal as above average but not elite yet. Elite players make the ayers around them better. Another reason why Barzal shouls not get elite monies. Not yet aleast.
- Nfdbulldawg

I don’t think anyone labels Barzal as a super star just more hyperbole nonsense from the peanut gallery without an ounce of substance

- eichiefs9

Stop pushing fake news about Beau lameriello obviously is enamored with both him and Bailey. Beau was at the draft for gods sake!

Don’t be a pusher of nonsense.
- Cptmjl

🤣🤣

I don't think there's much more to Bellows than we've seen. We don't even know if he's been qualified yet, but will by 5pm

He's probably destined to be a bottom-six player with an above-average shot
- eichiefs9

Perhaps. But I think he did show some promise during the final stretch last year and am interested in seeing if his experience at the World Championships can become a springboard. At this stage, I think he can potentially have a decent impact. It certainly won't do him any good to have him sitting in favor of 12.

I don’t see bellows being some kind of game changer but i can see him being a low cost contributor. This is wahlstrom’s season to prove himself and if we don’t add to the top 6 we’re going to need exactly that.
- Cptmjl

Yea I'm not advocating for dumping him, but at some point he's going to have to do something to distinguish himself from any other low-cost bottom-six option.

Perhaps. But I think he did show some promise during the final stretch last year and am interested in seeing if his experience at the World Championships can become a springboard. At this stage, I think he can potentially have a decent impact. It certainly won't do him any good to have him sitting in favor of 12.
- keaner17

He's shown some promise a few times now, but that's usually followed up by stretches of the opposite. He's been thrown in and out of the lineup and I'm willing to cut him some slack because of the inconsistency of playing time...but he's definitely running thin on time to show that he belongs as an every-day player

This was I view Barzal as above average but not elite yet. Elite players make the ayers around them better. Another reason why Barzal shouls not get elite monies. Not yet aleast.
- Nfdbulldawg

There are very few players who truly make 'everyone' around them markedly better. I don't think it was ever a fair expectation that Barzal should be on the level of a JT or that type. He is a 'next tier' guy who has elite skills but requires someone who can bang home the opportunities he creates. The closest thing he's had to that is Eberle and Lee.
He had an 85 point campaign his rookie year in the #2c role but took it on the chin when he had to move up in JTs absence. Then he moved to a defensively focused system. A little more help could go a long ways, but it would also make it a put up or shut up kinda season for him.

Barry was an excellent coach but his specialty was getting the most out of vets.
He turned this franchise around by giving us a po team three straight years.
Lou felt it was time to go with a coach that had a new approach and it was concerned that the players drafted after 2015 were not achieving optimal performance.

He's shown some promise a few times now, but that's usually followed up by stretches of the opposite. He's been thrown in and out of the lineup and I'm willing to cut him some slack because of the inconsistency of playing time...but he's definitely running thin on time to show that he belongs as an every-day player
- eichiefs9

Sounds like every player in our top 6 minus maybe Nelson

Did you even read the post or did you just see Beauvillier's name and assume that everyone is dying to move him immediately?
- eichiefs9

I Don’t think other than sOrOkin, Noah, and Nelson there’s anyone on this team that’s untouchable as far as being used in a trade to improve the team.

There are very few players who truly make 'everyone' around them markedly better. I don't think it was ever a fair expectation that Barzal should be on the level of a JT or that type. He is a 'next tier' guy who has elite skills but requires someone who can bang home the opportunities he creates. The closest thing he's had to that is Eberle and Lee.
He had an 85 point campaign his rookie year in the #2c role but took it on the chin when he had to move up in JTs absence. Then he moved to a defensively focused system. A little more help could go a long ways, but it would also make it a put up or shut up kinda season for him.
- keaner17

Exactly right! Barzal was not the #1 overall pick like JT and some other elite players. This is a big season for Barzal and the team.

I Don’t think other than sOrOkin, Noah, and Nelson there’s anyone on this team that’s untouchable as far as being used in a trade to improve the team.
- nyisles7

Lee, Pelech and Pageau should be on that list.

Edit: And Beauvillier. Obviously.

Exactly right! Barzal was not the #1 overall pick like JT and some other elite players. This is a big season for Barzal and the team.
- ses111

Barzal is NOT an elite player or at least what I classify as one. I doubt he ever will be imo. He underperformed last season along with the rest of the team. With that said while also factoring in some bad performances, if throwing the same cast of characters out there while expecting a different result is the plan I’ll go ahead and say that’s not really a plan. That’s doing nothing and expecting a different result. I say that while also factoring in players underperforming. If that’s the bet we’re taking on the season it’s a suckers bet. I for one think lameriello is trying to add to the lineup anyway he can.

Did you even read the post or did you just see Beauvillier's name and assume that everyone is dying to move him immediately?
- eichiefs9

yes, I read it... shockingly u are worried about lack of Cap room again.. and of course one of your remedies is to trade Beau. lol

Barzal is NOT an elite player or at least what I classify as one. I doubt he ever will be imo. He underperformed last season along with the rest of the team. With that said while also factoring in some bad performances, if throwing the same cast of characters out there while expecting a different result is the plan I’ll go ahead and say that’s not really a plan. That’s doing nothing and expecting a different result. I say that while also factoring in players underperforming. If that’s the bet we’re taking on the season it’s a suckers bet. I for one think lameriello is trying to add to the lineup anyway he can.
- Cptmjl

Barzal is a fine talent but is not elite and can use a sniper to finish his plays. I have to think Lou wants to add to this lineup and it will take more than a coaching change. Lou saw the need for a sniper when he went after Panarin and nothing has changed it terms of need with the Islanders.