Not even close. Yes, he started the season as a traffic cone, but he got much better as the season wore on, as he got used to Barry's system and played himself into shape. He finished the season +8, 2nd best on the team, trailing only Pelech. While he could not replace a puck-moving d-man like Leddy, he was the most physical presence around the crease the Isles have had in many years.
- JohnScammo

I loved the fact that nobody even looked at Barzal or Dobson because of Chara🤣 still the most feared player in the league at 45 but he can’t be a regular on this team going forward. I would love if he came back as 7th dman and played against the bigger stronger teams and that’s it lol but I don’t see him coming back for that kind of role

I loved the fact that nobody even looked at Barzal or Dobson because of Chara🤣 still the most feared player in the league at 45 but he can’t be a regular on this team going forward. I would love if he came back as 7th dman and played against the bigger stronger teams and that’s it lol but I don’t see him coming back for that kind of role
- Vukota

Would’ve been nice if that was the thought last season.

I loved the fact that nobody even looked at Barzal or Dobson because of Chara🤣 still the most feared player in the league at 45 but he can’t be a regular on this team going forward. I would love if he came back as 7th dman and played against the bigger stronger teams and that’s it lol but I don’t see him coming back for that kind of role
- Vukota

Z as a 7th dman would have been nice but the coaches have a problem not going right to vets and keeping them in the lineup. Maybe that changed this year?

He wasn’t as bad as Aho in my opinion but hopefully the trade for Romanov really solidifies our top 4 which I think it will.
That said we didn’t get JG so let’s just call the season a total loss and piss and moan like only Islanders fans can.
- nyisles7

I’m very excited about Romanov. Doubt he’ll do much offensively, but he strikes me as rather Trouba-esque else wise.

Z as a 7th dman would have been nice but the coaches have a problem not going right to vets and keeping them in the lineup. Maybe that changed this year?
- ses111

Lameriello said there would be a push to play the kids and develop them. So since he said it’s ok then the people that didn’t agree with it last season will think it’s cool now. So feel free to talk about it.

I’m very excited about Romanov. Doubt he’ll do much offensively, but he strikes me as rather Trouba-esque else wise.
- Wildschwein

Excited to see what the kid can do. Hope he lives up to expectations and delivers.

Not even close. Yes, he started the season as a traffic cone, but he got much better as the season wore on, as he got used to Barry's system and played himself into shape. He finished the season +8, 2nd best on the team, trailing only Pelech. While he could not replace a puck-moving d-man like Leddy, he was the most physical presence around the crease the Isles have had in many years.
- JohnScammo

I totally agree. Not to mention he watched Dobson’s back. You are aligned with me here. Watch out for the girls club!

I’m very excited about Romanov. Doubt he’ll do much offensively, but he strikes me as rather Trouba-esque else wise.
- Wildschwein

So I think he will complement Dobson’s game for that reason. Typically You want that tough stay at home guy with your puck moving offensively talented dman.
Hopefully they stay together from the start of the season and develop some chemistry.
That would be huge.

Z as a 7th dman would have been nice but the coaches have a problem not going right to vets and keeping them in the lineup. Maybe that changed this year?
- ses111

If the kids play have changed then their playing time will change. I can assure you of that. Most coaches want to play the players that give the team the best chance to win. Typically that means offensively and yes defensively.

Suck hard for Bedard
- eichiefs9

I will take Bedard just like anyone else here...But I ain't sucking nuttin for nobody to get him !!!!

I loved the fact that nobody even looked at Barzal or Dobson because of Chara🤣 still the most feared player in the league at 45 but he can’t be a regular on this team going forward. I would love if he came back as 7th dman and played against the bigger stronger teams and that’s it lol but I don’t see him coming back for that kind of role
- Vukota

Ironically, I don't think he'd be good as a 7th. When Chara played every game last season, he became more effective. After he had to sit due to Covid, it was like pre-season started for him all over again. IMO, he's either on the third pairing or he retires.

Ironically, I don't think he'd be good as a 7th. When Chara played every game last season, he became more effective. After he had to sit due to Covid, it was like pre-season started for him all over again. IMO, he's either on the third pairing or he retires.
- JohnScammo

Good point. Let’s get him in the top 4👍🤣

Would’ve been nice if that was the thought last season.
- Cptmjl

🤣🤣

Ironically, I don't think he'd be good as a 7th. When Chara played every game last season, he became more effective. After he had to sit due to Covid, it was like pre-season started for him all over again. IMO, he's either on the third pairing or he retires.
- JohnScammo

As opposed to?

Good point. Let’s get him in the top 4👍🤣
- Vukota

Good point. Let’s get him in the top 4👍🤣
- Vukota

To be fair he said the third pairing.

Good point. Let’s get him in the top 4👍🤣
- Vukota

To be fair he said the third pairing.
- nyisles7

- JohnScammo

Happy somebody picked up on the sarcasm.

Happy somebody picked up on the sarcasm.
- Cptmjl

🤣🤣 I thought it was pretty obvious

🤣🤣 I thought it was pretty obvious
- Vukota

My bad

Listening to the chiclets podcast Gaudreau was going to the Devils until the Blue Jackets contacted him around 4pm. He said he only spoke to a couple of teams and was looking to get something done with Jersey. Interesting

Listening to the chiclets podcast Gaudreau was going to the Devils until the Blue Jackets contacted him around 4pm. He said he only spoke to a couple of teams and was looking to get something done with Jersey. Interesting
- Vukota

Jarmo did what it took to get it done.

Flames announce concerning development in contract negotiations with Matthew Tkachuk

Lou should move heaven and earth to get this guy!!! This would be a huge addition to this team. Leadership, edge, power forward for the top line.

Flames announce concerning development in contract negotiations with Matthew Tkachuk

Lou should move heaven and earth to get this guy!!! This would be a huge addition to this team. Leadership, edge, power forward for the top line.
- Nfdbulldawg

Not going to happen.