At this point it's impossible for me to decipher what is speculation from the media about who could be available vs. what's actually a rumor

This isn't a criticism of Lou, but man it sure is more fun when you're team actually has some legitimate rumors out there and not just radio silence and speculation
- eichiefs9

It's like being under communist rule.

100% agree if in fact you know JG is/would come here. If not you have more points to find.
- nyisles7

Yeah, I mean if he had no interest then he had no interest.

I really hate the idea of having to trade for someone. It's going to cost what little draft capital and solid prospects we have to land a JT Miller or Tarasenko, and then they'd need a new deal next year anyway at the same time as Barzal. And then Sorokin the summer after that.

It's like being under communist rule.
- keaner17

Yup

Ek saying the Isles are in on JT Miller and Kane...so that's out

Yeah, I mean if he had no interest then he had no interest.

I really hate the idea of having to trade for someone. It's going to cost what little draft capital and solid prospects we have to land a JT Miller or Tarasenko, and then they'd need a new deal next year anyway at the same time as Barzal. And then Sorokin the summer after that.
- eichiefs9

100%. The Cap rearing it’s ugly head and not making it easier.
What’s your thought on letting Lane and the team prove they can win? If they are playing well you add at the deadline or sooner. If they struggle then there needs to be a shuffling/trading of some pieces to change up the status quo and current make up of the team?

Ek saying the Isles are in on JT Miller and Kane...so that's out
- keaner17

Yeah, I mean if he had no interest then he had no interest.

I really hate the idea of having to trade for someone. It's going to cost what little draft capital and solid prospects we have to land a JT Miller or Tarasenko, and then they'd need a new deal next year anyway at the same time as Barzal. And then Sorokin the summer after that.
- eichiefs9

Sorkin is just going to have to go.

Ek saying the Isles are in on JT Miller and Kane...so that's out
- keaner17

Kane wants to be a ranger........the isles are never landing him

100%. The Cap rearing it’s ugly head and not making it easier.
What’s your thought on letting Lane and the team prove they can win? If they are playing well you add at the deadline or sooner. If they struggle then there needs to be a shuffling/trading of some pieces to change up the status quo and current make up of the team?
- nyisles7

I said it the other day -- if we can't land Gaudreau or Kadri I'd rather just not sign anyone and see how the season plays out

The list of UFA's left isn't particularly impressive. https://www.capfriendly.c...all/ufa?stats-season=2022

Although guys like D. Strome and Milano do intrigue me a bit. That'd be a real cheap way to get younger and more skilled. I just don't know who they'd be replacing in the lineup. It'd be cool to see Milano play at home.

I suppose we could always still trade for Miller/Kane/Tarasenko...but I already said my piece on giving up assets now and having to pay UFA market prices as of next year.

I am far from an accountant, but I wonder if there's not a work-around like how Toronto essentially paid Tavares almost entirely in bonus money because it's taxed differently in Canada. That would obviously require the team to be very liquid, and I imagine liquidity is not their strong suit after building the arena, but I'd be curious to know if that'd make sense in NYS
- eichiefs9

There is no such tax break in the US.. nor is there for a U.S. citizen who is getting paid in a foreign country. so it only applies to Canadians ..in Canada.

Kane wants to be a ranger........the isles are never landing him
- Upstate_isles

I feel like Kane will be in Buffalo.

I said it the other day -- if we can't land Gaudreau or Kadri I'd rather just not sign anyone and see how the season plays out

The list of UFA's left isn't particularly impressive. https://www.capfriendly.c...all/ufa?stats-season=2022

Although guys like D. Strome and Milano do intrigue me a bit. That'd be a real cheap way to get younger and more skilled. I just don't know who they'd be replacing in the lineup. It'd be cool to see Milano play at home.

I suppose we could always still trade for Miller/Kane/Tarasenko...but I already said my piece on giving up assets now and having to pay UFA market prices as of next year.
- eichiefs9

I wouldn't be too upset with either of those guys. the "better Strome" would really be interesting to me. Milano has the skill for sure but seems like he has HO Sang issues.

It’s cuz taxes.
- Cptmjl

Well when you offer much less .. AND your taxes are another 8%.. it certainly makes a big difference.

I think bonus’ are taxed higher in New York. Maybe 50%
- kindlyrick

it's not a NY thing.. it's a US/Canada thing.. top tax bracket in US is 37%.

Eh, I disagree with the general mood I guess. The Isles have too many key players over 30 to just cross their fingers and hope for the best. If they guess wrong and it's another lost season, then it closes their window further and it'll be even harder to convince talent to come here as they'll be a team in clear decline in addition to whatever other problems they have recruiting FAs.

If they're still in "win now" mode, then I'm not sure they can just shrug and say, "Well, shucky dang-darn, we gave it the ol' college try!" and go into the season as-is. They already committed to winning now by trading away their first-round pick at the draft. Backing off to "wait and see" mode now doesn't make a lot of sense to me in that context. I feel like you're either on one side of the road and you go for it, or you're on the other side and you stockpile resources to go for it in a future year. Walking down the middle of the road is rarely the best call.

I said it the other day -- if we can't land Gaudreau or Kadri I'd rather just not sign anyone and see how the season plays out

The list of UFA's left isn't particularly impressive. https://www.capfriendly.c...all/ufa?stats-season=2022

Although guys like D. Strome and Milano do intrigue me a bit. That'd be a real cheap way to get younger and more skilled. I just don't know who they'd be replacing in the lineup. It'd be cool to see Milano play at home.

I suppose we could always still trade for Miller/Kane/Tarasenko...but I already said my piece on giving up assets now and having to pay UFA market prices as of next year.
- eichiefs9

Sonny playing here would be cool. Not a Dylan Strome fan because of his D side play.
I agree with trying to keep our assets unless it’s a home run deal.

At this point with the players that really could have helped us off the board. Why spend to just spend? Sit tight, get healthy, and see what camp brings.

To try and make a move now is more desperation. Also, this is the first time I have ever heard of taxes being the reason why the Isles could not close a deal.
Funny thing is I have never seen the Rangers with this problem. I cannot wait to see what the reason is next year.

This team sux's at signing UFA...Bottom line...No matter who is in charge...

At this point with the players that really could have helped us off the board. Why spend to just spend? Sit tight, get healthy, and see what camp brings.

To try and make a move now is more desperation. Also, this is the first time I have ever heard of taxes being the reason why the Isles could not close a deal.
Funny thing is I have never seen the Rangers with this problem. I cannot wait to see what the reason is next year.

This team sux's at signing UFA...Bottom line...No matter who is in charge...
- Nfdbulldawg

I don’t think anyone said “the reason was taxes”.( well maybe one Blowhard took it out of context) I think it was bought up as a negative to signing in NY vs other states with no or less income taxes. As is the case in Ohio.
I think most Agents take everything into consideration as do the players themselves.

At this point with the players that really could have helped us off the board. Why spend to just spend? Sit tight, get healthy, and see what camp brings.

To try and make a move now is more desperation. Also, this is the first time I have ever heard of taxes being the reason why the Isles could not close a deal.
Funny thing is I have never seen the Rangers with this problem. I cannot wait to see what the reason is next year.

This team sux's at signing UFA...Bottom line...No matter who is in charge...
- Nfdbulldawg

Look, I'm not saying throw $9 million at Nino just for the heck of it or anything like that. We've been hearing the term "hockey trade" for years now. If there's one to be made, then make it. It's not like there are no big names being talked about on the trade front. It's a matter of paying the price or finding the right team to take advantage of.

Unless we truly believe the team as-is can win a Cup, and maybe some of you do, then standing pat is just burning another season. If we're worried about burning more resources to win now...I'd argue that horse left the barn like two seasons ago.

Eh, I disagree with the general mood I guess. The Isles have too many key players over 30 to just cross their fingers and hope for the best. If they guess wrong and it's another lost season, then it closes their window further and it'll be even harder to convince talent to come here as they'll be a team in clear decline in addition to whatever other problems they have recruiting FAs.

If they're still in "win now" mode, then I'm not sure they can just shrug and say, "Well, shucky dang-darn, we gave it the ol' college try!" and go into the season as-is. They already committed to winning now by trading away their first-round pick at the draft. Backing off to "wait and see" mode now doesn't make a lot of sense to me in that context. I feel like you're either on one side of the road and you go for it, or you're on the other side and you stockpile resources to go for it in a future year. Walking down the middle of the road is rarely the best call.
- UIF

You are not wrong UIF. Tough to do things half way. I think this team is in good shape in goal and defense but offense as of now is not Cup winning material.

Eh, I disagree with the general mood I guess. The Isles have too many key players over 30 to just cross their fingers and hope for the best. If they guess wrong and it's another lost season, then it closes their window further and it'll be even harder to convince talent to come here as they'll be a team in clear decline in addition to whatever other problems they have recruiting FAs.

If they're still in "win now" mode, then I'm not sure they can just shrug and say, "Well, shucky dang-darn, we gave it the ol' college try!" and go into the season as-is. They already committed to winning now by trading away their first-round pick at the draft. Backing off to "wait and see" mode now doesn't make a lot of sense to me in that context. I feel like you're either on one side of the road and you go for it, or you're on the other side and you stockpile resources to go for it in a future year. Walking down the middle of the road is rarely the best call.
- UIF

I think it’s exactly why Lou didn’t or hasn’t traded any assets. He knows the teams age as well and if they do suck this year then without assets in the system the retooling and rebuild is tougher imho. There are some core young players like Barzal, SOrOkin, Dobson, Romanov, Beau ( start the peanut gallery ) etc. so I do think Lou has the future in mind if this team does not succeed this year.

This more like the reason...

https://www.hockeyfeed.co...s-for-his-old-school-ways

Look, I'm not saying throw $9 million at Nino just for the heck of it or anything like that. We've been hearing the term "hockey trade" for years now. If there's one to be made, then make it. It's not like there are no big names being talked about on the trade front. It's a matter of paying the price or finding the right team to take advantage of.

Unless we truly believe the team as-is can win a Cup, and maybe some of you do, then standing pat is just burning another season. If we're worried about burning more resources to win now...I'd argue that horse left the barn like two seasons ago.
- UIF

First I do not believe this team is a contender for the cup as is. I have stated numerous times in these threads that the Isles need to make a trade. I put several names out there. My point is to not spend just to spend. At this point it is not wasting another season. The top guys that could have made a difference are gone.
The second tier guys are gone. The only way anything happens now is through trade. Bottom line.

This more like the reason...

https://www.hockeyfeed.co...s-for-his-old-school-ways
- Nfdbulldawg

*sees that the source is BD Gallof*

Well that’s sufficient grounds for skepticism.

This more like the reason...

https://www.hockeyfeed.co...s-for-his-old-school-ways
- Nfdbulldawg

BD Gallof 🤣🤣🤣🤣