So I’m guessing you think they will be worse this year?
What if he doesn’t think there’s a quick fix to put the team over the top? It wouldn’t be hard to believe after last year’s performance. Now with Trotz being gone and Lambert , (yes qualified but still rookie head coach) in charge. It would make some sense that Lou’s not all in on trading assets for that player that puts us over the top when in fact said player may not. Of course there’s no guarantees on getting that player ( Goring) but I think you have to be totally convinced it can happen before you do that. I think looking back at the JGP trade Lou felt quit confident in the team he had. Again after last year and other factors he may not be that confident and may want to see how this team performs under LL before he purges the future foolishly.
Just my opinion of course.
- nyisles7

I don't know if they're worse, but I don't think better or worse is any kind of measuring stick this year. With the age of the team they have, I believe "better" is still a wasted year if it means anything short of a legit Cup run. So, for me, I feel like if you're gonna go for it, then put yourself in the best position and go for it. If you're not, then sell.

My own opinion, for whatever that's worth, is the Isles are probably a middle-of-the-road team right now...good enough to be in the hunt come the trade deadline, but not elite where they're separating from the pack. So, what does wait-and-see get you if that turns out to be the case in March? Do you then bet everything on just trying to squeak in? Do nothing and ride the season out, wasting more time? Sell even though you could still make the playoffs? I'd rather see more decisiveness now.

I think it's more likely Lou swung and missed at some targets this offseason, rather than this all being part of his master plan. I think his decision to go for it was already made when he signed all the 30+ year olds to difficult-to-move multi-year, multi-million dollar extensions and burned through his first round picks. It's tough to slam it all in reverse just one year later, especially with pressure to win in a new arena and all that.

I don't know if they're worse, but I don't think better or worse is any kind of measuring stick this year. With the age of the team they have, I believe "better" is still a wasted year if it means anything short of a legit Cup run. So, for me, I feel like if you're gonna go for it, then put yourself in the best position and go for it. If you're not, then sell.

My own opinion, for whatever that's worth, is the Isles are probably a middle-of-the-road team right now...good enough to be in the hunt come the trade deadline, but not elite where they're separating from the pack. So, what does wait-and-see get you if that turns out to be the case in March? Do you then bet everything on just trying to squeak in? Do nothing and ride the season out, wasting more time? Sell even though you could still make the playoffs? I'd rather see more decisiveness now.

I think it's more likely Lou swung and missed at some targets this offseason, rather than this all being part of his master plan. I think his decision to go for it was already made when he signed all the 30+ year olds to difficult-to-move multi-year, multi-million dollar extensions and burned through his first round picks. It's tough to slam it all in reverse just one year later, especially with pressure to win in a new arena and all that.
- UIF

I agree with most of your assessment. I would just add my 2 cents that the only contract that I think would be especially difficult to move is Bailey's which was Garth Snow's handiwork, not Lou's. (Garth thought that he could convince Tavares to stay an Islander if his "best friend" stayed.). Those 4th line guys would IMO probably garner interest from other teams near the deadline, even if they only fetched a late round draft pick. Palmieri's contract could be difficult to move, but only if he has another bad start to the season.

https://twitter.com/mikep...tatus/1560720521540558850

https://twitter.com/mikep...tatus/1560720521540558850
- JimmyP

I don't know if they're worse, but I don't think better or worse is any kind of measuring stick this year. With the age of the team they have, I believe "better" is still a wasted year if it means anything short of a legit Cup run. So, for me, I feel like if you're gonna go for it, then put yourself in the best position and go for it. If you're not, then sell.

My own opinion, for whatever that's worth, is the Isles are probably a middle-of-the-road team right now...good enough to be in the hunt come the trade deadline, but not elite where they're separating from the pack. So, what does wait-and-see get you if that turns out to be the case in March? Do you then bet everything on just trying to squeak in? Do nothing and ride the season out, wasting more time? Sell even though you could still make the playoffs? I'd rather see more decisiveness now.

I think it's more likely Lou swung and missed at some targets this offseason, rather than this all being part of his master plan. I think his decision to go for it was already made when he signed all the 30+ year olds to difficult-to-move multi-year, multi-million dollar extensions and burned through his first round picks. It's tough to slam it all in reverse just one year later, especially with pressure to win in a new arena and all that.
- UIF

All good points. I honestly think last year smacked the whole organization in the face and as you said was in a win now model.
So now do you continue to trade the future away before you know what this team can do? I think it’s a reality check and telling the team we still believe in this group but show me.
If this team is burnt out and past it’s winning ways then let’s turn it around quickly and keep some of our assets and make the trades we have to to rebuild.
Lou may have made some offers that obviously didn’t get it done but maybe he offered only what he thought made sense for his team now.
I think the team is going to be better than last year and probably make the POs. That said, talk is cheap so, let them go out with the new staff and prove they are worthy of going for it. I hope they come out energized and ready to prove last year was a fluke and make it hard for Lou not to make a deal and bring in help.
That would be great. Of course Just my opinion.

I agree with most of your assessment. I would just add my 2 cents that the only contract that I think would be especially difficult to move is Bailey's which was Garth Snow's handiwork, not Lou's. (Garth thought that he could convince Tavares to stay an Islander if his "best friend" stayed.). Those 4th line guys would IMO probably garner interest from other teams near the deadline, even if they only fetched a late round draft pick. Palmieri's contract could be difficult to move, but only if he has another bad start to the season.
- JohnScammo

I think just about any contract is tough to move right now to be fair. Reports (who knows if it’s true) are saying Lameriello may have had to add to unload beaus contract. Nobody is taking on salary unless it’s a bonafide top 6 player. You could make an argument that Beau and Bailey fall into that category but I’m not sure how many other GM’s would agree with your sentiment. As far as the trade deadline yeah sure maybe you could find someone to take on some contracts but then the term gets in the way. So unless their contract is up the end of this season good luck. Nobody is taking them. Product of the flat cap.

I don't know if they're worse, but I don't think better or worse is any kind of measuring stick this year. With the age of the team they have, I believe "better" is still a wasted year if it means anything short of a legit Cup run. So, for me, I feel like if you're gonna go for it, then put yourself in the best position and go for it. If you're not, then sell.

My own opinion, for whatever that's worth, is the Isles are probably a middle-of-the-road team right now...good enough to be in the hunt come the trade deadline, but not elite where they're separating from the pack. So, what does wait-and-see get you if that turns out to be the case in March? Do you then bet everything on just trying to squeak in? Do nothing and ride the season out, wasting more time? Sell even though you could still make the playoffs? I'd rather see more decisiveness now.

I think it's more likely Lou swung and missed at some targets this offseason, rather than this all being part of his master plan. I think his decision to go for it was already made when he signed all the 30+ year olds to difficult-to-move multi-year, multi-million dollar extensions and burned through his first round picks. It's tough to slam it all in reverse just one year later, especially with pressure to win in a new arena and all that.
- UIF

Ya think? 🛎 🛎 🛎

So funny

I think just about any contract is tough to move right now to be fair. Reports (who knows if it’s true) are saying Lameriello may have had to add to unload beaus contract. Nobody is taking on salary unless it’s a bonafide top 6 player. You could make an argument that Beau and Bailey fall into that category but I’m not sure how many other GM’s would agree with your sentiment. As far as the trade deadline yeah sure maybe you could find someone to take on some contracts but then the term gets in the way. So unless their contract is up the end of this season good luck. Nobody is taking them. Product of the flat cap.
- Cptmjl

Interesting. Yeah, I never thought that Beau's contract was a bargain, but it never occurred to me that Lou would have to add just to get rid of it. I have become convinced that no one wants Bailey, regardless of being near the trade deadline. On the other hand, I think some playoff-bound teams might have interest in the lower paid 4th line guys as depth for a playoff run. You're right that Cizikas may have too many years left on his contract, however.

Interesting. Yeah, I never thought that Beau's contract was a bargain, but it never occurred to me that Lou would have to add just to get rid of it. I have become convinced that no one wants Bailey, regardless of being near the trade deadline. On the other hand, I think some playoff-bound teams might have interest in the lower paid 4th line guys as depth for a playoff run. You're right that Cizikas may have too many years left on his contract, however.
- JohnScammo

Bailey had a nice two year playoff run so you would hope a playoff team might be interested but it could be tough? It would surprise me if the Islanders could not move Beau. I'd like to keep Beau and see what he can do with a new coach.

Bailey had a nice two year playoff run so you would hope a playoff team might be interested but it could be tough? It would surprise me if the Islanders could not move Beau. I'd like to keep Beau and see what he can do with a new coach.
- ses111

I’m fine keeping Beau unless he’s part of a package to upgrade. Bailey isn’t going anywhere with that extra year on his contract. Beau also isn’t a free agent till 2024. If he has a good first half somebody would take him at the TDL. If he doesn’t nobody is taking a chance on that extra year at over 4 million. Look at what went on with teams trying to move salary. The NHL landscape has changed. The “change of scenery” players are not wanted.

Interesting. Yeah, I never thought that Beau's contract was a bargain, but it never occurred to me that Lou would have to add just to get rid of it. I have become convinced that no one wants Bailey, regardless of being near the trade deadline. On the other hand, I think some playoff-bound teams might have interest in the lower paid 4th line guys as depth for a playoff run. You're right that Cizikas may have too many years left on his contract, however.
- JohnScammo

He wouldn’t, that is absurd

I find the the thought process of lets we have. Guys we all know what we have. Why do you think we have posted over 650 responses.

We have two good goaltenders.
A half way decent defensive core.
10 out of 12 inconsistent forwards. Some might say 12 out of 12.

The talk of 1 goal away from the cup finals means nothing. This team has not one Shat...Yes a few rounds but nothing of substance. So anyone is fare game for the right price.

I find the the thought process of lets we have. Guys we all know what we have. Why do you think we have posted over 650 responses.

We have two good goaltenders.
A half way decent defensive core.
10 out of 12 inconsistent forwards. Some might say 12 out of 12.

The talk of 1 goal away from the cup finals means nothing. This team has not one Shat...Yes a few rounds but nothing of substance. So anyone is fare game for the right price.
- Nfdbulldawg

Firstly

We have one good, and one possibly elite goaltender(s).

We have a VERY solid, affordable and fairly young defensive core.

We have 6* inconsistent forwards, and 5 that I’d call consistent (Nelson, Pageau, Parise, Cizikas, Clutterbuck). Unfortunately, only one of those 5 is in the top 6.

Secondly

Certainly. Though Sorokin and Dobson (in my mind at least) are nigh on untouchable.

*I’m giving Lee a pass, as he came back from surgery last season and picked it up in the second half.

Räty with a PP assist.

Räty with a PP assist.
- Wildschwein

Gotta think with a good camp and pre season he’s gonna get a long(at least 9 game) look in the bigs this year.

Firstly

We have one good, and one possibly elite goaltender(s).

We have a VERY solid, affordable and fairly young defensive core.

We have 6* inconsistent forwards, and 5 that I’d call consistent (Nelson, Pageau, Parise, Cizikas, Clutterbuck). Unfortunately, only one of those 5 is in the top 6.

Secondly

Certainly. Though Sorokin and Dobson (in my mind at least) are nigh on untouchable.

*I’m giving Lee a pass, as he came back from surgery last season and picked it up in the second half.
- Wildschwein

I think Lee, Barzal and even Palms were pretty consistent in their careers except for last year. In whole last year was a disaster. Hopefully it will be much better or at least a normal year for all of them and we should be better.
Beau on the other hand needs to be traded but you gotta think it will take at least a second round draft pick as a sweetener for anyone to take him off our hands.

I find the the thought process of lets we have. Guys we all know what we have. Why do you think we have posted over 650 responses.

We have two good goaltenders.
A half way decent defensive core.
10 out of 12 inconsistent forwards. Some might say 12 out of 12.

The talk of 1 goal away from the cup finals means nothing. This team has not one Shat...Yes a few rounds but nothing of substance. So anyone is fare game for the right price.
- Nfdbulldawg

Team sucks, trade what you can and let the rebuild commence. Might want to bring Snow back in and have him assist Lou with the more delicate decisions.

Firstly

We have one good, and one possibly elite goaltender(s).

We have a VERY solid, affordable and fairly young defensive core.

We have 6* inconsistent forwards, and 5 that I’d call consistent (Nelson, Pageau, Parise, Cizikas, Clutterbuck). Unfortunately, only one of those 5 is in the top 6.

Secondly

Certainly. Though Sorokin and Dobson (in my mind at least) are nigh on untouchable.

*I’m giving Lee a pass, as he came back from surgery last season and picked it up in the second half.
- Wildschwein

If you gonna give Lee a pass for injury, you gonna need to JGP a pass, probably Palms, Pullock, maybe even Clutter.

Yes, Sorokin and Dobson are pretty much the untouchable future. My point is we are all wind socks here. Our expectations and acceptance of the team depending on the outcome of moves and/or lack there of.

Out of your five I would give you nelson as the most consistent or the only consistent forward throughout the season. JGP I give a pass as he was coming back from hand/ wrist surgery. It takes a good year to regain that strength and that is why he was better at the end of the season. Everyone else either had a bad year or only a good half of the season.

A team that basis its performance on being able to roll 4 lines needs to produce when they do not have the horses to carry the team. If you are judging the team by everyone performing their roll...Well Nelson, Dobson and Sorokin, were the only successful players out of a 20 man roster.

So, back too my point, IF the right deal is there to improve this team for now and the future. Pretty much anyone is tradeable.

What we all knew and realized is that management believes last year was a fluke. They knew they needed to add another defenseman and that's what they did. They are locking up the RFA's and they are going to let it roll with what they have. They might added a depth player or PTO but it is going to be the same 18 with 2 defensive changes.

Maybe the team and management prove us all wrong. But I see this team as 6,7,8 playoff spot team at best. To me is has go to be more than making the playoffs. It needs to be about championships.

Other teams have turned themselves around quickly. Dev's, Rangers, to name a few. The rangers are setting themselves up for a good five years. Drury is no dope and is not afraid to make moves. Tommy Fitz is doing the same in jersey.

And we are talking about taxes....I have always stated that good teams find ways to get it done. The Isles are still floundering in my opinion.

Team sucks, trade what you can and let the rebuild commence. Might want to bring Snow back in and have him assist Lou with the more delicate decisions.
- nyisles7

I did not say the team sucks first of all. I did not say we need a re-build. Nor did I say we needed Garth back.

I simply stated that the team has not won anything of substance to date. Why is it wrong to say that pretty much everyone is tradeable. To your comments I say, prove me wrong. With the exception of 3 players 17 under achieved. This is an 18% success rate of your team with a 72% failure rate.

Your most dynamic forward was ranked 87th in league in total points. That accounts for 4 full teams and 6 players that are better than your top player. Verses a team like Colorado that has 6 players ahead of your best player.

I think Lee, Barzal and even Palms were pretty consistent in their careers except for last year. In whole last year was a disaster. Hopefully it will be much better or at least a normal year for all of them and we should be better.
Beau on the other hand needs to be traded but you gotta think it will take at least a second round draft pick as a sweetener for anyone to take him off our hands.
- nyisles7

Really?

Really?
- streaks

No, not really. Just his usual sarcasm...

KADRI out, sounds like Miller is staying per Canuck coach, I’ll throw this out there one last time as a cheap fix, Chandler Stephenson.

He was stripped of the 1st line when Eichel arrived, he has some game. The only hang up is LV wants Varlamov
- Tee56

Vegas wants nothing to do with Varly. Thompson is the number one guy. And again; Stephenson is one of the last guys on the roster they’d move.

I think Lee, Barzal and even Palms were pretty consistent in their careers except for last year. In whole last year was a disaster. Hopefully it will be much better or at least a normal year for all of them and we should be better.

Beau on the other hand needs to be traded but you gotta think it will take at least a second round draft pick as a sweetener for anyone to take him off our hands.
- nyisles7

That’s true; 20 goal seasons from the guys who usually are good for 20 would be huge. And if the team can still keep the GA low (and I can’t see why they can’t), then the expected offence should translate into enough wins for a wildcard at the very least.

Lee(30)-Barzal(20)-Palmieri(25)
Beauvillier(20)-Nelson(25)-Bailey(15)
Parise(15)-Pageau(15)-Wahlstrom(20)
Martin(5)-Cizikas(10)-Clutterbuck(5)

Pelech(5)-Dobson(15)
Romanov(5)-Pulock(10)
?-Mayfield(5)

I think these totals are reasonable. And 245 goals comfortably puts the Islanders middle of pack scoring wise.

If you gonna give Lee a pass for injury, you gonna need to JGP a pass, probably Palms, Pullock, maybe even Clutter.

Yes, Sorokin and Dobson are pretty much the untouchable future. My point is we are all wind socks here. Our expectations and acceptance of the team depending on the outcome of moves and/or lack there of.

Out of your five I would give you nelson as the most consistent or the only consistent forward throughout the season. JGP I give a pass as he was coming back from hand/ wrist surgery. It takes a good year to regain that strength and that is why he was better at the end of the season. Everyone else either had a bad year or only a good half of the season.

A team that basis its performance on being able to roll 4 lines needs to produce when they do not have the horses to carry the team. If you are judging the team by everyone performing their roll...Well Nelson, Dobson and Sorokin, were the only successful players out of a 20 man roster.

So, back too my point, IF the right deal is there to improve this team for now and the future. Pretty much anyone is tradeable.

What we all knew and realized is that management believes last year was a fluke. They knew they needed to add another defenseman and that's what they did. They are locking up the RFA's and they are going to let it roll with what they have. They might added a depth player or PTO but it is going to be the same 18 with 2 defensive changes.

Maybe the team and management prove us all wrong. But I see this team as 6,7,8 playoff spot team at best. To me is has go to be more than making the playoffs. It needs to be about championships.

Other teams have turned themselves around quickly. Dev's, Rangers, to name a few. The rangers are setting themselves up for a good five years. Drury is no dope and is not afraid to make moves. Tommy Fitz is doing the same in jersey.

And we are talking about taxes....I have always stated that good teams find ways to get it done. The Isles are still floundering in my opinion.
- Nfdbulldawg

Even after surgery, Pageau still made the consistent list. The guy is never not a menace, just suffered from poor puck luck.

Palmieri is tricky for me, as I don’t feel familiar enough with him to give an honest appraisal.

As far as the 4th line goes, they didn’t play up to expectations last year, which we can chalk up to a combination of age and injuries. I’ve no idea what to expect from them this year.

So far as changes go, I’ve little doubt that this season will be make or break for Lou and the roster as constructed. We’ll almost certainly see a retool if the playoffs fall out of reach.

That said, I still think this is a playoff team as constructed. What’s more, I still think this is a dangerous playoff team as constructed.

Even after surgery, Pageau still made the consistent list. The guy is never not a menace, just suffered from poor puck luck.

Palmieri is tricky for me, as I don’t feel familiar enough with him to give an honest appraisal.

As far as the 4th line goes, they didn’t play up to expectations last year, which we can chalk up to a combination of age and injuries. I’ve no idea what to expect from them this year.

So far as changes go, I’ve little doubt that this season will be make or break for Lou and the roster as constructed. We’ll almost certainly see a retool if the playoffs fall out of reach.

That said, I still think this is a playoff team as constructed. What’s more, I still think this is a dangerous playoff team as constructed.
- Wildschwein

On paper this team should be able to compete and make the playoffs. But the stats themselves are deceiving at times. You cannot look at the bottom line but the game by game performances. Meaning that the stats some of these players have were not impactful in games. Like the player that scores the last three goals in a 10-2 victory. Yeah he got a hat trick but it was meaningless in the outcome to the game.

We have too hope that the younger guys Raty Walley, Bellows, Dulfor will make some of the dead wood want to perform better. Lets also hope Lambert is not afraid to sit a veteran player in favor of a kid that is producing.

Otherwise this team will be no better than last year.