JC the hockey conversation on here is back to Bailey




- nyisles7

Your buddy Lou can do something to fix it. Trade him or buy him out and the Bailey talk stops. Bailey is an issue as long as he is on the team. L & M can also officially announce Lou and Lane are coming back and that will give fans something else to chat about. Fans have to come up with their own things with the Islanders being the C.I.A.

Kevin Weekes
@KevinWeekes
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told, the ⁦@PredsNHL⁩ are making a change behind the bench, and one time Predator Andrew Brunette will be their new HC in Music City.

Kevin Weekes
@KevinWeekes
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told, the ⁦@PredsNHL⁩ are making a change behind the bench, and one time Predator Andrew Brunette will be their new HC in Music City.
- eichiefs9

Barry making moves.

Your buddy Lou can do something to fix it. Trade him or buy him out and the Bailey talk stops. Bailey is an issue as long as he is on the team. L & M can also officially announce Lou and Lane are coming back and that will give fans something else to chat about. Fans have to come up with their own things with the Islanders being the C.I.A.
- ses111

Lou wasn’t fired yet?

Yeah I'm not absolving him of criticism, there's plenty of it to be had. But his draft position is a big part of why I think a lot of people can't stand him. If he were a third round pick it wouldn't seem like as big a deal as an 8th overall pick (that we traded back twice for)
- eichiefs9

But would he still be here if he was a third round pick?

I am predicting the Cats in 5.

Does anyone see a way for the isles to get in back into this years first round draft?

I am predicting the Cats in 5.

Does anyone see a way for the isles to get in back into this years first round draft?
- Nfdbulldawg

Not likely with this year's draft being very strong.

Lou wasn’t fired yet?
- nyisles7

I've not had a chance to speak to Ledecky.

But would he still be here if he was a third round pick?
- PeteM

My guess is Lou, Lane, and the owners don't really care about where Bailey was drafted. None of them were around at that time, and I doubt they're making any decisions based on Snow's convictions in 2008. If they feel he's useful, they'll keep him. If they feel they're better off buying him out or trading him to use that money elsewhere, they'll do that.

I'm not even sure most fans care that much at this point. After all this time, if Bailey had carved out a role as a reliable, hardworking, gritty third-liner who chipped in some goals here and there, they'd have probably accepted that by now.

It's the inconsistency that drives the bad feelings. I still can't tell you what his role should be and I've seen him play for like 15 years now. Sometimes he looks good with the skill guys; other times he's clearly holding them back. Sometimes he's responsible defensively, but you can't put him in a key defensive role because you have no idea when he's just going to randomly decide to stop skating at a key moment.

My guess is Lou, Lane, and the owners don't really care about where Bailey was drafted. None of them were around at that time, and I doubt they're making any decisions based on Snow's convictions in 2008. If they feel he's useful, they'll keep him. If they feel they're better off buying him out or trading him to use that money elsewhere, they'll do that.

I'm not even sure most fans care that much at this point. After all this time, if Bailey had carved out a role as a reliable, hardworking, gritty third-liner who chipped in some goals here and there, they'd have probably accepted that by now.

It's the inconsistency that drives the bad feelings. I still can't tell you what his role should be and I've seen him play for like 15 years now. Sometimes he looks good with the skill guys; other times he's clearly holding them back. Sometimes he's responsible defensively, but you can't put him in a key defensive role because you have no idea when he's just going to randomly decide to stop skating at a key moment.
- UIF

Fans respect heart and effort. That is why Casey is so respected. He is not 6'4 230 and he plays big and is willing to sacrifice is body for the team.

Fans respect heart and effort. That is why Casey is so respected. He is not 6'4 230 and he plays big and is willing to sacrifice is body for the team.
- ses111

If Casey was a top-10 pick, I bet fans would have resented him a bit at first for not putting up bigger numbers. But after a while I think they definitely would have grown to appreciate his heart, effort, consistency, and effectiveness.

My guess is Lou, Lane, and the owners don't really care about where Bailey was drafted. None of them were around at that time, and I doubt they're making any decisions based on Snow's convictions in 2008. If they feel he's useful, they'll keep him. If they feel they're better off buying him out or trading him to use that money elsewhere, they'll do that.

I'm not even sure most fans care that much at this point. After all this time, if Bailey had carved out a role as a reliable, hardworking, gritty third-liner who chipped in some goals here and there, they'd have probably accepted that by now.

It's the inconsistency that drives the bad feelings. I still can't tell you what his role should be and I've seen him play for like 15 years now. Sometimes he looks good with the skill guys; other times he's clearly holding them back. Sometimes he's responsible defensively, but you can't put him in a key defensive role because you have no idea when he's just going to randomly decide to stop skating at a key moment.
- UIF

First two paragraphs are spot on. The last one I get your pleasing the HB GM’s. No need to do that. The whole talk about where he was drafted is internet GM hyperbole.

I've not had a chance to speak to Ledecky.
- ses111

You mean you didn’t give him your HBGM name card with the website address when you met him?

If Casey was a top-10 pick, I bet fans would have resented him a bit at first for not putting up bigger numbers. But after a while I think they definitely would have grown to appreciate his heart, effort, consistency, and effectiveness.
- UIF

Bailey is a .5 + point per game player and it goes to .75 in the POs.
Casey is .25 points per game and it actually drops a bit in the POs.
Josh was a talented player with offensive skill and Casey is a heart a soul type of guy.
I always thought Bailey was a serviceable player who had his ups and downs like most median talented NHL players.
Casey is a 4th line guy which most HB and internet GMs say could be replaced easily.
Amazing when you watch the POs how important these 3rd and 4th liners are.
9 times out of 10 they make the difference who wins and who loses.

My guess is Lou, Lane, and the owners don't really care about where Bailey was drafted. None of them were around at that time, and I doubt they're making any decisions based on Snow's convictions in 2008. If they feel he's useful, they'll keep him. If they feel they're better off buying him out or trading him to use that money elsewhere, they'll do that.

I'm not even sure most fans care that much at this point. After all this time, if Bailey had carved out a role as a reliable, hardworking, gritty third-liner who chipped in some goals here and there, they'd have probably accepted that by now.

It's the inconsistency that drives the bad feelings. I still can't tell you what his role should be and I've seen him play for like 15 years now. Sometimes he looks good with the skill guys; other times he's clearly holding them back. Sometimes he's responsible defensively, but you can't put him in a key defensive role because you have no idea when he's just going to randomly decide to stop skating at a key moment.
- UIF

Doesn’t really matter it is pretty obvious his long run with the Islanders is coming to an end one way or another.

Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
The Toronto Maple #Leafs are putting the finishing touches on a contract that will make Brad Treliving the 18th GM in club history.

Process could be wrapped as soon as this afternoon. Still some loose ends to tie up.

First to report: @DarrenDreger.

But would he still be here if he was a third round pick?
- PeteM

It's debatable for sure. He took a long time to become a better player, some teams may have cut bait earlier. But when he did get there he was a solid player for a few years. Never perfect, but he had a couple good seasons and was always a good playoff performer. The last couple seasons have seen him decline pretty quickly though.

Looking at his career as a whole he was pretty average, but that was just a handful of solid seasons bookended by some pretty bad ones. Always strong in the playoffs though, can't deny him credit for that.

It's debatable for sure. He took a long time to become a better player, some teams may have cut bait earlier. But when he did get there he was a solid player for a few years. Never perfect, but he had a couple good seasons and was always a good playoff performer. The last couple seasons have seen him decline pretty quickly though.

Looking at his career as a whole he was pretty average, but that was just a handful of solid seasons bookended by some pretty bad ones. Always strong in the playoffs though, can't deny him credit for that.
- eichiefs9

I am predicting the Cats in 5.

Does anyone see a way for the isles to get in back into this years first round draft?
- Nfdbulldawg

Don't see it in 5 but they have to be the favorite. I think it's going to come down to team depth as far as scoring. 3rd and 4th liners contributing will be huge as will goaltending. I'll take Vegas and the under dog odds. I think they have more depth and better D. That said Bob is the X Factor. He's been lights out great in the PO's.
Hoping for a good series.

- Wildschwein

Most recent Athletic article. Take it however you please:

The only way it’s possible to analyze what the Islanders may or may not do this offseason is to make the assumptions that Lou Lamoriello remains in charge and still views this team as having an open window to pursuing a championship. These assumptions are unfortunately necessary now that we’ve gone a full month since the end of the season without hearing from the general manager (or coach Lane Lambert).

Regardless, the Islanders will likely still have a mostly veteran roster when the 2023-24 season begins, as it’s difficult to envision any big moves over the next few weeks and months. They don’t have much flexibility salary cap-wise, while some of the contracts for players that are over the age of 30 would be difficult to move even if they wanted to.

One phrase that’s going to get tossed around — really, it is already — is that Team X should try and execute their version of the “Matthew Tkachuk deal.” Or, in other words, swap one established star for another, like when the Flames sent the winger, now on the cusp of a Stanley Cup championship with the Florida Panthers, to Calgary for a package that included 115-point center Jonathan Huberdeau.

Could the Islanders do something that? You never say never, of course, but arguably the only player they have that qualifies as a star is goalie Ilya Sorokin — and trading the Vezina Trophy finalist would seem to make little sense, considering that he still plays the most important position on the ice and the team doesn’t have anyone that could logically replace him, particularly at a $4 million cap hit, which is what he will be at next season.

So then who’s staying, and who might be on the move? Let’s break it down into some simple tiers.

Lock to remain
Ilya Sorokin — The only way a Sorokin move makes sense is if the Islanders don’t see any path to getting him signed long-term. The 27-year-old is eligible for a contract extension on July 1, has already said that he likes playing on Long Island, and indicated he would like to stick around. If talks go nowhere and the Islanders are well out of the playoff race next March then maybe it’s a topic worth discussing. But until then, it’s not.

Brock Nelson — A new career high in points (75) in 2022-23. A team-friendly $6 million AAV through 2024-25. A first-time All-Star game appearance. Nelson isn’t going anywhere.

Bo Horvat — Horvat’s play down the stretch and in the playoffs was concerning, considering he signed an eight-year, $68 million deal shortly after his arrival that kicks in next season. Even in the incredibly unlikely event they wanted to, it might be tough for the Islanders to move Horvat at this point.

Noah Dobson — Yes, Dobson had a disappointing season, but the Islanders should be looking to add puck movers on their back end, not subtract them. And selling low on him this summer makes no sense.

Anders Lee — Despite struggling late in the season, Lee still managed 28 goals. While there were times he looked less effective in front of the net than he has in the past, a team doesn’t trade its captain unless it believes there’s something wrong with its culture — and there were never any indications that anyone thinks that was a problem last season.

Almost definitely back
Mathew Barzal — Barzal’s eight-year, $73 million contract kicks in next season, and before he was hurt in February he was playing at a nearly point-per-game pace. He’s in the lower tier here because the Islanders actually had a better points percentage after he was injured in February, but they’ll almost certainly need him around if they are going to improve their power play, especially.

The Identity Line: Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin are each entering the final year of their respective deals, while Casey Cizikas is still locked up for four more seasons. Cizikas is still a decent fourth-line center; Clutterbuck can hit and penalty kill and Martin’s 19 points were his most since 2015-16. Next season will probably be their last hurrah.

Alexander Romanov — The young defenseman was playing his best hockey over the final few weeks of the season before a shoulder injury hampered him in the playoffs. Very unlikely he’s moved after the team gave up its 2022 first-round pick for him, and he adds a necessary physical element.

Kyle Palmieri — Part of the Islanders’ most effective line down the stretch, Palmieri’s play was a big part of the reason the team even qualified for the playoffs. And the Islanders should be looking to add scorers, as opposed to dealing one.

Hudson Fasching — His two-year, $1.55 million extension kicks in next season, and if Fasching can keep playing the way he did last season, it could end up being a bargain.

Simon Holmstrom — A young player who had some ups and down this season and still has modest upside, the Islanders will have to hope Holmstrom can improve and challenge some of the other older forwards for playing time next season.

Samuel Bolduc — Bolduc showed some flashes late in the season and could be in line to challenge for a regular spot in the defensive top six in training camp. One of the Islanders’ few legitimate NHL prospects.

Almost definitely back…but, what if?
Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech — The only way the Islanders trade one of these two is if there’s an elite, puck-moving defenseman they’d like to pursue. If they are to get into the Erik Karlsson discussions, for example, that would certainly mean moving an ample-salaried defenseman the other way.

This is probably worth a deeper dive at some point (we’ve got time), but if the Sharks retain some of Karlsson’s $11.5 salary cap hit, and the Islanders send, say, Pulock’s $6.15 million the other way…well, the Islanders’ season-long problem of breaking the puck out of their own end would get a big boost.

Potential trade bait
Jean-Gabriel Pageau — The center’s name has been mentioned on a few trade lists, as a 30-year-old with several tools and who is on a reasonable $5 million contract for three more seasons. One decision the Islanders will have to make this offseason is whether they envision Barzal as a center or a winger — if they want him in the middle, that gives the team five NHL centers, with Pageau most likely to be the odd-man out.

Oliver Wahlstrom — The forward’s stance as the Islanders’ most polarizing player probably hasn’t changed, as Wahlstrom had a modest seven goals in 35 games before tearing his ACL in January. Is there still some runway left for the first-round pick to make an impact, or is it perhaps time for a fresh start somewhere else?

Sebastian Aho — The blueliner made significant strides this season, but the Islanders could be looking for a little more impact from their depth defensemen than they can get from a guy like the undersized Aho.

Ross Johnston — The Islanders’ enforcer played in just 16 games despite taking up a place on the active roster all season. Perhaps there’s another team out there that believes Johnston can be more than just a fighter, which is the only role that Lambert seemed comfortable giving the towering tough guy.

Could go either way
Pierre Engvall — I pegged Engvall’s worth at approximately $4 million in this piece in April, and others have echoed that, including here and here. The lanky winger fit in well with the Islanders, who would have probably missed the playoffs without his late-season contributions and chemistry with Nelson and Palmieri.

Zach Parise — Unless the Islanders somehow find a way to add multiple wingers, bringing Parise back on another cheap one-year deal would seem to make sense after his 21-goal campaign. But, Parise seemed to be weighing retirement at the end of the season, too.

Semyon Varlamov — The goalie seems happy on Long Island, but whether that’s enough to take what would probably have to be a hometown discount might be a decision he’ll have to make ahead of July 1 at the start of free agency. My guess is the Islanders will find a way to keep him around on a two-year deal, but that’s far from certain.

Likely saying goodbye
Scott Mayfield — It’s not that Mayfield is a player not worthy of keeping around, it’s just that this team needs more of a puck-moving aspect from its defensemen instead of the elements that Mayfield brings. He’ll make more money somewhere else, while the pressure will be on Lamoriello to somehow find a replacement that is more skilled and agile.

Josh Bailey — I just don’t see any path forward here for Bailey to remain with the Islanders after he didn’t play in any of the six playoff games. The relationship with the forward and the coaching staff broke in October, and assuming Lambert is back, Lamoriello will probably try and do right by the player and find him somewhere else to play — whether that’s with a trade or a buyout.

Most recent Athletic article. Take it however you please:

The only way it’s possible to analyze what the Islanders may or may not do this offseason is to make the assumptions that Lou Lamoriello remains in charge and still views this team as having an open window to pursuing a championship. These assumptions are unfortunately necessary now that we’ve gone a full month since the end of the season without hearing from the general manager (or coach Lane Lambert).

...
- eichiefs9

To summarize he basically said no one knows what's going to happen.

To summarize he basically said no one knows what's going to happen.
- JimmyP

Pretty much everything we know and don’t know.

To summarize he basically said no one knows what's going to happen.
- JimmyP

I still do not get the idea Lou has to come back because there is not a lot of Cap room for big moves anyway and he might as well come back. How many years does he even get on a new contract?

I still do not get the idea Lou has to come back because there is not a lot of Cap room for big moves anyway and he might as well come back. How many years does he even get on a new contract?
- ses111

Your favorite 7 years