My hopes are not up. Never were. I have zero expectations besides seeing the same team next year minus a player or two.
- Cptmjl

I think the area the isles have been below average is signing UFA’s. It’s arguably the most important part of asset management as you’re bringing in value without having to give up any. Between weak drafting and lack of UFA signing it’s been a problem. It can’t be money as the isles have offered UFAs in the past top dollars and missed on them. Whatever the answer is, being able to target and land a top UFA must be a priority that’s fixed.

That’s the likely outcome, yup.
- Wildschwein

I believe he and his family want to stay.

I think the area the isles have been below average is signing UFA’s. It’s arguably the most important part of asset management as you’re bringing in value without having to give up any. Between weak drafting and lack of UFA signing it’s been a problem. It can’t be money as the isles have offered UFAs in the past top dollars and missed on them. Whatever the answer is, being able to target and land a top UFA must be a priority that’s fixed.
- kindlyrick

This has been an Islander issues outside of Neil Smith. He was the one Islander GM that knew how to sign FA's.

I think the area the isles have been below average is signing UFA’s. It’s arguably the most important part of asset management as you’re bringing in value without having to give up any. Between weak drafting and lack of UFA signing it’s been a problem. It can’t be money as the isles have offered UFAs in the past top dollars and missed on them. Whatever the answer is, being able to target and land a top UFA must be a priority that’s fixed.
- kindlyrick

There aren’t any top UFA’s this season. We don’t have any assets to acquire any decent players via trade unless we start slinging future 1st round picks which I’m vehemently against. Even if we did we currently don’t have the cap space to sign a decent player even after “trading” Bailey unless we don’t sign any of our UFA’s. That’s the reality of our situation which is exactly where I said where we would be last trade deadline and is why I was not happy about the Horvat trade. Here we are. Enjoy.

There aren’t any top UFA’s this season. We don’t have any assets to acquire any decent players via trade unless we start slinging future 1st round picks which I’m vehemently against. Even if we did we currently don’t have the cap space to sign a decent player even after “trading” Bailey unless we don’t sign any of our UFA’s. That’s the reality of our situation which is exactly where I said where we would be last trade deadline and is why I was not happy about the Horvat trade. Here we are. Enjoy.
- Cptmjl

It would have been tough missing the playoffs, but not making the Horvat trade keeping the #1 pick, Raty, and Beau along with having even more Cap space for 2024. It could have been better long term not making the trade.

Please tell me there is an NHL rule that says a team can't sign a player that they just traded away after the player clears waivers, and is bought out. Please.

It would have been tough missing the playoffs, but not making the Horvat trade keeping the #1 pick, Raty, and Beau along with having even more Cap space for 2024. It could have been better long term not making the trade.
- ses111

Actually, it would’ve been great for me. I would’ve saved a couple thousand instead of buying tickets and would’ve prevented me from watching that abortion game 6 live.

Actually, it would’ve been great for me. I would’ve saved a couple thousand instead of buying tickets and would’ve prevented me from watching that abortion game 6 live.
- Cptmjl

That was a brutal game just watching on TV. I think the right move was to hold off making moves last year and reload during the 2024 offseason with more Cap space and picks.

This has been an Islander issues outside of Neil Smith. He was the one Islander GM that knew how to sign FA's.
- ses111

I think that was more about timing than the GM. There have been a variety of evolving factors that have impacted our UFA efforts over the years. I don't think Neil was some terrific salesman but I do think the team reputation through the Wang years, especially with Snow, hurt. When Neil came in, there was a tremendous amount of optimism with the addition of Trottier and LaFontaine. It didn't take long for Wang to screw that up, which doomed any UFA chances for years to come

It would have been tough missing the playoffs, but not making the Horvat trade keeping the #1 pick, Raty, and Beau along with having even more Cap space for 2024. It could have been better long term not making the trade.
- ses111

Agreed. I was one of the skeptical voices on that trade at the time since I just didn't think it checked the box of what we needed at a cost we couldn't really afford. Raty was subpar in the AHL after the trade. I was fine with unloading Beau, but only if for the right return. I'm not sure Horvat was exactly that. We really needed a 1st rounder this year, especially after having traded the last couple away.

That was a brutal game just watching on TV. I think the right move was to hold off making moves last year and reload during the 2024 offseason with more Cap space and picks.
- ses111

Should have traded whatever we could at the deadline and focused on acquiring some talent at the draft. Instead we traded our first and best prospect for Bo Horvat. Realistically we could’ve had more assets and more space to make something happen at the draft. Worse came to worse we could’ve had a mid round first in a deep draft and more cap space. Instead we have Bo Horvat at 8 million per for the next eight years and zero assets.

Should have traded whatever we could at the deadline and focused on acquiring some talent at the draft. Instead we traded our first and best prospect for Bo Horvat. Realistically we could’ve had more assets and more space to make something happen at the draft. Worse came to worse we could’ve had a mid round first in a deep draft and more cap space. Instead we have Bo Horvat at 8 million per for the next eight years and zero assets.
- Cptmjl

Not trading Mayfield and Varly was a huge mistake IMO. Varly could have come back this season.

I think that was more about timing than the GM. There have been a variety of evolving factors that have impacted our UFA efforts over the years. I don't think Neil was some terrific salesman but I do think the team reputation through the Wang years, especially with Snow, hurt. When Neil came in, there was a tremendous amount of optimism with the addition of Trottier and LaFontaine. It didn't take long for Wang to screw that up, which doomed any UFA chances for years to come
- keaner17

I think Neil had the respect of players and agents from his time with the Rangers and he might have been good on selling a vision. It helped that Neil learnt from Bill and AL. Lou with new owners and new building and two ECF and has still struggled with signing quality UFA's.

Not trading Mayfield and Varly was a huge mistake IMO. Varly could have come back this season.
- keaner17

Yeah he could have but that almost never happens. I still would’ve done it none the less. Definitely would’ve traded mayfield, Parise, whoever we could really and tried to reset in the off-season. When you have little to no prospects, minimal assets, and you’re not a true contender, the last thing you do is double down and take more away from what little you have to begin with. Especially in a draft as strong as this. Said it then and I’ll say it now. That’s terrible asset management and this team will more then likely pay the price for it for the foreseeable future.

I’ll add I doubt lameriello identified Horvat the last couple of seasons and thought I must have that guy. He is going to add exactly what this team lacks. I think he became available and it was more of a I have to do something kind of move. It still makes zero sense to me.

Agreed. I was one of the skeptical voices on that trade at the time since I just didn't think it checked the box of what we needed at a cost we couldn't really afford. Raty was subpar in the AHL after the trade. I was fine with unloading Beau, but only if for the right return. I'm not sure Horvat was exactly that. We really needed a 1st rounder this year, especially after having traded the last couple away.
- keaner17

Losing this year's #1 was big. Raty can still end up being a decent prospect. Islanders needed a scoring wing for Barzal more than another center like Bo.

Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
1h
#Isles take C Justin Gill from Sherbrooke (QMJHL) at No. 145, 44 goals, 49 assists in 68 goals last season


Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
39m
#Isles select LHD Zachary Schulz from US U-18 NTDP at No. 177

One more pick to go at No. 209


Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
11m
In seventh round, #Isles at No. 209 (their last pick) take Swedish LHD Dennis Good Bogg

I think Neil had the respect of players and agents from his time with the Rangers and he might have been good on selling a vision. It helped that Neil learnt from Bill and AL. Lou with new owners and new building and two ECF and has still struggled with signing quality UFA's.
- ses111

I think Lou is far more respected by players and agents than Neil ever was. Neil created a lot of resentment around the NHL by massively overpaying free agents to come to the Ranger$. Some of those Rangers teams had higher salaries than the current NHL salary cap. It's no coincidence that Neil hasn't had a real GM job since. He overpaid to bring in Witt at the time, so I'm sure some players looking for a oayday had him in their sites.

I think Lou is far more respected by players and agents than Neil ever was. Neil created a lot of resentment around the NHL by massively overpaying free agents to come to the Ranger$. Some of those Rangers teams had higher salaries than the current NHL salary cap. It's no coincidence that Neil hasn't had a real GM job since. He overpaid to bring in Witt at the time, so I'm sure some players looking for a oayday had him in their sites.
- keaner17

I'm not sure keaner. The respect has not translated into Lou being able to sign that top UFA. I think working for the Rangers, it was expected Neil went overboard with the signings. I think he would have liked to do things a little differently and may have gotten the chance if things worked out with the Islanders. Neil made the mistake of not being a little patient and letting things play out a little.

Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
1h
#Isles take C Justin Gill from Sherbrooke (QMJHL) at No. 145, 44 goals, 49 assists in 68 goals last season


Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
39m
#Isles select LHD Zachary Schulz from US U-18 NTDP at No. 177

One more pick to go at No. 209


Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
11m
In seventh round, #Isles at No. 209 (their last pick) take Swedish LHD Dennis Good Bogg
- ses111

Dennis Good Bogg is a first round name

Should have traded whatever we could at the deadline and focused on acquiring some talent at the draft. Instead we traded our first and best prospect for Bo Horvat. Realistically we could’ve had more assets and more space to make something happen at the draft. Worse came to worse we could’ve had a mid round first in a deep draft and more cap space. Instead we have Bo Horvat at 8 million per for the next eight years and zero assets.
- Cptmjl

The way this team has drafted in the past??? You make it sound like Lou gave away the world with acquiring Horvat? The assets you are referring to the (upcoming draft picks) would not be ready at best until 2025 2026. That is if they even turned into something.

These are where the mistakes are:

Palmieri, Kyle M-NTC RW, LW NHL Signed 32 6.0 $5,000,000
Cizikas, Casey C NHL Signed 32 3.0 $2,500,000
Clutterbuck, Cal "A" RW NHL Trade 35 2.1 $1,750,000
Martin, Matt LW, RW NHL Signed 34 1.8 $1,500,000
Johnston, Ross LW NHL Signed 29 1.3 $1,100,000

That is 11,850,000.00.

I'm not sure keaner. The respect has not translated into Lou being able to sign that top UFA. I think working for the Rangers, it was expected Neil went overboard with the signings. I think he would have liked to do things a little differently and may have gotten the chance if things worked out with the Islanders. Neil made the mistake of not being a little patient and letting things play out a little.
- ses111

As I've said many times before, I don't think our free agency woes are as simple as 'The GM isn't a good salesman'. Lou is not big on throwing big money at offense, which is one issue. Another I will repeatedly say, NY state taxes are an albatross. Witt was Neil's big signing and largely came aboard due to his friendship/appreciation for Ted Nolan.

The way this team has drafted in the past??? You make it sound like Lou gave away the world with acquiring Horvat? The assets you are referring to the (upcoming draft picks) would not be ready at best until 2025 2026. That is if they even turned into something.

These are where the mistakes are:

Palmieri, Kyle M-NTC RW, LW NHL Signed 32 6.0 $5,000,000
Cizikas, Casey C NHL Signed 32 3.0 $2,500,000
Clutterbuck, Cal "A" RW NHL Trade 35 2.1 $1,750,000
Martin, Matt LW, RW NHL Signed 34 1.8 $1,500,000
Johnston, Ross LW NHL Signed 29 1.3 $1,100,000

That is 11,850,000.00.
- Nfdbulldawg

So what? With that logic we would have no assets for perpetuity. You’re talking like we have a legit Stanley Cup contender here. Sure those were mistakes also but it’s a combination of things. Bad asset management includes signing players to over valued long term contracts.

As I've said many times before, I don't think our free agency woes are as simple as 'The GM isn't a good salesman'. Lou is not big on throwing big money at offense, which is one issue. Another I will repeatedly say, NY state taxes are an albatross. Witt was Neil's big signing and largely came aboard due to his friendship/appreciation for Ted Nolan.
- keaner17

Sillinger was a good pickup along with Poti. Taxes do not stop the Rangers. I think Lou is better with signing the vet and griding type player. Lou has not had success with signing the more skilled type of player in UFA. It's a new NHL now with more emphasis on speed and skill.

Dennis Good Bogg is a first round name
- eichiefs9

Ha-ha! Or a good wrestling name.

Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
44m
#Isles Lou Lamoriello said it was a "difficult" conversation with Josh Bailey this morning. Bailey is in Europe on a golf trip with his now former teammates. Said Chicago buying out Bailey was Chicago's decision. Wouldn't say whether Isles or Bailey had advance warning.



Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
·
45m
#Isles Lou Lamoriello knows of no rule that would prevent Isles re-signing Bailey to a new contract as a UFA. But Lou certainly didn't make it sound like that was a possibility.