They can milk another $1.1M out of the cap if they send Johnston to the minors which, barring any other moves, is what they'll have to do in order to get Wahlstrom signed.
- eichiefs9

It's tough when you use the Cap space to just bring the same team back so far. The Islanders need a lot to go right if no outside help is brough in.

Fixed. They've got under $400k left at the moment
- eichiefs9

Just enough to squeeze me in there.

Right now Lou is like we can give you this much


- Vukota

https://www.newsday.com/s...anders-red-wings-n1awt8su

I'm not sure if anyone has access to Newsday. sounds like the Sens were not impressed with the Islanders trade package.

How much do they (the experts) project Kane to sign for?

https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/alex-debrincat-islanders-red-wings-n1awt8su

I'm not sure if anyone has access to Newsday. sounds like the Sens were not impressed with the Islanders trade package.
- ses111

What the Senators got in the package for Cat was nothing stellar at all. It would be interesting who Lou offered up if he offered anything.

https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/alex-debrincat-islanders-red-wings-n1awt8su

I'm not sure if anyone has access to Newsday. sounds like the Sens were not impressed with the Islanders trade package.
- ses111

Alex DeBrincat was all smiles on a teleconference on Monday, wearing a retro Detroit Pistons cap and talking about how happy he is to be playing for his hometown Red Wings the next four seasons.

Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello was not on camera. Likely, his visage was considerably more dour after being unable to work out a deal with the Ottawa Senators for the high-scoring wing.

The two-time 40-goal scorer from Farmington Hills, Michigan, was exactly what the Islanders need. But the Islanders’ proposed trade package, which included center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and the remaining three seasons of his six-year, $30 million deal, as well as right wing Oliver Wahlstrom, according to an NHL source, did not entice the Senators.

It seems certain that Lamoriello would have had to include a first-round pick and maybe a prospect as well. The Islanders have not picked in the first round since 2019 and might be reluctant to surrender future premium picks.

It also seems likely that the Senators did not want to take on any large salaries such as Pageau’s. He is from Ottawa and played his first seven-plus NHL seasons with the Senators.

The Red Wings landed DeBrincat on Sunday for forward Dominik Kubalik, who is entering the last season of a two-year, $5 million deal; defense prospect Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick in 2024 and a fourth-round pick in 2024.

“There’s just a limited number of actual what we call — I don’t know what the true definition of a goal-scorer is, but there just aren’t a lot of them around the league,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said on Monday’s teleconference. “The guys that can get [the puck] on the stick and any time they shoot it, it looks like it has a chance of going in. We categorize Alex in that mode, as a sniper. Just one shot can change a game.”

DeBrincat, 25, has scored 41 goals twice in his six NHL seasons. He promptly agreed to a four-year, $31.5 million extension with the Red Wings.

The source said it was the Islanders’ understanding that DeBrincat was willing to sign a new deal with them.

The Red Wings and the Islanders were believed to be the two teams seriously vying for DeBrincat.

“I think Detroit was obviously, I think, my No. 1,” DeBrincat said. “There were definitely other teams. But in the end, I’m happy I’m here and happy to join this team and I think this team has a lot of potential.”

So now Lamoriello, who has been pining for a high-scoring wing since arriving on Long Island in 2018 (remember his free-agent pursuit of Artemi Panarin in 2019?) must pivot to a Plan B.

What that is remains uncertain. Former Ranger Vladimir Tarasenko, a proven goal-scorer, is unsigned, but he’s 31, not 25, and plays little defense. Plus the Islanders have less than $400,000 in cap space even after shedding the final season of Josh Bailey’s six-year, $30 million deal.

No, Sunday was not a good day for the Islanders and Lamoriello, who probably is not smiling right now.

Sounds like Lou was unwilling to include a 1st round pick, but DeBrincat was willing to extend here

Alex DeBrincat was all smiles on a teleconference on Monday, wearing a retro Detroit Pistons cap and talking about how happy he is to be playing for his hometown Red Wings the next four seasons.

Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello was not on camera. Likely, his visage was considerably more dour after being unable to work out a deal with the Ottawa Senators for the high-scoring wing.

The two-time 40-goal scorer from Farmington Hills, Michigan, was exactly what the Islanders need. But the Islanders’ proposed trade package, which included center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and the remaining three seasons of his six-year, $30 million deal, as well as right wing Oliver Wahlstrom, according to an NHL source, did not entice the Senators.

It seems certain that Lamoriello would have had to include a first-round pick and maybe a prospect as well. The Islanders have not picked in the first round since 2019 and might be reluctant to surrender future premium picks.

It also seems likely that the Senators did not want to take on any large salaries such as Pageau’s. He is from Ottawa and played his first seven-plus NHL seasons with the Senators.

The Red Wings landed DeBrincat on Sunday for forward Dominik Kubalik, who is entering the last season of a two-year, $5 million deal; defense prospect Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick in 2024 and a fourth-round pick in 2024.

“There’s just a limited number of actual what we call — I don’t know what the true definition of a goal-scorer is, but there just aren’t a lot of them around the league,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said on Monday’s teleconference. “The guys that can get
- eichiefs9[the puck] on the stick and any time they shoot it, it looks like it has a chance of going in. We categorize Alex in that mode, as a sniper. Just one shot can change a game.”

DeBrincat, 25, has scored 41 goals twice in his six NHL seasons. He promptly agreed to a four-year, $31.5 million extension with the Red Wings.

The source said it was the Islanders’ understanding that DeBrincat was willing to sign a new deal with them.

The Red Wings and the Islanders were believed to be the two teams seriously vying for DeBrincat.

“I think Detroit was obviously, I think, my No. 1,” DeBrincat said. “There were definitely other teams. But in the end, I’m happy I’m here and happy to join this team and I think this team has a lot of potential.”

So now Lamoriello, who has been pining for a high-scoring wing since arriving on Long Island in 2018 (remember his free-agent pursuit of Artemi Panarin in 2019?) must pivot to a Plan B.

What that is remains uncertain. Former Ranger Vladimir Tarasenko, a proven goal-scorer, is unsigned, but he’s 31, not 25, and plays little defense. Plus the Islanders have less than $400,000 in cap space even after shedding the final season of Josh Bailey’s six-year, $30 million deal.

No, Sunday was not a good day for the Islanders and Lamoriello, who probably is not smiling right now.

Sounds like Lou was unwilling to include a 1st round pick, but DeBrincat was willing to extend here

Thanks chief! Very surprising that DeBrincat was willing to sign with the Islanders. Why is Lou against giving up a #1 now? He pretty much needs to be all in with this roster.

Thanks chief! Very surprising that DeBrincat was willing to sign with the Islanders. Why is Lou against giving up a #1 now? He pretty much needs to be all in with this roster.
- ses111

They haven't picked in the 1st round since 2019.

He used 1st's on Pageau, Palmieri/Zajac, Romanov, and Horvat for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and they currently have one of the worst prospect pipelines in the league (if not the worst) and also one of the oldest rosters in the league.

Can't trade away 1st rounders forever.

They haven't picked in the 1st round since 2019.

He used 1st's on Pageau, Palmieri/Zajac, Romanov, and Horvat for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and they currently have one of the worst prospect pipelines in the league (if not the worst) and also one of the oldest rosters in the league.

Can't trade away 1st rounders forever.
- eichiefs9

I agree chief. I'm not looking to move anymore #1's. The Islanders are not rebuilding though and the Bo trade and giving up a #1 in a very deep draft sort of points to Lou being all in on trying to win a Cup. This is the problem with the Islanders. You cannot do things halfway. You need to be in or out.

I agree chief. I'm not looking to move anymore #1's. The Islanders are not rebuilding though and the Bo trade and giving up a #1 in a very deep draft sort of points to Lou being all in on trying to win a Cup.
- ses111

At this point they don't have much left to do other than re-sign Wahlstrom and, if he's not retiring, Parise. I don't even know how they'd fit both in under the cap, even if they bury Johnston in BPT.

Unless they miraculously clear a good chunk of space and sign either Tarasenko or Kane, the latter of which won't be playing until December-ish anyway.

At this point they don't have much left to do other than re-sign Wahlstrom and, if he's not retiring, Parise. I don't even know how they'd fit both in under the cap even, if they bury Johnston in BPT.
- eichiefs9

I agree. It just does not seem like the Islanders have a solid plan. The plan seems to be the goaltending continues to get most of the points for the team and the Islanders have to hope if they make the playoffs, they have enough offense. I just do not see it with the current forward group. It's just strange to see Lou say no now to giving up a #1 and especially for a player the Islanders really need.

I agree. It just does not seem like the Islanders have a solid plan. The plan seems to be the goaltending continues to get most of the points for the team and the Islanders have to hope if they make the playoffs, they have enough offense. I just do not see it with the current forward group. It's just strange to see Lou say no now to giving up a #1 and especially for a player the Islanders really need.
- ses111

My guess is Parise is retiring, I'm assuming that's what the Gauthier signing was for, and that is 21 goals not in the lineup from last year.

They're going to need Wahlstrom to play a relatively significant role in the offense this year otherwise they're going to be struggling to score...again

My guess is Parise is retiring, I'm assuming that's what the Gauthier signing was for, and that is 21 goals not in the lineup from last year.

They're going to need Wahlstrom to play a relatively significant role in the offense this year otherwise they're going to be struggling to score...again
- eichiefs9

Team will also need for Lee and Palms to not struggle for a large part of the season and Barzal and Bo will need to be at the top of their game. It's very difficult the way the Islanders are currently built.

Alex DeBrincat was all smiles on a teleconference on Monday, wearing a retro Detroit Pistons cap and talking about how happy he is to be playing for his hometown Red Wings the next four seasons.

Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello was not on camera. Likely, his visage was considerably more dour after being unable to work out a deal with the Ottawa Senators for the high-scoring wing.

The two-time 40-goal scorer from Farmington Hills, Michigan, was exactly what the Islanders need. But the Islanders’ proposed trade package, which included center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and the remaining three seasons of his six-year, $30 million deal, as well as right wing Oliver Wahlstrom, according to an NHL source, did not entice the Senators.

It seems certain that Lamoriello would have had to include a first-round pick and maybe a prospect as well. The Islanders have not picked in the first round since 2019 and might be reluctant to surrender future premium picks.

It also seems likely that the Senators did not want to take on any large salaries such as Pageau’s. He is from Ottawa and played his first seven-plus NHL seasons with the Senators.

The Red Wings landed DeBrincat on Sunday for forward Dominik Kubalik, who is entering the last season of a two-year, $5 million deal; defense prospect Donovan Sebrango, a conditional first-round pick in 2024 and a fourth-round pick in 2024.

“There’s just a limited number of actual what we call — I don’t know what the true definition of a goal-scorer is, but there just aren’t a lot of them around the league,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said on Monday’s teleconference. “The guys that can get
- eichiefs9[the puck] on the stick and any time they shoot it, it looks like it has a chance of going in. We categorize Alex in that mode, as a sniper. Just one shot can change a game.”

DeBrincat, 25, has scored 41 goals twice in his six NHL seasons. He promptly agreed to a four-year, $31.5 million extension with the Red Wings.

The source said it was the Islanders’ understanding that DeBrincat was willing to sign a new deal with them.

The Red Wings and the Islanders were believed to be the two teams seriously vying for DeBrincat.

“I think Detroit was obviously, I think, my No. 1,” DeBrincat said. “There were definitely other teams. But in the end, I’m happy I’m here and happy to join this team and I think this team has a lot of potential.”

So now Lamoriello, who has been pining for a high-scoring wing since arriving on Long Island in 2018 (remember his free-agent pursuit of Artemi Panarin in 2019?) must pivot to a Plan B.

What that is remains uncertain. Former Ranger Vladimir Tarasenko, a proven goal-scorer, is unsigned, but he’s 31, not 25, and plays little defense. Plus the Islanders have less than $400,000 in cap space even after shedding the final season of Josh Bailey’s six-year, $30 million deal.

No, Sunday was not a good day for the Islanders and Lamoriello, who probably is not smiling right now.

Sounds like Lou was unwilling to include a 1st round pick, but DeBrincat was willing to extend here

If this is true, it’s beyond disappointing. WTF’s the difference at this point whether we have a 1st next year or not. All of a sudden he’s thinking about the future when the actual type of player we’ve needed all these years is available and willing to sign. Fuking head scratcher.

If this is true, it’s beyond disappointing. WTF’s the difference at this point whether we have a 1st next year or not. All of a sudden he’s thinking about the future when the actual type of player we’ve needed all these years is available and willing to sign. Fuking head scratcher.
- streaks

I mean you have to stop at some point. The longer you go without adding some quality talent into the system the longer the dark ages are going to be once it becomes clear that you're not actually a contender.

I mean you have to stop at some point. The longer you go without adding some quality talent into the system the longer the dark ages are going to be once it becomes clear that you're not actually a contender.
- eichiefs9

This is true chief but Lou is 80 years old. How much longer is he looking to be GM? Lou has not shown any signs before this that he is looking out for the future.

Maybe pro athletes have thicker skin. But if the rumors are true, JGP and Wally were going to be traded. How do human beings come back from hearing that? Do you have to trade them now? Does Wally have to sign after knowing he was this close to being dealt? No wonder why Lou doesn't like leaks. Or am I just overly sensitive??

Maybe pro athletes have thicker skin. But if the rumors are true, JGP and Wally were going to be traded. How do human beings come back from hearing that? Do you have to trade them now? Does Wally have to sign after knowing he was this close to being dealt? No wonder why Lou doesn't like leaks. Or am I just overly sensitive??
- chazpet

It's part of the business and part of the deal. Players ask for trades and leave for other teams as free agents as well.

If this is true, it’s beyond disappointing. WTF’s the difference at this point whether we have a 1st next year or not. All of a sudden he’s thinking about the future when the actual type of player we’ve needed all these years is available and willing to sign. Fuking head scratcher.
- streaks

Exactly right! He is a bigger need than Bo was as the Islanders were already set at C.

Maybe pro athletes have thicker skin. But if the rumors are true, JGP and Wally were going to be traded. How do human beings come back from hearing that? Do you have to trade them now? Does Wally have to sign after knowing he was this close to being dealt? No wonder why Lou doesn't like leaks. Or am I just overly sensitive??
- chazpet

Ultimately nobody knows what really happened. For all we know that's what Dorion could have asked for and Lou said no.

I mean you have to stop at some point. The longer you go without adding some quality talent into the system the longer the dark ages are going to be once it becomes clear that you're not actually a contender.
- eichiefs9

My phone service at work sucks and I can’t respond on HB when in office. But I hear what you’re saying. But at the same point, I feel like once Lou traded the ‘23 first for Horvat, all bets were off for the future and he was in go for it mode. At this point trading a first for a 25 year old point producer that would immediately improves the PP is the exact player worth trading your first for. Especially with everything considered regarding aging of roster, players in place, etc.

The challenge is we have no cap room (as you we mentioned) and frankly I’m not overly excited with the prospects of potentially landing Tarasenko or Kane. Plus assets would need to be moved, along with futures to make room for such a signing.

We’ll see where it goes from here, but unless Lou has a trade lined up, it looks like we’re going to be opening the season with the lineup that we finished it with. This doesn’t get me too excited for a successful campaign next season. Especially when most teams in our division/conference have gotten better.

My phone service at work sucks and I can’t respond on HB when in office. But I hear what you’re saying. But at the same point, I feel like once Lou traded the ‘23 first for Horvat, all bets were off for the future and he was in go for it mode. At this point trading a first for a 25 year old point producer that would immediately improves the PP is the exact player worth trading your first for. Especially with everything considered regarding aging of roster, players in place, etc.

The challenge is we have no cap room (as you we mentioned) and frankly I’m not overly excited with the prospects of potentially landing Tarasenko or Kane. Plus assets would need to be moved, along with futures to make room for such a signing.

We’ll see where it goes from here, but unless Lou has a trade lined up, it looks like we’re going to be opening the season with the lineup that we finished it with. This doesn’t get me too excited for a successful campaign next season. Especially when most teams in our division/conference have gotten better.
- streaks

In my eyes, Lou trading the 1st for Horvat was him saying that "all bets were off" for the future and going for it. The line for ceasing to trade 1sts has to be drawn somewhere and it appears to be here.

DeBrincat is a good goal scorer but moving Pageau also would have left them with a hole at center and on the PK. DeBrincat plays zero defense and none of Barzal/Nelson/Horvat are going to be playing 3rd line minutes making the money they do.

I won't kill him for not ending up with DeBrincat, even if he would have brought an element that we sorely lack. But they couldn't afford DeBrincat because they've blown through their last 4 first round picks.

In my eyes, Lou trading the 1st for Horvat was him saying that "all bets were off" for the future and going for it. The line for ceasing to trade 1sts has to be drawn somewhere and it appears to be here.

DeBrincat is a good goal scorer but moving Pageau also would have left them with a hole at center and on the PK. DeBrincat plays zero defense and none of Barzal/Nelson/Horvat are going to be playing 3rd line minutes making the money they do.

I won't kill him for not ending up with DeBrincat, even if he would have brought an element that we sorely lack. But they couldn't afford DeBrincat because they've blown through their last 4 first round picks.
- eichiefs9

I’m not trying to argue with you on this, but I will say JGP is a top three favorite of mine, so losing him would certainly be tough. But playing Nelson at third line making $1M more than JGP wouldn’t necessarily be a huge cost factor. And our center depth would be insanely good. Nonetheless, what’s done is done. Let’s all hope this team is better in the regular season than last, or they won’t be seeing a postseason.

In my eyes, Lou trading the 1st for Horvat was him saying that "all bets were off" for the future and going for it. The line for ceasing to trade 1sts has to be drawn somewhere and it appears to be here.

DeBrincat is a good goal scorer but moving Pageau also would have left them with a hole at center and on the PK. DeBrincat plays zero defense and none of Barzal/Nelson/Horvat are going to be playing 3rd line minutes making the money they do.

I won't kill him for not ending up with DeBrincat, even if he would have brought an element that we sorely lack. But they couldn't afford DeBrincat because they've blown through their last 4 first round picks.
- eichiefs9

I cannot imagine L & M saying something to Lou about trading #1 picks. It's a bizarre change for sure after all the #1's moved and the Bo trade in a very deep draft last year.