I don't think there's much of an option other than playing 13 on wing w 14.
- streaks

Agreed. I don't like the idea, and never have. It's why I argued against signing Kadri last year on here...I thought it'd needlessly create a dilemma at a position that was just fine as-is while not really putting an exclamation point at wing, which is what they really needed.

But, I do get that Barzal's the most likely of the centers to be put at wing, and that's the kind of decision you have to make when you acquire five NHL centers and you only have four spots to play them.

Still, until I see him really tear it up at wing, I'll still believe you're limiting him by playing him there. I can't remember which player was talking about covering Barzal, but he mentioned that Barzal's crossovers make him nearly impossible to keep up with. Barzal's said a major difference between center and wing is center involves more crossovers whereas wing is a lot more stops and starts.

It makes more sense to me to play him at the position where he can use that attribute more, and it makes less sense to me to have perhaps the fastest skater in the league who's a natural center and want to cut well over 1/2 the rink on him.

Agreed. I don't like the idea, and never have. It's why I argued against signing Kadri last year on here...I thought it'd needlessly create a dilemma at a position that was just fine as-is while not really putting an exclamation point at wing, which is what they really needed.

But, I do get that Barzal's the most likely of the centers to be put at wing, and that's the kind of decision you have to make when you acquire five NHL centers and you only have four spots to play them.

Still, until I see him really tear it up at wing, I'll still believe you're limiting him by playing him there. I can't remember which player was talking about covering Barzal, but he mentioned that Barzal's crossovers make him nearly impossible to keep up with. Barzal's said a major difference between center and wing is center involves more crossovers whereas wing is a lot more stops and starts.

It makes more sense to me to play him at the position where he can use that attribute more, and it makes less sense to me to have perhaps the fastest skater in the league who's a natural center and want to cut well over 1/2 the rink on him.
- UIF

I agree with all your comments, UIF. Lou went out and got the best player at the deadline, not the best player for the position needed to be filled.

Regarding Barzal, he's the Isles best player at skating the puck out of the zone, which is easiest to do from below the circles, not up high near the blue line. I played center growing up, and hated when I had to move to wing. It's not that easy to adjust when you're used to having free range of the ice, so to say.

Also, your best playmakers tend to be centers, who can distribute the puck to their scoring wingers. Which is exactly what Barzal is and does. I'm not sold on this yet either...

I agree with all your comments, UIF. Lou went out and got the best player at the deadline, not the best player for the position needed to be filled.

Regarding Barzal, he's the Isles best player at skating the puck out of the zone, which is easiest to do from below the circles, not up high near the blue line. I played center growing up, and hated when I had to move to wing. It's not that easy to adjust when you're used to having free range of the ice, so to say.

Also, your best playmakers tend to be centers, who can distribute the puck to their scoring wingers. Which is exactly what Barzal is and does. I'm not sold on this yet either...
- streaks

Going to disagree on the bold.
As a center there is a lot more defensive responsibility as far as zone coverage which in a TO or transition situation he as a center could be behind the net etc. Where as a winger your defensive coverage is typically on the side wall with coverage predominantly on the point man on your side.
When there’s a TO or a transition from the d zone he can bust the zone for a breakout pass with his sped or take a chip pass and skate it out from where ever he is.
That said he isn’t less effective in moving out the puck if at the wing and if utilized properly may give the team a quicker transition from the zone.
Also playing the wing may actually keep him from playing that east west game and play a little more north south and he may actually shoot a little more.
Just my opinion of course.

I don't think there's much of an option other than playing 13 on wing w 14.
- streaks

Honestly with Bo and Nelson on the team he would be your 3rd center at this point as unpopular as that is for the fans to hear that.

Going to disagree on the bold.
As a center there is a lot more defensive responsibility as far as zone coverage which in a TO or transition situation he as a center could be behind the net etc. Where as a winger your defensive coverage is typically on the side wall with coverage predominantly on the point man on your side.
When there’s a TO or a transition from the d zone he can bust the zone for a breakout pass with his sped or take a chip pass and skate it out from where ever he is.
That said he isn’t less effective in moving out the puck if at the wing and if utilized properly may give the team a quicker transition from the zone.
Also playing the wing may actually keep him from playing that east west game and play a little more north south and he may actually shoot a little more.
Just my opinion of course.
- nyisles7

I hear what you’re saying, but the he’s depending on our defense or center making a good outlet pass to him, all while potentially being pinched in on by a defender. If he’s low in the slot, where a center generally is, he’s in a spot where he can grab the puck and go or get a shorter outlet pass from his defender. And then use his speed to separate and move up ice or head man it. That’s my take on it.

Honestly with Bo and Nelson on the team he would be your 3rd center at this point as unpopular as that is for the fans to hear that.
- nyisles7

Maybe so. Adding Bo when we had JGP (very similar style IMO) may not have been the best move by Lou, when all along we’ve been in need of a scoring winger. I hope Barzal can make the transition, but it still may take some time for him to get adjusted.

I don’t know this obviously and it’s clearly my opinion but I don’t think Debrincat was worth a first and JGP and Wahlstrom. The offer I read although no one really knows was just JGP and Wally. They prob wanted a first and Lou wouldn’t budge. I don’t think Debrincat is worth JGP, Wally and a first. But I guess we now know who’s expendable. I’m fine with giving up Wahlstrom and JGP for a 30-35 goal scorer who plays PP
- kindlyrick

We don’t know if it’s true obviously but if it is you’re smoking dust if you don’t think a twice 40 goal scoring 26 yr old winger for this team isn’t worth that. That’s like saying Bo Horvat for raty and a first in this past draft was a great trade. I love JGP but you’re over valuing him.

Yeah, it seems like an awfully strange time to find religion on that issue...like opting for a salad because it's healthy, but only doing so immediately after you just housed an entire pizza pie.

My guess is the information here, as is often the case when it comes to Lou, is either not entirely accurate or completely made up.
- UIF

100%. Who knows if it’s true but if there were ever a time to trade a first this was it. Like if this was the deciding factor he should be shot into space for not doing it. Like ordering a bacon cheese burger deluxe with Turkey gravy and a Diet Coke.

100%. Who knows if it’s true but if there were ever a time to trade a first this was it. Like if this was the deciding factor he should be shot into space for not doing it. Like ordering a bacon cheese burger deluxe with Turkey gravy and a Diet Coke.
- Cptmjl

My sentiments exactly. Wait, what’s the weird part, turkey gravy on a bacon cheeseburger, the Diet Coke, or both. My vote is both 😂😂😂.
Edit: I mean both.

My sentiments exactly. Wait, what’s the weird part, turkey gravy on a bacon cheeseburger, the Diet Coke, or all three. My vote is all three 😂😂😂
- streaks

I'm still trying to wrap my head around UIF's pizza and salad analogy. I've been known to enjoy a nice antipasto with a slice or three.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around UIF's pizza and salad analogy. I've been known to enjoy a nice antipasto with a slice or three.
- JohnScammo

Now your making me hungry JS 😅😂

Now your making me hungry JS 😅😂
- streaks

Nah, Barzal and Kane would have total possession of the puck every shift. Dancing line 2 flamingo dancers and Horvat would be spinning in the slot ready to fire and never getting a chance

JK obviously but to be honest Kane didn’t impress me at all in the POs with The Rags and he had his boy Bread with him.
I honestly think Tank is a pure shooter and fits the scoring winger the Isles need.
Just my opinion though.
- nyisles7

Valid points. I think your right on Tank. I also, think Kane was hurt going into playoffs and was a shell of himself. Who knows how he will be after his surgery.

Yeah, it seems like an awfully strange time to find religion on that issue...like opting for a salad because it's healthy, but only doing so immediately after you just housed an entire pizza pie.

My guess is the information here, as is often the case when it comes to Lou, is either not entirely accurate or completely made up.
- UIF

I could go for a nice broccoli and white pie !!! But I do get your meaning.

My sentiments exactly. Wait, what’s the weird part, turkey gravy on a bacon cheeseburger, the Diet Coke, or both. My vote is both 😂😂😂.
Edit: I mean both.
- streaks

Tomahawk Ribeye with a side of quinoa.

Valid points. I think your right on Tank. I also, think Kane was hurt going into playoffs and was a shell of himself. Who knows how he will be after his surgery.
- Nfdbulldawg

Mentioned tarasenko a week and a half ago and that he wouldn’t cost anything besides money. You said you weren’t interested in that idea. I think tarasenko would be a great add but obviously not for 7 or 8 years. We would of course have to shed quite a bit of salary more then likely which means Pageau if we were to actually sign him.

I was asking for a clarification on what you meant. I was not sure.
- Nfdbulldawg

Without any commentary, good or bad, on any of the trades...all I was saying was that they couldn't afford to land DeBrincat because they haven't picked in the first round in four years and at some point they had to stop trading 1st round picks.

It was meant to be more of an observation than an opinion on anything

Mentioned tarasenko a week and a half ago and that he wouldn’t cost anything besides money. You said you weren’t interested in that idea. I think tarasenko would be a great add but obviously not for 7 or 8 years. We would of course have to shed quite a bit of salary more then likely which means Pageau if we were to actually sign him.
- Cptmjl

You could always try to 'Nancy Kerrigan' Lee

Valid points. I think your right on Tank. I also, think Kane was hurt going into playoffs and was a shell of himself. Who knows how he will be after his surgery.
- Nfdbulldawg

He was playing through a hip injury that required a major (relative to hockey, anyway) surgical procedure. He's one year removed from a 92pt season playing on a bad team. I'd take my chances on him before Tarasenko.

Regardless, they probably afford to squeeze either under the cap

He was playing through a hip injury that required a major (relative to hockey, anyway) surgical procedure. He's one year removed from a 92pt season playing on a bad team. I'd take my chances on him before Tarasenko.

Regardless, they probably afford to squeeze either under the cap
- eichiefs9

Kane does not seem to be a fan of joining the Islanders. Have to think he'll try to sign on with who he feels is a true contender.

Kane does not seem to be a fan of joining the Islanders. Have to think he'll try to sign on with who he feels is a true contender.
- ses111

Hey, he only wanted to go the Rags at the trade deadline because he thought that was his best chance to win. His judgement is slightly flawed. (not that the Isles ARE a "contender") Hell, the Bruins were the TOP contender last season...until they reached the playoffs.

We don’t know if it’s true obviously but if it is you’re smoking dust if you don’t think a twice 40 goal scoring 26 yr old winger for this team isn’t worth that. That’s like saying Bo Horvat for raty and a first in this past draft was a great trade. I love JGP but you’re over valuing him.
- Cptmjl

Clearly Lou agreed, as I’d bet the ask was the first rounder and Lou wouldn’t offer it. I don’t love JGP if I’m being honest, but his pts coupled with Wahlstroms equate to Debrincat and the leverage the isles had was that he wasn’t re signing with Ottawa so he had to be moved. The Horvat trade was completely different in that it was one NHL player coming back to Vancouver and an unproven prospect and pick.
Wahlstrom and JGP alone should be able to bring back a winger to add to the PP. I’m not keen on constantly giving away first rounders and I guess this time Lou wouldn’t budge and Stevie Y did.

Kane does not seem to be a fan of joining the Islanders. Have to think he'll try to sign on with who he feels is a true contender.
- ses111

Crazy how all that firepower the Rags added and their PP was almost as bad as the isles.

Crazy how all that firepower the Rags added and their PP was almost as bad as the isles.
- kindlyrick

I was not in favor of the moves the Rangers made. Kane clearly did not seem the same player last year. The Rangers need more though from players like Kakko and Lafreniere. The Rangers make too many moves and the Islanders not enough moves.

Hey, he only wanted to go the Rags at the trade deadline because he thought that was his best chance to win. His judgement is slightly flawed. (not that the Isles ARE a "contender") Hell, the Bruins were the TOP contender last season...until they reached the playoffs.
- Mancalledsting

Kane like a lot of players love the Rangers. I was not shocked at all the Devils beat the Rangers. I thought Drury did a lousy job last year. The Bruins losing was a huge surprise, but upsets happen and it's possible they can rebound this year.