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

Well that’s… perplexing.

Well that’s… perplexing.
- Wildschwein

if true schwein, it makes no sense with the current roster and Lou moving #1's in the past. I agree you cannot keep trading them, but it's late in the day to stop now when clearly the Islanders are not rebuilding.

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.
- kindlyrick

We’ll disagree on this. I said from the start it would take a first. Wahlstrom has little value at this point and JGP is a decent two way center. That’s not going to get you back a twice 40 goal scoring 26 yr old winger getting ready to go into his prime. Sorry if this is true it’s mind numbingly stupid imo especially with what we’ve blown firsts on in the past.

We’ll disagree on this. I said from the start it would take a first. Wahlstrom has little value at this point and JGP is a decent two way center at this point. That’s not going to get you back a twice 40 goal scoring 26 yr old winger getting ready to go into his prime. Sorry if this is true it’s mind numbingly stupid imo especially with what we’ve blown firsts on in the past.
- Cptmjl

I thought JGP was a non-factor during the Canes series. He is a nice player. Same for Palms. They are just not the big acquisitions to put the Islanders over the top. Hopefully Bo is a lot better this year. Bo was still not a huge need being a Center.

I thought JGP was a non-factor during the Canes series. He is a nice player. Same for Palms. They are just not the big acquisitions to put the Islanders over the top. Hopefully Bo is a lot better this year. Bo was still not a huge need being a Center.
- ses111

JGP is a big reason we made the playoffs to begin with last season imo. He was a bit off a disappointment once we were there though I agree. I like him think he’s a good player but he’s not an elite or great player in any sense imo. Just kind of does his job which is great but it’s more of the same on this team. Need a game breaker not more of the same and if the objective is to compete and the reluctance was because of giving up a first that to me is insane for reasons I already stated multiple times. Makes zero sense.

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.
- streaks

I thinkBo is much better offensively than JGP. Hopefully Barzal and Bo can find the chemistry they had last year. Also there is nothing like having a team strong up the middle. C's can play wing typically with no issue at all.

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

True on Kane and the injury.

Well that’s… perplexing.
- Wildschwein

If true

JGP is a big reason we made the playoffs to begin with last season imo. He was a bit off a disappointment once we were there though I agree. I like him think he’s a good player but he’s not an elite or great player in any sense imo. Just kind of does his job which is great but it’s more of the same on this team. Need a game breaker not more of the same and if the objective is to compete and the reluctance was because of giving up a first that to me is insane for reasons I already stated multiple times. Makes zero sense.
- Cptmjl

It cannot be easy having to work so hard to make the playoffs and then have enough left in the tank for the playoffs. Maybe this happened with JGP? Islanders do need that other gamebreaker that can match well with Barzal. We will find out how well Bo and Barzal do this season.

Yeah sure but to spend a first round pick and our best prospect on Bo (frank)ing horvat and not a forty goal scoring winger, which has been our obvious weakness for years, is (frank)ing hysterical. As I said before that was one player worth our first. He’s young and talented enough where it makes absolute sense. If this is true, which we will never know, he’s a (frank)ing idiot.

The one time he doesn’t trade a first at the drop of a dime and it was absolutely the right move.
- Cptmjl

And i think Timo Meier Avaible at that time ? Big Left wing that scores but we trade for a center .

And i think Timo Meier Avaible at that time ? Big Left wing that scores but we trade for a center .
- roadworker

In all fairness, Barzal is honestly not really cut out to be a center

In all fairness, Barzal is honestly not really cut out to be a center
- eichiefs9

I wonder if the Islanders had any interest in Meier? He has a lot of skill. He was not good for the Devils during the playoffs and seemed soft. He needs to work on that.

https://www.newsday.com/s...p-lou-lamoriello-j5ihksy5


I'm not sure if there is anything interesting with this from Newsday?

And i think Timo Meier Avaible at that time ? Big Left wing that scores but we trade for a center .
- roadworker

Yeah and Timo was worse than Horvat in the POs if possible.

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

I probably did say that. He was not my first, second or even third choice. Given what is left at the buffet beggars cannot be choosers. I would only probably offer up a 1 year deal.

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
- eichiefs9

That is the down side to using draft picks and the team not performing to expectations. Yes your right at some point the purge of picks will need to cease.

In all fairness, Barzal is honestly not really cut out to be a center
- eichiefs9

That is why the move to the wing on Horvats side makes the most sense. Takes the dot out of the equation and simplifies the defensive responsibilities.

That is why the move to the wing on Horvats side makes the most sense. Takes the dot out of the equation and simplifies the defensive responsibilities.
- Nfdbulldawg

Is Barzal worth 9.15 as a winger that broke 80 points exactly one time along with 20 goals once. Think about that when you think it’s possible that lameriello may have passed on giving up a first for a 25 yr old winger that s surpassed 40 goals twice after giving up one for Romanov, JGP, and Horvat. Then try to explain that to yourself that this all somehow makes sense.

(frank)ing absurd bullsh!t no matter how much of a homer anyone could possibly be. If you(not you anyone)try to theorize this and actually think about the last few years, contracts, trades, etc it becomes laughable. Barzal being a winger after signing that contract makes it even more absurd. If possible. We have a 60 point winger who is a defensive liability more often then not locked up for the next 8 years. Thank god we didn’t give up a first for Debrincat. Phew. Finally we decide to do the “right” thing at the completely wrong time. Hysterical.

Is Barzal worth 9.15 as a winger that broke 80 points exactly one time along with 20 goals once. Think about that when you think it’s possible that lameriello may have passed on giving up a first for a 25 yr old winger that s surpassed 40 goals twice after giving up one for Romanov, JGP, and Horvat. Then try to explain that to yourself that this all somehow makes sense.

(frank)ing absurd bullsh!t no matter how much of a homer anyone could possibly be. If you(not you anyone)try to theorize this and actually think about the last few years, contracts, trades, etc it becomes laughable. Barzal being a winger after signing that contract makes it even more absurd. If possible. We have a 60 point winger who is a defensive liability more often then not locked up for the next 8 years. Thank god we didn’t give up a first for Debrincat. Phew. Finally we decide to do the “right” thing at the completely wrong time. Hysterical.
- Cptmjl

Is Barzal worth 9.15 as a winger that broke 80 points exactly one time along with 20 goals once. Think about that when you think it’s possible that lameriello may have passed on giving up a first for a 25 yr old winger that s surpassed 40 goals twice after giving up one for Romanov, JGP, and Horvat. Then try to explain that to yourself that this all somehow makes sense.

(frank)ing absurd bullsh!t no matter how much of a homer anyone could possibly be. If you(not you anyone)try to theorize this and actually think about the last few years, contracts, trades, etc it becomes laughable. Barzal being a winger after signing that contract makes it even more absurd. If possible. We have a 60 point winger who is a defensive liability more often then not locked up for the next 8 years. Thank god we didn’t give up a first for Debrincat. Phew. Finally we decide to do the “right” thing at the completely wrong time. Hysterical.
- Cptmjl

I said it from the beginning that Barzal was overpaid. I have also said that Barzal has not proven that he can put a team on his back and carry them. While Barzal has traits of a center he is not a two way center. He also fails in other categories. That is why he is better suited for the wing.

No one really knows what was offered for Cat. It is pure speculation. Do I think the Isles were interested yes...Do I think it would have been crazy not spend a draft pick as the final piece to get him...Yes...

I still like the Horvat trade. I believe we will see the benefits this season. If we dont, well then "7" will be quoting me line and verse how on July 13, 2023, my arm chair gm prediction was Horvat will be a positive and he either suxed azz or was just plain average.

If this team fails this year...You will be seeing a whole of picks and prospects come trade deadline.

I said it from the beginning that Barzal was overpaid. I have also said that Barzal has not proven that he can put a team on his back and carry them. While Barzal has traits of a center he is not a two way center. He also fails in other categories. That is why he is better suited for the wing.

No one really knows what was offered for Cat. It is pure speculation. Do I think the Isles were interested yes...Do I think it would have been crazy not spend a draft pick as the final piece to get him...Yes...

I still like the Horvat trade. I believe we will see the benefits this season. If we dont, well then "7" will be quoting me line and verse how on July 13, 2023, my arm chair gm prediction was Horvat will be a positive and he either suxed azz or was just plain average.

If this team fails this year...You will be seeing a whole of picks and prospects come trade deadline.
- Nfdbulldawg

Yeah Barzal’s contract is a bit steep for sure even if he remained a center with his production. Him seemingly now being a winger makes it exponentially steep. That was my point. Horvat will be a better player for us this season. I have no doubt that’ll happen. Still wasn’t a fan of the trade due to the timing. My point is if you’re committed to throwing the same roster out time and again hoping for a different result why wouldn’t you give them the best opportunity to compete?

Lameriello has said that’s exactly what he’s doing so I’ll take him at his word. Of course it’s speculation but that’s all we have to go on and if it’s true it’s so bad it’s laughable because just like the Horvat trade it makes zero sense. If we didn’t pull the trigger due to a first hanging it up with a young, productive, winger, that is a monumental misstep it’s not debatable. Especially when factoring in past/current history with first round picks and most of all this teams needs. We’ve needed a game changing winger since Matt Moulson went to Buffalo.

I said it from the beginning that Barzal was overpaid. I have also said that Barzal has not proven that he can put a team on his back and carry them. While Barzal has traits of a center he is not a two way center. He also fails in other categories. That is why he is better suited for the wing.

No one really knows what was offered for Cat. It is pure speculation. Do I think the Isles were interested yes...Do I think it would have been crazy not spend a draft pick as the final piece to get him...Yes...

I still like the Horvat trade. I believe we will see the benefits this season. If we dont, well then "7" will be quoting me line and verse how on July 13, 2023, my arm chair gm prediction was Horvat will be a positive and he either suxed azz or was just plain average.

If this team fails this year...You will be seeing a whole of picks and prospects come trade deadline.
- Nfdbulldawg

Barzal is overpaid like most players. If Barzal is such a problem, Lou could have traded him. Islanders traded Patty L back in the day. Barzal has flaws to his game, but he is also surrounded with slow players and players who do not like to shoot. As we saw in the Canes series, this team is easy to defend against. The NHL from Lou's Devils team is dead. That team also had two Hall of Fame dmen and a Hall of Fame goalie along with a number of very solid two-way forwards. Islanders do not have close to the same roster.

Bo is a nice player, but the timing of the trade was not right, and the need was not at Center.

I'm just not sure what players the Islanders can trade for prime picks if they struggle this year.

I said it from the beginning that Barzal was overpaid. I have also said that Barzal has not proven that he can put a team on his back and carry them. While Barzal has traits of a center he is not a two way center. He also fails in other categories. That is why he is better suited for the wing.

No one really knows what was offered for Cat. It is pure speculation. Do I think the Isles were interested yes...Do I think it would have been crazy not spend a draft pick as the final piece to get him...Yes...

I still like the Horvat trade. I believe we will see the benefits this season. If we dont, well then "7" will be quoting me line and verse how on July 13, 2023, my arm chair gm prediction was Horvat will be a positive and he either suxed azz or was just plain average.

If this team fails this year...You will be seeing a whole of picks and prospects come trade deadline.
- Nfdbulldawg

To me, it seems the idea of Barzal being more suited to wing than center has only taken off because the team put itself in a position where it doesn't have much choice other than to play him at wing. If you put him on every other team in the league, I bet he draws into the lineup at center rather than wing on almost all of them.

I get he's not the best defensive center, but, really, he's not the worst, either. Not to the point of being disqualified from the position. Plus, his ability to drive possession means he spends less time in his own zone than most other centers anyway. Just my opinion, but I believe that if you're going to have a player like Barzal on the roster at all, the objective should be to have the puck on his stick as often as possible when he's on the ice, which is easier to do if he's at center.

I also think of it this way: If you gave me the Isles roster with the first line center role blank, and my choices to fill it were Barzal or Horvat, and I'd have to do without the player I don't pick, I'd absolutely choose Barzal. He adds so much of what the Isles don't otherwise have...skill, speed, vision, creativity...rather than more of what they already have at center with Nelson. Can Barzal still bring all of that at wing as much and as consistently as he has at center? I don't know. It's not a gamble the team needed to take when Barzal was already far more of an asset than a liability and there were plenty of other issues to address.

But, hey, if it turns out that he's the best and most dynamic winger this team's had since Ziggy, I'll forget all about what he's done at center and be happy to say I was wrong!

To me, it seems the idea of Barzal being more suited to wing than center has only taken off because the team put itself in a position where it doesn't have much choice other than to play him at wing. If you put him on every other team in the league, I bet he draws into the lineup at center rather than wing on almost all of them.

I get he's not the best defensive center, but, really, he's not the worst, either. Not to the point of being disqualified from the position. Plus, his ability to drive possession means he spends less time in his own zone than most other centers anyway. Just my opinion, but I believe that if you're going to have a player like Barzal on the roster at all, the objective should be to have the puck on his stick as often as possible when he's on the ice, which is easier to do if he's at center.

I also think of it this way: If you gave me the Isles roster with the first line center role blank, and my choices to fill it were Barzal or Horvat, and I'd have to do without the player I don't pick, I'd absolutely choose Barzal. He adds so much of what the Isles don't otherwise have...skill, speed, vision, creativity...rather than more of what they already have at center with Nelson. Can Barzal still bring all of that at wing as much and as consistently as he has at center? I don't know. It's not a gamble the team needed to take when Barzal was already far more of an asset than a liability and there were plenty of other issues to address.

But, hey, if it turns out that he's the best and most dynamic winger this team's had since Ziggy, I'll forget all about what he's done at center and be happy to say I was wrong!
- UIF

Pretty funny, I was just coming in here to add more thoughts on Barzal. I agree with you about his defensive play - I don't think he's nearly as bad as what most are suggesting about him. He may not be as solid as JGP or Nelly, but he's a strong back checker and holds his own in the defensive zone. You make a good point about his puck possession. You don't need to play as much defense if you're spending most of your time in the offensive zone. Generally speaking, he's likely going to match up against the other teams checking line, which typically isn't the opponents most dynamic scorers. So that also helps.

Even after trying to be more responsible in the defensive zone, he's still playing at a career .86 points per game. He's no Patrice Bergeron, but he's playing at a higher PPG level than Bergeron's .80...

Any interest in Victor Olofsson, LW/RW, 28G's /40 pts last year. Would have been tied for 5th on Isles. 1 year left on contract, will hold $1.25m...net Cap Hit of $3.5m.
Make an offer.