Welp, Wahlstrom is signed now…

JGP checks a lot of boxes for this team. I like DeBrusk, he’s tough, he can score, he’s prob top-6 at this point, but I think too many people (on Twitter) just look at stats and not the bigger picture.
- potvin05

I'd consider something around Wahlstrom for DeBrusk, but yeah he's not the kind of scorer I'd be willing to lose Pageau for. I think his numbers are, at least somewhat, inflated by playing on one of the top teams in the league.

I'd consider something around Wahlstrom for DeBrusk, but yeah he's not the kind of scorer I'd be willing to lose Pageau for. I think his numbers are, at least somewhat, inflated by playing on one of the top teams in the league.
- eichiefs9

My guess is they waive Johnston and this is the squad to start the year

One year deal for wally.
Love JGP and everything he brings but I think his PK minutes can be covered by others on the team and his PP minutes can be absorbed by DeBrusk. It does leave a void at Center meaning Barzal probably moves back or Engvail gets a shot.
Don’t know how I would feel losing JGP but DeBrusk does bring that power forward scoring wing that the team needs.
I guess it comes down to is DeBrusks offense more valuable to the team then JGP’s game.
Tough decision for Lou to make if it’s true.
I would lean to making the deal at this point. His addition adds a lot of options on the top 6
- nyisles7

The guy you have to look for in terms of a true “power forward” is Engvall imo. He’s got the size for it and he’s at that age where a player like him realizes his strength or is a finesse player. Lou took the gamble on him so we’ll see what happens. The problem for us is that JGP (and Wally) has been banged up recently. In a vacuum, you take the center who’s awesome at faceoffs, great on the PK, scores goals, is clutch AND is great in the locker room over an average sized winger, who, granted plays with snarl and can score.

The issue for us is which side of his career is JGP on and can Wahlstrom put it together, learn to back check AND stay healthy.

Also pretty Ironic Niteislander is no longer around while the Isles are in cap hell

I'd consider something around Wahlstrom for DeBrusk, but yeah he's not the kind of scorer I'd be willing to lose Pageau for. I think his numbers are, at least somewhat, inflated by playing on one of the top teams in the league.
- eichiefs9

The problem is how does the league look at Wahlstrom right now? As crazy as it is to say JGP is a more valuable piece than Wally is imo. Even at age and term.

The guy you have to look for in terms of a true “power forward” is Engvall imo. He’s got the size for it and he’s at that age where a player like him realizes his strength or is a finesse player. Lou took the gamble on him so we’ll see what happens. The problem for us is that JGP (and Wally) has been banged up recently. In a vacuum, you take the center who’s awesome at faceoffs, great on the PK, scores goals, is clutch AND is great in the locker room over an average sized winger, who, granted plays with snarl and can score.

The issue for us is which side of his career is JGP on and can Wahlstrom put it together, learn to back check AND stay healthy.
- potvin05

Engvail has the size imo Potvin but doesn’t really play the heavy or power type game.
JGP is good on FO’s and before the Horvat trade was by far our best at FO man.
With Horvat on the team he can and has taken a ton of the critical draws.
So yeah I love JGP and his game but again the question is, dose DeBrusk move the needle more as far as team advancement without JGP or are we better off with JGP m.
Again tough decision and at this point I would make the deal.

Engvail has the size imo Potvin but doesn’t really play the heavy or power type game.
JGP is good on FO’s and before the Horvat trade was by far our best at FO man.
With Horvat on the team he can and has taken a ton of the critical draws.
So yeah I love JGP and his game but again the question is, dose DeBrusk move the needle more as far as team advancement without JGP or are we better off with JGP m.
Again tough decision and at this point I would make the deal.
- nyisles7

Like I said, with Engvall, it’s poop or get off the pot time in terms of toughness. You’re probably right. He doesn’t come off as that type of player, despite his size, but he does have the size to work with. Sometimes these types are late bloomers, but, like you said, he’s probably not that guy.

I’m ambivalent about the JGP rumors. Like chiefs said, I’m not sure DeBrusk is that big of a needle mover but he’s definitely a good, top-6 type. I have loved JGP since the minute he got here, despite last year. I’ve probably watched the ping-pong/Slap Shot song gif a few hundred times. When he’s healthy, and on his game, a player like him is invaluable. Moving forward, though, is he still that guy? He’s not that old yet, but he’s small, he’s physical…those types of players usually start breaking down into their 30s.

Also pretty Ironic Niteislander is no longer around while the Isles are in cap hell
- Vukota

Oh yeah Mr. We’ll Just Trade’em or buy them out himself.

The guy you have to look for in terms of a true “power forward” is Engvall imo. He’s got the size for it and he’s at that age where a player like him realizes his strength or is a finesse player. Lou took the gamble on him so we’ll see what happens. The problem for us is that JGP (and Wally) has been banged up recently. In a vacuum, you take the center who’s awesome at faceoffs, great on the PK, scores goals, is clutch AND is great in the locker room over an average sized winger, who, granted plays with snarl and can score.

The issue for us is which side of his career is JGP on and can Wahlstrom put it together, learn to back check AND stay healthy.
- potvin05

This is the issue with JGP. He is not big, and his style leads to breaking down. Islanders can really use Wally finding his game. It's been a challenge with young players and the Islanders.

Also pretty Ironic Niteislander is no longer around while the Isles are in cap hell
- Vukota

I never understood the pushback about the Cap. It's obviously an issue with the Islanders and not easily solved when you do not have high end prospects to rely on.

My guess is they waive Johnston and this is the squad to start the year
- Vukota

That's gotta be the move, unless Lou is trading someone else

The problem is how does the league look at Wahlstrom right now? As crazy as it is to say JGP is a more valuable piece than Wally is imo. Even at age and term.
- potvin05

Yeah I meant "something around Wahlstrom" as in a package that he is a part of. His value is probably minimal right now. All he has going for him is his shot an an ultra low-cost contract.

Like I said, with Engvall, it’s poop or get off the pot time in terms of toughness. You’re probably right. He doesn’t come off as that type of player, despite his size, but he does have the size to work with. Sometimes these types are late bloomers, but, like you said, he’s probably not that guy.

I’m ambivalent about the JGP rumors. Like chiefs said, I’m not sure DeBrusk is that big of a needle mover but he’s definitely a good, top-6 type. I have loved JGP since the minute he got here, despite last year. I’ve probably watched the ping-pong/Slap Shot song gif a few hundred times. When he’s healthy, and on his game, a player like him is invaluable. Moving forward, though, is he still that guy? He’s not that old yet, but he’s small, he’s physical…those types of players usually start breaking down into their 30s.
- potvin05

All good points. I guess that’s why these GMs get the big bucks. Gotta give something to get and no deal is a slam dunk.

I don’t think Wally is getting DeBrusk. And the money doesn’t work. Looking at JGP’s stats, contract, age and considering all his intangibles, I think him for DeBrusk with an ancillary pick going whichever way is interesting. He’s likely a 30/30 player, will be 27 in October, and has a year left on his deal. He may have a monster year trying f to get paid. If he can stay healthy I think he’d be a great pickup. And we have the center depth to make this work.

I don’t think Wally is getting DeBrusk. And the money doesn’t work. Looking at JGP’s stats, contract, age and considering all his intangibles, I think him for DeBrusk with an ancillary pick going whichever way is interesting. He’s likely a 30/30 player, will be 27 in October, and has a year left on his deal. He may have a monster year trying f to get paid. If he can stay healthy I think he’d be a great pickup. And we have the center depth to make this work.
- streaks

Yes, they have center depth but who goes to play that 3rd line, shut down defensive role?
it's not Barzal and his 9+ million.
it's not Horvat and his 8.5
it's not Nelson and his 35 + goals.
This is a tough trade without a solid bottom 6 C coming in.
(I'm not against trading JGP btw, just trying to look at the whole picture)

Yes, they have center depth but who goes to play that 3rd line, shut down defensive role?
it's not Barzal and his 9+ million.
it's not Horvat and his 8.5
it's not Nelson and his 35 + goals.
This is a tough trade without a solid bottom 6 C coming in.
(I'm not against trading JGP btw, just trying to look at the whole picture)
- brodydog29

There is one of those on the market right now.

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/tomas-nosek

He’s a downgrade from Pageau, but still a decent option. And he could be had for nothing more than coin, and a fraction of the coin spent on Pageau.

That said, I’d only do it (trade Pageau) if it meant we’d get a winger of substance.

There is one of those on the market right now.

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/tomas-nosek

He’s a downgrade from Pageau, but still a decent option. And he could be had for nothing more than coin, and a fraction of the coin spent on Pageau.

That said, I’d only do it (trade Pageau) if it meant we’d get a winger of substance.
- Wildschwein

Is DeBrusk that winger of substance for you?

Yes, they have center depth but who goes to play that 3rd line, shut down defensive role?
it's not Barzal and his 9+ million.
it's not Horvat and his 8.5
it's not Nelson and his 35 + goals.
This is a tough trade without a solid bottom 6 C coming in.
(I'm not against trading JGP btw, just trying to look at the whole picture)
- brodydog29

Engvail is a natural C

Is DeBrusk that winger of substance for you?
- nyisles7

He’s certainly better than Wahlstrom, Holmstrom or Engvall.

Buuut he’s on the last year of a deal that takes him to UFA status. No way I make that trade without an extension in place.

He’s certainly better than Wahlstrom, Holmstrom or Engvall.

Buuut he’s on the last year of a deal that takes him to UFA status. No way I make that trade without an extension in place.
- Wildschwein

Boy You want it all! As I would expect from a Schwein!

Also pretty Ironic Niteislander is no longer around while the Isles are in cap hell
- Vukota

To be fair there aren’t many teams that aren’t in Cap hell right now. Well except the few teams that don’t want to spend.
Covid truely exaggerated the problem.

Engvail is a natural C
- nyisles7

He could be but then they're back where they started with missing a top 6 W.

He could be but then they're back where they started with missing a top 6 W.
- brodydog29

Adding DeBrusk who you hope scores more than Engvail.
Barzal
Horvat
Lee
Nelly
Palms
DeBrusk
Not a bad top six to choose from. You also have Wally as a wild card who if he gets his head out of his ass can make it interesting.