I don't think right now it's so much that FAs don't want to sign here. I think it's that Lou likes his own players too much and wants to keep them. This leaves no room or money for top FAs.

No doubt about it. Just seems like worrying about Mayfield on the PP is extremely low on the list of things to worry about this season
- eichiefs9

I‘m more worried about my boy’s ability to keep up than anything else. Really hope he as able to make some progress in that regard during the offseason.

Right?
- Isleshockeyman

Maybe Wahlstrom will decide he needs to become a playmaker, and lessen our transition a bit.

I‘m more worried about my boy’s ability to keep up than anything else. Really hope he as able to make some progress in that regard during the offseason.
- Wildschwein

Islanders really need Lee and Palms to have a nice season.

I don't think right now it's so much that FAs don't want to sign here. I think it's that Lou likes his own players too much and wants to keep them. This leaves no room or money for top FAs.
- chazpet

Valid point.

No doubt about it. Just seems like worrying about Mayfield on the PP is extremely low on the list of things to worry about this season
- eichiefs9

I think making sure the arena toilets are unclogged, parking lot bulbs are working and the Zamboni tire pressure is correct are more important than Mayfield's PP time.

Valid point.
- Isleshockeyman

Lou got the team back that he wanted so they better make it work.

I think Engval is gonna surprise.
Have they ever used Wahlstrom on the point on the pp?

Lou got the team back that he wanted so they better make it work.
- ses111

Well, if they don't make the playoffs or they get bounced in the first round again, then I don't see how Lou stays. I just don't think they have the team speed to keep up. Not to mention the age of this team. According to the left wing lock website, the Isles are the 4th oldest behind Pittsburgh, Washington and Toronto. Which as we all know, when you get older you start to lose a step. Along with that, you're more susceptible to injuries as you get older. We'll see what happens though.

Well, if they don't make the playoffs or they get bounced in the first round again, then I don't see how Lou stays. I just don't think they have the team speed to keep up. Not to mention the age of this team. According to the left wing lock website, the Isles are the 4th oldest behind Pittsburgh, Washington and Toronto. Which as we all know, when you get older you start to lose a step. Along with that, you're more susceptible to injuries as you get older. We'll see what happens though.
- Isleshockeyman

These are the issues IHM. The teams around the Islanders are getting younger and faster. It's not a good idea to bring back the same team that was not good enough. It's very bizarre how Lou has handled this roster since becoming Islander GM. I think the two long playoff runs made him think the roster was better than it was. Losing Leddy and Toews has been huge. It's a different sport, but the Islanders remind me of the Yankees with both teams having issues with the roster. The Yankees are showing signs now that they called up some young talent. I read a while ago that Lou and Cashman were tight, and they seem to have the same idea regarding a vet roster.

I‘m more worried about my boy’s ability to keep up than anything else. Really hope he as able to make some progress in that regard during the offseason.
- Wildschwein

Yeah they're going to need him to be a contributor this year for sure.

I think Engval is gonna surprise.
Have they ever used Wahlstrom on the point on the pp?
- Octavarium

With what Lou has invested in him. He needs to be pushing for a top six (6) spot. If he can achieve that kind of success, it would great for the team. We as a fan base would be happy.

With what Lou has invested in him. He needs to be pushing for a top six (6) spot. If he can achieve that kind of success, it would great for the team. We as a fan base would be happy.
- Nfdbulldawg

Pierre's speed is a huge plus for this team. The deal would be worth if it he can be a solid top 6 player. Wally working out would be huge as well.

These are the issues IHM. The teams around the Islanders are getting younger and faster. It's not a good idea to bring back the same team that was not good enough. It's very bizarre how Lou has handled this roster since becoming Islander GM. I think the two long playoff runs made him think the roster was better than it was. Losing Leddy and Toews has been huge. It's a different sport, but the Islanders remind me of the Yankees with both teams having issues with the roster. The Yankees are showing signs now that they called up some young talent.
- ses111

The teams around the Islanders are getting younger and faster.

I do not think anyone he would argue that teams are getting younger and faster around us. The question lies in who was available that Lou could have gotten to make us younger and faster? At what cost would it have taken to get said player?

It's not a good idea to bring back the same team that was not good enough. It's very bizarre how Lou has handled this roster since becoming Islander GM.

You right it is not a good idea to bring back the same players that we view were not good enough to get the job done. It does not make sense with any business model. To fault Lou has always been loyal to people that are loyal to him and accept his methodology. He is the complete opposite of the GM's before him. He has handled the roster from a conservative approach. He is working with what he has. Outside of Toews, who has he moved that we thought was a mistake?

I too wanted to see more changes. But it was not there. The team did not posses the assets for the big offseason trade and FA market sucked. So he was conservative on his depth signings and he had to over pay on what he had to keep them.

Hopefully Wally and Dober step it up. Enger as well. Otherwise there will be a sale and this team will be rookies and prospects.

The teams around the Islanders are getting younger and faster.

I do not think anyone he would argue that teams are getting younger and faster around us. The question lies in who was available that Lou could have gotten to make us younger and faster? At what cost would it have taken to get said player?

It's not a good idea to bring back the same team that was not good enough. It's very bizarre how Lou has handled this roster since becoming Islander GM.

You right it is not a good idea to bring back the same players that we view were not good enough to get the job done. It does not make sense with any business model. To fault Lou has always been loyal to people that are loyal to him and accept his methodology. He is the complete opposite of the GM's before him. He has handled the roster from a conservative approach. He is working with what he has. Outside of Toews, who has he moved that we thought was a mistake?

I too wanted to see more changes. But it was not there. The team did not posses the assets for the big offseason trade and FA market sucked. So he was conservative on his depth signings and he had to over pay on what he had to keep them.

Hopefully Wally and Dober step it up. Enger as well. Otherwise there will be a sale and this team will be rookies and prospects.
- Nfdbulldawg

Why is Lou so loyal to the players? Was JT loyal to the Islanders? Lou did not even speak to Gaudreau as a UFA. Lou could have traded for a proven wing instead of bringing in another Center in Bo. Maybe a deal could have been easier for DeBrincat if Lou did not move resources for Bo? A Hall of Fame GM needs to figure it out. Maybe Lou could have traded for someone else besides Palms that had more speed as the Islanders already had similar players to Palms style. Lou needed to see the direction the league was headed in and not double down on older and slower players. Lou can want the old-style NHL all he wants. Does not mean it's going to happen. Regarding the roster and a conservative approach, Garth was the same and I'm not staying Lou is Garth. This is still pretty much Garth's roster though. The conservative approach works if you have high end prospects on the roster and you want to give them time to gel.

I think making sure the arena toilets are unclogged, parking lot bulbs are working and the Zamboni tire pressure is correct are more important than Mayfield's PP time.
- Isleshockeyman

I‘m more worried about my boy’s ability to keep up than anything else. Really hope he as able to make some progress in that regard during the offseason.
- Wildschwein

He has Barzy and Bo to transport the puck.
He just needs to battle in the corners and in front and he will be fine. He’s the grinder/physical presence on the line.
I’m sure his knee is now 100% and I think he’s ready to have a bounce back year.

- nyisles7

I do. I really do.

I do. I really do.
- Isleshockeyman

Why is Lou so loyal to the players? Was JT loyal to the Islanders? Lou did not even speak to Gaudreau as a UFA.

I believe that is just the way he is. Do we know for sure that Lou did not speak to Gaudreau???

Lou could have traded for a proven wing instead of bringing in another Center in Bo. Maybe a deal could have been easier for DeBrincat if Lou did not move resources for Bo?

Cat and some of the wings traded were not available when the Horvat trade went down. Also, if Barzal does not go down with an injury, do you still feel negatively about the Horvat trade? Lastly, you do not know if the package that brought Horvat to the Isles would have been enough for the other wings traded.

A Hall of Fame GM needs to figure it out. Maybe Lou could have traded for someone else besides Palms that had more speed as the Islanders already had similar players to Palms style.

I do not believe Palms has that much value.

Lou needed to see the direction the league was headed in and not double down on older and slower players. Lou can want the old-style NHL all he wants. Does not mean it's going to happen.

I think he realizes it more than we think. I just do not think he has found the right combinations yet.

Regarding the roster and a conservative approach, Garth was the same and I'm not staying Lou is Garth. This is still pretty much Garth's roster though. The conservative approach works if you have high end prospects on the roster and you want to give them time to gel.

I think it is the opposite. The conservative approach works when you do not have the high end prospects. You also need to remember that you could not open a new building with an expansion style roster. That is the other battle he is facing.

Why is Lou so loyal to the players? Was JT loyal to the Islanders? Lou did not even speak to Gaudreau as a UFA.

I believe that is just the way he is. Do we know for sure that Lou did not speak to Gaudreau???

Lou could have traded for a proven wing instead of bringing in another Center in Bo. Maybe a deal could have been easier for DeBrincat if Lou did not move resources for Bo?

Cat and some of the wings traded were not available when the Horvat trade went down. Also, if Barzal does not go down with an injury, do you still feel negatively about the Horvat trade? Lastly, you do not know if the package that brought Horvat to the Isles would have been enough for the other wings traded.

A Hall of Fame GM needs to figure it out. Maybe Lou could have traded for someone else besides Palms that had more speed as the Islanders already had similar players to Palms style.

I do not believe Palms has that much value.

Lou needed to see the direction the league was headed in and not double down on older and slower players. Lou can want the old-style NHL all he wants. Does not mean it's going to happen.

I think he realizes it more than we think. I just do not think he has found the right combinations yet.

Regarding the roster and a conservative approach, Garth was the same and I'm not staying Lou is Garth. This is still pretty much Garth's roster though. The conservative approach works if you have high end prospects on the roster and you want to give them time to gel.

I think it is the opposite. The conservative approach works when you do not have the high end prospects. You also need to remember that you could not open a new building with an expansion style roster. That is the other battle he is facing.
- Nfdbulldawg

Gaudreau himself said the Islanders never contacted him. He was confused as to why the Islander fans were booing him when Lou never even reached out.


We do know Timo Meier was available. I would have held off making the BO trade and kept the #1 pick in a very deep draft to see if a deal for a scoring forward could have been made in the summer. We know Cat wanted the Wings, but it sounded like he would not have blocked a move to the Islanders.

Regarding Palms, I meant was it the right move when Lou traded for him? Palms and JGP are nice players. but were they worth the picks and have them made enough of an impact? The strange thing is Barry did not even want to use Palms with Barzal.


I just think the approach to this roster has been wrong. Too much reliance on vets and vets that play the same style and that are easy to defend by the other team. I hope Bo and Barzal work well this year. I just think they needed a wing with speed and skill to match with Barzal.

Gaudreau himself said the Islanders never contacted him. He was confused as to why the Islander fans were booing him when Lou never even reached out.


We do know Timo Meier was available. I would have held off making the BO trade and kept the #1 pick in a very deep draft to see if a deal for a scoring forward could have been made in the summer. We know Cat wanted the Wings, but it sounded like he would not have blocked a move to the Islanders.

Regarding Palms, I meant was it the right move when Lou traded for him? Palms and JGP are nice players. but were they worth the picks and have them made enough of an impact? The strange thing is Barry did not even want to use Palms with Barzal.


I just think the approach to this roster has been wrong. Too much reliance on vets and vets that play the same style and that are easy to defend by the other team. I hope Bo and Barzal work well this year. I just think they needed a wing with speed and skill to match with Barzal.
- ses111

ECF were made after these pieces were added. JGP was exactly what the Isles needed at the time. If the GM makes a move to help the team progress they are bad and if moves aren't made then thats terrible as well.
Amazing how easy it is when all we do is type what should or shouldn’t have been done after the fact.

Gaudreau himself said the Islanders never contacted him. He was confused as to why the Islander fans were booing him when Lou never even reached out.

Regardless, I do not think he would have come to the Isles.

We do know Timo Meier was available. I would have held off making the BO trade and kept the #1 pick in a very deep draft to see if a deal for a scoring forward could have been made in the summer. We know Cat wanted the Wings, but it sounded like he would not have blocked a move to the Islanders.

I forgot about Meier...But now that I think of it i believe the monies they were talking were around 10 mil... I know the Devils got him at 8.8 long term but I believe his qualifying offer was 10 mil...I think Cat was set on the Wings just like pajama boy was set on the maple syrups.

Regarding Palms, I meant was it the right move when Lou traded for him? Palms and JGP are nice players. but were they worth the picks and have them made enough of an impact? The strange thing is Barry did not even want to use Palms with Barzal.

JGP was absolutely the right move. His versatility has been perfect for this team. I would also say Palms was the right move too. Both getting hurt has impacted their performance overall. But I think they were the right moved at the times.

I just think the approach to this roster has been wrong. Too much reliance on vets and vets that play the same style and that are easy to defend by the other team. I hope Bo and Barzal work well this year. I just think they needed a wing with speed and skill to match with Barzal.

I will agree with you that I feel this team has too much of the same style of player. I would also agree that this team could use more speed. Lastly, I would also that the BO and Barzal could benefit from a speed. Right now, I do not see anything changing prior to the start of the season.

Gaudreau himself said the Islanders never contacted him. He was confused as to why the Islander fans were booing him when Lou never even reached out.

Regardless, I do not think he would have come to the Isles.

Very possible Gaudreau does not sign with the Islanders, but you never know. I do not believe Columbus was a dream destination for him.


We do know Timo Meier was available. I would have held off making the BO trade and kept the #1 pick in a very deep draft to see if a deal for a scoring forward could have been made in the summer. We know Cat wanted the Wings, but it sounded like he would not have blocked a move to the Islanders.

I forgot about Meier...But now that I think of it i believe the monies they were talking were around 10 mil... I know the Devils got him at 8.8 long term but I believe his qualifying offer was 10 mil...I think Cat was set on the Wings just like pajama boy was set on the maple syrups.

I like Meier with his speed and skill. He does have the rep of being soft and his playoff performance with the Devils was not good.

Regarding Palms, I meant was it the right move when Lou traded for him? Palms and JGP are nice players. but were they worth the picks and have them made enough of an impact? The strange thing is Barry did not even want to use Palms with Barzal.

JGP was absolutely the right move. His versatility has been perfect for this team. I would also say Palms was the right move too. Both getting hurt has impacted their performance overall. But I think they were the right moved at the times.

JGP has been the better player than Palms. It's just bizarre how the Islanders did not want to put Palms with Barzal for an extended time. I think the focus on this team has been way too much on the defensive side and not enough on the offensive side.

I just think the approach to this roster has been wrong. Too much reliance on vets and vets that play the same style and that are easy to defend by the other team. I hope Bo and Barzal work well this year. I just think they needed a wing with speed and skill to match with Barzal.

I will agree with you that I feel this team has too much of the same style of player. I would also agree that this team could use more speed. Lastly, I would also that the BO and Barzal could benefit from a speed. Right now, I do not see anything changing prior to the start of the season.
- Nfdbulldawg

Hopefully Bo and Barzal work out. I'd rather we leave Barzal at C and brought in a quality wing. Right now, team is really relying on Sorkin and the defense to carry things. You need a functioning offense especially during the long regular season and you need those easy type wins once in a while. Hopefully it all works out. but I do not see a long playoff run with this roster. We can enjoy those two ECF runs forever along with the 4 Cups. but that is not going to help the current team. If the goal truly is to win a Cup with this aging roster, it's going to be a huge challenge with the current team.

Hopefully Bo and Barzal work out. I'd rather we leave Barzal at C and brought in a quality wing. Right now, team is really relying on Sorkin and the defense to carry things. You need a functioning offense especially during the long regular season and you need those easy type wins once in a while. Hopefully it all works out. but I do not see a long playoff run with this roster. We can enjoy those two ECF runs forever along with the 4 Cups. but that is not going to help the current team. If the goal truly is to win a Cup with this aging roster, it's going to be a huge challenge with the current team.
- ses111

I am okay with Barzal on the wing. A center is relied on more in their own for defense. At this point in time Bo is stronger defensively than Barzal. (IMO) He is better on draws. They way BO positions himself in the O-Zone is different from most centers, so I do not think it impacts Barzal's creativity. If they can get a pure snipper on that line...Now we are cooking with gasoline.

Lastly, just because they line up one way does not mean the positioning does not change once the puck is dropped. So, I am totally okay with Barzal not being in the middle.