Ben Shelley: Islanders’ playoff chances take another hit with 4-1 loss to Hurricanes

Yeah. That was a bad hockey game.

Yeah. That was a bad hockey game.
- BINGO!

The DooDoo Pielanders

I understand there's a human side to the business and that's probably why Scott Mayfield was extended, but with Pulock and, likely, Dobson manning the right side...committing 7 years and $24.5M to him was insanely stupid. Equally so for Engvall.

If mapping out the rebuild were up to me, it would probably realistically (ie: not "hurr durr trade everyone and play rookies" or trading players with NTC's just because we don't like them) look like:

Summer 2024:

- Lou "retires" and ownership hires a modern-day GM
- Trade Nelson for a 1st and a prospect
- Buy out Anders Lee
- Capitalize on Palmieri's strong season and trade him

That alone would create just over $15M in cap space, not to mention the expected $4M rise in the cap upper limit. So now we'd be sitting on more than $19M in cap space, with two first round picks in either 2024 or 2025. Maybe even three, depending on what they could get for Palmieri.

Then you can go out and try to sign one or two UFA's to one year deals with the plan of trading them at the deadline for more assets. You probably won't get a 1st unless one exceeds expectations, but draft picks are draft picks. You put it out there to any team that will listen that you're willing to either take on bad contracts or eat money as a 3rd party facilitator to trades in return for draft/prospect capital. You can have up to 3 retained salary transactions on the books in any given season.

The goal is to have the Islanders future draft pick count look something like this:



You pour money into the scouting/analytics departments and pray that you draft well in the first round and unearth some gems in later rounds.

Beyond offseason 2024:

You operate under a lower internal cap until you've got a strong prospect pool and it's time to start investing some money in the team in the form adding via UFA/trades. By this point, if things go well, you should have a good-or-better stable of young kids getting ready to step in and plenty of cap space.

At that point, you can go big-game hunting in UFA, trade some picks/prospects, have at it. Maybe you've been bad/lucky enough to win the 2025 or 2026 lottery and draft James Hagens or Gavin McKenna and that will majorly accelerate things.

Cap space is a weapon in the NHL and it allows teams to get creative in terms of adding draft capital which is really the only way to build a team. You don't (and probably can't) build solely through the draft, but you have to make smart value trades (See: Hurricanes, Carolina), when the opportunity presents itself, to round out your roster.

You can't get attached to players because fans like them or they've been with the team for awhile (See: Golden Knights, Vegas). You need someone willing to make uncomfortable decisions that may upset fans or players.

Obviously nothing guarantees that a retool will work, but I'd rather take my chances with that methodology than hoping that an aging, slow, below-average roster will pull of rabbit out of its collective ass and go on a run as they continue to get older.
- eichiefs9

I like the thinking, and if they go that route I'm fine dealing with all the bumps in the road along the way. I just wonder about the timeline...the period from when they make some picks to when that stable of talent is ready to either step in or be used as trade chips could be a few years, especially since there's nothing really in the system now that's on the way to support it.

In the meantime, you have a roster full of disgruntled players wasting their prime years locked into long-term commitments (that quite a few of them just signed) to a team that's kind of looking beyond them. I'm not worried so much about hurt feelings or whatever, but more so creating the kind of doom and gloom culture that can be really hard to reverse once it sets in (see Edmonton and Buffalo from a few years ago). If you start getting into year four of this, it could get ugly since it's not what these guys signed on for. The team's just structured terribly for a retool/rebuild right now, and I do believe that this one past offseason made a big difference there.

But, yeah, just biting the bullet and doing it may a better alternative to crossing our fingers with the current roster.

All good on the buzztron

I like the thinking, and if they go that route I'm fine dealing with all the bumps in the road along the way. I just wonder about the timeline...the period from when they make some picks to when that stable of talent is ready to either step in or be used as trade chips could be a few years, especially since there's nothing really in the system now that's on the way to support it.

In the meantime, you have a roster full of disgruntled players wasting their prime years locked into long-term commitments (that quite a few of them just signed) to a team that's kind of looking beyond them. I'm not worried so much about hurt feelings or whatever, but more so creating the kind of doom and gloom culture that can be really hard to reverse once it sets in (see Edmonton and Buffalo from a few years ago). If you start getting into year four of this, it could get ugly since it's not what these guys signed on for. The team's just structured terribly for a retool/rebuild right now, and I do believe that this one past offseason made a big difference there.

But, yeah, just biting the bullet and doing it may a better alternative to crossing our fingers with the current roster.
- UIF

It’s going to realistically take four years to be real competitive again. Factoring in players coming off the books and young players developing. That’s in a perfect world if everything goes right as we all know it could take longer. If we started it last season we would’ve had more cap space and a decent prospect or two to speed this thing up.

The more players we sign to long term contracts the longer it’ll take. Have to stop at some point…

Don't worry... the Wings can still find a way to implode and completely fall out of the playoff race. They are not playing quality hockey right now. They can't keep the puck out of their own net. If the Islanders score first on Thursday then I'll predict they win the game. Wings are a dumpster fire right now and can't seem to get out of their own way.

Don't worry... the Wings can still find a way to implode and completely fall out of the playoff race. They are not playing quality hockey right now. They can't keep the puck out of their own net. If the Islanders score first on Thursday then I'll predict they win the game. Wings are a dumpster fire right now and can't seem to get out of their own way.
- Vladdie_Kon1

Sounds like it should be a great game.

The Crapitals go down tonight. Meanwhile, Tom Wilson should be missing for at least a few games
https://twitter.com/Sport...9cakvXsZVV0xAIRgXpPA&s=19

This website is the biggest piece of poop on the internet, can't read a post without and ad popping up and blocking it.

Don't worry... the Wings can still find a way to implode and completely fall out of the playoff race. They are not playing quality hockey right now. They can't keep the puck out of their own net. If the Islanders score first on Thursday then I'll predict they win the game. Wings are a dumpster fire right now and can't seem to get out of their own way.
- Vladdie_Kon1

No we suck more, no backsies

No we suck more, no backsies
- eichiefs9

Wings have Stevie Y.

I like the thinking, and if they go that route I'm fine dealing with all the bumps in the road along the way. I just wonder about the timeline...the period from when they make some picks to when that stable of talent is ready to either step in or be used as trade chips could be a few years, especially since there's nothing really in the system now that's on the way to support it.

In the meantime, you have a roster full of disgruntled players wasting their prime years locked into long-term commitments (that quite a few of them just signed) to a team that's kind of looking beyond them. I'm not worried so much about hurt feelings or whatever, but more so creating the kind of doom and gloom culture that can be really hard to reverse once it sets in (see Edmonton and Buffalo from a few years ago). If you start getting into year four of this, it could get ugly since it's not what these guys signed on for. The team's just structured terribly for a retool/rebuild right now, and I do believe that this one past offseason made a big difference there.

But, yeah, just biting the bullet and doing it may a better alternative to crossing our fingers with the current roster.
- UIF

Yeah it just seems like either way there's going to be some suffering.

I think, if it's managed properly, they can potentially expedite it but that's obviously not a guarantee.

But I also think that spinning their wheels with the current roster for a few more years and trying to put lipstick on a pig and sell the team to the fans as any sort of contender is only going to delay the inevitable and piss everyone off. Not to mention, by that time they'll have to be talking about selling off guys they don't want to lose because there won't be anyone of value left on the roster. Nelson and Palmieri have value today and they should be capitalizing on it because it probably won't get any higher than it is now.

In fact, they potentially could have ended up with Bowen Byram if they traded Nelson to COL which would have been a hell of an add.

Yeah it just seems like either way there's going to be some suffering.

I think, if it's managed properly, they can potentially expedite it but that's obviously not a guarantee.

But I also think that spinning their wheels with the current roster for a few more years and trying to put lipstick on a pig and sell the team to the fans as any sort of contender is only going to delay the inevitable and piss everyone off. Not to mention, by that time they'll have to be talking about selling off guys they don't want to lose because there won't be anyone of value left on the roster. Nelson and Palmieri have value today and they should be capitalizing on it because it probably won't get any higher than it is now.

In fact, they potentially could have ended up with Bowen Byram if they traded Nelson to COL which would have been a hell of an add.
- eichiefs9

Should not be much of a debate at this point in terms of needing to move both Nelson and Palms this offseason.

Should not be much of a debate at this point in terms of needing to move both Nelson and Palms this offseason.
- ses111

Absolutely. Though, they need to start at the top with a new GM.

Ledecky needs to step up.

There’s some interesting names hitting UFA this summer. Players that would definitely help the isles. As I’ve said before the inability to sign top UFA’s has been a problem for many years. Personally I think it’s hampered their cup contender status. If Lou remains, he must be able to land a big fish for this franchise.

Absolutely. Though, they need to start at the top with a new GM.

Ledecky needs to step up.
- Mancalledsting

Yep! I’m not sure how many sports team have an 81 year old running things?

Yeah it just seems like either way there's going to be some suffering.

I think, if it's managed properly, they can potentially expedite it but that's obviously not a guarantee.

But I also think that spinning their wheels with the current roster for a few more years and trying to put lipstick on a pig and sell the team to the fans as any sort of contender is only going to delay the inevitable and piss everyone off. Not to mention, by that time they'll have to be talking about selling off guys they don't want to lose because there won't be anyone of value left on the roster. Nelson and Palmieri have value today and they should be capitalizing on it because it probably won't get any higher than it is now.

In fact, they potentially could have ended up with Bowen Byram if they traded Nelson to COL which would have been a hell of an add.
- eichiefs9

Bowen Byram I believe is a UFA after next season and will get paid. I’d love to know how much discussion is had with signed players by other organizations. It’s def not 0%

There’s some interesting names hitting UFA this summer. Players that would definitely help the isles. As I’ve said before the inability to sign top UFA’s has been a problem for many years. Personally I think it’s hampered their cup contender status. If Lou remains, he must be able to land a big fish for this franchise.
- kindlyrick

Team needs the Cap space as well to land the big fish. Islanders have never been good at landing the big UFA. Even with a Hall of Fame coach and GM.

Yeah it just seems like either way there's going to be some suffering.

I think, if it's managed properly, they can potentially expedite it but that's obviously not a guarantee.

But I also think that spinning their wheels with the current roster for a few more years and trying to put lipstick on a pig and sell the team to the fans as any sort of contender is only going to delay the inevitable and piss everyone off. Not to mention, by that time they'll have to be talking about selling off guys they don't want to lose because there won't be anyone of value left on the roster. Nelson and Palmieri have value today and they should be capitalizing on it because it probably won't get any higher than it is now.

In fact, they potentially could have ended up with Bowen Byram if they traded Nelson to COL which would have been a hell of an add.
- eichiefs9

Yep. You can either do it now or continue to tread water while the base continues to erode and be forced to do it later. You'll end up in the same place either way, but the former will get you better assets quickly and lets you control the time frame better.

Yep. You can either do it now or continue to tread water while the base continues to erode and be forced to do it later. You'll end up in the same place either way, but the former will get you better assets quickly and lets you control the time frame better.
- BINGO!

Again it should not be a debate at this point. It’s clear what needs to happen.

Team needs the Cap space as well to land the big fish. Islanders have never been good at landing the big UFA. Even with a Hall of Fame coach and GM.
- ses111

Yeah the money is the obvious issue at first glance but I’m sure there’s accountants and what not to strategize.
The isles could also dump salary at the draft to set up for July 1st spending. I don’t think the inability to sign top UFAs was ever because the isles came up short on the ask price. They’ve thrown money at players dating back to Snow with Gomez and Drury, Paul Martin, Ryan Suter etc etc etc. The list is long…..heck even Tavares took less to sign elsewhere.
There’s talent up for grabs this offseason. Until or unless the isles can add assets without giving up any, the isles will continue being a bubble team.

Yeah the money is the obvious issue at first glance but I’m sure there’s accountants and what not to strategize.
The isles could also dump salary at the draft to set up for July 1st spending. I don’t think the inability to sign top UFAs was ever because the isles came up short on the ask price. They’ve thrown money at players dating back to Snow with Gomez and Drury, Paul Martin, Ryan Suter etc etc etc. The list is long…..heck even Tavares took less to sign elsewhere.
There’s talent up for grabs this offseason. Until or unless the isles can add assets without giving up any, the isles will continue being a bubble team.
- kindlyrick

Islanders have not shown they can be a quality team each season with a legit chance to win. You need to give UFA's a clear vision and you need to be able to sell the team on these players.

Islanders have not shown they can be a quality team each season with a legit chance to win. You need to give UFA's a clear vision and you need to be able to sell the team on these players.
- ses111

We’ll never know the reason, but it’s definitely eye opening that it’s not just Snow, but now Lou who can’t land the big fish. Somehow Lou was able to lure players to NJ (never a top destination) for years but missed on all UFAs since coming here. Def a head scratcher.

We’ll never know the reason, but it’s definitely eye opening that it’s not just Snow, but now Lou who can’t land the big fish. Somehow Lou was able to lure players to NJ (never a top destination) for years but missed on all UFAs since coming here. Def a head scratcher.
- kindlyrick

I think it was mostly the draft and trades that build those Devils teams. Remember Scott Stevens was awarded to the Devils.