Nelson's a tough decision. Out of all the aging players who got long-term contracts that are OK value on the front end of the deal but ugly in the later years, he probably deserves it the most. He's been great and is playing great hockey now. But they kind of have too many of those deals on the books already.

If they don't trade him now, and then the team's back on the bubble come the trade deadline and they don't trade him then, they risk either losing him for nothing, or having another one of those deals that end up taking a valuable asset and making it an immovable, permanent fixture. It's not really just about the money they'd spend on Nelson; it's the money that won't be available to change up the mix on a team that clearly needs a shakeup, and also the assets you don't get for the player when you re-sign him. Multiply that by all the other players over the years that weren't moved but rather re-signed to similar big deals, and you have a team with a lot of immovable contracts, tight against the cap, and with not much on the way in terms of impact prospects. Maybe it doesn't start with Nelson, but at some point, they gotta start thinking about flexibility.
- UIF

Great points as always UIF. I would just say Nelson is not really a tough decision with the shape the team is in. Lou's loyalty to this roster has not paid off and has really hurt the team in 2024.

Great points as always UIF. I would just say Nelson is not really a tough decision with the shape the team is in. Lou's loyalty to this roster has not paid off and has really hurt the team in 2024.
- ses111

I don’t think it’s a tough decision. Between his age and what he’s worth to another team it’s pretty much a no brainer. Have to be strategic.

I don’t think it’s a tough decision. Between his age and what he’s worth to another team it’s pretty much a no brainer. Have to be strategic.
- Cptmjl

I agree Cpt. It's madness to think this roster can still do damage in the playoffs. The team needs to start doing the right things for the future. If they do things correctly, it can pay off for many years.

Great points as always UIF. I would just say Nelson is not really a tough decision with the shape the team is in. Lou's loyalty to this roster has not paid off and has really hurt the team in 2024.
- ses111

In a different situation, I think it's a no-brainer to re-sign him...been here his whole career, good in all zones, and is scoring tons of goals now. But, watching the playoffs this year, I don't think the Isles were on the level of most of the teams. They need to change things up, and Nelson would probably bring back a decent haul for a team that doesn't have a ton of tradable assets.

For the record, though, I don't think that's where Lou is at. I think he'll get re-signed.

In a different situation, I think it's a no-brainer to re-sign him...been here his whole career, good in all zones, and is scoring tons of goals now. But, watching the playoffs this year, I don't think the Isles were on the level of most of the teams. They need to change things up, and Nelson would probably bring back a decent haul for a team that doesn't have a ton of tradable assets.

For the record, though, I don't think that's where Lou is at. I think he'll get re-signed.
- UIF

This is the thing UIF. You have to look at the teams around the Islanders and the teams they need to compete with for the Cup. Does anyone think they are close to the Panthers or Oilers or even the Rangers or Canes or Dallas?

It would not shock me at all if Nelson is signed.

A full rebuild is trading Bo, Barzal, Dobson, and Sorkin. Trading Nelson and Palms is not a full rebuild. I just want a solid future for this team and a team that will be a legit threat. I do not want a middle team that has to work so hard just to make the playoffs, they are gassed by the time the playoffs start.
- ses111

And I don't think trading Nelson and Palms this summer gets you a Cup now or anytime soon either. Replacing their 64 goals just becomes another problem for the GM. So if you're really looking to shake things up, then you have to be open to trading anyone without full NTCs. You at least listen to offers on your best players, because you never know if someone is willing to overpay....

Again, at the deadline, if the Isles are not vying for a playoff spot, you recoup whatever value you can for guys on expiring contracts, such as Nelly and Palms. It's possible their value may even be higher then.

And I don't think trading Nelson and Palms this summer gets you a Cup now or anytime soon either. Replacing their 64 goals just becomes another problem for the GM. So if you're really looking to shake things up, then you have to be open to trading anyone without full NTCs. You at least listen to offers on your best players, because you never know if someone is willing to overpay....

Again, at the deadline, if the Isles are not vying for a playoff spot, you recoup whatever value you can for guys on expiring contracts, such as Nelly and Palms. It's possible their value may even be higher then.


- JohnScammo

I'm not even thinking Cup with or without Nelson and Palms for the immediate future. The team and fans need to give up this Cup dream with the current roster.

I do not trust Lou doing the right thing at the deadline. Maybe if the Islanders are lousy by the deadline Lou will trade them. I doubt the team is lousy enough for Lou to do the right thing. Lou's focus is on keeping this job for as long as he can. It's not about improving the team for the long run.

I'm not even thinking Cup with or without Nelson and Palms for the immediate future.

I do not trust Lou doing the right thing at the deadline. Maybe if the Islanders are lousy by the deadline Lou will trade them. I doubt the team is lousy enough for Lou to do the right thing.
- ses111

Oh, they might be lousy this season. A lot depends on whether Sorokin regains his form from a couple seasons ago. I'm almost hoping he waits another year....

Oh, they might be lousy this season. A lot depends on whether Sorokin regains his form from a couple seasons ago. I'm almost hoping he waits another year....
- JohnScammo

Ha-ha! I'm not expecting Sorkin to have an Igor type season, but I think the combo of Sorokin and Varly should prevent a lousy season. We just do not know enough now. We have to see any changes and possible injuries. Injuries will be issue with a roster a year older. It's also not just the goalies and forwards, the defense with Pelech and Pulock are a big concern as well.

And I don't think trading Nelson and Palms this summer gets you a Cup now or anytime soon either. Replacing their 64 goals just becomes another problem for the GM. So if you're really looking to shake things up, then you have to be open to trading anyone without full NTCs. You at least listen to offers on your best players, because you never know if someone is willing to overpay....

Again, at the deadline, if the Isles are not vying for a playoff spot, you recoup whatever value you can for guys on expiring contracts, such as Nelly and Palms. It's possible their value may even be higher then.


- JohnScammo

I'm personally done with the Nelson talk. He's not getting moved this summer and we'll have to wait for the trade deadline to see what happens.

Ha-ha! I'm not expecting Sorkin to have an Igor type season, but I think the combo of Sorokin and Varly should prevent a lousy season. We just do not know enough now. We have to see any changes and possible injuries. Injuries will be issue with a roster a year older. It's also not just the goalies and forwards, the defense with Pelech and Pulock are a big concern as well.
- ses111

Yeah, that's a good point. Pelech/Pulock have quickly gone from our reliable 1st pairing guys to less consistent 2nd pairing guys. Considering the length of their remaining years under contract, it could be brutal if they don't show some resiliency.

I'm personally done with the Nelson talk. He's not getting moved this summer and we'll have to wait for the trade deadline to see what happens.
- eichiefs9

So chiefs, what do you think about Nelson?

So chiefs, what do you think about Nelson?
- JohnScammo

Willie? Or Mandela?

It's extremely funny to me that Utah has not one single defenseman signed for this season

Willie? Or Mandela?
- eichiefs9

Ozzie

It's extremely funny to me that Utah has not one single defenseman signed for this season
- eichiefs9

Mayfield for their first.

Ozzie
- JohnScammo

Do not forget Tony.

Yeah, that's a good point. Pelech/Pulock have quickly gone from our reliable 1st pairing guys to less consistent 2nd pairing guys. Considering the length of their remaining years under contract, it could be brutal if they don't show some resiliency.
- JohnScammo

Both Pelech/Pulock have regressed. Pulock only seems to show up for the playoffs.

It's extremely funny to me that Utah has not one single defenseman signed for this season
- eichiefs9

That’s why they’re going with the abbreviation HC. Not a hockey club just yet lol

Both Pelech/Pulock have regressed. Pulock only seems to show up for the playoffs.
- ses111

Agreed. For a season I thought we had a legit 1/2 d combo that rivaled any team in the league. Now they look like 2nd pairings at best. Wonder why the regression. One thing to note is the isles used to rely on vet guys to log minutes like a Boychuk, Streit, even Greene. After the Chara miss they went with what they had. Which we all saw was underwhelming.

Agreed. For a season I thought we had a legit 1/2 d combo that rivaled any team in the league. Now they look like 2nd pairings at best. Wonder why the regression. One thing to note is the isles used to rely on vet guys to log minutes like a Boychuk, Streit, even Greene. After the Chara miss they went with what they had. Which we all saw was underwhelming.
- kindlyrick

Pelech has had some concussion issues and I think the games and minutes both have played have caught up to them.

Mayfield for their first.
- JohnScammo

They can have Mayfield for a scratch off and a box of paper clips

That’s why they’re going with the abbreviation HC. Not a hockey club just yet lol
- kindlyrick

I hope they end up as the Utah Yeti, nothing else really worked for me

Oh, they might be lousy this season. A lot depends on whether Sorokin regains his form from a couple seasons ago. I'm almost hoping he waits another year....
- JohnScammo

Sorokin can regain his form in spade and we still have ourselves a mediocre team with a great goaltender.

Sorokin can regain his form in spade and we still have ourselves a mediocre team with a great goaltender.
- Cptmjl

This is the issue. It's problems at forward and defense even if Sorokin rebounds.