Eyes on Isles
@eyesonislesFS
Russian outlet reports Iskhakov will sign to play in the KHL next season #Isles

A report citing the Russian online sports outlet Championat.com says the 2018 second-round pick will sign a contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL for next season. The Islanders had extended a qualifying offer to Iskhakov, a two-time AHL All-Star, on Jun. 30th, along with four other players.

Eyes on Isles
@eyesonislesFS
Russian outlet reports Iskhakov will sign to play in the KHL next season #Isles

A report citing the Russian online sports outlet Championat.com says the 2018 second-round pick will sign a contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL for next season. The Islanders had extended a qualifying offer to Iskhakov, a two-time AHL All-Star, on Jun. 30th, along with four other players.
- PeteM

This is tough but would not be surprising.

Happy 4th Nf and to all the Islander fans!

It's too soon for predictions. If this is the roster, there is risk due to age and injury. Especially to players like Palms and Pelech. Lot of pressure on the defense and Sorokin to rebound as well.
- ses111

Happy 4th (111 to all the guys here) be smart and safe today.

Eyes on Isles
@eyesonislesFS
Russian outlet reports Iskhakov will sign to play in the KHL next season #Isles

A report citing the Russian online sports outlet Championat.com says the 2018 second-round pick will sign a contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL for next season. The Islanders had extended a qualifying offer to Iskhakov, a two-time AHL All-Star, on Jun. 30th, along with four other players.
- PeteM

Since the Isles qualified him, do they still own his rights if he decides to comeback?

Since the Isles qualified him, do they still own his rights if he decides to comeback?
- Nfdbulldawg

It's a good question NF. I'm thinking Yes, but I'm not sure. This is another example of the Islanders mishandling an asset. No idea if Ruslan would make a good NHL player, but he should have gotten a look much sooner and his SO skills would have helped for sure.

I think the Islanders will have a similar season in terms of competing for a playoff spot. With Barzal, Bo, Dobson, and Sorokin, I'm not expecting a huge drop-off. There is no guarantee though and especially with the teams around the Islanders like the Devils and Caps improving.


I would hold off making any signings right now. I want to give a full shot to someone like Ruslan. Maybe Maggio or Dufour show something mid-season?
- ses111

I think this roster is better than last years, but I don’t believe they’re cup contenders. The season begins and ends with Sorokin.

I think this roster is better than last years, but I don’t believe they’re cup contenders. The season begins and ends with Sorokin.
- kindlyrick

Definitely questions that need to be answered.
1. Will Sorokin regain his form?
2. Will Pullock and Pelech regain their past dominance and stay healthy?
3. Mayfield...who will show up?
4. Will Dober continue his growth towards being an NHL top 5 D-man?
5. Will Nelson maintain the pace he has been on the last few years?
6. Will Palms be able to stay healthy and can he hit 25 goals this year?
7. Will JGP's decline continue?
8. Will Pierre Eng stop skating in circles? Will he ever stop being afraid of the corners.
9. What does the fourth line look like?
10. Will Duclair, Horvat, Barzy be the legit 1st line?

These are some major questions. Failure on any of these can put this team in a major hole.

https://www.hockeyfeed.co...-tavares-of-his-captaincy

Gotta love it. !!!!!

https://thehockeywriters....re-issue-duclair-signing/

https://thehockeywriters....ould-be-nelson-extension/

https://thehockeywriters....re-issue-duclair-signing/
- Nfdbulldawg

It's a fair take. Duclair is a nice player, but not a difference maker.

Definitely questions that need to be answered.
1. Will Sorokin regain his form?
2. Will Pullock and Pelech regain their past dominance and stay healthy?
3. Mayfield...who will show up?
4. Will Dober continue his growth towards being an NHL top 5 D-man?
5. Will Nelson maintain the pace he has been on the last few years?
6. Will Palms be able to stay healthy and can he hit 25 goals this year?
7. Will JGP's decline continue?
8. Will Pierre Eng stop skating in circles? Will he ever stop being afraid of the corners.
9. What does the fourth line look like?
10. Will Duclair, Horvat, Barzy be the legit 1st line?

These are some major questions. Failure on any of these can put this team in a major hole.
- Nfdbulldawg

These are all fair questions and why there is concern about the Islanders.