It usually only means long-term, otherwise he'd be day-to-day/week-to-week...whatever

I'm not so sure the big trade won't eventually be Lou selling, not buying. Cap gets real tricky unless Barzal is out for the remainder of the regular season. They can create space by putting him on LTIR but if he comes back during the season then they won't be able to get cap compliant. Maybe we see another minor trade or a waiver claim for a body, unless he's buying and selling and is able to balance the books.
- eichiefs9

Have to agree Chiefs.
If Barzal is out Lou maybe more apt to sell.
I mean they aren’t in the PO picture as we speak and without Barzy it won’t be easy. He’s been easily the best player the last couple weeks.

With Barzal out, you have to fear the worst and hope for the best. Roy and Lou have been able to piece together enough healthy bodies to give the fans a little something to cheer about.

While they are not mathematically out of the race. It is time to think about next year. It is time to start moving pieces while the bidding is high. There are still a lot of bubble teams out there. This could help drive the return upwards for our assets.

Either way it was a nice week and a half.

Is there any word on Barzals injury timeline?

Is there any word on Barzals injury timeline?
- kindlyrick

Just indefinite. I wouldn't expect to see him for a month or two, until we hear something otherwise.

edit: Just kidding, here you go:

Ethan Sears
@ethan_sears
Patrick Roy said he doesn’t know whether Barzal will be back by the end of the regular season

Stefen Rosner
@stefen_rosner
12m
Barzal hasn't been ruled out from returning this season. But there's no clear answer if he will be back. He's out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. That's all, for now.

Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
2m
Kind of depends on next steps, does Barzal get a procedure done or just let it heal. It's not a short-term absence either way but the reality is that right now, there is no firm time line yet.

Just indefinite. I wouldn't expect to see him for a month or two, until we hear something otherwise.

edit: Just kidding, here you go:

Ethan Sears
@ethan_sears
Patrick Roy said he doesn’t know whether Barzal will be back by the end of the regular season

Stefen Rosner
@stefen_rosner
12m
Barzal hasn't been ruled out from returning this season. But there's no clear answer if he will be back. He's out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. That's all, for now.

Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
2m
Kind of depends on next steps, does Barzal get a procedure done or just let it heal. It's not a short-term absence either way but the reality is that right now, there is no firm time line yet.
- eichiefs9

Just indefinite. I wouldn't expect to see him for a month or two, until we hear something otherwise.

edit: Just kidding, here you go:

Ethan Sears
@ethan_sears
Patrick Roy said he doesn’t know whether Barzal will be back by the end of the regular season

Stefen Rosner
@stefen_rosner
12m
Barzal hasn't been ruled out from returning this season. But there's no clear answer if he will be back. He's out indefinitely with a lower-body injury. That's all, for now.

Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
2m
Kind of depends on next steps, does Barzal get a procedure done or just let it heal. It's not a short-term absence either way but the reality is that right now, there is no firm time line yet.
- eichiefs9

Wow. So basically the worst news possible. lol.
I guess the big question now is, does Lou replace Barzal via trade or just let it play out till the 4 nations break and start selling??

Wow. So basically the worst news possible. lol.
I guess the big question now is, does Lou replace Barzal via trade or just let it play out till the 4 nations break and start selling??
- kindlyrick

Highly unlikely this team will find a replacement for Barzal. Is it impossible no, just highly unlikely in my opinion. I would rather them use their assets to build for next season.

Highly unlikely this team will find a replacement for Barzal. Is it impossible no, just highly unlikely in my opinion. I would rather them use their assets to build for next season.
- Nfdbulldawg

Agreed but I can see Lou making a trade to add scoring and then re signing Nelson and Palmieri.

Agreed but I can see Lou making a trade to add scoring and then re signing Nelson and Palmieri.
- kindlyrick

If there is truly uncertainty with when Barzal may be able to return then I just can't see him being able to add a significant cap hit. I don't think anything happens before the Four Nations but I can't see how this team is in anything but sell mode at the deadline. It's been a fun week or two but that pace is not likely to last and I don't think anybody who is being objective can see the Islanders making the playoffs.

If there is truly uncertainty with when Barzal may be able to return then I just can't see him being able to add a significant cap hit. I don't think anything happens before the Four Nations but I can't see how this team is in anything but sell mode at the deadline. It's been a fun week or two but that pace is not likely to last and I don't think anybody who is being objective can see the Islanders making the playoffs.
- eichiefs9

Islanders have another reason to be sellers now. If the team handles things the right way at the deadline and offseason, it could benefit the team for a long time.

Isles have placed Mathew Barzal on IR. 9 million stays on the books

Isles have placed Mathew Barzal on IR. 9 million stays on the books
- kindlyrick

For now.

They can put him on LTIR retroactively any time that they want. He just has to miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days if they do that, which seems like a guarantee.

Wow. So basically the worst news possible. lol.
I guess the big question now is, does Lou replace Barzal via trade or just let it play out till the 4 nations break and start selling??
- kindlyrick

This is a question?

Have to give it to you guys this a never surrender thread. 😆

This is a question?

Have to give it to you guys this a never surrender thread. 😆
- Cptmjl

https://www.playoffstatus...nhl/easternstandings.html
This site estimates that the Isles have a 20% chance of making the playoffs. If that number hasn't at least doubled after the remaining games before the break, Lou needs to face reality and start working the phones as a seller.

Well, I think everyone pretty much expected this.

My guess is they will not become buyers or sellers. They will likely play the next month out and then determine next steps based on their standing. Lou won't be forced into a sell-off until the very last moment.
This has just been such a terrible year, for a team that was just starting to get their act together.

https://www.playoffstatus.com/nhl/easternstandings.html
This site estimates that the Isles have a 20% chance of making the playoffs. If that number hasn't at least doubled after the remaining games before the break, Lou needs to face reality and start working the phones as a seller.
- JohnScammo

This is what I’m talking about right here. Fold up the tents scammo time to pack it in there buddy.

This is what I’m talking about right here. Fold up the tents scammo time to pack it in there buddy.
- Cptmjl

I think that is more than likely. Without Barzal, and missing some other guys, I don't like their chances. Of course, if they somehow get on another hot streak.....

I think that is more than likely. Without Barzal, and missing some other guys, I don't like their chances. Of course, if they somehow get on another hot streak.....
- JohnScammo

I mean what’s taking you so long?
They were doomed to suck the minute Lou got here 5 years ago. Before they even practiced or played a game. Some fans just know everything or at least they think they do!
Imagine how much money they make betting on hockey!

Good kill.
As bad as the PK has been this year it’s been great the last month.

That's a pretty dangerous trip and no-call there. Lucky DeAngelo is okay

I think that is more than likely. Without Barzal, and missing some other guys, I don't like their chances. Of course, if they somehow get on another hot streak.....
- JohnScammo

That's a pretty dangerous trip and no-call there. Lucky DeAngelo is okay
- keaner17

Totally agree.
The way our season has been going I’m surprised he didn’t get injured.

Perfect timing by Bo there!

It's incredible how missing Pulock, Dobson and Mayfield has resulted in the Isles playing arguably their most composed defense since the Trotz days. The support game has been fantastic.