This has long been my concern about Brock and why I've felt that, even though he put up good goal totals, moving on from him (and a few others) might be best to finally erase the 'country club' aura of the Isles clubhouse. When Snow made picks, he constantly referred to their hockey IQ and overall intelligence. In many cases, I think this caused him to value 'cerebral' guys like that over aggressive/more emotional talents. The problem with that is you don't end up with enough guys who have a killer instinct. Bailey was always a prime example. Josh Bailey had elite skill (some may groan at that). The kid had top tier hands, great passing ability, decent skating and an underrated shot. What he lacked was puck greed...it's that same puck greed that made Ovechkin what he is. Tons of guys have great shots, great hands, great skates..but it's that mindset that makes the most competitive of players great.
I always found Anders, Bailey, Brock and several other Snow guys to simply be too laid back... You need a few guys like that but when your team is inundated with them, you suddenly lack urgency, grit, and aggression, which is precisely what this team has seemingly lacked for years and years. Trotz managed to milk something extra out of them. That said, I also think their success with those two ECF appearances caused them to become too calm in the face of adversity. There was always this "we'll be okay attitude" that real competitors would never settle on.
As guys like Anders age out of the lineup, firey guys like Cole Eiserman should change the team attitude. (Hopefully) - keaner17
I’m too old to engage with arguments for the sake of arguing. Praising Lou is homerish and this organization as a whole has hit a low that is indefensible.
It really boils down to 101 business. Your home is worth 500k. Someone offers you 750k for it and the obvious answer is you take the 750k and buy another 500k home, earning 250k. You don’t turn that down…..it’s the advantage of a volatile market….people pay up.
It seems that Lou was more focused on favoring the player than the organization.
Side note : Brock Nelson has yet to register a point in the playoffs. - kindlyrick
Who gets a point first Landy or Nelly...My gut says Landy.
Question #1. After going 0-21 on the PP in the playoffs, do you bring back MacLean?
Question # 2. At this years deadline, do you load up on picks and prospects, or do you stand pat?
Question # 3. After losing your franchise player to free agency, do you not sign an elite UFA to replace the 10.5 million you offered 91?
Question # 4. Do you put no beards and low jersey numbers as a priority over special teams? - kindlyrick
Question #1. After going 0-21 on the PP in the playoffs, do you bring back MacLean? No I would not bring him back.
Question # 2. At this years deadline, do you load up on picks and prospects, or do you stand pat? No, I would move anything not considered my core for the following year and stock the cabinets with everything I could get.
Question # 3. After losing your franchise player to free agency, do you not sign an elite UFA to replace the 10.5 million you offered 91? They may not have had an option at the time. To sign someone for the sake of signing would not be smart. I would however sign the best available to short term deal and see what shakes out during the season in the trade market. Islanders have always had an issue here.
Question # 4. Do you put no beards and low jersey numbers as a priority over special teams?
I am probably one of the only ones that did not have an issue with Lou's no beard policy. Some of these beards to date are just downright nasty looking. Put a loop at the bottom and they will hold your peck up. Hockey players ever since they were mites and pee wee would get dressed in slacks and a collared shirt no hats. My son through Pee Wee and now in college have been at a minimum collared shirt, tie and slacks. The guys now a days are wearing suits. I think it is great.
If you know nothing about someone and they meet you clean cut and in a suit. Or a guy comes to you beard to his belly, ripped jeans, and flip flops. Who do you want representing your company.
The whole numbers thing I do not agree with as each person has a reason for their number selection.
I agree. Lou did not seem to have a good plan B when plan A did not work out. Lou needed to be more aggressive after the 1st ECF when you have Barry coaching, and you are not a rebuilding team. - ses111
Hundred percent. That was his opportunity to shine. He went for loyalty and not the killer instinct that people are referring to about Brock. I get it...It is great to win with the boys. But you need to tweak things and sometimes upset the apple cart as Torre did in the early years of the cup.
IMHO I believe Lou’s litany of rules was a deterrent for top UFAs. I know if I’m in a position to chose where I wanna go with similar money, I’m definitely not going to a place where I’m being watched under a microscope. I guess we’ll see with whomever is the new GM, but I’d be willing to bet that their free agent signings are more fruitful than Lou Lam - kindlyrick
I do not know if you can make that assumption unless there are players that have come out and said this. As the Islanders for the last 35 years have had trouble luring the big-ticket player outside of getting him here via trade.
No argument there, but Long Island clearly isn't a high-value free agent destination for whatever reason that may be. Only way I see to change that is to draft, and occasionally trade, well and build a strong/competitive team. - Gabe Athaus
This has long been my concern about Brock and why I've felt that, even though he put up good goal totals, moving on from him (and a few others) might be best to finally erase the 'country club' aura of the Isles clubhouse. When Snow made picks, he constantly referred to their hockey IQ and overall intelligence. In many cases, I think this caused him to value 'cerebral' guys like that over aggressive/more emotional talents. The problem with that is you don't end up with enough guys who have a killer instinct. Bailey was always a prime example. Josh Bailey had elite skill (some may groan at that). The kid had top tier hands, great passing ability, decent skating and an underrated shot. What he lacked was puck greed...it's that same puck greed that made Ovechkin what he is. Tons of guys have great shots, great hands, great skates..but it's that mindset that makes the most competitive of players great.
I always found Anders, Bailey, Brock and several other Snow guys to simply be too laid back... You need a few guys like that but when your team is inundated with them, you suddenly lack urgency, grit, and aggression, which is precisely what this team has seemingly lacked for years and years. Trotz managed to milk something extra out of them. That said, I also think their success with those two ECF appearances caused them to become too calm in the face of adversity. There was always this "we'll be okay attitude" that real competitors would never settle on.
As guys like Anders age out of the lineup, firey guys like Cole Eiserman should change the team attitude. (Hopefully) - keaner17
1000%. We've all been complaining for years that there's no one on the team that is shoot first.
Hundred percent. That was his opportunity to shine. He went for loyalty and not the killer instinct that people are referring to about Brock. I get it...It is great to win with the boys. But you need to tweak things and sometimes upset the apple cart as Torre did in the early years of the cup. - Nfdbulldawg
Yep! Islanders were winning Cups and Bill was still trying to improve and not standing pat. Getting past a team like Tampa needing something more.
[quote=Nfdbulldawg]
I would bold the answer but you’ve already done that. 😆
Doesn’t really matter what you or I think in regards to the no beard thing. It matters whether players want to play for a team that has these kinds of rules. A lot of them don’t seem to care for it.
Very under whelming draft track record for a team that struggles to sign free agents. Maybe the free agents will line up now that the no beard policy is gone.
There are still many broken parts to this organization. Right now, building the new arena has been like putting lip stick on a pig.
Whoever takes over has a lot of work to do. It is not insurmountable, but they have a lot of work to make this a sustainable viable franchise for the long term.
Is the New York Islanders General Manager’s Job Appealing?
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was on NHL Network and was asked by Brian Boyle about the open General Manager position, and could the New York Islanders have to convince someone to take the job.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
NHL Rumors: New York Islanders Will Be Different Next Season
Brian Boyle: “Elliotte, I know that there’s 32 GM jobs, and that’s it. Is there going to have to be some courting by the Islanders? Because if you look at the organization as a whole, and I know they made some trades at the deadline for the future, I guess you could say, but yeah, the Bridgeport team is not good, and the pipeline and the cupboard seem a bit bare. So is there? Will there have to be some courting, some convincing, maybe, to get the guy they want to come to the Island?”
Elliotte Friedman: “I understand your question, but to be honest, I’m hearing the opposite. I’m hearing there’s a lot of interest. And I think one of the reasons there’s a lot of interest is because it’s, as you mentioned, the Bridgeport thing is a problem. But they made a heck of a trade for Brock Nelson. They got another first-round pick, and they got a great prospect, Calum Ritchie. It might take a bit of work, but you’re almost going to be presented with a bit of a blank canvas. You’re going to have the opportunity to build some things.
Is the New York Islanders General Manager’s Job Appealing?
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was on NHL Network and was asked by Brian Boyle about the open General Manager position, and could the New York Islanders have to convince someone to take the job.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
NHL Rumors: New York Islanders Will Be Different Next Season
Brian Boyle: “Elliotte, I know that there’s 32 GM jobs, and that’s it. Is there going to have to be some courting by the Islanders? Because if you look at the organization as a whole, and I know they made some trades at the deadline for the future, I guess you could say, but yeah, the Bridgeport team is not good, and the pipeline and the cupboard seem a bit bare. So is there? Will there have to be some courting, some convincing, maybe, to get the guy they want to come to the Island?”
Elliotte Friedman: “I understand your question, but to be honest, I’m hearing the opposite. I’m hearing there’s a lot of interest. And I think one of the reasons there’s a lot of interest is because it’s, as you mentioned, the Bridgeport thing is a problem. But they made a heck of a trade for Brock Nelson. They got another first-round pick, and they got a great prospect, Calum Ritchie. It might take a bit of work, but you’re almost going to be presented with a bit of a blank canvas. You’re going to have the opportunity to build some things. - Nfdbulldawg
I think this is a huge opportunity for an up and coming assistant general manager looking to make their name. They have a few good prospects and within a few years of drafting and developing they could field a real team in 3-4 years.
The person who ultimately gets the gig is going to need to revamp the organizations staff and bring in the right people for the draft table. Furthermore Bridgeport is in need of a real coaching staff, which is the perfect opportunity for a guy like Thomas Hickey or another intelligent hockey mind.
The inability to lure the big ticket to Long Island could be mitigated with a youthful, affable GM. Long Island isn’t a hard sell, as every former player praises living near the beach and the city. It’s the GMs job to be able to close the deal, and I believe losing all the antiquated rules is a positive not a negative. The agents run the league and the newer agents are younger and from a different generation. The new GM or president should have some relationship with the agents of today.
Location: It's probably sarcasm, NY Joined: 02.12.2011
Yesterday @ 10:42 AM ET
Is the New York Islanders General Manager’s Job Appealing?
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was on NHL Network and was asked by Brian Boyle about the open General Manager position, and could the New York Islanders have to convince someone to take the job.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
NHL Rumors: New York Islanders Will Be Different Next Season
Brian Boyle: “Elliotte, I know that there’s 32 GM jobs, and that’s it. Is there going to have to be some courting by the Islanders? Because if you look at the organization as a whole, and I know they made some trades at the deadline for the future, I guess you could say, but yeah, the Bridgeport team is not good, and the pipeline and the cupboard seem a bit bare. So is there? Will there have to be some courting, some convincing, maybe, to get the guy they want to come to the Island?”
Elliotte Friedman: “I understand your question, but to be honest, I’m hearing the opposite. I’m hearing there’s a lot of interest. And I think one of the reasons there’s a lot of interest is because it’s, as you mentioned, the Bridgeport thing is a problem. But they made a heck of a trade for Brock Nelson. They got another first-round pick, and they got a great prospect, Calum Ritchie. It might take a bit of work, but you’re almost going to be presented with a bit of a blank canvas. You’re going to have the opportunity to build some things. - Nfdbulldawg
I think this is a huge opportunity for an up and coming assistant general manager looking to make their name. They have a few good prospects and within a few years of drafting and developing they could field a real team in 3-4 years.
The person who ultimately gets the gig is going to need to revamp the organizations staff and bring in the right people for the draft table. Furthermore Bridgeport is in need of a real coaching staff, which is the perfect opportunity for a guy like Thomas Hickey or another intelligent hockey mind.
The inability to lure the big ticket to Long Island could be mitigated with a youthful, affable GM. Long Island isn’t a hard sell, as every former player praises living near the beach and the city. It’s the GMs job to be able to close the deal, and I believe losing all the antiquated rules is a positive not a negative. The agents run the league and the newer agents are younger and from a different generation. The new GM or president should have some relationship with the agents of today. - kindlyrick
I think this is a huge opportunity for an up-and-coming assistant general manager looking to make their name. They have a few good prospects and within a few years of drafting and developing they could field a real team in 3-4 years. The person who ultimately gets the gig is going to need to revamp the organizations staff and bring in the right people for the draft table.
I would have to agree with this theory. That is why I am leaning more towards a candidate that has not been a GM but has experience in this area. i.e. AGM.
Furthermore, Bridgeport is in need of a real coaching staff, which is the perfect opportunity for a guy like Thomas Hickey or another intelligent hockey mind.
Not sure about Hickey's coaching ability but he has a good hockey, he understands the direction of the NHL. I would not mind seeing him in a management role at Bridgeport. As much as I like his insight as an analyst, he is more valuable to me as player development or a position in Bridgeport. I would even give Clutter some consideration down at Bridgeport. Provided both would be interested.
The inability to lure the big ticket to Long Island could be mitigated with a youthful, affable GM. Long Island isn’t a hard sell, as every former player praises living near the beach and the city. It’s the GMs job to be able to close the deal, and I believe losing all the antiquated rules is a positive not a negative. The agents run the league and the newer agents are younger and from a different generation. The new GM or president should have some relationship with the agents of today.
Here is another point that no one talks about. The current players need to sell the team. If no one thinks that players behind the scenes, at all-star games, golf outings and charity events your crazy.
Regarding the antiquated rules, winning and money make those types of obstacles less relevant. Four or Five years ago it was arena and practice facility that prevented players from coming. Now it was beards and taxes.
How a solid program in place and they will come. You cannot have a three-ring circus with a shiny new penny and expect everyone to come.
You need a true respected leader on one and off the ice around the league. I am sorry, Lee is not that guy. Horvat is not even that guy. The Islanders are missing that type of leadership. You also need a legitimate go to guy. This team lacks that type of player. This team is a makeup of second, third, and four line players. There will be people that argue I am wrong but look at the roster. Horvat and Barzal may get a sniff on top elsewhere but look at the legit Stanley Cup teams. Our top players are second and third line players. Case in point Nelly, look at his struggles with the AVS. Look where he was in the four nations.
I think this is a huge opportunity for an up-and-coming assistant general manager looking to make their name. They have a few good prospects and within a few years of drafting and developing they could field a real team in 3-4 years. The person who ultimately gets the gig is going to need to revamp the organizations staff and bring in the right people for the draft table.
I would have to agree with this theory. That is why I am leaning more towards a candidate that has not been a GM but has experience in this area. i.e. AGM.
Furthermore, Bridgeport is in need of a real coaching staff, which is the perfect opportunity for a guy like Thomas Hickey or another intelligent hockey mind.
Not sure about Hickey's coaching ability but he has a good hockey, he understands the direction of the NHL. I would not mind seeing him in a management role at Bridgeport. As much as I like his insight as an analyst, he is more valuable to me as player development or a position in Bridgeport. I would even give Clutter some consideration down at Bridgeport. Provided both would be interested.
The inability to lure the big ticket to Long Island could be mitigated with a youthful, affable GM. Long Island isn’t a hard sell, as every former player praises living near the beach and the city. It’s the GMs job to be able to close the deal, and I believe losing all the antiquated rules is a positive not a negative. The agents run the league and the newer agents are younger and from a different generation. The new GM or president should have some relationship with the agents of today.
Here is another point that no one talks about. The current players need to sell the team. If no one thinks that players behind the scenes, at all-star games, golf outings and charity events your crazy.
Regarding the antiquated rules, winning and money make those types of obstacles less relevant. Four or Five years ago it was arena and practice facility that prevented players from coming. Now it was beards and taxes.
How a solid program in place and they will come. You cannot have a three-ring circus with a shiny new penny and expect everyone to come.
You need a true respected leader on one and off the ice around the league. I am sorry, Lee is not that guy. Horvat is not even that guy. The Islanders are missing that type of leadership. You also need a legitimate go to guy. This team lacks that type of player. This team is a makeup of second, third, and four line players. There will be people that argue I am wrong but look at the roster. Horvat and Barzal may get a sniff on top elsewhere but look at the legit Stanley Cup teams. Our top players are second and third line players. Case in point Nelly, look at his struggles with the AVS. Look where he was in the four nations. - Nfdbulldawg
You need a President and GM that can sell players on a vision and that can talk to current players. You need people that will focus on scouting and Bridgeport and everything that goes into the job. You cannot hide in the basement and never talk.
You need a big personality as captain. Look at some of the past captains. Pat Flatley and Kenny Jonsson. Lee and Horvat are also not captain material. Just listen to Lee after games. Nothing but excuses from him. Islanders management and players have to stop acting minor league.
I think this is a huge opportunity for an up-and-coming assistant general manager looking to make their name. They have a few good prospects and within a few years of drafting and developing they could field a real team in 3-4 years. The person who ultimately gets the gig is going to need to revamp the organizations staff and bring in the right people for the draft table.
I would have to agree with this theory. That is why I am leaning more towards a candidate that has not been a GM but has experience in this area. i.e. AGM.
Furthermore, Bridgeport is in need of a real coaching staff, which is the perfect opportunity for a guy like Thomas Hickey or another intelligent hockey mind.
Not sure about Hickey's coaching ability but he has a good hockey, he understands the direction of the NHL. I would not mind seeing him in a management role at Bridgeport. As much as I like his insight as an analyst, he is more valuable to me as player development or a position in Bridgeport. I would even give Clutter some consideration down at Bridgeport. Provided both would be interested.
The inability to lure the big ticket to Long Island could be mitigated with a youthful, affable GM. Long Island isn’t a hard sell, as every former player praises living near the beach and the city. It’s the GMs job to be able to close the deal, and I believe losing all the antiquated rules is a positive not a negative. The agents run the league and the newer agents are younger and from a different generation. The new GM or president should have some relationship with the agents of today.
Here is another point that no one talks about. The current players need to sell the team. If no one thinks that players behind the scenes, at all-star games, golf outings and charity events your crazy.
Regarding the antiquated rules, winning and money make those types of obstacles less relevant. Four or Five years ago it was arena and practice facility that prevented players from coming. Now it was beards and taxes.
How a solid program in place and they will come. You cannot have a three-ring circus with a shiny new penny and expect everyone to come.
You need a true respected leader on one and off the ice around the league. I am sorry, Lee is not that guy. Horvat is not even that guy. The Islanders are missing that type of leadership. You also need a legitimate go to guy. This team lacks that type of player. This team is a makeup of second, third, and four line players. There will be people that argue I am wrong but look at the roster. Horvat and Barzal may get a sniff on top elsewhere but look at the legit Stanley Cup teams. Our top players are second and third line players. Case in point Nelly, look at his struggles with the AVS. Look where he was in the four nations. - Nfdbulldawg
I agree with most of what you’ve said, minus the UFAs. We will see what a new GM can do to lure a top asset to the island. I think Garth Snow was laughed at, and Lou’s stubbornness regarding his rules, I’m sure carried over in his negotiations…..the proof is in the pudding. Neither could get it done.
Regarding the isles missing that type of leadership, the isles should have traded Lee, Pageau and Palmieri at the deadline. Anders Lee is another Garth Snow guy, who’s just not the captain this team needs. Great guy, great net presence…..not the guy.
If Brady Tkatchuk can be had, you get him to the island.
You need a President and GM that can sell players on a vision and that can talk to current players. You need people that will focus on scouting and Bridgeport and everything that goes into the job. You cannot hide in the basement and never talk.
You need a big personality as captain. Look at some of the past captains. Pat Flatley and Kenny Jonsson. Lee and Horvat are also not captain material. Just listen to Lee after games. Nothing but excuses from him. Islanders management and players have to stop acting minor league. - ses111
I think you bring up a good point. The Captains of the islanders for the last few decades have been weak. Pat Flatley, Kenny Jonsson, Yashin, Smyth, Tavares, Lee….none of them are outspoken personalities. The isles need a guy who’s a leader….not because they are introverted/smart and show up to practice early.
Bo Horvat gives me Ryan Smyth/John Tavares vibes…..awkward.
I think you bring up a good point. The Captains of the islanders for the last few decades have been weak. Pat Flatley, Kenny Jonsson, Yashin, Smyth, Tavares, Lee….none of them are outspoken personalities. The isles need a guy who’s a leader….not because they are introverted/smart and show up to practice early.
Bo Horvat gives me Ryan Smyth vibes - kindlyrick
You need aggressive players on the ice and off the ice. This good boy club is not working for the Islanders. Islander players thing they did their job if they got a lot of shots on net. Meanwhile, other teams or scoring the dirty type goals against the Islanders.
You need aggressive players on the ice and off the ice. This good boy club is not working for the Islanders. Islander players thing they did their job if they got a lot of shots on net. Meanwhile, other teams or scoring the dirty type goals against the Islanders. - ses111
Yeah I’m done with exemplary nice guy wearing the C. That photo with Tavares and 5 other islanders where everyone was drinking BUT Tavares sums it up. Give me the personality who’s gonna lead on and off the ice. If it means moving Horvat or Barzal, do it and go get Brady Tkatchuk.
