Ben Shelley: Islanders reportedly leave Bailey and Eberle unprotected, re-sign Greene

I'd rather lose Eberle than Bailey. Wish the draft was today.

Bailey is one of my favorite Islanders and a true Islander, but if you are Seattle you definitely choose Bailey over Eberle. Leaving Bailey unprotected means Lou is planning something big for up front this year. Parise is likely to take the Bailey role and the extra cap space will go toward a big name like Tarasenko or the big 8...

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@reporterchris
Bill Armstrong tells reporters that the #coyotes hope Andrew Ladd can be a culture-changer/leader for them. Adds that his playing time will have to be earned, though.

Lameriello obviously has some deals in place here for both the backend and up front. I expect to see at least three new faces in our lineup if we shed an additional five million in expansion. Parise to me is an almost definite, plus someone on our backend, and a more impactful player up front imo. That’s my prediction.

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@reporterchris
Bill Armstrong tells reporters that the #coyotes hope Andrew Ladd can be a culture-changer/leader for them. Adds that his playing time will have to be earned, though.
- ses111

That’s not the kind of culture I would be looking for

Lameriello obviously has some deals in place here for both the backend and up front. I expect to see at least three new faces in our lineup. Parise to me is an almost definite, plus someone on our backend, and a more impactful player up front imo. That’s my prediction.
- Cptmjl

Looking like a strong prediction Cpt.

That’s not the kind of culture I would be looking for
- Cptmjl

Just had to share.

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Looking like a strong prediction Cpt.
- ses111

He’s dangling Bailey to lose more salary. He’s doing that because he’s looking to add an impact player imo.

He’s dangling Bailey to lose more salary. He’s doing that because he’s looking to add on an impact player imo.
- Cptmjl

Has to be Cpt. Lou has to know he does not have enough offense with the current team especially against a team like Tampa. Would be very strange seeing Bailey on another team. Have to think they take Bailey or Eberle though even though I hope it's Eberle.

Has to be Cpt. Would be very strange seeing Bailey on another team. Have to think they take Bailey or Eberle though even though I hope it's Eberle.
- ses111

Yeah it will be. No matter what anyone’s opinion of the guy is he has been a long tenured Islander.

Yeah it will be. No matter what anyone’s opinion of the guy is he has been a long tenured Islander.
- Cptmjl

He really should retire an Islander

He really should retire an Islander
- mighty13duck

Well I doubt they select Eberle. It’ll either be Bailey or a player like aho depending on who they already selected. Bailey is most likely a goner imo.

Well I doubt they select Eberle. It’ll either be Bailey or a player like aho depending on who they already selected. Bailey is most likely a goner imo.
- Cptmjl

If Bailey is taken and Eberle remains an Islander, I hope it lights a little fire under Eberle but I'm not counting on it.

Well I doubt they select Eberle. It’ll either be Bailey or a player like aho depending on who they already selected. Bailey is most likely a goner imo.
- Cptmjl

I agree

He really should retire an Islander
- mighty13duck

I think he will. Seattle will take Eberle.

I think he will. Seattle will take Eberle.
- Wildschwein

Hope so schwein. Rangers leave Goodrow unprotected.

Hope so schwein. Rangers leave Goodrow unprotected.
- ses111

FWIW, every non Islander hockey fan I’ve talked to thinks the obvious choice is Eberle. He and Bailey are the same age, play the same position, make damn near the same amount of coin and each have 3 years left on their current contract. But Eberle scores more goals, and that’s always gonna be a highly desired quality.

FWIW, every non Islander hockey fan I’ve talked to thinks the obvious choice is Eberle. He and Bailey are the same age, play the same position, make damn near the same amount of coin and each have 3 years left on their current contract. But Eberle scores more goals, and that’s always gonna be a highly desired quality.
- Wildschwein

Bailey has a better two way game, is more consistent and is a better playmaker so I wouldn't be shocked if they choose him.

Why would they protect Martin?

Why would they protect Martin?
- JimmyP

For most teams it would be a shock but not the way Lou and Barry see that 4th line and Martin in particular.

Why would they protect Martin?
- JimmyP

Martin is VERY important to this team

FWIW, every non Islander hockey fan I’ve talked to thinks the obvious choice is Eberle. He and Bailey are the same age, play the same position, make damn near the same amount of coin and each have 3 years left on their current contract. But Eberle scores more goals, and that’s always gonna be a highly desired quality.
- Wildschwein

I think Ebs is the obvious choice. Then again Josh Ho-Sang was left unprotected.

FWIW, every non Islander hockey fan I’ve talked to thinks the obvious choice is Eberle. He and Bailey are the same age, play the same position, make damn near the same amount of coin and each have 3 years left on their current contract. But Eberle scores more goals, and that’s always gonna be a highly desired quality.
- Wildschwein

Honestly depends on what the Kraken take as a team in whole. Bailey plays PK, PP and could be a candidate for getting the C on his shirt. Eberle as you said is a goal scorer and obviously plays the PP.
Both players are good options again depending what Francis needs on his roster. Then again there could be a side deal that keeps both Ebs and Bailey on the team.
Lou has definitely made some Cap space available and it will be interesting to see what he does after the expansion draft.
Parise imho is a real possibility to re unite with Lou especially if The Kraken select either Ebs or Bailey.