Ben Shelley: Islanders re-sign Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov and Kieffer Bellows

Some quotes from Lou today:

“There shouldn’t be any disappointment from anyone,” Lamoriello said. “When we hear the word disappointment, I wonder what that is. Free agents have to make decisions, and also teams have to make decisions. … There’s no disappointment where we’re at because we feel very good about who we are, or we would have made drastic changes last year if we didn’t feel good about the group we have and what they’re capable of doing. I say that with comfortability. I say that with confidence. We’re looking forward to getting back at it and proving everybody wrong.”

Lamoriello said that the Islanders looked at “many different options,” but in the potential deals they “would not have gotten in return what we had to give up to make it, in my opinion, a better team.”

He continued: “I know everyone looks at (it like) if something isn’t done then it’s not good. Well sometimes, some of the best transactions you make are the ones you don’t make.”

Lamoriello is optimistic.

“Lane is his own person,” Lamoriello said. “Lane worked with Barry for a number of years. We all know Barry is a great coach. I think that what Lane takes from Barry and what Lane had the opportunity to observe, and whatever changes I feel he will make will make us a better team. And I think we will be a little more offensive, but we will not give up defense.”

Regarding Barzal, Lamoriello said: “I feel very comfortable that we have the players here that can complement Mat, and Mat complement them. I think it’s a two-way street. I have tremendous confidence in Mat’s development. I believe each and every year he’s become a better player, in my opinion. I feel that he has the ability to lead us … and I think that he’ll make that next jump this year.”

What else is Lou going to say???? I slept through free agency???

What else is Lou going to say???? I slept through free agency???
- Nfdbulldawg

It’s gonna be ok don’t jump.

It’s gonna be ok don’t jump.
- nyisles7

Well the depth on d isn't great so he probably needs to add there

Well the depth on d isn't great so he probably needs to add there
- Upstate_isles

Said the other bottom pair spot would be an internal add. Aho was just signed so I assume either him or Salo.

Said the other bottom pair spot would be an internal add. Aho was just signed so I assume either him or Salo.
- Cptmjl

Yea I'm just not sure how I feel.about those two playing regularly. If I had my choice of the two I'd like to see salo

Well the depth on d isn't great so he probably needs to add there
- Upstate_isles

I think Salo showed enough last year to be ready if needed. Not sold on Aho But if need be Chara and or Greene are a phone call away.

Yea I'm just not sure how I feel.about those two playing regularly. If I had my choice of the two I'd like to see salo
- Upstate_isles

That goes without saying. Who knows where Salo will be at in his development this season hopefully he takes another step forward. I know the organization seems to like aho for whatever reason. With that said I agree would be nice to have a decent bottom pairing D man with a little bit more experience under their belt and play Salo in spots.

That goes without saying. Who knows where Salo will be at in his development this season hopefully he takes another step forward. I know the organization seems to like aho for whatever reason. With that said I agree would be nice to have a decent bottom pairing D man with a little bit more experience under their belt and play Salo in spots.
- Cptmjl

Yup and I'm a fan of Salo but he made some mistakes last year which will happen with young d. I can't figure out the aho love from the organization

I think Salo showed enough last year to be ready if needed. Not sold on Aho But if need be Chara and or Greene are a phone call away.
- nyisles7

So is Radek Martinek

So is Radek Martinek
- Upstate_isles

Kenny Jönsson?

Yup and I'm a fan of Salo but he made some mistakes last year which will happen with young d. I can't figure out the aho love from the organization
- Upstate_isles

He moves the puck well when he manages to hold onto it. Decent transition player but he’s prone to mistakes and mishandling the puck under pressure. I believe they’re hoping he can button that up with more playing time. Not sure if he’ll be able to do it but I have a feeling he’ll get the opportunity.

So is Radek Martinek
- Upstate_isles

Aho was used sparingly and took time from Greene who was shot at the end of last year physically. Gotta think Salo with a good camp and preseason will get the nod.

Kenny Jönsson?
- JimmyP

Not old enough

I think 7 and captain agree on Salo while not responded to each other, I am their medium

I think 7 and captain agree on Salo while not responded to each other, I am their medium
- Upstate_isles

You should charge a fee.

You should charge a fee.
- Wildschwein

He would need a HUGE fee for that.

You should charge a fee.
- Wildschwein

No fee required I'm here for the people

That Dobson to canucks rumor was probably the best part of the off-season.

https://www.saltwire.com/...FjPQUe__VpkQ5QzQM6LXhwOss

It’s gonna be ok don’t jump.
- nyisles7

Yea not likely. And leave you to have all the fun.

Yup and I'm a fan of Salo but he made some mistakes last year which will happen with young d. I can't figure out the aho love from the organization
- Upstate_isles

The same can be asked about Bailey.

What else is Lou going to say???? I slept through free agency???
- Nfdbulldawg

We have no idea what deals he tried to make for trades or free agent signings. It was reported that he was in on both JG and Kadri. In either case it meant moving out salary. Obviously, the other GM's, knowing they had him over a barrel, were probably (or maybe obviously) asking for way to much in return. Besides, most people on here were b!tching about Kadri and a $7x7 contract. Lou didn't sign him and people are b!tching that he didn't sign anyone.
I'm willing to see how the season starts and where it goes from there. If they start to suck right out of the gate, I have to think Lou will make a move or 2. We'll have to wait and see.

don't sleep on Gran Hutton too.. I thought he did a very solid job last year when he played. He didn't have the glaring mistakes that Aho was still making. Just played solid Defense. 6'4" 27 year old ... hoping he is in bottom pairing or Salo.

Yup and I'm a fan of Salo but he made some mistakes last year which will happen with young d. I can't figure out the aho love from the organization
- Upstate_isles

Every once in a while he shows flashes of what they actually see in him.. but then he makes a really bad mistake that at this point he really shouldn't be making anymore.

I Aho is a fill in 7th D-man for injuries I am fine with it. If he is playing every game I am leery.