Dude they're not making it......i chirped this roster in week 2.
- kindlyrick

I know they are not making it. They do not deserve it. The point is how sad it is they have to struggle for the last spot when they should be much better.

https://www.fanragsports....tavares-future-islanders/

“There’s a lot of things that have to come into focus here. What I know is this: It’s the intention of John Tavares to know exactly what he’s deciding on by June,” said Dreger. “And there’s a lot of reasons for that. He is a pending unrestricted free agent after next season.

Well at least if things go south, it'll be over somewhat quick.

https://www.fanragsports.com/nhl/insiders-explore-dynamics-tavares-future-islanders/

“There’s a lot of things that have to come into focus here. What I know is this: It’s the intention of John Tavares to know exactly what he’s deciding on by June,” said Dreger. “And there’s a lot of reasons for that. He is a pending unrestricted free agent after next season.

Well at least if things go south, it'll be over somewhat quick.
- eichiefs9

It has to be done quickly. JT needs to be signed or traded this offseason and it cannot drag into the season.

It has to be done quickly. JT needs to be signed or traded this offseason and it cannot drag into the season.
- ses111

The money will be the easy part of the deal. Ledecky needs to fly Malkin's ass out from London to sit down with John and have a very frank discussion about all their plans for the future. A full-disclosure discussion, at that. They can't tell him that there are things they cannot disclose. He needs to know every tiny detail that the owners know and I hope that they are doing enough to keep him interested.

Rough week for BU. They lose in OT in the frozen four tournament. Keller signs with ARI, McAvoy looks like he's about to sign with BOS.

Just read the last thread and there was a lot of bashing of the Islanders defensemen.Quite honestly ou can't pin the Islanders defensive woes on the defensemen only. If you watched the Preds last night in their own zone they were excellent. Worked as a unit of five keeping the Islanders to the outside and limiting their rebound opportunities and basically every zone for that matter. When someone was beat or out of position there was someone there backing them up. Also I have to say the forwards were busting their ass on the back check as well.
This isn't going to change unless the whole defensive structure and culture is changed.
The Islanders were out classed last night and their best player again was Greiss.

The Islanders have scored the most or close to the most goals in the eastern conference 5v5 as a unit of five, but in the same breath have also given up the 4th most 5v5 goals as well and it too is as a unit of 5. Basically PO teams are not in the red when it comes to goal differential.

Its great to score goals but you have to take care of your own zone and pay attention to keeping the puck out of your net to be successful and the Islanders will not be successful or play to their full potential playing the way they are.
I'm sorry but a culture change is needed and it starts at the top.

Just read the last thread and there was a lot of bashing of the Islanders defensemen.Quite honestly ou can't pin the Islanders defensive woes on the defensemen only. If you watched the Preds last night in their own zone they were excellent. Worked as a unit of five keeping the Islanders to the outside and limiting their rebound opportunities and basically every zone for that matter. When someone was beat or out of position there was someone there backing them up. Also I have to say the forwards were busting their ass on the back check as well.
This isn't going to change unless the whole defensive structure and culture is changed.
The Islanders were out classed last night and their best player again was Greiss.

The Islanders have scored the most or close to the most goals in the eastern conference 5v5 as a unit of five, but in the same breath have also given up the 4th most 5v5 goals as well and it too is as a unit of 5. Basically PO teams are not in the red when it comes to goal differential.

Its great to score goals but you have to take care of your own zone and pay attention to keeping the puck out of your net to be successful and the Islanders will not be successful or play to their full potential playing the way they are.
I'm sorry but a culture change is needed and it starts at the top.
- nyisles7

They've given up the most goals in the Eastern Conference 5v5.

They've scored the 3rd most in the EC at 5v5 also.

The last line is why Dougie shouldn't be the coach next year. They need to change the entire system, it doesn't work. Weight has done an extremely admirable job and I love the guy, but he just took Capuano's system and deployed it with a different mindset. It's lipstick on a pig.

They need a defensive-minded coach to instill some defensive accountability across the board. If they can pry Stevens away from LAK that would be awesome. Hitchcock is another guy that would bring what we need.

The money will be the easy part of the deal. Ledecky needs to fly Malkin's ass out from London to sit down with John and have a very frank discussion about all their plans for the future. A full-disclosure discussion, at that. They can't tell him that there are things they cannot disclose. He needs to know every tiny detail that the owners know and I hope that they are doing enough to keep him interested.
- eichiefs9

They need to be ready to clean house as soon as the last game ends. No more having to interview a bunch of people. They should know by now who they are looking at for POHO. They should keep JT in the loop on everything.

Just read the last thread and there was a lot of bashing of the Islanders defensemen.Quite honestly ou can't pin the Islanders defensive woes on the defensemen only. If you watched the Preds last night in their own zone they were excellent. Worked as a unit of five keeping the Islanders to the outside and limiting their rebound opportunities and basically every zone for that matter. When someone was beat or out of position there was someone there backing them up. Also I have to say the forwards were busting their ass on the back check as well.
This isn't going to change unless the whole defensive structure and culture is changed.
The Islanders were out classed last night and their best player again was Greiss.

The Islanders have scored the most or close to the most goals in the eastern conference 5v5 as a unit of five, but in the same breath have also given up the 4th most 5v5 goals as well and it too is as a unit of 5. Basically PO teams are not in the red when it comes to goal differential.

Its great to score goals but you have to take care of your own zone and pay attention to keeping the puck out of your net to be successful and the Islanders will not be successful or play to their full potential playing the way they are.
I'm sorry but a culture change is needed and it starts at the top.
- nyisles7

We can talk about KO, Frans, or Ladd and the big problem with the Isles for years has been lousy defensive play. Yes the Isles need that wing for JT, but defensive play is the biggest issue as to why they are struggling.

The money will be the easy part of the deal. Ledecky needs to fly Malkin's ass out from London to sit down with John and have a very frank discussion about all their plans for the future. A full-disclosure discussion, at that. They can't tell him that there are things they cannot disclose. He needs to know every tiny detail that the owners know and I hope that they are doing enough to keep him interested.
- eichiefs9

100% agree Chiefs, and 100% disclosure is needed.
Typically the team who has the FA under contract has 2 advantages imho:
1) They can sign the player to 8 years vs 7.
2) The player knows typically the Arena they call their home the GM of the team and also the coach. Of course the familiarity and friendship with his teammates.

As far as I'm concerned the Islanders only have advantage #1 because quite honestly, Where will the Islanders be playing in 2 /5 years from now? Will snow still be the gM next year and will Dougie still be the coach? Who will the PoHO once he or she is hired be and what direction or strategies will he/she deploy in the new few years for the team? Total rebuild, partial or go for it now?

Going to be very interesting to see what happens July 1 and again the Money and term are the easiest part of this particular negotiation imho.

They've given up the most goals in the Eastern Conference 5v5.

They've scored the 3rd most in the EC at 5v5 also.

The last line is why Dougie shouldn't be the coach next year. They need to change the entire system, it doesn't work. Weight has done an extremely admirable job and I love the guy, but he just took Capuano's system and deployed it with a different mindset. It's lipstick on a pig.

They need a defensive-minded coach to instill some defensive accountability across the board. If they can pry Stevens away from LAK that would be awesome. Hitchcock is another guy that would bring what we need.
- eichiefs9

I prefer Stevens or Dineen. Has to be someone with a very solid defensive system and has to be someone that can coach young talent.

I like Doug, but it's best he goes elsewhere. Isles and he both need a fresh start.

We can talk about KO, Frans, or Ladd and the big problem with the Isles for years has been lousy defensive play. Yes the Isles need that wing for JT, but defensive play is the biggest issue as to why they are struggling.
- ses111

No Ses, Ladd is a huge problem and will be for 6 more years.

The second JT even hints that he isnt going to resign he needs to be traded to the west for a kings ransom

No Ses, Ladd is a huge problem and will be for 6 more years.
- nyisles7

I do hate that contract. I hope he is better next year and was playing hurt this year. I think he had a rough first year. Hopefully better coaching, talent, and health will help Ladd.

100% agree Chiefs, and 100% disclosure is needed.
Typically the team who has the FA under contract has 2 advantages imho:
1) They can sign the player to 8 years vs 7.
2) The player knows typically the Arena they call their home the GM of the team and also the coach. Of course the familiarity and friendship with his teammates.

As far as I'm concerned the Islanders only have advantage #1 because quite honestly, Where will the Islanders be playing in 2 /5 years from now? Will snow still be the gM next year and will Dougie still be the coach? Who will the PoHO once he or she is hired be and what direction or strategies will he/she deploy in the new few years for the team? Total rebuild, partial or go for it now?

Going to be very interesting to see what happens July 1 and again the Money and term are the easiest part of this particular negotiation imho.
- nyisles7

Good or bad, they just need to be honest, upfront, and open with him. Lay all their cards on the table and hope that they've done a good enough job that they'll be able to convince him to stay.

I think he genuinely wants to stay, honestly. I think he just needs to see that there is a plan in place and know what the plan is.

And if he doesn't want to stay? Then they better ship him out over the summer. Once the season starts, his value will start to drop as other GM's leverage starts to rise. I've said it before, but ANA and NSH would be two teams I'd look to. Both have some high-quality defensemen to spare and could use a guy like Johnny.

Good or bad, they just need to be honest, upfront, and open with him. Lay all their cards on the table and hope that they've done a good enough job that they'll be able to convince him to stay.

I think he genuinely wants to stay, honestly. I think he just needs to see that there is a plan in place and know what the plan is.

And if he doesn't want to stay? Then they better ship him out over the summer. Once the season starts, his value will start to drop as other GM's leverage starts to rise. I've said it before, but ANA and NSH would be two teams I'd look to. Both have some high-quality defensemen to spare and could use a guy like Johnny.
- eichiefs9

I think he likes it here and he's the identity of the franchise, however JT wants to win.
Quite honestly I don't think he gives a poop whether its in San Jose or Long Island or a location in-between. He can make a lot of money anywhere but having an opportunity to win the Cup, thats huge and not only to JT.
On teams that need him. I don't think theirs an NHL team that wouldn't want him but of course with the cap and needs there are better fits than others. Funny i know a lot of people pooh pooh the Toronto ML's in on JT but I wouldn't say that because they are a franchise that hasn't won in years and again I know about the cap and contracts needed ion a couple years for RFA's but if they can finally end the SC Drought I don't think they would give a shat if the had cap issues or a couple of lean years after that. Just my opinion of course.

Good or bad, they just need to be honest, upfront, and open with him. Lay all their cards on the table and hope that they've done a good enough job that they'll be able to convince him to stay.

I think he genuinely wants to stay, honestly. I think he just needs to see that there is a plan in place and know what the plan is.

And if he doesn't want to stay? Then they better ship him out over the summer. Once the season starts, his value will start to drop as other GM's leverage starts to rise. I've said it before, but ANA and NSH would be two teams I'd look to. Both have some high-quality defensemen to spare and could use a guy like Johnny.
- eichiefs9

As much as I want to keep JT and think he wants to stay, it is fun to think about what kind of return he could bring.

The money will be the easy part of the deal. Ledecky needs to fly Malkin's ass out from London to sit down with John and have a very frank discussion about all their plans for the future. A full-disclosure discussion, at that. They can't tell him that there are things they cannot disclose. He needs to know every tiny detail that the owners know and I hope that they are doing enough to keep him interested.
- eichiefs9

Maybe im in the minority here, but JT doesnt strike me as the kinda kid thats going to go out of his way to say he wants to stay here and then leave. Furthermore, in years past, (Smyth, Vanek) UFA's were silent about signing here, and then left when the opportunity presented itself. It seems to me that Tavares has been adamant about wanting to stay here. Again, maybe im in the minority, but I really don't see him leaving. New ownership will sign their franchise player....

Good or bad, they just need to be honest, upfront, and open with him. Lay all their cards on the table and hope that they've done a good enough job that they'll be able to convince him to stay.

I think he genuinely wants to stay, honestly. I think he just needs to see that there is a plan in place and know what the plan is.

And if he doesn't want to stay? Then they better ship him out over the summer. Once the season starts, his value will start to drop as other GM's leverage starts to rise. I've said it before, but ANA and NSH would be two teams I'd look to. Both have some high-quality defensemen to spare and could use a guy like Johnny.
- eichiefs9

When you reference laying the cards on the table. are you referring to the arena situation along with management? I know you said everything, but what exactly is everything?

I think he likes it here and he's the identity of the franchise, however JT wants to win.
Quite honestly I don't think he gives a poop whether its in San Jose or Long Island or a location in-between. He can make a lot of money anywhere but having an opportunity to win the Cup, thats huge and not only to JT.
On teams that need him. I don't think theirs an NHL team that wouldn't want him but of course with the cap and needs there are better fits than others. Funny i know a lot of people pooh pooh the Toronto ML's in on JT but I wouldn't say that because they are a franchise that hasn't won in years and again I know about the cap and contracts needed ion a couple years for RFA's but if they can finally end the SC Drought I don't think they would give a shat if the had cap issues or a couple of lean years after that. Just my opinion of course.
- nyisles7

The only opposing thought to this from what I've read is that Toronto now has that cornerstone center in Austin Matthews.....so there really isn't a "need" now for them to have Tavares as their top line centerpiece.

When you reference laying the cards on the table. are you referring to the arena situation along with management? I know you said everything, but what exactly is everything?
- kindlyrick

"Everything" means just that.

Arena situation, immediate plans/goals for this offseason, long-term plans for the roster, plan for the coaching staff, plan for the GM (and potential "president" position), how many bathroom attendants they're going to hire...whatever.

He should be handed an all-encompassing report on the almost every facet of organization.

I agree with your other post that he doesn't strike me as the type of guy to say he wants to stay and then just pick up and leave, but I also don't think he's an idiot and he knows that this contract will take him through the final prime years of his career. I think he just wants reassurance that this team is doing what it needs to in order to actually compete for a Stanley Cup while John is at the helm. He's basically committing his entire career to the Islanders by signing an 8 year deal here and I don't blame him for a second for wanting to make sure that it's the right move for him.

I think he likes it here and he's the identity of the franchise, however JT wants to win.
Quite honestly I don't think he gives a poop whether its in San Jose or Long Island or a location in-between. He can make a lot of money anywhere but having an opportunity to win the Cup, thats huge and not only to JT.
On teams that need him. I don't think theirs an NHL team that wouldn't want him but of course with the cap and needs there are better fits than others. Funny i know a lot of people pooh pooh the Toronto ML's in on JT but I wouldn't say that because they are a franchise that hasn't won in years and again I know about the cap and contracts needed ion a couple years for RFA's but if they can finally end the SC Drought I don't think they would give a shat if the had cap issues or a couple of lean years after that. Just my opinion of course.
- nyisles7

I think Toronto would be all over him if he went to UFA, but I don't think they're going to trade the assets it would take to acquire him.

"Everything" means just that.

Arena situation, immediate plans/goals for this offseason, long-term plans for the roster, plan for the coaching staff, plan for the GM (and potential "president" position), how many bathroom attendants they're going to hire...whatever.

He should be handed an all-encompassing report on the almost every facet of organization.

I agree with your other post that he doesn't strike me as the type of guy to say he wants to stay and then just pick up and leave, but I also don't think he's an idiot and he knows that this contract will take him through the final prime years of his career. I think he just wants reassurance that this team is doing what it needs to in order to actually compete for a Stanley Cup while John is at the helm. He's basically committing his entire career to the Islanders by signing an 8 year deal here and I don't blame him for a second for wanting to make sure that it's the right move for him.
- eichiefs9

Im sure he's has somewhat "preliminary" discussions about what he wants etc. Otherwise i dont think he'd come out publicly (multiple times) and say he wants to stay. Its always going to be a business and im sure they've alluded to handing him a blank check type thing.
Either way, they should include him in who they hire as president and GM. The New England connection wore out its welcome years ago....

To the Islanders : Mathews

To Toronto : Tavarez

would you? would they?

To the Islanders : Mathews

To Toronto : Tavarez

would you? would they?
- niteislander

They might, but I would never. Just because they are both cornerstone pieces doesn't mean they are equal value. Tavares is a super special player on and off the ice.