There are just so many holes even if JT stays. I think a goalie has to be the number one focus. If they can keep de Haan at a reasonable rate I would take the chance.
- JimmyP

I agree about keeping de Hann at a reasonable rate, but I just do not see it working out with the Isles. Isles have holes but a good coach can fix a number of things as well. Coaching has made this team look worse that it is for years. I fully agree the roster needs upgrading especially in goal. Isles could have some answers on D with Toews and Pulock will hopefully be even better with real coaching.

Florida is literally the worst state I have ever been to and I've been in some pretty dog-shit states.
- eichiefs9

Fact!

XxNYIxX

I agree about keeping de Hann at a reasonable rate, but I just do not see it working out with the Isles. Isles have holes but a good coach can fix a number of things as well. Coaching has made this team look worse that it is for years. I fully agree the roster needs upgrading especially in goal. Isles could have some answers on D with Toews and Pulock will hopefully be even better with real coaching.
- ses111

What are the other options? Hickey, Mayfield, Seidenberg or Davidson? Coming of an injured season de Haan's value may not be too high. I'd take a shot at signing him.

What are the other options? Hickey, Mayfield, Seidenberg or Davidson? Coming of an injured season de Haan's value may not be too high. I'd take a shot at signing him.
- JimmyP

We would have to be offering yearly security to keep him, because he will be offered silly money from Another franchise. I like Calvin but I don’t think this d with the holes it already has can pin it’s hopes on a fragile player.

XxNYIxX

We would have to be offering yearly security to keep him, because he will be offered silly money from Another franchise. I like Calvin but I don’t think this d with the holes it already has can pin it’s hopes on a fragile player.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Exactly X! I'm not the biggest de Hann fan, but I would not mind he back at the right price. I'm not giving him 5 Mill for 5 or 6 years though.

What are the other options? Hickey, Mayfield, Seidenberg or Davidson? Coming of an injured season de Haan's value may not be too high. I'd take a shot at signing him.
- JimmyP

Toews will hopefully be a fine option. Many are higher on Toews than even Pulock. Have to think Isles trade for at least one top 4. I'd love two but it could be tough with the Cap while adding a goalie as well.

We would have to be offering yearly security to keep him, because he will be offered silly money from Another franchise. I like Calvin but I don’t think this d with the holes it already has can pin it’s hopes on a fragile player.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I get that, but the question remains who do you bring in to replace him and what will it cost compared to what it will take to sign de Haan. I think Lou's top priority will be a starting goalie. I'm not sure if they will be willing to give up what it takes to get both a starting goalie and a top 4 d-man via trade.

Toews will hopefully be a fine option. Many are higher on Toews than even Pulock. Have to think Isles trade for at least one top 4. I'd love two but it could be tough with the Cap while adding a goalie as well.
- ses111

Okay. We'll see what de Haan signs for and then we can debate if he's worth it or not.

I get that, but the question remains who do you bring in to replace him and what will it cost compared to what it will take to sign de Haan. I think Lou's top priority will be a starting goalie. I'm not sure if they will be willing to give up what it takes to get both a starting goalie and a top 4 d-man via trade.
- JimmyP

The X factor is we should hopefully be getting very good coaching for the first time since Nolan. In a Cap World you will need to rely on homegrown talent nd solid coaching. Any team giving de Haan a long term fairly big money deal is nuts with his injury history.

What are the other options? Hickey, Mayfield, Seidenberg or Davidson? Coming of an injured season de Haan's value may not be too high. I'd take a shot at signing him.
- JimmyP

I have to agree Jimmy DeHaan is probably our most consistent D man and quite honestly the way Snow dealt with negotiations with him last year I don’t think there was a chance he signs with the Islamders if Snow is still I charge. I think the fact Lou is in place now makes resigning DeHaan an option and I would do it if of course it makes sense.

Okay. We'll see what de Haan signs for and then we can debate if he's worth it or not.
- JimmyP

Only thing we really can do at this point. It's not even just de Hann. Many of these FA deals do not work out well. Rather Lou uses the trade route with maybe some mid type signing and using a guy like Toews. A proven type coach can be a huge type move as well and would have more impact that most of these UFA's.

Would you package Beauvillier in a trade for Hanifin?

I personally don't buy the "so many holes" belief if even JT stays. Top 6 is solid. Isles biggest issue was goaltending. Must be solved. Must have a vet top 4 player (who stays healthy). Then... could use a 3rd line center who can play 2 way. To me, despite the dramatic mess of last season... not as dramatic to fill it. Starting goalie is the biggest fill.

I personally don't buy the "so many holes" belief if even JT stays. Top 6 is solid. Isles biggest issue was goaltending. Must be solved. Must have a vet top 4 player (who stays healthy). Then... could use a 3rd line center who can play 2 way. To me, despite the dramatic mess of last season... not as dramatic to fill it. Starting goalie is the biggest fill.
- B.D. Gallof

They need two legit pairs on D. To me, that means adding two top 4, not just one.

They need two legit pairs on D. To me, that means adding two top 4, not just one.
- kindlyrick

if jt stays then a goalie and two d wokuld ne ideal. If butchie knows jt is gone then yes many holes

I personally don't buy the "so many holes" belief if even JT stays. Top 6 is solid. Isles biggest issue was goaltending. Must be solved. Must have a vet top 4 player (who stays healthy). Then... could use a 3rd line center who can play 2 way. To me, despite the dramatic mess of last season... not as dramatic to fill it. Starting goalie is the biggest fill.
- B.D. Gallof

Starter, TWO solid top four dmen, a solid two way third line center.

The coaching will have the biggest impact, though. A real system will do wonders for this team.

I'd love two changes to D, but not sure how feasible.

I also think once Isles system and goaltenders improve, a lot of people will be amazed on how the overall D responds. Even if only one change to D.

IF JT goes, then Isles need a #2 center and Barzal becomes the #1, most likely. Where that comes from ... maybe trying to get an RFA... bc available C's via UFA won't exactly catch us up on the 40 goal hole it creates.

The one thing that JT leaving would create is an ability to hold Anders Lee and perhaps Eberle down line. Don't think Isles can hold onto Lee next contract if they sign JT.

Would you package Beauvillier in a trade for Hanifin?
- bgainesDM

I like Hanifin’s age, love his size, left handed, love his potential.
He has never been a plus player, but he’s never played on a playoff team.

Beau... love the way he and Barzal play together... I’d really love to not part ways with him.

So I’d say no.


XxNYIxX

I personally don't buy the "so many holes" belief if even JT stays. Top 6 is solid. Isles biggest issue was goaltending. Must be solved. Must have a vet top 4 player (who stays healthy). Then... could use a 3rd line center who can play 2 way. To me, despite the dramatic mess of last season... not as dramatic to fill it. Starting goalie is the biggest fill.
- B.D. Gallof

The Islanders' D wasn't just bad last season. It was historically bad. I think they gave up more goals than any team in more than a decade. To think you solve that problem with just better goaltending, a top 4 d-man who stays healthy and a 3rd line 2-way center is wishful thinking.

As ses and others have posted, Step 1 is to find a coach who understands the game better than our previous coach; e.g., a coach who insists on all forwards being defensively responsible.

Step 2 is to find multiple top 4 d-men. The Isles defensive corps was flat out horrible last season. Giving up 40 - 50 SOG per game has never been a recipe for success. Leddy had the worst season of his career. Boychuk is not getting any faster, but the game is. DeHaan was injured most of the season, but may be difficult to sign anyway. Pulock was the lone bright spot. The rest of the D appears to have bottom 6 potential. Toews (whose injury cost the Islanders the Cup last season ) should break into the NHL on the bottom pair, but may be forced into a top 4 role due to the Isles' lack of talent on D.

Step 3 is to find a starting goaltender. Whomever they decide on will be helped if he only has to face 25 SOG, but they need someone more consistent than Greiss.

Step 4 is to see if they still have cap room to upgrade the bottom 6 forwards, but as you point out, it needs attention, starting with a 3rd line center.

Not sure what constitutes "so many holes", but I'm glad we have a serious GM to work on the problem.

The Islanders' D wasn't just bad last season. It was historically bad. I think they gave up more goals than any team in more than a decade. To think you solve that problem with just better goaltending, a top 4 d-man who stays healthy and a 3rd line 2-way center is wishful thinking.

As ses and others have posted, Step 1 is to find a coach who understands the game better than our previous coach; e.g., a coach who insists on all forwards being defensively responsible.

Step 2 is to find multiple top 4 d-men. The Isles defensive corps was flat out horrible last season. Giving up 40 - 50 SOG per game has never been a recipe for success. Leddy had the worst season of his career. Boychuk is not getting any faster, but the game is. DeHaan was injured most of the season, but may be difficult to sign anyway. Pulock was the lone bright spot. The rest of the D appears to have bottom 6 potential. Toews (whose injury cost the Islanders the Cup last season ) should break into the NHL on the bottom pair, but may be forced into a top 4 role due to the Isles' lack of talent on D.

Step 3 is to find a starting goaltender. Whomever they decide on will be helped if he only has to face 25 SOG, but they need someone more consistent than Greiss.

Step 4 is to see if they still have cap room to upgrade the bottom 6 forwards, but as you point out, it needs attention, starting with a 3rd line center.

Not sure what constitutes "so many holes", but I'm glad we have a serious GM to work on the problem.
- JohnScammo

A legit goalie and a real staff with a real system would do wonders. I mean look at Vegas and their D. Not saying they don't need help on D but I also believe the poor goalie play and whatever terrible system Weight had them playing was more of a hinder then anything. Look at the Devils as well. Another team with solid goaltending and a bunch of nobody's on D. It can be done and it starts in Net and Coaching

I'd love two changes to D, but not sure how feasible.

I also think once Isles system and goaltenders improve, a lot of people will be amazed on how the overall D responds. Even if only one change to D.

IF JT goes, then Isles need a #2 center and Barzal becomes the #1, most likely. Where that comes from ... maybe trying to get an RFA... bc available C's via UFA won't exactly catch us up on the 40 goal hole it creates.

The one thing that JT leaving would create is an ability to hold Anders Lee and perhaps Eberle down line. Don't think Isles can hold onto Lee next contract if they sign JT.
- B.D. Gallof

Lotta talk about JT leaving and i don’t see that happening. Everything points to him staying

As for the defense, Mayfield, Pelech and Hickey should all be 7th d men.....maybe a 6th.

A legit goalie and a real staff with a real system would do wonders. I mean look at Vegas and their D. Not saying they don't need help on D but I also believe the poor goalie play and whatever terrible system Weight had them playing was more of a hinder then anything. Look at the Devils as well. Another team with solid goaltending and a bunch of nobody's on D. It can be done and it starts in Net and Coaching
- Vukota

I agree Vukota and great points about the Devils and Vegas. The coaching and system were a huge issue. Isles need an upgrade in goal, but Halak and Greiss were hung out to dry most nights.

A legit goalie and a real staff with a real system would do wonders. I mean look at Vegas and their D. Not saying they don't need help on D but I also believe the poor goalie play and whatever terrible system Weight had them playing was more of a hinder then anything. Look at the Devils as well. Another team with solid goaltending and a bunch of nobody's on D. It can be done and it starts in Net and Coaching
- Vukota

I agree with you and im sure we as fans are going to see a much improved system and coaching staff. But, when I see guys like Mayfield, Pelech and Hickey it just screams Garth Snow to me. Those guys were playing real minutes when they shoulda been 6/7 dmen. At this point, I just wanna see talent.......not just top pair talent, but everyone should have a role.

I agree with you and im sure we as fans are going to see a much improved system and coaching staff. But, when I see guys like Mayfield, Pelech and Hickey it just screams Garth Snow to me. Those guys were playing real minutes when they shoulda been 6/7 dmen. At this point, I just wanna see talent.......not just top pair talent, but everyone should have a role.
- kindlyrick

Best thing about a new coaching staff is they will not have any pressure to play Garth's players. Hickey I have to think is gone and Pelech and Mayfield will have to ear ice time.

Best thing about a new coaching staff is they will not have any pressure to play Garth's players. Hickey I have to think is gone and Pelech and Mayfield will have to ear ice time.
- ses111

Absolutely. Earn is the key word there. I really can't wait to see who the coach will be. Lou should be naming someone any day now. Between that and the draft coming up where we know he won't be pulling a Garth and doing nada, I'm pumped.