One of the best stories of this past NHL season is the NY Islanders rising like a Phoenix from the ashes. After losing their captain, all looked dismal to say the least, and yet the team ended up in the NHL elite 8 in the playoffs....BUT...they have a ton of work to do....especially in the UFA world...
On Robin Lehner...
Lehner is a Vezina Finalist and rightfully so. However strong his numbers were, and they were spectacular, the other Islanders Goalie, Thomas Greiss, also put up strong numbers and at times looked as good as Lehner.....sometimes even better. I had a feeling Greiss would see action against Carolina sooner than he did, and the fact that he didn't tells me the Islanders are more set on Lehner long term than I thought. All that said...there is little denying Lou loves to have his goalie spot settled and Bobrovsky is out there. I could see a world where Lehner is in Columbus and Bob is on the Island...
On Anders Lee...
There are a ton of players and talent who are free on July 1, and many Islanders fans are in panic mode about it. I would be there right with you if this wasn't Lou Lamoriello we were talking about, and had I not seen this play before in NJ. Lou always lets his UFA's status unknown as long as he can so he doesn't show his cards to other NHL teams...But leaders and certain players are the kind of players Lou NEVER loses. Anders Lee is #1 on that list. Lee is the captain and the key to Trotz and Lou selling the system to all the other players....It would take a total breakdown or bizarre power play for Anders to be moved out...The Canucks have definite interest, but again I think Lee stays.
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On Brock Nelson...
Nelson is one of Trotz' projects and another of the core players that Lou feels will keep this team successful for years to come. Not quite and Lee's level, but close. The only thing that I could see playing into Nelson moving would be if Lou manages to sign Panarin out of Columbus...If that happens, then you can expect Chicago and Philly to be in on Nelson...
On Jordan Eberle...
Since he was in juniors, Montreal has always wanted to get a hold of Eberle, and I hear they may target Jordan as their big get this summer...The Islanders will make a play, but it is entirely possible that Lou will look elsewhere to replace Eberle's production...The Kings and the Stars will also be watching Eberle...outside shot of Vancouver, Detroit or Calgary.
Val Filppula...
He was amazing and Lou LOVES him. Val will almost certainly be back, but I wouldn't be shocked if Holland tries to bring him to the Oilers.
For those who missed it...
With so much going on I didn't get to make my pick for the Carolina/Bruins series yesterday on the Blog...I did however talk about it in the Podcast yesterday afternoon where I went with Boston in six games...I feel the Canes and Bruins play a remarkably similar game, but the high end talent is on the Bruins side, and the goaltending as well. I said I didn't trust the Mrazek was truly healthy and he is such a competitor I cannot see Mrazek telling anyone he is too hurt to play unless it is really bad. But he will have to be spectacular to beat the Bruins... I will have a write up tomorrow on the Sharks and the Blues...