Well when guys like Compton and friedman mention it more than once theres a possibility it's not like it's just isles fans saying it these are reputable guys. New York doesn't have the pressure of Toronto and they are way closer to being a contender than Toronto. If Lee strome or Nelson have bounce back years after sophomore slumps the isles have the wingers for the top 2 lines. Now if this were 3 years ago I'd agree they have no shot but I think they are going to at least get in the mix for him and don't forget the new owners want to make a statement and what better statement is there that this franchise is for real than stamkos.
- Upstate_isles

I blame their poor performances last year ENTIRELY on Garth not getting JT a legit/veteran winger to complete a 1st line, (leaving Lee/Strome/Nelson to be the 2nd line—which showed tremendous success) and Cappy's veteran-friendly coaching system and absurd decision making with lineups & personnell.

Strome should NEVER have to have been sent down TWICE in one season after a 50-point performance the year before. They were all bounced around from 1st to 3rd line(yes, injuries playing a part) and asked to play different roles on many occasions.

If the new owners want to make a statement, they bring in new blood. There's proven coaches & GM's available. They already have a more experienced GM on the payroll. It wouldn't be the first time. Better coaches & GM's have lost their jobs for less.

I blame their poor performances last year ENTIRELY on Garth not getting JT a legit/veteran winger to complete a 1st line, (leaving Lee/Strome/Nelson to be the 2nd line—which showed tremendous success) and Cappy's veteran-friendly coaching system and absurd decision making with lineups & personnell.

Strome should NEVER have to have been sent down TWICE in one season after a 50-point performance the year before. They were all bounced around from 1st to 3rd line(yes, injuries playing a part) and asked to play different roles on many occasions.


If the new owners want to make a statement, they bring in new blood. There's proven coaches & GM's available. They already have a more experienced GM on the payroll. It wouldn't be the first time. Better coaches & GM's have lost their jobs for less.
- jmo16

Who wasn't bounced around in the lineup besides the 4th line? Idt a 1st line winger helps their slumps as they struggled throughout the lineup. They did play well together but by no means does that mean they would all snap out of it on a line together. Lots of guys have tough sophomore seasons and come back fine. That said the new owners aren't removing snow as he's the gm for the draft and free agency I mean they could fire him July 1st but that doesn't send a great message to free agents. I think he gets another full year which unfortunately means cappy too. If snow has one major downfall it's holding onto cappy. Ok two.....bailey

I hear what you're saying. I wish it was a decent chance/probability that he would choose the Isles. We SHOULD be a serious contending team at this point, with all the horrible years behind us and a new arena but sad truth is that Garth hasn't been able to accomplish this. Yes, Tampa has a problem with their cap space but isn't it more likely they move other players to be able to keep him? They have the whole Summer to sign him and get under the cap and you have to think they will keep the franchise player at the expense of others. I would bet Callahan is one player they look to move for picks & prospects as his salary alone offsets most of the difference in the raise SS will likely receive.
- jmo16

I don't think we're as far away from contending as you do, but I get your point and it's not entirely unfair. I think Stamkos could be a major piece to putting us over that hill, I think we're in agreement there. I'm not saying I know a damn thing, but I just have a weird feeling that the Islanders are not that far out of the question for him.

I don't see the Lightning moving out a slew of younger, cheaper players just to keep one player. As someone pointed out before, they got within a game of returning to the Cup without him and Drouin only figures to evolve further into a budding superstar. I think they're better off trying to build around what they have then ponying up a huge amount of money for Stamkos.

Callahan has a full NMC. Sure he could waive, but until there's a report that he's even considering it...I won't speculate.

I don't think we're as far away from contending as you do, but I get your point and it's not entirely unfair. I think Stamkos could be a major piece to putting us over that hill, I think we're in agreement there. I'm not saying I know a damn thing, but I just have a weird feeling that the Islanders are not that far out of the question for him.

I don't see the Lightning moving out a slew of younger, cheaper players just to keep one player. As someone pointed out before, they got within a game of returning to the Cup without him and Drouin only figures to evolve further into a budding superstar. I think they're better off trying to build around what they have then ponying up a huge amount of money for Stamkos.

Callahan has a full NMC. Sure he could waive, but until there's a report that he's even considering it...I won't speculate.
- eichiefs9

I don't think they're very far away either....there's a few important additions that need to be made but equally as important, I feel there's a few subtractions (including Cappy, Bailey & Grabo) needed as well.

Training camp will be huge this year. Maybe the most impactful one in the past decade. If Pulock & Pelech make the team and one of MDZ/Barzal/Beauvillier is somehow ready, it could be the next big step needed toward being a dangerous team.

Goalie situation is not ideal. Hard to just write off Halak b/c of injury issues & salary. He's given us some of the most consistent play at that position in a long time and Garth isn't one to rip the band-aid off quickly. He's more of the slow-peel type—wincing all the while...

I don't think they're very far away either....there's a few important additions that need to be made but equally as important, I feel there's a few subtractions (including Cappy, Bailey & Grabo) needed as well.

Training camp will be huge this year. Maybe the most impactful one in the past decade. If Pulock & Pelech make the team and one of MDZ/Barzal/Beauvillier is somehow ready, it could be the next big step needed toward being a dangerous team.

Goalie situation is not ideal. Hard to just write off Halak b/c of injury issues & salary. He's given us some of the most consistent play at that position in a long time and Garth isn't one to rip the band-aid off quickly. He's more of the slow-peel type—wincing all the while...
- jmo16

I'll agree on the G situation but if team brings in better players, then I'll take my chances for 1yr....
Rather have Andersen (Ducks) over both Halak & Greiss

I don't think they're very far away either....there's a few important additions that need to be made but equally as important, I feel there's a few subtractions (including Cappy, Bailey & Grabo) needed as well.

Training camp will be huge this year. Maybe the most impactful one in the past decade. If Pulock & Pelech make the team and one of MDZ/Barzal/Beauvillier is somehow ready, it could be the next big step needed toward being a dangerous team.

Goalie situation is not ideal. Hard to just write off Halak b/c of injury issues & salary. He's given us some of the most consistent play at that position in a long time and Garth isn't one to rip the band-aid off quickly. He's more of the slow-peel type—wincing all the while...
- jmo16

Pulock is on this roster unless he's hurt and I think pelach is your #7. Barzal has the best shot at making the team out of camp he's the best skater I think del colle spends the year in b port and beauvillier is back to the q. Grabo should go ltir and bailey frankly anywhere else. I think halak is gone unless absolutly no one wants him due to hernia. I know some disagree but they love berube and greiss showed he can play as a starter. This is the year (insert last 5 years) snow makes big moves

Pulock is on this roster unless he's hurt and I think pelach is your #7. Barzal has the best shot at making the team out of camp he's the best skater I think del colle spends the year in b port and beauvillier is back to the q. Grabo should go ltir and bailey frankly anywhere else. I think halak is gone unless absolutly no one wants him due to hernia. I know some disagree but they love berube and greiss showed he can play as a starter. This is the year (insert last 5 years) snow makes big moves
- Upstate_isles

Agreed bc his job is on the line regardless of a 2nd rd PO appearance....

I don't think they're very far away either....there's a few important additions that need to be made but equally as important, I feel there's a few subtractions (including Cappy, Bailey & Grabo) needed as well.

Training camp will be huge this year. Maybe the most impactful one in the past decade. If Pulock & Pelech make the team and one of MDZ/Barzal/Beauvillier is somehow ready, it could be the next big step needed toward being a dangerous team.

Goalie situation is not ideal. Hard to just write off Halak b/c of injury issues & salary. He's given us some of the most consistent play at that position in a long time and Garth isn't one to rip the band-aid off quickly. He's more of the slow-peel type—wincing all the while...
- jmo16

Don't disagree on the subtractions one bit. All three need to go, Grabovski mainly for cap space. The other two because they are putrid garbage.

As far as training camp, I think (short of a disaster in camp) Pulock is your starting 3rd pairing RHD. Going purely off what Staple said after the TBL series, seems like Pelech may start in the Bridge to play top minutes and Mayfield may be the 7th defenseman. I'm fine with that, as I don't have a lot of faith in Mayfield being a viable option on this team so a) giving him a bit of a showcase for a potential trade may do Garth some good and b) I'd rather Pelech be playing than sitting in the pressbox most nights. He's proven he can play here, so I don't think they'll let one of the lefties flounder for too long if their game goes to sh!t.

As far as the goalies, I've done a 180 on Greiss. During the season I had concerns about his rebound control, but after that playoff run I really think he earned the shot to be the starter. It's not that I'm so quick to dismiss Halak, but more that I believe clearing out his $4.5M in salary would go a long way towards adding depth up front, be it in the form of Stamkos or a couple quality signings. I know they are high on Berube, and rightfully so, so it'll be fun to watch him get more starts if Halak is moved.

Don't disagree on the subtractions one bit. All three need to go, Grabovski mainly for cap space. The other two because they are putrid garbage.

As far as training camp, I think (short of a disaster in camp) Pulock is your starting 3rd pairing RHD. Going purely off what Staple said after the TBL series, seems like Pelech may start in the Bridge to play top minutes and Mayfield may be the 7th defenseman. I'm fine with that, as I don't have a lot of faith in Mayfield being a viable option on this team so a) giving him a bit of a showcase for a potential trade may do Garth some good and b) I'd rather Pelech be playing than sitting in the pressbox most nights. He's proven he can play here, so I don't think they'll let one of the lefties flounder for too long if their game goes to sh!t.

As far as the goalies, I've done a 180 on Greiss. During the season I had concerns about his rebound control, but after that playoff run I really think he earned the shot to be the starter. It's not that I'm so quick to dismiss Halak, but more that I believe clearing out his $4.5M in salary would go a long way towards adding depth up front, be it in the form of Stamkos or a couple quality signings. I know they are high on Berube, and rightfully so, so it'll be fun to watch him get more starts if Halak is moved.
- eichiefs9

Jesus (frank)ing christ I think you like the offseason more than the regular season.

Jesus (frank)ing christ I think you like the offseason more than the regular season.
- Cptmjl

It is an exciting time of change.

Also, eat pile of Richards covered in glass.

It is an exciting time of change.

Also, eat pile of Richards covered in glass.
- eichiefs9

Tried it once no need to revisit.

Tried it once no need to revisit.
- Cptmjl

Don't disagree on the subtractions one bit. All three need to go, Grabovski mainly for cap space. The other two because they are putrid garbage.

As far as training camp, I think (short of a disaster in camp) Pulock is your starting 3rd pairing RHD. Going purely off what Staple said after the TBL series, seems like Pelech may start in the Bridge to play top minutes and Mayfield may be the 7th defenseman. I'm fine with that, as I don't have a lot of faith in Mayfield being a viable option on this team so a) giving him a bit of a showcase for a potential trade may do Garth some good and b) I'd rather Pelech be playing than sitting in the pressbox most nights. He's proven he can play here, so I don't think they'll let one of the lefties flounder for too long if their game goes to sh!t.

As far as the goalies, I've done a 180 on Greiss. During the season I had concerns about his rebound control, but after that playoff run I really think he earned the shot to be the starter. It's not that I'm so quick to dismiss Halak, but more that I believe clearing out his $4.5M in salary would go a long way towards adding depth up front, be it in the form of Stamkos or a couple quality signings. I know they are high on Berube, and rightfully so, so it'll be fun to watch him get more starts if Halak is moved.
- eichiefs9

I'm nervous about this. If he regresses the Isles are screwed. They have a hard decision to make.

I'm nervous about this. If he regresses the Isles are screwed. They have a hard decision to make.
- JimmyP

Maybe, maybe not. There's always the chance that Berube can prove to be a No. 1. Not saying he is, but I wouldn't discount the possibility either....

Maybe, maybe not. There's always the chance that Berube can prove to be a No. 1. Not saying he is, but I wouldn't discount the possibility either....
- JohnScammo

Berube may be groomed to be, but without major NHL experience, the kid could hit a rookie wall if played to much.

Tried it once no need to revisit.
- Cptmjl

Scratch that one off the bucket list

Pulock is on this roster unless he's hurt and I think pelach is your #7. Barzal has the best shot at making the team out of camp he's the best skater I think del colle spends the year in b port and beauvillier is back to the q. Grabo should go ltir and bailey frankly anywhere else. I think halak is gone unless absolutly no one wants him due to hernia. I know some disagree but they love berube and greiss showed he can play as a starter. This is the year (insert last 5 years) snow makes big moves
- Upstate_isles

I think pulock will be the 6th d and either mayfield or a cheap ufa will fill the 7th spot and occasionally rotate in. Unless pelech bumps pulock I don't see him up with the big club and not playing, but he'd be a lock as the first call up and would play when someone gets hurt.

I think pulock will be the 6th d and either mayfield or a cheap ufa will fill the 7th spot and occasionally rotate in. Unless pelech bumps pulock I don't see him up with the big club and not playing, but he'd be a lock as the first call up and would play when someone gets hurt.
- Isles_since_6

Yea playing in all situations would be better than the donovan treatment.

I think pulock will be the 6th d and either mayfield or a cheap ufa will fill the 7th spot and occasionally rotate in. Unless pelech bumps pulock I don't see him up with the big club and not playing, but he'd be a lock as the first call up and would play when someone gets hurt.
- Isles_since_6

Or the isles bring back the every so loved Brian Strait, and give him ice over the young up and comers.......hey its the isles right?

Or the isles bring back the every so loved Brian Strait, and give him ice over the young up and comers.......hey its the isles right?
- kindlyrick

- Wildschwein

John Goodman is one of my favorites......he doesnt get the credit he deserves.

John Goodman is one of my favorites......he doesnt get the credit he deserves.
- kindlyrick

Agree completely. He was perfect in 10 Cloverfield Lane. Made the movie worth watching.

Or the isles bring back the every so loved Brian Strait, and give him ice over the young up and comers.......hey its the isles right?
- kindlyrick

Never assume Capuano will do the most obvious thing, that's for sure. I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign a cheap ufa on d, but I'd hope that they wouldn't bump Pulock. He needs to be on the top pp with leddy all season.

Never assume Capuano will do the most obvious thing, that's for sure. I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign a cheap ufa on d, but I'd hope that they wouldn't bump Pulock. He needs to be on the top pp with leddy all season.
- Isles_since_6

I don't think Pulock is going to get bumped. I'd rather see Mayfield be the 7th defenseman. I don't really see a spot on the roster for him in the long run, so showcasing him sporadically wouldn't be the worst thing for his trade value.

Never assume Capuano will do the most obvious thing, that's for sure. I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign a cheap ufa on d, but I'd hope that they wouldn't bump Pulock. He needs to be on the top pp with leddy all season.
- Isles_since_6

Hopefully somewhere jack is reading this and saying BRILLIANT