I feel like if we were going to take a step back and do a quick retool we lost that opportunity when we retained all of our UFA’s and traded for Horvat giving up a first and Raty. I also believe if Lameriello remains our GM, which I think he will, he has zero interest in doing that. He proved that by doing what he did at the trade deadline.

As far as Fasching is concerned I’m on board with giving him a full time role on the 4th line if we can find a way to shed some salary. Always loved our fourth line never loved its cost. They were largely ineffective this series save for some spots. If there were a way to get rid of Martin and or Clutterbuck sign me up. Their natural regression is evident and it isn’t going to be better next season.

I like Engvall also but as you stated the juice will most likely not be worth the squeeze imo. A modest raise on what he’s making already prices him out as far as I’m concerned.

Stated the same thing about Pageau yesterday on here. I like him but he may be the only way to realistically shed a decent chunk of salary without giving up anything. Problem with that is it more then likely moves Barzal back to center and then we have to fill in the wings which to me was the real problem with this team to begin with. One of many reasons the Horvat trade never made any sense to me.
- Cptmjl

Don't disagree about a lot of the retool vs. keep it going stuff, maybe the target rebuild date would be around the end of Lee's contract, which has three more years...but they can't keep spending premium assets otherwise we're talking about a brutally long rebuild and absolutely zero assets in the pipeline, unless they get real lucky on a few late round picks. They absolutely can't keep nuking every year's first rounder until the end of time otherwise this team will be in for a long process to, maybe, getting back to being competitive.

Don't disagree about a lot of the retool vs. keep it going stuff, maybe the target rebuild date would be around the end of Lee's contract, which has three more years...but they can't keep spending premium assets otherwise we're talking about a brutally long rebuild and absolutely zero assets in the pipeline, unless they get real lucky on a few late round picks. They absolutely can't keep nuking every year's first rounder until the end of time otherwise this team will be in for a long process to, maybe, getting back to being competitive.
- eichiefs9

I agree chief. Have to stop moving the #1 all the time. I would move JGP at this point. Would you bring back Lou?

Don't disagree about a lot of the retool vs. keep it going stuff, maybe the target rebuild date would be around the end of Lee's contract, which has three more years...but they can't keep spending premium assets otherwise we're talking about a brutally long rebuild and absolutely zero assets in the pipeline, unless they get real lucky on a few late round picks. They absolutely can't keep nuking every year's first rounder until the end of time otherwise this team will be in for a long process to, maybe, getting back to being competitive.
- eichiefs9

The team is at a bit of a crossroads/ in a conundrum. I fully expect Lou to keep trying to throw a competitive product on the ice no matter what the cost to the future is. Hope I’m wrong about that but I don’t feel I will be…

https://www.forbes.com/si...likely-the-end-of-an-era/

Ethan Sears @ethan_sears
3m
Josh Bailey was uncertain about his future with the Isles when speaking on breakup day. Said he doesn’t want to sit in the press box every game.

Bailey on relationship with Lambert:

Ethan Sears @ethan_sears
6m
Semyon Varlamov said that not playing down the stretch doesn’t affect his desire to return next year

Ethan Sears @ethan_sears
6m
Semyon Varlamov said that not playing down the stretch doesn’t affect his desire to return next year
- eichiefs9

I still would have moved Varly last offseason.

Ethan Sears @ethan_sears
3m
Josh Bailey was uncertain about his future with the Isles when speaking on breakup day. Said he doesn’t want to sit in the press box every game.

Bailey on relationship with Lambert:


- eichiefs9

Glad you posted this, I was about to type it out. That was a fascinating response

Glad you posted this, I was about to type it out. That was a fascinating response
- keaner17

Sounds like a guy who doesn't want to start a problem, but isn't very happy with his coach

Ethan Sears @ethan_sears
6m
Semyon Varlamov said that not playing down the stretch doesn’t affect his desire to return next year
- eichiefs9

Just goes to show how much he loves it here. He's 35 with three kids, so I guess he's determined the end of his career is close. I thought he spent offseasons in Texas, but maybe that changed?

Just goes to show how much he loves it here. He's 35 with three kids, so I guess he's determined the end of his career is close. I thought he spent offseasons in Texas, but maybe that changed?
- keaner17

Yeah I'm not sure. He seems to like it here and I hope he stays, but I think that would come with a pay cut.

Parise said he assumes it's Islanders or nothing, so once he decides what he's doing then I guess we'll know on him too.

Yeah I'm not sure. He seems to like it here and I hope he stays, but I think that would come with a pay cut.

Parise said he assumes it's Islanders or nothing, so once he decides what he's doing then I guess we'll know on him too.
- eichiefs9

Yes, if he's willing to take a pay cut of say, $2MM, so that his cap hit is only $3MM, Varly would make an excellent back-up.

And if Parise is willing to play at League minimum again, he is terrific depth at forward. He's a true professional who shows the younger guys how it's done, even in his late 30s.

We looked like that multiple times throughout the series unfortunately. Was hoping they’d snap out of it.
- Cptmjl

That was their problem throughout the season and it came back to bite them at the absolute worst time. Like you said, a Tkachuk type would be perfect for this bunch. I like Tyler Bertuzzi but Lou wasn’t trading for a non-vaxxer (which is bullpoop to me) and they could have had him fairly cheap, but that ship sailed. We’re tied to Horvat now, for better or for worse.

I’ll add, the core of this team is still fairly young. A lot of the important guys on this team arent even 30 yet. Even Pageau is fairly young still. This bunch isn’t done yet. I honestly think we should let all our UFAs walk. All of them. See if Varly takes a discount, see what Fasching’s market is (sorry to say, he is replaceable), let Mayfield go, and start getting faster. Play the kids, give Ishakov, Dufour, Bolduc, Salo, etc a serious look in camp. Give Wahlstrom another shot, not some bullpoop crap, put him in the top 6, give him PP1 minutes and see what he’s got. Give Holmstrom a permanent spot, he’s in a contract year already.

Point being…if we sacrifice a year to see what we got, then so be it. I’m 47 next January, so is this ideal from my standpoint? Not really. But, you’re not signing anyone this off-season. If we don’t have it next year, trade whatever you can at the deadline and restock. You have possible pieces already in the organization, plus this Maggio kid could possibly be a factor in 2 seasons. Draft some defensemen, and let’s roll the dice and see what we got. And for gods sake, lock up Sorokin.

I’ll add, the core of this team is still fairly young. A lot of the important guys on this team arent even 30 yet. Even Pageau is fairly young still. This bunch isn’t done yet. I honestly think we should let all our UFAs walk. All of them. See if Varly takes a discount, see what Fasching’s market is (sorry to say, he is replaceable), let Mayfield go, and start getting faster. Play the kids, give Ishakov, Dufour, Bolduc, Salo, etc a serious look in camp. Give Wahlstrom another shot, not some bullpoop crap, put him in the top 6, give him PP1 minutes and see what he’s got. Give Holmstrom a permanent spot, he’s in a contract year already.

Point being…if we sacrifice a year to see what we got, then so be it. I’m 47 next January, so is this ideal from my standpoint? Not really. But, you’re not signing anyone this off-season. If we don’t have it next year, trade whatever you can at the deadline and restock. You have possible pieces already in the organization, plus this Maggio kid could possibly be a factor in 2 seasons. Draft some defensemen, and let’s roll the dice and see what we got. And for gods sake, lock up Sorokin.
- potvin05

I agree with this. This is the year to look at as many young players as possible. Islanders do seem to have the Cap and pieces to trade for a big move.

I’ll add, the core of this team is still fairly young. A lot of the important guys on this team arent even 30 yet. Even Pageau is fairly young still. This bunch isn’t done yet. I honestly think we should let all our UFAs walk. All of them. See if Varly takes a discount, see what Fasching’s market is (sorry to say, he is replaceable), let Mayfield go, and start getting faster. Play the kids, give Ishakov, Dufour, Bolduc, Salo, etc a serious look in camp. Give Wahlstrom another shot, not some bullpoop crap, put him in the top 6, give him PP1 minutes and see what he’s got. Give Holmstrom a permanent spot, he’s in a contract year already.

Point being…if we sacrifice a year to see what we got, then so be it. I’m 47 next January, so is this ideal from my standpoint? Not really. But, you’re not signing anyone this off-season. If we don’t have it next year, trade whatever you can at the deadline and restock. You have possible pieces already in the organization, plus this Maggio kid could possibly be a factor in 2 seasons. Draft some defensemen, and let’s roll the dice and see what we got. And for gods sake, lock up Sorokin.
- potvin05

I think we know what we have in Bridgeport and here. I agree I don’t think there’s a heck of a lot we can do for reasons that myself and others have outlined already but if there’s any opportunity to move on from some of our vets we have got to take it.

Yeah Sorokin is a priority but he’s 27. Not sure how he’ll feel about an eval season in his contract year and I’m not so sure that’s going to inspire him to extend with us. If I were Lameriello I would be real concerned with the Devils making a real push for him. I feel like we have kind have done an eval for the last two seasons albeit backing into the playoffs this season. Point being it’s pretty evident what we need but I’m not sure how we will do it. Hope to be surprised this off-season and would love to be wrong with what I’m looking at.

I think we know what we have in Bridgeport and here. I agree I don’t think there’s a heck of a lot we can do for reasons that myself and others have outlined already but if there’s any opportunity to move on from some of our vets we have got to take it.

Yeah Sorokin is a priority but he’s 27. Not sure how he’ll feel about an eval season in his contract year and I’m not so sure that’s going to inspire him to extend with us. If I were Lameriello I would be real concerned with the Devils making a real push for him. I feel like we have kind have done an eval for the last two seasons albeit backing into the playoffs this season. Point being it’s pretty evident what we need but I’m not sure how we will do it. Hope to be surprised this off-season and would love to be wrong with what I’m looking at.
- Cptmjl

You shut your pirate, whore, mouth. Sorokin on the Devils for the next 5 or 6 years is a scary thought. Sign him NOW!

I feel like if we were going to take a step back and do a quick retool we lost that opportunity when we retained all of our UFA’s and traded for Horvat giving up a first and Raty. I also believe if Lameriello remains our GM, which I think he will, he has zero interest in doing that. He proved that by doing what he did at the trade deadline.

As far as Fasching is concerned I’m on board with giving him a full time role on the 4th line if we can find a way to shed some salary. Always loved our fourth line never loved its cost. They were largely ineffective this series save for some spots. If there were a way to get rid of Martin and or Clutterbuck sign me up. Their natural regression is evident and it isn’t going to be better next season.

I like Engvall also but as you stated the juice will most likely not be worth the squeeze imo. A modest raise on what he’s making already prices him out as far as I’m concerned.

Stated the same thing about Pageau yesterday on here. I like him but he may be the only way to realistically shed a decent chunk of salary without giving up anything. Problem with that is it more then likely moves Barzal back to center and then we have to fill in the wings which to me was the real problem with this team to begin with. One of many reasons the Horvat trade never made any sense to me.
- Cptmjl

Yep, agree with the first paragraph. I felt, like many others, this was the year to retool a bit after the inconsistencies and shortfalls from last season showed up again for most of this season and no one seemed to have any idea why or good answers on how to reverse it. I wasn't for a full tank/rebuild...frankly I think that approach is garbage and instills a losing culture that's very hard to reverse even once you have your new core in place. But, definitely a retooling where they keep what they need (particularly the younger part of the core), move what they can, and stock up on picks that can later either be used or flipped for players. Probably could have built up a halfway decent war chest of picks in a deep draft at the deadline if they went that route.

Instead, they moved out what few assets they had and bet it all on Horvat, so that was the answer to anyone who thought Lou would be interested in retooling or rebuilding. I think success now hinges on finding a way to plug a couple of real difference-makers into key positions, because there aren't many other choices...the core now is what it is and it's locked in for a long time.

But, for God's sake, if they are just going to plug a new face or two into the current lineup, can one of them at least be a winger? A real winger...not another attempt at converting a center, but a true winger that's dominated at that position and plays the game with a winger's mindset. It's been the most pressing need on this team for more years than I can remember.

Yep, agree with the first paragraph. I felt, like many others, this was the year to retool a bit after the inconsistencies and shortfalls from last season showed up again for most of this season and no one seemed to have any idea why or good answers on how to reverse it. I wasn't for a full tank/rebuild...frankly I think that approach is garbage and instills a losing culture that's very hard to reverse even once you have your new core in place. But, definitely a retooling where they keep what they need (particularly the younger part of the core), move what they can, and stock up on picks that can later either be used or flipped for players. Probably could have built up a halfway decent war chest of picks in a deep draft at the deadline if they went that route.

Instead, they moved out what few assets they had and bet it all on Horvat, so that was the answer to anyone who thought Lou would be interested in retooling or rebuilding. I think success now hinges on finding a way to plug a couple of real difference-makers into key positions, because there aren't many other choices...the core now is what it is and it's locked in for a long time.

But, for God's sake, if they are just going to plug a new face or two into the current lineup, can one of them at least be a winger? A real winger...not another attempt at converting a center, but a true winger that's dominated at that position and plays the game with a winger's mindset. It's been the most pressing need on this team for more years than I can remember.
- UIF

So we need a Han shot first wing right UIF?

A retool after missing the playoffs last year was the way to go. Still think not making the Bo trade and seeing what you had with Raty was the right move. Tell late now.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
13m
Neither Lou Lamoriello nor Lane Lambert addressing the media today at #Isles breakup day.

That seems a little odd

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
13m
Neither Lou Lamoriello nor Lane Lambert addressing the media today at #Isles breakup day.

That seems a little odd
- eichiefs9

Hope it had nothing to do with me speaking to Ledecky. We are very close.

Hope it had nothing to do with me speaking to Ledecky. We are very close.
- ses111

Please tell him to:

1) Fire Lou.
2) Trade Pageau.
3) Buyout Bailey.
4) Let Mayfield walk (unless he wants to sign for cheap).
5) Sign NO out of house UFAs to term.
6) Trade NO more picks.
7) Burn ALL remaining fish stick jerseys.
8) Have Lee send me a signed road jersey.
9) Give you season tickets, but only if you say “fück” three times consecutively.

Thank you.

I agree with this. This is the year to look at as many young players as possible. Islanders do seem to have the Cap and pieces to trade for a big move.
- ses111

I mean yeah we can call Ishakov up I guess at some point but who else? Dufour? We know what we have there that kid is far out from contributing unless he takes some monumental leap in his development. Durandeau I guess you could make a case for he looked decent in spots. My point being is we looked at a bunch of young players this past season some of which got some real playing time. What I’m saying is to me it seems redundant. I’m saying that knowing we should always evaluate players I just don’t see how we carve out this year for focusing on that. We did it already. We know what we have. Also, even with buying out Bailey we’re going to have to move a five million plus a yr player to accommodate some substantial player. That’s without even factoring in signing Sorokin the following season.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
13m
Neither Lou Lamoriello nor Lane Lambert addressing the media today at #Isles breakup day.

That seems a little odd
- eichiefs9

They’re fired.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
13m
Neither Lou Lamoriello nor Lane Lambert addressing the media today at #Isles breakup day.

That seems a little odd
- eichiefs9

Lou fired Trotz on May 9th last year, which was a full 11 days after the final game of the season. I don't think he spoke to anyone in the media prior to that. They'll do their player interviews, evals etc and then he'll talk to the media. My guess is it's all BAU