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Forums :: Blog World :: Ben Shelley: Season Recap: Islanders return to playoffs but early exit raises questions
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UIF
New York Islanders
Location: NY
Joined: 01.09.2009

May 10 @ 1:13 PM ET
No way Lou is staying if he needs L & M's approval on trades. I'm not sure on Tarasenko after his Ranger run. I rather role on the dice on Wally for a year and find out about him once and for all. The one thing is a new GM would not have a ton of pressure this year with very little Cap and no #1 pick. Maybe this needs to be a year to evaluate as many young players as possible?
- ses111


Eh, I don't think we should let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If they could get Tarasenko -- if he'd come here and they could clear the space -- they should get him. He's exactly the kind of dynamic scoring winger the Isles haven't had since...ah...hmm... ... ...Christ, does it go all the way back to Palffy??

If they decide to take another run with this group, that run has a better chance of success with a player like Tarasenko than without...even if it just gets them through the regular season a bit easier than they did this year.
Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 10 @ 1:23 PM ET
Eh, I don't think we should let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If they could get Tarasenko -- if he'd come here and they could clear the space -- they should get him. He's exactly the kind of dynamic scoring winger the Isles haven't had since...ah...hmm... ... ...Christ, does it go all the way back to Palffy??

If they decide to take another run with this group, that run has a better chance of success with a player like Tarasenko than without...even if it just gets them through the regular season a bit easier than they did this year.

- UIF

You know my position on somehow taking a run at tarasenko but I’m not so sure dynamic is the way to describe him now. Ziggy Palffy he is not. Any longer at least. I do think he could help and may be a good fit with Barzal. Especially if we were to trade Pageau and Barzal gets moved back to center. I do believe he could be a better fit then anyone we currently have on the roster and quite possibly any player Barzal has had on his wing since playing for us. That alone is enough reason to make a push for him.

Also, I don’t think they really have any other choice but to take another run with this group due to current contracts and other assorted reasons we’ve all covered enough on here. Next offseason would look like the most likely time they would start a rebuild I believe. This of course depends on whether Lameriello is actually still our GM if the team ever feels like letting anyone know wtf is going on.
ses111
New York Islanders
Joined: 06.07.2008

May 10 @ 1:41 PM ET
Eh, I don't think we should let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If they could get Tarasenko -- if he'd come here and they could clear the space -- they should get him. He's exactly the kind of dynamic scoring winger the Isles haven't had since...ah...hmm... ... ...Christ, does it go all the way back to Palffy??

If they decide to take another run with this group, that run has a better chance of success with a player like Tarasenko than without...even if it just gets them through the regular season a bit easier than they did this year.

- UIF


I think Tarasenko could be a risk and no idea on the price. I know Wally is an unknown, but I'd rather give him every chance at this point. I just do not see another long run with this current group. Would be very happy to be wrong.
Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 10 @ 1:47 PM ET
I think Tarasenko could be a risk and no idea on the price. I know Wally is an unknown, but I'd rather give him every chance at this point. I just do not see another long run with this current group. Would be very happy to be wrong.
- ses111

I don’t think there’s too many people that believe our current roster is a serious Stanley Cup threat as presently assembled. I don’t think adding tarasenko limits giving Wahlstrom a chance either. I do know we missed our chance to do a retool this past trade deadline and without a first round pick in the draft this upcoming season is more then likely looking like the same group for the most part. Not really sure how Lameriello or anyone can change that. It’s not that he’s saying he wants that it’s just the most realistic outcome.
ses111
New York Islanders
Joined: 06.07.2008

May 10 @ 1:57 PM ET
I don’t think there’s too many people that believe our current roster is a serious Stanley Cup threat as presently assembled. I don’t think adding tarasenko limits giving Wahlstrom a chance either. I do know we missed our chance to do a retool this past trade deadline and without a first round pick in the draft this upcoming season is more then likely looking like the same group for the most part. Not really sure how Lameriello or anyone can change that. It’s not that he’s saying he wants that it’s just the most realistic outcome.
- Cptmjl


Tarasenko might be the one decent UFA the Islanders might have a chance to sign. Would love to have a trade deadline do-over. Would love to know why Lou thought he finally need to make a big move? Did L&M put pressure on Lou that the playoffs were a must? Lot's of unanswered questions.
Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 10 @ 2:02 PM ET
Tarasenko might be the one decent UFA the Islanders might have a chance to sign. Would love to have a trade deadline do-over. Would love to know why Lou thought he finally need to make a big move? Did L&M put pressure on Lou that the playoffs were a must? Lot's of unanswered questions.
- ses111

I’m not sure and I doubt we’ll ever find out. If Lameriello gets fired, which I don’t think he will, I believe that would answer one of your questions. It would probably be due to the Horvat trade but we’ll never really know. That’s the only thing I do know.
ses111
New York Islanders
Joined: 06.07.2008

May 10 @ 2:07 PM ET
I’m not sure and I doubt we’ll ever find out. If Lameriello gets fired, which I don’t think he will, I believe that would answer one of your questions. It would probably be due to the Horvat trade but we’ll never really know. That’s the only thing I do know.
- Cptmjl


It was just a shocking trade because of the timing and Lou seeming to trust the Vet team he put together after the lack of offseason moves. I had to look at the trade a few times to make sure it was real.
Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 10 @ 2:16 PM ET
It was just a shocking trade because of the timing and Lou seeming to trust the Vet team he put together after the lack of offseason moves. I had to look at the trade a few times to make sure it was real.

- ses111

Yep kind of is what it is at this point. He’s a much better player then we’ve seen. Hopefully he bounces back for us next season because he’s not going anywhere.
ses111
New York Islanders
Joined: 06.07.2008

May 10 @ 2:50 PM ET
Yep kind of is what it is at this point. He’s a much better player then we’ve seen. Hopefully he bounces back for us next season because he’s not going anywhere.
- Cptmjl


Have to think Bo can bounce back and be a better player. He just seemed very slow towards the end of the season and playoffs with no impact.
UIF
New York Islanders
Location: NY
Joined: 01.09.2009

May 10 @ 3:25 PM ET
You know my position on somehow taking a run at tarasenko but I’m not so sure dynamic is the way to describe him now. Ziggy Palffy he is not. Any longer at least. I do think he could help and may be a good fit with Barzal. Especially if we were to trade Pageau and Barzal gets moved back to center. I do believe he could be a better fit then anyone we currently have on the roster and quite possibly any player Barzal has had on his wing since playing for us. That alone is enough reason to make a push for him.

Also, I don’t think they really have any other choice but to take another run with this group due to current contracts and other assorted reasons we’ve all covered enough on here. Next offseason would look like the most likely time they would start a rebuild I believe. This of course depends on whether Lameriello is actually still our GM if the team ever feels like letting anyone know wtf is going on.

- Cptmjl


If dynamic isn't the best way to describe him, I'll say they haven't had a player who can score that much from the wing in the way he scores since way back when. The Isles have had 30+ goal scorers on the wing, but they've been Lee and Moulson...guys who mostly collect dirty goals around the net. I won't knock that at all...those kinds of players are warriors and extremely useful. But the dire need for the Isles has been a winger who can get to a good area and shoot the puck where the goalie isn't.

To Ses' point, maybe that's Wahlstrom. But as of now he's scored 13 goals in a season. If he gets to 20 or even 25 this season, that'd be fantastic. It'd be even better if he did it in a supporting role while Tarasenko does it from the first line.

And, really, I just don't see the drawback if the plan is still to go for it with the current group, other than it probably just not happening (they'd have to convince him to sign and free up the $ to do it). If they can make it work, what's to lose? If he bombs, who cares at this point...add it to the list! Is he holding up someone else's spot on RW? No one who's put an exclamation point on that role as far as I can see. Are there better options out there? Everyone keeps saying the FA market is garbage this year and we almost certainly don't have the chips to trade for anyone of that caliber.
nyisles7
New York Islanders
Location: Magical Lou, NY
Joined: 01.20.2009

May 10 @ 3:37 PM ET
If dynamic isn't the best way to describe him, I'll say they haven't had a player who can score that much from the wing in the way he scores since way back when. The Isles have had 30+ goal scorers on the wing, but they've been Lee and Moulson...guys who mostly collect dirty goals around the net. I won't knock that at all...those kinds of players are warriors and extremely useful. But the dire need for the Isles has been a winger who can get to a good area and shoot the puck where the goalie isn't.

To Ses' point, maybe that's Wahlstrom. But as of now he's scored 13 goals in a season. If he gets to 20 or even 25 this season, that'd be fantastic. It'd be even better if he did it in a supporting role while Tarasenko does it from the first line.

And, really, I just don't see the drawback if the plan is still to go for it with the current group, other than it probably just not happening (they'd have to convince him to sign and free up the $ to do it). If they can make it work, what's to lose? If he bombs, who cares at this point...add it to the list! Is he holding up someone else's spot on RW? No one who's put an exclamation point on that role as far as I can see. Are there better options out there? Everyone keeps saying the FA market is garbage this year and we almost certainly don't have the chips to trade for anyone of that caliber.

- UIF






Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 10 @ 3:58 PM ET
If dynamic isn't the best way to describe him, I'll say they haven't had a player who can score that much from the wing in the way he scores since way back when. The Isles have had 30+ goal scorers on the wing, but they've been Lee and Moulson...guys who mostly collect dirty goals around the net. I won't knock that at all...those kinds of players are warriors and extremely useful. But the dire need for the Isles has been a winger who can get to a good area and shoot the puck where the goalie isn't.

To Ses' point, maybe that's Wahlstrom. But as of now he's scored 13 goals in a season. If he gets to 20 or even 25 this season, that'd be fantastic. It'd be even better if he did it in a supporting role while Tarasenko does it from the first line.

And, really, I just don't see the drawback if the plan is still to go for it with the current group, other than it probably just not happening (they'd have to convince him to sign and free up the $ to do it). If they can make it work, what's to lose? If he bombs, who cares at this point...add it to the list! Is he holding up someone else's spot on RW? No one who's put an exclamation point on that role as far as I can see. Are there better options out there? Everyone keeps saying the FA market is garbage this year and we almost certainly don't have the chips to trade for anyone of that caliber.

- UIF

Yeah I agree 100%. Mentioned tarasenko when we first got ousted by the canes. If lameriello remains we aren’t rebuilding. Even if he’s not I doubt we are. Not this upcoming season at least. I could be wrong but I don’t think he’s going to cost a ton maybe he’ll fall somewhere around 5-6.5 but it’s free agency and the market is thin so who knows. He’ll be 32 by the start of the season so that may make him a bit more affordable. I’m saying all of this while we both know it’s possible that some lunatic GM offers him a 6 year 8 per contract.
UIF
New York Islanders
Location: NY
Joined: 01.09.2009

May 10 @ 4:26 PM ET
Yeah I agree 100%. Mentioned tarasenko when we first got ousted by the canes. If lameriello remains we aren’t rebuilding. Even if he’s not I doubt we are. Not this upcoming season at least. I could be wrong but I don’t think he’s going to cost a ton maybe he’ll fall somewhere around 5-6.5 but it’s free agency and the market is thin so who knows. He’ll be 32 by the start of the season so that may make him a bit more affordable. I’m saying all of this while we both know it’s possible that some lunatic GM offers him a 6 year 8 per contract.
- Cptmjl


Or he'll only re-sign with the Rangers, and will do it for $2 because he's always wanted to play there
Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 10 @ 4:36 PM ET
Or he'll only re-sign with the Rangers, and will do it for $2 because he's always wanted to play there
- UIF



All kidding aside not so sure they would want him.
Isleshockeyman
New York Islanders
Location: Lou is our savior
Joined: 11.05.2014

May 11 @ 6:59 AM ET
What was the offense?
- JimmyP


Attempted manslaughter.
Judge only gave me 6 months because a Laffs fan was the "victim".
Isleshockeyman
New York Islanders
Location: Lou is our savior
Joined: 11.05.2014

May 11 @ 7:01 AM ET
Until or unless they televise the lottery drawing, you can’t convince me it’s not rigged. The math doesn’t work.
- kindlyrick



I kind of have a hard time arguing that with you.
Isleshockeyman
New York Islanders
Location: Lou is our savior
Joined: 11.05.2014

May 11 @ 7:10 AM ET
If dynamic isn't the best way to describe him, I'll say they haven't had a player who can score that much from the wing in the way he scores since way back when. The Isles have had 30+ goal scorers on the wing, but they've been Lee and Moulson...guys who mostly collect dirty goals around the net. I won't knock that at all...those kinds of players are warriors and extremely useful. But the dire need for the Isles has been a winger who can get to a good area and shoot the puck where the goalie isn't.

To Ses' point, maybe that's Wahlstrom. But as of now he's scored 13 goals in a season. If he gets to 20 or even 25 this season, that'd be fantastic. It'd be even better if he did it in a supporting role while Tarasenko does it from the first line.

And, really, I just don't see the drawback if the plan is still to go for it with the current group, other than it probably just not happening (they'd have to convince him to sign and free up the $ to do it). If they can make it work, what's to lose? If he bombs, who cares at this point...add it to the list! Is he holding up someone else's spot on RW? No one who's put an exclamation point on that role as far as I can see. Are there better options out there? Everyone keeps saying the FA market is garbage this year and we almost certainly don't have the chips to trade for anyone of that caliber.

- UIF


The guy is pretty much a lock to pot 30+ a year. This season he only had 18 in 69 games, but he was on a BAD St. Louis team. Then went to the Rags where they spread the scoring around. He's at $7.5m right now at 31 tears old. I can't see another contract like that for 7 more years. Maybe 4-5 years at $5.5m per? Maybe someone gives him $8-$9m for 3? No clue on what his value would be.
Isleshockeyman
New York Islanders
Location: Lou is our savior
Joined: 11.05.2014

May 11 @ 7:14 AM ET


All kidding aside not so sure they would want him.

- Cptmjl


Who knows. I mean, there is a rumor out there about Sullivan going to the Rags and Dubas going to the Pens. IF Sullivan did take over in NY, would he want Tank? Kane? Would he want to clean house? Guess we'll find out soon enough.
eichiefs9
New York Islanders
Location: NY
Joined: 11.03.2008

May 11 @ 9:17 AM ET
Flyers hiring Keith Jones to be the President of Hockey Ops is absolutely hilarious
ses111
New York Islanders
Joined: 06.07.2008

May 11 @ 9:26 AM ET
Flyers hiring Keith Jones to be the President of Hockey Ops is absolutely hilarious
- eichiefs9


Must the hires always have a Flyer connection?
Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 11 @ 10:04 AM ET
Flyers hiring Keith Jones to be the President of Hockey Ops is absolutely hilarious
- eichiefs9

Yeah it is. It’s absolutely great also.
UIF
New York Islanders
Location: NY
Joined: 01.09.2009

May 11 @ 10:20 AM ET
The guy is pretty much a lock to pot 30+ a year. This season he only had 18 in 69 games, but he was on a BAD St. Louis team. Then went to the Rags where they spread the scoring around. He's at $7.5m right now at 31 tears old. I can't see another contract like that for 7 more years. Maybe 4-5 years at $5.5m per? Maybe someone gives him $8-$9m for 3? No clue on what his value would be.
- Isleshockeyman


Yeah, me neither. His age makes him a risk and maybe his injury history (or are people not worried about that anymore? I don't even know). But if the FA class is really that weak, maybe that skyrockets his value?
UIF
New York Islanders
Location: NY
Joined: 01.09.2009

May 11 @ 10:26 AM ET


All kidding aside not so sure they would want him.

- Cptmjl


Did they sour on him? I can't really say I watched him all that closely in the Rangers/Devils series, but the stats tell me he was second on the team in playoff goals, so I'm not sure he was really the problem for them?
Cptmjl
New York Islanders
Joined: 11.05.2011

May 11 @ 10:46 AM ET
Did they sour on him? I can't really say I watched him all that closely in the Rangers/Devils series, but the stats tell me he was second on the team in playoff goals, so I'm not sure he was really the problem for them?
- UIF

I don’t think he caught as much heat as Kane did but I don’t feel they were exactly enamored with him either. Then again I’m just hearing what I read see like everyone else so who knows how drury actually feels about him.
ses111
New York Islanders
Joined: 06.07.2008

May 11 @ 10:49 AM ET
I don’t think he caught as much heat as Kane did but I don’t feel they were exactly enamored with him either. Then again I’m just hearing what I read see like everyone else so who knows how drury actually feels about him.
- Cptmjl


Panarin seems to be getting a lot of the blame in terms of not producing.
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