At this point, they have about exactly two weeks to go on a heater and prove to Lou that, at the very least, he shouldn't sell.

Otherwise, the deadline is two weeks from this upcoming Friday and he should sell almost anything he can...which isn't much unless he decides to do something unexpected like trade Nelson/Pageau/Palmieri.

I can live with appeasing Martin/Clutterbuck (potentially) not wanting to be moved because the return would be extremely minimal anyway.
- eichiefs9

If there's anything we know about Lou, it's that he's not a sell for picks kinda guy. I think regardless of their standing, if Lou makes a deal it will be for a guy that immediately makes the team better for today or day one of the 2024-25 season. In the world of analytics, I think Lou has determined that first rounders are far less valuable than most think, and he may not be wrong.
74% of of 1st round picks go on to >99 games in the NHL. That percentage cuts in half when you say >200 games. If you eliminate top 10 picks, those percentages are staggeringly lower. This is why I think Lou so easily throws first round picks away. He'd rather take a Pageau today, than the one in 30 chance you'll get a Barzal or Dobson. So if he can deal that pick for a strong player who can contribute to the system, he's always going to do it.

As for the team in it's present state; I do agree that there's a major shakeup needed and unfortunately I think there's one player in specific that I'd make a point of targeting. Sorry Schwein, but if you really want to make a statement that it's time to change our mindset, you have to find a way to unload Anders Lee. Let Barzal or Horvat take the C, send shockwaves through the program and demand accountability. I'm not sure how you convince anyone to pick up that contract, but that would likely be my first step in changing the on-ice attitude.

If getting embarrassed by their biggest rival at a high-profile league event on national television doesn't get them fired up enough to get their poop together then nothing will.

Hell, apparently Scott Mayfield deleted his Instagram account like 10 minutes after the end of the game
- eichiefs9

He deleted that account before the season began

He deleted that account before the season began
- keaner17

Really? Someone sent me this yesterday and I saw the same thing on reddit. I'll admit I didn't ever follow him there so I have no idea.

Delete button sucks

If there's anything we know about Lou, it's that he's not a sell for picks kinda guy. I think regardless of their standing, if Lou makes a deal it will be for a guy that immediately makes the team better for today or day one of the 2024-25 season. In the world of analytics, I think Lou has determined that first rounders are far less valuable than most think, and he may not be wrong.
74% of of 1st round picks go on to >99 games in the NHL. That percentage cuts in half when you say >200 games. If you eliminate top 10 picks, those percentages are staggeringly lower. This is why I think Lou so easily throws first round picks away. He'd rather take a Pageau today, than the one in 30 chance you'll get a Barzal or Dobson. So if he can deal that pick for a strong player who can contribute to the system, he's always going to do it.

As for the team in it's present state; I do agree that there's a major shakeup needed and unfortunately I think there's one player in specific that I'd make a point of targeting. Sorry Schwein, but if you really want to make a statement that it's time to change our mindset, you have to find a way to unload Anders Lee. Let Barzal or Horvat take the C, send shockwaves through the program and demand accountability. I'm not sure how you convince anyone to pick up that contract, but that would likely be my first step in changing the on-ice attitude.
- keaner17

I think a buyout of Lee, business-wise, is the easiest course of action. Nobody is taking that contract without a significant portion of it retained which would ultimately be similar to a buyout but would probably cost the Islanders an asset that they shouldn't be parting with.

I don't disagree with the value of 1st rounders and that mindset is fine when you have a contender or a team close to it. Just trading away 1sts every year when you're a borderline playoff team is no way to operate because not only does that remove any chance whatsoever of landing a high(er)-end prospect but it also usually comes with a player who is at an age where there's a very good chance they're going to be coming into their massive age 26/27 UFA contract. So not only are you making the chances of getting a good, young prospect a guaranteed zero percent, but you're also potentially adding $6M-$10M to your cap for 8 years.

Not to mention it kinda says, directly or indirectly, that you don't really have a ton of faith in your scouting staff. If you believe in them, you have to be operating under the assumption that they're going to find you good players in the mid-to-late portions of the 1st round, whether the all-time statistics support that or not.

I just hope he sees this team for what it is at this point and doesn't think landing an Adam Henrique type player is going to magically fix everything.

I'm not at the point where I support this idea yet, but every failure that passes is getting me to slowly warm up to the idea of moving Nelson at some point. Maybe that point is next year, maybe it's this trade deadline...I don't really know how I feel yet. But he'll be 34 at the start of his next contract and I don't think that's an age we should be re-signing him at. Like Mayfield last year, his value is probably at its highest right now and he is on a very fair contract. So if they're going to miss the playoffs and can get a big haul for him from a team like, say, Colorado that is desperate for center depth....it would make me think long and hard about it if I were in Lou's position.

I think a buyout of Lee, business-wise, is the easiest course of action. Nobody is taking that contract without a significant portion of it retained which would ultimately be similar to a buyout but would probably cost the Islanders an asset that they shouldn't be parting with.

I don't disagree with the value of 1st rounders and that mindset is fine when you have a contender or a team close to it. Just trading away 1sts every year when you're a borderline playoff team is no way to operate because not only does that remove any chance whatsoever of landing a high(er)-end prospect but it also usually comes with a player who is at an age where there's a very good chance they're going to be coming into their massive age 26/27 UFA contract. So not only are you making the chances of getting a good, young prospect a guaranteed zero percent, but you're also potentially adding $6M-$10M to your cap for 8 years.

Not to mention it kinda says, directly or indirectly, that you don't really have a ton of faith in your scouting staff. If you believe in them, you have to be operating under the assumption that they're going to find you good players in the mid-to-late portions of the 1st round, whether the all-time statistics support that or not.

I just hope he sees this team for what it is at this point and doesn't think landing an Adam Henrique type player is going to magically fix everything.

I'm not at the point where I support this idea yet, but every failure that passes is getting me to slowly warm up to the idea of moving Nelson at some point. Maybe that point is next year, maybe it's this trade deadline...I don't really know how I feel yet. But he'll be 34 at the start of his next contract and I don't think that's an age we should be re-signing him at. Like Mayfield last year, his value is probably at its highest right now and he is on a very fair contract. So if they're going to miss the playoffs and can get a big haul for him from a team like, say, Colorado that is desperate for center depth....it would make me think long and hard about it if I were in Lou's position.
- eichiefs9

Nelson to Colorado for Toews.

Nelson to Colorado for Toews.
- Cptmjl

Maybe something like a 1st and Bowen Byram and we're talking

I think a buyout of Lee, business-wise, is the easiest course of action. Nobody is taking that contract without a significant portion of it retained which would ultimately be similar to a buyout but would probably cost the Islanders an asset that they shouldn't be parting with.

I don't disagree with the value of 1st rounders and that mindset is fine when you have a contender or a team close to it. Just trading away 1sts every year when you're a borderline playoff team is no way to operate because not only does that remove any chance whatsoever of landing a high(er)-end prospect but it also usually comes with a player who is at an age where there's a very good chance they're going to be coming into their massive age 26/27 UFA contract. So not only are you making the chances of getting a good, young prospect a guaranteed zero percent, but you're also potentially adding $6M-$10M to your cap for 8 years.

Not to mention it kinda says, directly or indirectly, that you don't really have a ton of faith in your scouting staff. If you believe in them, you have to be operating under the assumption that they're going to find you good players in the mid-to-late portions of the 1st round, whether the all-time statistics support that or not.

I just hope he sees this team for what it is at this point and doesn't think landing an Adam Henrique type player is going to magically fix everything.

I'm not at the point where I support this idea yet, but every failure that passes is getting me to slowly warm up to the idea of moving Nelson at some point. Maybe that point is next year, maybe it's this trade deadline...I don't really know how I feel yet. But he'll be 34 at the start of his next contract and I don't think that's an age we should be re-signing him at. Like Mayfield last year, his value is probably at its highest right now and he is on a very fair contract. So if they're going to miss the playoffs and can get a big haul for him from a team like, say, Colorado that is desperate for center depth....it would make me think long and hard about it if I were in Lou's position.
- eichiefs9

Trading #1 when you are a strong Cup contender is not an issue. Islanders have not been a true contender the last few years. I'm not sure how much has been done to turn over the Islander scouts?

I think a buyout of Lee is probably a must. If things do not drastically change, trading Nelson this year is probably a good idea.

Maybe something like a 1st and Bowen Byram and we're talking
- eichiefs9

Trading #1 when you are a strong Cup contender is not an issue. Islanders have not been a true contender the last few years. I'm not sure how much has been done to turn over the Islander scouts?

I think a buyout of Lee is probably a must. If things do not drastically change, trading Nelson this year is probably a good idea.
- ses111

Again, regarding Nelson...I'm not there yet. But I'm slowly warming up to the thought of it, pending what the return would be. Moving Nelson and buying out Lee would free up about $10M in cap space for next year and the assets acquired for Nelson would help speed up a retool/rebuild. Not to mention, if they commit to a 3ish-year retool, they can weaponize that newfound cap space to help facilitate trades for other teams or by taking players on expensive, expiring contracts to help other teams free up space and collecting some good assets for doing it. That would expedite the retool even further.

- Cptmjl

Only throwing that name out there because I saw some speculation that COL may consider moving on from him or Girard at some point to help facilitate some depth at center. Nelson would give them this year plus one full season for that.

Only throwing that name out there because I saw some speculation that COL may consider moving on from him or Girard at some point to help facilitate some depth at center. Nelson would give them this year plus one full season for that.
- eichiefs9

I hear you. Wasn’t laughing at who you mentioned. Never heard of them which means nothing.

As long as Lou is here none of this is going to happen. Would be absolutely shocked if it did. He hasn’t done a retool/rebuild ever in his career minus when he became the devils GM 1000 years ago.

I hear you. Wasn’t laughing at who you mentioned. Never heard of them which means nothing.

As long as Lou is here none of this is going to happen. Would be absolutely shocked if it did. He hasn’t done a retool/rebuild ever in his career minus when he became the devils GM 1000 years ago.
- Cptmjl

Byram was the 4th overall pick in 2019. He's had some injury issues but is a solid young defenseman.

Byram was the 4th overall pick in 2019. He's had some injury issues but is a solid young defenseman.
- eichiefs9

Gotcha yeah I’m all about having some decent prospects in our system. Would happily take a first and prospect for Nelson. But like I said, none of this is happening as long as Lou is our GM. Love to be wrong about that.

Again, regarding Nelson...I'm not there yet. But I'm slowly warming up to the thought of it, pending what the return would be. Moving Nelson and buying out Lee would free up about $10M in cap space for next year and the assets acquired for Nelson would help speed up a retool/rebuild. Not to mention, if they commit to a 3ish-year retool, they can weaponize that newfound cap space to help facilitate trades for other teams or by taking players on expensive, expiring contracts to help other teams free up space and collecting some good assets for doing it. That would expedite the retool even further.
- eichiefs9

The way things are going with the Islanders, I'm ready to trade Nelson and I would think Nelson would like a shot at the Cup. Nelson just does not seem to be the future for the Islanders. Islanders need some sort of rebuild/retool whatever you call it.

The only reason I don't want to see Nelson traded is that it means it's another wasted year. But if they are out if it at deadline they almost have to. If not they will end up resigning him when his contract is up , cuz that's what Lou does. Then we will have another 35+ on a contract that will suck.

I think a buyout of Lee, business-wise, is the easiest course of action. Nobody is taking that contract without a significant portion of it retained which would ultimately be similar to a buyout but would probably cost the Islanders an asset that they shouldn't be parting with.

I don't disagree with the value of 1st rounders and that mindset is fine when you have a contender or a team close to it. Just trading away 1sts every year when you're a borderline playoff team is no way to operate because not only does that remove any chance whatsoever of landing a high(er)-end prospect but it also usually comes with a player who is at an age where there's a very good chance they're going to be coming into their massive age 26/27 UFA contract. So not only are you making the chances of getting a good, young prospect a guaranteed zero percent, but you're also potentially adding $6M-$10M to your cap for 8 years.

Not to mention it kinda says, directly or indirectly, that you don't really have a ton of faith in your scouting staff. If you believe in them, you have to be operating under the assumption that they're going to find you good players in the mid-to-late portions of the 1st round, whether the all-time statistics support that or not.

I just hope he sees this team for what it is at this point and doesn't think landing an Adam Henrique type player is going to magically fix everything.

I'm not at the point where I support this idea yet, but every failure that passes is getting me to slowly warm up to the idea of moving Nelson at some point. Maybe that point is next year, maybe it's this trade deadline...I don't really know how I feel yet. But he'll be 34 at the start of his next contract and I don't think that's an age we should be re-signing him at. Like Mayfield last year, his value is probably at its highest right now and he is on a very fair contract. So if they're going to miss the playoffs and can get a big haul for him from a team like, say, Colorado that is desperate for center depth....it would make me think long and hard about it if I were in Lou's position.
- eichiefs9

I think moving on from Lee, and Pageau is the move financially. Still don’t think Lou sells at the deadline. The question is going to be, how ownership wants to move forward regarding Lou. IMO Lou was the perfect GM to replace Snow, but it’s always what have you done for me lately. He’s had a hard time luring UFA’s and maybe that’s partly because of his rules? Either way I think Lou ends up trading the first rounder and adds to this team…

The only reason I don't want to see Nelson traded is that it means it's another wasted year. But if they are out if it at deadline they almost have to. If not they will end up resigning him when his contract is up , cuz that's what Lou does. Then we will have another 35+ on a contract that will suck.
- chazpet

Nelson would bring back the biggest return from a cup contender. Great Islander, but much like the mishandling of Okposo, you need to recognize the lifespan of a player and pick the sweet spot to move him for the best return, rather than wait, and get zero for the asset.

I think moving on from Lee, and Pageau is the move financially. Still don’t think Lou sells at the deadline. The question is going to be, how ownership wants to move forward regarding Lou. IMO Lou was the perfect GM to replace Snow, but it’s always what have you done for me lately. He’s had a hard time luring UFA’s and maybe that’s partly because of his rules? Either way I think Lou ends up trading the first rounder and adds to this team…
- kindlyrick

Lou has struggled in a Cap world, and he has struggled with no being able to move on from certain players. It's an NHL with more youth, speed, and skill. It's not Lou's NHL any longer. Lou's had a wonderful career, but it's truly time to ride off into the sunset.

I think moving on from Lee, and Pageau is the move financially. Still don’t think Lou sells at the deadline. The question is going to be, how ownership wants to move forward regarding Lou. IMO Lou was the perfect GM to replace Snow, but it’s always what have you done for me lately. He’s had a hard time luring UFA’s and maybe that’s partly because of his rules? Either way I think Lou ends up trading the first rounder and adds to this team…
- kindlyrick

Yeah, I've said it before but I am far from a full-blown critic of Lou. He was the right hire at the right time and he has done a lot of good here. But the team is now older, slower, worse, and has very little coming in the future. He's not the guy to navigate the organization through that.

Yeah, I've said it before but I am far from a full-blown critic of Lou. He was the right hire at the right time and he has done a lot of good here. But the team is now older, slower, worse, and has very little coming in the future. He's not the guy to navigate the organization through that.
- eichiefs9

Having Lou replace Garth was the 1000% right move. It's just time for a new direction now. Does not take away from Lou's accomplishments.

Lou did a lot of good with the roster, he got them the pieces they needed to make the long runs that they did. But he's made lots of mistakes too and, now that the results aren't showing up on the ice for multiple seasons, something has to give somewhere.

Maybe that comes in the form of Lou getting rid of one or more popular players, maybe that comes in the form of a front office change. I don't know what it is, but changing nothing will....well, change nothing.

And it's not that the abundance of vets are making it hard for the young players to get a roster spot...there are no young players to take roster spots. The Islanders have one of the worst, if not the worst, prospect pools in the entire league.
- eichiefs9

I'm not sure if any of that will help. They readily admit they themselves got Lambert fired and yet, not a whole lot has changed outside of a handful of periods since then. This team is still the lackadasical, mistake prone mess that it's been for the majority of the season.

Dangerous play by everyones favorite punching bag, Mayfield, crossing right in front of Sorokin's vision before tipping the puck.

Sorokin bailed mayfiled out for a bit there but they couldn't get out or their own end. Outworked

Sorokin bailed mayfiled out for a bit there but they couldn't get out or their own end. Outworked
- Upstate_isles

Odd switchoff had Mayfiekd then covering the point too. Not sure what that was about