Ben Shelley: Which UFAs are likely to be back with the Islanders?

Nice write up Ben. I let Eberle and Fili walk. Lee and Robin are a priority. Nelson I still see best as a 3C. Nelson would work as a 2C if you can bring in a Panarin type to pair with Barzal.

Isles also have to strongly consider extensions for Barzal & Pulock. Both are extension eligible on July 1. You would have to think those two will be the cornerstones for the franchise for many years to come. So the time to sign them is now, before their price tags keep going up. Eight years, 56 million for Barzal? Eight years, 48 million for Pulock? Does that get it done?

Nice write up Ben. I let Eberle and Fili walk. Lee and Robin are a priority. Nelson I still see best as a 3C. Nelson would work as a 2C if you can bring in a Panarin type to pair with Barzal.
- ses111

I like Nelson better as a third line center as well but we need a second line center before that can happen. He had a great season but he still has to fight through that inconsistency label. If he’s not with us next season I could see the Sabres over paying for him and regretting it due to their expectation levels being a wee bit too high. I like Nelson probably more than anyone else on here but what’s the cut off number for him? I’m asking this because I’m not a gm.

I like Nelson better as a third line center as well but we need a second line center before that can happen. He had a great season but he still has to fight through that inconsistency label. If he’s not with us next season I could see the Sabres over paying for him and regretting it due to their expectation levels being a wee bit too high. I like Nelson probably more than anyone else on here but what’s the cut off number for him? I’m asking this because I’m not a gm.
- Cptmjl

Nelson is a tough one Cpt. He really showed a lot this year and would probably show even more with better wings. Would be nice to move Bailey or move him to the third line. I think after Moulson and KO, the Sabres will be staying away from Ex-Isles.

If he’s not with us next season I could see the Sabres over paying for him and regretting it due to their expectation levels being a wee bit too high.

Hey, just because we did that once, err twice, doesn't mean....hmmm, may have a point; we'll take him!

If he’s not with us next season I could see the Sabres over paying for him and regretting it due to their expectation levels being a wee bit too high.

Hey, just because we did that once, err twice, doesn't mean....hmmm, may have a point; we'll take him!
- nikel

I like Nelson better as a third line center as well but we need a second line center before that can happen. He had a great season but he still has to fight through that inconsistency label. If he’s not with us next season I could see the Sabres over paying for him and regretting it due to their expectation levels being a wee bit too high. I like Nelson probably more than anyone else on here but what’s the cut off number for him? I’m asking this because I’m not a gm.
- Cptmjl

See this makes sense. Nelson should be on the third line and so should bailey.

See this makes sense. Nelson should be on the third line and so should bailey.
- kasperrko

Happy you approve😂😉

See this makes sense. Nelson should be on the third line and so should bailey.
- kasperrko

Bailey should be on the 5th line.

Bailey should be on the 5th line.
- ses111

Lol love you you are right it would be amazing if he gets traded but I don’t know

Lol love you you are right it would be amazing if he gets traded but I don’t know
- kasperrko

I have a better chance of making the Isles then Bailey being traded.

Happy you approve😂😉
- Cptmjl

Lol sorry for my other rant I didn’t sleep all night so I don’t even know what’s going on. Been up for 36 hours. Insomnia sucks

Lol sorry for my other rant I didn’t sleep all night so I don’t even know what’s going on. Been up for 36 hours. Insomnia sucks
- kasperrko

Apology accepted but for your punishment you have to spend the rest of the week on the Leaf’s thread.

Apology accepted but for your punishment you have to spend the rest of the week on the Leaf’s thread.
- Cptmjl

I accept my punishment and will post there. Wish me luck

If he’s not with us next season I could see the Sabres over paying for him and regretting it due to their expectation levels being a wee bit too high.

Hey, just because we did that once, err twice, doesn't mean....hmmm, may have a point; we'll take him!
- nikel

I like Nelson hope he stays I just don’t want to pay him what he’ll most likely get.

I accept my punishment and will post there. Wish me luck
- kasperrko

🔨

I like Nelson hope he stays I just don’t want to pay him what he’ll most likely get.
- Cptmjl

Sounds like Okpose all over again...boy we got sold a bill of goods there.

That's the problem with top line wingers playing with centers that are generational talents...hard to judge how they fare once removed from said talent, guess it's a risk you have to factor in (hopefully?) as a GM

Sounds like Okpose all over again...boy we got sold a bill of goods there.

That's the problem with top line wingers playing with centers that are generational talents...hard to judge how they fare once removed from said talent, guess it's a risk you have to factor in (hopefully?) as a GM
- nikel

Was never a big fan. He had that “power forward” label which I never saw save for two games against the Pens in the playoffs. The rest of his time with us was always wanting more and he was never close to being a power forward imo. He wasn’t that wonderful with Tavares for the most part either didn’t he have one good season? I don’t even remember anymore. Didn’t hate the guy he was a proud Islander and I respect that but I wasn’t sad to see him go but wished him the best. Just thought we could do better in our top 6.

I like Nelson but he definitely has that same potential of going bad that moulson and Okposo had with you guys😂

Was never a big fan. He had that “power forward” label which I never saw save for two games against the Pens in the playoffs. The rest of his time with us was always wanting more and he was never close to being a power forward imo. He wasn’t that wonderful with Tavares for the most part either didn’t he have one good season? I don’t even remember anymore. Didn’t hate the guy he was a proud Islander and I respect that but I wasn’t sad to see him go but wished him the best. Just thought we could do better in our top 6.

I like Nelson but he definitely has that same potential of going bad that moulson and Okposo had with you guys😂
- Cptmjl

Nelson's stats this season were his best, and they weren't based on playing with some special talent. Also, while putting up his best offensive stats, he adapted well to Trotz's defensive system, and was +20. That said, he was -2 in the playoffs with 4 goals and 0 assists when the going gets tough. He has a nice wrister, but plays a soft game. I have doubts whether he will be part of the Trotz-led Islanders in the future. If he is demanding more than $5 MM per season, I think he's a goner.

Nelson is just like Hayes was with Rangers. Good player, but is his new contract/salary worth losing the $$ to possibly sign Panarin or another FA?

Nelson is just like Hayes was with Rangers. Good player, but is his new contract/salary worth losing the $$ to possibly sign Panarin or another FA?
- rrentz

My impression is that Hayes plays a more rugged game than Nelson. Of course, that's a low bar....

Nelson is just like Hayes was with Rangers. Good player, but is his new contract/salary worth losing the $$ to possibly sign Panarin or another FA?
- rrentz

Lot of risk in giving Nelson a big deal. I can understand if Lou proceeds with caution.

My impression is that Hayes plays a more rugged game than Nelson. Of course, that's a low bar....
- JohnScammo

I wish! If Hayes had snarl in his game he's be a force. He never takes the body.

Would live to have him in team, but afraid of how he'll play once he gets big $$. Just look at his brother. Ugh

I wish! If Hayes had snarl in his game he's be a force. He never takes the body.

Would live to have him in team, but afraid of how he'll play once he gets big $$. Just look at his brother. Ugh
- rrentz

Did not realize that, thanks. I have always believed that guys who play soft games better compensate with extraordinary skill. Otherwise, they won't have a role in the playoffs.