Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2023-24: Hotel California

[The Real JT]

It's pretty foolish to pencil in any prospect as a given replacement until they prove they can handle the NHL. Will he get the chance or will Isk be the next Raty? A useful piece to lure a bigger fish as part of a package deal?

This team is now on a 5-game roll and are on a 24-10 differential, which, if RECENT memory is accurate, was the biggest knock on the team all year.

I'm glad we didn't do anything.

Agreed and I’ll add this. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s packaged in a bigger deal this offseason.

There’s really no space for Ishakov right now. While he’s not worth a lot currently, if we give him a cup of coffee on the Island this season and he does nothing then his trade value will also plummet.

I’d prefer they leave him at Bridgeport. Either give him a shot next season or package him in a trade.

 

[doublechili]

But in the case of the Isles, I think they can take this time to assess who to keep and who to trade this offseason. If you bring Roy back, who best fits his system?

That make sense. For now don't rock the boat and use the time during the rest of this season to see what you have under Roy. Then act after the season.

If they were clearly out of it I think Lou might have approached Martin and Clutterbuck to see if they were interested in going to a contending team if a deal could be made. But with the playoffs a possibility he just kept "the group" together.

 

[periferal]

Honestly very surprised that no move was made in the past few days. There were any number of bottom-6 forwards and defensemen traded for a 4th rounder or less that would've improved upon our bottom roster guys like Aho, Martin, etc.

Obviously it's much harder to pull off a big deal and none probably would've fit right now, but with pro-rated salaries this time of year and Mayfield on LTIR there was plenty of room to improve the depth of the team (with a pending UFA) for a playoff run.

I honestly don't get it. It feels so unlike Lou not to make a single move that I started wondering...What if it's been discussed internally that Lou is being removed end of season/retiring and as a result Malkin told him not to make any other moves?

It's definitely a possibility. Lou "believed" in those teams from 3-4 years ago and added before the deadline. Even last year when the Isles were struggling to get into the playoffs he added Engvall.

Of course it could be nothing, but just really strange that no move was made when you take a look at the deals made and see there were opportunities to improve the team.

 

[Glory Days]

Honestly very surprised that no move was made in the past few days. There were any number of bottom-6 forwards and defensemen traded for a 4th rounder or less that would've improved upon our bottom roster guys like Aho, Martin, etc.

Obviously it's much harder to pull off a big deal and none probably would've fit right now, but with pro-rated salaries this time of year and Mayfield on LTIR there was plenty of room to improve the depth of the team (with a pending UFA) for a playoff run.

I honestly don't get it. It feels so unlike Lou not to make a single move that I started wondering...What if it's been discussed internally that Lou is being removed end of season/retiring and as a result Malkin told him not to make any other moves?

It's definitely a possibility. Lou "believed" in those teams from 3-4 years ago and added before the deadline. Even last year when the Isles were struggling to get into the playoffs he added Engvall.

Of course it could be nothing, but just really strange that no move was made when you take a look at the deals made and see there were opportunities to improve the team.

Could be as simple as Lou not wanting to disrupt the chemistry of the team.

 

[seafoam]

Agreed and I’ll add this. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s packaged in a bigger deal this offseason.

There’s really no space for Ishakov right now. While he’s not worth a lot currently, if we give him a cup of coffee on the Island this season and he does nothing then his trade value will also plummet.

I’d prefer they leave him at Bridgeport. Either give him a shot next season or package him in a trade.

I'd be surprised if something along these lines has ever crossed Lamoriello's mind.

 

[seafoam]

Honestly very surprised that no move was made in the past few days. There were any number of bottom-6 forwards and defensemen traded for a 4th rounder or less that would've improved upon our bottom roster guys like Aho, Martin, etc.

Obviously it's much harder to pull off a big deal and none probably would've fit right now, but with pro-rated salaries this time of year and Mayfield on LTIR there was plenty of room to improve the depth of the team (with a pending UFA) for a playoff run.

I honestly don't get it. It feels so unlike Lou not to make a single move that I started wondering...What if it's been discussed internally that Lou is being removed end of season/retiring and as a result Malkin told him not to make any other moves?

It's definitely a possibility. Lou "believed" in those teams from 3-4 years ago and added before the deadline. Even last year when the Isles were struggling to get into the playoffs he added Engvall.

Of course it could be nothing, but just really strange that no move was made when you take a look at the deals made and see there were opportunities to improve the team.

That is not the case. Aho's game fits how Roy wants to play and he has played like a legitimate third pairing defensemen since replacing Mayfield. Behind him they have Bolduc and Bortuzzo, there is depth there...and that's not considering Mayfield may return at some point.

I know you don't consider him anything, but MacLean has allowed Roy to shift Nelson up to the top line which has been critical to their late success.

Yes, they have Fasching, Wahlstrom, and even Gauthier all as depth options, but I actually wouldn't be surprised if Karson Kuhlman was called up as a 'Black Ace' should they make the playoffs and be the first guy up if an injury were to occur.

He has 164 games of NHL experience (17 of which are playoff games). He's a better skater than Fasching, more responsible than Wahlstrom, and more consistent than Gauthier while being able to play all three forward positions. He's not going to burn down any villages, but he's at least been through it and knows his role.

I think Lou sees the team playing to the potential he thought they could and wants to see if it continues under Roy. As much as they are fighting for a playoff bid, they players are also re-auditioning themselves under the new HC because there are going to be difficult decisions made this offseason because of their cap situation.

 

[crashthenet]

That is not the case. Aho's game fits how Roy wants to play and he has played like a legitimate third pairing defensemen since replacing Mayfield. Behind him they have Bolduc and Bortuzzo, there is depth there...and that's not considering Mayfield may return at some point.

I know you don't consider him anything, but MacLean has allowed Roy to shift Nelson up to the top line which has been critical to their late success.

Yes, they have Fasching, Wahlstrom, and even Gauthier all as depth options, but I actually wouldn't be surprised if Karson Kuhlman was called up as a 'Black Ace' should they make the playoffs and be the first guy up if an injury were to occur.

He has 164 games of NHL experience (17 of which are playoff games). He's a better skater than Fasching, more responsible than Wahlstrom, and more consistent than Gauthier while being able to play all three forward positions. He's not going to burn down any villages, but he's at least been through it and knows his role.

I think Lou sees the team playing to the potential he thought they could and wants to see if it continues under Roy. As much as they are fighting for a playoff bid, they players are also re-auditioning themselves under the new HC because there are going to be difficult decisions made this offseason because of their cap situation.

He is atrocious. He literally does nothing well but, and a big one, he is particularly ineffective retrieving pucks. He turns the puck over below the goal on retrievals more than anyone I can recall. Glady would have see the Isles add Miller for a 3rd and excess him.

I agree with you in Gauthier and Wahlstrom. Don't see either as having much to offer. Lambert seemed to like Fasching. Not sure what Roy will make of him.

Now can't help but wonder if Phil the Thrill shouldn't be a consideration?
Edit - I guess he would not be eligible for playoffs

 

[The Real JT]

I'd be surprised if something along these lines has ever crossed Lamoriello's mind.

Not gonna happen now we agree. A couple of key injuries can change that from “not happening” to “hmm, what are our options?”

 

[doublechili]

Honestly very surprised that no move was made in the past few days. There were any number of bottom-6 forwards and defensemen traded for a 4th rounder or less that would've improved upon our bottom roster guys like Aho, Martin, etc.

Obviously it's much harder to pull off a big deal and none probably would've fit right now, but with pro-rated salaries this time of year and Mayfield on LTIR there was plenty of room to improve the depth of the team (with a pending UFA) for a playoff run.

I honestly don't get it. It feels so unlike Lou not to make a single move that I started wondering...What if it's been discussed internally that Lou is being removed end of season/retiring and as a result Malkin told him not to make any other moves?

It's definitely a possibility. Lou "believed" in those teams from 3-4 years ago and added before the deadline. Even last year when the Isles were struggling to get into the playoffs he added Engvall.

Of course it could be nothing, but just really strange that no move was made when you take a look at the deals made and see there were opportunities to improve the team.

It's also possible that the real Lou was kidnapped by aliens and that was a doppelganger making no moves yesterday.

Anyway, the supposed Lou did a media availability yesterday after the deadline passed and said (paraphrasing) that he wouldn't do a lateral move and risk disrupting the chemistry of the team. He'd have moved the 1st in a deal that would have improved the team now and in the future. So basically, there was no opportunity to significantly improve the team. As for trading a lower pick for a bottom roster guy, I think Lou's definition of a lateral move would include the situation where he has a guy he considers a "5" and has a chance to deal for a "6" to replace him, and he wouldn't consider that worth the risk to chemistry. It's his "team over individual" and "the orchestra" things.

BTW, he also responded to a question about contract extensions he's done at past TDLs and seemed to say there has been no thought given to that. I'm not saying he's not going to extend Martin or Clutterbuck, but at least he didn't say it's on the radar.

 

[leeroggy]

Honestly very surprised that no move was made in the past few days. There were any number of bottom-6 forwards and defensemen traded for a 4th rounder or less that would've improved upon our bottom roster guys like Aho, Martin, etc.

Obviously it's much harder to pull off a big deal and none probably would've fit right now, but with pro-rated salaries this time of year and Mayfield on LTIR there was plenty of room to improve the depth of the team (with a pending UFA) for a playoff run.

I honestly don't get it. It feels so unlike Lou not to make a single move that I started wondering...What if it's been discussed internally that Lou is being removed end of season/retiring and as a result Malkin told him not to make any other moves?

It's definitely a possibility. Lou "believed" in those teams from 3-4 years ago and added before the deadline. Even last year when the Isles were struggling to get into the playoffs he added Engvall.

Of course it could be nothing, but just really strange that no move was made when you take a look at the deals made and see there were opportunities to improve the team.

Perif, you're driving all of us crazy

 

[Throttle]

If Lou extends Nelson, then a Eberle-like deal would be fine. A Engvall deal is a no go.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Could be as simple as Lou not wanting to disrupt the chemistry of the team.

People tend to think that deals are done in a vacuum. There's 32 GMs in this league. It's reasonable to assume that relationships among them are varied. It's also reasonable to assume that individual players' relationships with GMs are also varied and complex. GM X that traded Player Y to Team Z for a 4th might not be available to Team A and GM B for a 4th.

 

[IslesNorway]

If Lou extends Nelson, then a Eberle-like deal would be fine. A Engvall deal is a no go.

Now, guess which one it will be….

 

[Osakahaus]

It's pretty foolish to pencil in any prospect as a given replacement until they prove they can handle the NHL. Will he get the chance or will Isk be the next Raty? A useful piece to lure a bigger fish as part of a package deal?

This team is now on a 5-game roll and are on a 24-10 differential, which, if RECENT memory is accurate, was the biggest knock on the team all year.

I'm glad we didn't do anything.

essentially where im at now, even after all my rage

 

[periferal]

Could be as simple as Lou not wanting to disrupt the chemistry of the team.

I don't see that. Even when this team was more of a contender he "disrupted the chemistry" by adding players.

And besides - Even if this team was the 1982 Islanders (or if you just have a strong identity/good character foundation in your core), adding hard-working bottom 6 players isn't going to change chemistry.

That is not the case. Aho's game fits how Roy wants to play and he has played like a legitimate third pairing defensemen since replacing Mayfield. Behind him they have Bolduc and Bortuzzo, there is depth there...and that's not considering Mayfield may return at some point.

That is not the case...Like 1000% definitely not a shot at all? And if so how do you know that?

 

[periferal]

It's also possible that the real Lou was kidnapped by aliens and that was a doppelganger making no moves yesterday.

Anyway, the supposed Lou did a media availability yesterday after the deadline passed and said (paraphrasing) that he wouldn't do a lateral move and risk disrupting the chemistry of the team. He'd have moved the 1st in a deal that would have improved the team now and in the future. So basically, there was no opportunity to significantly improve the team. As for trading a lower pick for a bottom roster guy, I think Lou's definition of a lateral move would include the situation where he has a guy he considers a "5" and has a chance to deal for a "6" to replace him, and he wouldn't consider that worth the risk to chemistry. It's his "team over individual" and "the orchestra" things.

BTW, he also responded to a question about contract extensions he's done at past TDLs and seemed to say there has been no thought given to that. I'm not saying he's not going to extend Martin or Clutterbuck, but at least he didn't say it's on the radar.

Thanks for sharing. I missed the interview. Based on that you have to wonder if they had the cap space might he have gotten involved in something bigger like the Guentzel/Hertl deals.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Re: Iskhakov:
- His contract runs out this summer (RFA - arbitration eligible).
- We have not yet seen him at the NHL level.
- He'll be 24 in July.

Feels like he'll be playing for another organization next season.

 

[periferal]

Perif, you're driving all of us crazy

I know I can't do anything right, but that was one of my most calm/rational posts in a while so there's really no hope.

 

[replayer]

(Aho) is atrocious. He literally does nothing well but,

I know it's hard to believe, but the stats show that Aho/Reilly has a 57% xGF% and 55% HDCF%, the best of our regular pairings.

Defensive Pairs - Natural Stat Trick

 

[MarsTBOW]

Re: Iskhakov:
- His contract runs out this summer (RFA - arbitration eligible).
- We have not yet seen him at the NHL level.
- He'll be 24 in July.

Feels like he'll be playing for another organization next season.

I made these points 2 months ago and people here dismissed it...
Rumor was he was KHL bound next year because he is tired of waiting to "Get A Shot" with the big club.

 

[periferal]

He is atrocious. He literally does nothing well but, and a big one, he is particularly ineffective retrieving pucks. He turns the puck over below the goal on retrievals more than anyone I can recall. Glady would have see the Isles add Miller for a 3rd and excess him.

Aho does have some offensive instincts/skills. I've said it before - I think somewhere earlier in his development a coach should've suggested Aho try out winger where you don't need as much size/defensive skill. He might have been a decent winger. For a (bad) d-man Aho still has about half as many points as Engvall in 10 less games (I guess that's more of a comment about Engvall who truly is terrible - And thus his contract is worse).

Re: Iskhakov:
- His contract runs out this summer (RFA - arbitration eligible).
- We have not yet seen him at the NHL level.
- He'll be 24 in July.

Feels like he'll be playing for another organization next season.

And despite several here not taking into account the incredibly long odds that a 5'8/155lb human being could simply make the NHL, much less have an impact, just because the Isles farm system is the prospect version of the Sahara and they saw a few highlight reel clips is Ishakov during breakaways at the AHL All Star game...I'm very confident he won't be missed.

 

[Osakahaus]

If Lou extends Nelson, then a Eberle-like deal would be fine. A Engvall deal is a no go.

I think Nelson is probably gonna get a good close-out deal to stay here. He's a fine wine of a player.

 

[MarsTBOW]

Aho does have some offensive instincts/skills. I've said it before - I think somewhere earlier in his development a coach should've suggested Aho try out winger where you don't need as much size/defensive skill. He might have been a decent winger. For a (bad) d-man Aho still has about half as many points as Engvall in 10 less games (I guess that's more of a comment about Engvall who truly is terrible - And thus his contract is worse).




And despite several here not taking into account the incredibly long odds that a 5'8/155lb human being could simply make the NHL, much less have an impact, just because the Isles farm system is the prospect version of the Sahara and they saw a few highlight reel clips is Ishakov during breakaways at the AHL All Star game...I'm very confident he won't be missed.

Instead just keep running Wahly out there because he has size but has half a bag of Cement for brains, when you have a Kid with speed and very soft hands rotting in the AHL.
Why draft him if you won't give a 5'8" player a chance?

 

[periferal]

Instead just keep running Wahly out there because he has size but has half a bag of Cement for brains, when you have a Kid with speed and very soft hands rotting in the AHL.
Why draft him if you won't give a 5'8" player a chance?

Once you draft (or sign) a player you've given them a chance. Then it's up to them to take advantage of wherever they are playing and prove that they deserve and NHL shot.

In the history of the NHL barely anyone with Iskhakov's size has made it which is a factor, but the bottom line is this...I'm going to put faith in coaching/management to determine if Iskhakov (or any prospect) deserves to play for the big club. The fact that Iskhakov hasn't yet should tell you that management doesn't think he's ready, or ever will be ready. If you disagree with that assessment, then you're disagreeing with the Islanders staff who's career it is to determine that - And then you should question if they're the right people for the job.

 

[seafoam]

I don't see that. Even when this team was more of a contender he "disrupted the chemistry" by adding players.

And besides - Even if this team was the 1982 Islanders (or if you just have a strong identity/good character foundation in your core), adding hard-working bottom 6 players isn't going to change chemistry.




That is not the case...Like 1000% definitely not a shot at all? And if so how do you know that?

I have connections within the organization.