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

[Bill Herlyn]

Is it too hard to ask for a proper islanders beat reporter?

Unfortunately, yes. Both Gross and Kurtz are mediocre at best!

 

[SI]

Ill take a different guess: Anaheim. Two first rounders this year, probably a prospect that doesn’t hurt to lose. Chicago likely wants a 2023 first.

Buffalo also fits the bill here.

I would absolutely do 13 OA, 2023 1st and Wahlstrom for DeBrincat - the kid is a stud.

Move Bailey and Varly to recoup picks and go bargain hunting for 3rd line help and give Bellows a shot.

 

[leeroggy]

I have a hard time imagining that momentum keep building for much longer if Chicago is looking for a package worth more than two 1sts + 'spect.


Edler probably stays out west, Dekeyser's back is toast and Murray is a depth guy. If EDM doesn't re-sign Kulak he'd be a nice under-the-radar grab for a 2nd/3rd pairing role.


Apparently Smith has a handshake deal to remain in Vegas. Maybe NYI can pry someone else from them (Marchessault, Martinez, Pacioretty, etc?).

The rest don't really interest me, I envision about 5 other suitors fitting Trocheck better than NYI.

Mayfield-Kulak would be a nice 3rd pair

 

[Sparksrus3]

Mayfield-Kulak would be a nice 3rd pair

For which team ?

 

[seafoam]

For which team ?

Not really sure what point you’re trying to make. Kulak is a good bottom four D

 

[BelovedIsles]

Lou thought Chara was a good idea last season but otoh he made some great moves by locking up key players long term so I'm on the fence in regards to his ability to tweak the roster enough to get back into wildcard contention

I keep reading this. Perhaps Lou struck out on other D's and Chara was a last resort, not necessarily 'a good idea.'

 

[lafellaesobar]

Not really sure what point you’re trying to make. Kulak is a good bottom four D

Kulak is mediocre, but fine as a stop gap. you don't use him beyond defense pair 3

 

[seafoam]

Kulak is mediocre, but fine as a stop gap. you don't use him beyond defense pair 3

Edmonton did in the playoffs, with a much worse partner and less in front of him than what he would be behind on Long Island. I’d be fine giving him 19 mins/night because he’ll come a hell of a lot cheaper than Chiarot (if he even hits UFA).

 

[BelovedIsles]

I liked what I saw from Kulak, but I'd rather invest that into a better 2nd-pairing LHD.

 

[crashthenet]

I keep reading this. Perhaps Lou struck out on other D's and Chara was a last resort, not necessarily 'a good idea.'

Agree. Don't believe he was plan B but maybe further down the list

 

[MJF]

Is it too hard to ask for a proper islanders beat reporter?

With Lou as the GM? It doesn't matter who the reporter is because nothing leaks out of the Islanders. If there are rumors involving the Isles they most likely emanated from the other team.

I keep reading this. Perhaps Lou struck out on other D's and Chara was a last resort, not necessarily 'a good idea.'

I'm sure this is how Chara ended up on the Isles.

 

[Sparksrus3]

Not really sure what point you’re trying to make. Kulak is a good bottom four D

Maybe trade Mayfield to play with Kulak . Sorry foamy . Never mind looks like he is UFA. Duh

 

[IslesNorway]

With Lou as the GM? It doesn't matter who the reporter is because nothing leaks out of the Islanders. If there are rumors involving the Isles they most likely emanated from the other team.

Exactly. Unfair to criticise them when it's virtually impossible to do a real job with Lou in charge.

 

[Top Corner]

With Lou as the GM? It doesn't matter who the reporter is because nothing leaks out of the Islanders. If there are rumors involving the Isles they most likely emanated from the other team.


I'm sure this is how Chara ended up on the Isles.

Maybe nothing leaks because nothing is going on. I’d be very surprised if
Lou ever makes a player for player hockey trade which is going to be needed. If he does make a deal it can’t be a 1 for 1 deal, I think he needs to roll the dice and include a player which many here feel is part of the core to rid himself of a few overpriced contracts to go along with said player and hopefully the return will be equal or greater while opening up
The cap space to add a UFA of high quality to add to mix

 

[Glory Days]

Is it too hard to ask for a proper islanders beat reporter?

Does it really matter? Lou’s cone of silence means the best reporter knows nothing.

 

[CupHolders]

Traditionally very little usually happens on the Fourth of July break. Free agency starts on the 1st, all the big signings happen over the next 2 days. Then there’s a lull.

I would guess things pick up early next week leading up to the draft. Regardless, little legitimate information will be leaked from the Islanders.

 

[Skip To My Lou]

Does it really matter? Lou’s cone of silence means the best reporter knows nothing.

It's funny, Staple used to be decent when it comes to insider information, but then Lou came along and he didn't bring much after.

 

[Tahoeblue]

Shrewd Lou needs to force either Vegas or Calgary's hand with Hague or Kylington. Keep Beau, keep our 13 OA and see if they bite for a 2nd or so. Ala- Sakic

 

[WangMustGo]

I would absolutely do 13 OA, 2023 1st and Wahlstrom for DeBrincat - the kid is a stud.

Move Bailey and Varly to recoup picks and go bargain hunting for 3rd line help and give Bellows a shot.

I dont know, thats alot to give up for a winger that will be signing a contract damn near 10 mill per. This team is atleast 2 big pieces away from a cup run, likely more. Gutting all of assets for 1 player is risky.

Hypothetically we have another bad run this season that 2023 pick could end up being a very high pick.

Debrincat is not much better than Fiala, I dont think hes worth the extra 1st round pick, but i understand that Chicago wants that for him.

 

[MJF]

If deals with teams up against the cap like VGK, Tampa, Chicago, etc don't pan out and the top UFA's re-sign with their teams, I think Lou should seriously consider trading up in the draft.

 

[WangMustGo]

If deals with teams up against the cap like VGK, Tampa, Chicago, etc don't pan out and the top UFA's re-sign with their teams, I think Lou should seriously consider trading up in the draft.

It doesnt seem like there is much of a difference in talent between 5-15 in this draft. IMO they are better off staying at 13 and drafting the BPA and seeing what happens in free agency.

Eeven if Gaudreau and Forsberg are gone, guys like Nichushkin, Kadri, Trocheck could improve this team.

 

[IslesNorway]

If deals with teams up against the cap like VGK, Tampa, Chicago, etc don't pan out and the top UFA's re-sign with their teams, I think Lou should seriously consider trading up in the draft.

How would they move up? They only have five picks in total at the draft (the next one being 64) and you surely won't deal away 2023 picks. No team is going to say "hey give us 13 and Josh Bailey for our pick X". This is not the draft to move up in. All the scouts are saying it's pretty weak and there's really no difference outside the top 3-4 picks.

Stay put, move it for a real player or move down.

 

[MJF]

It doesnt seem like there is much of a difference in talent between 5-15 in this draft. IMO they are better off staying at 13 and drafting the BPA and seeing what happens in free agency.

Eeven if Gaudreau and Forsberg are gone, guys like Nichushkin, Kadri, Trocheck could improve this team.

I’m talking about getting into the Top 3. The Canadiens have a ton of picks. The Devils are willing to move 2 OA. I don’t see Lou being able to make a significant move that gets the top line a dynamic player, and I think Lou’s “hockey trade” will end up being more of a salary dump and underwhelming.

In short I’m not sure we’ll come out of July looking much differently than a team destined for a wild card spot and hoping to get hot in the playoffs. Start the rebuild. We’re delaying the inevitable.

How would they move up? They only have five picks in total at the draft (the next one being 64) and you surely won't deal away 2023 picks. No team is going to say "hey give us 13 and Josh Bailey for our pick X". This is not the draft to move up in. All the scouts are saying it's pretty weak and there's really no difference outside the top 3-4 picks.

Stay put, move it for a real player or move down.

Let’s stop dicking around about trading a 32 year old underperformer who is overpaid. Start trading off someone from the top 6 and rebuild.

 

[WangMustGo]

I’m talking about getting into the Top 3. The Canadiens have a ton of picks. The Devils are willing to move 2 OA. I don’t see Lou being able to make a significant move that gets the top line a dynamic player, and I think Lou’s “hockey trade” will end up being more of a salary dump and underwhelming.

In short I’m not sure we’ll come out of July looking much differently than a team destined for a wild card spot and hoping to get hot in the playoffs. Start the rebuild. We’re delaying the inevitable.


Let’s stop dicking around about trading a 32 year old underperformer who is overpaid. Start trading off someone from the top 6 and rebuild.

We dont have the assets to mobe into the top 3.

If they are on the outside looking in come the trade deadline, than sell some pieces, theres no rush to do that. 2023 is the draft to load up picks.

 

[JKP]

Let’s stop dicking around about trading a 32 year old underperformer who is overpaid. Start trading off someone from the top 6 and rebuild.

I just have no stomach for a rebuild. We did that for 30 years and there’s no guarantees it can work or happen quickly.

We were conference finalists twice. Then had a messed up year. Give this core one more year to see what it actually is with a couple tweaks (top 4 PMD and maybe a sniper).

If 22-23 is a disaster, I could probably buy into a rebuild. But not today. Not after sucking for some many years and finally having a taste of some success.