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

[lafellaesobar]

Brutal we aren’t in on that.

with that contract?

 

[JTToilinginToronto]

I would say some, very few, are reputable. The rest are just there to generate content for the site. Highly doubtful their ‘correspondents’ are employed as full time gig - more like a side passion. Considering a lot of times what is passed along is pretty obvious without much additional context, it’s mainly a bunch of borderline hearsay.

You're free to your opinion.

 

[SayItAintSoJohnny]

This isn't Andrew Ladd and Kevin Poulin we are looking to move here.

Josh Bailey, I repeat- even at 32 years old (33 in October) is still a good hockey player. He is still capable of being a top 6 facilitator, can help on both special teams and put up 50 points. Last season was only the time per82 that he didn't average that number (one short at 49) in the last 6 seasons. It also helps that he is only owed 7 million in cash on his remaining 2 years and 10 million contract.

Up to a dozen teams are also unstable when it comes their net-minding situation for next season and would without a doubt be interested in Semyon Varlamov and his expiring 5 million deal as well. We are talking about a goaltender who is still only 34 years old and has a 2.51 GAA and .918 save percentage the last 3 seasons- and close to the same numbers over his extensive postseason career as well (.916, 2.64).

 

[lafellaesobar]

This isn't Andrew Ladd and Kevin Poulin we are looking to move here.

Josh Bailey, I repeat- even at 32 years old (33 in October) is still a good hockey player. He is still capable of being a top 6 facilitator, can help on both special teams and put up 50 points. Last season was only the time per82 that he didn't average that number (one short at 49) in the last 6 seasons. It also helps that he is only owed 7 million in cash on his remaining 2 years and 10 million contract.

Up to a dozen teams are also unstable when it comes their net-minding situation for next season and would without a doubt be interested in Semyon Varlamov and his expiring 5 million deal as well. We are talking about a goaltender who is still only 34 years old and has a 2.51 GAA and .918 save percentage the last 3 seasons- and close to the same numbers over his extensive postseason career as well (.916, 2.64).

problem is that Bailey is a weird player. He can either just score like 24 points a month at max, or score like 5 points and all are secondary assists. He's a frustrating player

 

[JTToilinginToronto]

This isn't Andrew Ladd and Kevin Poulin we are looking to move here.

Josh Bailey, I repeat- even at 32 years old (33 in October) is still a good hockey player. He is still capable of being a top 6 facilitator, can help on both special teams and put up 50 points. Last season was only the time per82 that he didn't average that number (one short at 49) in the last 6 seasons. It also helps that he is only owed 7 million in cash on his remaining 2 years and 10 million contract.

Up to a dozen teams are also unstable when it comes their net-minding situation for next season and would without a doubt be interested in Semyon Varlamov and his expiring 5 million deal as well. We are talking about a goaltender who is still only 34 years old and has a 2.51 GAA and .918 save percentage the last 3 seasons- and close to the same numbers over his extensive postseason career as well (.916, 2.64).

Remember, Kuemper got traded for a first round pick last offseason and he only had one year remaining on his contract.

 

[Glory Days]

This isn't Andrew Ladd and Kevin Poulin we are looking to move here.

Josh Bailey, I repeat- even at 32 years old (33 in October) is still a good hockey player. He is still capable of being a top 6 facilitator, can help on both special teams and put up 50 points. Last season was only the time per82 that he didn't average that number (one short at 49) in the last 6 seasons. It also helps that he is only owed 7 million in cash on his remaining 2 years and 10 million contract.

Up to a dozen teams are also unstable when it comes their net-minding situation for next season and would without a doubt be interested in Semyon Varlamov and his expiring 5 million deal as well. We are talking about a goaltender who is still only 34 years old and has a 2.51 GAA and .918 save percentage the last 3 seasons- and close to the same numbers over his extensive postseason career as well (.916, 2.64).

I agree and with all the teams needing a goalie I hope Lou holds out for a ‘23 first. I don’t want any picks in the weak ‘22 draft.

 

[danteipp]

Brutal we aren’t in on that.

I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that McD was not going to waive his NMC to come to the Isles.

 

[MJF]

at missing? or making the playoff

We'll know in 2 weeks pretty much where we stand, but today July 3rd I think we'd be a 1st round exit.

 

[MJF]

I don’t follow… what do you mean by “owed it to that group last season?”

You also didn’t address the “extenuating circumstances,” as mentioned in the post you quoted. Do you feel that those were negligible?

Lou owed it to the 2021 Islanders to give them another chance to make it to the Finals. He brought them back, we had everything that was outside of our control go wrong last season and we missed the playoffs. But as I said to @JKP the Eastern Conference in particular and the league in general is trending away from the heavy game, and going towards speed and skill. Bringing back the same roster again isn't going to get it done and the rest of the league isn't waiting for us to catch up.

The extenuating circumstances sucked but those are the breaks. That's why I always say how much it hurts to lose in a deep playoff run. You never know if you're ever getting back there. Time marches on.

 

[MJF]

All the scouts agree this draft is pretty meh. Wright doesn't even project into more than a second liner. Korchinski might well be there at 13, and there seems to be little difference between anyone picked from 5-25.

How on earth would the Isles move up? Their next pick is 64, so 13 and 64 gets you what, 11? 12? Or are you thinking 13 and Wahlstrom to move up a few spots? lmfao.

13 OA and Wahlstrom. Nelson alone and keep 13. There are moves that can be made.

 

[MJF]

31 teams do. It’s always an easy prediction to make about any team. Even Colorado is statistically less likely to win then lose this year. As repeating is statistically unlikely.

You have consistently called for rebuilding. And your opinion is as justifiable as anyone else’s.

But don’t let yourself get upset at other posters here. NOT that I am suggesting you are. Just take it as a general public service announcement.

Because regardless of what you, or I wish for… the decisions being made are not the responsibility of any here. That’s all on Lou.

I'm not upset. I'll be at the games next season whether they suck or not. But this roster looks disjointed to me with strong goaltending defense and a bunch of 2nd and 3rd liners at forward.

And I've been thinking about what Lane Lambert is likely to have the team change next season...not as strong a backcheck-all our guys clogging the middle with sticks out blocking the lanes. Instead we're more likely to see a couple of players up high in the defensive zone. If this is the case, now I'm wondering just how often Sorokin is going to have to bail us out when we hang him out to dry more often.

 

[MJF]

This isn't Andrew Ladd and Kevin Poulin we are looking to move here.

Josh Bailey, I repeat- even at 32 years old (33 in October) is still a good hockey player. He is still capable of being a top 6 facilitator, can help on both special teams and put up 50 points. Last season was only the time per82 that he didn't average that number (one short at 49) in the last 6 seasons. It also helps that he is only owed 7 million in cash on his remaining 2 years and 10 million contract.

Up to a dozen teams are also unstable when it comes their net-minding situation for next season and would without a doubt be interested in Semyon Varlamov and his expiring 5 million deal as well. We are talking about a goaltender who is still only 34 years old and has a 2.51 GAA and .918 save percentage the last 3 seasons- and close to the same numbers over his extensive postseason career as well (.916, 2.64).

Josh Bailey has no business on a 1st line anymore. He's a middle 6 set up guy without speed.

 

[SayItAintSoJohnny]

Josh Bailey has no business on a 1st line anymore. He's a middle 6 set up guy without speed.

No where in there did I say he is top line guy....

He can however be a second line forward in stretches and is a perennial 50 pt scorer who can help on both special teams. There is value in that..

13 OA and Wahlstrom. Nelson alone and keep 13. There are moves that can be made.

Only an absolute idiot would trade Nelson or Wahlstrom to move up in this weak draft...or trade Brock alone for a top pick. Nelson should haul a 1st and a good prospect minimum...

Ludicrous

 

[MJF]

No where in there did I say he is top line guy....

He can however be a second line forward in stretches and is a perennial 50 pt scorer who can help on both special teams. There is value in that..


Only an absolute idiot would trade Nelson or Wahlstrom to move up in this weak draft...or trade Brock alone for a top pick. Nelson should haul a 1st and a good prospect minimum...

Ludicrous

This is supposedly a strong draft 1-5. The entire first round is not weak.

And if you say Bailey is a top 6 facilitator doesn't that indicate top and 2nd line?

 

[lafellaesobar]

We'll know in 2 weeks pretty much where we stand, but today July 3rd I think we'd be a 1st round exit.

better than being shit

This is supposedly a strong draft 1-5. The entire first round is not weak.

And if you say Bailey is a top 6 facilitator doesn't that indicate top and 2nd line?

this is a very good supplemental draft. no true gamechangers, but solid players that anyone can use. i can see it like a 2011 type draft btw

 

[LeapOnOver]

and like people will go crazy for either? I'll bet a dollar both are still islanders by october

Oozing confidence eh?

Brutal we aren’t in on that.

He had an NMC and supposedly it was a very short list.

 

[lafellaesobar]

Oozing confidence eh?


He had an NMC and supposedly it was a very short list.

look, one dollar is very fair. if they're traded i lose nothing. if i'm right, i gain nothing.

 

[SayItAintSoJohnny]

This is supposedly a strong draft 1-5. The entire first round is not weak.

And if you say Bailey is a top 6 facilitator doesn't that indicate top and 2nd line?

It is not a strong enough draft to be trading up for, no; certainly not using your lone 30-goal potential prospect to move up or your 2C who just had his best season of his career to garner a top ten selection......period.

And yes Bailey can play top six minutes, where he has basically played almost exclusively the last 6 years where he has averaged more than 52.5 points. That does not mean he is better suited for a top line role- he isn't anymore. He can however facilitate a 2nd line, but we need more scoring (goals) which is why it is in our best interest to trade him....

 

[Sheva7]

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

These are the types of deals that need to happen. Getting either one of those guys would be huge. I'm even ok with sending Beau the other way, if needed.

 

[danteipp]

When you have a draft with little distinction between a lot of similarly-ranked players, while it might be hard to trade up say ~10+ spots, it is often much easier to move up 2-3 spots.

So, with the Isles at #13, if they have their eye on a specific prospect that slides a bit, the cost might not be too prohibitive to move up to say #10.

In terms of cost for such a move, I am thinking a 3rd rounder (this year or next), a B- prospect or a fringe NHL/AHL player (Aho), who would fit for a rebuilding team looking for inexpensive and youngish players.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

TheFourthPeriod says Isles working the phones on Bailey and Varly.

So cool that they've got that direct line to Lamoriello who has been just dieing to finally provide the world with Islander trade rumor content.

 

[JTToilinginToronto]

So cool that they've got that direct line to Lamoriello who has been just dieing to finally provide the world with Islander trade rumor content.

How do you think any hockey media gets inside info? No one has direct lines to GMs, so your comment is pretty dumb and I'm not sure what your point is.

Unless you think all media, even the guys at TSN, are just spouting BS.

 

[Sheva7]

13 OA and Wahlstrom. Nelson alone and keep 13. There are moves that can be made.

Josh Bailey has no business on a 1st line anymore. He's a middle 6 set up guy without speed.

Yup I am almost there with ya. We are getting very close to where it makes sense to blow things up a bit and get younger...at least with the forward group.
I want to give them 1 more season though. Mainly to give guys like Wahlstrom and Beauvillier one last chance. If they still can't raise their game, then we're dead in the water.

And wtf is this love affair with Bailey? The guy is literally a dime a dozen player at this point in his career...AND he's overpaid to top it off! But if another team wants to take him off our hands you won't hear me complain. I doubt it happens tho, not without some type of sweetener.

Imo the moveable piece that teams are actually interested in is Varlamov.

I totally get how some think Varly should stay...but honestly I don't see any other way for Lou to open up the needed cap space. Finding someone to take Bailey may be an impossible task. And I don't think he trades Beau. So that leaves Lou with only 1 choice: finding Varly a new home.

 

[Uncle Lou]

I personally am trying to be realistic here…we NEVER get the big ticket free agents so I refuse to believe this year will be any different. I’d be shocked and real hyped if we can swing a Gaudreau or Forsberg that would be crazy. But they’re is some great middle tear options. Nichuschkin/Burkovsky/Trotchek/michiyev to name a few that I think could help this offense as well when Lou inevitably misses on the Bog games if they hit UFA. Big week here should be interesting to see what happens draft night. Things should start heating up Tuesday leading into the draft Thursday. Maybe Lou surprises us and we pull off a blockbuster but not holding my breath.

 

[Throttle]

So cool that they've got that direct line to Lamoriello who has been just dieing to finally provide the world with Islander trade rumor content.

It certainly seems like a high probability of self created content. If you write it, they will come…