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

[Throttle]

We’d likely be getting him for his age 30-36 seasons. I like Huberdeau a lot but not enough to bet on him making us 3rd in the Metro.

Trade the other players. Keep the pick. I’m sure that would get it done.

Yeah, keep the pick. In two seasons, a good portion of the UFAs are goners and it will be clear as day as to what the Isles have in Barzal, Wally, Dobson, Sorokin, etc.

 

[Mike C]

The angst isn't the MONEY, it's the PRODUCTION

We need to give kids a shot to produce. The 4th line was dreadful last year. Would a 4th line of Raty centering Holmstrom and Bellows not be as good for even less money?

The 4th line is burned out

I'd keep Cal for as long as he's healthy. Martin is toast and Cizikas wasn't good last season. Hoping he bounces back but if Kadri comes on board, I might have him on a shorter leash. I think Bellows with a shot of Ross the Boss here and there would be ok with Cal and whoever

 

[isles55]

No way this team should be giving Mayfield $4 million into his mid 30s. He’s a decent 4/5 guy, but takes way too many penalties.

 

[MJF]

Yeah, keep the pick. In two seasons, a good portion of the UFAs are goners and it will be clear as day as to what the Isles have in Barzal, Wally, Dobson, Sorokin, etc.

Exactly. I think this team is on the edge of a “rebuild”, “retool”, re-imagining”. Whatever you want to call it. Maybe Huberdeau now buys us one year of a deep run. But with him I still don’t see us as any higher than 3rd in the Metro this year.

So keep the pick. I think the trade gets done with Beauvillier and Wahlstrom as the main pieces.

BTW if we trade them isn’t that our cost controlled speed, youth, offensive depth we’re trading away

 

[The Real JT]

I’d keep Cal for as long as he’s healthy. Martin is toast and Cizikas wasn't good last season. Hoping he bounces back but if Kadri comes on board, I might have him on a shorter leash. I think Bellows with a shot of Ross the Boss here and there would be ok with Cal and whoever

3…2…1….

Ok, now what?

 

[SI]

Something we haven't really discussed here is whether Lambert will spread out the ice time to the same extent as Trotz. Under Trotz what you said was absolutely true. We'll have to see if Lambert also caps guys at around 21 minutes a game or if he plays the top 4 more. But yeah, in any event Mayfield will get extra shifts on the PK. If he wants closer to top 4 salary on an extension, and if the team thinks Hutton can play, then we may see Mayfield go.

I would give those 5 the top minutes and limit the 6th d man - like Aho or Salo to 12-13 mins a game. You can afford to shelter that 6th d man. You may get the best out of those d men without exposing them.

Pelech Pulock and Dobson should be 22+
Romanov and Mayfield at 19-20

 

[Lights911]

Mayfield is better than a 5D. He also gets 19-22 minutes a game. That’s not 3rd pair minutes.

The same thing was said when Pageau signed his contract. The Isles can't afford to give a 30 year old 4.5 million long term. Grant Hutton will gladly block shots and throw hits for 800K.

 

[SCMURRAY]

The same thing was said when Pageau signed his contract. The Isles can't afford to give a 30 year old 4.5 million long term. Grant Hutton will gladly block shots and throw hits for 800K.

I think it became pretty clear when Hutton signed that deal that he would replace (or at least hope to) Mayfield. A 3 year contract, 1 way in yr 2 and 3. They expect him to fill that role

 

[Mike C]

3…2…1….

Ok, now what?

Scream and curse?

 

[The Real JT]

The same thing was said when Pageau signed his contract. The Isles can't afford to give a 30 year old 4.5 million long term. Grant Hutton will gladly block shots and throw hits for 800K.

When I play armchair GM at home I have the same hopes. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Mayfield has produced during playoff pressure and is a very solid #4/5 RHD. Hutton’s ceiling is probably a #5 RHD and he may even be more of a #7.

I would reluctantly flip Mayfield now or at the TDL but only for a sizable overpayment that nets us a sniper. I’m not expecting that to happen. Lou loves his D and his vets.

He also loves quiet offseasons. Easier for him to nap without interruptions.

 

[MJF]

The same thing was said when Pageau signed his contract. The Isles can't afford to give a 30 year old 4.5 million long term. Grant Hutton will gladly block shots and throw hits for 800K.

I’m all for Hutton. I think he’s ready. Everyone rips me whenever I say so. However keep in mind the cap won’t remain flat anymore and when we have to extend Mayfield we’ll have contracts coming off the books and vets who will be even easier to buy out/bury in the AHL.

When I play armchair GM at home I have the same hopes. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Mayfield has produced during playoff pressure and is a very solid #4/5 RHD. Hutton’s ceiling is probably a #5 RHD and he may even be more of a #7.

I would reluctantly flip Mayfield now or at the TDL but only for a sizable overpayment that nets us a sniper. I’m not expecting that to happen. Lou loves his D and his vets.

He also loves quiet offseasons. Easier for him to nap without interruptions.

Meanwhile Hutton’s offseasons are spent chasing NASCAR races.

 

[WangMustGo]

When I play armchair GM at home I have the same hopes. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Mayfield has produced during playoff pressure and is a very solid #4/5 RHD. Hutton’s ceiling is probably a #5 RHD and he may even be more of a #7.

I would reluctantly flip Mayfield now or at the TDL but only for a sizable overpayment that nets us a sniper. I’m not expecting that to happen. Lou loves his D and his vets.

He also loves quiet offseasons. Easier for him to nap without interruptions.

If we are out of the playoffs Lou better trade Mayfield. This team is devoid of high end talent, a 1st round pick is one of the very few ways to acquire that talent.

 

[periferal]

Signs your GM isn't getting the job done...


You're talking about Grant Hutton as a solution.

 

[xECK29x]

Signs your GM isn't getting the job done...


You're talking about Grant Hutton as a solution.

We are 14 days into the offseason, but please continue to go off.

 

[CupHolders]

Signs your GM isn't getting the job done...


You're talking about Grant Hutton as a solution.

Lol... hot take much?

Kurtis MacDermid is currently a top 8 option for the Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup defending roster. Phillippe Myers and Ian Cole are going to play top six minutes on the second place Lightning.

I get the frustration with the Isles and their forward group. But what is this strange hangup about the defensive unit?

 

[MJF]

Lol... hot take much?

Kurtis MacDermid is currently a top 8 option for the Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup defending roster. Phillippe Myers and Ian Cole are going to play top six minutes on the second place Lightning.

I get the frustration with the Isles and their forward group. But what is this strange hangup about the defensive unit?

He saw Hutton look slow on some plays and wrote him off altogether as a 6-7 defenseman.

Let’s not forget at our worst point during the season Hutton had the misfortune of being paired with Aho.

So a little nuance if you please.

 

[xECK29x]

Lol... hot take much?

Kurtis MacDermid is currently a top 8 option for the Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup defending roster. Phillippe Myers and Ian Cole are going to play top six minutes on the second place Lightning.

I get the frustration with the Isles and their forward group. But what is this strange hangup about the defensive unit?

There is nothing Isles fans on this forum like to obsess more about then the bottom pair and the 4th line.

 

[IslesNorway]

The same thing was said when Pageau signed his contract. The Isles can't afford to give a 30 year old 4.5 million long term. Grant Hutton will gladly block shots and throw hits for 800K.

Hockey GMs should simply learn to stop handing out long term deals to players 30+. Past 30, 3 years max should be the norm.

 

[CupHolders]

He saw Hutton look slow on some plays and wrote him off altogether as a 6-7 defenseman.

I though he looked terrible during the COVID bowl games. But always liked him in the preseasons of years past. He also redeemed himself somewhat late in the season. I wouldn't count on him in the top six out of training camp. But I'm not nearly as concerned with Salo, Aho and Hutton at the 6-8 options... considering the top four and five on this team.

I'm consistently seeing "supposedly" better teams with greater defensive unit holes than the Isles. I'm certainly not opposed for getting better players. But other than a late summer PTO/signing of De Haan and or Ryan Murray type... I don't see that much more is currently needed.

EDIT: "late in the season" NOT "this offseason"

 

[seafoam]

Signs your GM isn't getting the job done...


You're talking about Grant Hutton as a solution.

Your game one lineup doesn't have to be your game 83 lineup.

Finding bottom pairing defenseman at the deadline is a lot easier than trying to make a trade to improve the top of your lineup but not having the cap space to do so because you're overpaying for depth players.

I do think Mayfield is good and would be interested in re-signing him if I was the GM of the New York Islanders (which I'm not but should be), but there are also scenarios where I can see it not coming to fruition as well.

Also, there's no harm in discussing who would be the internal options if Mayfield departed The Island next summer, especially at this (boring) juncture of the offseason, and honestly we should all want Hutton to be a potential solution...NYI got him for free and he's locked up for three years on the cheap. This is how you develop cap flexibility to improve the top of your lineup, it's what everyone is clamoring for and it's what a team like Tampa has been able to do for years.

 

[MJF]

Your game one lineup doesn't have to be your game 83 lineup.

Finding bottom pairing defenseman at the deadline is a lot easier than trying to make a trade to improve the top of your lineup but not having the cap space to do so because you're overpaying for depth players.

I do think Mayfield is good and would be interested in re-signing him if I was the GM of the New York Islanders (which I'm not but should be), but there are also scenarios where I can see it not coming to fruition as well.

Also, there's no harm in discussing who would be the internal options if Mayfield departed The Island next summer, especially at this (boring) juncture of the offseason, and honestly we should all want Hutton to be a potential solution...NYI got him for free and he's locked up for three years on the cheap. This is how you develop cap flexibility to improve the top of your lineup, it's what everyone is clamoring for and it's what a team like Tampa has been able to do for years.

The overreactions on this board are comical. Folks are either bored or just looking for a debate. Making a mountain out of a molehill.

Someone reads “Hutton is ready”.
Same person rationalizes “This guy wants Hutton on the first two pairs”

 

[YearlyLottery]

Your game one lineup doesn't have to be your game 83 lineup.

Finding bottom pairing defenseman at the deadline is a lot easier than trying to make a trade to improve the top of your lineup but not having the cap space to do so because you're overpaying for depth players.

I do think Mayfield is good and would be interested in re-signing him if I was the GM of the New York Islanders (which I'm not but should be), but there are also scenarios where I can see it not coming to fruition as well.

Also, there's no harm in discussing who would be the internal options if Mayfield departed The Island next summer, especially at this (boring) juncture of the offseason, and honestly we should all want Hutton to be a potential solution...NYI got him for free and he's locked up for three years on the cheap. This is how you develop cap flexibility to improve the top of your lineup, it's what everyone is clamoring for and it's what a team like Tampa has been able to do for years.

While the game one lineup does not have to be the game 83 lineup in order to win a Cup Lou is going to have to acquire a top line forward and top four defenseman. One is doable at the deadline, but acquiring two at the deadline will prove difficult. Lou deservers the benefit of the doubt to do what he believes is best this season. If he f***s up I will be the first to say something.

That being said I agree with you regarding some exciting potential with Hutton replacing Mayfield. Mayfield being paid as a top four defenseman and playing in the top four does not bode well for this team long term.

The game one lineup can cost the team from ever having a game 83 lineup. That much I do agree with. Just look at last season.

 

[seafoam]

While the game one lineup does not have to be the game 83 lineup in order to win a Cup Lou is going to have to acquire a top line forward and top four defenseman. One is doable at the deadline, but acquiring two at the deadline will prove difficult. Lou deservers the benefit of the doubt to do what he believes is best this season. If he f***s up I will be the first to say something.

That being said I agree with you regarding some exciting potential with Hutton replacing Mayfield. Mayfield being paid as a top four defenseman and playing in the top four does not bode well for this team long term.

The game one lineup can cost the team from ever having a game 83 lineup. That much I do agree with. Just look at last season.

I'm talking about 2023-2034 if Mayfield departs are NYI goes into that season with Hutton behind Dobson and Pulock.

All I'm saying is that if Mayfield prices himself off the Island, it would be advantageous if the coaching staff felt that a 'homegrown' asset NYI acquired for free and is cheap were to step up into that role. If he falters, it's an easier problem to solve than trying to acquire top end lineup improvements.

 

[seafoam]

While the game one lineup does not have to be the game 83 lineup in order to win a Cup Lou is going to have to acquire a top line forward and top four defenseman. One is doable at the deadline, but acquiring two at the deadline will prove difficult. Lou deservers the benefit of the doubt to do what he believes is best this season. If he f***s up I will be the first to say something.

That being said I agree with you regarding some exciting potential with Hutton replacing Mayfield. Mayfield being paid as a top four defenseman and playing in the top four does not bode well for this team long term.

The game one lineup can cost the team from ever having a game 83 lineup. That much I do agree with. Just look at last season.

I'm talking about 2023-2034 if Mayfield departs are NYI goes into that season with Hutton behind Dobson and Pulock.

All I'm saying is that if Mayfield prices himself off the Island, it would be advantageous if the coaching staff felt that a 'homegrown' asset NYI acquired for free and is cheap were to step up in his role.

The overreactions on this board are comical. Folks are either bored or just looking for a debate. Making a mountain out of a molehill.

Someone reads “Hutton is ready”.
Same person rationalizes “This guy wants Hutton on the first two pairs”

NYI identified Hutton coming out of college as a defenseman with potential. How else are you expecting him to make the jump?

I'd have no issue going with Hutton in the future if a.) NYI can't sign Mayfield to a reasonable contract b.) the coaching staff felt Hutton could succeed in the role he would be played in.

None of us have seen Hutton extensively and know what his ceiling is, but it's not exactly a large ask to think he could play in a third pairing role behind two well known commidities.

 

[doublechili]

The overreactions on this board are comical. Folks are either bored or just looking for a debate. Making a mountain out of a molehill.

Just another day at the old office....