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

[impaaaaaact]

I'd say CholoCop has the edge over Aho because of his experience, size, and draft pedigree. It will obviously come down to how they audition in camp at the end of the day, but CholoCop has played on some shit teams in his career and I'm curious to see if he can get back on track stashed behind a deep defense. He might even get PP minutes on the second unit with Pulock (with Dobson QB'ing the first unit along with four forward) that seems to be his bread & butter in any available highlights.

Aho's one-way contract simply means he gets paid his full salary regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL.

Pelech-Pulock
Romanov-Dobson
CholoCop-Mayfield
Aho

Salo-Hutton
Bolduc-LaDue
Sevigny-MacKinnon
Cosgrove-McCarthy

In that case it totally makes sense for Cholowski to have the edge. It would also give them a different look on the second PP having a left handed QB and would give each defender one special teams duty to worry about.

Pelech: PK1
Pulock: PK2
RomanovK2
Dobson: PP1
Cholowski: PP2
Mayfield: PK1

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Pelech-Pulock
Romanov-Dobson
CholoCop-Mayfield
Aho

Salo-Hutton
Bolduc-LaDue
Sevigny-MacKinnon
Cosgrove-McCarthy

Looks like the most logical scenario for our blueline depth.

Salo may not be happy about it, but the spot is still there for him to lose, so to speak. But Cholowski really is some serious competition.

Hope he's got a chip on his shoulder and is ready to take this opportunity by the horns.

SIDENOTE:
According to CapFriendly, he's on a 2-year deal.

 

[crasherino]

Admittedly I don't know much about Cholowski. Looks like he was drafted the pick after Bellows and played a fair amount in Detroit - then ended up on Seattle who have a left side of Dunn, Oleksiak and Soucy and didn't play much. Probably a put up or shut up year for him, similar to Bellows. No risk pickup with some upside.

Sometimes guys like this need a new a opportunity and start. Also, guys mature and develop at different speeds. There's a strong chance that he's peaked and what you see is what you get. But, if our lockerroom, style of play, coaching, teammates, etc. suit him well, maybe we'll see the guy that was worthy of a 1st round pick. And as you said, there's no downside for giving guys like this a chance. We had Carter Verhage in our grasps and let him slip through our fingers. On the bright side though, we've managed to hold on to Michael Dal Colle....so we've got that going for us.....

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Sometimes guys like this need a new a opportunity and start. Also, guys mature and develop at different speeds. There's a strong chance that he's peaked and what you see is what you get. But, if our lockerroom, style of play, coaching, teammates, etc. suit him well, maybe we'll see the guy that was worthy of a 1st round pick. And as you said, there's no downside for giving guys like this a chance. We had Carter Verhage in our grasps and let him slip through our fingers. On the bright side though, we've managed to hold on to Michael Dal Colle....so we've got that going for us.....

Unfortunately for us, Verhaeghe had given us NO indication that he'd have an NHL future. He spent 1.5 seasons in the ECHL, then had a nice little stint in BPort to close out his second season in our organization.

Snow used him to add a third goaltender to the system that we clearly didn't have. It was a hockey trade. Our little maybe AHLer for your little maybe AHLer.

It took Verhaeghe another 3 whole AHL seasons to even get a look at an NHL spot, and then he needed a bit of time before he started scoring.

In other words, we didn't let him slip through our fingers.... He simply turned himself into something after years of anonymity. Good on him!

 

[leeroggy]

Looks like the most logical scenario for our blueline depth.

Salo may not be happy about it, but the spot is still there for him to lose, so to speak.

Dennis Cholowski

August 2024 – Cholowski re-signed with the Islanders to a one-year, two-way deal. He offers some extra defensive depth to the organization and some veteran leadership for the Bridgeport Islanders, where he will look to help lead some of the young prospects as they start their professional...

dobberprospects.com

 

[leeroggy]

I guess we can also say Weekes UNDERSHOT by three transactions?

 

[doublechili]

Assuming they will carry 7 D, then if no other moves are made Aho, Salo, Hutton and Cholowski figure to battle for 2 spots (bottom pairing and spare). Salo is the only one who is waiver exempt.

 

[Mike C]

I guess we can also say Weekes UNDERSHOT by three transactions?

he'll probably cover his inaccurate ass by saying wiseman "leaving" is #4

 

[crasherino]

Unfortunately for us, Verhaeghe had given us NO indication that he'd have an NHL future. He spent 1.5 seasons in the ECHL, then had a nice little stint in BPort to close out his second season in our organization.

Snow used him to add a third goaltender to the system that we clearly didn't have. It was a hockey trade. Our little maybe AHLer for your little maybe AHLer.

It took Verhaeghe another 3 whole AHL seasons to even get a look at an NHL spot, and then he needed a bit of time before he started scoring.

In other words, we didn't let him slip through our fingers.... He simply turned himself into something after years of anonymity. Good on him!

Yeah - that was a bit of hyperbole there, there was obviously no way we could have known that he would progress to the point he did - just one of those things. My point was that it takes a lot of players a number of years to develop - Verhaeghe being an example. The more guys like Dennis C. (and Salo and others) we have trying out for a spot, the better.

Of course, I've been saying that about MDC for a long while and he's done nothing so far to indicate he'll break out. Maybe in his next destination (or the one after that?).

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Assuming they will carry 7 D, then if no other moves are made then Aho, Salo, Hutton and Cholowski figure to battle for 2 spots (bottom pairing and spare). Salo is the only one who is waiver exempt.

With all due respect, Hutton is not in the hunt for one of the LHD spots. He's there to fill in on the right side when one of the big three is out. Which is terrific.

That 3rd pairing LHD spot is going to one of Aho, Cholowski, or Salo. Heck, two of them will be on the Island, perhaps even rotating in that 3rd line LHD position.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Of course, I've been saying that about MDC for a long while and he's done nothing so far to indicate he'll break out. Maybe in his next destination (or the one after that?).

Dunno what's up with MDC right now?

He wasn't/hasn't been re-signed and there's been no info on where he may be heading to.

Gosh, I feel bad for him. I wonder if he's thinking of hanging up the skates?

Almost surprised he hasn't latched on in Europe. With the extra ice and slower pace of play in most of the nations, he could theoretically scorch a few of the leagues due to the newfound time to release his shot.

 

[MJF]

With all due respect, Hutton is not in the hunt for one of the LHD spots. He's there to fill in on the right side when one of the big three is out. Which is terrific.

That 3rd pairing LHD spot is going to one of Aho, Cholowski, or Salo. Heck, two of them will be on the Island, perhaps even rotating in that 3rd line LHD position.

If Cholowski forces Aho to the sidelines then it was worth the signing.

 

[doublechili]

With all due respect, Hutton is not in the hunt for one of the LHD spots. He's there to fill in on the right side when one of the big three is out. Which is terrific.

That 3rd pairing LHD spot is going to one of Aho, Cholowski, or Salo. Heck, two of them will be on the Island, perhaps even rotating in that 3rd line LHD position.

I agree with all of that and could have been clearer that Hutton would be in the running for only the #7 spot. However I think there is at least a chance that Hutton starts the season as the #7. The advantage of that would be that Hutton would be with the team and ready to jump in if a RHD had to sit. And if they need a LHD, they can call up Salo who is waiver exempt.

Your last suggestion is a possibility. If one of the LHD and Hutton go down to the AHL, the two remaining LHD (ie., two of Aho/Cholowski/Salo) could platoon as the #6 with Mayfield for sure.

 

[crasherino]

If Cholowski forces Aho to the sidelines then it was worth the signing.

Aho isn't terrible....as a 9th defenseman. Every organization should have a guy like him - the quintessential AAAA player. I don't mind re-signing him - he's a depth player. But I wouldn't worry about sending him down and getting claimed - if someone wants to grab him from us, sie la vie. Not a guy that should occupy a roster spot - at least when someone else is in the running for it. He's a modern day Aaron Ness (pleasant surprise going up to BP during the playoffs and seeing him out there....like an old sock that you had moderately fond memories of).

He can play 10-15 games when there's a rash of injuries. Beyond that, I think we have a problem.

 

[IslesNorway]

Cholowski seems to have gotten a one way deal in the second year of his deal.

 

[crasherino]

Cholowski seems to have gotten a one way deal in the second year of his deal.

Good for him. Doesn't mean we can't send him down though. But I legit am happy for fringe guys when they get some money. Train won't run forever.

 

[Lights911]

At this point, do we have any interest here in Phil the Thrill?

I personally think Lou should go after him on a 1 year deal.

 

[LBloor]

I still would love to see a Beauvillier Barzal and Wahlstrom line for a ex game or so just to see if there is any chemistry there.

 

[duster19]

I agree with all of that and could have been clearer that Hutton would be in the running for only the #7 spot. However I think there is at least a chance that Hutton starts the season as the #7. The advantage of that would be that Hutton would be with the team and ready to jump in if a RHD had to sit. And if they need a LHD, they can call up Salo who is waiver exempt.

Your last suggestion is a possibility. If one of the LHD and Hutton go down to the AHL, the two remaining LHD (ie., two of Aho/Cholowski/Salo) could platoon as the #6 with Mayfield for sure.

And Salo is the only one of those 3 that is waiver exempt…

 

[Mike C]

I still would love to see a Beauvillier Barzal and Wahlstrom line for a ex game or so just to see if there is any chemistry there.

We could call the "defense not allowed line"

 

[NC 1972]

We can, and do, try to connect dots. But there are so many dots that we're really just speculating in our own heads. Then we put it on a message board.

Dipping Dot’s?

 

[NC 1972]

Dennis Cholowski and Hudson Fasching signed. Good depth but will mostly play in the AHL.

If memory serves me correct I believe Scott wanted Fasching in the spot that Cammarotta was drafted . Pretty sure I destroyed that name.

 

[danteipp]

Original tweet updated

Very happy that Durandeau has been signed for Bridgeport, he did a nice job down there and tends to stand out when on the ice for his hard work.

Fasching should be a good fit for Bridgeport too. Might be able to inject some offense up front and having quality forwards in Raty, Dufour, Holmstrom, Durandeau, Fasching, etc. will be a nice change of pace, from the past dregs that used to be down there.

I don't have much of an opinion on Ladue, never really noticed him much but decent depth.

Cholowski is interesting I guess. Feels like he was rushed, but started out OK, then began a downward trend the last few seasons. I would have preferred a more stable vet to compete with Salo, Aho, etc.

Maybe with better coach and a more stable environment, he can turn I around. I assume he will need to play very well to earn an NHL spot out of camp. If Salo beats him out, they better give the spot to Salo though. No BS about worrying Aho or Cholo get claimed.

Not bringing in a better vet to compete at forward and defense, especially in a depressed market, feels like a mistake to me.

Good fit for Carolina with Stasty. Amazing how they always seem to find a deal or solid free agent to plug holes.

 

[Mike C]

Looks like the most logical scenario for our blueline depth.

Salo may not be happy about it, but the spot is still there for him to lose, so to speak. But Cholowski really is some serious competition.

Hope he's got a chip on his shoulder and is ready to take this opportunity by the horns.

SIDENOTE:
According to CapFriendly, he's on a 2-year deal.

Salo may not be happy about it?

That evens out nicely because some of us weren't happy about the crappy play in front of his own net last year.

 

[impaaaaaact]

Analysis of Cholowski’s Game, More Questions Than Answers

On Tuesday, the New York Islanders signed 24-year-old defenseman Dennis Cholowski to a two-year, two-way contract. The New York Islanders are still searching for a sixth defenseman and now could add the newcomer’s name to the hat. He is left-handed, just for your information. A former...

t.co

not exactly glowing reviews from those who have watched him in the past. On a side note, I think Rosner is quickly becoming my favorite of the bloggers covering the team