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

[duster19]

And with the way these two skate, I could see a number of forwards breaking by them on the outside - on both sides.



From what I've read and seen, Cholowski's defensive game appears to be lacking considerably. And as others mention, it all seems to be on him. It's not like the physical tools aren't there. Seems like he just hasn't been willing to do what it takes to effectively defend at this level.

Things get a bit different when he has the puck on his stick. And mobility isn't a problem.

Aho has his limitations - quite a few in fact - but I don't think we can claim (not that anyone has) that he isn't giving it his all and throwing what little weight he has into things. He definitely keeps busy, and he's built differently than Hickey, but there's only so much he can do.

And that handicaps the team.



They certainly haven't made it simple for him.

Somehow, I'm glad there's a bit of competition for this spot even if I spent all summer wanting to see an established NHLer brought in.

INTERESTING:
Aho was actually on pace for a good 25 points last season.

Salo is going to have to have a huge camp to make the club. He’s going to have to show Lou that he is so much the better option they can risk losing Hutton or Aho. Unlikely IMO.

I still like Lou is talking to anyone to find a LHD who can move the puck. They got 3.5 mil just sitting there. He doesn’t strike me as a guy who doesn’t use salary cap dollars.

 

[periferal]

And how did you come by your knowledge of "Bless your heart" usage? Describe your tonal approach on this one . . .

Not sure I understand the question, but basically I meant...Great job by the Senators extending good will to 2 charity cases.

 

[Lights911]

Salo is going to have to have a huge camp to make the club. He’s going to have to show Lou that he is so much the better option they can risk losing Hutton or Aho. Unlikely IMO.

I still like Lou is talking to anyone to find a LHD who can move the puck. They got 3.5 mil just sitting there. He doesn’t strike me as a guy who doesn’t use salary cap dollars.

Would like him to take Rasmus Sandin from Dubas.

 

[leeroggy]

Not sure I understand the question, but basically I meant...Great job by the Senators extending good will to 2 charity cases.

What people really mean when they say ‘bless your heart’

Uses of the phrase "bless your heart" are plentiful. As I wrote in a column, its meaning has evolved over time, until some people claim it is only used sarcastically, ie: "Did you pick out that outfit in the dark?" But I think, most of the time, we're still being sincere when we say, "bless your...

www.southernthing.com

you'll get a kick out of it and fully understand my quip . . .

 

[scottywiper]

Come back hockey. I've missed you.

 

[LeapOnOver]

say wha....?

There's a popular Korean drama on Netflix called "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" about an attorney with Aspbergers. So i changed the title to "Extraordinary Hockey Player John Tavares" because I've long thought he's on the spectrum.

As somebody pointed out, in Korean "이상한" actually means strange, which works better here, lol.

 

[PWJunior]

There's a popular Korean drama on Netflix called "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" about an attorney with Aspbergers. So i changed the title to "Extraordinary Hockey Player John Tavares" because I've long thought he's on the spectrum.

As somebody pointed out, in Korean "이상한" actually means strange, which works better here, lol.

Park Eun Bin is a cutie, she's the lead actress. Haven't watched, but it is super popular.

Going to South Korea October 15-29, maybe I get to put a face to the username? I'll buy you a drink at JJ Mahoney's or something... staying at the Grand Hyatt Seoul for a week and then the Park Hyatt for the 2nd (love having Hyatt elite status).

 

[seafoam]

Park Eun Bin is a cutie, she's the lead actress. Haven't watched, but it is super popular.

Going to South Korea October 15-29, maybe I get to put a face to the username? I'll buy you a drink at JJ Mahoney's or something... staying at the Grand Hyatt Seoul for a week and then the Park Hyatt for the 2nd (love having Hyatt elite status).

Have fun! I've heard the cuisine there is insane, especially the street food. Do you speak any Korean?

Flight is probably brutal, what's your air schedule? I imagine the price for the flight alone was insane...

 

[PWJunior]

Have fun! I've heard the cuisine there is insane, especially the street food. Do you speak any Korean?

Flight is probably brutal, what's your air schedule? I imagine the price for the flight alone was insane...

I'm actually Korean (born on LI) and my language ability is moderate to good so I'm all set. I haven't been to Korea since 2008 so I'm really looking forward to the trip - it's been delayed for like 2 years with Covid, work, health issues, etc. The food is amazing so I've been dieting now so I can stuff my face while I'm there. If I can lose 10 pounds then I can gain it back there, haha.

I got lucky on my flight, I was able to score a round trip Business Class ticket via AMEX points so I'm just paying the fuel surcharges (about $500) and saving the $6K-$8K normally. The flight is like 15+ hours non-stop going there so I'm happy to be in a premium seat, my 6'5 fat ass would die in economy. Coming back is shorter since it's with the Jet Stream, I think around 13 hours. I also have Hyatt Explorist status (2nd tier) so I get hotel upgrades and lounge access (the lounge is sick at the Grand Hyatt), working on Hyatt Globalist status (top tier) and this trip should get it done. Just FYI, the hotels in Asia are usually super cheap yet 5 star luxury service - you would be paying $1000/night minimum for the same in NY or Europe. I got my room at Grand Hyatt for $150/night and used an upgrade certificate to the club lounge room (better room, better view, and all the goodies in the lounge) so I'm jazzed.

I've been planning this trip for quite some time with so many adjustments and I'm doing it up right. I'm saving a buttload of money with the award flight, the hotel upgrades, and all the free food/drinks from the lounge. I'll probably save at least $10K in value so it should work out nicely.

 

[LeapOnOver]

Park Eun Bin is a cutie, she's the lead actress. Haven't watched, but it is super popular.

Going to South Korea October 15-29, maybe I get to put a face to the username? I'll buy you a drink at JJ Mahoney's or something... staying at the Grand Hyatt Seoul for a week and then the Park Hyatt for the 2nd (love having Hyatt elite status).

Wow, that would be awesome. I'll have to check out the dates. Not gonna lie, but running a business I'm pretty much working all the time. I'll PM you as it gets close and we can see if we can make it happen.

Yeah, Park Eun Bin isn't my favorite by any means, Yoo Kyeong-Ha is more my cup of tea. The drama was great though, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

[Islanders4Cups]

I think the gameplan is to build on continuity and see what a relatively proven group can do with a long summer of rest after a ton of hockey in a short period of time, most recently under a plethora of dubious circumstances.

Again, the changes have been behind the bench and with a rejuvenation of the left side of the D, regardless of who ends up in that 3 LHD spot.

Agree with this. Do not estimate what a change behind the bench can do with the same players. Use Weight to Trotz as an example here. There is no telling what is possible. Good or bad.

I think the pros on this team can weather such a big coaching change. I think this move was aimed at the younger players here that are underperforming. Especially Barzal, Beau, Wahlstrom, Bellows that are critical to winning.

Lou was able to read the team he had when taking over when no one else could.
I still trust he can read the team better than any of us can. Lou’s felt he needed a new voice with this team and while moving from Trotz to Lambert does not look good on paper, with unknown behind the scenes knowledge and his track record, I trust Lou here.

 

[YearlyLottery]

Agree with this. Do not estimate what a change behind the bench can do with the same players. Use Weight to Trotz as an example here. There is no telling what is possible. Good or bad.

I think the pros on this team can weather such a big coaching change. I think this move was aimed at the younger players here that are underperforming. Especially Barzal, Beau, Wahlstrom, Bellows that are critical to winning.

Lou was able to read the team he had when taking over when no one else could.
I still trust he can read the team better than any of us can. Lou’s felt he needed a new voice with this team and while moving from Trotz to Lambert does not look good on paper, with unknown behind the scenes knowledge and his track record, I trust Lou here.

I agree that Lou has earned this opportunity. That being said after the disappointment last year (yes for various reasons) if he f***s this up I would move on from him.

 

[Mike C]

Agree with this. Do not estimate what a change behind the bench can do with the same players. Use Weight to Trotz as an example here. There is no telling what is possible. Good or bad.

I think the pros on this team can weather such a big coaching change. I think this move was aimed at the younger players here that are underperforming. Especially Barzal, Beau, Wahlstrom, Bellows that are critical to winning.

Lou was able to read the team he had when taking over when no one else could.
I still trust he can read the team better than any of us can. Lou’s felt he needed a new voice with this team and while moving from Trotz to Lambert does not look good on paper, with unknown behind the scenes knowledge and his track record, I trust Lou here.

Valid points. In reference to the pros on the team, they should also have been able to weather whatever the issue might have been with Barry and play better hockey last season.

 

[Mike C]

What people really mean when they say ‘bless your heart’

Uses of the phrase "bless your heart" are plentiful. As I wrote in a column, its meaning has evolved over time, until some people claim it is only used sarcastically, ie: "Did you pick out that outfit in the dark?" But I think, most of the time, we're still being sincere when we say, "bless your...

www.southernthing.com

you'll get a kick out of it and fully understand my quip . . .

What people really mean when they say ‘bless your heart’

Uses of the phrase "bless your heart" are plentiful. As I wrote in a column, its meaning has evolved over time, until some people claim it is only used sarcastically, ie: "Did you pick out that outfit in the dark?" But I think, most of the time, we're still being sincere when we say, "bless your...

www.southernthing.com

you'll get a kick out of it and fully understand my quip . . .

Down here when the old ladies bless my heart they are really telling me to go freak myself

 

[crashthenet]

Wow, that would be awesome. I'll have to check out the dates. Not gonna lie, but running a business I'm pretty much working all the time. I'll PM you as it gets close and we can see if we can make it happen.

Yeah, Park Eun Bin isn't my favorite by any means, Yoo Kyeong-Ha is more my cup of tea. The drama was great though, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

No joke these are the most interesting posts in recent days. Safe travels PW Junior.

 

[PWJunior]

No joke these are the most interesting posts in recent days. Safe travels PW Junior.

Haha. We all can't wait for the season to start!

 

[SI90]

There's a popular Korean drama on Netflix called "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" about an attorney with Aspbergers. So i changed the title to "Extraordinary Hockey Player John Tavares" because I've long thought he's on the spectrum.

As somebody pointed out, in Korean "이상한" actually means strange, which works better here, lol.

I’ve felt this way as well. It’s not a negative but I do strongly believe this and I’ve stated it before. Even when he was on the team. My wife’s cousin who is a brilliant computer programmer has Aspergers and it’s really only socially and in social settings that you can tell.

 

[BelovedIsles]

Hmmmmm. Where have I seen these quotes from the star 1C of the New York Islanders before?

I wouldn't call him a 'star,' nor a 1C.

 

[Mike C]

I wouldn't call him a 'star,' nor a 1C.

You HAD to bring that up again didn't you???? 1

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Amazingly, I don't think I've seen or heard anyone pointing out the following:
- The line-up last season was mired in players with minus ratings. Just about everybody on the team. Several regulars had a plus/minus of exactly 0. Chara even had <gulp> a +8. Pelech still somehow managed to put up a +20.

 

[Mike C]

No joke these are the most interesting posts in recent days. Safe travels PW Junior.

I try to keep the laugh meter operating.

 

[seafoam]

Amazingly, I don't think I've seen or heard anyone pointing out the following:
- The line-up last season was mired in players with minus ratings. Just about everybody on the team. Several regulars had a plus/minus of exactly 0. Chara even had <gulp> a +8. Pelech still somehow managed to put up a +20.

They were bad last season.

I mean Cizikas alone had an incredible amount of even strength penalties. Very uncharacteristic for him...

 

[Islanders4Cups]

Valid points. In reference to the pros on the team, they should also have been able to weather whatever the issue might have been with Barry and play better hockey last season.

Many of the vets did pretty well last season or had their typical season

Nelson
Lee
Pelech
Parise
Pageau
Cizekas

..but it takes a full team. Yes some vets disappointed or had off years for sure.

Barzal
Bailey
Palmieri
Martin
Varly
Green

only two of the kids were great
Dobson
Sorokin

But at least one of these key guys needs to become a trusted Barzal linemate and both are capable of putting up 25-30 goals and disappointed. I think the coaching change is directed at helping these two key players to take it to the next level.

Beau
Wahlstrom

 

[Glory Days]

They were bad last season.

I mean Cizikas alone had an incredible amount of even strength penalties. Very uncharacteristic for him...

Casey was either hurt or lost a step. Most of his penalties were reaching making it look like he couldn’t keep up with the pace of play.

 

[SI]

Pulled this from the main board - possible d man that will be available via waivers if they don’t make their respective teams-

Intriguing names out there and many that are stronger options than Cholowski and Aho

Anaheim, 1 of:
- Josh Mahura
- Uhro Vaakaninen
- Simon Benoit

Boston, 1 of*:
- Mike Reilly
- Jake Zboril
*likely not until their D is fully healthy

Buffalo, 1 of:
- Cale Klague
- Casey Fitzgerald

Calgary, 1 of:
- Nick Meloche
- Juuso Valimaki
- Connor Mackey

Carolina, 1 of:
- Jalen Chatfield
- Max Lajoie

Colorado, 1 of:
- Jacob McDonald
- Brad Hunt

Columbus, possibly 1 of:
- Nick Blankenburg
- Gavin Bayreuther

Dallas, possibly 1 of:
- Will Butcher
- Joel Hanley

Detroit, at least 1 of:
- Robert Hagg
- Jake Walman
- Jordan Oesterle

Edmonton, at least 2 of:
- Slater Koekkoek
- Dmitri Samorukov
- Markus Niemelainen

Florida, likely 1 of:
- Michael Del Zotto
- Lucas Carlsson
- Matt Kiersted

Minnesota, possibly:
- Andrej Sustr

Montreal, probably 1 of:
- Corey Schueneman
- Madison Bowey

New Jersey, possibly:
- Brendan Smith

Islanders, at least 1 of:
- Sebastian Aho
- Grant Hutton
- Dennis Cholowski (likely Cholowski)

Rangers, at least 1 of:
- Libor Hajek
- Jarred Tinordi

Ottawa, likely:
- Dillon Heatherington

Philadelphia, at least 1 one of*:
- Nick Seeler
- Kevin Connauton
*Assuming Ellis' return

Penguins, at least 1 of:
- Mark Friedman
- P.O Joseph

Sharks, likely at least 1 of:
- Jayson Megna
- Markus Nuutivara

Seattle, at least 1 of:
- Will Borgen
- Michal Kempny
- Cale Fleury

Blues, at least 1 of:
- Niko Mikkola
- Calle Rosen (likely Rosen)

Tampa, at least 1 of:
- Hayden Fleury (likely)
- Phillippe Myers (highly unlikely)

Toronto, at least 1 of*:
- Jordie Benn
- Victor Mete
*Likely both if Sandin signs

Vancouver, both of:
- Christian Wolanin
- Noah Juulsen

Washington, at least 3 of:
- Alexander Alexeyev
- Erik Gustafsson
- Gabriel Carlsson
- Matt Irwin
- Lucas Johansen

Winnipeg, possibly:
- Kyle Capobianco