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

[periferal]

Okay so now explain why Calgary handled Gaudreau poorly. I like how you use Monday morning quarterback knowledge to assess things, (everybody in the world knew he would sign with Minny) but still claim Snow overpaid for Vanek. None of the pieces amounted to much. You remind me of the guy on the main boards that just said everybody and their mother knew the Ladd signing was terrible.

Not sure what you don't understand. Again...Everyone knew that Vanek wanted to sign with Minnesota at the end of the 13-14 season. This isn't "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" - It's just a fact independent of any opinion.

Don't believe me...? Cool...


"A winner has been declared in the Thomas Vanek sweepstakes this free agent frenzy day. The Minnesota Wild have rights to that title for the next three years at $6.5M per season. They were the team everyone knew from when Buffalo traded him to Long Island in where he wanted to go."

Thomas Vanek Signs With Minnesota


"In a move that surprised absolutely no one in hockey, Thomas Vanek signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. The contract has a value of $19.5 million, or an annual average salary of $6.5 million for the Wild. That’s a bit of a hometown discount for Minnesota, where he played college hockey and met his wife, at least when talking about the term. Vanek was traded twice last season, first from Buffalo to the Islanders. The Isles wanted to keep him but Vanek rejected their reported seven-year deal for $50 million so the Islanders traded him to Montreal, where he finished out the season. In the end to sign with the Minnesota he had to take a lower term and a bit of a lower price as well. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher was open about not wanting to sign any long-term deals and keep the flexibility for the roster down the line."

Thomas Vanek Left $30 Million On The Table To Sign With Minnesota​

So yes...When snow traded a 1st, 2nd, and Moulson for a guy he had ZERO chance of resigning that is an insane, and wildly stupid, overpay.

 

[doublechili]

They should, but since we already know that Lou does NOT trade any roster player/veteran unless he's FORCED to, there's not only no chance he's trading Mayfield, but you should fully expect him to be given a bad/long-term contract next summer.

I strongly disagree with trading Mayfield (unless Hutton transformed himself over the summer). He's a valuable guy for the 3rd pair, on the PK, and a tough playoff performer.

 

[Sparksrus3]

I strongly disagree with trading Mayfield (unless Hutton transformed himself over the summer). He's a valuable guy for the 3rd pair, on the PK, and a tough playoff performer.

Please correct me if I am mistaken but Mayfield may have been the time on ice leader for our 2 ECF runs.. Can’t easily replace those minutes or that trust .

 

[Skidrow11]

Keeping Tavares going into the last season, could be the same as trading 3 1st rounder for a #1 center who will walk. Your getting full season of him. Probably his value was 3 1st rounders and maybe a additional 2nd. Theres the economic value as well of having him on the team. When he should of been moved was at the trade deadline, at that point he's probably worth 2 1st rounders. What do the isles get from 2 1st rounders? These picks would be comming from a playoff team. Odds are they don't get anything special. There's a excellent chance it's just a 2nd liner and even then they take 3 years to show up and you have to pay them 4 million a year. So you could make the argument looking back, maybe the isles made the better decision. Asuming there was at least a 30% chance he resigns, keeping him..may have been a explainable move. One would think, even if snow wasn't on top of this, the owner would of been.

 

[LeapOnOver]

Not sure what you don't understand. Again...Everyone knew that Vanek wanted to sign with Minnesota at the end of the 13-14 season. This isn't "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" - It's just a fact independent of any opinion.

Don't believe me...? Cool...


"A winner has been declared in the Thomas Vanek sweepstakes this free agent frenzy day. The Minnesota Wild have rights to that title for the next three years at $6.5M per season. They were the team everyone knew from when Buffalo traded him to Long Island in where he wanted to go."

Thomas Vanek Signs With Minnesota


"In a move that surprised absolutely no one in hockey, Thomas Vanek signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. The contract has a value of $19.5 million, or an annual average salary of $6.5 million for the Wild. That’s a bit of a hometown discount for Minnesota, where he played college hockey and met his wife, at least when talking about the term. Vanek was traded twice last season, first from Buffalo to the Islanders. The Isles wanted to keep him but Vanek rejected their reported seven-year deal for $50 million so the Islanders traded him to Montreal, where he finished out the season. In the end to sign with the Minnesota he had to take a lower term and a bit of a lower price as well. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher was open about not wanting to sign any long-term deals and keep the flexibility for the roster down the line."

Thomas Vanek Left $30 Million On The Table To Sign With Minnesota​

So yes...When snow traded a 1st, 2nd, and Moulson for a guy he had ZERO chance of resigning that is an insane, and wildly stupid, overpay.

Thanks for not answering my question, lol.

 

[seafoam]

Mayfield slots in as a third pairing defenseman who can play up the lineup. Hutton (until proven otherwise) is a depth defenseman can play on the third pairing.

They are not the same.

 

[Mike C]

Mayfield slots in as a third pairing defenseman who can play up the lineup. Hutton (until proven otherwise) is a depth defenseman can play on the third pairing.

They are not the same.

Totally agree. Hutton didn't show me much in the big boy league last season. Mayfield is a very solid asset.

 

[Isles Junkie]

So our offensive upgrade this offseason is just more hopes & prayers that Anthony Beauvillier can be an offensive force?

Maybe we still are that cup contender we were a few years ago, but looking up and down the roster today, we're more of a bubble team.

 

[NC 1972]

Keeping Tavares going into the last season, could be the same as trading 3 1st rounder for a #1 center who will walk. Your getting full season of him. Probably his value was 3 1st rounders and maybe a additional 2nd. Theres the economic value as well of having him on the team. When he should of been moved was at the trade deadline, at that point he's probably worth 2 1st rounders. What do the isles get from 2 1st rounders? These picks would be comming from a playoff team. Odds are they don't get anything special. There's a excellent chance it's just a 2nd liner and even then they take 3 years to show up and you have to pay them 4 million a year. So you could make the argument looking back, maybe the isles made the better decision. Asuming there was at least a 30% chance he resigns, keeping him..may have been a explainable move. One would think, even if snow wasn't on top of this, the owner would of been.

You mean like trading for USA to be Ryan Smyth , 3 first rounders. Granted none of them made it in the nhl but Snow traded 3 first. And upon hearing the new Smyth was said to be in tears.

 

[YearlyLottery]

So our offensive upgrade this offseason is just more hopes & prayers that Anthony Beauvillier can be an offensive force?

Maybe we still are that cup contender we were a few years ago, but looking up and down the roster today, we're more of a bubble team.

I agree. The positive outlook would be the identity of this team is built through the net and defense. If this team is to win it will be on timely scoring, great goaltending, and a strong defense.

The one area I feel like they are missing from the Conference Finals years is the puck moving ability on the backend. Time will tell if Dobson/Romanov can equate to Leddy/Toews enough on offense while being better defensively.

 

[Mike C]

I agree. The positive outlook would be the identity of this team is built through the net and defense. If this team is to win it will be on timely scoring, great goaltending, and a strong defense.

The one area I feel like they are missing from the Conference Finals years is the puck moving ability on the backend. Time will tell if Dobson/Romanov can equate to Leddy/Toews enough on offense while being better defensively.

Can't afford any injuries on the back line.

 

[YearlyLottery]

Can't afford any injuries on the back line.

They really just cannot afford injuries at the wrong time along with not having half the team get COVID and not have games cancelled.

This is a playoff team. But just how good of a playoff team is it?

 

[MJF]

They really just cannot afford injuries at the wrong time along with not having half the team get COVID and not have games cancelled.

This is a playoff team. But just how good of a playoff team is it?

A wild card team and a 1st or 2nd round exit, imho.

 

[Mike C]

They really just cannot afford injuries at the wrong time along with not having half the team get COVID and not have games cancelled.

This is a playoff team. But just how good of a playoff team is it?

i kinda think if healthy the playoffs are realistic. i'm not sold on any of the 6th D candidates if any of the top 5 go down for an extended period. should that occur, i agree with those that say "bubble team"

my kid is already chomping at the bit for the pre season games!

 

[seafoam]

So our offensive upgrade this offseason is just more hopes & prayers that Anthony Beauvillier can be an offensive force?

Maybe we still are that cup contender we were a few years ago, but looking up and down the roster today, we're more of a bubble team.

I'm not so sure about that.

- The defense has been made more mobile with the addition of Romanov.

- Salo has been paired with Mayfield all of camp thus far, which implies he may have the inside track to the 6D spot. Salo (or even Aho/CholoCop) would add some offensive pop on the bottom pairing that has been missing since the team has Pelech/Leddy/Toews (not that I think Salo will be as good as Toews, but the construction will be similar).

- Lambert has identified playing faster, more aggressive, and going to the net more as key areas of focus in camp. It sounds like there will be tweaks to the system that will address the lack of offense.

- Wahlstrom spent his summer on Long Island, and according to Lambert and the players has made significant strides. He's been skating with Lee and Pageau, two veterans who will help him break out (if they stick with that line combo).

- Holmstrom is getting a look on Barzal's wing. While his numbers were not off the charts last season, he has a rare combination of size/skill/speed/IQ that makes him a potential dark horse to make the roster and have a positive impact. I saw this kid multiple times last season...he is very smart, can carry the puck, backcheck, make plays and good reads. Definitely someone who can stick with Barzal once he adjusts to the physicality of the NHL.

-Barzal can improve on his season last year and has spoken about being an elite player every single night/shift/etc. Sounds like he knows he has an extra gear to achieve.

- Bellows is pushing to become a full time player, he's tired of not getting consistent playing time. Whether he makes it or not, the competition will help push other players.

- The Islanders genuinely have about 15 NHL forwards, it's high end forwards that they lack. This means that Lambert can potentially find combinations that extract more out of the players than Trotz did, thus returning NYI to a team that has the identity of being "an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts", which is when they had their most success.

 

[MJF]

I'm not so sure about that.

- The defense has been made more mobile with the addition of Romanov.

- Salo has been paired with Mayfield all of camp thus far, which implies he may have the inside track to the 6D spot. Salo (or even Aho/CholoCop) would add some offensive pop on the bottom pairing that has been missing since the team has Pelech/Leddy/Toews (not that I think Salo will be as good as Toews, but the construction will be similar).

- Lambert has identified playing faster, more aggressive, and going to the net more as key areas of focus in camp. It sounds like there will be tweaks to the system that will address the lack of offense.

- Wahlstrom spent his summer on Long Island, and according to Lambert and the players has made significant strides. He's been skating with Lee and Pageau, two veterans who will help him break out (if they stick with that line combo).

- Holmstrom is getting a look on Barzal's wing. While his numbers were not off the charts last season, he has a rare combination of size/skill/speed/IQ that makes him a potential dark horse to make the roster and have a positive impact. I saw this kid multiple times last season...he is very smart, can carry the puck, backcheck, make plays and good reads. Definitely someone who can stick with Barzal once he adjusts to the physicality of the NHL.

-Barzal can improve on his season last year and has spoken about being an elite player every single night/shift/etc. Sounds like he knows he has an extra gear to achieve.

- Bellows is pushing to become a full time player, he's tired of not getting consistent playing time. Whether he makes it or not, the competition will help push other players.

- The Islanders genuinely have about 15 NHL forwards, it's high end forwards that they lack. This means that Lambert can potentially find combinations that extract more out of the players than Trotz did, thus returning NYI to a team that has the identity of being "an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts", which is when they had their most success.

All of these above are the hopes and prayers.

 

[Mike C]

All of these above are the hopes and prayers.

I'll settle for some of them!

 

[seafoam]

I'm not so sure about that.

- The defense has been made more mobile with the addition of Romanov.

- Salo has been paired with Mayfield all of camp thus far, which implies he may have the inside track to the 6D spot. Salo (or even Aho/CholoCop) would add some offensive pop on the bottom pairing that has been missing since the team has Pelech/Leddy/Toews (not that I think Salo will be as good as Toews, but the construction will be similar).

- Lambert has identified playing faster, more aggressive, and going to the net more as key areas of focus in camp. It sounds like there will be tweaks to the system that will address the lack of offense.

- Wahlstrom spent his summer on Long Island, and according to Lambert and the players has made significant strides. He's been skating with Lee and Pageau, two veterans who will help him break out (if they stick with that line combo).

- Holmstrom is getting a look on Barzal's wing. While his numbers were not off the charts last season, he has a rare combination of size/skill/speed/IQ that makes him a potential dark horse to make the roster and have a positive impact. I saw this kid multiple times last season...he is very smart, can carry the puck, backcheck, make plays and good reads. Definitely someone who can stick with Barzal once he adjusts to the physicality of the NHL.

-Barzal can improve on his season last year and has spoken about being an elite player every single night/shift/etc. Sounds like he knows he has an extra gear to achieve.

- Bellows is pushing to become a full time player, he's tired of not getting consistent playing time. Whether he makes it or not, the competition will help push other players.

- The Islanders genuinely have about 15 NHL forwards, it's high end forwards that they lack. This means that Lambert can potentially find combinations that extract more out of the players than Trotz did, thus returning NYI to a team that has the identity of being "an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts", which is when they had their most success.

My point is some of this will work out and some of it won't. There should be a collective net positive based on how many things can potentially go right.

 

[doublechili]

Please correct me if I am mistaken but Mayfield may have been the time on ice leader for our 2 ECF runs.. Can’t easily replace those minutes or that trust .

I just don't understand wanting to move a guy for futures when he anchors the 3rd pairing and is the perfect partner for one of the younger/smaller offensive LHD.

 

[doublechili]

All of these above are the hopes and prayers.

Most of them are actually thinking young players may get better. That's not so crazy. It's also possible that the coaching change will help. And Romanov replacing Chara is going to be huge....

 

[seafoam]

Most of them are actually thinking young players may get better. That's not so crazy. It's also possible that the coaching change will help. And Romanov replacing Chara is going to be huge....

Exactly, some young players will get better, some won't. Some veterans will bounce back, some won't. The addition of mobile defensemen who think about offense more than Chara/Greene will also play a big role.

I just don't understand wanting to move a guy for futures when he anchors the 3rd pairing and is the perfect partner for one of the younger/smaller offensive LHD.

It makes no sense. If NYI is out of it at the deadline and Mayfield/NYI can't come to terms on a contract, sure trade him.

But no reason to make your team (and pillar of success; defense) weaker for a future.

 

[Skidrow11]

They really just cannot afford injuries at the wrong time along with not having half the team get COVID and not have games cancelled.

This is a playoff team. But just how good of a playoff team is it?

Almost nobody thinks this group is winning a regular season division or making the playoffs by more than 6 points. That's the part that annoys me with Lou. He's so in love with this group that isn't even very good on paper. I was surprised last season there wasn't more people upset with the covid games being played. I don't think anyone got a real explanation if that was the ownership, Lou, or Betman. Its hard to imagine Lou couldn't of told Betman we aren't playing these games. To me, when they lost the 2nd homemade of the season, the season was over. I've seen so many islander seasons end before Thanksgiving. Its easy to see if your not a optimist. The Isles were always going to make the playoffs by 6 points or less. So you take 6 to 10 points away, from covid, there was never a chance. I think alot people forgot how tough it is and maybe alot islander fans are Yankee fans and just think they will win with half a roster or go on a 10 game winning streak. I would guess it was the owner who wanted to play, and Lou, who failed to convince the owner that it would cost the isles the playoffs. I just can't imagine it was bettman.

 

[MJF]

Exactly, some young players will get better, some won't. Some veterans will bounce back, some won't. The addition of mobile defensemen who think about offense more than Chara/Greene will also play a big role.


It makes no sense. If NYI is out of it at the deadline and Mayfield/NYI can't come to terms on a contract, sure trade him.

But no reason to make your team (and pillar of success; defense) weaker for a future.

This is fine. Just don’t call this a team built to win now. It’s not.

 

[seafoam]

This is fine. Just don’t call this a team built to win now. It’s not.

I don't think I did?

 

[MJF]

I don't think I did?

Not to you in particular. To everybody.

I’ve read more than a few people here say we’re still a team built for winning now.