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

[SI]

Hello SI

How's it all going?

You think that will drop as we go or level out?

I don’t think they drop past Philly unless Sorokin goes down.

In the end, they will be better than Detroit and possibly the Blues.

But, if they were to stay they could draft a good young player OR 10 OA may go a long way to grab a F like Meier or DeBrincat.

I would be in favour of a Meier or Chychrun deal since the deal is for today and tomorrow. If a team comes looking for D and are willing to offer a first or a similar package to Savard and Chiarot for Mayfield, I don’t see how they can turn that down.

Moving their top pick for F help feels better when they gained a 1st for Mayfield.

Varlamov and Parise (and possibly Cal) land you some more picks.

 

[SI]

I believe they have one more run in them especially with Pelech returning. I think they’ll still be in it at deadline, meaning within 5 or 6 points of last spot.

It may be true but this run is brutal-

Penguins, Sabres, Capitals, Panthers, and Isles only 2 makes it in.

Even if they are 5 points out - they may have a worse record than the Predators, Oilers, Flames who are all vying for 1 spot in the west.

 

[Mike C]

I don’t think they drop past Philly unless Sorokin goes down.

In the end, they will be better than Detroit and possibly the Blues.

But, if they were to stay they could draft a good young player OR 10 OA may go a long way to grab a F like Meier or DeBrincat.

I would be in favour of a Meier or Chychrun deal since the deal is for today and tomorrow. If a team comes looking for D and are willing to offer a first or a similar package to Savard and Chiarot for Mayfield, I don’t see how they can turn that down.

Moving their top pick for F help feels better when they gained a 1st for Mayfield.

Varlamov and Parise (and possibly Cal) land you some more picks.

I like both meier and the cat. I'm ignorant on draft prospects so I defer to you guys who studiously follow that

I like Mayfield and ideally would like to keep him around. Parise is cheap enough and still has an impact on the ice. I see all sides of it

Moving Varly seems to make sense

I'm always front and center every game root root rooting. Just seems lately they only have a limited amount of gas available for each game. Nice to see Palmieri back. He has good sense in the O zone

 

[Osakahaus]

If the season ended today, based on win % the Isles would own 10th pick in the draft and 3.5% chance at Bedard.

oh its gonna keep falling at this rate. our february schedule is brutal

 

[SI]

oh its gonna keep falling at this rate. our february schedule is brutal

It’s not falling and Feb. is actually not that bad. This was a bad stretch. The next 10 games can see them jump back in and make us believers again.

There are so many bad teams -
Chicago, Anaheim, Arizona, Columbus, San Jose, Vancouver, ottawa, and Montreal willl be 1 to 8 in some order. Philly makes 9, Detroit probably 10, then the cluster of close but not enough - picke’em - Blues11, Isles 12, Preds 13, Fla 14, Sabres 15, and Oilers 16.

 

[Osakahaus]

It’s not falling and Feb. is actually not that bad. This was a bad stretch. The next 10 games can see them jump back in and make us believers again.

There are so many bad teams -
Chicago, Anaheim, Arizona, Columbus, San Jose, Vancouver, ottawa, and Montreal willl be 1 to 8 in some order. Philly makes 9, Detroit probably 10, then the cluster of close but not enough - Blues11, Isles 12, Preds 13, Fla 14, Sabres 15, and Oilers 16.

well, its up to the isles to turn it around. thats how i feel. they have to take it and play good hockey. my bitching and moaning aside, I know they can do it.

Seriously, I still believe in these guys even when i say they have a lack of talent. Hard work can go far, but these guys haven't been working anywhere near the level they can.

 

[SI]

I like both meier and the cat. I'm ignorant on draft prospects so I defer to you guys who studiously follow that

I like Mayfield and ideally would like to keep him around. Parise is cheap enough and still has an impact on the ice. I see all sides of it

Moving Varly seems to make sense

I'm always front and center every game root root rooting. Just seems lately they only have a limited amount of gas available for each game. Nice to see Palmieri back. He has good sense in the O zone

I am no draft expert by any means, but the draft community says this one is a good one unlike the last 2 (hell maybe even3)

I love Parise, but at this point we need to make room for Holmstrom to play regularly.
Playing him with Pageau and Palmieri is a solid 3rd line.

With regards to Mayfield, he is 30 and is going to command over 4+… he could always resign too in the off-season, but ideally they sign someone younger or use that $ for a F.

Another poster mentioned this earlier in the thread Chychrun pushes Romanov down to the 3rd pair and grabbing say someone like Trevor Van Riemsdyk can be solid bottom pair.

 

[Mike C]

I am no draft expert by any means, but the draft community says this one is a good one unlike the last 2 (hell maybe even3)

I love Parise, but at this point we need to make room for Holmstrom to play regularly.
Playing him with Pageau and Palmieri is a solid 3rd line.

With regards to Mayfield, he is 30 and is going to command over 4+… he could always resign too in the off-season, but ideally they sign someone younger or use that $ for a F.

Another poster mentioned this earlier in the thread Chychrun pushes Romanov down to the 3rd pair and grabbing say someone like Trevor Van Riemsdyk can be solid bottom pair.

Given the brittle status of Cal, maybe there's room for both Parise and Holmstrom. I'd rather have Parise over Martin and probably Bailey at this point. He's a pro's pro and I might feel differently if he wasn't contributing. He's a madman on the forecheck and plays good D and has good offensive IQ. Skates surprisingly solid for his age and very durable

 

[Osakahaus]

I am no draft expert by any means, but the draft community says this one is a good one unlike the last 2 (hell maybe even3)

I love Parise, but at this point we need to make room for Holmstrom to play regularly.
Playing him with Pageau and Palmieri is a solid 3rd line.

Another poster mentioned this earlier in the thread Chychrun pushes Romanov down to the 3rd pair and grabbing say someone like Trevor Van Riemsdyk can be solid bottom pair.

These are good points, and I do agree that the isles CAN just get chychrun but not at an price that kills us (think player+player+meh prospect)

Ideally speaking, I do want to see more from Holmstrom since his shot looks very nice when its going, and he does have smart puck protection skills. Parise can be dealt, Mayfield can be dealt, but Nelson only gets dealt if you get someone young+a first rounder (the Newhook proposal is a good example).

in hindsight, you can argue that having a worse season helps us because so and so, but by the time someone like Leo Carlsson, Zach Benson, or Brayden Yager is able to come up, Sorokin might not even be here. You have this weird situation where you have to get rid of these older players, but beg that someone is willing to play for the island.

 

[Tahoeblue]

I live in the west and get to watch some of the teams later at night. I know I am in the minority but I love ESPN Plus! Watch the Sharks and the Canucks a lot and try to key in on Meier and Horvat. I believe most posters believe Meier would be a better fit, but is there an argument for Horvat?

I guess I ask because would the center be a need with possibly uniting Nelson and Barzal? Or, stop trying to complicate things and get a top flight winger and just keep Barzal at center, even though fit and style with him may be challenging?

Thanks in advance

 

[Mike C]

I live in the west and get to watch some of the teams later at night. I know I am in the minority but I love ESPN Plus! Watch the Sharks and the Canucks a lot and try to key in on Meier and Horvat. I believe most posters believe Meier would be a better fit, but is there an argument for Horvat?

I guess I ask because would the center be a need with possibly uniting Nelson and Barzal? Or, stop trying to complicate things and get a top flight winger and just keep Barzal at center, even though fit and style with him may be challenging?

Thanks in advance

I have advocated for Horvat if he was obtainable earlier in the year which would allow Nelson and Barzal to unite. Add Lee and we have a trio of players that can actually be a consistent threat

Seeing what I've seen out there lately, it really may not matter anymore

 

[IslesNorway]

Players with term are rarely moved at the TDL. It's almost exclusively upcoming UFAs so if the Isles are dealing someone it'll be Varly, Mayfield and Parise. Any other players will have to wait until the draft or summer.

I think Parise has done ever so well but he deserves one last shot at the cup, and with the Isles not in contention for a few years, it's probably for the best to move him. He could always be resigned in the offseason, though.

I like Mayfield and I would like to see him stick around, but I fear Lou will sign him to a long term deal that ends up hurting the team. He's 31 and will not get better with age, but has a few years still left in him. If he is willing to signs for 3x3.5 I'd keep him but he took a sweetheart deal five years ago and deserves one big deal at this stage of his career. I hope some other team makes that mistake.

Varly is getting on in years but should be perfect for a team looking for a solid backup for a deep run. I wouldn't mind resigning him for a year or two in the summer, at reasonable cost, but not any more than that.

If all three are dealt, the Isles should net a fine haul. Mayfield should get a 1st and maybe a low pick. Varly maybe a first, but most likely a 2nd and 3rd. Parise a mid rounder. If they can enter this draft (who they say is exceptionally good) with a couple of 1sts and a couple of 2nds, it's a really nice start to a retool. Then, if they can move another players or two at the draft, things are shaping up nicely.

 

[Mike C]

Players with term are rarely moved at the TDL. It's almost exclusively upcoming UFAs so if the Isles are dealing someone it'll be Varly, Mayfield and Parise. Any other players will have to wait until the draft or summer.

I think Parise has done ever so well but he deserves one last shot at the cup, and with the Isles not in contention for a few years, it's probably for the best to move him. He could always be resigned in the offseason, though.

I like Mayfield and I would like to see him stick around, but I fear Lou will sign him to a long term deal that ends up hurting the team. He's 31 and will not get better with age, but has a few years still left in him. If he is willing to signs for 3x3.5 I'd keep him but he took a sweetheart deal five years ago and deserves one big deal at this stage of his career. I hope some other team makes that mistake.

Varly is getting on in years but should be perfect for a team looking for a solid backup for a deep run. I wouldn't mind resigning him for a year or two in the summer, at reasonable cost, but not any more than that.

If all three are dealt, the Isles should net a fine haul. Mayfield should get a 1st and maybe a low pick. Varly maybe a first, but most likely a 2nd and 3rd. Parise a mid rounder. If they can enter this draft (who they say is exceptionally good) with a couple of 1sts and a couple of 2nds, it's a really nice start to a retool.

As always, very well thought out and sensibly reasonable thoughts!

 

[Osakahaus]

Players with term are rarely moved at the TDL. It's almost exclusively upcoming UFAs so if the Isles are dealing someone it'll be Varly, Mayfield and Parise. Any other players will have to wait until the draft or summer.

I think Parise has done ever so well but he deserves one last shot at the cup, and with the Isles not in contention for a few years, it's probably for the best to move him. He could always be resigned in the offseason, though.

I like Mayfield and I would like to see him stick around, but I fear Lou will sign him to a long term deal that ends up hurting the team. He's 31 and will not get better with age, but has a few years still left in him. If he is willing to signs for 3x3.5 I'd keep him but he took a sweetheart deal five years ago and deserves one big deal at this stage of his career. I hope some other team makes that mistake.

Varly is getting on in years but should be perfect for a team looking for a solid backup for a deep run. I wouldn't mind resigning him for a year or two in the summer, at reasonable cost, but not any more than that.

If all three are dealt, the Isles should net a fine haul. Mayfield should get a 1st and maybe a low pick. Varly maybe a first, but most likely a 2nd and 3rd. Parise a mid rounder. If they can enter this draft (who they say is exceptionally good) with a couple of 1sts and a couple of 2nds, it's a really nice start to a retool. Then, if they can move another players or two at the draft, things are shaping up nicely.

Ideally, you hope that someone overpays for Mayfield, someone gets desperate enough for Varlamov (and fits his list of teams), and you kinda find a way to get a 4th/5th for Parise like the sabres did with Staal a few years back. Think smart. get just enough back so you can start filling the pool up again, while not dismantling the entire core. Mayfield is on that border, but Mayfields value is at its highest. Someone will be interested in his services!

 

[NC 1972]

all in favor of making a trade, but when do we actually get a guy that can bury goals like there is no tomorrow? I don't know, think we sold our soul for #22 and this is how we get repaid 40 years later

Bossy was drafted 15th overall the Rangers and Toronto passed over him twice , I don't understand the sold our soul comment?

 

[Osakahaus]

Bossy was drafted 15th overall the Rangers and Toronto passed over him twice , I don't understand the sold our soul comment?

the isles really haven't had a great draft since the 80's tbh. they also really stink at finding a goal scorer, and it just feels scornful watching Nylander dunk all over us when he was available at 4 in 2014. the point is that the isles have to find some goalscorer someday. maybe it is Dufour, maybe its someone else, but until that day comes we haven't been an offensive powerhouse in years.

2015 could've been so much better if they hit on a few different guys, but thats essentially whataboutism

 

[mm11]

Bossy was drafted 15th overall the Rangers and Toronto passed over him twice , I don't understand the sold our soul comment?

blessed with our steal of a lifetime

 

[Isles72]

Good luck to the team that must think he’s Scott Niedemeyer. He ain’t.

Also, nice move by AZ to float that nonsense to Friedman to try to establish the market and work down. Hasn’t worked yet, but maybe some team will ante up. AZ has nothing better to do than mull over dreams of prospects and picks…

it feels like Chychrun has been on the market for possibly more than 24 months and the asking price keeps rising .

the nice thing about him was the cap hit and term but another year has technically be shaved off that term

 

[Osakahaus]

it feels like Chychrun has been on the market for possibly more than 24 months and the asking price keeps rising .

the nice thing about him was the cap hit and term but another year has technically be shaved off that term

there has to be something thats making Chychrun a non factor. why does Arizona want to throttle the price so much?

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

the isles really haven't had a great draft since the 80's tbh.

Technically, the 2008 draft was highly successful seeing each of Bailey, Hamonic, Martin, and Spurgeon become full-time NHLers in some capacity. Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan, and Kevin Poulin each saw at least 50 games of NHL action to boot, making the body of work "above average".

All in all, the draft in the 80s was a much different ball game in light of how few teams there were in the league when the Bossys, Potvins, and Trottiers of the world were being selected. Sometimes we think about how some superstar was a 2nd rounder back in the day, but overall he was drafted like i.e. 19th or 22nd.

they also really stink at finding a goal scorer, and it just feels scornful watching Nylander dunk all over us when he was available at 4 in 2014.

And still available at 5th, when the Isles selected Dal Colle.

Granted, the Leafs grabbed him 8th overall.

But yes, it's tough to watch. I had attended everything from the Ivan Hlinka to the U18 Worlds in each of the 2 years prior to the 2014 draft and it sure seemed clear to me and those I conversed with that Nylander had all the makings of regular 60-point NHLer, with flair and flash&dash to boot (which admittedly makes some teams allergic to a kid). Dal Colle went about where he was expected to go at 5, but it hurts in hindsight, especially if you felt Nylander was the guy to with 5th overall.

Funny how that draft was about selecting someone to eventually ride shotgun with Tavares. Now Nylander does that sometimes.

the point is that the isles have to find some goalscorer someday. maybe it is Dufour, maybe its someone else, but until that day comes we haven't been an offensive powerhouse in years.

Whatttt, no mention of Wahlstrom?

2015 could've been so much better if they hit on a few different guys, but thats essentially whataboutism

2015 was a huge draft for the Isles and one of Snow's finest moments as a GM. Even Wotherspoon has now become a depth option.

In the grand scheme of things, the Isles did well in light of their needs and the picks they entered the draft with.

 

[The Real JT]

I believe they have one more run in them especially with Pelech returning. I think they’ll still be in it at deadline, meaning within 5 or 6 points of last spot.

I’m with you on that but I’m not sure that’s a good thing. The Isles are solidly mediocre when healthy and certainly better than what they’ve recently shown.

I hope a minor uptick in performance doesn’t give Lou delusions of grandeur.

 

[Osakahaus]

Technically, the 2008 draft was highly successful seeing each of Bailey, Hamonic, Martin, and Spurgeon become full-time NHLers in some capacity. Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan, and Kevin Poulin each saw at least 50 games of NHL action to boot, making the body of work "above average".

Whatttt, no mention of Wahlstrom?



2015 was a huge draft for the Isles and one of Snow's finest moments as a GM. Even Wotherspoon has now become a depth option.

In the grand scheme of things, the Isles did well in light of their needs and the picks they entered the draft with.

No Wahlstrom since i still can't see him as a full time option. He's an enigma to me. Also, the jury is still out for Wally since consistency isn't there for him. maybe this season was his best shot but the moment he got injured, the isles started to play a lot worse.

2008 is a good draft, and so was 2015, but 2015 could've had a few swaps where it could be even better. This is pretty much just me getting nitpicky. Snow definitely did deserve credit for flipping what was a falling asset in Reinhart for a 1st rounder that became Barzal. Even if you do have gripes about Barzal, he's still the most skilled player this team has had since Tavares. We need more of those guys.

Maybe some of Lamoriellos drafts start to hit, but 2020 looks really...blah with the development of Ljungkrantz and Jeffries tbh

 

[Tahoeblue]

I have advocated for Horvat if he was obtainable earlier in the year which would allow Nelson and Barzal to unite. Add Lee and we have a trio of players that can actually be a consistent threat

Seeing what I've seen out there lately, it really may not matter anymore

Thanks for the response. You are probably right and both would cost a ton. If not these players, wonder if Lou looks for other wingers or a center for the exact scenario you outlined. If and when Wally comes back I would prefer he is back with JGP and maybe shop for a 2C in the off season.

We all know 2C or elite wingers don't grow on trees! Lou is up against it and there are no easy answers.

 

[NC 1972]

These are good points, and I do agree that the isles CAN just get chychrun but not at an price that kills us (think player+player+meh prospect)

Ideally speaking, I do want to see more from Holmstrom since his shot looks very nice when its going, and he does have smart puck protection skills. Parise can be dealt, Mayfield can be dealt, but Nelson only gets dealt if you get someone young+a first rounder (the Newhook proposal is a good example).

in hindsight, you can argue that having a worse season helps us because so and so, but by the time someone like Leo Carlsson, Zach Benson, or Brayden Yager is able to come up, Sorokin might not even be here. You have this weird situation where you have to get rid of these older players, but beg that someone is willing to play for the island.

And if Sorokin doesn't extend you trade him for a boatload! As we all know , the definition of insanity is( doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result) .

 

[Osakahaus]

Thanks for the response. You are probably right and both would cost a ton. If not these players, wonder if Lou looks for other wingers or a center for the exact scenario you outlined. If and when Wally comes back I would prefer he is back with JGP and maybe shop for a 2C in the off season.

We all know 2C or elite wingers don't grow on trees! Lou is up against it and there are no easy answers.

Expectation: Tarasenko/Horvat

Reality: Chychrun/Henrique

Again, I expect this entirely.