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

[MJF]

It’s realistically 5 teams for 2 spots. The Rags are in, sorry to say.

You could even add Detroit and Philly to make it 7 teams for 2 spots but those last 2 have no shot.

We’re finished with the Rags and Panthers for the year. Not doing ourselves any favors now.

 

[Osakahaus]

We’re finished with the Rags and Panthers for the year. Not doing ourselves any favors now.

yeah there isn't a real way to get back into the race without utter perfection

 

[Throttle]

yeah there isn't a real way to get back into the race without utter perfection

The Isles would be a better position if they didn’t leave points on the table earlier in the year on winnable games in OT or SHO.

In those formats, that’s on the players no matter the GM or coach.

 

[Osakahaus]

The Isles would be a better position if they didn’t leave points on the table earlier in the year on winnable games in OT or SHO.

In those formats, that’s on the players no matter the GM.

this is also a massive problem, but we also avoid this if we
A) Don't lose to the Coyotes twice this season
B) Win at least 2 shootouts
C) Play a better January
This made the difference between being buyers and being sellers at this deadline

 

[BelovedIsles]

I mean, I get why a fan would want that, but a) it's not realistic if you've been paying attention to how he operates, and b) it's not particularly pragmatic at this point.

Again, GMs have challenged their teams. Sure, that isn't Lou's MO.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Sure, that isn't Lou's MO.

Right. So.... what do you expect him to say?

 

[BelovedIsles]

Right. So.... what do you expect him to say?

Honestly, evade the topic.

 

[Top Corner]

If Lou still has faith in this roster, then he is losing it. But I guess that's really what he is expected to say anyhow...

I really think he’s lost touch with reality, he may actually believe but it doesn’t make them better.

 

[periferal]

 

[IslesNorway]

Looks like the players are giving up too and have started planning their summer holidays.

 

[Mike C]

I really think he’s lost touch with reality, he may actually believe but it doesn’t make them better.

Most delusional people start to believe their own spin eventually

 

[TheWhiteWhale30]

I think NYI should trade Mayfield, Varlamov, and Nelson. I don't think that Bailey, or Clutterbuck are moveable. Also, I'm not against retaining 1-1.5M on Nelson.

Once these decisions are made, NYI's so-called cap issues will imo work themselves out. Other than making good draft picks, the only major decision NYI should face this offseason is on Sorokin.

Why would retain anything on Nelson ? Per his production he is on one of the best contracts in the league… his market is probably closer to 7.5-8M and he only makes 6M

 

[Isles72]

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.

at this stage I'd be happy if he could eventually just put up craig smith / eric haula type numbers in their prime years along with physical play

 

[YearlyLottery]

Why would retain anything on Nelson ? Per his production he is on one of the best contracts in the league… his market is probably closer to 7.5-8M and he only makes 6M

It really depends on the direction of the team. Someone here brought up Newhook + 1st for Nelson. I am not saying Colorado would accept that but Nelson has a ton of value if they go in the direction of a 2-3 year rebuild.

In order for Nelson to be dealt I would need a 1st and top prospect/youngish NHL forward with potential.

 

[beach]

Expectation: Tarasenko/Horvat

Reality: Chychrun/Henrique

Again, I expect this entirely.

I expect goose egg

 

[Osakahaus]

I expect goose egg

i'm still expecting the worst. Lamoriello is going to buy at the deadline and cause further destruction of our future.

 

[TheWhiteWhale30]

It really depends on the direction of the team. Someone here brought up Newhook + 1st for Nelson. I am not saying Colorado would accept that but Nelson has a ton of value if they go in the direction of a 2-3 year rebuild.

In order for Nelson to be dealt I would need a 1st and top prospect/youngish NHL forward with potential.

They will likely go re-tool so it doesn’t really matter but my whole question was why eat his salary at all when it is already a great contract ?

 

[saintunspecified]

They will likely go re-tool so it doesn’t really matter but my whole question was why eat his salary at all when it is already a great contract ?

If the goal is trying to acquire draft assets/young players under control, what's the difference between absorbing a bad contract for assets, and retaining salary on a good contract for assets? Both utilize short term cap space + $$$ for medium term cost-controlled players.

 

[saintunspecified]

In order for Nelson to be dealt I would need a 1st and top prospect/youngish NHL forward with potential.

I mean, that's it. If retaining 1.5M/year helps maximize return, you do it. It's better than absorbing a bad contract for a 2nd or a 2024 conditional 1st.

 

[mm11]

Rebuilding sucks. Have a great day.

 

[Osakahaus]

Rebuilding sucks. Have a great day.

rebuilding is a whole lot better than eternal mediocrity. This roster is set up for mediocrity in the now. We need more talent, speed, skill. The amount of help a retooling does can change this team, and maybe its for the better. If we even get Dvorsky, he could change our hopes.

 

[Top Corner]

i'm still expecting the worst. Lamoriello is going to buy at the deadline and cause further destruction of our future.

You probably will be right. If in fact this is his last year, I expect he will continue to throw darts hoping to hit the bullseye but in reality he is continuing to point us into the direction of a major rebuild not a re-tool

 

[Osakahaus]

You probably will be right. If in fact this is his last year, I expect he will continue to throw darts hoping to hit the bullseye but in reality he is continuing to point us into the direction of a major rebuild not a re-tool

Remember, this draft is very good. the isles certainly need to get someone in this draft. point of the matter is that if someone complains about the Snow first rounders, i'd say its better to draft on someone than to waste another 1st on a mediocre player whose first becomes like ridley grieg.

Again, this team is not a Jakob Chychrun away from a cup, they're at least 7 forwards away from being able to compete in the Metro.

 

[MJF]

Rebuilding sucks. Have a great day.

So does this team.

Give this a listen. Stay 'til the end. Mike Johnson says a few things and he's not wrong at all.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

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.

I should have added the sarcasm emoji. Hoped it would be clear without it...

True, the team has needed a bonafide goal-scoring winger since before we lost Eberle and even after Palmieri was acquired. The hope is that the team would score by committee while particularly Wahlstrom grew into the role of a sniper. The plan didn't look half bad for the first 25 some games.

Apropos Wahlstrom, did we ever hear about what exactly his injury is?