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

[Richie Daggers Crime]

That is a fair point. I do think we look at other teams like Toronto, NYR, Carolina, Boston, and Tampa who are all more skilled and faster than the Isles are. Whatever it is, something need to change.

In my opinion, the "something needs to change" mentality is exactly what's gone wrong with the team.

 

[YearlyLottery]

In my opinion, the "something needs to change" mentality is exactly what's gone wrong with the team.

Nothing has changed though since the back to back Conference Finals. What do you think they should have done?

 

[Skip To My Lou]

Not confirmed yet but…

Weren't the Kings ruled out by one of the insiders? Who knows what's happening.

 

[SI]

The next 2 weeks -
Current standings for the final playoff spot.
Capitals 55 GP 62 PTS
Pens 52 GP 61 PTS
Isles 56 GP 60 PTS
FLA 55 GP 58 PTS
Buf 51 GP 56 PTS
Det 51 GP 54 PTS

Schedule leading to the TDL - Isles head-to-head against the Penguins is make or break. They need to take both. I like the Sabres, but this stretch may be too much for them to keep up also Detroit fully drops out of the race.
Isles Penguins
OTT @ Sharks
PITT @ NYI
@BOS NJD
@PITT NYI
WIN EDM
LAK STL
@WIN TBY
@MIN NSH

Capitals Sabres
CAR @LAK
FLA @Ana
@ CAR @sj
DET TOR
ANA TBL
NYR @FLA
@ BUFF WSH
@ ANA CBJ
@BOS

Panthers DETROIT
@ MIN @ VAN
@STL @EDM
@Wsh @cgy
@NSH @SeA
ANA @Wsh
BUF NYR
@TBL TBL
NSH @OTT
@OTT
SEA

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Nothing has changed though since the back to back Conference Finals.

Really?

 

[Mike C]

The next 2 weeks -
Current standings for the final playoff spot.
Capitals 55 GP 62 PTS
Pens 52 GP 61 PTS
Isles 56 GP 60 PTS
FLA 55 GP 58 PTS
Buf 51 GP 56 PTS
Det 51 GP 54 PTS

Schedule leading to the TDL - Isles head-to-head against the Penguins is make or break. They need to take both. I like the Sabres, but this stretch may be too much for them to keep up also Detroit fully drops out of the race.
Isles Penguins
OTT @ Sharks
PITT @ NYI
@BOS NJD
@PITT NYI
WIN EDM
LAK STL
@WIN TBY
@MIN NSH

Capitals Sabres
CAR @LAK
FLA @Ana
@ CAR @sj
DET TOR
ANA TBL
NYR @FLA
@ BUFF WSH
@ ANA CBJ
@BOS

Panthers DETROIT
@ MIN @ VAN
@STL @EDM
@Wsh @cgy
@NSH @SeA
ANA @Wsh
BUF NYR
@TBL TBL
NSH @OTT
@OTT
SEA

Caps did us favor by losing at home to Sharks. Buffalo is the wild card in trade scenarios. Supposedly interest in Chychrun and Kane. All is not lost. I think we have decent schedule after deadline but I'd have to look

 

[SI]

Not confirmed yet but…

Since the beginning of this Chychrun drama - I have been saying the KINGS are favorites in this - even to the extent of going on the mainboard and getting grilled for it by Kings fans.

 

[SI]

Bailey + Wahlstrom for Boeser. Who says no?

Also, the two PIT games next week will be an 8 point swing, keep that in mind.

I think Van says, No. I'd think they'd do Wahlstrom for Boeser straight up... they do not want to take on $, but Isles need to move Bailey out before adding Boeser. This might be a deal that gets revisited in the offseason. Isles might have better options.

Everything boils down to those 2 games... if they split - I doubt Isles add any more to this roster.
If Isles take both, then I can see Lou trying to add.
If Isles lose both, then I do think Lou sells. And before anyone chimes in NO way. If Isles beat OTT, lose both to the Pens, and most likely lose to Boston... that is 1-4-1 in the last 6 games. After the second Pens game, the Isles would have only 22 games left and Penguins will still have 4 games at hand.

 

[Mike C]

I think Van says, No. I'd think they'd do Wahlstrom for Boeser straight up... they do not want to take on $, but Isles need to move Bailey out before adding Boeser. This might be a deal that gets revisited in the offseason. Isles might have better options.

Everything boils down to those 2 games... if they split - I doubt Isles add any more to this roster.
If Isles take both, then I can see Lou trying to add.
If Isles lose both, then I do think Lou sells. And before anyone chimes in NO way. If Isles beat OTT, lose both to the Pens, and most likely lose to Boston... that is 1-4-1 in the last 6 games. After the second Pens game, the Isles would have only 22 games left and Penguins will still have 4 games at hand.

Guess you don't feel Isles can still beat out Wash Fla and Buff in that scenario eh?

 

[SI]

Guess you don't feel Isles can still beat out Wash Fla and Buff in that scenario eh?

If they lose both the Penguins games - it's over. Not so worried about Florida or Buffalo, but Washington for the final spot. Capitals would be up several points on Isles and have a game at hand.

And there is something to be said for not trying to salvage the rest of this year, but to prepare for this offseason... meaning Varlamov, Mayfield, Parise, and Clutterbuck (if healthy) should all be moved for picks.

Horvat trade and sign is still a positive because he is a huge part of the new core moving forward.

ALSO, any hope of making a run this year means they have to beat Ottawa and take both games against Pitt.

 

[dlawong]

I would be interested in landing an extended Debrincat from Ottawa for Pulock (if he will waive) plus Wahlstorm in the off-season if Ottawa can't sign him. Put him on the top line to make it a top threat. Then find a decent cap manageable 2nd pairing Finnish or Russian RD in the off-season with 2 years left on the term to mentor Romanov. First, try to move Bailey's contract or this will not work at all.

 

[Fist of Fury]

Bailey's still on our roster. How hard is it to find a new home to this powerplay machine, proven playoff warrior.

 

[YearlyLottery]

Really?

You're giving absolutely trash responses and you know it. If you want to throw in sarcastic jokes that's one thing, but if you want to have a genuine conversation about the state of the team let me know.

The team is about to miss the playoffs in back to back years where they are supposed to be competing. Yes, obviously something needs to change (which led Lou to making the deal for Horvat).

 

[Mike C]

If they lose both the Penguins games - it's over. Not so worried about Florida or Buffalo, but Washington for the final spot. Capitals would be up several points on Isles and have a game at hand.

And there is something to be said for not trying to salvage the rest of this year, but to prepare for this offseason... meaning Varlamov, Mayfield, Parise, and Clutterbuck (if healthy) should all be moved for picks.

Horvat trade and sign is still a positive because he is a huge part of the new core moving forward.

ALSO, any hope of making a run this year means they have to beat Ottawa and take both games against Pitt.

 

[LeapOnOver]

It boils down to just two problems. A woefully inept power play, and disorganized play in their own end.

Both of these are direct failures of coaching.

And one of these was prevalent through all of Trotz' tenure as well.

 

[NC 1972]

You're giving absolutely trash responses and you know it. If you want to throw in sarcastic jokes that's one thing, but if you want to have a genuine conversation about the state of the team let me know.

The team is about to miss the playoffs in back to back years where they are supposed to be competing. Yes, obviously something needs to change (which led Lou to making the deal for Horvat).

There were

You're giving absolutely trash responses and you know it. If you want to throw in sarcastic jokes that's one thing, but if you want to have a genuine conversation about the state of the team let me know.

The team is about to miss the playoffs in back to back years where they are supposed to be competing. Yes, obviously something needs to change (which led Lou to making the deal for Horvat).

There were pretty much two camps here one that wanted to do everything possible to acquire talent for a playoff run and another that felt this team had too many holes that needed to be plugged and not enough assets to accomplish that end. Some said this team was built for the playoffs others pointed out, you have to get their first. Horvat is a good player however this team has a cap issue and a farm system not highly valued. We are still slow and have a team of plumbers unless Lou suddenly start trading players to sure up our prospects pool we are a middle of the pack team with little possibility of seriously competing for the cup for some time.

 

[SI]

If all goes wrong -

Isles can still draft in top 12 2023, still trade Mayfield at TDL for 1st +, Varlamov for a 2nd +, and in the off-season maximize return on Nelson with 2 years for another 1st +.

2024 1st can go to Vancouver and Isles can cash in on 3 1sts + 2nds and take the cap savings and spend on free agency

 

[TeamKidd]

If all goes wrong -

Isles can still draft in top 12 2023, still trade Mayfield at TDL for 1st +, Varlamov for a 2nd +, and in the off-season maximize return on Nelson with 2 years for another 1st +.

2024 1st can go to Vancouver and Isles can cash in on 3 1sts + 2nds and take the cap savings and spend on free agency

Any indication LL is even remotely considering this? I wish he would but...

 

[BelovedIsles]

This is an awesome post. Lots of good information here that I agree with. At what point do the Islander get sick of the "losing so much" though? Shouldn't two straight season of not being a playoff team for a group that was essentially one group away from beating Montreal be enough losing?

Lambert is what he is. He is a rookie head coach with a team who is built to win now. Trotz is better, but firing Trotz had a lot to do with him not wanting to coach this season.

Without being in the locker room, I suspect they are not satisfied with losing. Again, being within one game *twice of the Cup, then missing the playoffs has got to be eating at them. I am basing this on the idea that there's a lot of character in that room and many guys who haven't won a Cup; thus, I don't suspect there's complacency. All just guesswork though.

Perhaps he should've replaced Trotz with a known quantity, e.g. Cassidy, Deboer etc.

Do you think he should make a change now to salvage a playoff spot? WSH/PItt both look catchable.

 

[SI90]

If all goes wrong -

Isles can still draft in top 12 2023, still trade Mayfield at TDL for 1st +, Varlamov for a 2nd +, and in the off-season maximize return on Nelson with 2 years for another 1st +.

2024 1st can go to Vancouver and Isles can cash in on 3 1sts + 2nds and take the cap savings and spend on free agency

Agree with Varly and Mayfield


Nelson is tough for me. He’s basically the most consistent guy of all the vets we have. To me I keep him unless I get blown away.

If you trade Nelson then you might as well trade off all the other vets.

To me Bailey can’t be here next year. Then you look at Pageau vs Cizikas

 

[YearlyLottery]

Without being in the locker room, I suspect they are not satisfied with losing. Again, being within one game *twice of the Cup, then missing the playoffs has got to be eating at them. I am basing this on the idea that there's a lot of character in that room and many guys who haven't won a Cup; thus, I don't suspect there's complacency. All just guesswork though.

Perhaps he should've replaced Trotz with a known quantity, e.g. Cassidy, Deboer etc.

Do you think he should make a change now to salvage a playoff spot? WSH/PItt both look catchable.

I would not make a change personally. The playoff hopes were a long shot even with Horvat here to be quite honest. I think Lou needs to continue shaking up this core with a couple more moves in the offseason. The defense is not good enough at this point in time to seriously compete.

People talk about how Trotz had this team playing quality hockey on defense but fact of the matter is we have went from Leddy, Boychuk, Pulock, Pelech, Toews, and Mayfield to Pulock, Pelech, Dobson, Romanov, Bolduc, and Mayfield.

The offense has gotten slightly better while the defense has gotten noticeably worse and slower.

 

[danteipp]

beau scored again today lolololol

He is clearly a West player given his size and strength limitations.

Maybe he could be a depth player on a loaded team like Tampa or Pittsburgh in their prime runs, where he could fade into the background and just contribute occasionally.

Beau should be offensively productive with Vancouver, with limited pressure and expectations.

 

[BelovedIsles]

I would not make a change personally. The playoff hopes were a long shot even with Horvat here to be quite honest. I think Lou needs to continue shaking up this core with a couple more moves in the offseason. The defense is not good enough at this point in time to seriously compete.

People talk about how Trotz had this team playing quality hockey on defense but fact of the matter is we have went from Leddy, Boychuk, Pulock, Pelech, Toews, and Mayfield to Pulock, Pelech, Dobson, Romanov, Bolduc, and Mayfield.

The offense has gotten slightly better while the defense has gotten noticeably worse and slower.

The D is younger and still a work in progress (re: Romanov, Dobson, Bolduc), so their talent isn't fully realized. I would imagine with 20 something games left of reps and an offseason that these three will be better next season. I'd like to see a coach with a winning pedigree, another skilled top-6 winger, and a proven depth D man.

 

[danteipp]

I have almost zero interest in extending Mayfield at this point, unless he wants to sign another team-friendly deal (at say $3.5 million AAV), which he realistically shouldn't. Mayfield should be looking to set his family up for life with this next contract.

Regardless of how the team is doing at the trade deadline, I really believe that if the Isles could get back a first rounder or, even better, an NHL-ready prospect, I would trade Mayfield. If you can't get that first rounder back in trade, then just get a younger and cheaper RHD3 for next season.

I appreciate all that Mayfield has done over the years and he seems like a great teammate, but the Isles should not be committing the cap space or years to him.

For all of the criticism Romanov has taken, their surface numbers are very similar. Although at least Romanov takes far fewer penalties, essentially only half as many. And Romanov is far younger, a better skater and hits. I am willing to give him more time and want to see him (and the rest of the team) with better coaching and a more coherent system in place.

No way the Isles should be committing big money or years to Mayfield, which can be used elsewhere.

And if Yzerman is really thinking about simply buying out Vrana, who by all accounts seems to be right again mentally, saying the right things and producing in the AHL, I would roll the dice and trade Bailey for Vrana straight up. Maybe a small add like a third rounder or a prospect like Salo, if Detroit say retains 25% on Vrana.

Vrana alongside Horvat and Barzal could be deadly. The numbers work and Bailey is seemingly beloved by teammates, so he should fit in well in Detroit. If the Isles were able to bring back a quality asset for Mayfield, shed Bailey and improve with Vrana, it would be two less concerns going into the off season.

Essentially adding Horvat, Vrana, Romanov and whatever comes back in trade for Mayfield, plus perhaps Holmstrom and Fasching being capable bottom-six players is a fairly quick and material retool in just one year. It is an upgrade on team speed and adds relative youth to the core.

Then the big questions remaining would be -

1. Is Lane Lambert the right coach for this team? Right now my gut says no and they need to aim higher for next season.

2. What happens with the 2023 draft pick? If the Isles are in the lottery, will they be in the 9-12 range or, dream the impossible dream, will the NHL actually let the Isles win for once? Or, more likely, do the Isles finish 12th, seemingly keeping the pick, until at the NHL Draft Lottery drawing, the 13th team wins and drops them a spot. That 13th team moving up 10 spots to #3 would be typical Islanders luck.

3. Finally, can they extend Varly on a fair deal? If they can sign him for say $2.5 million AAV over ideally two years, but it may take three, it would be a solid stopgap until they can draft and develop better.

 

[BelovedIsles]

Do we know what Mayfield is seeking? I'd imagine he'd take a team-friendly discount.