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

[SI]

IMO, it is more likely we see another D signing rather than another F. I would prefer a trade for an impact F like Tarasenko or Kane, but I don’t believe we see that happening.

Once Bellows resigns that will be 14 Fs (not counting Panik, who will be buried) and I think that will be the group.

With the remaining cap space - I believe Lou moves on from Greene and signs another D man, Kulak type, and Signs Dobson to a Quinn Hughes type contract and Romanov to Boquist bridge type contract.

TDL 2023 will be on players like Kane at 50%

 

[SI]

Here is a capfriendly with all RFAs signed and Dobson with a big contract extension - ala Quinn Hughes

A capfriendly with Dobson bridge (McAvoy type deal) and a solid bottom pairing D man, who can dip into top 4 minutes here and there.

 

[leeroggy]

Kind of interesting that no one is talking about Dufour showing well in camp and maybe playing after half a season in Bridgeport . . . we've been so battle-fatigued over the years that we can't see anyone jumping from junior to the NHL. With his size and skills, we could be very surprised in October.

Let's not forget our last Memorial Cup MVP didn't spend any time in Bridgeport.

 

[JKP]

Kind of interesting that no one is talking about Dufour showing well in camp and maybe playing after half a season in Bridgeport . . . we've been so battle-fatigued over the years that we can't see anyone jumping from junior to the NHL. With his size and skills, we could be very surprised in October.

Let's not forget our last Memorial Cup MVP didn't spend any time in Bridgeport.

Pretty the last mem cup MVP to play for the isles was Wayne McBean.

Dobber didn’t get MVP.

 

[leeroggy]

Pretty the last mem cup MVP to play for the isles was Wayne McBean.

Dobber didn’t get MVP.

Anyone who watched those knows who the true MVP was . . . 30+ minutes a game!

 

[YearlyLottery]

Kind of interesting that no one is talking about Dufour showing well in camp and maybe playing after half a season in Bridgeport . . . we've been so battle-fatigued over the years that we can't see anyone jumping from junior to the NHL. With his size and skills, we could be very surprised in October.

Let's not forget our last Memorial Cup MVP didn't spend any time in Bridgeport.

I am always wary of any older players who break out in the CHL. Granted, I have not watched a lick of Dufour. I wonder what the organization is viewing him as currently.

 

[Skip To My Lou]

Kind of interesting that no one is talking about Dufour showing well in camp and maybe playing after half a season in Bridgeport . . . we've been so battle-fatigued over the years that we can't see anyone jumping from junior to the NHL. With his size and skills, we could be very surprised in October.

Let's not forget our last Memorial Cup MVP didn't spend any time in Bridgeport.

I don't think Dufour sniffs the NHL this season unless our team is battered with injuries.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Isles have just over 11M in cap room. Some of that money needs to be allocated to Dobson, and for Barzal next year. Romanov too. I am not expecting a big UFA signing. If the Isles do something it will more be in a trade from what I can see. Lou may make a smaller UFA signing, I can see this. Will see how it all shakes out. Cap management is key here.

 

[leeroggy]

I am always wary of any older players who break out in the CHL. Granted, I have not watched a lick of Dufour. I wonder what the organization is viewing him as currently.

Surprised you didn't watch any of his Memorial Cup games, he was exactly what we have hoped for, a power forward goal scorer who might be the long term answer on MB's line.

The analysts on the broadcasts noted how much better a skater he was than thought.

William Dufour sets sights on Islanders after dominating juniors in Canada

William Dufour is at home now. Resting, relaxing, waiting. It’s a rare moment between whirlwinds.

nypost.com

 

[YearlyLottery]

Surprised you didn't watch any of his Memorial Cup games, he was exactly what we have hoped for, a power forward goal scorer who might be the long term answer on MB's line.

The analysts on the broadcasts noted how much better a skater he was than thought.

William Dufour sets sights on Islanders after dominating juniors in Canada

William Dufour is at home now. Resting, relaxing, waiting. It’s a rare moment between whirlwinds.

nypost.com

What do you view his potential as? Are we looking at a potential second line player here? Anyone feel free to answer this. I'd love to hear some thoughts on Dufour.

 

[Glory Days]

So Beauvillier isn't being shopped, Varlamov isn't being shopped, Bailey isn't being shopped, then who the f*** is being shopped to upgrade the forward group?

My guess is Palmieri plus the 23 1st for an RFA forward

 

[Glory Days]

Looking over the Isles CapFriendly page I saw that going forward we literally have a "clean" draft pick inventory. In other words...For all future drafts we have all our picks, but none of anyone else's.

And as I was staring at this "clean inventory" of picks, I was thinking how Lou is going to be able to trade for an other impact player and it hit me...

If Lou makes another big trade this offseason I'd bet he's going to give up a lottery protected 2023 1st - Essentially if the Isles don't make the playoffs in 2023 then the 1st will transfer to 2024.

Just my 2 cents. Carry on.

I completely agree. I can see another Romanov type deal except this time for a forward and the Isles will need to include a player to help offset salary.

 

[WangMustGo]

My guess is Palmieri plus the 23 1st for an RFA forward

Realistically we dont know who is or isnt being shopped. Lou keeps everything in house, and doesnt let anything leak. All these reporters sating otherwise is BS. Noone saw the Romanov trade coming, and im sure noone will see his next move either.

 

[Glory Days]

Realistically we dont know who is or isnt being shopped. Lou keeps everything in house, and doesnt let anything leak. All these reporters sating otherwise is BS. Noone saw the Romanov trade coming, and im sure noone will see his next move either.

True but I think Bailey and Beau are more highly thought of inside the Isles than by this board. I’m thinking someone else goes.

 

[doublechili]

Most teams are up against the cap as we approach free agency. So if Lou does want to move Bailey there will be competition to trade salary to teams with cap space as teams try to create space to sign UFAs. So maybe Bailey can be traded for a higher salary to help a team create space. Or maybe Lou waits to see what players shake loose either before or after the 13th as teams shuffle the decks. Or, Lou makes a hockey trade (but that would probably be Beau or Wahlstrom, etc. and not Bailey).

 

[DerekKingSnipes]

What do you view his potential as? Are we looking at a potential second line player here? Anyone feel free to answer this. I'd love to hear some thoughts on Dufour.

I think he’s probably more likely to be more of a third liner, he is big and has good hands. Perhaps he’s a 20-25 goal guy who stands in front of net on PP, learns to kill penalties also and is just a good up and down winger. To be honest for a fifth round pick if he even makes it to nhl it’s gravy.

 

[DerekKingSnipes]

Most teams are up against the cap as we approach free agency. So if Lou does want to move Bailey there will be competition to trade salary to teams with cap space as teams try to create space to sign UFAs. So maybe Bailey can be traded for a higher salary to help a team create space. Or maybe Lou waits to see what players shake loose either before or after the 13th as teams shuffle the decks. Or, Lou makes a hockey trade (but that would probably be Beau or Wahlstrom, etc. and not Bailey).

It’s super unpopular opinion but perhaps Lou adds another left shot veteran defenseman and a middle six wing in UFA and start year to see where it goes. If our D is better in front of our goaltending which is excellent and guys like Palmieri score like they are supposed to this is at very least a playoff contender and perhaps you see who shakes loose during season in trade market to push them into cup contention. I’m going to first guess as I don’t want Gaudreau, obviously if he comes here I hope he’s a fit but my opinion is he isn’t here.

 

[MJF]

Pretty the last mem cup MVP to play for the isles was Wayne McBean.

Dobber didn’t get MVP.

Now who was the last Mem Cup MVP to make a Lamoriello team out of his first NHL camp?

 

[WangMustGo]

True but I think Bailey and Beau are more highly thought of inside the Isles than by this board. I’m thinking someone else goes.

Tough to say for sure, but Bailey was left exposed last expansion draft, i would not be surprised to see him traded. Im sure Bones would be devastated.

It’s super unpopular opinion but perhaps Lou adds another left shot veteran defenseman and a middle six wing in UFA and start year to see where it goes. If our D is better in front of our goaltending which is excellent and guys like Palmieri score like they are supposed to this is at very least a playoff contender and perhaps you see who shakes loose during season in trade market to push them into cup contention. I’m going to first guess as I don’t want Gaudreau, obviously if he comes here I hope he’s a fit but my opinion is he isn’t here.

Gaudreau would be excellent, but i dont think its realistic.

If Nichushkin hits the market I wouls love him. I think he would be an excellent fit with Barzal, and can play in all situations.

 

[The Wahligator]

Rumor is he’s likely going to Ottawa, but Id be all for trading Bailey and bringing in Giroux at something like 3x6.5. Think he’d be great with Barzal and can take faceoffs.

Run a top 6 of:

Beau-Barzal-Giroux
Lee-Nelson-Palmieri

 

[JKP]

Now who was the last Mem Cup MVP to make a Lamoriello team out of his first NHL camp?

Niedermayer?

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

At the deadline yes, that's the only time we have a shot. Lou has always wanted him throughout his career.

If Kane desires to be traded the Hawks likely accommodate it this offseason

Players generally would want to not be moved in season

As of now Kane has not requested trade but people expect Hawks to have sit-down with his agent at some point about future

Personally, at this point if they are going to trade him, I think they should do it this offseason as Hawks can easily retain on contract and there will be wider market of possible teams to fit him who lose out on FA. Seems several teams are gunning for same few wingers on market this offseason so a few will lose out

The idea of your GM or any GM waiting for TDL to make improvement to team seems foolish and high risk. All it takes is a few injuries and season could quickly go down the rails or a bad start to year (As Hawks had last year under Colliton going 1-9-2 and having season lost by November)

 

[CupHolders]

Niedermayer?

C’mon that was a serious question. Stop spouting out “Animal House” movie nonsense! Sheesh.

 

[IslesNorway]

It’s super unpopular opinion but perhaps Lou adds another left shot veteran defenseman and a middle six wing in UFA and start year to see where it goes. If our D is better in front of our goaltending which is excellent and guys like Palmieri score like they are supposed to this is at very least a playoff contender and perhaps you see who shakes loose during season in trade market to push them into cup contention. I’m going to first guess as I don’t want Gaudreau, obviously if he comes here I hope he’s a fit but my opinion is he isn’t here.

It's a pretty likely scenario, but with 14 forwards already on the roster, they won't be able to add more before getting rid of one. In addition,, there really ain't much cap space to play with, so I don't think Lou will be able to do much in free agency UNLESS he can get rid of some contracts very quickly.

 

[duster19]

Here is a capfriendly with all RFAs signed and Dobson with a big contract extension - ala Quinn Hughes

View attachment 566890

A capfriendly with Dobson bridge (McAvoy type deal) and a solid bottom pairing D man, who can dip into top 4 minutes here and there.

View attachment 566892

This is how I see things shaking out. Add the last LHD in FA. I think that’s the way we start the season barring any injuries.