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

[Doshell Propivo]

I think he'll do whatever he can to buy again. Doubt we see a major deal take shape but it could definitely be veterans for the bottom 6 and the bottom pair on defense. The team has rotated centers on the bottom line quite a bit lately, I expect Lamoriello will try to solidify that with some insurance. Maybe someone who can play wing and center in the bottom 6. Aho can be upgraded on the defensive side of things.

Agree. Lou will add depth.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

I actually don't see depth deals unless the injured players are out longer term.

 

[duster19]

With the Capitals falling like abosolute stones, and a completely unsettled roster next year, there could be something avaiable there. Nothing special, but maybe Sheary, or Jensen.

I don't think NYI will deal Mayfield. I also think that it's more likely than not that NYI would prefer to resign Varlamov.

Me too. I think Lou will want to resign Mayfield too. It will be tough to make improvements next year there isn’t much cap space when you start factoring in these signings. And they still need to get rid of an injured Bailey…

 

[periferal]

@periferal is as long and regular a contributor of these boards as any of us.

If his posts are spam, then all of our posts are spam.

Thanks Chap. Always cool to get respect from continually one of the best posters on HF.

That said, what did I miss that is even the issue here?

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Anyone have any updates re: Barzal? Given the "week to week" prognosis, would a return on 3/21 against the Leafs be realistic? That would be about 4 1/2 weeks. Right after the west coast trip. 12 games missed. I'd sign up for that.

 

[IslesNorway]

with what?

We've still got picks to deal away. Lou isn't done making deals but it won't be anything major. I think he will pick up a depth defenseman for a 3rd or something similar.

 

[The Wahligator]

Nobody is really talking about Max Domi, I'd take him any day. Domi-Horvat-Barzal would be an amazing line.

27 years old, fits in with the timeline of current core and played with Horvat for a few years in London. You could move Pageau in the offseason and play Domi at C to make the money for an extension work if necessary.

 

[periferal]

Given the Isles recent spurt, and the fact that Lou is Lou, there's little doubt in my mind that the 2023 2nd is on the block for a D-man.

And I wouldn't be surprised if Lou isn't in on Chychrun. And he's probably made an offer of the 23/24 1st (whichever Vancouver doesn't get), Wahlstrom, and something else.*


*If that something else is Romanov that would be addition by subtraction alone, but I have a hard time seeing Lou admitting a mistake that quickly.

 

[NC 1972]

Hard to say. The realistic nature in me, sees the Isles overall organizational standing and thinks it would be best to get in this year's draft lottery while gaining another possible first and/or seconds from selling. Then translate some of that to a further retool in the offseason

But once game time comes around, I'm all about wanting them to win. If Lou does buy, I hope that it is at least with an eye towards further shifting the core. Does not necessarily have to be a player that is signed or extended for next year... but at least have some salary (Bailey, Palmieri etc.) going the other way. This allows for shifting that to someone else this offseason.

EDIT: But to actually answer your question... I think he buys.

I too feel he's buying, but with what is the question?

 

[duster19]

Nobody is really talking about Max Domi, I'd take him any day. Domi-Horvat-Barzal would be an amazing line.

27 years old, fits in with the timeline of current core and played with Horvat for a few years in London. You could move Pageau in the offseason and play Domi at C to make the money for an extension work if necessary.

I think Domi is an option for sure. He also has no term which is a plus for the isles right now. If they move Bailey they might be able to squeeze him in on a deal next year. They will be LWs next year. Right now all they have is Lee, Johnston and Martin signed.

 

[IslesNorway]

I too feel he's buying, but with what is the question?

This year's and next years 2nd and 3rds will be in play. Probably some prospects as well. If Lou feels they can win he will go for broke.

 

[doublechili]

Hey @doublechili, Color me shocked that Arizona would actually look to move a player making more money then cap hit

"

Still leery about his term and health. But again, this is the kind of trade where you can move a Bailey. Also something that has been suggested since last year.

I'd be shocked if Schmaltz isn't dealt before his NTC clause kicks in (on July 1st, I think, so at the TDL or draft). His cap hit is $5.85M for the next 3 years, but he's owed over $8M per year actual money. I just don't know if he has positive or negative value as a trade chip. And I don't know how teams (eg, the Isles) view him as a player. You do have to be a bit leery of 2nd line players getting 1st line ice time on a bad team, but maybe he's legit?

Anyway, if he has negative value at all because of the dollars he's owed, get him in a package with Chychrun and send Bailey the other way as part of the deal?

 

[PK Cronin]

I actually don't see depth deals unless the injured players are out longer term.

With Barzal week to week I think he'd like sure things up a bit.

 

[ekill08x]

We've still got picks to deal away. Lou isn't done making deals but it won't be anything major. I think he will pick up a depth defenseman for a 3rd or something similar.

yeah I wouldn't hate that. I still think losing Mayfield and Varly for nothing is a mistake though and I will die on that hill. You can still add and subtract at the same time.

 

[crashthenet]

Nobody is really talking about Max Domi, I'd take him any day. Domi-Horvat-Barzal would be an amazing line.

27 years old, fits in with the timeline of current core and played with Horvat for a few years in London. You could move Pageau in the offseason and play Domi at C to make the money for an extension work if necessary.

He looked great last night playing with Patty Kane.

 

[JRD76]

So rangers traded Lundqvist, who demanded a trade for a 1st. So they had 2 firsts this year, traded one to get Tank and now got another one back. Good job.

 

[JRD76]

yeah I wouldn't hate that. I still think losing Mayfield and Varly for nothing is a mistake though and I will die on that hill. You can still add and subtract at the same time.

Well you can't be so sure that they'll go to another team in the offseason. I'm sure Lou wants to resign them. It's up to those guys if they want to leave for more money. There's a lot of players who don't want to take their family and move in their 30's.

 

[danteipp]

If the Isles make one move ahead of the deadline, I hope it is for a solid depth defenseman.

Ideally a LHD (or a RHD adept at playing his offhand), who can be paired with Dobson for the rest of the season and help mentor him like Chara and Greene did previously.

At this point the "best" move might be an inexpensive addition who can help unlock Dobson and prod him along to reach his potential.

And if the Isles can land a defenseman who can play the left or right side, it provides insurance in case Mayfield prices himself off the team, and maybe that player is paired with Romanov and helps bring him along next season as well.

Mayfield brings a lot of things to the ice, however, teaching and guiding younger players doesn't seem to be a strength. I haven't really seen him elevate anyone's game, so a capable leader on defense could be the best move and very affordable (say for a second round pick).

If you can squeeze a couple years out of that player, like Greene before the wheels fell off, it would be a big boost to the short-term and long-term for the Isles.

 

[periferal]

yeah I wouldn't hate that. I still think losing Mayfield and Varly for nothing is a mistake though and I will die on that hill. You can still add and subtract at the same time.

I'd agree, but since Lou has basically resigned every single UFA we've had since he took over, you really think that Mayfield and Varly aren't coming back next season? Personally I'd let them go given that we could better use about 6M in cap space than give out multi-year deals to replaceable 30+ year olds, but alas...Lou cannot let players go.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

I'd agree, but since Lou has basically resigned every single UFA we've had since he took over, you really think that Mayfield and Varly aren't coming back next season? Personally I'd let them go given that we could better use about 6M in cap space than give out multi-year deals to replaceable 30+ year olds, but alas...Lou cannot let players go.

I don’t know if there’s a better upgrade on both out there but I do wonder if they commit the money to a top 6 forward how we would look. Obviously we still need to commit money to their replacements too though

 

[Mike C]

He looked great last night playing with Patty Kane.

you catch his interview after the game?.....seems really laid back and ultra cool. he's a fun guy watch.....can't get over how much he looks like his dad!

 

[IslesNorway]

The Islanders have around $6 million in space for next season with 3 roster spots to fill. If Lou resigns Mayfield and Varlamov he will he forced into another Toews or Boychuck situation.

 

[Uncle Lou]

I really want Max Domi on this team. Think he would help isles out big time. Wilde 2nd/‘24 3rd/Bailey/Wilde and salo. Give up a bit extra for them to take Bailey off our hands. Hopefully get JGP back soon.

Lee-Horvat-Palmeri
Parise-Domi-Nelson
Durandeau-JGP-Fashing
Martin-Cizikas-Holmstrom

If we get barzal back

Lee-Horvat-Barzal
Parise-Nelson-Palmeri
Durandeau-JGP-Domi
Martin-Cizikas-Fashcing

Idk what do y’all think, too much? Would think they could resign him for 3.5ish? And yes then move JGP at draft for assets and make domi 3c

Nobody is really talking about Max Domi, I'd take him any day. Domi-Horvat-Barzal would be an amazing line.

27 years old, fits in with the timeline of current core and played with Horvat for a few years in London. You could move Pageau in the offseason and play Domi at C to make the money for an extension work if necessary.

 

[CupHolders]

I really want Max Domi on this team. Think he would help isles out big time. Wilde 2nd/‘24 3rd/Bailey/Wilde and salo. Give up a bit extra for them to take Bailey off our hands. Hopefully get JGP back soon.

Lee-Horvat-Palmeri
Parise-Domi-Nelson
Durandeau-JGP-Fashing
Martin-Cizikas-Holmstrom

If we get barzal back

Lee-Horvat-Barzal
Parise-Nelson-Palmeri
Durandeau-JGP-Domi
Martin-Cizikas-Fashcing

Idk what do y’all think, too much? Would think they could resign him for 3.5ish? And yes then move JGP at draft for assets and make domi 3c

I’m warming up to the idea of trading for Domi. Especially if it moves Bailey while allowing the rest of this season as an audition to be re-signed. But does he play center? I assume he would go in LW1 or LW2 regardless of injuries. Parise would move back with JGP or Czikas.

Koivula get’s moved for 4th line depth player.

 

[The Real JT]

I’ll take a win over a loss any day. Nevertheless, I can’t say I was particularly impressed with last night’s play. True enough, they beat a pretty good team but the isles play was not particularly inspiring. You might say that the same could’ve been said during their two recent runs to the semi finals, but I’d have to disagree on that. This is a different and clearly less talented team with a lesser coach.

Perhaps this post might be lumped in with what is currently being considered spam. Personally, I think that’s laughable. We are all fans here, but I don’t see things as rosy as some others do.

Lou should not be adding here. Which ever team gets the seventh or eighth playoff slot is going absolutely nowhere this year. He needs to stop giving away assets.