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

[The Wahligator]

I’m still holding out hopes for playoffs because I’m REALLY not crazy about the idea of giving VAN an unprotected first in 2024. That’s one Sorokin injury away from being top 5 and, frankly, this group has not shown enough to warrant that level of risk.

That said, I agree with those who say you need to either buy or sell at the TDL. No standing pat. If you really think this team can compete, then it needs reinforcements ASAP. If not, get what you can for Varly and Mayfield and regroup for the summer. The team needs a clear direction, there’s nothing else to wait and see.

 

[periferal]

I'm already sick over how little the rangers are going to give up to get Kane...

 

[duster19]

“Coach Mike Sullivan wants Hextall to trade for Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun, but Hextall has balked at a potential deal because the Coyotes have asked the Penguins to include 2025 and 2026 first-round draft choices as part of any package, according to two team sources briefed on Hextall’s thinking.”

Thought it was interesting that Arizona is asking for ‘25 and ‘26 firsts as the Penguins have all their picks. I could definitely see Lou doing that same deal, he will be long gone by the time a 2026 draftee is in the NHL.

This is terrifying.

 

[JPIsles18]

I’m still holding out hopes for playoffs because I’m REALLY not crazy about the idea of giving VAN an unprotected first in 2024. That’s one Sorokin injury away from being top 5 and, frankly, this group has not shown enough to warrant that level of risk.

That said, I agree with those who say you need to either buy or sell at the TDL. No standing pat. If you really think this team can compete, then it needs reinforcements ASAP. If not, get what you can for Varly and Mayfield and regroup for the summer. The team needs a clear direction, there’s nothing else to wait and see.

This is far too reasonable for Lou to do. I've personally had enough with trying to squeeze something out of this roster. I think you sell, because let's face it, this team isn't good. Certainly not good enough against the Bruins or Canes in round 1. Dumpster fire of a team with no identity or depth. You look at a team like the Coyotes, who stink on paper, play hard and are competitive mostly every game. The Isles take periods and games off on top off having a horrible roster with no depth. Enough with this. Sell the UFAs, and pass the baton to a competent GM in the offseason. They can keep Lou to make sure they shave every day as president or something. But let's bring in someone who understands how to evaluate rosters and on-ice production.

 

[SI]

I’m still holding out hopes for playoffs because I’m REALLY not crazy about the idea of giving VAN an unprotected first in 2024. That’s one Sorokin injury away from being top 5 and, frankly, this group has not shown enough to warrant that level of risk.

That said, I agree with those who say you need to either buy or sell at the TDL. No standing pat. If you really think this team can compete, then it needs reinforcements ASAP. If not, get what you can for Varly and Mayfield and regroup for the summer. The team needs a clear direction, there’s nothing else to wait and see.

I actually am leaning in the opposite direction - I hope if they don't make the playoffs we land in the top 12, since the draft class is WAY stronger than the 2024 class.

With regard to Mayfield or Varly, I am strongly in the camp that they should move Varly regardless of playoff run. There are 18 games left after the TDL and they should ride Sorokin.
The first 4 games after the deadline -
DETROIT
BUFFALO
PENGUINS
CAPITALS
None of these games are back-to-back - Sorokin should start all 4 of those games.

Get what you can for Varly - hopefully a 2nd rounder, which can be used to move Bailey and his contract. Ottawa had to give up a 2nd for Zaitsev at a similar cap hit.

Mayfield is trickier - I think Lou resigns him at the market rate btw 4 and 4.5 once the cap goes up, that will not feel like too much for what he provides.

This is terrifying.

I'd do it.

 

[periferal]

I actually am leaning in the opposite direction - I hope if they don't make the playoffs we land in the top 12, since the draft class is WAY stronger than the 2024 class.

I agree, but unfortunately given the Isles positioning and the teams around them (who are sellers) they will most likely finish just outside the playoffs, lose the lottery, and give a pick around 15 to the Canucks.

With regard to Mayfield or Varly, I am strongly in the camp that they should move Varly regardless of playoff run. There are 18 games left after the TDL and they should ride Sorokin.
The first 4 games after the deadline -
DETROIT
BUFFALO
PENGUINS
CAPITALS
None of these games are back-to-back - Sorokin should start all 4 of those games.

Get what you can for Varly - hopefully a 2nd rounder, which can be used to move Bailey and his contract. Ottawa had to give up a 2nd for Zaitsev at a similar cap hit.

Amen. Sorokin has proved himself. Teams are winning Cups with average/subpar backups. Varly is beyond an unnecessary sign, and his cap hit could be spend so much more wisely at this point (not to mention getting some sort of asset back for him that is needed).

Mayfield is trickier - I think Lou resigns him at the market rate btw 4 and 4.5 once the cap goes up, that will not feel like too much for what he provides.


I'd do it.

I like Mayfield, although he still commits notable gaffes, but now because Lou missed so badly on Romanov (christ what a waste of a 1st rounder), resigning Mayfield might be necessary.

Problem is there's reports the cap might only go up 1M so around 4M for Mayfield is painful.

 

[The Real JT]

If Lou can sign Mayfield for something in the neighborhood of $4M X 4 years I’d be ok with it.

It’s resigning Varly that worries me. His play has the potential to fall off a cliff. I’m not particularly worried about that with Mayfield.

I also completely agree that if the Isles are to excel they need to ride Sorokin like a rented mule. Varly is an unnecessary luxury on a team that needs to be very careful with their cap situation (like everyone I suppose).

 

[duster19]

I actually am leaning in the opposite direction - I hope if they don't make the playoffs we land in the top 12, since the draft class is WAY stronger than the 2024 class.

With regard to Mayfield or Varly, I am strongly in the camp that they should move Varly regardless of playoff run. There are 18 games left after the TDL and they should ride Sorokin.
The first 4 games after the deadline -
DETROIT
BUFFALO
PENGUINS
CAPITALS
None of these games are back-to-back - Sorokin should start all 4 of those games.

Get what you can for Varly - hopefully a 2nd rounder, which can be used to move Bailey and his contract. Ottawa had to give up a 2nd for Zaitsev at a similar cap hit.

Mayfield is trickier - I think Lou resigns him at the market rate btw 4 and 4.5 once the cap goes up, that will not feel like too much for what he provides.


I'd do it.

It would fill a giant hole. Helps a bad PP right away. Might mean term on a Mayfield contract or no Mayfield at all. They don’t have a ton of money next year so will be tight.

 

[dlawong]

Is there any NCAA free-agent Goalie available soon if Isles trade Varmalov for picks? When is the NCAA tournament over? Who is having a good 2 past seasons (high save %) despite having an average d group in front of him? Isles needs to think outside the box when it comes to managing the cap on backup goalies and ensure this goalie prospect is not just a short-term fix. If the goalie is originally from Long Island or North East even better.

 

[dlawong]

Anyone know much about Yanet Parets, starter goalie of NCAA Quinnipiac team (2nd overall in the league so far)? Seems not yet drafted yet, but I am not sure.

He is from Boston and is 22 years old, leading the goalies in NCAA with 8 shout-outs. Stat seem impressive:

 

[SI90]

Kravatsov to the Canucks lol.

Rags most likely getting Kane but hopefully they gut themselves and it doesn’t amount to anything

 

[xECK29x]

Is there any NCAA free-agent Goalie available soon if Isles trade Varmalov for picks? When is the NCAA tournament over? Who is having a good 2 past seasons (high save %) despite having an average d group in front of him? Isles needs to think outside the box when it comes to managing the cap on backup goalies and ensure this goalie prospect is not just a short-term fix. If the goalie is originally from Long Island or North East even better.

From: Pronman: Top college, CHL and European free agents for NHL teams

5. Victor Ostman, G, Maine-Hockey East: Ostman has been a top goaltender in college this season for Maine. The junior netminder has a highly intriguing toolkit at 6-4 and possesses good athleticism to make tough saves. When he’s on his game and making good reads/decisions with his natural ability, he can look like a pro goalie. I find his reads and puck tracking can be somewhat inconsistent but I think there’s a lot of talent to bet on with Ostman.

Victor Östman - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Victor Östman, 2000-10-03 Danderyd, SWE Sweden. Most recently in the ECHL with Kansas City Mavericks. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

14. Cooper Black, G, Dartmouth-ECAC: Black, a freshman at Dartmouth stands out instantly due to his frame. He’s listed at 6-foot-8 but some team sources think he’s closer to 6-foot-9. His technique is rather smooth given that large frame and he shows good hockey sense in net. Not surprisingly, his lower half is a little heavy and how quickly he can move will be his main challenge for the pro game, but Black still moves fairly well for a guy his size. He has a shot to make the NHL, presuming he decides to sign this year which I don’t think is likely.

Cooper Black - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Cooper Black, 2001-06-14 Alpena, MI, USA USA. Most recently in the AHL with Charlotte Checkers. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

 

[Not4u]

LOL!

 

[SI90]

LOL!

Lmao ohhh my god !!!

They were better off just keeping his rights

 

[Mike C]

Lmao ohhh my god !!!

They were better off just keeping his rights

Prelude to Kane

Kravatsov to the Canucks lol.

Rags most likely getting Kane but hopefully they gut themselves and it doesn’t amount to anything

I can't stand Kane. This just adds fuel to my contempt

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

But subtracted Beau who I thought was a serviceable player at the age we need. So net gain is diluted a bit. If we could have moved a bad contract would have been a great deal

That sounds nice, but not particularly realistic.

 

[Skip To My Lou]

LOL!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[Mike C]

That sounds nice, but not particularly realistic.

Very little is nowadays!

 

[RWWallpaper]

The Rangers have every conceivable advantage you can have as an organization and they have four Stanley cups in almost a century… How is that possible?

 

[steveat]

Lmao ohhh my god !!!

They were better off just keeping his rights

Wow...that was just giving the player away. 0.o Vancouver gets a steal.

I actually do think Varly signs a deal with us. Sorokin and him are friends and he did come here initially because Sorokin was coming. I always thought the team was intending on keeping him just because they knew he would resign and at the same time, remember we tried to trade him to the Oilers and he denied it? This tells me that he has no intention of helping the team get picks....or at least that's my opinion.

Regarding our defense...I think the defense is fine...sorta...well, better than what they are showing. It's the forwards that aren't picking up the slack. The reason why things clicked in the Trotz years is that the forwards were back checking and keeping their eye on the entire play....Lambert has the forwards play too deep in the offensive zone...they never pull up...always passing the puck down into the corners instead of using the entire O-zone (meaning...passing up to the point). They seem to ONLY use the point if they are having problems keeping it down low. Anyway..this leads the forwards to be SOL if there is a turnover.. They can't get back in time and that leaves the 2 dmen (whomever they are) to fend for themselves.

Essentially...zero support. This leads to defence making mistakes, handling more than they can chew and TBH...3 of them aren't experienced enough to handle it. The other 3 can barely handle it on a consistent basis.

The Rangers have every conceivable advantage you can have as an organization and they have four Stanley cups in almost a century… How is that possible?

You "could" say the same thing about the Panthers.

I mean the lightning were 18m over the cap in a low tax state..so already they had a massive advantage. If that was another state...it probably would have equated to 25-30m over the cap.

 

[SI]

I agree, but unfortunately given the Isles positioning and the teams around them (who are sellers) they will most likely finish just outside the playoffs, lose the lottery, and give a pick around 15 to the Canucks.




Amen. Sorokin has proved himself. Teams are winning Cups with average/subpar backups. Varly is beyond an unnecessary sign, and his cap hit could be spend so much more wisely at this point (not to mention getting some sort of asset back for him that is needed).




I like Mayfield, although he still commits notable gaffes, but now because Lou missed so badly on Romanov (christ what a waste of a 1st rounder), resigning Mayfield might be necessary.

Problem is there's reports the cap might only go up 1M so around 4M for Mayfield is painful.

It is so crowded - Right now if the season ended today and we went by winning % Buffalo and Pitts in playoff spots -
16 calgary
15 Detroit
14 Nashville
13 Isles
12 Florida
11 Washington

Not at all undoable

 

[steveat]

My question is...what are our plans for next year?

The only contracts coming off the books are small rinky dinky contracts.

Fasching
Parise
Mayfield
Wotherspoon
Wahlstrom
Panik (yup, he's still with us)
and one large Varly @ 5m


If we do nothing now, then we will have about 11m of cap space +-

It may seem like a lot, but I can tell you that this salary cap is not gonna be moving up 10m or anywhere close, especially with all the RSNs (regional sports networks) going bankrupt.

Sorokin needs to be resigned before the end of the next season or he needs to be traded...No more Tavares garbage. Dobson needs to be resigned by the end of the following season (we have time). We'll probably have to sign Sorokin to 8m x 6 years or something? This leaves us with 3-4m in cap to sign Parise, will want a small raise ...1.5m x 1year, Wotherspoon and Fasching to league min and Wahlstrom...there's nothing left.

Anders is 32 and has 3 more years...he's a great guy, can score, but his foot speed ....in the 90's he'd realy be fine, but not now. Bailey is up after next year, so that opens up space for Dobson's contract. nelson needs to be traded as he is at his height. He will NEVER be worth more than he is right now.

Palmieri is fine...he's average speed and moves quick and has a really nice shot. I think his problem is that he needs to play with specific kinds of players to succeed and we don't seem to have that, so hopefully Lou can fill that void.

Zeeker and Pageau are fine...There aren't a whole lot of 3rd/4th liners that we can get that are better than them. Even if they aren't scoring as much as they should.


Right now, we are super handcuffed by Bailey and Lee's contracts. With the cap not budging, it makes it even worse. The problem is that everyone else is in the same position, so we have to overpay big time to unload them. I think we are stuck for a while.

 

[seafoam]

 

[SI90]

Solid addition for WPG. Curious on the price. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd+ prospect?

 

[Mike C]

The Rangers have every conceivable advantage you can have as an organization and they have four Stanley cups in almost a century… How is that possible?

because they and their fans SUCK