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

[YearlyLottery]

All good. I’m just getting frustrated with people not being realistic with the state of this roster and how many holes we actually have.

This team it not a Cup contender as of now due to the defense. I do not think many people are willing to fully admit that going from Leddy, Boychuk, Pelech, Pulock, Toews, and Mayfield to Pulock, Pelech, Dobson, Romanov, Aho, and Mayfield is a major downturn. Especially when Pelech and Romanov were out for a while.

Once this team is eliminated we will touch base more on the state of the roster but I do think Lou is fixing this team up to be younger in seen by moves like Romanov, Engvall, and even guys like Durandeau and Fasching getting looks.

It is very apparent that moving forward Lou pulled the trigger on Horvat to be an elite talent for this franchise. This team has the pieces to contend IF Horvat is an elite talent. We do not have a real answer for that yet.

 

[JKP]

This team it not a Cup contender as of now due to the defense. I do not think many people are willing to fully admit that going from Leddy, Boychuk, Pelech, Pulock, Toews, and Mayfield to Pulock, Pelech, Dobson, Romanov, Aho, and Mayfield is a major downturn. Especially when Pelech and Romanov were out for a while.

Once this team is eliminated we will touch base more on the state of the roster but I do think Lou is fixing this team up to be younger in seen by moves like Romanov, Engvall, and even guys like Durandeau and Fasching getting looks.

It is very apparent that moving forward Lou pulled the trigger on Horvat to be an elite talent for this franchise. This team has the pieces to contend IF Horvat is an elite talent. We do not have a real answer for that yet.

Boo! No faith. We’re in it until we’re out! Many said same thing last two runs!

 

[YearlyLottery]

Boo! No faith. We’re in it until we’re out! Many said same thing last two runs!

Hey I've been one of the more positive and correct posters this season lol. Just pointing out the defense is not nearly as strong as it once was. BUT they are younger than it once was.

 

[PK Cronin]

Hey I've been one of the more positive and correct posters this season lol. Just pointing out the defense is not nearly as strong as it once was. BUT they are younger than it once was.

I don't think it's the best defense we've iced but I would say that there is some bias with reminiscing about some of those guys. Are we talking about the Boychuk and Leddy in their final years with this team? Neither were nearly as effective as they were at their peak with the team, Boychuk especially. I think Aho for Leddy/Toews is the most noticeable downgrade.

 

[YearlyLottery]

I don't think it's the best defense we've iced but I would say that there is some bias with reminiscing about some of those guys. Are we talking about the Boychuk and Leddy in their final years with this team? Neither were nearly as effective as they were at their peak with the team, Boychuk especially. I think Aho for Leddy/Toews is the most noticeable downgrade.

I think when Leddy was here last he was still a better player than Dobson. He was averaging over 23 minutes per game on the last long playoff run. I also do not think that Aho would have had any place on those past teams compared to a guy like Toews.

 

[PK Cronin]

I think when Leddy was here last he was still a better player than Dobson. He was averaging over 23 minutes per game on the last long playoff run. I also do not think that Aho would have had any place on those past teams compared to a guy like Toews.

Dobson vs Leddy is a good debate.

Dobson is superior to Leddy in the offensive zone but might be worse everywhere else. Though, he fluctuates so much game to game it's hard to really gauge.

There's no chance Aho would be around for those teams. There would be no need for him.

 

[SI]

This team it not a Cup contender as of now due to the defense. I do not think many people are willing to fully admit that going from Leddy, Boychuk, Pelech, Pulock, Toews, and Mayfield to Pulock, Pelech, Dobson, Romanov, Aho, and Mayfield is a major downturn. Especially when Pelech and Romanov were out for a while.

Once this team is eliminated we will touch base more on the state of the roster but I do think Lou is fixing this team up to be younger in seen by moves like Romanov, Engvall, and even guys like Durandeau and Fasching getting looks.

It is very apparent that moving forward Lou pulled the trigger on Horvat to be an elite talent for this franchise. This team has the pieces to contend IF Horvat is an elite talent. We do not have a real answer for that yet.

Oh, boy.

Boychuk was injured during the 2019-2020 playoff run - the bubble playoff run - so you need to put Andy Greene there. Also, let's not forget that team almost didn't make the playoffs.

The 2020-21 playoff run - you need to omit Toews and add a young Dobson and again Andy Greene - not Boychuk. And that team almost made it to the cup.

YOU may not see this team, but there are other parallels like Sorokin, and this version of Nelson as well as Anders Lee Healthy.

 

[YearlyLottery]

Oh, boy.

Boychuk was injured during the 2019-2020 playoff run - the bubble playoff run - so you need to put Andy Greene there. Also, let's not forget that team almost didn't make the playoffs.

The 2020-21 playoff run - you need to omit Toews and add a young Dobson and again Andy Greene - not Boychuk. And that team almost made it to the cup.

YOU may not see this team, but there are other parallels like Sorokin, and this version of Nelson as well as Anders Lee Healthy.

True and this is also why I do not have a problem with Lambert. The Trotz level teams I am not sure had the ability to overcome Pelech and Barzal injuries to make the playoffs still.

Andy Greene is still much better than what Aho currently offers. I think the Islanders defense went from elite to very good. And for a team that relies on defense heavily I think this is part of the reason why they wound up as a wildcard and not higher.

 

[PK Cronin]

True and this is also why I do not have a problem with Lambert. The Trotz level teams I am not sure had the ability to overcome Pelech and Barzal injuries to make the playoffs still.

Andy Greene is still much better than what Aho currently offers. I think the Islanders defense went from elite to very good. And for a team that relies on defense heavily I think this is part of the reason why they wound up as a wildcard and not higher.

The goaltending improved while the defense got worse.

 

[MJF]

True and this is also why I do not have a problem with Lambert. The Trotz level teams I am not sure had the ability to overcome Pelech and Barzal injuries to make the playoffs still.

Andy Greene is still much better than what Aho currently offers. I think the Islanders defense went from elite to very good. And for a team that relies on defense heavily I think this is part of the reason why they wound up as a wildcard and not higher.

For me the idea is to shoot for higher than a wild card spot. Especially this team which is under 500 on the road. That's why it's time to concede that the way we are "built for the playoffs" is a detriment in the regular season. Regular season success is what gets you a more favorable seeding, playoff matchup, Game 7 at home, etc.

 

[SI]

True and this is also why I do not have a problem with Lambert. The Trotz level teams I am not sure had the ability to overcome Pelech and Barzal injuries to make the playoffs still.

Andy Greene is still much better than what Aho currently offers. I think the Islanders defense went from elite to very good. And for a team that relies on defense heavily I think this is part of the reason why they wound up as a wildcard and not higher.

You are talking about the 6th d man playing 15-16 mins a game - you lose Greene’s experience and play in the D zone but you gain what Aho gives you offensively-

This team is short an elite scorer - that is what will move the needle not a better 4th line or a better 6th d man.

 

[YearlyLottery]

You are talking about the 6th d man playing 15-16 mins a game - you lose Greene’s experience and play in the D zone but you gain what Aho gives you offensively-

This team is short an elite scorer - that is what will move the needle not a better 4th line or a better 6th d man.

Isn't this what Bo was supposed to be though?

 

[Throttle]

Isn't this what Bo was supposed to be though?

Nope. Outside of his UFA year, there’s nothing ‘elite’ about Horvat as a scorer.

 

[SI]

Isn't this what Bo was supposed to be though?

He could be.

I think that was the thinking - Lou adds a high character guy, who plays the middle, loves to shoot, and score with his shot and in the dirty areas.

I think BO is finding his way - struggling right now to find the net. I hope he snaps out of it soon.

 

[danteipp]

One thing I don't understand, and it is part of the old-school mentality of hockey that is both great and terrible, is why players aren't give more rest during the regular season?

Use your bench when a player is clearly banged up. Like Martin playing on one leg most of last season. Just stupid. Sure you might not be able to rest your stars, but depth guys in and out of the lineup? No problem.

 

[gordie43]

For me the idea is to shoot for higher than a wild card spot. Especially this team which is under 500 on the road. That's why it's time to concede that the way we are "built for the playoffs" is a detriment in the regular season. Regular season success is what gets you a more favorable seeding, playoff matchup, Game 7 at home, etc.

This team is a a few power play goals away from being a top team.

I know how ridiculous that statement may sound, but if they could somehow find a way to make the power-play work and scored a couple power-play goals in a regular season his team would easily have made the playoffs. In the same breath’s team would probably be up three games to one if they had any kind of power play.

The fact is the power play blows and it doesn’t seem anyone over the last few seasons has an answer. If someone can unlock this mystery soon I believe this team would be fine. Maybe it’s not ment to be?

 

[Zeeker]

This team is a a few power play goals away from being a top team.

I know how ridiculous that statement may sound, but if they could somehow find a way to make the power-play work and scored a couple power-play goals in a regular season his team would easily have made the playoffs. In the same breath’s team would probably be up three games to one if they had any kind of power play.

The fact is the power play blows and it doesn’t seem anyone over the last few seasons has an answer. If someone can unlock this mystery soon I believe this team would be fine. Maybe it’s not ment to be?

The power play would work with better players. I refuse to believe it’s entirely a system thing with the merry-go-round of PP coaches we’ve had.

So essentially, you’re saying this would be a top team with better players, and on that I can agree.

 

[Osakahaus]

This team is a a few power play goals away from being a top team.

They're also a better set of coaches from being a top team. They need to get that coaching fixed. They need a better power play. They BADLY need a winger that isn't slow as molasses. They really could benefit from Debrincat. I mean it.

 

[PK Cronin]

The power play would work with better players. I refuse to believe it’s entirely a system thing with the merry-go-round of PP coaches we’ve had.

So essentially, you’re saying this would be a top team with better players, and on that I can agree.

I don't think it's just a systems thing either.

 

[danteipp]

This team is a a few power play goals away from being a top team.

I know how ridiculous that statement may sound, but if they could somehow find a way to make the power-play work and scored a couple power-play goals in a regular season his team would easily have made the playoffs. In the same breath’s team would probably be up three games to one if they had any kind of power play.

The fact is the power play blows and it doesn’t seem anyone over the last few seasons has an answer. If someone can unlock this mystery soon I believe this team would be fine. Maybe it’s not ment to be?

I think they need to find a legitimate PP specialist on defense. Dobson is too green for PP1 and should focus on 5on5 play, while Pulock can't hit the net and isn't a great passer.

I would rather see someone brought in for that responsibility specifically, and then let Pulock focus on shutting down the top opponent's line and let Dobson play limited time on PP2 until he matures.

Aho is just OK, but just has so many other warts and doesn't make for a great PP1 type. I think the Isles have to look elsewhere.

 

[PK Cronin]

I think they need to find a legitimate PP specialist on defense. Dobson is too green for PP1 and should focus on 5on5 play, while Pulock can't hit the net and isn't a great passer.

I would rather see someone brought in for that responsibility specifically, and then let Pulock focus on shutting down the top opponent's line and let Dobson play limited time on PP2 until he matures.

Aho is just OK, but just has so many other warts and doesn't make for a great PP1 type. I think the Isles have to look elsewhere.

I wanted Ghostisbehere for that purpose, even though he's not great defensively.

 

[gordie43]

The power play would work with better players. I refuse to believe it’s entirely a system thing with the merry-go-round of PP coaches we’ve had.

So essentially, you’re saying this would be a top team with better players, and on that I can agree.

After what I have seen the past few years and multiple head coaches and “pp special” coaches you are most likely right, it has to be the players.

I really thought the addition of Horvat might change the PP inefficiency.

I also saw the name Ghostisbehere mentioned…I really thought Lou would add one more D for the playoff push. I agree he would have been the 2023 version of Marc Andre Bergeron this team needed

 

[Tres Peleches]

The problem with the PP is 2 fold…

1) ONLY THE PUCK CARRIER IS MOVING. Everyone stands and watches

2) their passing is ATROCIOUS, which leads to teams getting pressure because they can’t move it fast enough due to missed passes/fumbling. This also is why they’re so god-awful at one-timers

 

[danteipp]

I wanted Ghostisbehere for that purpose, even though he's not great defensively.

As long as Aho is not a starter, I think that would work. I think it would make sense too, especially if the Isles found a vet like Greene, to play with either Romanov or Dobson so you have two balanced pairings and then 5 guys to close out games.

But the problem is, unless Lou changes his thinking, I don't believe he would acquire someone like Ghost. I mean the Isles had the "poor man's" version in Erik Gustafsson and ended upbrelwasing him from his PTO two years ago.

Now maybe that was more on Trotz, and he wanted Chara instead, but who knows for sure? Although with Aho sticking all year, maybe Lou is more flexible to bringing in an offensive defenseman.

The problem with the PP is 2 fold…

1) ONLY THE PUCK CARRIER IS MOVING. Everyone stands and watches

2) their passing is ATROCIOUS, which leads to teams getting pressure because they can’t move it fast enough due to missed passes/fumbling. This also is why they’re so god-awful at one-timers

With respect to not moving, nobody seemingly wants to pay the price by moving towards the middle and forcing defenders out of position or to engage either. Nobody is confused by what the Isles are trying to do.

 

[Osakahaus]

The problem with the PP is 2 fold…

1) ONLY THE PUCK CARRIER IS MOVING. Everyone stands and watches

2) their passing is ATROCIOUS, which leads to teams getting pressure because they can’t move it fast enough due to missed passes/fumbling. This also is why they’re so god-awful at one-timers

They lack a proper fast defenseman, and our best guy is Romanov, who ISN'T made for an offensive defenseman. They badly need one this offseason

SECOND: look at how worn out Ilya is. Ilya has played SIXTY FIVE games now. This is insane.