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

[WangMustGo]

Zero reason to sign Engvall. Team doesn't need another middle 6 winger chewing up cap space. Bailey will get moved out or bought out worst case. Lou could move Ladd's 2 year contract, he can certainly get it done for 1 year of Bailey.
Bring back Parise and Fasching for low cost contracts. Let Holmstrom/Dufour/Durandeau battle out for another spot.
Waive Johnston and use the 1.1 for someone else

Engvall adds one thing the rest of our wingers are sorely lacking. Speed. We need more speed on the wings and in general all over the roster. Id prefer to sign Engvall to a 3 year contract and find a way to move some of our other wingers.

 

[The Real JT]

If there's one thing I trust Lou to do, it's to get rid of contracts like that. We'll see what happens though.

It’s not a unique skill to pay other teams some of your future assets to unload the dead weight you or your predecessor signed.

 

[Osakahaus]

Sorokin for Nylander!

Sorokin for UPL, Middlestadt, Olfosson and Kulich. Desperate teams like Buffalo would gladly do this trade. Yes Sorokin is still our goalie, but if there is anything the isles need, its talent. The Sabres are desperate to get anywhere back to playoff action. They have to swing some trades.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

As pointed out in an above post by Dalwong the support staff on the Island doesn't come close to what he had in Vancouver .

And that support staff wasn't acquired to score.

Horvat was.

***

The point of all this is that this team needed more scoring, first and foremost.

Heck, it needed elite scoring.

Management made a move to get that. It got a guy who was scoring at an elite rate when they acquired him.

The move hasn't led to continued elite rate scoring. It hasn't even led to an efficient level of scoring (17 total points in 34 total games as an Islander).

As such, nobody in Islanderville needs to be "defending" the disappointing results or even doxxing other fans into thinking the move wasn't about adding significant scoring punch.

Management saw a significant need. It acted in a logical manner to deal with that significant need. The results haven't been there.

Every move entails such risk.

If one's analysis is that it was unrealistic or unfair to expect Horvat to remeday our significant need for scoring in the first place, then it means you're placing the blame for the lack of the desired result on management.

And that's fair. That's very fair.

I think we just gotta move away from blaming fans for having expected more out of this move and from Horvat himself.

***

This said, Bo's obviously a cog moving forward and there's absolutely no reason why we shouldn't thoroughly expect him to be a 30-25-55 guy full of intangibles for each of the next five seasons.

The search for "elite" scorers will continue. Right now, it feels like forever ago that this team even had a 90-point guy.

Was Palffy's 90-point season in 96-97 the last time?

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Sorokin for UPL, Middlestadt, Olfosson and Kulich. Desperate teams like Buffalo would gladly do this trade. Yes Sorokin is still our goalie, but if there is anything the isles need, its talent. The Sabres are desperate to get anywhere back to playoff action. They have to swing some trades.

This is just rationalizing.

 

[seafoam]

Sorokin for UPL, Middlestadt, Olfosson and Kulich. Desperate teams like Buffalo would gladly do this trade. Yes Sorokin is still our goalie, but if there is anything the isles need, its talent. The Sabres are desperate to get anywhere back to playoff action. They have to swing some trades.

No.

 

[IslesNorway]

Sorokin is the last player to be traded from this team, unless he refuses to sign a long term deal, that is. With a goalie like him, the Islanders can be in playoff contention even when the rest of the roster is average and that creates a little buzz. There needs to be an upheaval of sorts in the offseason, but Sorokin shouldn't be part of it.

 

[Olliemets]

Engvall adds one thing the rest of our wingers are sorely lacking. Speed. We need more speed on the wings and in general all over the roster. Id prefer to sign Engvall to a 3 year contract and find a way to move some of our other wingers.

Even down 3 Forward, Canes still out speed and out skill our club. Reason eough for keeping or bringing in guys like Engvall.

 

[GOLFWANG]

I see a pattern

Powerplay coach went to another team and they have one of the best power plays.

Horvat came here after having great number and hasn't put up decent numbers

Beau was getting hardly no points last few games here then went to the Canucks and put some numbers up and did some things I haven't seen him done as an Islander.

What we are missing is top talent- Barzal and Horvat as forwards are a decent start...Add Nelson and you have a lot of missing top 6 forwards. (atleast 2 or 3 top 6 forwards what we need).

We need Wahlstrom to develop and hope another AHL player can be a top 6 player one day or else we need to make some moves.

 

[Skip To My Lou]

I see a pattern

Powerplay coach went to another team and they have one of the best power plays.

Horvat came here after having great number and hasn't put up decent numbers

Beau was getting hardly no points last few games here then went to the Canucks and put some numbers up and did some things I haven't seen him done as an Islander.

What we are missing is top talent- Barzal and Horvat as forwards are a decent start...Add Nelson and you have a lot of missing top 6 forwards. (atleast 2 or 3 top 6 forwards what we need).

We need Wahlstrom to develop and hope another AHL player can be a top 6 player one day or else we need to make some moves.

Definitely needs to be a change in philosophy. We have to stop being where offense goes to die.

 

[SI]

Sorokin for UPL, Middlestadt, Olfosson and Kulich. Desperate teams like Buffalo would gladly do this trade. Yes Sorokin is still our goalie, but if there is anything the isles need, its talent. The Sabres are desperate to get anywhere back to playoff action. They have to swing some trades.

That is terrible. If you are moving Sorokin - you are moving for Quality not that package. UPL is probably waived, Olofsson can be had for mid round pick with his cap hit. And Buffalo will try to sell high on Casey.

And like others have said Sorokin stays and hopefully is extended for a long time this off-season

 

[Osakahaus]

That is terrible. If you are moving Sorokin - you are moving for Quality not that package. UPL is probably waived, Olofsson can be had for mid round pick with his cap hit. And Buffalo will try to sell high on Casey.

And like others have said Sorokin stays and hopefully is extended for a long time this off-season

Its also just me being insane so disregard it. Sorokin has to be kept, but long term goalie contracts all suck. Seriously.

 

[danteipp]

I’m not re-signing any of those guys, the Islanders need to take a step back next year in order to take two steps forward in the future.

Parise-Horvat-Palmieri
Lee-Nelson-Holmstrom
Cizikas-Barzal-Wahlstrom
Durandeau-Pageau-Clutterbuck
Bailey, Martin

Pelech-Pulock
Romanov-DobsonP
Aho-Cheap RH UFA

Sorokin
Cheap Backup UFA

Challenge Lambert and Brainiac McLean to get blood out of a stone.

That is similar to my thinking as well.

Mayfield will probably be overpaid by another team and is redundant for the Isles, who already have Pulock and Romanov signed long term. Thanks for everything, and I really appreciate what Mayfield has done, but the Isles need a different look and skill on defense.

They need someone to man PP1, take offensive responsibility off of Dobson (who needs to get stronger and play a simpler game based on his second-half struggles), and help with transition and possession.

I don't know if the Isles will be able to acquire a true sniper, probably not, so identify and acquire the best offensive defenseman possible. If they want to get nostalgic, bring back Hamonic as the RHD3 and make Aho the 7th defenseman. I would probably even have Aho work a bit as a forward, to be used in a pinch if they go 11-7 sometimes due to injury or for cap issues.

By bringing back Hamonic on a one or two-year deal for say $2.5 million AAV, they can also add a LHD for that top spot, as opposed to a pricier RHD.

Let Varly go, unless he will sign for say $2-2.5 million AAV, and sign a cheap vet like Lyon, Jarry (if another team isn't dumb enough to think he is a #1 anymore - looking at you Dubas) or, if the Devils don't tender a contract to RFA MacKenzie Blackwood, I would try to sign and rehabilitate him on the cheap. Blackwood probably isn't going to get a starter's role, so maybe he can be enticed to stay local and try to rehabilitate his career with Korn, Greco, etc.

Free agent LHD1-Dobson
Pelech-Pulock
Romanov-Hamonic

Sorokin
Lyon/Jarry/Blackwood (one for around $750,000 base and maybe $750,000 to $1.25 million in reasonable incentives)

Affordable, within reason and a solid group.

 

[danteipp]

That is terrible. If you are moving Sorokin - you are moving for Quality not that package. UPL is probably waived, Olofsson can be had for mid round pick with his cap hit. And Buffalo will try to sell high on Casey.

And like others have said Sorokin stays and hopefully is extended for a long time this off-season

Agreed. Trading quality for quantity rarely works out for the team getting the misc. parts. Hence why I think the Sharks are going to regret that Meier trade. Just a bunch of mediocre pieces to borderline flotsam for a star.

That said, is Olofsson on the outs or would Buffalo be willing to trade him for say a couple mid rounders or even a second (ideally with a little salary retention)?

If so, he could be a nice fit. I believe he can play LW or RW, right?

Olofsson-Horvat-Barzal would be a true, top first line and might fix the PP, especially if they move from Mayfield to a true PP specialist on defense.

Or the Isles could mix it up a bit and go -

Olofsson-Horvat-Palms
Lee-Nelson-Barzal

Lee's lack of speed and drop-off this year is worrisome. I think he looked quicker last season, which doesn't make sense since he should be better two full years post injury. Does he have another injury that will require extended rest/rehab or cleanup surgery in the offseason?

But by using Lee and Barzal with Nelson, you can have Barzal offset Lee's lack of speed, while still having his net presence, and Nelson is the midrange shooter and a responsible, two-way player down the middle. I would alsonthink that with Lee, Nelson and Barzal agitating a bit, based on their personalities, they should draw some penalties and PPs.

The third line is then Parise (for one last ride)-JGP-Wahlstrom and the fourth line can start with Martin-Cizikas-Clutter, unless one of Martin or Clutter is planning to retire or is traded.

Bailey either gets traded, if a reasonable deal comes along, or is simply bought out.

Ross gets sent to the AHL, or claimed by another team.

I would then spot Holmstrom and Durandeau as the extra forwards on the cheap, even though I like Fasching and Engvall, I don't know if the Isles can sign either or both and fill other holes.

That is far better than the forward group over the last couple seasons.

In an ideal world, I wonder if the Isles could trade Bailey, a second rounder and maybe a prospect that is not say Dufour or Maggio (Ish?) for Olofsson? That would solve the Bailey issue and help alleviate the cap problem, while getting a shooter. I bet Ish would fit in real well in Buffalo alongside their talented, young forwards.

Olofsson at $4.75 million, shed Bailey's $5 million, resign Parise ($750,000 base and $750,000 in bonuses again) and Wahlstrom ($1-1.25 million AAV for two years).

Maybe Fasching stays, if the numbers work and Durandeau starts again in the AHL.

 

[SI]

Agreed. Trading quality for quantity rarely works out for the team getting the misc. parts. Hence why I think the Sharks are going to regret that Meier trade. Just a bunch of mediocre pieces to borderline flotsam for a star.

That said, is Olofsson on the outs or would Buffalo be willing to trade him for say a couple mid rounders or even a second (ideally with a little salary retention)?

If so, he could be a nice fit. I believe he can play LW or RW, right?

Olofsson-Horvat-Barzal would be a true, top first line and might fix the PP, especially if they move from Mayfield to a true PP specialist on defense.

Or the Isles could mix it up a bit and go -

Olofsson-Horvat-Palms
Lee-Nelson-Barzal

Lee's lack of speed and drop-off this year is worrisome. I think he looked quicker last season, which doesn't make sense since he should be better two full years post injury. Does he have another injury that will require extended rest/rehab or cleanup surgery in the offseason?

But by using Lee and Barzal with Nelson, you can have Barzal offset Lee's lack of speed, while still having his net presence, and Nelson is the midrange shooter and a responsible, two-way player down the middle. I would alsonthink that with Lee, Nelson and Barzal agitating a bit, based on their personalities, they should draw some penalties and PPs.

The third line is then Parise (for one last ride)-JGP-Wahlstrom and the fourth line can start with Martin-Cizikas-Clutter, unless one of Martin or Clutter is planning to retire or is traded.

Bailey either gets traded, if a reasonable deal comes along, or is simply bought out.

Ross gets sent to the AHL, or claimed by another team.

I would then spot Holmstrom and Durandeau as the extra forwards on the cheap, even though I like Fasching and Engvall, I don't know if the Isles can sign either or both and fill other holes.

That is far better than the forward group over the last couple seasons.

In an ideal world, I wonder if the Isles could trade Bailey, a second rounder and maybe a prospect that is not say Dufour or Maggio (Ish?) for Olofsson? That would solve the Bailey issue and help alleviate the cap problem, while getting a shooter. I bet Ish would fit in real well in Buffalo alongside their talented, young forwards.

Olofsson at $4.75 million, shed Bailey's $5 million, resign Parise ($750,000 base and $750,000 in bonuses again) and Wahlstrom ($1-1.25 million AAV for two years).

Maybe Fasching stays, if the numbers work and Durandeau starts again in the AHL.

I believe they will try to move him in order to make room for the kids they have -
I mean the kids have already pushed him out of the top 9. The tricky part about him is that he is a beast on the PP, but does not look good on 5on5. I think he can be had for very cheap.

 

[danteipp]

I believe they will try to move him in order to make room for the kids they have -
I mean the kids have already pushed him out of the top 9. The tricky part about him is that he is a beast on the PP, but does not look good on 5on5. I think he can be had for very cheap.

He is kind of perfect for the Isles. They need that beast on the PP and he has one year left on his contract too.

Any way the Isles can get Olofsson and ship out Bailey in a package deal? Bailey is only making $3.5 million in real money vs. Olofsson at $4.75 million.

Would a couple midrounders be enough? Buffalo can then buyout Bailey if they want.

Let's say Olofsson (at $4.75 million), a LHD specifically for the PP (cap hit TBD), Hamonic (at $2.5 million), Parise (resigned again at $750,000 base and $750,000 bonus for $1.5 million total), Wahlstrom (at $1-1.25 million), a cheap backup goalie ($750,000 to $1.25 million), with Aho (7D), Holmstrom and/or Durandeau as reserves next year.

While Bailey (at $5 million), Engvall, Fasching (although I guess he can be resigned, if all of the numbers work), Ross Johnston (at $1.1 million), Mayfield, Wotherspoon (ideally resigned to the AHL to start) and Varly are all out or in the AHL next season.

Would that work? Or would they need to remove Clutter's $1.75 million (either by trade or LTIR Tampa shenanigans to start the season), in order to have a reasonable amount of cap space for the LHD?

 

[MJF]

I read on Sportsnet that the Senators are not bringing back Cam Talbot next season. I'm aware of his history with injuries, but I would bring him here to be Sorokin's backup if we can't sign Varlamov.

 

[seafoam]

Olofsson is an incredibly stationary goal scorer, the Islanders need more movement on their PP, not some guy standing on the dot waiting for the puck to come his way.

Hard pass.

 

[SI]

Olofsson is an incredibly stationary goal scorer, the Islanders need more movement on their PP, not some guy standing on the dot waiting for the puck to come his way.

Hard pass.

A bold move which you suggested before was a trade Karlsson. I am not sure if it is the right move b/c it makes the team older and puts strangle hold on the cap.

I wonder if a Karlsson trade can be done without including Dobson in the deal.

Karlsson
Nelson Horvat Barzal
Lee
​

 

[SI]

He is kind of perfect for the Isles. They need that beast on the PP and he has one year left on his contract too.

Any way the Isles can get Olofsson and ship out Bailey in a package deal? Bailey is only making $3.5 million in real money vs. Olofsson at $4.75 million.

Would a couple midrounders be enough? Buffalo can then buyout Bailey if they want.

Let's say Olofsson (at $4.75 million), a LHD specifically for the PP (cap hit TBD), Hamonic (at $2.5 million), Parise (resigned again at $750,000 base and $750,000 bonus for $1.5 million total), Wahlstrom (at $1-1.25 million), a cheap backup goalie ($750,000 to $1.25 million), with Aho (7D), Holmstrom and/or Durandeau as reserves next year.

While Bailey (at $5 million), Engvall, Fasching (although I guess he can be resigned, if all of the numbers work), Ross Johnston (at $1.1 million), Mayfield, Wotherspoon (ideally resigned to the AHL to start) and Varly are all out or in the AHL next season.

Would that work? Or would they need to remove Clutter's $1.75 million (either by trade or LTIR Tampa shenanigans to start the season), in order to have a reasonable amount of cap space for the LHD?

It doesn’t make sense for Buffalo- they are not concerned with actual $ - they will look to move the entire cap hit out or trade him for something they could use.

 

[doublechili]

A bold move which you suggested before was a trade Karlsson. I am not sure if it is the right move b/c it makes the team older and puts strangle hold on the cap.

I wonder if a Karlsson trade can be done without including Dobson in the deal.

Karlsson
Nelson Horvat Barzal
Lee
​

I'm not saying Karlsson necessarily, but I agree that they need a dynamic PP point man on D. A winger is not going to fix the PP.

 

[mm11]

I'm not saying Karlsson necessarily, but I agree that they need a dynamic PP point man on D. A winger is not going to fix the PP.

agree, let Dobson cut his teeth on the PP#2

 

[doublechili]

agree, let Dobson cut his teeth on the PP#2

Yup. And when I wrote "not saying Karlsson necessarily", I didn't mean to imply that he wouldn't be the best guy out there to fix the problem. Because of people potentially available he probably would be. I'd go so far as to say there might not be an available player in the league who would improve the team more. That's leaving contract, age, etc. aside. And re: the contract and age, when CAR acquired Burns, a lot of people said "Ooof", me included, and that turned out well for them.

 

[mm11]

Yup. And when I wrote "not saying Karlsson necessarily", I didn't mean to imply that he wouldn't be the best guy out there to fix the problem. Because of people potentially available he probably would be. I'd go so far as to say there might not be an available player in the league who would improve the team more. That's leaving contract, age, etc. aside. And re: the contract and age, when CAR acquired Burns, a lot of people said "Ooof", me included, and that turned out well for them.

I mean the kid steered us to the worst PP in the league. Some middle aged guy here tapping in 2 ft birdie putts in NE Florida sees this as well. Does Lou?

DeAngelo an option? yeeeesh?

 

[doublechili]

I mean the kid steered us to the worst PP in the league. Some middle aged guy here tapping in 2 ft birdie putts in NE Florida sees this as well. Does Lou?

Maybe the birdie-tapping guy would be a good replacement for Lou. Do you know him well?