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

[MarsTBOW]

I mostly agree, I would move JGP if possible. Bailey needs to go. Id like to see one of if not both of Martin/Clutter moved.

I would love to find a way to get Lee off this team, he is a good leader, but that contract is a nightmare.

Id even look into moving Pelech. I think he would have alot of value, but he misses 15-20 games every year and he was horrible this playoff series.

This team needs an injection of speed and youth.

IMO our top needs are
1. A top line dynamic winger
2. A PPQB/Puck moving defenseman

Gotta get younger.
The only way to do these things are through Hockey Trades besides buying out Bailey.

 

[YearlyLottery]

Lou also should have traded Varlamov at the very least during the deadline. I still do not understand that.

 

[MJF]

just posted in another thread that the Isles had chances this series but basically got 2019 Trotz'd. No dangerous one-timers off cross-ice passes, no bang-bang plays from behind the goal line to the slot, no dangerous point shots with traffic in front, very few rebound opportunities. That's on coaching, IMO.

How is that on coaching? It’s on the players.

This is an area that many of our players don’t excel in. Now you want a leopard to change it’s spots? They never executed simple passes well, had accurate shots, nobody here has a good one timer since Johnny Boychuk, and even he telegraphed it and made himself a prime target to get blocked. It also why our power play is downright embarassing.

I’m in no way trying to defend Lambert. I just think there is no way to game plan around what the Isles lack in basic skills.

 

[The Real JT]

They need a lot of milk cartons. Horvat is the easy target, but who exactly had a good series? Pulock was great. Also, uh, er, ...? Seriously, a few other guys were okay, but I see a combination of coaching issues and roster issues. The team overall lacks speed. In hockey you can make up for that by moving the puck quickly. But that didn't happen either.

Pretty accurate take.

While I don’t like Cizikas’ deal I think he showed he still has a motor and can step it up at playoff time.

Fasching also has a good motor but absolutely doesn’t have the skill to finish. He’d be a decent fourth line player but he may have priced himself out of that slot for our cash strapped team.

I’d keep Parise but I hate to say he slowed down just a touch in the playoffs. More likely, he was already playing at full tilt and the opponents elevated their game.

I guess we could go on and on regarding individual players (and we will!) but that’s for a later date.

 

[WangMustGo]

Gotta get younger.
The only way to do these things are through Hockey Trades besides buying out Bailey.

Exactly. I think we have a few prospects that could fill out bottom of the lineup roles, but unfortunately i dont think there are any top of the lineup guys in the system. Durandeau, Holmstrom, Wahlstrom could replace Clutterbuck/Martin/Parise (assuming Parise retires). Maybe we see one of Buldoc/Salo take the next step.

Speed and youth have to be a priority. This team needs to retool on the fly.

 

[Osakahaus]

Short take: if I'm the owners I'm thinking my team needs a new coaching staff. I'm also thinking that Lou did a great job turning around the culture, but things have stagnated and there is evidence of a failure to recognize needs and/or an inflexibility to adjust the roster to compete in the current environment. They probably don't want a full tear-down rebuild. I don't either, as I think a new coaching staff and a handful of roster adjustments (more dynamic talent on D and speed on the wings especially) combined could result in a contending team. But a GM would need to make smart moves. As others have mentioned, I'd like to see what a guy like Q could do coaching this team. And get a proactive GM who adjusts at faster than a glacial pace, with a traditional defense-first mindset but balancing that with speed and skill.

Ironically, I think Lou recognized some issues in getting a good skating defenseman in Romanov (our 2nd best D in the playoffs, IMO, even just coming off an injury - was better than most at keeping it simple, moving the puck quickly, and limiting dangerous mistakes), drafting top skating D like Odelius and George, and trading for Engvall. But he didn't do nearly enough and didn't fix the biggest hole - a dynamic offensive/puck-moving D. And still not enough speed on the outside (not sure why Holmstrom wasn't given a game in the playoffs when the problem became apparent?).

I just posted in another thread that the Isles had chances this series but basically got 2019 Trotz'd. No dangerous one-timers off cross-ice passes, no bang-bang plays from behind the goal line to the slot, no dangerous point shots with traffic in front, very few rebound opportunities. That's on coaching, IMO.

They lost from a lot of weird bounces, but that doesn't change the fact that they have to consider dropping Lambert for a better coach. They need speed, they need that puck moving defenseman, and they badly miss a full season of Barzal/Palmieri/Pelech. They gotta fix that up for 2023-2024. So Lamoriello has his work cut out.

 

[Olliemets]

I mostly agree, I would move JGP if possible. Bailey needs to go. Id like to see one of if not both of Martin/Clutter moved.

I would love to find a way to get Lee off this team, he is a good leader, but that contract is a nightmare.

Id even look into moving Pelech. I think he would have alot of value, but he misses 15-20 games every year and he was horrible this playoff series.

This team needs an injection of speed and youth.

IMO our top needs are
1. A top line dynamic winger
2. A PPQB/Puck moving defenseman

I agree too. And painful as it is it may be that next year is the year to accept falling back while doing a retool, getting rid of some contracts and maybe keeping some draft picks for once.

Rambiling thoughts over my coffee and playoff hangover:

-Buy out Bailey if he doesn't retire, damn the cap hit. Minnesota did same thing with Zack and Suter, swallowed hard and the world didn't end.
-Going to be impossible to move Lee unless a lot of Salary is retained. Can't see present regime doing it but perhaps regime change is coming? God I hope so. Lou's contract is up. I think Lee can still be a useful player on a talented offensive team that could use some size in front of the net on PPs. Eat half the contract to get rid of it.
-I think Pelich is hurt. But he's looked awful since the Concussion.
- Varlomov- How do you pay a guy 5M to start a little over 20 games? Ugg.
-I hope Engval is resigned just for ranginess, skill and speed alone. I'd keep Fasching too on the right deal. Big body. Decent skater. Goes to right places. With a little luck could have had a few goals this series.
-I hope MM retires, and Clutter is LTIRed.
-JPG looks worn out. Casey has more jump.
-Crossing my fingers that Horvat doesn't sleep walk through next 8 years, but we've no choice but to give him a chance. What alarmed me besides not scoring was how many face offs he lost during this series after being very good most of the time I saw him.
-Barzal has a lot of faults but he's not the problem IMO. Teams look to add players like this, not get rid of them. We are so outclassed in the skill department.
-Mayfield- Let him walk unless he loves LI so much he signs a below market deal which is unlikely.

Winnepeg and Calgary look to be blown up. Maybe some deals can be made to move people and acquire some talent.

Take your lumps next year to try and turn this thing around. Ottawa, Buffalo probably make Playoffs and we don't anyway. And to realistically do that we need regime change in the GM position.

PS- I'd love to be the Franchise that"rehabilitates" Joel Quennville

 

[BelovedIsles]

My first objective would be to clear cap space (Bailey is a must, he sat the whole playoffs for 4.5 mil.). They aren't rebuilding, I fully expect them to run with this group (with tweaks). I would be creative and bring in a top-end goal scoring winger, and a two-way 3rd pairing D man. I'd also upgrade on coaching.

 

[SI]

I thought if Lambert and the Isles get thru to the next round Lane def. Stays.

If Lane could have gotten it to game 7 - pretty good chance he stays.

Losing game 6, I think he clears out the entire staff. my choice Joel Q.

Other changes - I think before any of us can really speculate it depends on what the cap # will be - we won’t know that until late May, early June. That will determine how much Lou can over turn some of the roster and whether or not they choose to take a step back now or not. Heads up 2024 is a weak draft - 2025 is much better.

IMO, Lou returns - I think ownership still has trust in Lou and they choose to stay with him.

What can be done now ? Lock up Sorokin asap.

 

[Olliemets]

My first objective would be to clear cap space (Bailey is a must, he sat the whole playoffs for 4.5 mil.). They aren't rebuilding, I fully expect them to run with this group (with tweaks). I would be creative and bring in a top-end goal scoring winger, and a two-way 3rd pairing D man. I'd also upgrade on coaching.

Maybe Rick Bowness is available? (Insert Sarcasm emoji). Laviolette?

I don't hate Lane as much as the others, but too many errors, sloppiness in our own end this year. I don't think he's the guy. He appears to be a reactor (and a slow one at that) and not an initiator.

Who's out there? (I already pined for Joel Quenville)

 

[CupHolders]

I’m not criticizing the message. But I wish it was Chris Botta on that Milk carton. That dude is just annoying.

Very happy with the cultural stabilization of this organization. Solid ownership (non-criminal thus far) new arena etc.

Time seems right to bring a new voice at management. Would like Lou to remain as president, but not sure he is willing to accept that lack of day-to-day control. Don’t like to discount anyone outright, but nepotism (Chris Lamoriello) is always concerning.

 

[majormet]

I think this team did what I kind of expected, got into the playoffs and lost. Just losing to a team missing key players and the games were close really highlighted how bad the PP was.

Remedies..... I think the silver bullet is one player and that makes all the difference and that player is Erik Karlsson, if the cap expands to 88M, I would offer up a package of Wahlstrom, Holmstrom, Bolduc and Pageau to get him. It would be the perfect marriage as Karlsson put up 100 points playing with lame players while he would be our PP specialist. We ask too much of Dobson who is still in development and Pulock is not an offensive dman and we have to realize that super shot he has does not wrinkle the twine much.

I would try to get Ishakov in the lineup next year and run with the other 11 forwards and 5 dmen (assuming Mayfield) is goine.

Coaching - Lambert is an average coach not sure if he is the real problem. This team has been limited progressively with the losses of Leddy and Toews as they are puck carrying dmen. I don't think we should be the team that brings Quenneville back, he would be the optimal choice but I see him in Columbus.... I am a Travis Green fan and always felt he should be the coach, but is Lambert really that bad.

GM - Lou really has it still, we brought in Horvat, Engvall and Fasching and they were good, he knows what he is doing. He has to get that super offensive dman.

Power Play - I would have played my regular lines and d pairings knowing that the pp structure is horrible. Butch suggested at times, I mean the Cizikas line has chemistry, they could not have been worse than what we did.

Barzal - flashy player and when it comes down to it, underwhelms. WE have had a few coaches and I just think Horvat is the right player for him, they just need a camp together.


Lee - not the sexiest player but he is the captain.

Bailey - if cap expands he may be able to finish his career here, but if the floor expands someone should just drive to Anaheim.

pageau - felt he was one of the reasons why we made a playoff push but a veteran would have to go to San Jose to make that deal.

If this team had Karlsson for the next 3 years, we would be very hard to beat regardless if it is Lambert, Green or Coach Q running this team.

 

[Zeeker]

I thought if Lambert and the Isles get thru to the next round Lane def. Stays.

If Lane could have gotten it to game 7 - pretty good chance he stays.

Losing game 6, I think he clears out the entire staff. my choice Joel Q.

So the difference between Lambert staying and the entire coaching staff being cleared out is a lucky bounce or two in one game?

Lol I’d hope Lou wouldn’t be that impulsive

 

[CupHolders]

Maybe Rick Bowness is available? (Insert Sarcasm emoji). Laviolette?

I don't hate Lane as much as the others, but too many errors, sloppiness in our own end this year. I don't think he's the guy. He appears to be a reactor (and a slow one at that) and not an initiator.

Who's out there? (I already pined for Joel Quenville)

I agree with you on Lane. I can also see him improving as a coach. Can also seeing him end up In Nashville with Barry, sooner than later.

But this series in the end, really felt more about the Isles harming themselves. All of that culminating with that dreadful third period shell they went into yesterday.

Considering the short shelf life of coaches… I’m indifferent at best if he is let go.

 

[Osakahaus]

Lou also should have traded Varlamov at the very least during the deadline. I still do not understand that.

Nobody was going for Varlamov besides LA, and the Kings being able to get Gavrikov sold them on Korpisalo btw.

 

[majormet]

So the difference between Lambert staying and the entire coaching staff being cleared out is a lucky bounce or two in one game?

Lol I’d hope Lou wouldn’t be that impulsive

It worked for Cappy... "da puck had eyes".....

 

[MJF]

I thought if Lambert and the Isles get thru to the next round Lane def. Stays.

If Lane could have gotten it to game 7 - pretty good chance he stays.

Losing game 6, I think he clears out the entire staff. my choice Joel Q.

Other changes - I think before any of us can really speculate it depends on what the cap # will be - we won’t know that until late May, early June. That will determine how much Lou can over turn some of the roster and whether or not they choose to take a step back now or not. Heads up 2024 is a weak draft - 2025 is much better.

IMO, Lou returns - I think ownership still has trust in Lou and they choose to stay with him.

What can be done now ? Lock up Sorokin asap.

I think you’re probably right about Lou and that’s going to be a problem for the franchise going forward.

 

[WangMustGo]

I think this team did what I kind of expected, got into the playoffs and lost. Just losing to a team missing key players and the games were close really highlighted how bad the PP was.

Remedies..... I think the silver bullet is one player and that makes all the difference and that player is Erik Karlsson, if the cap expands to 88M, I would offer up a package of Wahlstrom, Holmstrom, Bolduc and Pageau to get him. It would be the perfect marriage as Karlsson put up 100 points playing with lame players while he would be our PP specialist. We ask too much of Dobson who is still in development and Pulock is not an offensive dman and we have to realize that super shot he has does not wrinkle the twine much.

I would try to get Ishakov in the lineup next year and run with the other 11 forwards and 5 dmen (assuming Mayfield) is goine.

Coaching - Lambert is an average coach not sure if he is the real problem. This team has been limited progressively with the losses of Leddy and Toews as they are puck carrying dmen. I don't think we should be the team that brings Quenneville back, he would be the optimal choice but I see him in Columbus.... I am a Travis Green fan and always felt he should be the coach, but is Lambert really that bad.

GM - Lou really has it still, we brought in Horvat, Engvall and Fasching and they were good, he knows what he is doing. He has to get that super offensive dman.

Power Play - I would have played my regular lines and d pairings knowing that the pp structure is horrible. Butch suggested at times, I mean the Cizikas line has chemistry, they could not have been worse than what we did.

Barzal - flashy player and when it comes down to it, underwhelms. WE have had a few coaches and I just think Horvat is the right player for him, they just need a camp together.


Lee - not the sexiest player but he is the captain.

Bailey - if cap expands he may be able to finish his career here, but if the floor expands someone should just drive to Anaheim.

pageau - felt he was one of the reasons why we made a playoff push but a veteran would have to go to San Jose to make that deal.

If this team had Karlsson for the next 3 years, we would be very hard to beat regardless if it is Lambert, Green or Coach Q running this team.

Karlsson is not the answer. If you think Dobson sucks defensively just wait until you watch Karlsson. Add in the fact that he has had 1 good season in the last 5 years, and has missed 20+ games in 4 of the last 5 years. Adding a 33 year old with a massive contract fixes nothing.

You want an offensive defenseman, bring in Gostisbehere for a 2 year contract as a ufa.

 

[majormet]

Karlsson is not the answer. If you think Dobson sucks defensively just wait until you watch Karlsson. Add in the fact that he has had 1 good season in the last 5 years, and has missed 20+ games in 4 of the last 5 years. Adding a 33 year old with a massive contract fixes nothing.

You want an offensive defenseman, bring in Gostisbehere for a 2 year contract as a ufa.

I think Karlsson solves a huge problem, I had pageau in the deal probably would keep him as Karlsson and Pageau are the best of buds. I will trade some shaky defense to get guys like Horvat and Barzal the offensive dman that they need. I think Karlsson nets us 20-30 more goals a year and probably costs us 4-6 goals a year.

 

[SI]

So the difference between Lambert staying and the entire coaching staff being cleared out is a lucky bounce or two in one game?

Lol I’d hope Lou wouldn’t be that impulsive

My thought process was the work the team did to get into the playoffs and then defeating the top ranked team in the Metro in playoff round 1. That isn’t being manipulated that is results.

What is the expectation of a rookie head coach, winning the Stanley cup?

 

[seafoam]

Below are all notable free agents (both restricted and unrestricted). Who stays and who goes?

Varlamov (UFA)
Engvall (UFA)
Mayfield (UFA)
Fasching (UFA)
Parise (UFA)
Wotherspoon (UFA)
Wahlstrom (RFA)
Bolduc (RFA)
Skarek (RFA)
Wilde (RFA)

'23-'24 upcoming free agents...

Bailey (UFA)
Sorokin (UFA)
Clutterbuck (UFA)
Martin (UFA)
Aho (UFA)
Holmstrom (RFA)

'24-'25 depth chart under contract...

Offense:
Lee -Barzal-Pageau
Nelson-Horvat-Palmieri
Johnston -Cizikas-X

Defense:
Pelech-Pulock
Romanov-Dobson
X-X

Goaltending:
X
X

 

[periferal]

People sitting here suggesting all these changes to the roster completely not addressing the fact that:

1. They barely have enough cap space just to resign all their free agents.
2. Almost all of their long-term contracts are untradable without adding pick(s) to them
3. They once again don't have a 1st to trade, or actually use.
4. Lou basically doesn't trade players unless the cap or an expansion draft forces him to.
5. They have zero farm system.

It's ugly guys and we need to own that. If we didn't get so lucky gett Barry Trotz then all the years since Lou took over would have looked like this past year.

We're average - Which is the worst place to be. Nowhere near a Cup and with basically no way to add top end talent.

Lou did all this and now he needs to be help accountable for it.

 

[The Real JT]

So the difference between Lambert staying and the entire coaching staff being cleared out is a lucky bounce or two in one game?

Lol I’d hope Lou wouldn’t be that impulsive

While I agree it’s a ridiculous premise, it’s also the way of the world.

If we won the series I bet Lambert would’ve kept his job. That might still happen but it’s up for debate now.

 

[Tres Peleches]

Nobody was going for Varlamov besides LA, and the Kings being able to get Gavrikov sold them on Korpisalo btw.

Seeing some of the goaltending around the league, I think you’re mistaken RE the demand for Varly

 

[MarsTBOW]

While I agree it’s a ridiculous premise, it’s also the way of the world.

If we won the series I bet Lambert would’ve kept his job. That might still happen but it’s up for debate now.

Do not forget how many times our team was not ready to play all year and how bad we were on the Road.
I do not like many of the decisions this Coach made all year long. However, how much of a puppet the Turk is to Lou is my question.
Was most of his decisions handed to him from Lou?