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

[CupHolders]

how much cap space do the isles actually have if Bailey gets moved , Varlamov/Mayfield are not in the plans ?

I realize they need to be cautious enough to have space for Sorokin (my guess 9.5 x 8 )for 24-25

FWIW, Sorokin will be an UFA when all of Bailey, Clutterbuck and Martin are out of the lineup. Personally, I fully expect Bailey to be gone this offseason. But one can factually count on 8.25M of cap space in 2024 from those three and an additional 4M of Sorokin's cap space. So a total of 12.25M from those four contracts for use with Sorokin and depth.

Additionally, Palmieri will join Nelson and Pageau on MODIFIED no trade contracts. Meaning they can be traded to limited amount of teams.

Also worth mentioning, Barzal's modified no trade contract does not kick in until July 1st. 2024. So Lou specifically negotiated a contract that included a first year in which he can trade Barzal without restriction. Bo Horvat's FULL-NTC kicks in this July 1st.

 

[IslesNorway]

how much cap space do the isles actually have if Bailey gets moved , Varlamov/Mayfield are not in the plans ?

I realize they need to be cautious enough to have space for Sorokin (my guess 9.5 x 8 )for 24-25

Depends on when he is moved or contract expires. The example above is correct of nothing happens until the end of next season. If the plan is to resign Sorokin this offseason, the Islanders have around $11 million if they succeed in moving Bailey without taking salary back. Then any increase in the cap comes on top of that. Numbers aren't decided yet, but it will be between $1-4 million.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Self loathing is a theoretical drug.

Thinking this team is an offseason tweak away from becoming a legitimate Cup contender is closer to a real drug than that. A hallucinogenic one.

As far as I could tell, the discussion was actually about making major changes.

Depends on when he is moved or contract expires. The example above is correct of nothing happens until the end of next season. If the plan is to resign Sorokin this offseason, the Islanders have around $11 million if they succeed in moving Bailey without taking salary back. Then any increase in the cap comes on top of that. Numbers aren't decided yet, but it will be between $1-4 million.

If they extend Sorokin in the offseason, the contract won't go into effect until the following year. Bailey would be off no matter what.

 

[IslesNorway]

As far as I could tell, the discussion was actually about making major changes.


If they extend Sorokin in the offseason, the contract won't go into effect until the following year. Bailey would be off no matter what.

True, but they would still not know how much space they will have by then. What they do this offseason will impact the next. If they offload Bailey now and proceed to trade for or sign someone to a massive deal, that will have its bearing on the Sorokin deal later. No problem giving Sorokin Bailey's money and signing him to a deal worth around $9 million, but the question is how they are going to improve sufficiently to mount a serious challenge with the space, the players and the contracts they've got.

 

[doublechili]

And when I see Bailey being included in trades as if he has anything but negative value I both laugh at the post and cry for the state of the franchise.

Maybe I missed something, but I don't recall anyone posting any such thing for quite a while. He's been included in trade proposals where his salary is used to balance out cap hits, or in a trade for another bad contract. Perhaps you saw one of those and misunderstood?

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

True, but they would still not know how much space they will have by then.

Decisions are predicated on other decisions, yes.

 

[danteipp]

You are so severe, dude.

Let me break this down for you -

This is a message board - where fans come to discuss, play GM, and pitch up ideas. Some of those ideas (or most) are in the hypothetical. And it’s fun to hypothesize and discuss.

You on the other hand come with an assault rifle to a food fight.


No one is pitching up Bailey in an asset gaining trade proposals - the posters here are pretty well-informed - maybe a little too critical at times and suffer from the grass is greener type of thinking.

We all know the most likely scenario this season will be status quo. The Cap, contracts, and lack of key assets will keep things as they were for the most part.

But, I also recognize there are things you simply cannot predict - whether that is player development, I.e, Tage Thompson breakout, or a move by GM that you didn’t see coming.

Like @YearlyLottery suggested - I don’t believe any of us could have predicted a move like Horvat.

I try not to think in an absolutes, especially with a GM like Lou- he will surprise - whether those surprises are good or bad is irrelevant.

That bolded line made me smile, thanks for that!

 

[periferal]

I know there are people on here that love Lou, but hate Dubas so would love to see the brain twist should this happen...

 

[danteipp]

I know there are people on here that love Lou, but hate Dubas so would love to see the brain twist should this happen...

I can't speak for others, but I was rooting against Dubas primarily because he was working for the Leafs but, more importantly, insufferable Leafs fans talked about him like the second coming. F' those fans.

I personally still don't think much of his skills as a GM, because he hasn't been able to put together a coherent team, gets demolished in contract negotiations, and can't find a franchise goalie if his life depended on it.

But, if the Isles want to bring him on board, I will root for him and hope he can win a championship for us. Because I want to win AND it would spite Leafs fans.

Not everything needs to be a conundrum.

 

[Lek]

Athletic reporting that the Pens looking to get permission to speak to Dubas

 

[periferal]

Since Dubas basically suggested if he wasn't back in Toronto as GM that he'd be taking time off to be with his family.

Thus I could see him being hired by the Isles as an "advisor" for at least this year with the ultimate notion that he will be Lou's successor -Kind of like with Trotz/Poile in Nashville.

That way Dubas can still get a paycheck while not having the incredible demands of being an NHL GM (in Toronto), have more time with his family, Lou would be handpicking his successor, and Malkin would have a transition plan in place.

This would not be my first choice, but I'll take it every time over Chris Lamoriello being promoted to anything above his current position.

 

[JPIsles18]

Athletic reporting that the Pens looking to get permission to speak to Dubas

This is bad for us. Dubas will make the Pens much better. He's not a perfect GM, but he's so much better than others and definitely better than what the Pens just got rid of.

Lou/Dubas team would be good as President/GM. They should be able to balance each other out. A guy like Dubas will likely make the moves necessary to jumpstart the team instead of running it back for another mediocre season.

 

[LeapOnOver]

Everything we've seen indicates Barzal does not like Tavares, can't see them doing a swap like that.

You mean 'that guy that walked as a UFA after I won the Calder"?

 

[LeapOnOver]

You’re joking about disappearing, right? Marner’s playoffs haven’t been any better than Matthews’ or Nylander’s

I’ll take Nylander’s last 3 years over Marner’s.

I think you’re having an analytics wet dream about Mitch Marner.

Yeah, I don't get this. When I watch the Leafs, which is usually only the playoffs, Nylander is always the most dangerous player on the ice. I don't care if he's soft. He's got a ton of talent. He's no softer than Ehlers. I'm not saying I'd take him over Marner, but I also wouldn't say their value is that much different.

 

[LeapOnOver]

Are you expecting another pandemic/flat cap situation coming up?



I don't want him at all.

1) It took him years to realize the fancy stats aren't going to win by themselves.
2) He signed Tavares for huge money when it didn't fill a need at all, causing them to lose a much more affordable Kadri.
3) Has a very bad track record with negotiations. All of his star players received top dollar and the best terms available.
4) Tried to pull one over on Shanahan, overvaluing his position, and was subsequently kicked to the curb.

What does anyone like about him other than his love for fancy stats and the "new" style of play? Other GMs do the same thing and are way more successful.

To be fair, I think Dubas wanted more money not because he thought his performance was all that great. I get the impression from his quotes that he didn't like the pressure cooker of Toronto and the way it affected his family and felt it probably wasn't worth it unless he made more to do it. That's my two cents, anyway.

 

[mm11]

Since Dubas basically suggested if he wasn't back in Toronto as GM that he'd be taking time off to be with his family.

Thus I could see him being hired by the Isles as an "advisor" for at least this year with the ultimate notion that he will be Lou's successor -Kind of like with Trotz/Poile in Nashville.

That way Dubas can still get a paycheck while not having the incredible demands of being an NHL GM (in Toronto), have more time with his family, Lou would be handpicking his successor, and Malkin would have a transition plan in place.

This would not be my first choice, but I'll take it every time over Chris Lamoriello being promoted to anything above his current position.

Makes and ton of sense and very well could be a possibility. I do know a dippin dots dealer who can concur.

 

[Chardo]

Athletic reporting that the Pens looking to get permission to speak to Dubas

Why would they need permission?

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Since Dubas basically suggested if he wasn't back in Toronto as GM that he'd be taking time off to be with his family.

Thus I could see him being hired by the Isles as an "advisor" for at least this year with the ultimate notion that he will be Lou's successor -Kind of like with Trotz/Poile in Nashville.

That way Dubas can still get a paycheck while not having the incredible demands of being an NHL GM (in Toronto), have more time with his family, Lou would be handpicking his successor, and Malkin would have a transition plan in place.

This would not be my first choice, but I'll take it every time over Chris Lamoriello being promoted to anything above his current position.

These are the same thoughts I've been having since no later than Kurz' Tweets about Dubas and Lamoriello sitting together for an hour or so back when the Isles played in TOR down the stretch.

I was never really certain how things were left when Lamoriello quietly and unceremoniously left the Leafs and Dubas was handed the job.

But if the two were on good terms (or became so in the years thereafter), gotta think there are "thoughts" of a reunion out there.

And for what it's worth, some of the less desirable work from Dubas in Toronto shouldn't have to be a nail in the coffin there. It's not only one of the most pressure-filled markets in the league, but the $$$ involved in contracts may not have been "his decision" to make.

In addition, one can learn from prior experiences and he's still quite the youngin'.

 

[The Wahligator]

Why would they need permission?

Because Dubas knows their plans for the draft etc.

 

[Glory Days]

Because Dubas knows their plans for the draft etc.

Isn’t Dubas still under contract until June 30?

 

[JKP]

Please. Can someone explain to me why they think Dubas is a good GM?

He was given the 3 stars and signed 91 when he didn’t need him messing up his salary structure. He’s 1-11 in series clinching wins in the POs, builds teams that can’t compete in the POs. Hes married to his ways even when they fail. He puts too much stock in personal relationships (like his coach). The only reason people clamor for him, I feel, is he’s a byproduct of the Toronto media spin machine.

 

[The Real JT]

Please. Can someone explain to me why they think Dubas is a good GM?

He was given the 3 stars and signed 91 when he didn’t need him messing up his salary structure. He’s 1-11 in series clinching wins in the POs, builds teams that can’t compete in the POs. Hes married to his ways even when they fail. He puts too much stock in personal relationships (like his coach). The only reason people clamor for him, I feel, is he’s a byproduct of the Toronto media spin machine.

For one thing he made some decent moves including ROR, Lafferty, Schenn and Acciari at the TDL for a reasonable cost. Most of us were happy acquiring Engvall but the Leafs viewed him as a replaceable asset that they weren’t intent on signing. Getting a pick back in that situation is commendable.

Sure he paid too much for his top players but live and learn. Having Lou mentoring him ain’t a bad thing when it comes to negotiations. As for Tavares, he get a black mark on that one. He needs to take the blame but was it all his idea? The franchise as a whole had him in their sights.

 

[CupHolders]

Yeah, I don't get this. When I watch the Leafs, which is usually only the playoffs, Nylander is always the most dangerous player on the ice. I don't care if he's soft. He's got a ton of talent. He's no softer than Ehlers. I'm not saying I'd take him over Marner, but I also wouldn't say their value is that much different.

My recollection was that even internationally he scored some big goals for Sweden. He always reminds me of former Avalanche Alex Tanguay. Also a non-physical offensive player who was low key clutch at times.

 

[eoin92]

Please. Can someone explain to me why they think Dubas is a good GM?

He was given the 3 stars and signed 91 when he didn’t need him messing up his salary structure. He’s 1-11 in series clinching wins in the POs, builds teams that can’t compete in the POs. Hes married to his ways even when they fail. He puts too much stock in personal relationships (like his coach). The only reason people clamor for him, I feel, is he’s a byproduct of the Toronto media spin machine.

He’s passionate! Did you see how hard he threw that water bottle?

 

[mm11]

Yeah, I don't get this. When I watch the Leafs, which is usually only the playoffs, Nylander is always the most dangerous player on the ice. I don't care if he's soft. He's got a ton of talent. He's no softer than Ehlers. I'm not saying I'd take him over Marner, but I also wouldn't say their value is that much different.

agree, guy looks soft, but definitely was the player I saw in the playoffs making a difference on that leafs team. Kinda would like that annoying guy Bunting on the NYI as well. Maybe Lou can harness that intensity he plays with to stop diving though