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

[scott99]

I watched him a lot in Arizona and have advocated for him. He can skate, has some finishing ability and would be useful in OT. He certainly had a poor season in Van and sometimes reminds me of a rhd Beau. Maybe he would flourish in a new environment.

I always liked Garland. I believe there was a Garland to the Isles rumor the year Garland got traded. If we can somehow unload Bailey for Garland, that would be a HUGE win for the Isles. Garland has 36 goals and 98 points the last 2 years. He would be a HUGE upgrade.

 

[IslesNorway]

Plenty of teams will be willing to take i flier on OEL, simply because of the upside that is still there somewhere. He'll get a new multi year deal somewhere, but I hope it's not us...

 

[leeroggy]

I’d like to remind everyone criticizing a potential cheap signing of OEL as an upgrade on Aho that a number here criticized the initial signing of an ‘obviously washed up Parise’ in a similar vein.

OEL at $1,000,000 will be looked as a steal a year from now

 

[Lek]

I’d like to remind everyone criticizing a potential cheap signing of OEL as an upgrade on Aho that a number here criticized the initial signing of an ‘obviously washed up Parise’ in a similar vein.

OEL at $1,000,000 will be looked as a steal a year from now

as a replacement for Mayfield, maybe...but replacement for Aho, no. We really need to improve Aho with someone who can move the puck better than aho, not less than...otherwise might as well keep Aho

 

[xECK29x]

better than Aho?

Aho is a much better skater then OEL at this point. OEL has so much damage to his Achilles he had to change the way he skates because he can't put weight into it.

Listen I know we all like OEL because of the name, and of course I like him at 1-1.5 but not as a core piece to our top 4. Upgrading on a #6 in Aho isn't moving the needle. The obsession this fanbase has over the 4th line and bottom pairing players is nuts. There will be much more players available for hockey trades this year because of the super shallow UFA class.

 

[seafoam]

Aho is a much better skater then OEL at this point. OEL has so much damage to his Achilles he had to change the way he skates because he can't put weight into it.

Listen I know we all like OEL because of the name, and of course I like him at 1-1.5 but not as a core piece to our top 4. Upgrading on a #6 in Aho isn't moving the needle. The obsession this fanbase has over the 4th line and bottom pairing players is nuts. There will be much more players available for hockey trades this year because of the super shallow UFA class.

The reason I want to upgrade Aho is because it's pointless to have him in the lineup if he is not on the quarterbacking the top PP, and we know this coaching staff will continue to run Dobson out there regardless of results.

 

[seafoam]

Would we rather have Olofsson in a contract year at 4.75M or Engvall at 3-4 years at 3-4M per?

Engvall has never eclipsed 20 goals in his career, while Olofsson scores 20 with his eyes closed and has 30 goal potential. Production isn't everything however, the tale of the tape is that Olofsson is undersized compared to Engvall and doesn't utilize speed as well as Engvall. Engvall was pretty reliable in making smart decisions in the neutral zone (something NYI has lost touch on as a team).

Perhaps the Islanders see value in both and are willing to swap Wahlstrom (who has the potential to have Olofsson-esque production but hasn't put it together yet) for Olofsson while offloading Bailey elsewhere to offset cap space. That would allow NYI to start Holmstrom in the AHL where he can put some pucks in the back of the net and build some confidence on the offensive side of things. When the inevitable injuries occur, Holmstrom will be there waiting in the wings.

 

[doublechili]

My guess is that OEL signs a bargain contract with a team he thinks has a good chance of competing for a Cup. He's earned his shot at a Cup! I could see, for example, if Pesce doesn't re-up CAR trading for Karlsson and then OEL signing there for $1-2M.

 

[doublechili]

Listen I know we all like OEL because of the name, and of course I like him at 1-1.5 but not as a core piece to our top 4. Upgrading on a #6 in Aho isn't moving the needle. The obsession this fanbase has over the 4th line and bottom pairing players is nuts. There will be much more players available for hockey trades this year because of the super shallow UFA class.

I agree with most of your post, but I will say that the bottom pair on D is important to the Isles to the extent that it's an opportunity to insert a PP QB into the lineup (assuming they don't make a big deal for a top 4 guy). And 4th line is important, just not as important as 1st, 2nd and 3rd lines.

 

[MarsTBOW]

I see that Noah Hanifin is available according to reports. $4.95 million Salary for 2023-24.
A capable Left Handed Point Man who is entering the Prime of his career....
I wonder what Calgary would want....

 

[doublechili]

Would we rather have Olofsson in a contract year at 4.75M or Engvall at 3-4 years at 3-4M per?

Engvall has never eclipsed 20 goals in his career, while Olofsson scores 20 with his eyes closed and has 30 goal potential. Production isn't everything however, the tale of the tape is that Olofsson is undersized compared to Engvall and doesn't utilize speed as well as Engvall. Engvall was pretty reliable in making smart decisions in the neutral zone (something NYI has lost touch on as a team).

Perhaps the Islanders see value in both and are willing to swap Wahlstrom (who has the potential to have Olofsson-esque production but hasn't put it together yet) for Olofsson while offloading Bailey elsewhere to offset cap space. That would allow NYI to start Holmstrom in the AHL where he can put some pucks in the back of the net and build some confidence on the offensive side of things. When the inevitable injuries occur, Holmstrom will be there waiting in the wings.

Re: Olofsson vs. Engvall, does Olofsson have Engvall's ability to bring the puck up ice and enter the zone? That's an area of weakness for the team, even more so than the PP to me. Engvall also gives me the vibe that he's got untapped potential, FWIW (not much?).

 

[Osakahaus]

Would we rather have Olofsson in a contract year at 4.75M or Engvall at 3-4 years at 3-4M per?

Engvall has never eclipsed 20 goals in his career, while Olofsson scores 20 with his eyes closed and has 30 goal potential. Production isn't everything however, the tale of the tape is that Olofsson is undersized compared to Engvall and doesn't utilize speed as well as Engvall. Engvall was pretty reliable in making smart decisions in the neutral zone (something NYI has lost touch on as a team).

Perhaps the Islanders see value in both and are willing to swap Wahlstrom (who has the potential to have Olofsson-esque production but hasn't put it together yet) for Olofsson while offloading Bailey elsewhere to offset cap space. That would allow NYI to start Holmstrom in the AHL where he can put some pucks in the back of the net and build some confidence on the offensive side of things. When the inevitable injuries occur, Holmstrom will be there waiting in the wings.

Engvall

He has speed, he isn't a one dimensional player, and Engvall also does throw the body at least. Olofsson isn't worth a contract

 

[SI]

Re: Olofsson vs. Engvall, does Olofsson have Engvall's ability to bring the puck up ice and enter the zone? That's an area of weakness for the team, even more so than the PP to me. Engvall also gives me the vibe that he's got untapped potential, FWIW (not much?).

I don’t think he does, but Garland has that ability.

And if the goal is to get both - Engvall and Olofsson, then Lou has to go cheap in replacing Mayfield or trade Pageau and dump Bailey

If Pageau is traded for Garland, then Isles could add Engvall. This would give each of the top lines some more speed and a puck transporter - unfortunately, it doesn’t solve getting a winger for Barzal- unless that is Wahlstrom or one of the 3 wingers in the AHL who I hope breakout next year.

I wonder if a Pageau for Garland and Silovs- a young goalie that Nucks like and could be a cheap back up.

Now, I do have to say I really Pageau and would rather make a trade for Garland and keep Pageau moving Nelson to Maty’s wing.

 

[JRD76]

Engvall

He has speed, he isn't a one dimensional player, and Engvall also does throw the body at least. Olofsson isn't worth a contract

Agree, Don't know why people like Olofsson. He's softer than Bailey. 16 hits in 73 games. You don't win stanley cups with guys like him in your line up. Isles don't have players that move the puck around quickly like Buffalo. I bet he would put up like 15 goals on this team.

 

[Skip To My Lou]

I see that Noah Hanifin is available according to reports. $4.95 million Salary for 2023-24.
A capable Left Handed Point Man who is entering the Prime of his career....
I wonder what Calgary would want....

Love Hanifin, and think he'd be a great add. Would much rather have him than Pesce.

 

[Throttle]

we know this coaching staff will continue to run Dobson out there regardless of results.

And other coaching staffs would do something different?

Lou stated on his offseason presser he believes Dobson is going to be one of the better offensive defensemen in the league.

You are seeing growth and development of a player. He’s not a finished product, but he seems to be compared to other finished products in the league.

 

[Islanders4Cups]

Gosh...

No one is saying trade Sorokin (well unless 1 of those 2 things you mentioned above comes to fruition), so let's not put the spotlight there. Sorokin is a top 5 goalie in the world right now in his prime and if you can build around him...You 100% do that.

The real issue is this...Even with having a top-5 goalie in his prime the Islanders barely made the playoffs. And unless Lou magically improves this lineup in the next month it's going to be the same next season.

Whether it is Ovechkin, Crosby, McDavid, or anyone else...One elite talent can only take you so far. You usually need more, and the Isles roster outside of goalie is entirely average (and aging). And given how Lou has painted this team in a corner given the lack of cap space and assets to trade, I don't see how he's going to significantly add to this team to make them the kind of roster that can reach the final 4 (or better) again.*





*I know...I know...We shouldn't talk now. Let's ignore his past work and see how Lou does this offseason.

Reminder. They were not far off the final four.
Improve the powerplay and they were likely playing in the final four.
Romanov was playing injured and will be a year better.
Barzal was playing injured
Horvat and Barzal showed promise playing together.

No major surgery needed here IMO

In fact major surgery will change the veteran dynamic we have here. Hell the Bruins were the best team ever and went just as far. The team dynamic is very important and we have that and are very strong down the middle, on defense and in goal, just no powerplay. Fix that and we are fine next season.

 

[Tuckisles]

Reminder. They were not far off the final four.
Improve the powerplay and they were likely playing in the final four.
Romanov was playing injured and will be a year better.
Barzal was playing injured
Horvat and Barzal showed promise playing together.

No major surgery needed here IMO

In fact major surgery will change the veteran dynamic we have here. Hell the Bruins were the best team ever and went just as far. The team dynamic is very important and we have that and are very strong down the middle, on defense and in goal, just no powerplay. Fix that and we are fine next season.

I respectfully disagree, I feel major surgery is needed. We were too old and slow last year and will only be older next year. We need to add speed and goal scoring. The window with this group has slammed shut.

 

[Glory Days]

And other coaching staffs would do something different?

Lou stated on his offseason presser he believes Dobson is going to be one of the better offensive defensemen in the league.

You are seeing growth and development of a player. He’s not a finished product, but he seems to be compared to other finished products in the league.

Many on this board want a rebuild/retool but then have no patience for developing young players.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Agree, Don't know why people like Olofsson. He's softer than Bailey. 16 hits in 73 games. You don't win stanley cups with guys like him in your line up. Isles don't have players that move the puck around quickly like Buffalo. I bet he would put up like 15 goals on this team.

Why are you listening to Buffalo fans?

 

[IslesNorway]

I see that Noah Hanifin is available according to reports. $4.95 million Salary for 2023-24.
A capable Left Handed Point Man who is entering the Prime of his career....
I wonder what Calgary would want....

Don't ask what they want but what the Islanders can offer...and it stops right there.

The Islanders have virtually nothing to offer any team in any trade. No prospects and no picks unless you're mortgaging the future for years and years.

 

[YearlyLottery]

What is the deal with Monahan? Did he have a bad injury? Seems like he would be awesome to take a flier on.

 

[CupHolders]

I watched him a lot in Arizona and have advocated for him. He can skate, has some finishing ability and would be useful in OT. He certainly had a poor season in Van and sometimes reminds me of a rhd Beau. Maybe he would flourish in a new environment.

Did you have an opinion on Schmaltz? He’s someone that has been bandied about here by myself and others.

But admittedly I do not have a good sense of him as a player. I only mentioned him as a possibility because of his PPG production and his contract parameters making him a cheaper.

 

[doublechili]

The Islanders have virtually nothing to offer any team in any trade. No prospects and no picks unless you're mortgaging the future for years and years.

I think CGY would want primarily a "now" asset back when they deal Hanifin (and Lindholm), not just prospect/picks. To my knowledge they're not tearing things down. Those guys just don't want to sign extensions so they'll be dealt. The Isles could put a deal together if they really wanted to.

 

[CupHolders]

What is the deal with Monahan? Did he have a bad injury? Seems like he would be awesome to take a flier on.

Injuries. Don’t know the specifics. But I do know that CGY fans mentioned that a number of injuries derailed his career.