Since I avoided this board for a while during the early offseason and UFA period, let me go on record now with my thoughts:
- I absolutely HATE the Mayfield signing. I was hoping the Isles would walk away from him and bring in a younger, better skating and offensive-minded defenseman who would help relieve pressure on Dobson on the PP, pair better with our existing LHDs and help in possession and transition.
Mayfield dragged down most of his partners last season and seemed content taking risks to boost some of his stats. He tanked the value of Pelech, which is almost impossible, Romanov and Aho at times.
As of now, they are really relying on either Aho to play better in the defensive zone or Bolduc to develop quickly and be the partner Mayfield needs. Amazingly, Mayfield seemed to play his best when paired with Bolduc (in limited minutes), so maybe that is the plan? It is a bit of a gamble.
- Obviously too many years on Varlamov. Two years would have been ideal for the team, maybe three as a compromise, but four is a boon for the player. Maybe they have a handshake deal similar to Uncle Leo so, when the time comes, Varly will walk away like Uncle Leo did and perhaps transition to the front office (I can see him as a Russian/KHL scout), enter coaching, be a team ambassador, etc. If so, then I guess it is fine.
- I am fine with the Horvat trade and signing. That is the ONLY way the Isles can add a player like Horvat. The Isles have to trade for a player, win them over and overpay in terms of the contract. The Isles are not a preferred destination and that makes it harder, as opposed to teams like the Rags, Bruins, Lightning, Panthers, Penguins (at least until Crosby retires), etc.
I am willing to be patient and believe that Horvat and Barzal will gel. Ideally I would like to see a player like Engvall alongside them, but I wouldn't break up the Engvall-Nelson-Palms line to do so. I think Lee gets first shot on that line, unless/until Wahly steps up and earns the role. If Wahly could get that done, the Isles would have two very good toplines.
- The Engvall signing was fine and the injection of speed is needed. Given his game and speed, the contract should be fine. He can be played anywhere and should fit in well.
- The third line should be OK as JGP is dependable and they can figure out the wingers from among Lee (in time I think he slides down - or at least he should), Wahlstrom, Fasching, Holmstrom, Gauthier, etc. If Parise were to return for one more year, it would complicate the roster numbers but I would welcome him back.
- The fourth line. They are going to get another shot, you can argue they shouldn't, but the leash should be short. If they can't stay healthy and produce, then they have to be benched, IR'd or go.
Two years ago, when Martin was clearly not right and was playing on one leg, Trotz should not have kept just writing him into the lineup. Last season, Lane should have rested Clutter more, especially when Fasching was serviceable and, at least IMHO, Durandeau looked OK in that handful of games. The coaches should not be scared to give an ailing player a breather.
Overall, the Isles have been slowly revamping their team, at least trying to add speed and youth at the NHL level and in the system. I like the additions of Horvat, Engvall and Romanov; and prospects like Nelson, Schulz (could be a sleeper), Finley, George, Maggio, Dufour, Liukas, etc.
Hopefully they can sign Jefferies (assuming he has another solid college season) and it will be interesting to see if either Lennox or Tikkanen can develop in net. I have my doubts on the goalies but you never know and it is not an immediate need.
I would argue that they could have taken a bigger step by simply letting Mayfield walk and going a different way, but it is what it is and I will hope he can do the job for a while and a partner is ultimately identified.
I am not as down as others on the Isles overall roster, most teams have flaws and need a mix of luck and health, so I would call myself cautiously optimistic. To me, it falls on the Isles needing to pivot to other options sooner, rather than later, when needed. It would get significantly easier for the team if Palms stays healthy and Wahly can net 20-25 and be serviceable on defense.
