Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2024-25: Re-Tool, Re-Group, Re-Mix, Re-Build

[leeroggy]

I don’t disagree Pelech’s game was helped by Trotz I also think injuries have taken a toll on Pelech. He is likely one hit away from never playing again. I doubt he finishes out his contract. More likely he winds up on LTIR. Every team knows this and likely makes his contract immovable.

Trotz's approach was not without consequnces
Pelech was chewed up by the blocked shots and was getting pounded on chip ins
Can't overlook the long-term toll playing that defense system as required.

 

[Chockey22]

Probably the only way without alienating the entire fanbase...

If you’re keeping Sorokin, it makes zero sense to trade Barzal unless you’re bringing back a player of equal offensive ability; and can’t see why another team would do that unless there are other issues

 

[Throttle]

If you’re keeping Sorokin, it makes zero sense to trade Barzal unless you’re bringing back a player of equal offensive ability; and can’t see why another team would do that unless there are other issues

Barzal is just not that special. The isles made the playoffs in crunch time of March/April without him - mainly with this same roster.

Do you think Vegas is keeping Barzal around based on cap hit and performance? Heck no, they are shipping him to upgrade, not rest of ‘oh, wow is me, he’s so talented, he should stay.’

If you’re keeping Sorokin (you are) bc finding a replacement is next to impossible when he is on. You can move around the forwards to find a better mix.

 

[Chockey22]

Barzal is just not that special. The isles made the playoffs in crunch time of March/April without him - mainly with this same roster.

Do you think Vegas is keeping Barzal around based on cap hit and performance? Heck no, they are shipping him to upgrade, not rest of ‘oh, wow is me, he’s so talented, he should stay.’

If you’re keeping Sorokin (you are) bc finding a replacement is next to impossible when he is on. You can move around the forwards to find a better mix.

I should have clarified, if the goal is to rebuild, it doesn’t make sense to rebuild around a 29 year old superstar goalie, unless you think this is a 2 - 3 year rebuild. If it takes 4-5 years or more, Sorokin’s likely on the downside.
Trading Barzal to just trade Barzal is exactly what I hope management does not do, unless there’s clear direction behind the move - presumably as part of rebuilding (so getting good young assets back). But, if you’re trading Barzal just to get rid of him, that seems pointless.
If the goal is to trade Barzal to improve the team here and now (so not rebuilding), I think that continues with the delusion that this team is good enough and if they could only get Tkachuk for Barzal (can’t see that happening btw) they’d be playoff bound. Even if Lou could somehow make that deal, this team is still not a contender.

 

[MarsTBOW]

If the goal is to trade Barzal to improve the team here and now (so not rebuilding), I think that continues with the delusion that this team is good enough and if they could only get Tkachuk for Barzal (can’t see that happening btw) they’d be playoff bound. Even if Lou could somehow make that deal, this team is still not a contender.

But at least they would have a better Chance than what you have now.
I think Tkachuk has another Gear we have not seen yet.
Barzal for Tkachuk is a deal you make.
I just do not think this team has a chance to win more than a round or two with Barzy as "The Best" Player on this team besides Sorokin.
I feel bad saying it, but he overthinks every play, tries to do too much and nobody knows what the Hell he is doing half the time, including himself!!!!

 

[gordie43]

What the Islanders need to do is what the Rangers did in 2018 and acknowledge that a rebuild or serious retool is needed. I'm not saying that Malkin Ledecky etc. need to go as far as penning that famous (or infamous) "Letter to the Fans" that the NYR did announcing and bracing their fans for a rebuild, but the template for initiating the retool/rebuild is there to follow.

After "The Letter", the NYR proceeded to trade fan favorites in Ryan McDonagh, JT Miller, Michael Grabner, and Rick Nash all by that TDL. All of those moves helped the NYR to stockpile picks/space to be where they are now. Those were 3 solid core pieces and a nice complimentary piece traded to usher in that new era for the NYR.

For us, I'd equate that to us needing to move out Pelech, Nelson, Palmieri, and Pageau at minimum at this TDL. They can work on the PR and moving on from Lee as Captain in the off-season rather than making a move like that in season, but those are 5 key players I would try to move on from in the NYR rebuild vein.

Whether or not that materializes is another story...

To add, I bet if the Wild are serious about competing in the playoffs this year, a package for the two Minnesota boys in Lee and Nelson returning to their home state to bolster Kaprizov and co.'s chances could be high on GM Bill Guerin's wishlist.

Would be great if they did that and a number one defenseman forced a trade to the isles followed by a 27 year old goal 30 goal scorer who would take less money to play at UBS.

 

[SI]

Not the start I envisioned. With the team now missing two-thirds of their left side (Pelech and Reilly) and two top-line players (Barzal and Duke) for the next 4 to 6 weeks, this stretch of around 20 games could put them in a major hole. This team won't survive with the likes of Cholo, Bolduc, and Hutton playing extended minutes or many more games. Add to this the already thin forward depth and the need for another quality forward who can strengthen the top 9 or bottom 6 — someone Roy can trust, as he’s currently only rolling with 9 forwards.

In my opinion, Lou won’t sit back and do nothing; I expect a defenseman will be acquired sooner rather than later.

I’d like to see Lou reach out to Vancouver for Erik Brannstrom. A Brannstrom-for-Wahlstrom swap could work well, as both players have similar salaries and strong draft pedigrees. I also like Derek Forbort, though he may cost more.

Rosner also mentioned Brendan Smith as a possibility, though I don’t see Dallas giving up depth on the blue line.

There are also two unsigned free agents who might help this team: Kevin Shattenkirk and Tyler Johnson. While these aren’t high-profile additions, they could serve as stopgaps until our injured players return.

Another option is for Lou to keep Anthony Beauvillier on the Island after the game against the Penguins. Maybe coming home will reset his game.

As for major moves, I wouldn’t sacrifice top draft picks or key prospects like Eiserman, Pulkininen, Gidlof, Gamzin, or Nelson.

If the season continues trending downward, trading Nelson for a first-round pick and a prospect, and moving Palmieri and Cizikas to the highest bidders, could make sense. I’d consider dealing JGP, but only if a significant return is involved. A full teardown isn’t advisable, as the team will aim to compete next season, so maintaining depth at center is crucial. If things don’t work out, they could still move JGP at the 26-27 trade deadline.

 

[doublechili]

Dobson was looking pretty good until his game went south. Did that coincide with Roy coming in as coach? If so, it would be painful to see him go elsewhere and become a stud RHD under another coach.

 

[The Real JT]

Not the start I envisioned. With the team now missing two-thirds of their left side (Pelech and Reilly) and two top-line players (Barzal and Duke) for the next 4 to 6 weeks, this stretch of around 20 games could put them in a major hole. This team won't survive with the likes of Cholo, Bolduc, and Hutton playing extended minutes or many more games. Add to this the already thin forward depth and the need for another quality forward who can strengthen the top 9 or bottom 6 — someone Roy can trust, as he’s currently only rolling with 9 forwards.

In my opinion, Lou won’t sit back and do nothing; I expect a defenseman will be acquired sooner rather than later.

I’d like to see Lou reach out to Vancouver for Erik Brannstrom. A Brannstrom-for-Wahlstrom swap could work well, as both players have similar salaries and strong draft pedigrees. I also like Derek Forbort, though he may cost more.

Rosner also mentioned Brendan Smith as a possibility, though I don’t see Dallas giving up depth on the blue line.

There are also two unsigned free agents who might help this team: Kevin Shattenkirk and Tyler Johnson. While these aren’t high-profile additions, they could serve as stopgaps until our injured players return.

Another option is for Lou to keep Anthony Beauvillier on the Island after the game against the Penguins. Maybe coming home will reset his game.

As for major moves, I wouldn’t sacrifice top draft picks or key prospects like Eiserman, Pulkininen, Gidlof, Gamzin, or Nelson.

If the season continues trending downward, trading Nelson for a first-round pick and a prospect, and moving Palmieri and Cizikas to the highest bidders, could make sense. I’d consider dealing JGP, but only if a significant return is involved. A full teardown isn’t advisable, as the team will aim to compete next season, so maintaining depth at center is crucial. If things don’t work out, they could still move JGP at the 26-27 trade deadline.

Sensible proposals but none that make this team appreciably better.

As for the JGP reference, I’m perplexed by the comment “only if a significant return is involved.” Come on now, he’s not leaving the Island unless we attach assets.

 

[crashthenet]

But at least they would have a better Chance than what you have now.
I think Tkachuk has another Gear we have not seen yet.
Barzal for Tkachuk is a deal you make.
I just do not think this team has a chance to win more than a round or two with Barzy as "The Best" Player on this team besides Sorokin.
I feel bad saying it, but he overthinks every play, tries to do too much and nobody knows what the Hell he is doing half the time, including himself!!!!

Hard to disagree with this when you watch Lee play with Horvat and think Brady is currently a better version of Lee.

 

[NYI365]

I make a Barzal for Tkachuk trade every day of the week

 

[Throttle]

I should have clarified, if the goal is to rebuild, it doesn’t make sense to rebuild around a 29 year old superstar goalie, unless you think this is a 2 - 3 year rebuild. If it takes 4-5 years or more, Sorokin’s likely on the downside.
Trading Barzal to just trade Barzal is exactly what I hope management does not do, unless there’s clear direction behind the move - presumably as part of rebuilding (so getting good young assets back). But, if you’re trading Barzal just to get rid of him, that seems pointless.
If the goal is to trade Barzal to improve the team here and now (so not rebuilding), I think that continues with the delusion that this team is good enough and if they could only get Tkachuk for Barzal (can’t see that happening btw) they’d be playoff bound. Even if Lou could somehow make that deal, this team is still not a contender.

The trading of Barzal is in essence getting rid of him, yes, but in the lateral move of acquiring additional player(s) to reshape the roster, not dumping him out of spite. Also, just getting picks back ain’t gonna work either in a cap league (and it’s just not a smart move). He has value, no doubt.

Another larger problem is his cap hit, on a lot of teams he would be the highest cap hit, so a number of teams would have to be comfortable with upsetting (or resetting) their cap hierarchy. (He never should have paid this deal to begin with, but that’s another matter).

There’s always a sucker out there, hopefully, the isles can find one and move on.

 

[Osakahaus]

``Interesting Islanders note, @reporterchris mentioned in two podcasts over the last couple days that if the team is out of the playoff hunt you can expect to see UFA Brock Nelson to be at the top of the trade boards at the trade deadline. #Isles #NHL``

this isnt interesting, this is logical...

I make a Barzal for Tkachuk trade every day of the week

Lets add in Dobson too because the dude badly needs a reset.

 

[SI]

Sensible proposals but none that make this team appreciably better.

As for the JGP reference, I’m perplexed by the comment “only if a significant return is involved.” Come on now, he’s not leaving the Island unless we attach assets.

The proposals are not to make them SC contenders but so they won't sink for the next 4 to 6 weeks.

A RH 3C with Pageau's pedigree is valuable, especially come the trade deadline. Now, the 5m next season is what will put teams off. But if Lou were to retain 50%, I think the return could be significant. A Stanley Cup contender would then have a 3 C in JGP for their playoff run (where he has been a big-time performer) and for one more season at 2.5 AAV

I make a Barzal for Tkachuk trade every day of the week

He's not getting traded to Ottawa or wherever - he has a full NTC. move on.

 

[SI]

delete

 

[periferal]

One name going around on multiple sites:

What's the "name?" That report only talks about the Isles looking for defensive help, but doesn't mention anyone specific.

 

[Osakahaus]

What's the "name?" That report only talks about the Isles looking for defensive help, but doesn't mention anyone specific.

Gustaffsson

 

[periferal]

``Interesting Islanders note, @reporterchris mentioned in two podcasts over the last couple days that if the team is out of the playoff hunt you can expect to see UFA Brock Nelson to be at the top of the trade boards at the trade deadline. #Isles #NHL``

this isnt interesting, this is logical...

Yes, but what is ILLOGICAL is that the GM won't trade him.

If we see Lou trade Nelson (or anyone else) for futures before the deadline then I will be shocked because what it means is that Malkin/Ledecky are mandating it. And this after Ledecky has said multiple times, "If you don't trust your GM then you don't have a GM."

Lots of fans will not want to hear this, but it would actually be better if the 24-25 Isles totally faceplant leaving management/ownership no choice but to trade the pending UFAs...As opposed to continually trading picks for average talent that doesn't move the needle, all while keeping this team in cap hell.

Right now we cannot trust at least the GM to do the right thing (or ownership to force him to do the right thing). We need the situation to dictate it.

 

[Osakahaus]

Yes, but what is ILLOGICAL is that the GM won't trade him.

If we see Lou trade Nelson (or anyone else) for futures before the deadline then I will be shocked because what it means is that Malkin/Ledecky are mandating it. And this after Ledecky has said multiple times, "If you don't trust your GM then you don't have a GM."

Lots of fans will not want to hear this, but it would actually be better if the 24-25 Isles totally faceplant leaving management/ownership no choice but to trade the pending UFAs...As opposed to continually trading picks for average talent that doesn't move the needle, all while keeping this team in cap hell.

Right now we cannot trust at least the GM to do the right thing (or ownership to force him to do the right thing). We need the situation to dictate it.

and even then, if we stink for a few months and get better, THAT is better than being too loyal to the point where you end up like the Sharks with nothing down the line. Islanders badly need to avoid that fate. Live with some suffering before that suffering becomes long term and painful!

 

[periferal]

and even then, if we stink for a few months and get better, THAT is better than being too loyal to the point where you end up like the Sharks with nothing down the line. Islanders badly need to avoid that fate. Live with some suffering before that suffering becomes long term and painful!

Not exactly sure what you're saying here, but in the past 20 years the Blackhawks, Penguins, Oilers, Avalanche, Panthers, and Lightning were all in the position that the Sharks find themselves in now.

Talking about the "Sharks" or any team that's crappy now is being disingenuous if you don't look at history and see what those teams can become. Oh and by the way...Those "crappy Sharks" are only 2 points behind the Islanders, and have scored more goals. Maybe we're a lot closer to the Sharks than we want to admit.

Other then the Knights who were gifted some insane expansion rules, not too many teams who don't going through some real suffering before they win a Cup - Which I hope is what every fan's ultimate goal is.

 

[SI]

What's the "name?" That report only talks about the Isles looking for defensive help, but doesn't mention anyone specific.

EF - mentions Matt Benning, who was just acquired by Toronto and they are making him available; he makes 1.25 this season and next.

Vancouver has 8 D men on their roster as well as depth in the AHL, so I think someone like Brannstrom could be available, especially since Vancouver needs some depth at forward, Daniel Sprong has not worked out like they hoped.

Rosner mentioned Brendan Smith, who has 1y/1m - Dallas also has 8 capable d men on the roster, and Erik Gustafsson who makes 2m this year and next - the salary and term makes that a big NO for me.

Then there is smoke around Arber Xhekaj - Montreal Canadiens Arber Xhekaj Trade Buzz Heats Up: Darren Dreger Reveals Surging Interest in the Defenseman

Now I do not think the 2025 1st should be moved - right now for him - but he would be exactly what this blueline would need.

 

[IslesNorway]

What exactly do the Islanders have to trade to make the team better in the present situation? I’m not talking about trading Barzal but to try and save the season before it’s over already. Obviously they can make a small move or pick someone off waivers but it’s not going to change anything. It seems to me they are stuck in limbo with all the injuries.

 

[periferal]

EF - mentions Matt Benning, who was just acquired by Toronto and they are making him available; he makes 1.25 this season and next.

Vancouver has 8 D men on their roster as well as depth in the AHL, so I think someone like Brannstrom could be available, especially since Vancouver needs some depth at forward, Daniel Sprong has not worked out like they hoped.

Rosner mentioned Brendan Smith, who has 1y/1m - Dallas also has 8 capable d men on the roster, and Erik Gustafsson who makes 2m this year and next - the salary and term makes that a big NO for me.

Then there is smoke around Arber Xhekaj - Montreal Canadiens Arber Xhekaj Trade Buzz Heats Up: Darren Dreger Reveals Surging Interest in the Defenseman

Now I do not think the 2025 1st should be moved - right now for him - but he would be exactly what this blueline would need.

If the 2025 1st is moved it better be for an absolute STUD in his mid 20's. Because that pick is going to be a lottery pick and it's looking like a very good one with a chance at Hagens. If you wind up giving up the #1 overall pick in any draft, much less 2025, you better have killed the return on that trade because otherwise that alone is a fireable offense.

 

[Chockey22]

If the 2025 1st is moved it better be for an absolute STUD in his mid 20's. Because that pick is going to be a lottery pick and it's looking like a very good one with a chance at Hagens. If you wind up giving up the #1 overall pick in any draft, much less 2025, you better have killed the return on that trade because otherwise that alone is a fireable offense.

If Lou trades a first or a second this year in the hopes of salvaging this season, it will be a disaster - unless he somehow manages to fleece another GM (which he has yet to do). If he moves a mid or late round pick to get some defensive help so that Sorokin isn't left out to dry in front of an AHL defence, then that makes sense.

 

[Throttle]

The proposals are not to make them SC contenders but so they won't sink for the next 4 to 6 weeks.

A RH 3C with Pageau's pedigree is valuable, especially come the trade deadline. Now, the 5m next season is what will put teams off. But if Lou were to retain 50%, I think the return could be significant. A Stanley Cup contender would then have a 3 C in JGP for their playoff run (where he has been a big-time performer) and for one more season at 2.5 AAV


He's not getting traded to Ottawa or wherever - he has a full NTC. move on.

This is funny. So, JGP who has a MNTC clause with term will waive it, but Barzal won’t, so move on (ps - Barzal has a MNTC…).

Well, the Isles are in tough spot since Nelson and Palms have MNTCs.