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

[seafoam]

Right. So the Islanders didn't waive a player they had on a long term contract a couple months ago?

Engvall is making 3M per, that's not an irrelevant example but it's also not the same situation. NYR has done a better job of holding their highest paid players accountable.

And I'm not trying to say they have been perfect either...they traded McDonagh who is 35 years old and is still playing like a top pairing defenseman.

Engvall is a depth player.

 

[The Real JT]

Ryan Pulock is only 30 years old.

His first 3 full NHL seasons he averaged 10 goals and 35 points. That’s a good sample size.

He’s not declining physically. I’ll admit the Isles are a defensively minded team but what happened to his offensive game?

 

[seabass45]

An issue?

A player not living up to his contract was in danger of being waived (completely within bounds of his contract since he didn't have a NMC), and thus decided to waive his NTC to continue to board charter flights instead of Greyhound buses.

He wasnt in danger of being waived because he was performing below bare minimum NHL standards. Barzal being suggested here with the same threat so we could send him to Buffalo, a place on everyones NTC list, is a clue.

Players see it and they’re going to adjust.

 

[Isles72]

Ryan Pulock is only 30 years old.

His first 3 full NHL seasons he averaged 10 goals and 35 points. That’s a good sample size.

He’s not declining physically. I’ll admit the Isles are a defensively minded team but what happened to his offensive game?

I think he's been tasked as the main shutdown guy which is fine by me . He wouldnt be the first guy drafted for offense that turns into that .

on another team perhaps he's the featured one-timer on the PP or even again with the Isles .

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

Engvall is making 3M per, that's not an irrelevant example but it's also not the same situation. NYR has done a better job of holding their highest paid players accountable.

And I'm not trying to say they have been perfect either...they traded McDonagh who is 35 years old and is still playing like a top pairing defenseman.

Engvall is a depth player.

I don't think the amount of money really matters. Your claim was that there's no accountability for underperforming players, when there obviously is.

By your estimation, which comparable player in terms of salary should be waived and traded? Barzal? Horvat? Lee? To what end?

This "country club" stuff is people just saying things.

 

[Sparksrus3]

The best move would have been to trade 3/4 of the team last night during the 2nd period intermission. We might see another period like that in February or March ….LGI

 

[The Real JT]

The best move would have been to trade 3/4 of the team last night during the 2nd period intermission. We might see another period like that in February or March ….LGI

That was an impressive period in an otherwise depressing season.

Reminded me of the Knicks Linsanity days.

 

[Throttle]

Ryan Pulock is only 30 years old.

His first 3 full NHL seasons he averaged 10 goals and 35 points. That’s a good sample size.

He’s not declining physically. I’ll admit the Isles are a defensively minded team but what happened to his offensive game?

His windup is really slow and his accuracy is not great. As the game got faster post COVID, it became harder for him to go through his windup to shoot.

My guess is Trotz or someone on his staff suggested he is better off pushing the puck vs the big windup.

His shot would frequently miss and the puck sail around the boards out of the zone. With faster players, he was at risk of the puck being stolen while getting his shot off.

 

[Osakahaus]

I think that the islanders have a good one in Tsyplakov but I do think that Paliafito should stay around. He's been fine at least. The islanders really need to add more guys like his caliber instead of the obvious. Engvall is probably gone soon, but that contract is an anchor. My other opinion is that Dobson played really pissed off for once, and that's a good thing. We need him to play with anger, and I would hate it to see him traded, even if they can get a defenseman who is better than him.

 

[duster19]

Ryan Pulock is only 30 years old.

His first 3 full NHL seasons he averaged 10 goals and 35 points. That’s a good sample size.

He’s not declining physically. I’ll admit the Isles are a defensively minded team but what happened to his offensive game?

He handles the puck like it’s a grenade. And I move faster than him.

 

[Jerseyislander]

It isn't a matter of whether it would be a good move to trade Nelson. I think most of us would agree that it is EXACTLY the type of move Lou should consider as well as finding out what they could get for Palmieri, coming off 30 goals where his value isn't likely to be higher. They are the two players (and arguably only two among the regulars) where we wouldn't have to attach an asset(s) to move them and are likely getting something meaningful back.

Those added picks (perhaps as high as a 1st and 2nd, and maybe as many as 3 high picks/ or perhaps some young top end prospects- coupled with our 1st rounder and (2) 2nd rounders we currently have) and $11 million in payroll would go a long way to adding some much needed skill and youth to this team- which everyone can agree is built upon the futures of Barzal (27), Dobson (24), Sorokin (28-which is relatively young for a G) and to a lesser extent both of Horvat (29) and Romanov (24)...

Who wouldn't want that??

But reality is realizing who our GM is and that isn't how he operates and I have seen little to nothing to suggest he is going to make these type of moves, whether you want to call it a partial rebuild or whatever.

It simply isn't going to happen

If the Rags are cleaning things up and not happy with the Ice Man. fire him so our owners can reposition LL into operations ONLY and bring in Peter L as the New GM. Hmmmm
Keep LL close to the closet and lets open the door for a new way of thinking for our team...

 

[Throttle]

I think that the islanders have a good one in Tsyplakov but I do think that Paliafito should stay around. He's been fine at least. The islanders really need to add more guys like his caliber instead of the obvious. Engvall is probably gone soon, but that contract is an anchor. My other opinion is that Dobson played really pissed off for once, and that's a good thing. We need him to play with anger, and I would hate it to see him traded, even if they can get a defenseman who is better than him.

Engvall’s contract is a big nothing burger. He can waived (already done) or bought out and it’s a cheap hit. It’s whether Malkin wants to foot the bill of Lou’s mistake.

For all the talk of using the crap heap of ‘cheaper’ former first rounders gonna moonshot into 15 minute a night 30 point players, it hasn’t happened despite numerous opportunities.

If the Rags are cleaning things up and not happy with the Ice Man. fire him so our owners can reposition LL into operations ONLY and bring in Peter L as the New GM. Hmmmm
Keep LL close to the closet and lets open the door for a new way of thinking for our team...

Has Peter L ever been in management before? No.

Running a team vs coaching it are very different things.

Why people want a coach with no management experience to run an organization is beyond comprehension. Look at Barry’s zero management experience on full display in NASH. You really want that?

 

[Osakahaus]

Engvall’s contract is a big nothing burger. He can waived (already done) or bought out and it’s a cheap hit. It’s whether Malkin wants to foot the bill of Lou’s mistake.

For all the talk of using the crap heap of ‘cheaper’ former first rounders gonna moonshot into 15 minute a night 30 point players, it hasn’t happened despite numerous opportunities.

Still a bad contract the more and more we see him "play"

Seriously 7 years for him AND Mayfield was a massive mistake

 

[The Real JT]

Engvall’s contract buyout would be $10M over 10 years. $1M/year is inconsequential with respect to the salary cap.

Not so long ago the Wild bought out Parise and Suter for way more $. Last I looked, that hasn’t hurt them.

 

[Big L]

Any idea that the PK is so disgustingly bad, why they keep running the same fvcking thing over and over? Like how does no one realize it’s time to do something, anything, different?

 

[The Real JT]

Any idea that the PK is so disgustingly bad, why they keep running the same fvcking thing over and over? Like how does no one realize it’s time to do something, anything, different?

While you’re not wrong I think it basically comes down to a lack of talent.

 

[leeroggy]

Any idea that the PK is so disgustingly bad, why they keep running the same fvcking thing over and over? Like how does no one realize it’s time to do something, anything, different?

They've tried multiple formations and tried pressing out
Hate to say it, but it could well be Soro and Varly not making saves on the PK
Their PK save % was poor last year and a lot of the PK goals are from angles they should have stopped

 

[seabass45]

Engvall’s contract buyout would be $10M over 10 years. $1M/year is inconsequential with respect to the salary cap.

Not so long ago the Wild bought out Parise and Suter for way more $. Last I looked, that hasn’t hurt them.

It kind of did. They've had to eat a 15 mil penalty for the last two years because of those buyouts. That's 15 mil that could have been spent on players that could help them. That they're in first place right now is due to them doing incredible work building around that (special thanks to LA for handing them a franchise defenseman). Most teams would be in the sewer if they had to work around the same issue.

Obviously the Engvall buyout wouldn't be nearly as much a hindrance but let's not pretend that the Wild situation is a nothing-burger.

 

[Big L]

They've tried multiple formations and tried pressing out
Hate to say it, but it could well be Soro and Varly not making saves on the PK
Their PK save % was poor last year and a lot of the PK goals are from angles they should have stopped

I think all 4 PKers being so close to the goalie is a twofold problem. A) they screen the goalie and B) it allows the other team to do whatever they want within 14 feet of the net.

 

[SI]

Just jumping in to address some of the buzz on this page:

Regarding Pulock
His role has evolved significantly since those more productive seasons. He’s no longer getting the same power-play time he used to, likely due to either the time it takes for him to get his shot off or concerns about accuracy—both fair critiques. That said, the team has had better PP options in Leddy, Toews, and now Dobson.

Pulock has transitioned into the Isles’ top right-handed shutdown defenseman. Logging 22+ minutes a game, blocking shots, playing a physical style, and taking on the toughest matchups, he’s a critical part of the solution. He’s also difficult to replace, especially with a full NTC for the next two seasons.

On Engvall
His time with the Isles looks to be over. That contract is a disaster and seems destined for a buyout this summer unless Lou can somehow move it. Even then, it’ll probably bring back another burdensome deal or cost us an asset.

The Root Problem
The real issue for the 24-25 Islanders is special teams and game management. Dead last in both the PK and PP, and historically bad: 11% on the power play and 65% on the penalty kill. It’s a glaring weakness sinking the season and needs immediate attention.

Seeing Drury take action makes me wonder if Lou will let the season slip by without addressing these glaring issues. Regardless of what we think should be the way forward, Lou has never been a GM to sit idly by. This roster has had almost 30 games to prove itself, yet the same issues from last season are persisting. With that in mind, perhaps smaller, targeted moves could help improve results without overhauling the core:

• Barclay Goodrow, C/LW (4 years, $3.65M AAV) – Sharks (currently injured)
  A Goodrow deal could make sense if Engvall is heading the other way, though the Isles would likely need to add a sweetener. Goodrow would instantly improve the penalty kill as their best PK option.
• Noel Acciari, C/RW (2 years, $2M AAV) – Penguins
  Acciari’s cap hit is manageable, and the cost to acquire him should be reasonable—nothing significant like a first, second, or top prospect. He’d bring value as a right-shot center and bolster the PK immediately.
• Jeremy Lauzon, LHD (2 years, $2M AAV) – Predators (currently injured)
  Lauzon has been solid for the Predators, and acquiring him could set the stage for an offseason move involving Pelech.
• Cole Smith, LW (2 years, $1M AAV) – Predators
  Smith would be a strong addition to the bottom six and an excellent penalty killer. Could a Wahlstrom-for-Smith swap work?

 

[Osakahaus]

If we are trading for Goodrow then I hope to god Lamoriello is gone

 

[duster19]

They've tried multiple formations and tried pressing out
Hate to say it, but it could well be Soro and Varly not making saves on the PK
Their PK save % was poor last year and a lot of the PK goals are from angles they should have stopped

It feels like we give up an abnormal amount of goals from the blue line/deflections.

 

[YearlyLottery]

If we are trading for Goodrow then I hope to god Lamoriello is gone

If it means Engvall is headed the other way like the poster said I am all for it. Less years and actually decent in some areas. That being said I am unsure why a team would even take Engvall at this point.

 

[MikeyMike01]

If it means Engvall is headed the other way like the poster said I am all for it. Less years and actually decent in some areas. That being said I am unsure why a team would even take Engvall at this point.

No thanks. Retain $1M on Engvall and see if anyone wants a reclamation project for $2M per year. Otherwise buy him out. Not taking a $3.64M contract when the alternative is a $1M hit.

 

[12Dog]

Still a bad contract the more and more we see him "play"

Seriously 7 years for him AND Mayfield was a massive mistake

Those 2 contracts?
Money wise isn’t that bad, term?
Doesn’t ownership have any oversight?
My God
Those 2 contracts should have Lou let go

Those 2 players are easily replaced every year
On a minimum contract

That Lou gave both of them 7 year deals?!!!
Why?

Ownership needs a steward, I guess Lou as president was that
Then need an independent GM

This organizational structure?
Lou answer to Lou?
Then bullshits ownership?