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

[impaaaaaact]

I don't really follow junior hockey players, but if Hagens was not an Islanders fan, would he even be in the discussion?

A year ago he was the no doubt first overall. However, his first collegiate season was a dissapointment, only going PPG - by comparison, last year's #1 overall put up something like 1.75 PPG (which was insane). Still, expectations were high as he was on a line with two of the best players in college hockey. Not sure that that was the best situation for him to be in, but regardless it was disappointing compared to the expectations for him.

Meanwhile, Schaefer made enough of an impression on scouts in like 20 CHL games plus a couple of tournaments that some are saying he's the best defensive prospect since Dahlin. I'd be lying if I told you I watched him a bunch, but going off the board when 9/10 professionals agree that this guy is the best prospect in the draft seems silly, whether that's for Hagens (feel good story) or for Misa (organizational need).

I'm not against the idea of trading down (or trading up for that matter), but we would have to get a couple of sure things to do it.

 

[Lame Lambert]

So you would trade Dobson and Eiserman for a chance to draft Hagens next month?

I would absolutely trade Dobson in a package to get Hagens. Eiserman wouldn’t really make any sense from our side or a potential trade partner’s side, but if there is a deal that makes sense, sure.

 

[NC 1972]

Agreed, but there's still eventually going to be a log jam if you're expecting one of Pulkinnen/Odelius to eventually make the NHL and George already showing that he's capable. If you sign Romanov (and can't move Pelech), there's no spot for either.

By trading Romanov you can either grab a pick/prospect that might come into their prime with Schaefer/Eiserman/Ritchie/Nelson/next year's two picks (and clear 6M-ish off the books). Or you can get top 6 help now, as that will be the biggest weakness in our prospect pool assuming Schaefer is drafted.

I wouldn’t trade Romanov , he’s the only guy on the team that keeps the opposing teams forwards honest, consistently throwing big hits in open ice. He is one we want to keep.

 

[Glorydays22]

I would absolutely trade Dobson in a package to get Hagens. Eiserman wouldn’t really make any sense from our side or a potential trade partner’s side, but if there is a deal that makes sense, sure.

I just think that's not good value if you are talking this. Again, I'm going say this....Fans when they are down on a player, devalve that player greatly.

I'm telling you if the New GM told all the team in the league Dobson's up for grabs, you're getting offers of 1st rounder +

Teams will see a 25 yr old RD with a tons of skill and will think two things:
last year was just a bad year and he can bounce back and get 70+ pts
or if they see som flaws, think they can fix them and make up a perennial all-star.

What is one of the premium positions right now? it's a offensive RD

 

[periferal]

I would absolutely trade Dobson in a package to get Hagens. Eiserman wouldn’t really make any sense from our side or a potential trade partner’s side, but if there is a deal that makes sense, sure.

Serious question...


How many times have you seen Hagens play?

 

[Chardo]

Dobson isn't going anywhere. Just stop.

 

[boredmale]

Dobson isn't going anywhere. Just stop.

 

[xECK29x]

I don't really follow junior hockey players, but if Hagens was not an Islanders fan, would he even be in the discussion?

Yea he has been the consensus number one for multiple years until 1/4th into this season for this draft, everyone seems to have forgotten that

 

[Thrasymachus]

Yea he has been the consensus number one for multiple years until 1/4th into this season for this draft, everyone seems to have forgotten that

I care more about what scouts think now than a year ago.

And no, the top two are Misa and Schaefer, we are only talking about Hagens because of where he is from.

 

[seafoam]

What I love about Misa is that he was basically a goal per game as well as an assist per game.

If Hagens was in the OHL, he probably would have 1.5 assists per game but his GPG would likely be far behind Misa’s.

Misa can bury the puck at an elite level, Hagens cannot.

 

[Lame Lambert]

Serious question...


How many times have you seen Hagens play?

I’ve watched whatever YouTube footage is available on all 3 of these prospects since we won the draft. Further, Hagens was the consensus number one in this draft until very recently, and is still the highest rated center. We are going to need a center to play with Eiserman that has the same or similar competition window. Hagens fits that bill.

Now I have watched enough gameplay of Noah Dobson to know that he is not worth 8 million dollars a year, nor does his prime fit the current window of this team. I would trade him in a package for 3 OA regardless of who’s available at that time, because this team’s window is not going to reopen for another 3 years at a minimum.

 

[Lame Lambert]

I just think that's not good value if you are talking this. Again, I'm going say this....Fans when they are down on a player, devalve that player greatly.

I'm telling you if the New GM told all the team in the league Dobson's up for grabs, you're getting offers of 1st rounder +

Teams will see a 25 yr old RD with a tons of skill and will think two things:
last year was just a bad year and he can bounce back and get 70+ pts
or if they see som flaws, think they can fix them and make up a perennial all-star.

What is one of the premium positions right now? it's a offensive RD

I have not and am not suggesting a 1 for 1 trade involving Dobson. He has value as a top 4 RHD, which gives him inherent value over other positions.

And this isn’t me devaluing him over one bad year; my position on him has been consistent that he is highly overvalued by this fanbase and has significant flaws that do not make him worth what he will get paid.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

We are going to need a center to play with Eiserman that has the same or similar competition window. Hagens fits that bill.

Your opinion is based on something that doesn't exist.

 

[periferal]

I’ve watched whatever YouTube footage is available on all 3 of these prospects since we won the draft. Further, Hagens was the consensus number one in this draft until very recently, and is still the highest rated center. We are going to need a center to play with Eiserman that has the same or similar competition window. Hagens fits that bill.

Now I have watched enough gameplay of Noah Dobson to know that he is not worth 8 million dollars a year, nor does his prime fit the current window of this team. I would trade him in a package for 3 OA regardless of who’s available at that time, because this team’s window is not going to reopen for another 3 years at a minimum.

I think you have an ax to grind with Dobson...And are seriously blinded towards Hagens.

How come you don't want to trade back up for Misa?

 

[Lame Lambert]

I think you have an ax to grind with Dobson...And are seriously blinded towards Hagens.

How come you don't want to trade back up for Misa?

I don’t have an axe to grind with Dobson. As I’ve said, my opinion on him has been consistent for years now. You don’t pay a “#1 D” 8 mil+ based on one 70 point season when he continues to make horrific defensive gaffes, can’t play special teams, and needs to be sheltered in the last 5 minutes of a game. Why? Because that is not a #1 D making #1 D money. People here bitch and moan about the Pelech and Pulock contracts, yet this contract would be equally as bad, if not worse in the long term. Therefore, he should be traded.

Show me why that analysis of Dobson as a player is wrong instead of parroting “70 point season” or citing some intangible value that he brings as a RHD. I’m open to hearing reasonable analysis on his game.

Regarding Hagens, I’m not being blinded by anything. I’m valuing him based on organizational need of a center to step into the shoes of Barzal/Horvat when the time comes.

It seems that YOU have an axe to grind with Hagens simply because some people in the fanbase have suggested taking him based on his connection with LI. This is something I have NOT stated in my opinions on what to do with this pick. So maybe give your own analysis on why Hagens is not worth a 3OA or why he’s not the best center in this draft instead of projecting whatever hard-on you have for other fans stating we should take him because of the LI connection onto me.

Last, I like Misa as a player. I think he’s probably the best fit for this team as it’s currently constructed. My concerns with him are organizationally related, as it seems this group of scouts cannot properly evaluate or develop these types of players (a huge reason why I hope the new POHO completely revamps these departments). I also don’t see the Sharks looking to move that pick unless there’s a massive overpay involved. Chicago has their 1C and may be more open to moving their pick.

Your opinion is based on something that doesn't exist.

What doesn’t exist? Our need for a center in 3 years? Barzal is going to be 31 and Horvat is going to be 33. Neither are currently a 1C and Horvat is already starting to decline.

 

[Zeeker]

What doesn’t exist? Our need for a center in 3 years? Barzal is going to be 31 and Horvat is going to be 33. Neither are currently a 1C and Horvat is already starting to decline.

Bold move replying to an RDC post at face value.

 

[isles55]

I don’t understand wanting to trade Dobson. He is one of the few players who will still be in their prime when Ritchie/Eiserman/1st overall are hitting their stride. And he plays a position we are currently awful in and have zero prospects in the pipeline for. You can trade him for another young star, but then the teams biggest organizational need is a right-sided defenseman.

Instead of discussing who should be moved on the left side to make room for Schaefer, we should be discussing which left-sided D should be moved to the right. Pulock has regressed to a bottom-pairing defenseman(being generous). Mayfield is done. DeAngelo is a massive defensive liability and has been a fringe NHLer for years.

 

[JTToilinginToronto]

Dobson isn't going anywhere. Just stop.

Depends on where contract negotiations go with the new GM.

He's a year away from UFA, and we're not winning the Cup in '25-'26. So a decision on him needs to be made. this summer.

Are we signing him LT? If not, you need to trade him. Can't risk having him sign a one year deal, get injured by the trade deadline and then walk for free in 2026.

 

[Chockey22]

Obviously Dobson is the first order of business for the new GM. The reality is that we have no idea how that will go. If he won't sign long term (wants out) or is demanding an overpay, the draft is the time to move him if the goal is picks over players. The interesting question is whether they look to move him for a high draft pick, or a young scoring forward. I have a feeling the owners, and therefore new GM, still think this team can make the playoffs next year and if that's the case any trade would be a player for player swap.

 

[ekill08x]

I’ve been one of the biggest Dobson haters and don’t think he’s worth what he’s going to ask for. That being said I wouldn’t just give him away for a lottery ticket either. You can’t just fill a roster with a bunch of young kids and expect them all to develop. That would be a nightmare and we’ll have busts and won’t win for a long time. If the contract is fair you keep Dobson. Start unloading the older vets who have checked out.

 

[YearlyLottery]

I’ve watched whatever YouTube footage is available on all 3 of these prospects since we won the draft. Further, Hagens was the consensus number one in this draft until very recently, and is still the highest rated center. We are going to need a center to play with Eiserman that has the same or similar competition window. Hagens fits that bill.

Now I have watched enough gameplay of Noah Dobson to know that he is not worth 8 million dollars a year, nor does his prime fit the current window of this team. I would trade him in a package for 3 OA regardless of who’s available at that time, because this team’s window is not going to reopen for another 3 years at a minimum.

While I would not LOVE trading Dobson + for the third overall pick I do think giving Dobson an 8 year $8 million dollar deal is even worse.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

What doesn’t exist? Our need for a center in 3 years? Barzal is going to be 31 and Horvat is going to be 33. Neither are currently a 1C and Horvat is already starting to decline.

Will you not need players at every position in 3 years?

 

[Konk]

I’ve watched whatever YouTube footage is available on all 3 of these prospects since we won the draft. Further, Hagens was the consensus number one in this draft until very recently, and is still the highest rated center. We are going to need a center to play with Eiserman that has the same or similar competition window. Hagens fits that bill.

Now I have watched enough gameplay of Noah Dobson to know that he is not worth 8 million dollars a year, nor does his prime fit the current window of this team. I would trade him in a package for 3 OA regardless of who’s available at that time, because this team’s window is not going to reopen for another 3 years at a minimum.

Hagens was already being dropped out of the top spot as early as November by some rankings and was as low as #4. By January, no scouting services or ranking had him in the top spot anymore. He's also behind Misa as far as centers go.

I guess that's recent in terms of the 40 something years I've been walking around planet Earth, but in relation to the length of the season -- that's ancient history.

 

[MJF]

Bold move replying to an RDC post at face value.

He just wants people to play with him.

 

[Lame Lambert]

Will you not need players at every position in 3 years?

We pretty much will, which is exactly what happens when your GM locks up a bunch of middling players on 8 year deals and perennially tries to “win now” by mortgaging the future and not developing talent.