You'll make the argument that simple to justify your point, but that's not the issue. Hell yeah the Preds have a flawed lineup, but here's the key...They're going for it the way you need to go for it - By making big swings. Other than the Horvat deal Lou seems to think "big swings" are overpaying for middle-level players.
It's a huge gamble for a very short window, you've mentioned non-stop about wanting the team to have success over the long haul so I'm not sure why you'd applaud moves that are counter to that philosophy when another organization is doing them.
And yet - Want to know who the real judge will be? Who does what on the ice next season. I only care about what other GMs are doing because it gives a good comparable of what Lou is not doing.
I think Trotz made a mistake and much prefer what Lamoriello is doing right now.
I'm just saying if a year from now the Isles are another 1st round exit, or miss the playoffs entirely, should it be "business as usual" for Lou in the summer of 2025? When does it end for you where he's not getitng it done and is replaced by someone who might?
If you haven't seen enough that's totally fine. Up to you. I have.
I've already mentioned that I wouldn't care if Lamoriello was replaced. He needs to start changing the team and the way he operates, and he did that with actually making draft picks this season. The ones you mentioned time and time again wouldn't actually be used.
There's still work to do and if he doesn't trade Nelson or Palmieri I'll be pretty annoyed. I don't see how this team should be adding anything other than young talent or draft picks at this point.
Agree with this, but Marchessault moves the needle much more than Duclair does.
I know you and I both love Marchessault's game but he wasn't the right fit for the amount of money and term he received. 5 years at $5.5M for a 33 year old is just quite a gamble.
All that said...In your opinion what would "turn this team into a Cup contender?" Honestly would love to hear - The more specific the better.
I've already stated this numerous times. This season could/should be a step back to get better moving forward.
I'd be trading Nelson and/or Palmieri ASAP to get maximum value for them as they enter their final year under contract. Neither one is good enough or young enough to warrant re-signing, so they won't be around when the team is ready for a serious push again. Grab whatever picks and prospects can be had.
Look to move Pageau if he has any value right now, if not I'd wait to move him and Lee next summer so it's less expensive to get rid of them.
That'd create more than enough assets and free cap space to try and acquire any player hitting the market (via trade of free agency). It leaves Barzal, Horvat, Dobson, and Sorokin intact.
Trotz brought those guys in as a supporting cast for Forsberg/Josi/Saros who by the way are probably better than Barza/Dobson/Sorokin right now.
Not saying the Islanders should have done those deals (I don't think they shouldn't), just pointing out the real core of the team is not the bodies they added.
Absolutely, and Josi is better than anyone on the Islanders roster. Forsberg is similar to the guys we have up front, and Saros is good but not quite as good as Sorokin. My biggest issue with those moves is the age of all the players involved. The window for Nashville is going to be really short and I don't think that they're in the same tier as Edmonton, Dallas, Vegas, etc. even with the moves they made.
We'll see though, maybe Trotz hit a home run. I love Trotz and the city of Nashville so I hope they have success.
