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

[seabass45]

if that's the case it would cost us more to get him. That shows even more reasons why Lou must go. He has not pull anymore with GMs. to be, he is not respected by the GMs now. They know they can take advantage of him

Why shouldn't it take more for us to get him? Trotz isn't doing any team favors, and it's stupid to claim that he doesn't "respect" Lou. His job is to get the best return for his players, especially players who they invested a lot of draft capital on. If he accepts less then he isn't doing his job.

 

[Glorydays22]

Why shouldn't it take more for us to get him? Trotz isn't doing any team favors, and it's stupid to claim that he doesn't "respect" Lou. His job is to get the best return for his players, especially players who they invested a lot of draft capital on. If he accepts less then he isn't doing his job.

LOL, you just stated to me, that if Trotz offered him to us it would be a 3rd. So why would it be a 3rd if it's us??? Only reason is Trotz thinks he can get more from Lou than other GMs.

 

[seabass45]

LOL, you just stated to me, that if Trotz offered him to us it would be a 3rd. So why would it be a 3rd if it's us??? Only reason is Trotz thinks he can get more from Lou than other GMs.

Because the expectation would be that our fourth is going to be lower than their fourth. This is where I repeat my previous statement about the Pens potentially being very bad in 2027 with Crosby and Malkin being retired or close to it. Hence, the only way we could beat their offer with that estimate in mind is with a third. This really shouldn’t be difficult to understand.

 

[Big L]

FWIW this isn't that bad for a 23 year old. As a comparison, Brock Nelson had 68 points in his first 154 games.

That’s fine, all I’m saying is the isles have plenty of those bottom 6 players. No need to give up a 4th for a carbon copy of players they already have. It’s a waste of a pick.

 

[seabass45]

That’s fine, all I’m saying is the isles have plenty of those bottom 6 players. No need to give up a 4th for a carbon copy of players they already have. It’s a waste of a pick.

And I’m saying he might not be just a bottom six player. .5 PPG isn’t bad at that age. Brock Nelson had similar stats early on and eventually broke out. Tomasino might do the same, or maybe not, but Pittsburgh will have to figure out how they can get him to that next level now.

 

[doublechili]

Are you f***ing kidding me....Pittsburgh gets Philip Tomasino for a Freaking 4th rounder? This is why Lou needs to be punched, and dropped kicked out the door immediately. He and Trotz have a relationship and we can't get a deal like this for a young kid with talent who hasn't really gotten a fair chance...what a joke mgmt is...

Eddie Tomasino stole Lou's lunch one day back at Holy Name Elementary School. There's no way he was adding someone with that last name to the orchestra, at any price.

 

[Chockey22]

I hear ya. The Isles seem like they are best suited for a multi-trade scenario to change up the core - a little bit like how FL did it. I would say the keepers are Sorokin, Dobson, Romanov, and Horvat.

Horvat? For what reason other than trying to save face on an ill-advised trade and contract extension?

 

[DerekKingSnipes]

George's shot already looks better than Pelech's, His outlet passes are more crisp.
I think George has more Offense than Pelech ever had once he reaches his potential imho...

Yeah but i think hes max 20-30 point guy, not a PP guy either.

 

[Throttle]

Horvat? For what reason other than trying to save face on an ill-advised trade and contract extension?

Because you need players on the ice. He’s a good to very good player. He got a UFA payday and Lou didn’t give up much to get him. Top tier UFAs (or talent) don’t really find their way to Long Island.

Upping the talent = good trade. Believing it would help the other center = bad trade.

 

[Chockey22]

Because you need players on the ice. He’s a good to very good player. He got a UFA payday and Lou didn’t give up much to get him. Top tier UFAs (or talent) don’t really find their way to Long Island.

Upping the talent = good trade. Believing it would help the other center = bad trade.

It would be interesting if you could evaluate all players like you evaluate Barzal; you could make the exact same case for Barzal as you just did for Horvat - you need players, he’s a good to very good player, etc. The reality is that Horvat is mediocre, and nearly every Vancouver Canuck fan will tell you they love that trade because he’s just not that good.

 

[SI]

I’d rather get Dobson on a bridge deal vs trading him. His confidence and defense are questionable- this is a good time to bridge him since he ain’t earning a big long term deal.

If people want to be ‘younger’ he still fits the mold and one can deal with his growing pains. It’s the payday that’s at issue.

What bridge deal? He is on a bridge deal. Dobson is eligible to be a UFA after the 2025-26 season. If there is no long-term contract, Isles will qualify him and Dobson will file for arbitration. And mind you players who are only 1 year away from being a UFA can only have a 1 year contract awarded. Dobson has way more leverage than when he signed his 3-year bridge deal.

If it is not a long-term deal, then Dobson can take his 1-year arbitration reward and bet on himself when he becomes a UFA.

 

[SI]

Wouldn’t trade Eiserman for him. But I would trade Dobson for a forward and trade something else for Jiricek. These are the type of moves needed to redo the core.

Moving Dobson to a team like Anaheim for one of their top young F's (Mactavish?) Trading Nelson for a 1st +, then sending those pieces to Columbus for Jiricek, similar to what Vancouver did with Horvat and receiving Hronek.

In this situation, you have no D to put on PP 1 - you may have to go with 5 F's with that blue line.

I doubt Dobson will get traded

 

[SI]

To SELL or NOT to Sell -
HERE is my stab at selling -

I’ve been posting on this board for a long time—this is actually my second stint here after going dark for a few years. Some of you know me as someone who tries to stay positive. I’ve always been one of the last to throw in the towel, even when the outlook wasn’t great. I didn’t think it was the right time to sell last year or the year before, but I believe the time has come.

I like the way Roy has this team playing, but unfortunately, the results just aren’t there. This team needs to take a step back this year to make that next big jump. Clearing some cap space, making smart deals, and replenishing the prospect cupboard are necessary moves for the long-term health of the franchise. I still firmly believe in the core we have here - Sorokin, Dobson, Romanov, Barzal, and Horvat - and I think with the right adjustments, they can lead this team to a brighter future.

If the Islanders find themselves trending in the same direction—on the outside looking in at a playoff spot—by January 2025, moving players like Brock Nelson (@ 50% retained), Kyle Palmieri (@ 50% retained), and possibly Semyon Varlamov (if he waives his no-trade clause) could yield significant returns. Here’s a breakdown of potential trade partners and targets:

Buffalo Sabres​

Buffalo is desperate to end their playoff drought and might look to add reliable veterans to stabilize their lineup. Acquiring Nelson would allow them to move Dylan Cozens to RW while providing much-needed depth and coverage, especially given Tage Thompson’s frequent injury issues. Nelson or Palmieri could be perfect fits for their playoff push. Potential targets include Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund, Jack Quinn, or even a 1st-round pick. While a stretch, Bowen Byram could also be worth exploring.

Detroit Red Wings​

Detroit is aggressively pursuing a playoff spot, and Nelson’s leadership and two-way game make him an attractive addition. Their prospect pool is deep, featuring names like Axel Sandin Pellikka, Nate Danielson, Marco Kasper, and, potentially, a 1st-round pick as part of the return.

Minnesota Wild​

Minnesota lacks center depth, and Nelson would fill that gap perfectly. Varlamov could also provide solid backup goaltending. Potential targets include Danila Yurov, Liam Ohgren, Riley Heidt, or a 1st-round pick.

Washington Capitals​

Washington’s aging core means they’ll likely look to compete for one more playoff run. With their need for goaltending, Varlamov could be a natural fit, especially given the chance to reunite with Alex Ovechkin, which could incentivize him to waive his no-move clause. Targets might include Andrew Cristall, Terik Parascak, Ivan Miroshnichenko, or a 1st-round pick.

Dallas Stars​

Dallas is already a strong contender, but adding a versatile scorer like Palmieri or a two-way center like Nelson could make them almost unbeatable. Potential returns could include Mavrik Bourque, Lian Bischell, or a 1st-round pick.

Carolina Hurricanes​

Carolina is always in the market for depth and reliability come playoff time. Nelson would be an excellent fit as a 2C, while Varlamov could provide elite goaltending insurance. Possible targets include Scott Morrow, Jackson Blake, a 1st rounder, or Brady Nadeau.

Buffalo and Detroit are desperate to make the playoffs, Minnesota needs a center, Washington is searching for a goaltender, and Carolina and Dallas are looking to solidify their playoff chances. The Islanders are in a strong position to extract valuable assets from these teams. If Lou plays his cards right, we could set this team up for sustained success while keeping our core intact.

Imagine if Lou can turn Varlamov, Nelson, & Palmieri into Cristall, an extra 2025 1st, a young player like Ostlund, Morrow, Yurov, or Quinn.

 

[Lek]

Agree...it is time. It truly is not a lack of effort but more the case of a team just needing something more than it can give. On a personal level will hate to see some of these guys go as i like them, but this team has not had an earth-shaking shake up in a long time, and it is due....and it is the right time.