The reality of the situation is nothing will change/happen until barzal duclair and Pelech come back from injury, whenever that will be. And then you’ll have to wait another month or more to see if it makes a difference. Now we’re getting close to TDL. If they’re out of it, you’ll likely see some moves. Otherwise, you won’t. Until then, there’s really no point in spouting the same thing over and over again.
Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2024-25: Re-Tool, Re-Group, Re-Mix, Re-Build
- Thread starter PK Cronin
- Start date
Strummergas
Regular User
I think this will be the case. If they're somehow in the playoff hunt at or near the deadline, we probably won't see any trades made to move out expiring or close to expiring contracts. And like last year, I also don't think they will move any futures for short-term help in the playoffs. MAYBE a Horvat-type deal is made, but hopefully for a player even younger than he was when he was acquired.If they're mathematically eliminated or all but come the TDL, then I think that's the only time players like Nelson and Palms, and even Lee and JPG will be moved out for futures. But if they have a reasonable chance at making it in, Lou would rather just let them walk for nothing than give up a shot at the post-season.
I've said it before, but I think the "rebuild" will happen by attrition. Although many here are clamoring to "burn it to the ground", it ain't happening for a myriad of reasons. And really, what's the difference? Seems like we'll be watching losing hockey for the next little while either way. They just have to draft well no matter where they pick.
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Zeeker
Registered User
- Feb 15, 2016
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The difference is that the odds for a long, brutal rebuild will significantly increase if we continue to let players walk, rather than recoup assets. Drafting can be a crapshoot and the more darts you can throw at the dartboard, the better chance something worthwhile sticks. That’s Carolina’s approach, and they’re pretty good.
The frustrating truth is that you’re likely correct about Lou’s thinking here - letting Nelson and Palmieri walk. But I don’t see how you can “what’s the difference” handwave that away.
Strummergas
Regular User
I just meant as far as what we're in for in the next few years. Of course the more assets you recoup, the greater chance you have in reducing the amount of time it would take to get competitive again. But I'm not really sure just how much those chances go up. We've been down this road before, and man, it was brutal because it took WAY longer than anyone expected or wanted. Granted, things are a bit different now, but still.
I think it really comes down to what ownership/management values more at this point in time; making the playoffs or having a reasonable shot at making it even for a 1st round appearance or potentially cutting down the time in which the team is "non-competitive", meaning not making or even having a shot at the playoffs.
YearlyLottery
The Pooch Report
The one major worry of going through a total rebuild is the difficulty of the worst teams actually winning the lottery. The Isles need to do the right thing, sell players at the deadline, and hope they move up in the lottery. Selling prime assets and having a 1-2 year stretch where they focus solely on continuing to add speed to this roster and getting rid of the old core would do wonders.
More moves like Tsyplakov and Duclair and less moves like just locking up old players to 6-8 year deals.
More moves like Tsyplakov and Duclair and less moves like just locking up old players to 6-8 year deals.
I can't see another Horvat deal. Beyond the feasibility of offloading another prospect+pick package, I'm not enthusiastic about the types of players out there who would make sense for that sort of thing. That's why at least a brief sell-off makes a lot of sense if we're still out: Nelson is a good bet to be the best UFA center who might be available at the deadline and Palmieri, who I figured to be a 50/50 bet to return a first round pick if he were traded, is looking more like 75/25 now. The one consolation we have is that the guys playing for their next contract are acting like it lol.
Strummergas
Regular User
The player would have to be worth it, and have to be more than just a "missing piece" like Horvat. But for that to be the case, you're probably giving up significantly than what it took to land Bo. So as you said, it's probably not worth it at this stage of the game.
As far as moving out UFAs, the key is the difference to what makes sense to the fan base vs. what makes sense for ownership/management.
Richie Daggers Crime
Boosted 9 times double masked they/them
impaaaaaact
Registered User
Top 5 in the draft is looking pretty good this year, and we’re currently in line for 6th by point %. Could be worse by the weekend. Regardless of what you do next year, you gotta continue to tank this one. A few of those guys should be ready to start in the NHL next season.
Who knows, Palmieri might even be willing to come back in FA after playing the best hockey of his life over the last year. Dobson and Romanov seem to be costing themselves a LOT of money this season - we might end up getting them on deals that will age like fine wine, and give us space to make further additions. Dealing Nelson and Palmieri should be such a no brainer… I hope Lou agrees with that at least.
Completely agree on everything. This season is already lost. The thanksgiving stat that 80% of teams in a playoff spot usually stay should only further lead us to tanking just this one season. Getting that one difference maker in the draft is so huge. Getting that player plus potentially 2 firsts could really start getting this team in the right direction. As long as we bottom out this season, I wouldn’t even be against trading one of those first for a younger player so we can start vying for playoffs in 2026.
Top Corner
Registered User
Maybe someone closer to the Isles news & broadcasts but it seems to me like
there is a rift between Lou & Roy.
Roy used to show fire & excitement being back behind the bench but it now seems
like he's not a happy camper, win or lose.
Sirius radio had some chatter on Roy saying he just coaches the guys he has which sounds more like a shot at the GM. I really think ownership should ask Lou to step aside and make Roy the GM & coach going forward until the end of the season. To me, Lou just seems to be a control freak that just can't do it any other way than his.
there is a rift between Lou & Roy.
Roy used to show fire & excitement being back behind the bench but it now seems
like he's not a happy camper, win or lose.
Sirius radio had some chatter on Roy saying he just coaches the guys he has which sounds more like a shot at the GM. I really think ownership should ask Lou to step aside and make Roy the GM & coach going forward until the end of the season. To me, Lou just seems to be a control freak that just can't do it any other way than his.
I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this. I don’t think the team has gotten any better with his coaching (and I know this roster obviously is flawed and anchored with horrific contracts) and to get a promotion like a GM job? I just don’t agree
Strummergas
Regular User
But you know this team is not going to tank. Neither management nor the players are going to dog it for shiny picks. However, they keep playing this way, they might wind up in that position inevitably.
h all due respect to the bolded, there are posters who say this almost every year like it's a guarantee, but it isn't even in a supposedly strong draft.
impaaaaaact
Registered User
Also worth mentioning that Eiserman could be a one and done. Finish between 5-10, and usse one of the firsts and whatever elsefrom Palms and Nelson to move wherever you need to move for Hagens - seems like it could be third at this point.
Duclair (3.5) - Horvát (8.5) - Barzal (9.15)
Tsyplakov (3.5) - Hagens (.950) - Eiserman (.950)
Lee (7) - Pageau (5) - Jefferies (.8675)
Engvall (3) - Cizikas (2.5) - .Holmstrom (2)
Romanov (5.5) - Dobson (7)
Pelech (5.75) - Pulock (6.15)
George (838,333) - Mayfield (3.5)
Sorokin (8.25)
Varlamov(2.75)
= 86.65 M
Leaves you with about 8M to make additions, and that's without dealing any of Pageau, Lee, Varlamov, or any of our other bigger contracts. Depending on who those additions are, there's a chance you're back in the playoffs next season AND have the extra pick. It's too much of a no brainer so no chance they actually do it, still fun to think about though.
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impaaaaaact
Registered User
You're probably right, but they might dig themselves in a big enough hole that there isn't really even a decision to be made. I also think that Hagens has added value to the franchise being from LI, has a ton experience playing with our other top prospect, and is attending a Lou approved college. If they think they can get him I think they're going to go for it.
I think right now you could project Hagens, Misa, Martone, and maybe Schaefer to all start in the NHL. Would be similar to 2023 with Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, and Benson.
I think Hagens and Martone definitely go straight to the NHL, but Schaefer most likely stays another year as a defenseman and a very late 2007. Misa's a toss up but I wouldn't mind bringing him up since he's played up basically his entire junior career.
