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

[Mr Misunderstood]

You can't teach size, and Hagens doesn't have it. He's either going to be an exceptional talent or a bust -- no in-between -- and teams not willing to take the risk so high in the draft is probably going to cost him. Also, FWIW, Button's January mock draft (post WJC) has him 4th.

So what you're saying is we need the lotto balls to place us in at least the top 4?

 

[Torrey Redux]

So what you're saying is we need the lotto balls to place us in at least the top 4?

This is the wrong thought process. James Hagens is from LI. Great, it's a wonderful place to grow up. That is the degree to which we should care. There is only one question when the draft comes and it should have nothing to do with where someone is from and that question is; is he the best player available?

If they are in position to do it, it would a perfectly Islander thing to do to choose Hagens over a potentially better player and better fit simply because he is from LI. And will it matter anyway since whoever we draft will probably spend some time in the black hole that is Bridgeport and never be heard from again.

 

[Shadocontrol]

This is the wrong thought process. James Hagens is from LI. Great, it's a wonderful place to grow up. That is the degree to which we should care. There is only one question when the draft comes and it should have nothing to do with where someone is from and that question is; is he the best player available?

If they are in position to do it, it would a perfectly Islander thing to do to choose Hagens over a potentially better player and better fit simply because he is from LI. And will it matter anyway since whoever we draft will probably spend some time in the black hole that is Bridgeport and never be heard from again.

All of the comments and speculation here means nothing because of the guy running the show. Without a doubt this team needs a shakeup, but all of the picks and trades aren't going to mean s**t with Lou and his nepotism being allowed to continue. We own the worst special teams in the league - due to 2 former NJD coaches who Roy cannot get rid of. Bridgeport is in the crapper due to Lou Jr there and a complete lack of development. So...best case scenario is for Malkin/Ledecky making a change at the top during the two week break, or all of the potential to retool is going right down the sh***er with Lou making the deals. Also, have heard several of the talking head scouts comment that this is the weakest draft class in a decade so lets not get too excited about potential returns.

 

[HajdukSplit]

Sucks the season is over this early but this delusion from the front office they are “playoff contenders” is hopefully over and a new fresh set of eyes will run this team soon. It’s been a good ride but time to let it go now

 

[Glory Days]

He’s not going to bust, worst case he’s a productive top 6 player and never becomes a star. He likely plays wing at the NHL level.

That description sounds a lot like Barzy

 

[Torrey Redux]

He’s not going to bust, worst case he’s a productive top 6 player and never becomes a star. He likely plays wing at the NHL level.

You've been watching this game for a while so how could you possibly make this comment? The number of top 5 draft picks who have been busts is not a short one.

 

[SI]

0-2 to start a crucial 7-game home stretch and against teams ahead of them in the standings is brutal. Hate rooting for this team to lose but at this point going 2-5 on this home stretch or maybe even losing Saturday to San Jose would certainly cement their fate.
I think MGMT already knows what needs to happen.

I hope Nelson is traded before the February break or the sooner the better - the direction this team is going.

 

[SI]

Hagens is the top player in this draft.
He is also 5'11 178, which isn't a smurf by any means, especially when he plays the game as fast as he does. And the question of whether or not he can stick at C is very silly. A kid who can skate and transport the puck like he can with the vision he has - you give him all the ice.

The other 3 options - 2 are playing shinny in the OHL racking up points and the other is injured.

If the Isles have an opportunity to draft this kid - they should do it without ?

 

[8EJS9]

Hagens is the top player in this draft.
He is also 5'11 178, which isn't a smurf by any means, especially when he plays the game as fast as he does. And the question of whether or not he can stick at C is very silly. A kid who can skate and transport the puck like he can with the vision he has - you give him all the ice.

The other 3 options - 2 are playing shinny in the OHL racking up points and the other is injured.

If the Isles have an opportunity to draft this kid - they should do it without ?

Bingo.