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

[Mr Misunderstood]

Is it Sorokin or the team in front of him since Hogberg's numbers are just as good (1.45 GAA 9.47 sv%)? That said, someone better than Skarek needs to be found if Hogberg is out past the break.

I think a little bit of both. I would need to see the high danger shot statistics to really tell if the defense in front of the goalies are the difference or if it is the goaltenders themselves.

 

[Throttle]

We have reached new levels of insanity here.

5 years and 7.5 for Nelson is absolutely ludicrous.

Have we really learned nothing???

Just asking, how is it different than all those saying the Isles needed to sign Marchissaeilt?

 

[SayItAintSoJohnny]

Just asking, how is it different than all those saying the Isles needed to sign Marchissaeilt?

equally idiotic

 

[Throttle]

equally idiotic

Ok, that’s fair. It was just another one of ‘we need this guy, sign him no matter what’ scenarios.

 

[periferal]

Judging by the feedback on the "quality" of this draft after the middle of the first round in the Trade Forum, trading Nelson for a 1st from a contender in this draft is likely not to amount to much in the long run, and trading him probably would knock us out of any shot at the playoffs -- and the revenue that would bring the team. I agree that he shouldn't be resigned to anything other than a short term, very team friendly contract, which isn't going to happen, but I won't be all that put out if we just hang on to him at the TDL.

For the billionth time...

A draft pick is no different than a player - It just an asset that has value....And can be traded again.

Nelson is already fading as a player so resigning him to 4 years at his age (much less longer) is insane...As is letting him walk for nothing on a team that's nowhere near a Cup.

You trade Nelson and get a 1st back (at least). Now you have more options, room to breathe, and figure out what you want to do before the draft. If someone offers you a great player for that 1st then package it and you deal it. No problem.

Or you ask for a 2026 1st where the draft is supposed to be much deeper.

But at some point you're going to have to draft players and get much younger, and that's where your scouts, who need to be on point, must unearth talent in any draft.

This is about creating options for getting this team younger and more talented so we can actually compete for the Cup again. Resigning Nelson or letting him walk for no assets is the opposite of that.

 

[denis5]

It makes people feel good… most of the clear contenders don’t have first rounders.

There's a reason that many contenders have punted on this year's first. Even the Rangers, when they moved their pick, made it protected up to the very specific number of 13th overall. Anyway, this is coming from insiders like MacKenzie, who speaks to scouts. From that thread, talent falls off a cliff from around pick 15-20 on, and MacKenzie went so far as to say that by the second round, you are getting a player that wouldn't go until the third in a typical draft. Top heavy to start, ass after that.

 

[denis5]

For the billionth time...

A draft pick is no different than a player - It just an asset that has value....And can be traded again.

Nelson is already fading as a player so resigning him to 4 years at his age (much less longer) is insane...As is letting him walk for nothing on a team that's nowhere near a Cup.

You trade Nelson and get a 1st back (at least). Now you have more options, room to breathe, and figure out what you want to do before the draft. If someone offers you a great player for that 1st then package it and you deal it. No problem.

Or you ask for a 2026 1st where the draft is supposed to be much deeper.

But at some point you're going to have to draft players and get much younger, and that's where your scouts, if they're on point, can unearth talent in any draft.

This is about creating options for getting this team younger and more talented so we can actually compete for the Cup again. Resigning Nelson or letting him walk for no assets is the opposite of that.

If the draft is as bad as they say it is by the time you get to use that contender's pick, you aren't getting squat for it, and if you draft, the odds are very high that the player's upside is Bellows. Maybe if you can get a 2026, but would that even be on the table? Some of the trade proposals I've seen floated (Casey Middlestadt and a Second from the Avs suggested by the Atlantic) would actually set the team back because of the loss of cap space.

I agree, no way should Nelson be resigned to a contract with high (or even medium) dollars and term, but even if we don't get a cup, if Nelson is seen as the difference between making the playoffs or not, I doubt the team moves him as the return won't be worth it unless some GM out there loses their mind. The bigger concern is what we do with our own pick -- I don't want it moved for the reasons you outline, but I worry that if we are in or near a playoff spot at the TDL, Lou is very likely to move it for reinforcements.

 

[duster19]

Detroit was red hot last year at this time then choked .

I'm sure Paul Bizz would rather see the young up and coming teams like sens and detroit stay in those playoff spots instead of isles , boston

come on man , none of those high end free agents are going to consider the isles

Definitely some Similarities to last season going on. Isles made a run right around the deadline last year to get back in it. Then they stalled out after the deadline. Big injuries.

Duclair wasn’t good to begin with. There’s a reason he’s been on 9 teams in a 11 years.

He’s the ‘good’ player on a bad team type. Contenders bite to get some depth.

When Florida signs you, then goes to the SC final, then dumps you to … SJ, only for the Florida to win it the following season. That’s a team saying ‘we need a better player to win.’ So, they cut bait.

he looks like a player with tools but no toolbox. I can see how he gets opportunities but how coaches would tire quickly.

 

[8EJS9]

Would love for this to be a reality

 

[Throttle]

Would love for this to be a reality

He cried based on STL fans criticizing him…

 

[doublechili]

Especially if the draft is

Would love for this to be a reality

That's the kind of return I could see Lou seeking - trading assets for a 25 year old, not picks/prospects. If we're sending them a young RHD though, maybe we get a sweetener?

Although, since this is Hockeysfuture I feel compelled to tweak the deal that would have us ending them Dobson and instead make it Mayfield, Engvall and a 2nd. Mayfield is from St. Louis, surely they'll do it!!

 

[leeroggy]

The bigger concern is what we do with our own pick -- I don't want it moved for the reasons you outline, but I worry that if we are in or near a playoff spot at the TDL, Lou is very likely to move it for reinforcements.

I really don't see this as a possibility. With all the injured players that are likely coming back before the end of the season, that's where the reinforcements are coming from, although I mention one possibility below.

If anything, we can take on a cap dump for assets while not losing a roster player due to the possibility of LTIR with Mat.

While trying to parse details on the various injured players, it looks like Hogberg could be back after the 4 Nations. Mayfield likely too.

If Barzal is done for the season, that opens up a lot of options for gathering assets at the deadline without Nelson going anywhere. Then it becomes how well we are playing in the next 8 games to determine Nelson's fate. I have no problem with 3 x $7 million, which I'm sure Minnesota would gladly offer him. For those who are saying he's already declined, just look at his career stats across the board. The only real difference is Shots attempted/SOG's, where last year was by far his most, but this year is far more in line with his career. Shooting percentage is down about 2%, but against that he's significantly raised his FO%. He also has the most TOI of his career this year. Everything else, like blocks, takeaways, giveaways, etc., are basically in line with his career.

Palms I have no problem trading. Would prefer a young player instead of a 2025 pick. McKenzie is really down on this draft class.

As far as the rest are concerned, Pulock is kind of difficult to ascertain, but 3 days ago, the update was for Pulock and Dobson to start to skate after 4 Nations. There are 27 games after 4N, so you might be looking at 15-20 games left for both to be back. Dobson has been able to play the left side, so we might be looking at:

DeAngelo - Romanov
Pulock - Pelech
Mayfield/Boqvist/Perunovich - Dobson
or something similar.

I'm very comfortable with that and a Sorokin/Hogberg combo.

If Barzal is out, there should be something available to help fill that space. Boeser as a rental still seems like a great fit to me to fill the RW with Lee and Horvat. Maybe even entice him to stay, with Nelson and Palms leaving.

If this team keeps winning, you can't just dump everyone, there are plenty of fans that don't spend so much time here, browbeating those who won't give up the season. We have one of the best goalies in the league, and there are many instances of a low seed making a run, not just the Blues in 2019. The Panthers were the #8 seed in 2023, as was Montreal in 2021. Both made the finals.

If we start dumping players now, after this run of play, you accomplish what many were bitching about, an attendance exodus. And a likely fall off of season ticket sales. We're only 5 points out of drafting 20th or lower. In this draft, that might also be worth going for a round or two.

This team was a lot better than they started the year, as they are showing now. No need to do anything for 7 games, to see where we are.

And for those who ask, 'do you really think we can win a Cup this year?', the answer is simple. If we go 6-2 in the next 8 to get to 17-5 and continue that pace, the answer is 'why not?'.

Would love for this to be a reality

Gee, didn't I put that one out a few days ago? Dobson for Kyrou or Thomas? I get the Roger Maris asterisk if it happens . . .

 

[Arsenalogist24]

Would love for this to be a reality

Fits the core below Nelson, Palms, JGP, and Lee. If we are to add this is a move I would appreciate

 

[12Dog]

Fits the core below Nelson, Palms, JGP, and Lee. If we are to add this is a move I would appreciate

A move like that should not stop Lou from moving expiring assets

 

[Arsenalogist24]

A move like that should not stop Lou from moving expiring assets

Exactly. And if anything assets acquired from a Brock, Palms, JGP trade(s) can be used to bring in someone like Kyrou or that ilk

 

[8EJS9]

He cried based on STL fans criticizing him…

I do remember that but I am a fan of his game. Could certainly use his speed and he’s the opposite of Barzal. He actually shoots the puck.

 

[YearlyLottery]

I have been wrong before but:

1.) we do not know how long Barzal is even out for

2.) this team likely is still a first round exit even if I LOVE the moves we have done on defense

3.) you have to trade Palmieri no matter what. With the major cap increase I do not hate keeping Nelson but I would like to trade him still.

 

[LeapOnOver]

I also spend my free time getting angry about hypothetical scenarios

Oh, but there is NO DOUBT

 

[LeapOnOver]

7.5 is a ton to be paying to someone who's likely your 3C within 2 seasons. We've already started to see the decline - he was underpaid on his last contract but that doesn't mean you have to overpay him on his next one. I'm fine to keep him around for something like 6M, but as it stands I don't even think we can afford that next season without at least moving out Varly.

That all being said, the 2026 UFA class could be insane, depending on who actually makes it there - right now some names are Kaprizov, Eichel, Connor, Panarin, Necas, Andersenn... and Mcdavid. If you want to add RFAs as we could see some offer sheets with all this newfound cash, you add Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, McMichael... you get the idea.

We'll be clearing 12M in cap between Lee and Pageau, + there will be an 8M cap increase. We'll have the cash to go hard after someone like Eichel or Necas if we want... there's always just the question of if they'll sign here or not.

I thought this, but what the cap is supposed to be in three years, that's going to be high end 3C money which I think Nelson will be considered at that stage of his career. Again, I was all for moving Nelson at the trade deadline before the cap numbers were released and that can be confirmed by me starting a thread about it last offseason. But the new cap projections, I think Nelly will take a fairish team contract and I don't think his game will fall off a cliff as much as most. He'll be less mobile, but he'll probably shoot a lot more and still get the goals with his heavy wrister.

Duclair wasn’t good to begin with. There’s a reason he’s been on 9 teams in a 11 years.

He’s the ‘good’ player on a bad team type. Contenders bite to get some depth.

When Florida signs you, then goes to the SC final, then dumps you to … SJ, only for the Florida to win it the following season. That’s a team saying ‘we need a better player to win.’ So, they cut bait.

Is there anyone on the Islanders you think is a good player?

 

[LeapOnOver]

Dobson as a trade for Pettersson was something to think about. For Kyrou, absolutely not. The guy is Panarin-level bad at back checking.

 

[Zeeker]

I long for the day when we’re not afraid to aim higher than “Islanders vs the world”, “why not us?”, and “anything can happen”.

More than happy to take a step back in the short and medium term to build towards that future.

 

[8EJS9]

Dobson as a trade for Pettersson was something to think about. For Kyrou, absolutely not. The guy is Panarin-level bad at back checking.

Kyrou has vastly improved his defensive game, especially this season. He is nowhere near as lazy as Panarin. Team needs more offense/speed and he is both a short term and long term answer there.

 

[LeapOnOver]

Kyrou has vastly improved his defensive game, especially this season. He is nowhere near as lazy as Panarin. Team needs more offense/speed and he is both a short term and long term answer there.

I'll take your word for it as obviously I haven't watched him recently. I still wouldn't include Dobson in a trade for him.