And I would absolutely take that bet that he rebounds, he is still on pace for 76 points and rarely gets injured. He impacts every area of the game.
Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2024-25: Re-Tool, Re-Group, Re-Mix, Re-Build
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My take…Dobber not playing well but wants a big contract. Lou doesn’t want to pay that. Starts to look into trades. Dobson hoping new agent can find ground with Lou before it’s too late.
Rebound type players are where we are at I think. Not like Dobsons is playing well…buying players who are coming off their best years generally cost alot and can regress.
impaaaaaact
Registered User
We probably add something not insignificant to get Robertson. Heiskanen/Dobson would be an insane pairing… a first line of Robertson-Horvat-Barzal would be pretty sick too.
periferal
Registered User
- Jul 5, 2007
- 29,631
- 17,133
Man...
I cannot believe how much buzz/reporting/leakage there has been around the Isles this season. Something is definitely afoot - Because no way Lou lets this happen in years past. I'm hoping the reason is that Malkin/Ledecky/Collins have wrestled some control away from Lou (and prepared him for his exit in the very near future). If it's because Lou is slipping due to his age then we're in even bigger trouble then when Lou was fully coherent.
In this specific case, switching agents isn't something that Lou can control (both that Dobson did it or the media for reporting it), but the fact that the media has really picked up on it where it has legs is the interesting part here.
There's no doubt this is noteworthy. I feel bad for his old agent (Maloney) as Dobson was his biggest client so he was on the verge of the biggest payday of his career when Dobson signs his new deal. Now he doesn't get a penny of that. Brutal as the commission for Dobson's new deal will probably be conservatively around $2,000,000 for his agent.
Meanwhile Moldaver works with some top top clients (like McDavid and Matthews) so no doubt he's more of a shark who is familiar with the top deals done in the NHL will go out and try to get every last dollar for his clients.
It could be that Lou/the Isles have been holding strong at a certain number (let's say 7M) and Dobson wants 10M/year (and has people in his ear saying he's worth that). He may not get it in the end, but he was obviously under the impression that his former agent couldn't get the deal done. Now he's swinging for the fences, but what we can deduce here is that the Isles and Dobson have been negotiating for a while and Dobson has grown at least a little frustrated and wants a new deal or a trade (or both), in the near future.
The next few weeks/months in Islanderland are not going to be dull.
The Real JT
The crowd called out for more
Some of you may know this but Brock Nelson’s wife is a former Ms. Hockey Minnesota. Tavares’s fiancé and future wife was a local Ontario girl.
Yes Brock has young kids and he’s laid down some roots on the Island but friends, family and your hometown are hard to resist especially when your wife and her family have the same upbringing.
Food for thought.
Yes Brock has young kids and he’s laid down some roots on the Island but friends, family and your hometown are hard to resist especially when your wife and her family have the same upbringing.
Food for thought.
- May 17, 2011
- 61,518
- 11,072
LeapOnOver
Mackenzie is a hack!
You're not to old to learn that statistics and patterns are not immutable. The fact that things are ever-changing makes words like "obvious " incorrect usage.
Zeeker
Registered User
- Feb 15, 2016
- 3,447
- 5,040
Yeah, my one worry with trading him is that he might only re-sign with one or two teams, and we won’t get the best deal. “Good guy” Lou will take less to send Brock where he wants to go.
iggy
Registered User
- Aug 2, 2005
- 352
- 197
- May 17, 2011
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Tavares is and was whipped, he was destined for the GTA because of his wife.
periferal
Registered User
- Jul 5, 2007
- 29,631
- 17,133
Cool. My guess is you got the overall point of the post, don't agree with it despite it being valid, and instead tried to nitpick unnecessarily to distract from that.
Amazing (and sad) that no one in ownership or the front office could see that.
SI
Registered User
- Feb 16, 2013
- 8,006
- 4,257
Here is another Blog post - this one is LONG - sorry! Enjoy the read.
As the 4 Nations break wraps up, discussions about Brock Nelson’s future with the Islanders are intensifying. The team faces a crucial decision: extend him or explore a trade. If a deal isn’t in place soon, I believe Lou Lamoriello will act before the team resumes play rather than risk losing Nelson for nothing in free agency—much like what happened with John Tavares. Waiting until the trade deadline to assess the Isles’ playoff hopes is an option, but this isn’t just about contending this year—it’s about improving the roster for next season. With teams idle during the break, now is the perfect time to make a move.
The biggest question is whether Nelson wants to test the market. He’s never been a free agent before and has only known one organization. We’ve seen players entertain that mindset before—Frans Nielsen comes to mind. However, if Nelson is open to staying, term and AAV shouldn’t be a major stumbling block. There’s speculation that Sidney Crosby and John Tavares could sign team-friendly deals for around three years at $7 million AAV, and a similar number has been rumoured for Nelson. That feels reasonable, and maybe he even comes in slightly under that mark.
The potential wildcard is the term—Nelson could be looking at four years. That might seem excessive given that he’ll be 34 when it kicks in, but Lamoriello has a history of handing out longer-than-expected deals (see: Varlamov, Engvall, Mayfield, Lee). With the salary cap potentially rising to $113 million by year 3 of the deal, a $6 million AAV would only take up about 5% of the CAP—comparable to how $4.4 million feels under an $88 million cap. In that context, keeping a lifetime Islander at a reasonable cap hit could be a price worth paying.
By the time his contract is up, Nelson could rank third in franchise history in goals, first in games played, and fourth in points. Trading him for prospects or picks could make sense in a rebuild, but let’s be real—Lamoriello isn’t looking to tear it all down. The "rebuild" crowd will push for moves that prioritize the long term, but I’d rather see the team make moves that improve the roster next season, not three years down the line.
So, what happens if Nelson does want to explore free agency? Who replaces his minutes and production, and what kind of return could the Isles expect? The obvious choice might be Casey Mittelstadt, who is younger and can play center or wing. If Barzal shifts back to center, Mittelstadt could slot in on the wing. He’s signed for two more seasons at $5.75 million AAV but is reportedly in the coach’s doghouse in Colorado. A deal could also include Parker Kelly as a cost-effective bottom-six addition, and the Isles might even explore swapping bad contracts—sending Pierre Engvall to Colorado in exchange for Miles Wood.
A possible forward lineup could look like this:
Lee - Horvat - Barzal
Tsyplakov - Mittelstadt - Duclair
Cizikas - Pageau - Holmstrom
Wood - Kelly - ???
Extra Forwards: Gatcomb ($0.775M), MacLean ($0.775M)
If all RFAs sign at market value and Varlamov lands on LTIR—his lingering lower-body injury possibly signalling the end of his career—the Islanders could have around $3 million in cap space to add another forward. Options could include Joel Armia, Mathieu Olivier, or Trent Frederic, all of whom would provide depth and physicality.
The alternative is trading Brock Nelson for a first-round pick, but not many teams have one available. Detroit might consider it if they’re serious about ending their playoff drought. Utah could be another suitor, looking to make a statement in their inaugural season. Instead of a pick, the Islanders could explore a prospect-based return—Marco Kasper from Detroit, Liam Öhgren or Riley Heidt from Minnesota, Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten from Toronto, or Calum Ritchie from Colorado.
If they trade Nelson, the Isles would need to replace his production. Could they finally make a splash and sign Nikolaj Ehlers? Let’s be honest—when was the last time the Islanders signed a player of that calibre? More realistically, they might target a veteran like Mikael Granlund or Matt Duchene on a shorter deal. They could also flip the assets from a Nelson trade into another deal, possibly for a young player like Jack Quinn from Buffalo or Jared McCann from Seattle— who is rumoured to be available.
Then there’s the dream scenario: acquiring Elias Pettersson. A package of Noah Dobson, a 2025 first-round pick, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Danny Nelson might tempt Vancouver. And if that happens, moving Nelson doesn’t necessarily exclude the Isles from adding Pettersson.
A potential forward lineup could look like this:
Holmstrom - Pettersson - Barzal
Lee - Horvat - Palmieri
Tsyplakov - Nelson - Duclair
Cizikas - MacLean - Gatcomb
This model—including Palmieri—fits under a projected $95.5 million cap.
If no trades materialize, the Islanders could use their cap space, but the UFA market is bleak. They rarely make big free-agent splashes, and past additions like Anthony Duclair and Pierre Engvall haven’t significantly moved the needle. Welcome players like Zucker and Armia to replace Nelson and Palmieri - ouch. While Nelson and the team likely want to stay together, keeping him won’t be enough—the roster still needs improvement.
Beyond a potential blockbuster for Elias Pettersson, another pivotal decision looms: Noah Dobson. With a new agent and RFA status on the horizon, he’s an intriguing trade chip—but if Lou Lamoriello moves him, the return has to be significant. He cannot afford to get this one wrong.
Jordan Kyrou and Trevor Zegras have both been rumoured as possible returns. Kyrou’s elite speed and scoring would be a welcome addition, but a one-for-one swap wouldn’t make sense for the Islanders, a RHD for a RW. Adding something to Kyrou could entice Lou, possibly Zachary Bolduc, 21, —who played under Patrick Roy and carries a modest $864K cap hit next season—could add excitement and scoring depth to the top nine. A deal structured around Kyrou and Bolduc for Dobson and Duclair (with additional pieces to balance value and cap space) could be an enticing option. Moving Duclair would also free up cap space to improve the fourth line and penalty kill, potentially targeting players like Trent Frederic or Joel Armia.
A potential forward lineup could look like this:
Lee - Horvat - Barzal
Tsyplakov - Nelson - Palmieri
Bolcduc - Pageau - Holmstrom
Cizikas - Frederic - Olivier/Armia
Zegras, meanwhile, is a high-risk, high-reward player. A one-for-one swap for Dobson carries risks, but including a more stable, two-way presence like Brett Leason could make the deal more palatable. Expanding the trade to bring in Drew Helleson, a right-shot defenseman, could also be a way to mitigate risk.
However, the most intriguing option might be Mason McTavish. His tenacity and his two-way game would make him an instant fan favourite, and Anaheim’s depth at center—Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras (who could move back to center), and the possibility of drafting another top-10 center in the draft like Desnoyers, McQueen, or Frondell—could make McTavish expendable. Adding Dobson to their young core could help replace the loss of Jamie Drysdale.
Then there’s the smoke around Montreal’s interest in Dobson. The Canadiens have promising right-shot defence prospects in David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux, but would they be willing to move a top-six forward in return? The dream scenario would be Ivan Demidov or Cole Caufield, but let’s be real—Montreal isn’t parting with Demidov, and trading Caufield, their leading scorer on pace for 40 goals, feels unlikely. Could Juraj Slafkovský be an option? He’s shown flashes of dominance but remains inconsistent. If the Isles believe in his upside, he could be the kind of player worth betting on. Otherwise, a deal with Montreal may not offer the immediate impact the Islanders need.
But here’s the thing: all of this hinges on Tony DeAngelo’s performance. I’ve never been a fan of his, yet here I am, admitting that he’s been excellent. The sample size is small, but his ice time since joining the Isles tells a compelling story: 25, 22, 28, 26, 23, 27, 27, and 21 minutes per game. He’s posted 4 points, a +2 rating, and positive possession metrics (Corsi). If he can sustain this level of play, moving Dobson becomes a more realistic option.
Should the Islanders hold onto their 2025 first-round pick, they could target a defenseman in the draft. Logan Hensler, Jackson Smith, or Radim Mrtka all offer offensive upside, even if their production hasn’t exploded this season.
Whatever happens, the next few months will define the Islanders’ direction. Whether Lamoriello extends Nelson, flips him for assets, or makes a major move involving Dobson, this stretch will shape the team’s future. The moves Lou makes now will dictate whether the Islanders stay in the middle of the pack or take a step toward legitimate contention.
As the 4 Nations break wraps up, discussions about Brock Nelson’s future with the Islanders are intensifying. The team faces a crucial decision: extend him or explore a trade. If a deal isn’t in place soon, I believe Lou Lamoriello will act before the team resumes play rather than risk losing Nelson for nothing in free agency—much like what happened with John Tavares. Waiting until the trade deadline to assess the Isles’ playoff hopes is an option, but this isn’t just about contending this year—it’s about improving the roster for next season. With teams idle during the break, now is the perfect time to make a move.
The biggest question is whether Nelson wants to test the market. He’s never been a free agent before and has only known one organization. We’ve seen players entertain that mindset before—Frans Nielsen comes to mind. However, if Nelson is open to staying, term and AAV shouldn’t be a major stumbling block. There’s speculation that Sidney Crosby and John Tavares could sign team-friendly deals for around three years at $7 million AAV, and a similar number has been rumoured for Nelson. That feels reasonable, and maybe he even comes in slightly under that mark.
The potential wildcard is the term—Nelson could be looking at four years. That might seem excessive given that he’ll be 34 when it kicks in, but Lamoriello has a history of handing out longer-than-expected deals (see: Varlamov, Engvall, Mayfield, Lee). With the salary cap potentially rising to $113 million by year 3 of the deal, a $6 million AAV would only take up about 5% of the CAP—comparable to how $4.4 million feels under an $88 million cap. In that context, keeping a lifetime Islander at a reasonable cap hit could be a price worth paying.
By the time his contract is up, Nelson could rank third in franchise history in goals, first in games played, and fourth in points. Trading him for prospects or picks could make sense in a rebuild, but let’s be real—Lamoriello isn’t looking to tear it all down. The "rebuild" crowd will push for moves that prioritize the long term, but I’d rather see the team make moves that improve the roster next season, not three years down the line.
So, what happens if Nelson does want to explore free agency? Who replaces his minutes and production, and what kind of return could the Isles expect? The obvious choice might be Casey Mittelstadt, who is younger and can play center or wing. If Barzal shifts back to center, Mittelstadt could slot in on the wing. He’s signed for two more seasons at $5.75 million AAV but is reportedly in the coach’s doghouse in Colorado. A deal could also include Parker Kelly as a cost-effective bottom-six addition, and the Isles might even explore swapping bad contracts—sending Pierre Engvall to Colorado in exchange for Miles Wood.
A possible forward lineup could look like this:
Lee - Horvat - Barzal
Tsyplakov - Mittelstadt - Duclair
Cizikas - Pageau - Holmstrom
Wood - Kelly - ???
Extra Forwards: Gatcomb ($0.775M), MacLean ($0.775M)
If all RFAs sign at market value and Varlamov lands on LTIR—his lingering lower-body injury possibly signalling the end of his career—the Islanders could have around $3 million in cap space to add another forward. Options could include Joel Armia, Mathieu Olivier, or Trent Frederic, all of whom would provide depth and physicality.
The alternative is trading Brock Nelson for a first-round pick, but not many teams have one available. Detroit might consider it if they’re serious about ending their playoff drought. Utah could be another suitor, looking to make a statement in their inaugural season. Instead of a pick, the Islanders could explore a prospect-based return—Marco Kasper from Detroit, Liam Öhgren or Riley Heidt from Minnesota, Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten from Toronto, or Calum Ritchie from Colorado.
If they trade Nelson, the Isles would need to replace his production. Could they finally make a splash and sign Nikolaj Ehlers? Let’s be honest—when was the last time the Islanders signed a player of that calibre? More realistically, they might target a veteran like Mikael Granlund or Matt Duchene on a shorter deal. They could also flip the assets from a Nelson trade into another deal, possibly for a young player like Jack Quinn from Buffalo or Jared McCann from Seattle— who is rumoured to be available.
Then there’s the dream scenario: acquiring Elias Pettersson. A package of Noah Dobson, a 2025 first-round pick, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Danny Nelson might tempt Vancouver. And if that happens, moving Nelson doesn’t necessarily exclude the Isles from adding Pettersson.
A potential forward lineup could look like this:
Holmstrom - Pettersson - Barzal
Lee - Horvat - Palmieri
Tsyplakov - Nelson - Duclair
Cizikas - MacLean - Gatcomb
This model—including Palmieri—fits under a projected $95.5 million cap.
If no trades materialize, the Islanders could use their cap space, but the UFA market is bleak. They rarely make big free-agent splashes, and past additions like Anthony Duclair and Pierre Engvall haven’t significantly moved the needle. Welcome players like Zucker and Armia to replace Nelson and Palmieri - ouch. While Nelson and the team likely want to stay together, keeping him won’t be enough—the roster still needs improvement.
Beyond a potential blockbuster for Elias Pettersson, another pivotal decision looms: Noah Dobson. With a new agent and RFA status on the horizon, he’s an intriguing trade chip—but if Lou Lamoriello moves him, the return has to be significant. He cannot afford to get this one wrong.
Jordan Kyrou and Trevor Zegras have both been rumoured as possible returns. Kyrou’s elite speed and scoring would be a welcome addition, but a one-for-one swap wouldn’t make sense for the Islanders, a RHD for a RW. Adding something to Kyrou could entice Lou, possibly Zachary Bolduc, 21, —who played under Patrick Roy and carries a modest $864K cap hit next season—could add excitement and scoring depth to the top nine. A deal structured around Kyrou and Bolduc for Dobson and Duclair (with additional pieces to balance value and cap space) could be an enticing option. Moving Duclair would also free up cap space to improve the fourth line and penalty kill, potentially targeting players like Trent Frederic or Joel Armia.
A potential forward lineup could look like this:
Lee - Horvat - Barzal
Tsyplakov - Nelson - Palmieri
Bolcduc - Pageau - Holmstrom
Cizikas - Frederic - Olivier/Armia
Zegras, meanwhile, is a high-risk, high-reward player. A one-for-one swap for Dobson carries risks, but including a more stable, two-way presence like Brett Leason could make the deal more palatable. Expanding the trade to bring in Drew Helleson, a right-shot defenseman, could also be a way to mitigate risk.
However, the most intriguing option might be Mason McTavish. His tenacity and his two-way game would make him an instant fan favourite, and Anaheim’s depth at center—Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras (who could move back to center), and the possibility of drafting another top-10 center in the draft like Desnoyers, McQueen, or Frondell—could make McTavish expendable. Adding Dobson to their young core could help replace the loss of Jamie Drysdale.
Then there’s the smoke around Montreal’s interest in Dobson. The Canadiens have promising right-shot defence prospects in David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux, but would they be willing to move a top-six forward in return? The dream scenario would be Ivan Demidov or Cole Caufield, but let’s be real—Montreal isn’t parting with Demidov, and trading Caufield, their leading scorer on pace for 40 goals, feels unlikely. Could Juraj Slafkovský be an option? He’s shown flashes of dominance but remains inconsistent. If the Isles believe in his upside, he could be the kind of player worth betting on. Otherwise, a deal with Montreal may not offer the immediate impact the Islanders need.
But here’s the thing: all of this hinges on Tony DeAngelo’s performance. I’ve never been a fan of his, yet here I am, admitting that he’s been excellent. The sample size is small, but his ice time since joining the Isles tells a compelling story: 25, 22, 28, 26, 23, 27, 27, and 21 minutes per game. He’s posted 4 points, a +2 rating, and positive possession metrics (Corsi). If he can sustain this level of play, moving Dobson becomes a more realistic option.
Should the Islanders hold onto their 2025 first-round pick, they could target a defenseman in the draft. Logan Hensler, Jackson Smith, or Radim Mrtka all offer offensive upside, even if their production hasn’t exploded this season.
Whatever happens, the next few months will define the Islanders’ direction. Whether Lamoriello extends Nelson, flips him for assets, or makes a major move involving Dobson, this stretch will shape the team’s future. The moves Lou makes now will dictate whether the Islanders stay in the middle of the pack or take a step toward legitimate contention.
Last edited:
Throttle
Registered User
- Sep 22, 2020
- 6,343
- 4,718
Mittelstadt Is not a good player. Buffalo saw that, Colorado was dumb enough to think he was a good player, now realize it and want to upgrade and move on. Yet, he’s a good fit for NYI? Ok…
Robertson’s brother in Toronto.
Richie Daggers Crime
Boosted 9 times double masked they/them
LeapOnOver
Mackenzie is a hack!
LeapOnOver
Mackenzie is a hack!
If JRobertson is somehow magically available (which I have zero belief that he is) that's exactly the type of forward I would trade Dobson for an not think twice about it.
As are most things in life, at least on the grass I'm standing on.
I'm just glad we've got you here to remind us of the importance of perspective.
Mid-sized post for you. Like it!
Also love the idea of seeing Frederic on our lower lines. He's gonna earn a decent penny next season though. May be worth it...
DeAngelo - and perhaps even Boqvist - will decide Dobson's fate here to a degree. Both have shown us that they possess the stickhandling+quick puckmoving+solid playmaking that make this team look different - and better - from the backside.
Perunovich as well, especially recently.
If it's more than just "a new look on life", then Dobson starts looking very replaceable, especially in light of the next contract - and trade value.
But yes, we've come to that conclusion already.
With respect to your last paragraph, it would seem true and it's exactly that which is scaring a good chunk of Islander fans.
This trade deadline will likely have a very considerable effect on this team moving forward, regardless of what is done - and even if nothing is done.
Tavares left to become captain of an Original 6, the the most popular team in the league, the team he worshipped as a kid.
Brock didn't have Minnesota Wild pajamas. The team didn't even exist.
No matter what, Brock will be paid tens of millions, set for life and his kids and grandkids' lives. He may very well decide that, as long as he's being paid well, having his number retired and being a franchise legend is more appealing than what Tavares has dealt with since leaving.
mm11
Registered User
Talk about being A legend if nelson can agree to be traded now, isles clean up with assets then the guy signs with us in July. Not gonna happen but would be quite something eh?
Would love to see that happen. Nelson gets a chance to help develop the team he will be on next year. Even if the return is modest, if he returns it is a win. I would do it if it were me. Why not.
Reality though it may just come down to the simplicity of how long Nelson wants to play...and how much he can live within that time frame.
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