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

[BelovedIsles]

It's f***ing billboard time...

I knew this was coming.

 

[Torrey Redux]

It’s not a dysfunctional franchise. Stop.

This team has had essentially the same core for 7 years > The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result > Insanity is a dysfunction > The Islanders are dysfunctional.

 

[Isles72]

This team has had essentially the same core for 7 years > The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result > Insanity is a dysfunction > The Islanders are dysfunctional.

top 7-10 pick for our misery so on the right track by not trading it , so far.

 

[Big L]

This team has had essentially the same core for 7 years > The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result > Insanity is a dysfunction > The Islanders are dysfunctional.

That is not the definition of insanity.

 

[periferal]

I knew this was coming.

Do you also know that no Cup is coming with Lou employed by the Isles.....Or do you need more time to figure that out?

And then, a strongly worded letter!

Already done MM. Mailed to Ledecky/Malkin about 2 weeks ago.

 

[PK Cronin]

That is not the definition of insanity.

I'm always amazed that people cling to that dumb quote. It irrationally grinds my gears.

 

[Torrey Redux]

That is not the definition of insanity.

It is the colloquial definition and congratulations on your sense of humor.

 

[Torrey Redux]

I'm always amazed that people cling to that dumb quote. It irrationally grinds my gears.

Apparently.

I won't speak for you, but from where I sit, the people who don't like it usually don't like it because it is so true and that truth has had a negative impact in some aspect of their lives. (See: NY Islanders, 2018-2025, and probably beyond).

 

[periferal]

More common sense that won't happen because your GM is literally addicted to keeping players as opposed to doing what's best for the franchise....

 

[Big L]

Apparently.

I won't speak for you, but from where I sit, the people who don't like it usually don't like it because it is so true and that truth has had a negative impact in some aspect of their lives. (See: NY Islanders, 2018-2025, and probably beyond).

Much like your definition of insanity, that’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever read. And this is hf isles message board. Congrats.

 

[SI]

A loss tonight almost certainly seals their fate.
huge 4 point swing tonight.

A loss would make it 5 in a row and back below 500 with only 24 games left.
And back to back losses to teams ahead of them in the standings.

After tonight - Nashville, @ NYR, and then against the best team in the league WPG.

 

[Torrey Redux]

Much like your definition of insanity, that’s one of the dumbest timings I’ve ever read. And this is hf isles message board. Congrats.

The truth hurts, I know. And yes, I am aware that this is an Islanders board and if you don't get in line and follow the group-think then you must be a troll of some sort.

Well listen, here's some good news for you. If Brock is still here next week, I won't be. After being a fan for 54 years and having the Islanders as, easily, my most cherished professional sports allegiance with my greatest pro sports memories, I'll be done. That's a promise so at least you have that to look forward to.

 

[PK Cronin]

Apparently.

I won't speak for you, but from where I sit, the people who don't like it usually don't like it because it is so true and that truth has had a negative impact in some aspect of their lives. (See: NY Islanders, 2018-2025, and probably beyond).

My irrational dislike has nothing to do with the Islanders and it's never had a negative impact on any aspect of my life, other than being annoying because of how frequently it's used and how dumb I find it to be (that's why it's irrational).

---

It's often attributed to Einstein, which isn't accurate, and presented as some sort of profound wisdom that nobody else would be clever enough to put together.

There actually is a definition of insanity, and it isn't that. I understand it's figurative.

The quote attempts to oversimplify things and end any discussion by insinuating someone is insane if they disagree.

Instead of slipping in this fake definition to sound clever, one could just something like, "We've tried the same thing and it hasn't been working so it's time to try a new approach."

Not to mention, if you're dealing with things involving probability it makes no sense.

---

I could rant more but that'd be even more irrational.

 

[Throttle]

Good old Botta. How long has he been out of an NHL job?

 

[Torrey Redux]

My irrational dislike has nothing to do with the Islanders and it's never had a negative impact on any aspect of my life, other than being annoying because of how frequently it's used and how dumb I find it to be (that's why it's irrational).

---

It's often attributed to Einstein, which isn't accurate, and presented as some sort of profound wisdom that nobody else would be clever enough to put together.

There actually is a definition of insanity, and it isn't that. I understand it's figurative.

The quote attempts to oversimplify things and end any discussion by insinuating someone is insane if they disagree.

Instead of slipping in this fake definition to sound clever, one could just something like, "We've tried the same thing and it hasn't been working so it's time to try a new approach."

Not to mention, if you're dealing with things involving probability it makes no sense.

---

I could rant more but that'd be even more irrational.

Truisms remain in the lexicon precisely because they are true. Are they exclusively true or exactly true in all cases? No, but outside of math and science, few things are. And just because it is mis-attributed to Einstein doesn't make it any less true. It's origins go back to poets like George Bernard Shaw and psychologists like George Kelly and authors like Samuel Beckett. No, not Einstein, but pretty good company nonetheless.

And now Islander fans have adopted their own derisive, urban-dictionary version: "Run it back." It's the same thing said a different way.

 

[SI]

Copp out for the season - Detroit has $ and a 1st.


Detroit is currently in a playoff spot, so close to breaking the drought.

2025 1st + Carter Mazur (or Max Plante) for Brock Nelson

Washington can solidify their push for a Cup with the acquisition of JG Pageau.

2025 1st (the pick is not going to be lower than 29th OA) and Ethan Bear to balance cap hit for JGP.

Palmieri to NJ for 2025 2nd (highest of the 3 they hold) and 2026 3rd

 

[Throttle]

While the cap going up works against the Isles, it does make it easier to trade JGP and Czikas, if Lou went that route as teams would have less concern about the extra year(s).

 

[impaaaaaact]

Copp out for the season - Detroit has $ and a 1st.


Detroit is currently in a playoff spot, so close to breaking the drought.

2025 1st + Carter Mazur (or Max Plante) for Brock Nelson

Washington can solidify their push for a Cup with the acquisition of JG Pageau.

2025 1st (the pick is not going to be lower than 29th OA) and Ethan Bear to balance cap hit for JGP.

Palmieri to NJ for 2025 2nd (highest of the 3 they hold) and 2026 3rd

No way we get a first for Pageau. I'd be shocked.

Here's a fun little tidbit I came across - we've been outscored with Horvat on the ice over his entire time with the team. Probably not what you want to see from your 1C. You can see below that without him on the ice, the team actually outscores their opponent, so he's been an overall negative.

I'd take offers while we can still get them.

 

[PK Cronin]

Truisms remain in the lexicon precisely because they are true. Are they exclusively true or exactly true in all cases? No, but outside of math and science, few things are. And just because it is mis-attributed to Einstein doesn't make it any less true. It's origins go back to poets like George Bernard Shaw and psychologists like George Kelly and authors like Samuel Beckett. No, not Einstein, but pretty good company nonetheless.

And now Islander fans have adopted their own derisive, urban-dictionary version: "Run it back." It's the same thing said a different way.

I understand why it's around. I can still think it's idiotic and overused. I said that my dislike for it was irrational.

It is what it is.

 

[Top Corner]

More common sense that won't happen because your GM is literally addicted to keeping players as opposed to doing what's best for the franchise....

I think it's safe to say that many here have finally come to the realization that "LOU can do more wrong" . It was apparent when Lou took over, he hit a grand slam getting Trotz and turning a disorganized group into a competitive bunch for a little while. Lou, unfortunately, couldn't improve on this and its sad that he just won't step back and let someone else take a shot at reshaping this team. This trade deadline will certainly indicate if we have a quiet voice behind the scenes telling him to move on from players and get this boat headed in a different direction. I expect several moves by March 7th...

 

[periferal]

Copp out for the season - Detroit has $ and a 1st.


Detroit is currently in a playoff spot, so close to breaking the drought.

2025 1st + Carter Mazur (or Max Plante) for Brock Nelson

Washington can solidify their push for a Cup with the acquisition of JG Pageau.

2025 1st (the pick is not going to be lower than 29th OA) and Ethan Bear to balance cap hit for JGP.

Palmieri to NJ for 2025 2nd (highest of the 3 they hold) and 2026 3rd

Sign me up 100% for this, but...


Lou is not trading anyone...Without Malkin forcing him to.


Over the past 40 years of being a GM, and especially his 7 seasons running the Isles, Lou has shown us who he is - Someone who does NOT trade players at the deadline even if his team is out of it and it is obvious he shuould.

Lou is addicted to overpaying for average talent in trades and literally resigning every pending UFA to deals (That then maddeningly force him to use other assets just to be cap compliant, as opposed to smartly using extra cap space as leverage to gain more assets).

Therefore I am fully expecting Nelson (and everyone else) to be on this team come March 8th...And you should too. If by some miracle Nelson/Palmieri are traded I will not only do a dance, but I'll have some optimism that Malkin is not just sitting on his ass and working to take back control of his franchise and install a new and more qualified president and GM as soon as the Isles miss the playoffs in April.

 

[Torrey Redux]

No way we get a first for Pageau. I'd be shocked.

Here's a fun little tidbit I came across - we've been outscored with Horvat on the ice over his entire time with the team. Probably not what you want to see from your 1C. You can see below that without him on the ice, the team actually outscores their opponent, so he's been an overall negative.

I'd take offers while we can still get them.

View attachment 983825

He was brought here to be something he isn't. A 1C.

Outside of Sorokin (despite a rough couple of years, he's still a #1 all day), do the Islanders have a true #1 anything? No.

If Dobson had come back and repeated or improved on last year you could make the argument that he's a 1 but he has regressed and has not proven that he can sustain it. Not yet. And can you be that bad and physically weak defensively and still be a 1? Barzal? Eh, maybe a #1 wing on the margin but definitely not a 1C. The rest; a few 2s and bunch of 3s and 4s.

 

[Glory Days]

The vast majority on the board, myself included, think Lou deserves to be fired. So why hasn’t that happened. I’ve never met Malkin but I’ve been lucky in my career to meet quite a few people of similar wealth. None have been stupid people. So I’m going under the premise Malkin isn’t stupid. So perhaps Malkin thinks Lou is doing a good job. How could that be? Well for one the value of the franchise has increased. Second, the team has made the playoffs more years than not likely meaning no operating losses. Third, Malkin likely thinks Lou is a good CEO who he trusts. So I’m not expecting Lou to be fired anytime soon. I doubt a few dozen unhappy posters on a message board get Malkin’s attention. Nor do I think a letter does anything. Now if fans stopped buying tickets, merch, etc that will impact the finances and get Malkin’s attention. So will a couple more years of being out of the playoffs. But in the end I expect Lou stays around until Malkin sells a controlling interest.

 

[Chockey22]

I understand why it's around. I can still think it's idiotic and overused. I said that my dislike for it was irrational.

It is what it is.

It's not irrational to hate this expression in the least, you've provided a clear, rational reason why the phrase is not particularly helpful. Like all truisms, they contain a kernel of truth at the expense of vastly oversimplifying complex things.
As for the Isles running it back, this is where the truism doesnt help because "expecting different results" depends on the results you think the GM and ownership are pursing. If the goal is just to make the playoffs and sell tickets (rather than actually compete for the Cup), then running it back has not been insane at al - Lou's made the playoffs with this roster more often than not, with a couple of good runs in there. The owner gets positive press and an All star game at his new building.
So, I agree with PK that it is better to be a specific as possible rather than rely on truisms because they miss so much. Having said that, I agree with Torrey that it would be insane to run this roster back again next year.

 

[MJF]

He was brought here to be something he isn't. A 1C.

I disagree with this part. Pageau was extended here to be a 3C who could score 20 goals. I think Lou’s plan was always to have a team that spread the scoring across all 4 lines. Lou knew he didn’t have elite talent and couldn’t sign a sniper as a UFA, so he tried to build a team of scrappers where he might have 10 guys on the roster who could score 20+ goals.