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

[Throttle]

Every UFA must be resigned no matter what.

Those are the Lou rules.

When you can’t resign an equivalent player for similar money for FREE, probably the Isles rules.

 

[duster19]

Every UFA must be resigned no matter what.

Those are the Lou rules.

Honestly Nelson’s best hope is to walk to July 1 and then get 5 years from Lou. Lou’s done this with a number of guys so don’t be surprised if it happens here too.

Pageau playing on top line tonight. Breaks up that 3rd line which was pretty good last game. Lou still searching for a top line RW…

 

[The Real JT]

When you can’t resign an equivalent player for similar money for FREE, probably the Isles rules.

We’re getting closer to common ground.

Sometimes taking a pass on reupping an aging player is a net win. Do you think Tampa regrets letting Stamkos walk?

 

[Throttle]

We’re getting closer to common ground.

Sometimes taking a pass on reupping an aging player is a net win. Do you think Tampa regrets letting Stamkos walk?

Agreed on passing. TB decided to allocate Stamkos money to Guentzel - getting more mileage and value out of it. Essentially, they can cover. Can the Isles cover that easily?

I do think TBs position on not wanting to resign him was they felt he was becoming limited and dependent on other players for him to succeed - looks like their analysis was correct. And Barry the Great Next GM whiffed big time.

Now, I was in favor of the Isles signing Stamkos, if they could bc they never could before, marquee name, kinda stepping out of the Rangers shadow on star players, and if Barzal could learn (doubt it) to simply his game with Stamkos on the ice, he could have been a great set up man for him. Stamkos can shoot and knows where to go to get his shot off. But, he’s Barry’s problem now.

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

Wasn't it reported that lots of teams were calling about Nelson but Lamoriello wasn't ready to deal yet? I'd be a bit surprised if he wasn't answering calls at this point. Whether he's still holding out hope on being able to re-sign him is something different.

He should be trading him, ASAP.

As per Pierre LeBrun a few days ago - "there's still no clear indication from the New York Islanders that Brock Nelson will actually be made available. He's kind of holding up a lot of things. There's so many teams looking for Center help."

That's particularly annoying.

 

[xECK29x]

because we know what will happen. Lou will sit on his ass again, not trading Nelson or Palmieri. He'll extend the two again in the summer and add next to nothing while assuring that everything will be fine if we are "healthy". This team yet again experiences more injuries next season but does *just* enough to not get a top 5-10 pick in 2026. This team is in a cycle of mediocrity and i'm tired of this fanbase defending it. Lou has reached his expiration date: move on.

And if Lou does make a trade, good. I want ownership to realize that this team is getting stale, and we need new blood in this lineup.

Just go outside and do anything else besides worry about a hockey team.

 

[periferal]

Sometimes taking a pass on reupping an aging player is a net win. Do you think Tampa regrets letting Stamkos walk?

No - Because they got Guentzel.

For an extra $1,000,000 a year Tampa got 5 years younger and increased their points/game from the exchange by about 0.5/game.

That's called smart GMing.

In fact it takes big guts to let the most valuable player in franchise history to walk out the door, but TB prioritized the franchise and winning over anything else - That's how you run a team.

 

[denis5]

And this is what pisses me off about the Nelson "rumors & leaks" making it seem that he is not available because Lou believes this team can make the playoffs.

Alternatively, there is a team taking calls on a big piece of the defense that is currently sitting in a playoff spot 7 points ahead of NYI.

I'm not saying he has to trade Nelson, but at least make it seem like he is available so other teams call you. Maybe someone makes Lou and offer he can't refuse.

What do we know about rumors and leaks when it comes to the Islanders? Anything that leaks out is not true; most airtight franchise in the league, and trading partners know that the easiest way to kill a potential deal with Lou is to talk about it. Bottom line is that no one -- including me -- has a freaking clue about what's what at this TDL.

Oh, and by the way, speaking from 40 years experience with a side hustle in the antiques and collectibles industry, when you have a somewhat rare commodity (in this case probably the best C available), the easiest way to get maximum value is to say it's not for sale. Not saying that's what's happening here, necessarily, but hawking him like yesterday's stale bread (which some teams are doing with their UFA's) is a great way to depress value as you look desperate, or does no one remember what happened when the entire league knew Snow had to dump Vanek?

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

What do we know about rumors and leaks when it comes to the Islanders? Anything that leaks out is not true; most airtight franchise in the league, and trading partners know that the easiest way to kill a potential deal with Lou is to talk about it. Bottom line is that no one -- including me -- has a freaking clue about what's what at this TDL.

Oh, and by the way, speaking from 40 years experience with a side hustle in the antiques and collectibles industry, when you have a somewhat rare commodity (in this case probably the best C available), the easiest way to get maximum value is to say it's not for sale. Not saying that's what's happening here, necessarily, but hawking him like yesterday's stale bread (which some teams are doing with their UFA's) is a great way to depress value as you look desperate, or does no one remember what happened when the entire league knew Snow had to dump Vanek?

Okay, fair. I'm nitpicking and scarred from a prior situation where the pending UFA was not made "available"

 

[periferal]

 

[iggy]

No - Because they got Guentzel.

For an extra $1,000,000 a year Tampa got 5 years younger and increased their points/game from the exchange by about 0.5/game.

That's called smart GMing.

In fact it takes big guts to let the most valuable player in franchise history to walk out the door, but TB prioritized the franchise and winning over anything else - That's how you run a team.

The problem is that Tampa is a destination that stars like Guentzel would sign with while the Islanders are not. I can't remember the last time the Isles signed a star through FA.

 

[Throttle]

The problem is that Tampa is a destination that stars like Guentzel would sign with while the Islanders are not. I can't remember the last time the Isles signed a star through FA.

Varlamov - that’s it and that’s bc of Lou.

 

[Arsenalogist24]

Hahaha, jeez such a pot shot. Engvall has been scratched multiple times already so for me that’s nothing.

I commented in the GDT about Duclair and said I was never a fan of giving term to a guy on his 9th or whatever odd team. He’s also looked terrible since returning from injury and IMO should’ve been sat down weeks ago

As always: Please trade 29 and 21. Any of the other names that have been bought up albeit loosely are bonus returns for me

 

[periferal]

The problem is that Tampa is a destination that stars like Guentzel would sign with while the Islanders are not. I can't remember the last time the Isles signed a star through FA.

But how did Tampa become a destination franchise? The got sold to a very smart businessman (Jeff Vinick) and he put smart people in place who built through the draft, became a contender, and now players want to play there.

We'll always be behind the rangers in terms of desired destination, but there's so much room for the Islanders to improve on the hockey operations side of things and make us more desirable. The arena was a fantastic start, but Malkin has to do a better job of not just developing real estate - He needs to take back control of his franchise and install multiple smart front office people who will elevate the standards of everyone in hockey ops.

 

[MJF]

Hahaha, jeez such a pot shot. Engvall has been scratched multiple times already so for me that’s nothing.

Engvall was sent down to the AHL

 

[denis5]

The other thing with trading Nelson, it has to be a deal built around something other than a 1st round pick in this draft. If the experts are right, the draft is very top heavy, with lots of players with moderate ceilings and low floors once you get past 20, which is where the pick we'd receive is likely to be -- and then you'll need to wait 4-5 years to find out if you got a Holmstrom or a Bellows. If it's not for a young NHL player, or a top prospect with some development behind him, it really makes very little difference whether you move him or let him go for nothing, because the risk is very real that in the end, it would amount to the same thing.

 

[periferal]

Trade Targets ​

1. Brock Nelson
Center, New York Islanders
Age: 33
Stats: 59 GP, 19 G, 22 A, 41 Pts
Contract: Pending UFA, $6 million AAV

Scoop: Time is up, right? There’s no chance Lou Lamoriello can hang onto the premier rental center available for a playoff miss, can he? Though a hotly debated roster choice for the Americans, Nelson made some key plays and gave Team USA quality minutes at 4 Nations – most noticeably in crunch time in the championship. He was very reliable, which isn’t news to Islander fans who would like to keep him, even if Nelson’s on track for his fewest goals and points in a non-shortened season since 2017-18. (For more on Nelson, read his Trade Deadline Player Profile.)

 

[impaaaaaact]

Maybe they're being held out for trade related reasons

 

[SI]

Warning Post: Lou’s Deadline Decision​

I’m going to start by saying that I believe Lou should trade both Nelson and Palmieri. However, this post is focused on what Lou will most likely do and why.

Playoffs: The Islanders’ Primary Goal​

Making the playoffs is a major goal for the organization. Whether right or wrong, they believe that if they can just get into the dance, anything can happen.

Culture Over Transactions​

Lou is a culture guy. He’s not the type of GM who views players purely as assets or chess pieces. His decisions are largely influenced by how they align with a winning culture—one built on resilience, unity, and never giving up.

If the team is within striking distance, he won’t sell.

PLAYOFF RACE is a STEEP CLIMB!

Metropolitan Division Standings​

• Hurricanes: 62 GP, 74 PTS
• Devils: 62 GP, 72 PTS
• Blue Jackets: 60 GP, 68 PTS
• Rangers: 60 GP, 64 PTS
• Flyers: 61 GP, 62 PTS
• Islanders: 59 GP, 61 PTS

Wild Card Race​

• Blue Jackets: 60 GP, 68 PTS
• Red Wings: 60 GP, 66 PTS
• Senators: 59 GP, 64 PTS
• Rangers: 60 GP, 64 PTS
• Bruins: 62 GP, 64 PTS
• Canadiens: 60 GP, 63 PTS
• Flyers: 61 GP, 62 PTS

There are a lot of teams to leapfrog, and time is running out. Every game is critical. The big question: Can this team sustain a major run, like last season?

A FUN what if scenario!
Let’s say the Islanders take two of their next three games, while the Blue Jackets, Rangers, and Flyers lose their next two.

The standings would look like this:

• Hurricanes: 62 GP, 74 PTS
• Devils: 62 GP, 72 PTS
• Blue Jackets: 62 GP, 68 PTS
• Islanders: 62 GP, 65 PTS
• Rangers: 62 GP, 64 PTS
• Flyers: 63 GP, 62 PTS

That would put the Isles three points behind a playoff spot with 20 games to go—and they still play Columbus twice. Not to mention Ottawa, Detroit, and Montreal seem to be stumbling as of late.

Tonight's game is a DEFINING MOMENT!
IMO, tonight’s game at MSG is the final test in Lou’s eyes. If the Isles walk into hostile territory, make a statement, and win, Lou will likely go all in. In fact, we could see him make a move to bolster the lineup.

It may be as simple as trading a third-round pick for Trent Frederic or a B-level prospect for Michael McCarron to strengthen the bottom six. Or it could be a bolder move that adds firepower to the top six.

Whatever happens, tonight’s game will tell us a lot about where the Isles are headed—and what Lou will do next.

As much as I want to see this team move in another direction - it will be very difficult for me to root against them tonight. Also, Nelson's 900 the game as an Islander.

 

[Throttle]

Vinnik bought a gong show with two franchise players in the fold and superstar on the roster in a southern FL location and rebuilt the entire downtown.

Malkin bought a gong show with a single star player (franchise player is questionable) that moved on and playing in a burnbanite market under the ever present shadow of the world’s largest marketplace and one of the most expensive. He built an arena as part of a larger project just to get the baseline expectations on par with the other 31 teams.

So, these are not comparables as long as anyone wants to think they are.

 

[periferal]

Maybe they're being held out for trade related reasons

I can see it now...

Lou, once again, trades top pick(s) at the deadline to get rid of yet more of his horrific contracts.

Would be the ultimate kick in the nuts from a guy who's been excellent at it the past few years.

 

[impaaaaaact]

Warning Post: Lou’s Deadline Decision​

I’m going to start by saying that I believe Lou should trade both Nelson and Palmieri. However, this post is focused on what Lou will most likely do and why.

Playoffs: The Islanders’ Primary Goal​

Making the playoffs is a major goal for the organization. Whether right or wrong, they believe that if they can just get into the dance, anything can happen.

Culture Over Transactions​

Lou is a culture guy. He’s not the type of GM who views players purely as assets or chess pieces. His decisions are largely influenced by how they align with a winning culture—one built on resilience, unity, and never giving up.

If the team is within striking distance, he won’t sell.

PLAYOFF RACE is a STEEP CLIMB!

Metropolitan Division Standings​

• Hurricanes: 62 GP, 74 PTS
• Devils: 62 GP, 72 PTS
• Blue Jackets: 60 GP, 68 PTS
• Rangers: 60 GP, 64 PTS
• Flyers: 61 GP, 62 PTS
• Islanders: 59 GP, 61 PTS

Wild Card Race​

• Blue Jackets: 60 GP, 68 PTS
• Red Wings: 60 GP, 66 PTS
• Senators: 59 GP, 64 PTS
• Rangers: 60 GP, 64 PTS
• Bruins: 62 GP, 64 PTS
• Canadiens: 60 GP, 63 PTS
• Flyers: 61 GP, 62 PTS

There are a lot of teams to leapfrog, and time is running out. Every game is critical. The big question: Can this team sustain a major run, like last season?

A FUN what if scenario!
Let’s say the Islanders take two of their next three games, while the Blue Jackets, Rangers, and Flyers lose their next two.

The standings would look like this:

• Hurricanes: 62 GP, 74 PTS
• Devils: 62 GP, 72 PTS
• Blue Jackets: 62 GP, 68 PTS
• Islanders: 62 GP, 65 PTS
• Rangers: 62 GP, 64 PTS
• Flyers: 63 GP, 62 PTS

That would put the Isles three points behind a playoff spot with 20 games to go—and they still play Columbus twice. Not to mention Ottawa, Detroit, and Montreal seem to be stumbling as of late.

Tonight's game is a DEFINING MOMENT!
IMO, tonight’s game at MSG is the final test in Lou’s eyes. If the Isles walk into hostile territory, make a statement, and win, Lou will likely go all in. In fact, we could see him make a move to bolster the lineup.

It may be as simple as trading a third-round pick for Trent Frederic or a B-level prospect for Michael McCarron to strengthen the bottom six. Or it could be a bolder move that adds firepower to the top six.

Whatever happens, tonight’s game will tell us a lot about where the Isles are headed—and what Lou will do next.

As much as I want to see this team move in another direction - it will be very difficult for me to root against them tonight. Also, Nelson's 900 the game as an Islander.

Yeah, if they lose to the rangers who have traded players and are sitting more it’s gotta be the last straw…right???

I can see it now...

Lou, once again, trades top pick(s) at the deadline to get rid of yet more of his horrific contracts.

Would be the ultimate kick in the nuts from a guy who's been excellent at it the past few years.

Well it would be a shrewd move, we need that cap space to re-sign Nelson and Palms.

 

[Throttle]

Hahaha, jeez such a pot shot. Engvall has been scratched multiple times already so for me that’s nothing.

I commented in the GDT about Duclair and said I was never a fan of giving term to a guy on his 9th or whatever odd team. He’s also looked terrible since returning from injury and IMO should’ve been sat down weeks ago

As always: Please trade 29 and 21. Any of the other names that have been bought up albeit loosely are bonus returns for me

Duclair is/was a crap player, but the people convinced themselves he’ll be the next Bure and will be amazing next to Barzal. LMAO.

 

[periferal]

Well it would be a shrewd move, we need that cap space to re-sign Nelson and Palms.

 

[Lek]

Duclair is/was a crap player, but the people convinced themselves he’ll be the next Bure and will be amazing next to Barzal. LMAO.

Welp....was a good try, yet....they really have not played much together so hard to tell. I will give that another season (as in those two playing together). Way to many others we should be moving on from.