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

[PJGooch]

So by now the predictions from the "insiders" pretty much cover the full spectrum of potential outcomes.

Now we sit back and choose which one to get mad about.

 

[doublechili]

I don’t think the deadline is the time to do it, but this team needs serious reconfiguring, not just dealing around the margins. Core is stale and frankly just not good enough. The lack of skill and creativity is glaring, especially on the pp, OT, and shootout,

FWIW, this article argued that VGK have shown that the TDL is the best time to build a roster (whether true or not, not sure) and offseason is the best time to move out salary.

Yost: The Vegas Golden Knights have turned roster building on its head | TSN

Another trade deadline has passed, once again defined by general manager Kelly McCrimmon and the ultra-aggressive Vegas Golden Knights.

www.tsn.ca

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

All dreams of what Nelson could get back right now in a trade aside...

What kind of deal would it take to keep the 33-year-old Nelson in the fold?

I mean, he's in line to get his ONE big payday this summer. This is his last shot - after never having played the free agency game before.

If Lou finds a way to keep him, it's going to involve big money or big term, if not both. I don't think there's any such thing as a "team-friendly" deal in this case. It would actually be irresponsible of him to go that route.

Over the next two seasons, no less than Barzal (9.15), Horvat (8.5), and Lee (7) will be eating up a quarter (or more) of the payroll.

Everyone hoping Nelson is re-upped (if he's not traded) has to assume that he's probably requiring the same contract as Horvat (admittedly, likely with fewer years) to stick around.

Does anyone think we're getting anywhere near the Cup by putting that kind of money into him at this stage of his career?

 

[periferal]

Maybe I misunderstand, but are you saying that even if Lou DOES trade Nelson and Palms tomorrow, it was a mistake because he should've traded them before the season?

What I'm saying is that Lou isn't, and hasn't been, protecting the franchise. Nelson at least should've been sitting these last few games (as several other teams did with lesser players). Lou doesn't get points because Nelson didn't get injured.

By all reports Lou has been trying to resign Nelson/Palmeiri, which is insane by itself. Even if resigning them was a great move it should've been done already the way Tavares never should've come close to his deadline.

If Lou winds up trading Nelson/Palmeri by tomorrow at 3pm not giving him points for doing the most sensible and obvious thing. The Avs are a Cup contender and they traded Rantonen months before the deadline so they wouldn't find themselves in the position the Canes, and Lou, are in now. Doesn't mean everything won't work out tomorrow, but these are unnecessary risks on top of how poorly he's been GMing the past few years.

The last thing I want is a meddling owner that tells the GM how to run the team. The owner should have full confidence in the GM and allow the GM total control, or the owner should fire the GM. Nothing in between.

I usually very much agree with this...And also is scary if you assume that Malkin has 100% faith in Lou.

Of course Lou is a unique case given his NHL history as another no "name" GM might've ben fired already. So it is also possible that Malkin agreed that this would be his last year (or that happened recently), and instad of firing him midseason he's agreed to keep him on and let Lou "retire" end of year, but he has to do what's right for the organization per Malkin.

 

[periferal]

The thing is Lou knows he's probably gone either way, I can't imagine at 82 he wants to hang around for another few years especially in a re-tool, that is why in his head he wants to give this another few more years and hope the Islanders will have some miracle and win a cup which any rational person knows is not going to happen

Totally disagree with this. Lou is the NHL version of Joe Paterno. He's going to work until you force him out (and then he "retires"). He is so not the type to just retire and watch game shows and play shuffleboard. He'll be here until 100+ plus if Malkin keeps his head in the sand.

 

[PK Cronin]

 

[8EJS9]

they just keep saying the same thing over and over again. I think it’s obvious none of them know anything.

 

[PK Cronin]

they just keep saying the same thing over and over again. I think it’s obvious none of them know anything.

I believe that's true but it does seem like teams are waiting to see what Lamoriello does.

 

[Stercrazy]

Anything less then 8 years 6mil for each is an insult to Lou's legacy.

So stupid. This team is/has done nothing. They need to get younger and faster not older and slower.

 

[Arsenalogist24]

Checks out with the “final offer submitted”

 

[Nosebleed40]

Complete lunacy. There should be no contract talks.

 

[The Real JT]

Some of you here may be Springsteen fans like me. Others may not care for him. Makes no matter to me. I’ll close this post with a verse from him.

Lou offering these aging vets new contracts is GM malpractice. I want to be completely clear here since someone might want to bring up old threads on this subject next season. I have absolutely no doubt that this will be a terrible move on way too many levels.

“God have mercy on the man who doubts what he’s sure of.”

 

[Arsenalogist24]

I enjoy laughing at the Leafs as much as the next Isles fan but we’re really treading down the same path. Loyalty gone wrong doubling down with a core proven to not have what it takes since Barry has left. Missed playoffs and first round exits. That’s what this group is looking at AGAIN.

The country club, the uncles, whatever you wanna call em. Personally, I’ve had enough. Please sell.

 

[Green]

The fact Lou is giving them offers says how out of touch and clueless he is, what is wrong with him?

 

[12Dog]

Nelson deserves to retire an Islander after the 2031 season.

Could throw him, Martin and Lou a hell of a party

 

[12Dog]

FWIW, this article argued that VGK have shown that the TDL is the best time to build a roster (whether true or not, not sure) and offseason is the best time to move out salary.

Yost: The Vegas Golden Knights have turned roster building on its head | TSN

Another trade deadline has passed, once again defined by general manager Kelly McCrimmon and the ultra-aggressive Vegas Golden Knights.

www.tsn.ca

Great article
But the first sentence that said the GM and ultra aggressive? Lost me here.
Apples and oranges

When do you build a new roster and move out bad contracts that the ultra conservative GM handed out?

 

[MJF]

All dreams of what Nelson could get back right now in a trade aside...

What kind of deal would it take to keep the 33-year-old Nelson in the fold?

I mean, he's in line to get his ONE big payday this summer. This is his last shot - after never having played the free agency game before.

If Lou finds a way to keep him, it's going to involve big money or big term, if not both. I don't think there's any such thing as a "team-friendly" deal in this case. It would actually be irresponsible of him to go that route.

Over the next two seasons, no less than Barzal (9.15), Horvat (8.5), and Lee (7) will be eating up a quarter (or more) of the payroll.

Everyone hoping Nelson is re-upped (if he's not traded) has to assume that he's probably requiring the same contract as Horvat (admittedly, likely with fewer years) to stick around.

Does anyone think we're getting anywhere near the Cup by putting that kind of money into him at this stage of his career?

My gut instinct says Nelson is looking for 6 yrs/$8.75M per yr. I’m guessing Lou is offering 4 years.

 

[Green]

How does a team who has been getting worse each season, who has little chance of making the playoffs and almost no chance of winning a cup, who has one of the worst farm systems in the league, offer 2 34 year old Free agents who they can trade for significant youth assets a contract? Is there something wrong with Lou? Is he doing this to spite Islander fans for some reason?

 

[Nosebleed40]

How does a team who has been getting worse each season, who has little chance of making the playoffs and almost no chance of winning a cup, who has one of the worst farm systems in the league, offer 2 34 year old Free agents who they can trade for significant youth assets a contract? Is there something wrong with Lou? Is he doing this to spite Islander fans for some reason?

It’s truly unfathomable if this happens.

 

[SI90]

Let’s hope Lou Lowballed them

 

[impaaaaaact]

My gut instinct says Nelson is looking for 6 yrs/$8.75M per yr. I’m guessing Lou is offering 4 years.

FWIW Nelson’s 5v5 stats haven’t declined at all this year. His numbers look worse because of the power play. I bet a win now team gives him 8x5 in the off season and worries about dumping the contract in the future

 

[Lek]

FWIW Nelson’s 5v5 stats haven’t declined at all this year. His numbers look worse because of the power play. I bet a win now team gives him 8x5 in the off season and worries about dumping the contract in the future

I bet ya Lou beats that

 

[BrockLobster]

How does a team who has been getting worse each season, who has little chance of making the playoffs and almost no chance of winning a cup, who has one of the worst farm systems in the league, offer 2 34 year old Free agents who they can trade for significant youth assets a contract? Is there something wrong with Lou? Is he doing this to spite Islander fans for some reason?

Dude we get it. Take a breath

 

[periferal]

Let’s hope Lou Lowballed them

• If you connect the "buzz" over the past few months all signs point to Nelson winding up in Minnesota this summer.

• Connecting further...That's why he keep rejecting Lou's midnight texts of "I love you. I NEED you. Please come back."

• In the end Nelson might be the hero here if he rejects all of Lou's advances and literally saves us from Lou by forcing him to trade Nelson at the deadline.

 

[MJF]

FWIW Nelson’s 5v5 stats haven’t declined at all this year. His numbers look worse because of the power play. I bet a win now team gives him 8x5 in the off season and worries about dumping the contract in the future

I think Nelson is looking for more cash. Lou would give him 8/$40M in a heartbeat. To me that would be a Mayfield contract for Brock.