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Next Hockey BLOG - enjoy the read -
On the Presser
Lou Lamoriello was candid and direct in his press conference, offering strong answers and clearing up any confusion. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend giving it a view—it's only 13 minutes long.
Offseason Changes
Lou made it clear that changes are coming this offseason. The extent of these changes remains uncertain, but we’ll find out this summer.
One key takeaway was that the Islanders want to bring back Kyle Palmieri, but only on their terms. Lou emphasized this approach, citing Brock Nelson’s departure as an example. He stated that Nelson wanted to stay and the Isles wanted him to stay, but the offer was "not enough." As a result, they moved him and targeted a top prospect, with Lamoriello glowing about Calum Ritchie’s potential to step into the lineup next year.
When asked about other possible moves, Lou stated, “If we could have gotten younger and better, we would have done it without question.” He noted that certain trades would be better executed at a different time—perhaps in the offseason or at next year’s trade deadline. Players who come to mind as potential trade candidates include Anders Lee, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Scott Mayfield, Ryan Pulock, and Adam Pelech. Noah Dobson’s RFA status also makes him a prime trade candidate.
Why Keep Palmieri?
Lou Lamoriello made it clear that he would have traded Kyle Palmieri if the right deal had materialized, but moving him just for a draft pick wasn’t appealing. He also emphasized that the Islanders are only three points out of a playoff spot and still believes in this group. Keeping Palmieri reinforces that belief and his commitment to the players in the room.
If the team were 10+ points out, Lou’s decision may have been different. But given their position, the lack of a strong offer, and his confidence in their playoff chances, he chose to keep Palmieri. The Islanders will still look to re-sign him—but on their terms.
Ultimately, this move reflects Lou’s philosophy: making the playoffs and competing is always the goal.
Trade Candidates
Ryan Pulock – Has trade protection for two more seasons and will be 31 at the start of next year. With five years left at a $6.15M AAV, he would have a broader market than Mayfield. However, he holds more value to the Islanders than what they might get in return.
Adam Pelech – Has a modified no-trade clause (16 teams) and turns 31 next season. With four years left at $5.75M AAV, he’s in a similar situation to Pulock. Unless the Islanders pursue a puck-moving defenseman to run the power play (e.g., Ivan Provorov), moving Pelech doesn’t seem likely.
Anders Lee – Moving the captain in the offseason seems unlikely. He has one year left at $7M, and while there were rumors about Chicago’s interest, a trade would likely require salary retention, which isn’t ideal at this time. If the Isles are in a similar position at next year’s trade deadline, moving Lee becomes more realistic.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Given that the Islanders have already moved Nelson, it’s unlikely that Pageau will be traded. Gutting the team’s center depth is not something Lou would do, especially with Cizikas and Barzal playing on the wing. However, Pageau’s market may increase this offseason, as a 3C with a $5M AAV for one year could be attractive to teams looking for center depth.
Casey Cizikas – No trade protection, two years left at $2.5M AAV, and will turn 35 in January. While still valuable, the primary advantage of moving him would be freeing up cap space. If there’s no pressing need to clear salary, keeping Cizikas makes sense.
Semyon Varlamov – The nature of his lower-body injury remains unclear, but we do know he won’t return this season. At 37, he may have played his last NHL game, making him a potential LTIR candidate for the remainder of his contract.
Anthony Duclair – Three years left at $3.5M AAV with a full no-trade clause for one more season. While NTCs can be waived, they give players more control over their destination. Given his injury struggles, moving Duclair to free up cap space makes sense. He could also be part of a larger trade involving a big contract, such as Elias Pettersson (EP40).
Pierre Engvall – Five years left at $3M AAV, and his trade value is likely negative. A buyout seems the most probable outcome unless he’s included in a cap-offsetting deal.
Scott Mayfield – The oldest defenseman on the roster, Mayfield has battled injuries over the past two seasons. His ice time has been reduced under Patrick Roy, and he has even been a healthy scratch. With five years left at $3.5M AAV, the cap hit is fine, but the term is long. If he’s seeing a diminished role, he may waive his trade protection for the right move. Nashville, needing a right-shot defenseman after moving Luke Schenn, could be a fit.
Noah Dobson – If the Isles want to get younger, Dobson could be moved for a major return. A player like Mason McTavish (22, Anaheim) would be an ideal target. If a trade for EP40 materializes, Dobson would likely be the centerpiece. The potential reward of adding a top forward could justify the risk.
Elias Pettersson (EP40) – A change of scenery could help Pettersson rediscover his game, and Long Island might be a better fit than the pressure-filled Vancouver market. Playing alongside old friend Bo Horvat and a dynamic linemate like Mathew Barzal could allow EP40 to thrive, particularly as the primary shooter on the right half-wall of the power play.
Shayne Gostisbehere – With Alexander Nikishin’s KHL contract expiring this summer, Carolina may focus on bringing him to North America and re-signing Dmitry Orlov, making Gostisbehere expendable. If moved, he’d be a solid addition for the Islanders, filling the role of power-play quarterback on PP1.
Nikolaj Ehlers – The Islanders could acquire his rights before free agency to improve their chances of signing him. He would be a key piece in reshaping the team’s top six.
Matt Duchene – Could be pushed out of Dallas after the Mikko Rantanen trade. He thrived under Roy despite their past tensions and could be a strong addition at three years, $7.5M AAV.
Trent Frederic & Mason Appleton - Could be solid adds to help rebuild the Isles bottom 6, both would be good candidates to help form a new identity line.
Anthony Beauvillier & Nick Cousins (low-cost UFA depth signings) – Both could be signed in the $1M–$1.5M AAV range to bolster the bottom six.
Potential Offseason Plans
The Islanders’ direction will depend on trades, free-agent signings, and potential buyouts. Several models exist, from major shakeups to more conservative moves, each with its own implications for next season. Here are some models -
MODEL A - EP 40 Blockbuster Trade
MODEL B - RFA for RFA (Dobson for MacTavish)
MODEL C - Ehlers UFA Signing
MODEL D - Duchene UFA Signing
MODEL E - Low-Cost Bargain Signings
On the Presser
Lou Lamoriello was candid and direct in his press conference, offering strong answers and clearing up any confusion. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend giving it a view—it's only 13 minutes long.
Offseason Changes
Lou made it clear that changes are coming this offseason. The extent of these changes remains uncertain, but we’ll find out this summer.
One key takeaway was that the Islanders want to bring back Kyle Palmieri, but only on their terms. Lou emphasized this approach, citing Brock Nelson’s departure as an example. He stated that Nelson wanted to stay and the Isles wanted him to stay, but the offer was "not enough." As a result, they moved him and targeted a top prospect, with Lamoriello glowing about Calum Ritchie’s potential to step into the lineup next year.
When asked about other possible moves, Lou stated, “If we could have gotten younger and better, we would have done it without question.” He noted that certain trades would be better executed at a different time—perhaps in the offseason or at next year’s trade deadline. Players who come to mind as potential trade candidates include Anders Lee, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Scott Mayfield, Ryan Pulock, and Adam Pelech. Noah Dobson’s RFA status also makes him a prime trade candidate.
Why Keep Palmieri?
Lou Lamoriello made it clear that he would have traded Kyle Palmieri if the right deal had materialized, but moving him just for a draft pick wasn’t appealing. He also emphasized that the Islanders are only three points out of a playoff spot and still believes in this group. Keeping Palmieri reinforces that belief and his commitment to the players in the room.
If the team were 10+ points out, Lou’s decision may have been different. But given their position, the lack of a strong offer, and his confidence in their playoff chances, he chose to keep Palmieri. The Islanders will still look to re-sign him—but on their terms.
Ultimately, this move reflects Lou’s philosophy: making the playoffs and competing is always the goal.
Trade Candidates
Ryan Pulock – Has trade protection for two more seasons and will be 31 at the start of next year. With five years left at a $6.15M AAV, he would have a broader market than Mayfield. However, he holds more value to the Islanders than what they might get in return.
Adam Pelech – Has a modified no-trade clause (16 teams) and turns 31 next season. With four years left at $5.75M AAV, he’s in a similar situation to Pulock. Unless the Islanders pursue a puck-moving defenseman to run the power play (e.g., Ivan Provorov), moving Pelech doesn’t seem likely.
Anders Lee – Moving the captain in the offseason seems unlikely. He has one year left at $7M, and while there were rumors about Chicago’s interest, a trade would likely require salary retention, which isn’t ideal at this time. If the Isles are in a similar position at next year’s trade deadline, moving Lee becomes more realistic.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Given that the Islanders have already moved Nelson, it’s unlikely that Pageau will be traded. Gutting the team’s center depth is not something Lou would do, especially with Cizikas and Barzal playing on the wing. However, Pageau’s market may increase this offseason, as a 3C with a $5M AAV for one year could be attractive to teams looking for center depth.
Casey Cizikas – No trade protection, two years left at $2.5M AAV, and will turn 35 in January. While still valuable, the primary advantage of moving him would be freeing up cap space. If there’s no pressing need to clear salary, keeping Cizikas makes sense.
Semyon Varlamov – The nature of his lower-body injury remains unclear, but we do know he won’t return this season. At 37, he may have played his last NHL game, making him a potential LTIR candidate for the remainder of his contract.
Anthony Duclair – Three years left at $3.5M AAV with a full no-trade clause for one more season. While NTCs can be waived, they give players more control over their destination. Given his injury struggles, moving Duclair to free up cap space makes sense. He could also be part of a larger trade involving a big contract, such as Elias Pettersson (EP40).
Pierre Engvall – Five years left at $3M AAV, and his trade value is likely negative. A buyout seems the most probable outcome unless he’s included in a cap-offsetting deal.
Scott Mayfield – The oldest defenseman on the roster, Mayfield has battled injuries over the past two seasons. His ice time has been reduced under Patrick Roy, and he has even been a healthy scratch. With five years left at $3.5M AAV, the cap hit is fine, but the term is long. If he’s seeing a diminished role, he may waive his trade protection for the right move. Nashville, needing a right-shot defenseman after moving Luke Schenn, could be a fit.
Noah Dobson – If the Isles want to get younger, Dobson could be moved for a major return. A player like Mason McTavish (22, Anaheim) would be an ideal target. If a trade for EP40 materializes, Dobson would likely be the centerpiece. The potential reward of adding a top forward could justify the risk.
Trade Targets
Mason McTavish – The 22-year-old center would be a perfect fit for the Islanders. Anaheim already has a deep pool of young centers, including Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, Nathan Gaucher, and Lucas Pettersson, plus a high draft pick this year that could land them someone like Frondell, McQueen, or Desnoyers. With their surplus at center, the Ducks could benefit from adding a right-handed defenseman like Noah Dobson.Elias Pettersson (EP40) – A change of scenery could help Pettersson rediscover his game, and Long Island might be a better fit than the pressure-filled Vancouver market. Playing alongside old friend Bo Horvat and a dynamic linemate like Mathew Barzal could allow EP40 to thrive, particularly as the primary shooter on the right half-wall of the power play.
Shayne Gostisbehere – With Alexander Nikishin’s KHL contract expiring this summer, Carolina may focus on bringing him to North America and re-signing Dmitry Orlov, making Gostisbehere expendable. If moved, he’d be a solid addition for the Islanders, filling the role of power-play quarterback on PP1.
Free Agent Targets
Mikael Granlund – Could be signed for 2 years at $5M AAV to help replace Nelson’s departure.Nikolaj Ehlers – The Islanders could acquire his rights before free agency to improve their chances of signing him. He would be a key piece in reshaping the team’s top six.
Matt Duchene – Could be pushed out of Dallas after the Mikko Rantanen trade. He thrived under Roy despite their past tensions and could be a strong addition at three years, $7.5M AAV.
Trent Frederic & Mason Appleton - Could be solid adds to help rebuild the Isles bottom 6, both would be good candidates to help form a new identity line.
Anthony Beauvillier & Nick Cousins (low-cost UFA depth signings) – Both could be signed in the $1M–$1.5M AAV range to bolster the bottom six.
Potential Offseason Plans
The Islanders’ direction will depend on trades, free-agent signings, and potential buyouts. Several models exist, from major shakeups to more conservative moves, each with its own implications for next season. Here are some models -
MODEL A - EP 40 Blockbuster Trade
- Trade: Isles acquire Elias Pettersson (EP 40) by trading Noah Dobson, Colorado’s 2026 1st-round pick, Engvall, and Danny Nelson.
- UFA Signings: Trent Frederic (2.5M AAV), Anthony Beauvillier (1.5M AAV).
- Calum Ritchie makes the team.
- RFAs Resigned: Boqvist, Romanov, Holmstrom, Tsyplakov.
- Additional Trades: Duclair, Perunovich, and a pick traded for Gostisbehere.
- Palmieri & DeAngelo resign
- Varlamov placed on LTIR.
MODEL B - RFA for RFA (Dobson for MacTavish)
- Trade: Noah Dobson for Mason MacTavish (RFA for RFA swap).
- MacTavish signed to a bridge deal.
- UFA Signings: Mikael Granlund (2y/5M AAV), Trent Frederic (2.5M AAV).
- Calum Ritchie makes the team and plays RW in a sheltered “caddy” role with Granlund. If Ritchie starts in the AHL, Isles may sign another depth UFA (e.g., Cousins or Beauvillier at 1M).
- RFAs Resigned: Boqvist, Romanov, Holmstrom, Tsyplakov.
- Additional Trades: Duclair, Perunovich, and a pick traded for Gostisbehere.
- Palmieri & DeAngelo resign
- Varlamov placed on LTIR
- Engvall bought out
MODEL C - Ehlers UFA Signing
- Trade: Isles trade a 2025 3rd-round pick for Nikolaj Ehlers’ signing rights.
- UFA Signing: Ehlers signed to a 7-year, 9M AAV deal.
- Additional Trade: Scott Mayfield traded for Michael McCarron.
- Calum Ritchie makes the team.
- RFAs Resigned: Boqvist (Qualified), Dobson (long-term), Romanov (long-term), Holmstrom
- (short-term to fit under the cap), Tsyplakov (short-term to fit under the cap).
- Palmieri & DeAngelo resign
- Varlamov placed on LTIR.
- Engvall bought out.
MODEL D - Duchene UFA Signing
- UFA Signing: Matt Duchene signed for 3 years, 7.5M AAV.
- Additional Trade: Scott Mayfield traded for Michael McCarron.
- Pick'em: Isles sign either Mikael Granlund or Kyle Palmieri to 2 year deal
- Calum Ritchie makes the team.
- RFAs Resigned: Boqvist, Perunovich, Romanov (long-term), Holmstrom, Tsyplakov.
- DeAngelo resigns
- Varlamov placed on LTIR.
- Engvall bought out.
MODEL E - Low-Cost Bargain Signings
- UFA Signings: Mikael Granlund (2y/5M AAV) and Trent Frederic (4y/3M AAV)
- Trade: Scott Mayfield traded for McCarron
- Calum Ritchie starts the season in Bridgeport.
- RFAs Resigned: Boqvist, Perunovich, Dobson and Romanov (long-term), Holmstrom, Tsyplakov.
- Palmieri & DeAngelo resign
- Varlamov placed on LTIR.
- Engvall bought out.
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