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

Run It Back said:
Not sure what exactly you mean by legitimate, but yes, it was very good season though how "legitimate" they were was unceremoniously demonstrated by Carolina. In the following season, '19-'20, were it not for Covid they would have missed the playoffs altogether, having gone 10-13-7 after the New Year and 0-3-4 during the playoff push before the season was halted.

The point is now and always has been that the Islanders, while having had some nice seasons and being a pretty good team, never demonstrated the consistent excellence, nor did they have the talent to do so, of a serious Cup contender. The problem is that their GM thought they were and behaved accordingly.
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You have absolutely no idea if they would’ve made the playoffs that year. They were in a playoff spot when the season was cut short and there were 14 games left to be played.
 
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LAIcelanders said:
From the plus category

Cizikas is done. Can certainly use some fresh faces and he’s become completely ineffective across the 200 feet of the rink

Tsyplakov is ok, can certainly play in the NHL but not fast enough for a Top 6 role and likely too expensive for where he belongs.

Lee has had a good bounce back year. He hasn’t looked this speedy in his entire career. Can he replicate that again at age 35?
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I should have mentioned that this whole listing naturally takes into account that you can't just get rid of like 65% of the team in one offseason.

And even if one could, you know Lou ain't gonna be the one doing it.
 
Kevin27nyi said:
I think we need a big body winger going forward with Lee at 34/35.

I do think we’re going to be competitive next year and on that assumption I’d trade a pick in the 10-20 range for Knies
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A mid first round pick would be a no brainer, I just don’t have confidence this team will show any improvement. A full season without Nelson and the roster is only getting older I don’t see Lee or Pageau replicating their play next year, Sorokin has played great, but yet we are still nowhere near good. I think we are closer to a top 5 pick than playoffs next year.
 
periferal said:
Good news everyone...

Lou *knows* we need to get younger...And he's following through on that promise.
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Don’t think he sees it as an NHL regular but anything’s possible. Hopefully we just get younger and more depth overall in the organization. Seems like our development in Bridgeport isn’t too good these days.
 
isles55 said:
I really don’t see how this team plans to replace Nelson, Palmieri, Pageau, and Lee by next offseason.

Nelson is gone. Palmieri should be gone and is 34 years old. Lee will be 36 for the 26-27 season and Pageau will be 33.

It’s not realistic to expect these players to play the same role they do now at these ages. They play important positions, and we have no young players ready to take on a bigger role(other than Holmstrom potentially). Expecting players like Eiserman or Ritchie to be big contributors that soon is probably asking too much.
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Reason why I wanted Palms traded but likelihood is he’s back so don’t worry about him besides his declining play with out Brock Nelson. Oops

As for Lee and Pageau, I think 44 is a possible trade at draft or trade deadline. Anders Lee, I’m not sure if we’d trade him but if he has a season like this again at trade deadline I’d say a Nelson like return is likely

These are ways to get the next wave of Islanders in. I’m nervous about our approach with free agency but that’s how you replace them along with our prospects and draft picks.

My biggest concern and need to be addressed this offseason is the defense core. I think they’re trying to get Mayfield to tap out with all these healthy scratches. Pulock has a NTC, very bad. Pelech has a modified one and of those 3 of course he’s been playing the best, even if it’s bad. I’d say he’s got a chance of being moved too. Dobson contract I really don’t know what to do, it might be best to do the “hockey trade” to get a comparable winger.

Even back up goalie, I really hope Varly is okay. Hogberg, get back to the Bridge bud.
 
Interestingly, Trevor Connolly who was picked 1 spot ahead of Eiserman has decided to turn pro after his freshman season. He had nowhere near the numbers Eiserman had. If I was advising him I’d tell him to stay at least another year.

Obviously I don’t know what his personal situation at home is but I think it’s interesting he decided to turn pro. I would be surprised if Eiserman did the same but I think he should go back to school for another year.
Eiserman had an awesome freshman season and he really matured under pandolfo. Another thing to think about is Eiserman is also one of the youngest players in his draft and in college this year. He won’t be 19 until the end of August. I don’t want him anywhere near Bridgeport with the state of that team right now.

Going to be interesting to see what Cole decides to do.
 
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Really wish we had the type of prospects on the brink that could be difference makers, but not sure if that's the case.

So many busts, and it's been 10 years since Barzal.

Aside from him, the guys with the most games are Dobson and Wahlstrom, one who is gone and the other who's inconsistent.

Holmstrom is having a solid year, but I don't think he's going to be a top 3 forward.

I don't follow other teams prospects as closely, but it seems we have had way more misses than hits in the drafts over the past 15ish to 20 years. Even the players who've played alot of games aren't any superstars.

I'm sure our scouting team has changed over this time, but maybe it's time to refresh that department again.
 
SI90 said:
Interestingly, Trevor Connolly who was picked 1 spot ahead of Eiserman has decided to turn pro after his freshman season. He had nowhere near the numbers Eiserman had. If I was advising him I’d tell him to stay at least another year.

Obviously I don’t know what his personal situation at home is but I think it’s interesting he decided to turn pro. I would be surprised if Eiserman did the same but I think he should go back to school for another year.
Eiserman had an awesome freshman season and he really matured under pandolfo. Another thing to think about is Eiserman is also one of the youngest players in his draft and in college this year. He won’t be 19 until the end of August. I don’t want him anywhere near Bridgeport with the state of that team right now.

Going to be interesting to see what Cole decides to do.
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I hope you are right but I can see Cole turning pro. Lou said he wants the team to get younger and Cole and Ritchie on the third line accomplishes that.
 
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SI90 said:
Interestingly, Trevor Connolly who was picked 1 spot ahead of Eiserman has decided to turn pro after his freshman season. He had nowhere near the numbers Eiserman had. If I was advising him I’d tell him to stay at least another year.

Obviously I don’t know what his personal situation at home is but I think it’s interesting he decided to turn pro. I would be surprised if Eiserman did the same but I think he should go back to school for another year.
Eiserman had an awesome freshman season and he really matured under pandolfo. Another thing to think about is Eiserman is also one of the youngest players in his draft and in college this year. He won’t be 19 until the end of August. I don’t want him anywhere near Bridgeport with the state of that team right now.

Going to be interesting to see what Cole decides to do.
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Can the islanders pull pandolfo from BU and just make him bridgeports coach 😁
 
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JRD76 said:
Can the islanders pull pandolfo from BU and just make him bridgeports coach 😁
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I wouldn’t mind it but he’s BU through and through. It would have to take a serious great situation for him to leave BU.

Hes great at developing guys. Only thing I don’t like is how he deploys his lines and allocates ice time sometimes. But he’s the type of guy you’d want teaching and developing guys in the AHL.
 
Under no circumstances should the Isles be using their 2026 1st round draft pick for offer sheets for non-elite talent - there is a very good chance they are a lottery team next year as well. I like Knies and would trade the COL 1st as part of a package for him, but that Isles pick could very well be top of the draft. Short of a major overhaul that I don't think Lou is capable of, I have very little faith this team will be much better next season, and in fact could be worse if the regression of Pelech, Pulock and Pageau continues and they are still on the roster. The only guy I see potentially improving for next year is Holmstrom - everyone else is either at their peak or declining (in some cases rapidly).
 
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MikeyMike01 said:
You have absolutely no idea if they would’ve made the playoffs that year. They were in a playoff spot when the season was cut short and there were 14 games left to be played.
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I have a pretty good idea. Listen, all of you folks who want to look back wistfully at our Covid runs and who have convinced yourselves of our greatness at that time suffer from the same delusion that Lou suffered from and the same delusion that keeps us a perpetual middle of the pack organization. Get it through your heads, we were nothing special.
 
Run It Back said:
I have a pretty good idea. Listen, all of you folks who want to look back wistfully at our Covid runs and who have convinced yourselves of our greatness at that time suffer from the same delusion that Lou suffered from and the same delusion that keeps us a perpetual middle of the pack organization. Get it through your heads, we were nothing special.
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Not sure what you're trying to say. The team was one of the final 4 teams two years in a row, losing in a game 7 by one goal to the eventual Cup champs. But ultimately they didn't have sufficient talent to get over the hump. Everyone saw that with their own eyes - the games even under Trotz where they needed a goal and couldn't generate offense. They overachieved based on their talent level. Is someone saying it was an elite skill group?
 
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Glory Days said:
I hope you are right but I can see Cole turning pro. Lou said he wants the team to get younger and Cole and Ritchie on the third line accomplishes that.
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I wouldn’t put two rookies on a defensively oriented line. As much as I’d love to see Eiserman ripping pucks home next season, I don’t think it’s best for his development. Let him get stronger and faster for another season, then assess whether he should be brought up.
 
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doublechili said:
Not sure what you're trying to say. The team was one of the final 4 teams two years in a row, losing in a game 7 by one goal to the eventual Cup champs. But ultimately they didn't have sufficient talent to get over the hump. Everyone saw that with their own eyes - the games even under Trotz where they needed a goal and couldn't generate offense. They overachieved based on their talent level. Is someone saying it was an elite skill group?
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Not going to keep having this discussion. Believe what you want but this organization hasn't done shit outside of Covid and is where it is because the GM was convinced that they were an elite group and acted accordingly.
 
Last night was a perfect example of everything wrong with the post ECF run islanders. They let Tampa Bay run away with the game and they didnt even need to do much. The Islanders are what they are: a very scrappy underperforming team with zero superstars and lots of bottom sixers, alongside ineffective coaching and a critically bad power play. More teams should take penalties against the Islanders: it really displays just how bad nepotism is in the sport of hockey when you still have MacLean running the power play.

Lou Lamoriello's time is up. I don't care that he brought "respect" back to the islanders if the true cost of this was the Islanders becoming the NHL's version of the Tennessee Titans. if the Islanders are serious about making fans want to attend UBS arena, give them perks. If you're serious about making fans want to watch the Islanders, force Lou out, force Roy out, and start making changes. The Islanders are stuck in 2003. It is not 2003, it is 2025. The teams who constantly lap us are modern teams. Get modern brains here now.
 
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ok....onto the off-season...

While it is not realistic to just get rid of everyone......only a few keepers unfortunately

Forwards - absolutely:
Bo, Barzal, Holmstrom,
Gatcomb (amazed he made it here but he has shown more than well enought to be back next year)
Lee - not convinced we will get enough if we try to move him (as in immediate worth) and would be an asset as we transition, especially if he can play like he has this year. I think he has a few more in him as well.

D-Men - absolutely:
Romanov, DeAngelo

Goaltender - absolutely:
Sorokin

Hmmm....not much of a team there.....need a least a few more players

The because we kinda have to guys:

Forwards:
Palmieri - if he can net 20 and be signed for no more than he has been paid this year (less is better) it is what we need - some scoring.
Engvall - can not believe i am putting him on here, almost put him up top but not enough shown overall for the year, but if he can continue to play like he has he will be more than worth his pay....big IF though, but worth the keep for next year, for now.
Tsippy - really, i mean really not sold on him....but at a cheap price, keep him...for now is suppose.
Casey - only if you can not find a center to replace him. We do have a lotta guys to get and he is relatively on the cheap side. Can still center a 4th line better than what we have.

D-men: I am not so sure i would keep any more of them if i seemingly did not have to. All would be playing to 5/6/7 but really reaching.

Pulock - only because i do not see the ability to move him - but trust me when i say I would lose him for nothing if i could - addition by subtraction.
Boquist - still in the younger of the bunch guys, and can serve a purpose?...he's not all that bad, is he?
Reilly - dependable 7th...at least more dependable than what we have.


That is it...seriously, past Hogberg, who has been ok but i think we can do better...i do not believe anyone else deserves to be on this team next year. Not saying one or two others will not make it, just saying in my opinion, none of the others need to or should be back....get something for them, get nothing for them i do not really care....just get rid of them......oh, and Lou can drive the bus that takes them away & Johnny Mac can co-pilot.
 
SI90 said:
Interestingly, Trevor Connolly who was picked 1 spot ahead of Eiserman has decided to turn pro after his freshman season. He had nowhere near the numbers Eiserman had. If I was advising him I’d tell him to stay at least another year.
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I've followed him a bit - there was some very positive news news about him actually communicating consistently with Jewish mentors. I daresay he knows more Jewish history by now than 95% of non-Jewish people, and that # is probably much higher among hockey players. So, kudos to him.

I also watched a good bit of hockey east. His talent is evident. And, I've seldom seen a player with that kind of talent who needs to put on more weight or get stronger more. To say he gets pushed around is an understatement. I can only imagine the kid has a supercharged metabolism, and people like that probably need their bodies to turn a corner into maturity. Effort alone isn't going to do it. It's going to take talent, and rest, and good luck getting someone with a runaway metabolism to rest. But imo if he got pushed around in college (he did), he's going to go get clobbered in the AHL.

Because I've been watching Eiserman, I'll compare - the contrast between these guys physically is extreme. Eiserman has weight to use, even if - like so many other things in his game - he often doesn't use it effectively except when he's putting pucks on net (he is who he is). But even when he's off balance and getting pushed, he's got enough sheer upper body strength to do something. Physically he's a bit like Palmieri (but young Palms was a better skater) - I've seen guys bounce off him when he was braced. It's one reason I'm optimistic about Eiserman's future.

Connolly has *nothing* of that. If he doesn't have a step or space, he's done. And he tries to get in the mix - he's not dispositionally soft - he just gets tossed out.
 
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MJF said:
Bridgeport? Aim higher.
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It's hard to know what to think about him in the same way that it's hard to know what to think of Martin St. Louis. I do not intend to be facetious - maybe it's the genius of the Hutson boys shining on their coaches. Did you see the end of that Canadien's win vs. Floriday last night? Clutch play, hockey sense, and skill all came together in a way that was a joy to watch. And Hutson was a huge part of it. (BTW looking at MSL's face after that win, he was trying hard not just break into a **** eating grin).

That said, I think the Roy experience isn't going so well. I know people love it when coaches show their emotion. And while the rare genius coach can be like that, more good coaches are the boring methodical types. I agree that Pandolfo seems more likely to be a better coach to lead a team through a retool than Roy, if that's what you're suggesting.
 
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