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

[leeroggy]

That Andrew Ladd contract still gives me nightmares

There's probably a vaccine for that too . . .

 

[miscs75]

2016 is back on the menu.

Sam Bennett $9.5x7 to Toronto. Calling it now. Then he averages around 55 points per season for the next 5 years before turning into 35 point guy to finish it off.

 

[IslesNorway]

The winners of the offseason will be the teams not handing out those massive contracts.

 

[MikeyMike01]

That Andrew Ladd contract still gives me nightmares

Don’t worry, he’s making up for it

https://web.archive.org/web/20250403160846/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6247166/2025/04/03/calum-ritchie-islanders-prospect-andrew-ladd/

 

[Throttle]

I’ve really liked how Ekblad has been playing. (And Klingberg too). Ekblad is a UFA. He constantly shoots the puck, savvy on moving the puck, and gets rid of it with smart plays.

If FL can’t resign him, Isles should trade for his rights and sign him to a big deal UFA. It ain’t going to age well. He can stay in the East for time zone and proximity to FL (and see how Montour in Seattle is in no man’s land).

But, it allows the Isles to trade Pulock and get assets there, start to change the power play, and provide a steady 3x finals with 1 cup (pending) veteran for Dobson and Schaefer. That’s invaluable.

 

[impaaaaaact]

I’ve really liked how Ekblad has been playing. (And Klingberg too). Ekblad is a UFA. He constantly shoots the puck, savvy on moving the puck, and gets rid of it with smart plays.

If FL can’t resign him, Isles should trade for his rights and sign him to a big deal UFA. It ain’t going to age well. He can stay in the East for time zone and proximity to FL (and see how Montour in Seattle is in no man’s land).

But, it allows the Isles to trade Pulock and get assets there, start to change the power play, and provide a steady 3x finals with 1 cup (pending) veteran for Dobson and Schaefer. That’s invaluable.

Ekblad could be a perfect mentor and partner for Schaefer. It would age like milk though, you’re right. I also wonder if the suspension points to a character issue. Definitely not against exploring though

 

[SI]

Ekblad could be a perfect mentor and partner for Schaefer. It would age like milk though, you’re right. I also wonder if the suspension points to a character issue. Definitely not against exploring though

You have Pulock, who can be that steady veteran, he can be paired with.

Ekblad is going to get another big payday with term.

Sam Bennett should be the target - if there is a UFA to be signed.

 

[leeroggy]

I also wonder if the suspension points to a character issue.

Come on. The guy is a hard-nosed player. Did Chris Pronger have a character issue? Stevens?

 

[PK Cronin]

I really don't think Ekblad is that good. I'd pass on him for what he'd command on the open market.

 

[seabass45]

 

[boredmale]

If I had to guess Chicago? Maybe Utah

 

[seabass45]

If I had to guess Chicago? Maybe Utah

Rumors of Toronto doing something very stupid and it's worth noting that at the moment, they don't have Marner and Tavares on the books for next year, not expecting Marner to re-sign and Tavares will be cheaper if they decide to keep him.

 

[boredmale]

Rumors of Toronto doing something very stupid and it's worth noting that at the moment, they don't have Marner and Tavares on the books for next year, not expecting Marner to re-sign and Tavares will be cheaper if they decide to keep him.

I heard a story how Tavares was willing to sign for 5M a year before the season but might want more after going a PPG

 

[seabass45]

I heard a story how Tavares was willing to sign for 5M a year before the season but might want more after going a PPG

He should take more, cap is going up and his contract will become part of the benchmark for future contracts. PPG and 38 goals this season should be an easy 8 mil per at least.

 

[Throttle]

If he wants to do that, ie get paid big money by Toronto, then go for it. However, does he really want to wear the burden of the guy being waaay overpaid to cure Toronto’s ills?

That’s the ‘choose wisely’ path to getting paid. I don’t think he goes to Toronto for that very reason. Actually, I think Toronto is going to have a rough offseason.

 

[boredmale]

He should take more, cap is going up and his contract will become part of the benchmark for future contracts. PPG and 38 goals this season should be an easy 8 mil per at least.

I am also guessing if Marner doesn't resign then he doesn't feel as charitable to take a team friendly deal or at least one that is so low.

 

[PK Cronin]

If he wants to do that, ie get paid big money by Toronto, then go for it. However, does he really want to wear the burden of the guy being waaay overpaid to cure Toronto’s ills?

That’s the ‘choose wisely’ path to getting paid. I don’t think he goes to Toronto for that very reason. Actually, I think Toronto is going to have a rough offseason.

It's much easier to deal with being overpaid when you've won a cup though.

 

[Osakahaus]

I’ve really liked how Ekblad has been playing. (And Klingberg too). Ekblad is a UFA. He constantly shoots the puck, savvy on moving the puck, and gets rid of it with smart plays.

If FL can’t resign him, Isles should trade for his rights and sign him to a big deal UFA. It ain’t going to age well. He can stay in the East for time zone and proximity to FL (and see how Montour in Seattle is in no man’s land).

But, it allows the Isles to trade Pulock and get assets there, start to change the power play, and provide a steady 3x finals with 1 cup (pending) veteran for Dobson and Schaefer. That’s invaluable.

Isles probably won't trade for Ekblad but I could absolutely see them trying to do something for a defenseman that moves the puck. We're probably gonna need to trade Pulock (or Pelech) honestly.

 

[duster19]

The winners of the offseason will be the teams not handing out those massive contracts.

Never liked Lou’s approach of walking guys to free agency only to sign them. Did it multiple times and we ended up with these long term monster contracts for very adequate players.

 

[impaaaaaact]

If I had to guess Chicago? Maybe Utah

my guess is Toronto. spending the Marner money on a dude who elevates in the playoffs feels like the exact kind of move they would make

 

[beach]

Don’t worry, he’s making up for it

https://web.archive.org/web/20250403160846/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6247166/2025/04/03/calum-ritchie-islanders-prospect-andrew-ladd/

Well, at least we know Ritchie will be a good fisherman.

 

[MJF]

I’ve really liked how Ekblad has been playing. (And Klingberg too). Ekblad is a UFA. He constantly shoots the puck, savvy on moving the puck, and gets rid of it with smart plays.

If FL can’t resign him, Isles should trade for his rights and sign him to a big deal UFA. It ain’t going to age well. He can stay in the East for time zone and proximity to FL (and see how Montour in Seattle is in no man’s land).

But, it allows the Isles to trade Pulock and get assets there, start to change the power play, and provide a steady 3x finals with 1 cup (pending) veteran for Dobson and Schaefer. That’s invaluable.

Ekblad is putting on a salary drive. Pass on the Islanders signing him.

 

[MJF]

I really don't think Ekblad is that good. I'd pass on him for what he'd command on the open market.

There have been years when Panthers fans thought Ekblad was the worst defenseman on their team. He's never impressed me.

 

[Kevin27nyi]

Well I wanted him before but now I'll add again with Darche as GM, give me Michael Eyssimont to join McLean and Gatcomb on the fourth line.

 

[NC 1972]

Come on. The guy is a hard-nosed player. Did Chris Pronger have a character issue? Stevens?

By character issues are you referring to the suspension for the PED’s !