Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2025-26: Welcome to the Darche Side

[Lek]

In light of the past day's trades, it's obvious there are a lot of desperate GMs out there, but also that judging by the number of 1st round picks traded that this draft may not be viewed as particularly good by some. A player like Byram going for the 4th overall?? Seems extremely steep by anyone's standards.

I wouldn't get any hopes up that Darche will be able to do do much, nor does he want to. He will run it back and I dread to see the deals he will give Lee and TDA. If all our players didn't have NTCs and NMCs this would be a great time to offer up the likes of Pelech, Barzal, Mayfield etc. to teams looking for veteran presence (SJ, CHI and a few others) but I don't think anything will happen.

Maybe an opportunity to trade back has opened up now BUF has our former pick if they want to make a bit of a splash at home (13 for 20 and 45)? Unless a big fish lands in our lap, it could be worth it.

The bolded, is very well why there is littler to hear from our camp.
I do not believe it is ownership or Lou (conspiracy theory) - or Darche not doing his job (competency)
One can not sell what one can not sell.

 

[NC 1972]

The draft is in Buffalo with the Sabres trading up to 20 and now 4th overall - Marek was right Jarmo wanted to make a splash... maybe trading back to 20. 13th Overall for the 20th overall and Strbak - maybe get our 2nd back too?

If SJ takes Reid 2nd it's possible Buffalo grabs Stenberg, amazing.

 

[beach]

It's so depressing to be an Isles' fan

 

[saintunspecified]

It's so depressing to be an Isles' fan

Dude, we are going to have the best defenseman in the league within the next two years. With a acquisition in top-4 RD, proper coaching, and elite goaltending it's going to be interesting, at the very least. I think it's going to be fun!

It takes time, but Schaefer's presence creates buzz. Players will want to play with him. They need to create that atmosphere where they lock him up long-term and allow the benefits of having such a special player & person come to them without forcing it.

 

[SayItAintSoJohnny]

I too have little faith in Darche, his mid-season moves last year has me very skeptical.

Re-signing TDA at a decent number I am ok with, but he should move on from Lee....but I too fear he won't and he will overpay to keep him....while also not improving this roster.

 

[saintunspecified]

If darche was gonna overpay for Lee, why isn't it done yet?

 

[SI90]

It's so depressing to be an Isles' fan

Honestly, I’m just happy we didn’t give up a ridiculous package for a player that probably won’t even make a difference for us.

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

Can we all agree, we are not making the playoffs with this roster? It's in our best interest to move Pelech. Our defense sucked last year with him....sell while he's healthy.

No, I will not agree with that. I can absolutely see them getting a M3 or WC2 spot. But that's the problem, that would be the ceiling - like it has been for the last 6 years.

I agree with the second half of your post though.

 

[Top Corner]

Good GMs do great things, not so good GMs try to remain relevant. Which of these do we have?

I know Greer in SJ got a lot of flack for moving out supposed super stars for Pennie’s on the dollar but he realized those bad contracts were going to forever weigh the franchise down. But being proactive, he’s brought them back to relevance.

 

[Top Corner]

If nothing happens by Thursday, I might suggest that nothing good will be coming and might venture to say we might not like it if something does happen after.

To achieve what I think might be beneficial to moving this team towards a more solid future, we will need a few blocks to fall so a better foundation can be established for Friday.

 

[isles55]

Very glad Darche didn’t get Nemec at a similar price to what Calgary paid.

 

[Lame Lambert]

I’m not really sure what everyone is so upset about. None of these players are moving the needle for us with how many holes we have. The bigger issue is Darche not selling off last season and making boneheaded moves for old players.

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

I’m not really sure what everyone is so upset about. None of these players are moving the needle for us with how many holes we have. The bigger issue is Darche not selling off last season and making boneheaded moves for old players.

I'd gather its being upset about not selling considering the returns for guys like Kyrou, Nemec, Byram, etc.

 

[Tahoeblue]

I’m not really sure what everyone is so upset about. None of these players are moving the needle for us with how many holes we have. The bigger issue is Darche not selling off last season and making boneheaded moves for old players.

So true. I mean I guess a successful offseason looks like the Isles drafting another quality prospect, off load a few contracts for picks, add some toughness for #48, bring back TDA for a year or two, let Lee walk if indeed he is asking for big money and term.

 

[beach]

I'd gather its being upset about not selling considering the returns for guys like Kyrou, Nemec, Byram, etc.

^this

 

[IslesNorway]

The bolded, is very well why there is littler to hear from our camp.
I do not believe it is ownership or Lou (conspiracy theory) - or Darche not doing his job (competency)
One can not sell what one can not sell.

Just wait until Lee and TDA get full NMCs on their new 4 year deals

 

[Throttle]

I'd gather its being upset about not selling considering the returns for guys like Kyrou, Nemec, Byram, etc.

Second that, the team clearly needs adjustments whether buy or sell. As is, kinda foolish to continue to believe in this crop at this point. 2 playoff spots in 5 years ain’t a growing team, it’s one that’s peaked, flatlined, and declined.

 

[xECK29x]

It's so depressing to be an Isles' fan

Doomers are feasting, jesus get a grip

 

[Glory Days]

Me neither....but seems like a smoke ---> fire scenario as it's a rumor going on many, many months. Maybe he doesn't want to be there?

It is more than just a rumor. There was a confirmed trade at last seasons deadline that was submitted 1 minute late to the league office. That makes it tough to bring the player back.

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

With bloated acquisition costs and a weak UFA class, I keep seeing posts/articles about how there could be more RFA offer sheets (yes, I know we hear that every summer because of clicks)...but this environment could actually make them possible.

Would anyone here be interested in offer sheeting Dorofeyev in the 9.3 to 11.7 range? The compensation would be:

• 2x 1st Round Picks
• 1x 2nd Round Pick
• 1x 3rd Round Pick

Seems like a lot though...

Would love to OS at the $9,360,153 number to drop the compensation to:

• 1x 1st Round Pick
• 1x 2nd Round Pick
• 1x 3rd Round Pick

 

[beach]

Doomers are feasting, jesus get a grip

Grip this.

 

[MJF]

If darche was gonna overpay for Lee, why isn't it done yet?

I think Lee genuinely wants to see if another team is willing to pay more for him than the Islanders are.

 

[MJF]

If nothing happens by Thursday, I might suggest that nothing good will be coming and might venture to say we might not like it if something does happen after.

To achieve what I think might be beneficial to moving this team towards a more solid future, we will need a few blocks to fall so a better foundation can be established for Friday.

Why expect anything other than what Darche has been indicating all along...that last year's team and this year's team are going to look quite similar. Palmieri and Romanov are going to be like trade acquisitions for us and a full season of Pete DeBoer.

 

[seabass45]

With bloated acquisition costs and a weak UFA class, I keep seeing posts/articles about how there could be more RFA offer sheets (yes, I know we hear that every summer because of clicks)...but this environment could actually make them possible.

Would anyone here be interested in offer sheeting Dorofeyev in the 9.3 to 11.7 range? The compensation would be:

• 2x 1st Round Picks
• 1x 2nd Round Pick
• 1x 3rd Round Pick

Seems like a lot though...

Would love to OS at the $9,360,153 number to drop the compensation to:

• 1x 1st Round Pick
• 1x 2nd Round Pick
• 1x 3rd Round Pick

Absolutely not.

 

[MJF]

I’m not really sure what everyone is so upset about. None of these players are moving the needle for us with how many holes we have. The bigger issue is Darche not selling off last season and making boneheaded moves for old players.

This