Yep! I'm not sure letting 15 and 17 walk gets you enough space for the top 6. Islanders are going to have to dome something with Nelson, Palms, or JGP. I just do not see the team pulling off the moves that make them a Cup contender.
- ses111

I do not think there are moves out there that would make this team a cup contender next season. I do think there are moves that could get them deeper in the playoffs.

I do not think there are moves out there that would make this team a cup contender next season. I do think there are moves that could get them deeper in the playoffs.
- Nfdbulldawg

I'm just not sure how much deeper and will it be worth it terms of money and assets?

Yep! I'm not sure letting 15 and 17 walk gets you enough space for the top 6. Islanders are going to have to dome something with Nelson, Palms, or JGP. I just do not see the team pulling off the moves that make them a Cup contender.
- ses111

I think you keep palms and Nelson,(tough to replace their point production), and move JGP. I’ve always been a fan of JGP but that frees up some nice coin. Then sign Guentzel. He’d be fantastic with Barzal. At the deadline if the team isnt performing, move Nelson and Palms for whatever they can get. And anyone else for that matter.

I think you keep palms and Nelson,(tough to replace their point production), and move JGP. I’ve always been a fan of JGP but that frees up some nice coin. Then sign Guentzel. He’d be fantastic with Barzal. At the deadline if the team isnt performing, move Nelson and Palms for whatever they can get. And anyone else for that matter.
- streaks

I can go with this as long as players are moved by the 2025 dealine if this team does not have a legit shot at the Cup.

They’ve had too much money in bottom six players. Letting 15 and 17 walk, would be a good start. Use the extra money for higher end top six players.
- streaks

it wouldn't be the money as much as an indication that management understands that the roster needs to be changed. Resigning even one of them says "We still believe in this group"

I think Roy is an upgrade over Lambert for the simple reason he is a new voice. Lambert was not. Maybe he can get Lou to do something to the roster that Lambert was unwilling to or didn't think was necessary.

it wouldn't be the money as much as an indication that management understands that the roster needs to be changed. Resigning even one of them says "We still believe in this group"

- PeteM

Under no circumstances can Nelson and Palms be re-signed or Cal and MM this year. If the 2025 draft is stronger, I can understand waiting until then to move Nelson and Palms. It would be nice to move JGP this offseason though and move on from Cal and MM. This would be progress.

I think Roy is an upgrade over Lambert for the simple reason he is a new voice. Lambert was not. Maybe he can get Lou to do something to the roster that Lambert was unwilling to or didn't think was necessary.
- chazpet

If Roy can do this, it would be a great hire.

I think Roy is an upgrade over Lambert for the simple reason he is a new voice. Lambert was not. Maybe he can get Lou to do something to the roster that Lambert was unwilling to or didn't think was necessary.
- chazpet

Lou is going to do whatever he thinks he can do to the roster to help the team. I don’t think Roy is going to have anymore influence on that decision then Lambert did. Let’s not forget Lambert was Lou’s hire after firing one of the most successful coaches this team has had.

Also, I wouldn’t expect anything major. I’m getting the impression that this thread is actually starting to believe itself thinking there will be some at least semi major changes. Not happening with what we have locked up contract wise.

Don’t hold your breath on that one.

Lou is going to do whatever he thinks he can do to the roster to help the team. I don’t think Roy is going to have anymore influence on that decision then Lambert did. Let’s not forget Lambert was Lou’s hire after firing one of the most successful coaches this team has had.

Also, I wouldn’t expect anything major. I’m getting the impression that this thread is actually starting to believe itself thinning there will be some at least semi major changes. Not happening with what we have locked up contract wise.

Don’t hold your breath on that one.
- Cptmjl

I cannot see big type moves this offseason. I'll be happy with smart type moves. Again, there are no moves that will put this team over the top.

I cannot see big type moves this offseason. I'll be happy with smart type moves. Again, there are no moves that will put this team over the top.
- ses111

The only smart move is actually making a move to get younger. Not making moves for already NHL players. Low cost talent that contributes to the lineup.

Only way to realistically do that at the level this team needs is through the draft. By this level I mean this team needs real changes. Not any one player is having a significant enough effect to make us a contender. There’s to many holes in our defense and up front.

That’s without even factoring in this team’s inability to find that other gear and close out games. Couldn’t be more obvious some of these guys are to comfortable.

There is no quick remedy unfortunately.

The only smart move is actually making a move to get younger. Not making moves for already NHL players. Low cost talent that contributes to the lineup.

Only way to realistically do that at the level this team needs is through the draft. By this level I mean this team needs real changes. Not any one player is having a significant enough effect to make us a contender. There’s to many holes in our defense and up front.

That’s without even factoring in this team’s inability to find that other gear and close out games. Couldn’t be more obvious some of these guys are to comfortable.

There is no quick remedy unfortunately.
- Cptmjl

I agree Cpt. The more the team delays, the worse it could get. Lou has a chance to leave this team in a better place if he acts right.

Lou is going to do whatever he thinks he can do to the roster to help the team. I don’t think Roy is going to have anymore influence on that decision then Lambert did. Let’s not forget Lambert was Lou’s hire after firing one of the most successful coaches this team has had.

Also, I wouldn’t expect anything major. I’m getting the impression that this thread is actually starting to believe itself thinking there will be some at least semi major changes. Not happening with what we have locked up contract wise.

Don’t hold your breath on that one.
- Cptmjl

I think most of us understand that the team is sort of stuck right now and that we shouldn't expect much next year. For me, I just want to see Clutter and Martin go. I have nothing against either, but it's time to move on. It would be a nice first step.

As far as Nelson and others - if there is a reasonable offer then Lou should take it.

I agree Cpt. The more the team delays, the worse it WILL get. Lou has a chance to leave this team in a better place if he acts right.
- ses111

Believe me there will be other Engvall like contracts. That’s what we’re in the market for. We’re not exactly a destination choice for UFA’s. Trading for players that have a NTC clause in place may shoot the trade down. I think that is getting better for us but the competitiveness of the current team isn’t exactly a draw.

I say this hoping I’m wrong about this but I don’t think I am. If you are being objective that’s the most realistic view. Still hoping for the best none the less you never know with hockey. Maybe these guys find that gear they lost. Doubt it but hoping for it.

I think most of us understand that the team is sort of stuck right now and that we shouldn't expect much next year. For me, I just want to see Clutter and Martin go. I have nothing against either, but it's time to move on. It would be a nice first step.

As far as Nelson and others - if there is a reasonable offer then Lou should take it.
- JimmyP

What I want is both clutter and Martin gone. I mean that in the nicest way possible. They were both great islanders over the years that gave it everything they had. Fans of both. Clutter still has some game left but I still think it’s time to move on. Martin’s game has fallen off a cliff unfortunately. Give the guy a job within the office and let him retire an Islander still. Maybe developing young players like Cairns has done for years. Maybe I’m wrong with this but I imagine that’s something Martin would be good at.

Guy has done a lot for this community and is an all around good person. I can see Lou signing Clutter for the league minimum and eventually giving Martin a job outside of playing. I could also see him signing both. But I doubt there is a scenario where at least one of them isn’t in next years lineup. Fasching and Maclean are the obvious heir apparent but I think that makes our depth thinner. I say that thinking neither should be anywhere other then the fourth line.

Maclean may develop into a third liner. Kid has some serious hustle to his game, but he’s not there yet.

Believe me there will be other Engvall like contracts. That’s what we’re in the market for. We’re not exactly a destination choice for UFA’s. Trading for players that have a NTC clause in place may shoot the trade down. I think that is getting better for us but the competitiveness of the current team isn’t exactly a draw.

I say this hoping I’m wrong about this but I don’t think I am. If you are being objective that’s the most realistic view. Still hoping for the best none the less you never know with hockey. Maybe these guys find that gear they lost. Doubt it but hoping for it.
- Cptmjl

I’ll play Maggio and Dufour over giving out more bad contracts like Pierre. The last thing we need is more bad contracts. Better to take a step back next year and get a higher pick.