This ship has sailed and there's no point in bringing him back now. But I still believe that if Tavares had never left, both franchises would have been better off. Toronto would have had the resources to add the high-quality support players they've needed but had to cheap out on, and Tavares would have given the Isles the extra scoring punch they sorely lacked during their short window.

But, since he did leave, Isles fans have to pretend we never needed him and Leafs fans have to pretend he was a masterful addition that made them an elite team.
- UIF

I sometimes wonder about that.

Yes, they undoubtedly would have had a better scoring punch, but they also definitely wouldn't have been able to afford to keep someone like Pageau or maybe keep all their defensemen when they needed contracts. Maybe the whole team dynamic would have been different and they wouldn't have been as effective as a unit. Who knows, it's an interesting conversation for sure.

I sometimes wonder about that.

Yes, they undoubtedly would have had a better scoring punch, but they also definitely wouldn't have been able to afford to keep someone like Pageau or maybe keep all their defensemen when they needed contracts. Maybe the whole team dynamic would have been different and they wouldn't have been as effective as a unit. Who knows, it's an interesting conversation for sure.
- eichiefs9

We do not know if JT would have bought into Barry's system and putting up less points. It's an interesting thought for sure. Pelech and Pulock have not aged well so this is a factor as well.

We do not know if JT would have bought into Barry's system and putting up less points. It's an interesting thought for sure. Pelech and Pulock have not aged well so this is a factor as well.
- ses111

I think he would have bought in, but I'm not sure how well he would have fit into the system or not. He obviously would have still been a higher-end producer but I just think it would have hampered the team's ability to add depth around him.

$11M followed by the flat-cap for years would have severely limited their ability to do anything else. $11M covers both the Pageau/Pelech deals, or Pelech/Pulock, all of whom were instrumental in the runs the Isles made during that window.

Who knows what would've happened.

I think he would have bought in, but I'm not sure how well he would have fit into the system or not. He obviously would have still been a higher-end producer but I just think it would have hampered the team's ability to add depth around him. $11M followed by the flat-cap for years would have severely limited their ability to do anything else. $11M covers both the Pageau/Pelech deals, or Pelech/Pulock, all of whom were instrumental in the runs the Isles made during that window.

Who knows what would've happened.
- eichiefs9

I still wanted the Islanders to keep JT. It made perfect sense for the Islanders to keep him. I doubt JT would have rocked the boat with Barry, but he may not have been as happy or productive in the system. The Islanders problem has been not being able to add quality young players to help their Cap situation.

I sometimes wonder about that.

Yes, they undoubtedly would have had a better scoring punch, but they also definitely wouldn't have been able to afford to keep someone like Pageau or maybe keep all their defensemen when they needed contracts. Maybe the whole team dynamic would have been different and they wouldn't have been as effective as a unit. Who knows, it's an interesting conversation for sure.
- eichiefs9

That's a good point. Pageau probably doesn't even get traded to the Isles in that case, but at least that first Trotz year would have had some crazy center depth with Tavares-Barzal-Nelson-Cizikas down the middle.

That's a good point. Pageau probably doesn't even get traded to the Isles in that case, but at least that first Trotz year would have had some crazy center depth with Tavares-Barzal-Nelson-Cizikas down the middle.
- UIF

Yeah the ripple effects of keeping him would have made for a much different make-up of the team. It's possible they still could have brought in Pageau and/or Palmieri as rentals, but they almost certainly would not have been able to extend them even if they did decide to trade for them.

It definitely would have been beneficial for Barzal and Nelson, assuming they both stayed at center. Teams likely would have devoted their top defensemen/defensive forwards to checking Tavares' line, freeing up some space for those two. PP would have definitely been better as well.

Yeah the ripple effects of keeping him would have made for a much different make-up of the team. It's possible they still could have brought in Pageau and/or Palmieri as rentals, but they almost certainly would not have been able to extend them even if they did decide to trade for them.

It definitely would have been beneficial for Barzal and Nelson, assuming they both stayed at center. Teams likely would have devoted their top defensemen/defensive forwards to checking Tavares' line, freeing up some space for those two. PP would have definitely been better as well.
- eichiefs9

Tavares sucks defensively. We all know it, having watched him here for many seasons. Despite all his nice offensive numbers, he's a lifetime +/- deep in the minus category. Even if you consider only his 6 seasons with the Leafs, he's only +11........that's an average of less than +2 per season..........playing 2C behind one of the elite centers in the game.

Isles dodged a bullet when he signed with the Leafs. One way forwards are not worth $11 MM against the cap.

Tavares sucks defensively. We all know it, having watched him here for many seasons. Despite all his nice offensive numbers, he's a lifetime +/- deep in the minus category. Even if you consider only his 6 seasons with the Leafs, he's only +11........that's an average of less than +2 per season..........playing 2C behind one of the elite centers in the game.

Isles dodged a bullet when he signed with the Leafs. One way forwards are not worth $11 MM against the cap.
- JohnScammo

No question John long term it is a bad deal. It would have been interesting to see how things would have worked out with JT during the two ECF runs.

Tavares sucks defensively. We all know it, having watched him here for many seasons. Despite all his nice offensive numbers, he's a lifetime +/- deep in the minus category. Even if you consider only his 6 seasons with the Leafs, he's only +11........that's an average of less than +2 per season..........playing 2C behind one of the elite centers in the game.

Isles dodged a bullet when he signed with the Leafs. One way forwards are not worth $11 MM against the cap.
- JohnScammo

Trotz would have helped him there, I think.

I still wanted the Islanders to keep JT. It made perfect sense for the Islanders to keep him. I doubt JT would have rocked the boat with Barry, but he may not have been as happy or productive in the system. The Islanders problem has been not being able to add quality young players to help their Cap situation.
- ses111

And who knows? By the end of that contract he might have learned Barzal's name.

Trotz would have helped him there, I think.
- UIF

Just constantly reminding him that Ovie bought in and he's a poop ton better than you so get your ass back on D might have worked.

And who knows? By the end of that contract he might have learned Barzal's name.
- PeteM

Ha-ha! JT never was quick.

Yeah the ripple effects of keeping him would have made for a much different make-up of the team. It's possible they still could have brought in Pageau and/or Palmieri as rentals, but they almost certainly would not have been able to extend them even if they did decide to trade for them.

It definitely would have been beneficial for Barzal and Nelson, assuming they both stayed at center. Teams likely would have devoted their top defensemen/defensive forwards to checking Tavares' line, freeing up some space for those two. PP would have definitely been better as well.
- eichiefs9

The only reason why I wanted JT to stay was that it would benefit Barzal. I think if JT stayed that cost of keeping him would have changed the landscape of this team dramatically.

My thoughts had JT stayed....

One benefit of JT staying would have been a lower contract for Lee. Isles over paid Lee.

I do not think Pullock and Pelech would be here. Maybe one but not both.
JPG would not be here. There would not have been a need. Unless Nelson grew tired of being the 3rd line center.
Palms maybe. He would have been a one and done.
Horvat would not be here.

Bottom line is the landscape would be different. I personally think it has been positive since his departure. I think the team is in a better place. The only major drawback of him walking was that the Isles got nothing back for the future. Which would be providing an impact now had they got something.

https://thehockeywriters....anges-elite-team-2024-25/

This pretty much sums up what we have all been saying all along.

Trotz would have helped him there, I think.
- UIF

Yes, somewhat. Trotz certainly helped Ovie, but on the other hand, Ovie is a very strong skater. Tavares can't skate. He probably should have taken up lacrosse like his uncle.

https://sports.yahoo.com/...ading-2024-100000261.html

Isles vs. Penguins comparison.... Which team is more mediocre.

Heard Keith Kinkaid had a try out with the Isles. Interesting if they offer him a deal.
Varly getting traded? Security if SOrOkin
Still has the crud?
They aren’t deep in the minors either so Lou maybe wanting to just add depth.

Heard Keith Kinkaid had a try out with the Isles. Interesting if they offer him a deal.
Varly getting traded? Security if SOrOkin
Still has the crud?
They aren’t deep in the minors either so Lou maybe wanting to just add depth.
- nyisles7

where did you see that?

A trade that still hurts years later, the Islanders traded Carter Verhaghe to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017 for Kristers Gudlevskis.

Never knew Verhaghe was in the system.

A trade that still hurts years later, the Islanders traded Carter Verhaghe to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017 for Kristers Gudlevskis.

Never knew Verhaghe was in the system.
- Nfdbulldawg

He came from Toronto in the Grabner trade. Hard to kill them for it, he had zero NHL experience and bounced back and forth between the AHL and ECHL for the Isles. He was a late bloomer, it happens. Leafs, Isles, and Lightning all let him go before he found his footing in Florida.

Dobson signing is probably most important signing since Barzal. I do not for see any issues with getting this done. I look at this as August offseason news.

https://eyesonisles.com/p...rk-islanders-01j5b4k6m7rj

where did you see that?
- Nfdbulldawg

Heard it 😉

Heard it 😉
- nyisles7

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing.
- Nfdbulldawg

Bleacher Report already has us picking 17th next year. We are still six weeks away from anything with substance related to hockey. I have never liked the month of August.

17. New York Islanders: Cole Reschny

17 of 32

A right-shot center with the WHL's Victoria Royals, Cole Reschny made a positive impression during his rookie campaign last season.

With 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points in 61 games, the 5'10", 183-pounder finished second among the Royals' scorers.

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is attempting to restock his prospect pipeline after several years of trading away draft picks and prospects for more immediate roster help. Ellis and Ferrari noted the Isles' lack of impact talent within their system

Ferrari believes a right-shot defenseman is their biggest need, but the limited number of options among the current top prospects could see Lamoriello go for the best available talent regardless of position in the opening round.

Ellis considered Reschny among the most impressive rookies in the Canadian junior ranks last season, singling out his playmaking, energy, and quickness. Pronman called him highly skilled and intelligent, praising his ability to run a power play like a pro.