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.
- Nfdbulldawg

So we're a wildcard team again next year? That's good enough for ownership I guess.

So we're a wildcard team again next year? That's good enough for ownership I guess.
- PeteM

It certainly seems to be good enough. How is it acceptable you go from two ECF trips to going backwards? You make the ECF, and the next step is the Cup. You can also do a smart rebuild by trading Nelson and Palms and you still keep Barzal, Bo, Dobson, and Sorokin without everything falling apart. Unless the Islanders are at the top of the division, Nelson and Palms need to be moved. This team needs to focus on the future and building a team that could be good for a number of years instead of struggling to just make the playoffs.

It certainly seems to be good enough. How is it acceptable you go from two ECF trips to going backwards? You make the ECF, and the next step is the Cup. You can also do a smart rebuild by trading Nelson and Palms and you still keep Barzal, Bo, Dobson, and Sorokin without everything falling apart. Unless the Islanders are at the top of the division, Nelson and Palms need to be moved. This team needs to focus on the future and building a team that could be good for a number of years instead of struggling to just make the playoffs.
- ses111

You’re 100% right, however I don’t believe we see a rebuild with Lou Lam. I think the isles need to move on from Wahlstrom for both his sake and the team. It’s just not working, for whatever reason. Get what you can and move on….fish or cut bait.

You’re 100% right, however I don’t believe we see a rebuild with Lou Lam. I think the isles need to move on from Wahlstrom for both his sake and the team. It’s just not working, for whatever reason. Get what you can and move on….fish or cut bait.
- kindlyrick

Well you aren’t going to get anything for him and we have very few young player options so I take zero issue with giving a fully healed Wahlstrom another go. This season is going to be a carbon copy of last season, and the season before, so I’m not losing any sleep about it either way.

Knee injuries sometimes take years to fully recover from. Kid wasn’t there yet last season. Possibly. If not who cares. 😆

Well you aren’t going to get anything for him and we have very few young player options so I take zero issue with giving a fully healed Wahlstrom another go. This season is going to be a carbon copy of last season, and the season before, so I’m not losing any sleep about it either way.

Knee injuries sometimes take years to fully recover from. Kid wasn’t there yet last season. Possibly. If not who cares. 😆
- Cptmjl

Thought I read either Lou or Roy say Wahlstrom lacks confidence, or something to that effect. I’m not even hating on him, I just don’t see where he fits in this lineup. Is he a top 6 guy? I think the isles are doing him a disservice if he’s not playing.

Thought I read either Lou or Roy say Wahlstrom lacks confidence, or something to that effect. I’m not even hating on him, I just don’t see where he fits in this lineup. Is he a top 6 guy? I think the isles are doing him a disservice if he’s not playing.
- kindlyrick

At some point during the 2024-25 season the Wahlstrom project will be defined. It has been noted that it was not until the end of the season was Wahlstrom seen without the brace on his knee. If you have played sports at any level and gotten hurt, you know your confidence takes a hit. There is that fear of getting hurt again.

Based on what I have read, he was not 100%. It definitely affected his play. At this point how it truly plays out is anyone's guess. Even though it appears he will be else at the end of this season.

At some point during the 2024-25 season the Wahlstrom project will be defined. It has been noted that it was not until the end of the season was Wahlstrom seen without the brace on his knee. If you have played sports at any level and gotten hurt, you know your confidence takes a hit. There is that fear of getting hurt again.

Based on what I have read, he was not 100%. It definitely affected his play. At this point how it truly plays out is anyone's guess. Even though it appears he will be else at the end of this season.
- Nfdbulldawg

Yeah I get that he was hurt and I think he’s got upside. His shot alone fits the left side of the PP. My only thing is if he’s not in the top 6 is he really a fit here? If they don’t see him as a top 6 guy they should allow him to find his niche elsewhere

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.
- Nfdbulldawg

Super odd to me that anyone has a mock draft out already

Super odd to me that anyone has a mock draft out already
- eichiefs9

Yeah really. It’s not only guessing the players chosen, but guessing the order as well. Why stop there lol

Yeah really. It’s not only guessing the players chosen, but guessing the order as well. Why stop there lol
- kindlyrick

Harmless, just an odd time for a mock draft

Patrick Laine a Canadian.

https://sports.yahoo.com/...plakov-not-122309687.html

It will be interesting to see if this guy can earn a spot as a starter on the Isles.

https://sports.yahoo.com/islanders-newcomer-maxim-tsyplakov-not-122309687.html

It will be interesting to see if this guy can earn a spot as a starter on the Isles.
- JohnScammo

very smart to bring his fam with him, they'll keep him going because the language barrier is brutal especially being halfway across the world where you don't know anybody. plus he's got sorokin and varly which is huge.

remember how garth basically shanghaied kirill petrov to bridgeport where he was the only russian on the team, that must have sucked balls

https://sports.yahoo.com/islanders-newcomer-maxim-tsyplakov-not-122309687.html

It will be interesting to see if this guy can earn a spot as a starter on the Isles.
- JohnScammo

Would be great to add a scorer that cost nothing to add.

Patrick Laine a Canadian.
- Cptmjl

He’ll hate it there too

Patrick Laine a Canadian.
- Cptmjl

Canadians did not give up much. I would have passed on him. Too fragile physically and mentally.

He’ll hate it there too
- kindlyrick

Canadians did not give up much. I would have passed on him. Too fragile physically and mentally.
- Nfdbulldawg

That's because Columbus didn't retain any money, MTL is taking the full $8.7M cap hit. Price would have gone up if they retained any significant portion of that deal.

I think it's a good move for a team like MTL. They effectively print their own money and, even if he's a total disaster, it's only two years. And if he got his mind right and gets back to potting lots of goals then it was a great trade.

Is Ryan Johansen worth a look? Can he be gotten on the cheap?

https://www.hockeydb.com/...s/pdisplay.php?pid=122175

That's because Columbus didn't retain any money, MTL is taking the full $8.7M cap hit. Price would have gone up if they retained any significant portion of that deal.

I think it's a good move for a team like MTL. They effectively print their own money and, even if he's a total disaster, it's only two years. And if he got his mind right and gets back to potting lots of goals then it was a great trade.
- eichiefs9

If it works out and he can regain his form. Montreal will look smart.

Twitter is bored this morning so now it's criminal that Anthony Duclair had to cut his hair. Didn't seem to be a big issue for the other guys the Islanders signed

Twitter is bored this morning so now it's criminal that Anthony Duclair had to cut his hair. Didn't seem to be a big issue for the other guys the Islanders signed
- eichiefs9

I think it's a dumb rule, but it's hilarious that people are acting like Lou forcibly held him down in a chair and shaved his head.

"No! Lou! Noooo!"

"SHUT UP!" *bzzzzz*

Twitter is bored this morning so now it's criminal that Anthony Duclair had to cut his hair. Didn't seem to be a big issue for the other guys the Islanders signed
- eichiefs9

I guess the rub about that somewhat antiquated rule is that the isles don’t seem to have a successful time luring top UFAs to the island. Why make it harder? I dunno, I kinda feel like if you’re the Yankees it’s doable…..the isles?!?? Not so much.

I guess the rub about that somewhat antiquated rule is that the isles don’t seem to have a successful time luring top UFAs to the island. Why make it harder? I dunno, I kinda feel like if you’re the Yankees it’s doable…..the isles?!?? Not so much.
- kindlyrick

Well it seems to be getting made more into a racial issue currently than anything

But yes, it's antiquated and kinda dumb. I don't have a major problem with it but it's kind of stupid.

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
43s
Working on more, but hearing Rutger McGroarty is being traded from Winnipeg to Pittsburgh