I don’t think eyesonisles is a reputable source but you’d have to think/hope even Lou sees the writing on the wall. The problem is he has lost some leverage due to everyone knowing what he should be doing now. Hope there’s a big market for both players so it doesn’t matter.
- Cptmjl

Agreed 100%. I get the idea of using all your time, but in this situation taking it to the 23rd hour loses you leverage as everyone knows what you have to do. The only hope is that a contender feels Nelson or maybe Palmieri can add value for their cup run and overpay.

The first paragraph addresses the isles problem since the 90s. They have had trouble with acquiring marquee talent. Palffy was drafted, and Turgeon was acquired via trade. After that they tried to make Yashin “the” marquee guy, but, much like Tavares they never flanked him with marquee talent. Snows first move was to trade 3 first round picks essentially for Ryan Smyth who ultimately walked for nothing. We saw 2 months of Okposo/Tavares/Vanek which for a bit was the hottest line in the NHL. Ironically (not really) all 3 walked for absolutely zero return.
My issue with Lou Lamoriello was his allowing Tavares to test the market, and then after losing his most valuable asset for nothing, he was never replaced. When or until the isles have a top line who can rival the leagues elite we can expect the same 8th seed isles.
These next few days are so important for the isles future. These next value of trading Nelson, Palmieri, JGP etc far outweigh re signing them. If ownership is too stubborn to rebuild, I think the fans should literally stop going.
- kindlyrick

That was Snow no?

That was Snow no?
- Cptmjl

I thought Lou took over last minute (may) and continued the ridiculous phony idea of allowing the asset the right to test the market.
I can’t imagine allowing any player test the market, let alone your only “star”. It’s all risk, little reward. Charles Wangs rule of if not signed by XYZ date you sit out has merit. If you don’t accept our extension you’re gone. Simple.

If we wanna asses the isles over the years, they have allowed a litany of top line talent/high picks to walk for nothing or they bought them out. Smyth, Tavares, Okposo, Vanek, Yashin, Dipietro. ALL FLUBS. Horrific asset management for all above aforementioned

Yelp, this group has written their end. Changes are needed and are coming.

I thought Lou took over last minute (may) and continued the ridiculous phony idea of allowing the asset the right to test the market.
I can’t imagine allowing any player test the market, let alone your only “star”. It’s all risk, little reward. Charles Wangs rule of if not signed by XYZ date you sit out has merit. If you don’t accept our extension you’re gone. Simple.

If we wanna asses the isles over the years, they have allowed a litany of top line talent/high picks to walk for nothing or they bought them out. Smyth, Tavares, Okposo, Vanek, Yashin, Dipietro. ALL FLUBS. Horrific asset management for all above aforementioned
- kindlyrick

When Lou was hired the Tavares ship had basically sailed. That was 100% on Snow.

The first paragraph addresses the isles problem since the 90s. They have had trouble with acquiring marquee talent. Palffy was drafted, and Turgeon was acquired via trade. After that they tried to make Yashin “the” marquee guy, but, much like Tavares they never flanked him with marquee talent. Snows first move was to trade 3 first round picks essentially for Ryan Smyth who ultimately walked for nothing. We saw 2 months of Okposo/Tavares/Vanek which for a bit was the hottest line in the NHL. Ironically (not really) all 3 walked for absolutely zero return.
My issue with Lou Lamoriello was his allowing Tavares to test the market, and then after losing his most valuable asset for nothing, he was never replaced. When or until the isles have a top line who can rival the leagues elite we can expect the same 8th seed isles.
These next few days are so important for the isles future. The value of trading Nelson, Palmieri, JGP etc far outweigh re signing them. If ownership is too stubborn to rebuild, I think the fans should literally stop going.
- kindlyrick

The Islanders need to draft and develop well and make smart UFA signings and trades. One they start doing these things, they will improve and be better than a mid-team. This team is not seen as a top team by top UFA's. It's tough but it's the truth.

I thought Lou took over last minute (may) and continued the ridiculous phony idea of allowing the asset the right to test the market.
I can’t imagine allowing any player test the market, let alone your only “star”. It’s all risk, little reward. Charles Wangs rule of if not signed by XYZ date you sit out has merit. If you don’t accept our extension you’re gone. Simple.

If we wanna asses the isles over the years, they have allowed a litany of top line talent/high picks to walk for nothing or they bought them out. Smyth, Tavares, Okposo, Vanek, Yashin, Dipietro. ALL FLUBS. Horrific asset management for all above aforementioned
- kindlyrick

Snow already put the whole thing in motion. Can’t blame Lou for that one. He tried to piece it back together but by then it was too late. I would think Tavares and the Leafs was already a done deal by that point.

Snow already put the whole thing in motion. Can’t blame Lou for that one. He tried to piece it back together but by then it was too late. I would think Tavares and the Leafs was already a done deal by that point.
- Cptmjl

I don’t necessarily blame Lou for Snow allowing this ridiculous notion of “earning the right to test free agency”. I do however think Lou on day 1 shoulda said to 91…..you have a week to accept the max offer (isles had max term) or we’re moving you for whatever return we can get. Also, never replacing the 10.5 million you offered Tavares, 6 years later is negligible.
Bottom line, the isles have been poorly run for decades and is still a minor league team under 6 years of Lou. Nelson is the isles best and most consistent player over the last 8 years or so. At 4 nations he was a paraphrase to a footnote. That’s the isles…

I don’t necessarily blame Lou for Snow allowing this ridiculous notion of “earning the right to test free agency”. I do however think Lou on day 1 shoulda said to 91…..you have a week to accept the max offer (isles had max term) or we’re moving you for whatever return we can get. Also, never replacing the 10.5 million you offered Tavares, 6 years later is negligible.
Bottom line, the isles have been poorly run for decades and is still a minor league team under 6 years of Lou. Nelson is the isles best and most consistent player over the last 8 years or so. At 4 nations he was a paraphrase to a footnote. That’s the isles…
- kindlyrick

Meh, the season was already over when Lou replaced Snow. Sure, Lou could have traded Tavares's rights for a 4th or 5th round pick, but the real blame for the mishandling of Tavares falls squarely on Snow.

I don’t necessarily blame Lou for Snow allowing this ridiculous notion of “earning the right to test free agency”. I do however think Lou on day 1 shoulda said to 91…..you have a week to accept the max offer (isles had max term) or we’re moving you for whatever return we can get. Also, never replacing the 10.5 million you offered Tavares, 6 years later is negligible.
Bottom line, the isles have been poorly run for decades and is still a minor league team under 6 years of Lou. Nelson is the isles best and most consistent player over the last 8 years or so. At 4 nations he was a paraphrase to a footnote. That’s the isles…
- kindlyrick

I think between whatever NTC or NMC Tavares had Lou wasn’t left with much leverage in that situation. Yes, I agree with a lot of the rest of your post. I believe Lou brought a lot of positivity to this club in many different ways initially. That started eroding a few years ago imo. Pretty much his MO with his last two teams.

I don’t think eyesonisles is a reputable source but you’d have to think/hope even Lou sees the writing on the wall. The problem is he has lost some leverage due to everyone knowing what he should be doing now. Hope there’s a big market for both players so it doesn’t matter.
- Cptmjl

Nelson is still the premier forward that's going to be available on the market, unless CAR decides to flip Rantanen if he doesn't sign long-term. I think plenty of teams will have interest in him and that's good for business.

Palmieri is still on pace for north of 25g and about 55pts. I've cooled on the hope that he might fetch a late first from a real high-end contender, but I don't think that is totally out of the question either. If Kyle Palmieri is your 3rd line winger then you have some excellent scoring depth. Probably more likely he gets something like a 2nd and another relatively minor asset though. I'll take it.

Meh, the season was already over when Lou replaced Snow. Sure, Lou could have traded Tavares's rights for a 4th or 5th round pick, but the real blame for the mishandling of Tavares falls squarely on Snow.
- JohnScammo

Lou cannot be blamed for JT and anything else before he started. Lou can be blamed for not improving the scouting and player development and having a better roster and for some very bad signings.

Nelson is still the premier forward that's going to be available on the market, unless CAR decides to flip Rantanen if he doesn't sign long-term. I think plenty of teams will have interest in him and that's good for business.

Palmieri is still on pace for north of 25g and about 55pts. I've cooled on the hope that he might fetch a late first from a real high-end contender, but I don't think that is totally out of the question either. If Kyle Palmieri is your 3rd line winger then you have some excellent scoring depth. Probably more likely he gets something like a 2nd and another relatively minor asset though. I'll take it.
- eichiefs9

I feel like a lot of these contending clubs will pay what they need too to give them whatever they need for a legit shot at a cup. Even if it were for what they deem is a third line fwd. A late first isn’t the end of the world for them. If the market is thin that’ll dictate the return. So unless some unexpected players become available both players should have some good value imo. Maybe I’m setting myself up for disappointment but I think both are worth a late first with Nelson getting something additional.

I feel like a lot of these contending clubs will pay what they need too to give them whatever they need for a legit shot at a cup. Even if it were for what they deem is a third line fwd. A late first isn’t the end of the world for them. If the market is thin that’ll dictate the return. So unless some unexpected players become available both players should have some good value imo. Maybe I’m setting myself up for disappointment but I think both are worth a late first with Nelson getting something additional.
- Cptmjl

Yeah who knows, I wouldn't be surprised to get (what would be expected to be) a very late first for Palmieri. I also won't be surprised if they don't get something in the first round.

I think there's a pretty high potential that the Isles sell on one or more players that haven't really been getting coverage as trade chips. I've loved DeAngelo but if someone offers them up something big (relatively speaking) for him, it'd be kind of tough for me to say no.

If they could offload Pageau or Cizikas, I'm all for it.

Maybe they even get nuts and try to capitalize on Lee's big season...because his value probably won't get much higher than it is now.

I wouldn't expect much else, unless Lou convinced someone like Mayfield/Pulock/Pelech to waive their NTC's. But that seems incredibly unlikely.

I think between whatever NTC or NMC Tavares had Lou wasn’t left with much leverage in that situation. Yes, I agree with a lot of the rest of your post. I believe Lou brought a lot of positivity to this club in many different ways initially. That started eroding a few years ago imo. Pretty much his MO with his last two teams.
- Cptmjl

Yeah I am not blaming the Tavares situation on Lou. Obviously Snow walked that situation home. But Lou is not free of guilt. As a veteran GM you had to know the risk. At the time I believe San Jose was really hot on 91. If it’s me, I don’t care what you do, but you gotta get a return…..anything. The isles are in this situation because of allowing players to get to July 1st. Now, with Nelson and Palmieri it’s imperative that they move them for a decent return. IMHO allowing a player to test free agency and losing said player for no return is grounds for termination. Sadly we’ve watched it happen multiple times over the years.

Yeah who knows, I wouldn't be surprised to get (what would be expected to be) a very late first for Palmieri. I also won't be surprised if they don't get something in the first round.

I think there's a pretty high potential that the Isles sell on one or more players that haven't really been getting coverage as trade chips. I've loved DeAngelo but if someone offers them up something big (relatively speaking) for him, it'd be kind of tough for me to say no.

If they could offload Pageau or Cizikas, I'm all for it.

Maybe they even get nuts and try to capitalize on Lee's big season...because his value probably won't get much higher than it is now.

I wouldn't expect much else, unless Lou convinced someone like Mayfield/Pulock/Pelech to waive their NTC's. But that seems incredibly unlikely.
- eichiefs9

I know it’s been talked about on here but I can’t see mayfield going anywhere due to his term and performance. Would be happy to be wrong about that. You are right though there may be some out of left field trades we aren’t expecting. This isn’t a position that Lou is normally in so who knows. Maybe he does squat so we can all collectively lose our minds.

Yeah who knows, I wouldn't be surprised to get (what would be expected to be) a very late first for Palmieri. I also won't be surprised if they don't get something in the first round.

I think there's a pretty high potential that the Isles sell on one or more players that haven't really been getting coverage as trade chips. I've loved DeAngelo but if someone offers them up something big (relatively speaking) for him, it'd be kind of tough for me to say no.

If they could offload Pageau or Cizikas, I'm all for it.

Maybe they even get nuts and try to capitalize on Lee's big season...because his value probably won't get much higher than it is now.

I wouldn't expect much else, unless Lou convinced someone like Mayfield/Pulock/Pelech to waive their NTC's. But that seems incredibly unlikely.
- eichiefs9

I’m all for moving Lee on the high. I think it’s silly to hold onto him because he’s the captain or he’s well liked. Strictly business…..I’m moving him and all the players you mentioned.

When Lou was hired the Tavares ship had basically sailed. That was 100% on Snow.
- nyisles7

Not 100%. He certainly takes the Lions share of the blame. But Lou should have gotten “something” back, and conversely should have replaced him with a season or two. 6 seasons later and the best you can do for 1LW was Duclair?? The islanders are exactly where they should be….and the fault lays on the guy who’s been in charge for 6 years. Lou is a HOFer and certainly did some good for this franchise, but at this point let’s all shake hands and go our separate ways.

That article about the agents not loving Lou speaks volumes. The agents run the league make no mistake. You can’t be using tactics from 20 years ago. The world changed….no one wants to deal with that. For crying out loud the Yankees ended the no beard policy and they’re the most storied franchise in all sports.

I know it’s been talked about on here but I can’t see mayfield going anywhere due to his term and performance. Would be happy to be wrong about that. You are right though there may be some out of left field trades we aren’t expecting. This isn’t a position that Lou is normally in so who knows. Maybe he does squat so we can all collectively lose our minds.
- Cptmjl

I can see the Leafs taking a shot at mayfield.

Meh, the season was already over when Lou replaced Snow. Sure, Lou could have traded Tavares's rights for a 4th or 5th round pick, but the real blame for the mishandling of Tavares falls squarely on Snow.
- JohnScammo

Season over or not, Lou took the reins May 22, 2018. Not ideal timing but as I said before, you give him a week and then he’s moved. For whatever the best return is. No one woulda looked back and said Lou sucks for only getting a second rounder for a former first overall in June. But, I will say he’s a fool for allowing him to get to July 1st.
Regardless of that one situation, 6 years later and we’re looking up in the standings. If I’m the ownership I thank Lou for all the good he’s done and move in a new direction. One that will re tool and eat a few years of suck in order to accumulate picks and develope prospects.
If I’m ownership I find out who the best team of scouts are and bring them in right after a new GM is named. Then I revamp the entire Bridgeport organization. How they can suck for this long is on Lou (indirectly).

I’m all for moving Lee on the high. I think it’s silly to hold onto him because he’s the captain or he’s well liked. Strictly business…..I’m moving him and all the players you mentioned.
- kindlyrick

Lee is a nice guy, but the team needs real leadership. Lee is nothing but excuses after these losses.

Lee is a nice guy, but the team needs real leadership. Lee is nothing but excuses after these losses.
- ses111

On a team with a legitimate first line, Lee can add some secondary scoring. But he’s not “the guy” you rely on. On a cup team he’s an amazing addition. On the islanders he’s just Anders. Get what you can and rid yourself of the backend of his contract

Yelp, this group has written their end. Changes are needed and are coming.
- nyisles7

Its bad when youve lost faith

On a team with a legitimate first line, Lee can add some secondary scoring. But he’s not “the guy” you rely on. On a cup team he’s an amazing addition. On the islanders he’s just Anders. Get what you can and rid yourself of the backend of his contract
- kindlyrick

As captain, Lee can throw some big hits or get into a fight to try to fire up the team. This team is clearly not built well and that is not on Lee.

During Monday night’s edition of “The Latest” on TFP, David Pagnotta reported trade talks are indeed underway and the Islanders are now open to moving Nelson, Palmieri and possibly others.

“What I can tell you is speaking to sources across the league, the Islanders were engaged and had started trade talks involving some of their players, I believe that includes Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, earlier today, and those talks will continue throughout the week,” Pagnotta said. “The loss pretty much, effectively, puts them into the seller’s market. They will continue those discussions involving those players. There has been interest in others, including Jean-Gabriel Pageau, as well.

“They have a game on Tuesday against Winnipeg. I don’t think that’s going to matter much based on what happened (Monday) evening in their loss to the Rangers but it certainly seems like the New York Islanders are going to be open for business to a certain extent.”