I could definitely see DeAngelo returning. I don't like the idea of adding Ekblad on a long-term deal, short-term maybe but I still don't have great faith in the direction he's trending at this point in his career. It'd be a good add for the locker room and for Schaefer, but I'm not convinced the money will justify that. Plus there's no guarantee that Schaefer is playing with the big club this year. Personally, I don't think he should.
- Gabe Athaus

Ekblad and Ehlers are very risky.

Yeah I’m fine with DeAngelo being signed. I might disagree with Ekblad as he’s still got game left in him and if structured properly, it wouldn’t hamper the team on the backend. That said, I don’t see him choosing the rebuilding isles, but money talks I guess, and they have around 9 million to spend.
Regarding Schaefer, I don’t know about him not being ready. I guess they’ll see with camp how he looks, but most first overalls start with their clubs. 🤷‍♂️

Edit : I feel like the isles down tick happened when they lacked a vet presence on the backend not named Pulock or Pelech. They brought in Boychuk, followed by Greene and Chara. After that the d looked lost, and they started blowing leads again. Whoever they bring in, has to eat minutes and be able to hold the lead with a min to go.
- kindlyrick

Regarding Schaefer, most overall 1sts absolutely do start with their teams but I don't think it's always the best course of action. Some are obviously ready to jump right in, but given how young Schaefer is and the fact that he only played 17 games plus like a game and a half at the WJC's last season I think giving him a year to continue to develop and and keep his confidence high would be the right move.

If they think he's ready then so be it, but I see no down side to letting him go back to Erie or jump to the NCAA if they want him to adjust to a more physical game against older players.

Interesting to see what happens regarding Marner and the Leafs filing tampering charges. If he goes to July 1 and signs with VGK I think The leafs will file charges. I’ve been saying for years that teams tamper with UFAs. It’s too tempting

Elliotte Friedman reported that several GMs feel the NHL is “itching to make an example” of a team amid growing tampering concerns.

No doubt about it. It’s the new NHL. It will be interesting to see what (if any) signings Darche makes July 1. He said he’s always gonna try and improve this team so we shall see.
- kindlyrick

There isn’t a GM that doesn’t want to improve his team and he is proving he’s not afraid to pull the trigger on a big deal let trading Dobson if he thinks it’s best for the club.
I’m thinking he could sign Tony D for the right side. I honestly think he will trade to get what he wants vs a free agent signing but who know with Darsch. He has a plan for this team and it looks like he’s going to get it done.

Regarding Schaefer, most overall 1sts absolutely do start with their teams but I don't think it's always the best course of action. Some are obviously ready to jump right in, but given how young Schaefer is and the fact that he only played 17 games plus like a game and a half at the WJC's last season I think giving him a year to continue to develop and and keep his confidence high would be the right move.

If they think he's ready then so be it, but I see no down side to letting him go back to Erie or jump to the NCAA if they want him to adjust to a more physical game against older players.
- Gabe Athaus

I totally agree with you and it’s probably the smarter move not to rush him. But man, he’s that good. His stride is like McDavid.

There isn’t a GM that doesn’t want to improve his team and he is proving he’s not afraid to pull the trigger on a big deal let trading Dobson if he thinks it’s best for the club.
I’m thinking he could sign Tony D for the right side. I honestly think he will trade to get what he wants vs a free agent signing but who know with Darsch. He has a plan for this team and it looks like he’s going to get it done.
- nyisles7

Well when your GM puts organization first and is serious about building a winner, you get good results.
Chris Lamoriello better learn how everyone takes their coffee

I totally agree with you and it’s probably the smarter move not to rush him. But man, he’s that good. His stride is like McDavid.
- kindlyrick

I'm also looking at it knowing that we won't be very good with or without him this year. I don't hate the idea of one more "down" season and maybe ending up with a shot at Gavin McKenna, but mainly I want him to be able to step in with all parties being 100% sure that he's doing it at the right time for him. A lot of the future hinges on this kid's success so they need to make sure they get it right.

I'm also looking at it knowing that we won't be very good with or without him this year. I don't hate the idea of one more "down" season and maybe ending up with a shot at Gavin McKenna, but mainly I want him to be able to step in with all parties being 100% sure that he's doing it at the right time for him. A lot of the future hinges on this kid's success so they need to make sure they get it right.
- Gabe Athaus

I have faith in Darche, he’s only been here a few months and it’s already a different feel.

When Schaefer put on the jersey with the cancer ribbon and his mom’s initials on the inside of his collar, the islanders identity changed at that moment. It’s a new era

Regarding Schaefer, most overall 1sts absolutely do start with their teams but I don't think it's always the best course of action. Some are obviously ready to jump right in, but given how young Schaefer is and the fact that he only played 17 games plus like a game and a half at the WJC's last season I think giving him a year to continue to develop and and keep his confidence high would be the right move.

If they think he's ready then so be it, but I see no down side to letting him go back to Erie or jump to the NCAA if they want him to adjust to a more physical game against older players.
- Gabe Athaus

Totally agree.
They are not going to rush this kid if he’s not ready for the speed and physicality of the NHL Game. I think his skating and on ice instincts are ready but the physicality of a 17 year old playing against men who are the best of the best is scary.
Either way he’s gonna be or certainly should develop into an NHL star.

Well when your GM puts organization first and is serious about building a winner, you get good results.
Chris Lamoriello better learn how everyone takes their coffee
- kindlyrick

LOL he’s going to take over Garth coffee Boy roll at Northwell!

LOL he’s going to take over Garth coffee Boy roll at Northwell!
- nyisles7

Shocked that Garth never found another GM job being the best at fantasy hockey on the back of the team bus. (That story will forever make me cringe…..I almost can’t believe it)

Interesting to see what happens regarding Marner and the Leafs filing tampering charges. If he goes to July 1 and signs with VGK I think The leafs will file charges. I’ve been saying for years that teams tamper with UFAs. It’s too tempting

Elliotte Friedman reported that several GMs feel the NHL is “itching to make an example” of a team amid growing tampering concerns.
- kindlyrick

On the FAN Morning Show, Frank Seravalli says some in the Leafs organization believe Vegas' tampering of Mitch Marner has gone back almost a year when the player/camp was no longer willing to negotiate with the team

Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli

News: Expect @TheAHL back in Hamilton in 2026-27.

Deal isn't completed yet but discussions have centered on Bridgeport moving to Hamilton, Ontario after this upcoming season to play in a completely overhauled TD Coliseum after a $300 million renovation.

Interesting

Stefen Rosner


Something to certainly keep an eye on here as it looks like Bridgeport will be relocating to Hamilton, Ontario for 2026-27. #Isles

Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli

News: Expect @TheAHL back in Hamilton in 2026-27.

Deal isn't completed yet but discussions have centered on Bridgeport moving to Hamilton, Ontario after this upcoming season to play in a completely overhauled TD Coliseum after a $300 million renovation.

Interesting
- Gabe Athaus

Didn’t see you post this. Very interesting. Wonder why

Shocked that Garth never found another GM job being the best at fantasy hockey on the back of the team bus. (That story will forever make me cringe…..I almost can’t believe it)
- kindlyrick

So basically Garth was an Internet GM

Didn’t see you post this. Very interesting. Wonder why
- kindlyrick

I always thought it made all the sense in the world to bring the Isles' AHL team to the Coliseum...at least for ease of call-ups and growing the game in your backyard when half the people there become Rangers fans. But I imagine revenue opportunities would be a lot better in Hamilton...

I always thought it made all the sense in the world to bring the Isles' AHL team to the Coliseum...at least for ease of call-ups and growing the game in your backyard when half the people there become Rangers fans. But I imagine revenue opportunities would be a lot better in Hamilton...
- UIF

It’s gotta be about dollars and cents. Hamilton is a huge hockey market. I’d imagine Bridgeport ticket sales were awful. Enter Chris Lamoriello extension lol

The only reason they aren’t at the coliseum has to be for competing with UBS. You’d prob get fans taking their kids for an AHL for half the price

So basically Garth was an Internet GM
- nyisles7

Sadly yes. I remember feeling duped that I had season tickets for 10+ years with a fan as a GM. I wonder, has there ever been another GM that went from playing to GM in the offseason? I don’t believe there was, and we got stuck with that beauty for 12 glorious years. I’m excited to FINALLY have some normalcy regarding management
I heard Rocky Thompson is like Torts on steroids

It’s gotta be about dollars and cents. Hamilton is a huge hockey market. I’d imagine Bridgeport ticket sales were awful. Enter Chris Lamoriello extension lol

The only reason they aren’t at the coliseum has to be for competing with UBS. You’d prob get fans taking their kids for an AHL for half the price
- kindlyrick

I can see that...but I think the flip side is you can try and grow the fan base as kids going to the cheap AHL games follow the players they've been watching to the NHL, which will be more or less right up the road. Maybe you make some casual fans more into it, and maybe you can even convert a few younger fans whose parents are casual Rangers fans into Isles fans if they're going to cheaper AHL games around the corner and then following the players' careers to UBS. But, I'm confident the Isles owners are smarter businessmen than I am!

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
·
3m
NYI and Alexander Romanov are working on an 8 x $6.25M extension

I can see that...but I think the flip side is you can try and grow the fan base as kids going to the cheap AHL games follow the players they've been watching to the NHL, which will be more or less right up the road. Maybe you make some casual fans more into it, and maybe you can even convert a few younger fans whose parents are casual Rangers fans into Isles fans if they're going to cheaper AHL games around the corner and then following the players' careers to UBS. But, I'm confident the Isles owners are smarter businessmen than I am!
- UIF

I’m with you, in a perfect world they’d be at the coliseum. Hamilton wanted an NHL team for years so there’s obviously a big market there. Bridgeport was neglected for years, so much so they took the honor of the worst record in the history of the AHL. I think players don’t wanna be in a barn that’s empty, and Bridgeport was probably a ghost town. That’s lost income for ownership. They’ve made it clear that they’re not only changing the management and the roster, but they’re building back their brand.

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
·
3m
NYI and Alexander Romanov are working on an 8 x $6.25M extension
- UIF

Great news. Good for him….he earned it

Great news. Good for him….he earned it
- kindlyrick

It's done:

New York Islanders
@NYIslanders
·
3m
#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders announced today that the club has signed defenseman Alexander Romanov to an eight-year contract.

It's done:

New York Islanders
@NYIslanders
·
3m
#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders announced today that the club has signed defenseman Alexander Romanov to an eight-year contract.
- UIF

Great deal, glad he's here to stay