He's too busy for that. Taking the temperature of the room is a long and arduous process
- Gabe Athaus

When Mike Sillinger retired, I always thought they shoulda gave him that job (director of player developement). I really don’t know how Eric Cairns has had that job for this long.
The more I think about it the more I realize how much of this organization was still Garth Snows touch. A little bizarre to me that Lou just kept everyone pretty much (except the bench bosses).

When Mike Sillinger retired, I always thought they shoulda gave him that job (director of player developement). I really don’t know how Eric Cairns has had that job for this long.
The more I think about it the more I realize how much of this organization was still Garth Snows touch. A little bizarre to me that Lou just kept everyone pretty much (except the bench bosses).
- kindlyrick

Lou did very little on this job. He even kept most of Garth's roster.

Lou did very little on this job. He even kept most of Garth's roster.
- ses111

It will be interesting to see what the new GM does with this current roster. Who stays, who goes?

It will be interesting to see what the new GM does with this current roster. Who stays, who goes?
- kindlyrick

I want someone that will handle all aspects of the job. Not just changing the head coaches. I think Lee and JGP should go. I'm not sure what changes can be done to the defense with Pelech and Pulock.

I want someone that will handle all aspects of the job. Not just changing the head coaches. I think Lee and JGP should go. I'm not sure what changes can be done to the defense with Pelech and Pulock.
- ses111

I can honestly say, I don’t care who goes. For once in 3 decades I’d like to watch a first line that is dangerous, that will stay in tact for years to come. I’d like to believe the isles can score on the PP when down a goal with a min to go. The same goes for the first pair on D. Would be nice to watch some game changers in orange and blue.

I can honestly say, I don’t care who goes. For once in 3 decades I’d like to watch a first line that is dangerous, that will stay in tact for years to come. I’d like to believe the isles can score on the PP when down a goal with a min to go. The same goes for the first pair on D. Would be nice to watch some game changers in orange and blue.
- kindlyrick

I want a busy offseason for once. Even if it mostly moving some players for picks and prospects and having to sign some players to one-year deals. I understand if a big UFA signing cannot happen now. Just start the work on cleaning up the roster.

I can honestly say, I don’t care who goes. For once in 3 decades I’d like to watch a first line that is dangerous, that will stay in tact for years to come. I’d like to believe the isles can score on the PP when down a goal with a min to go. The same goes for the first pair on D. Would be nice to watch some game changers in orange and blue.
- kindlyrick

Gonna have to be bad and get lucky for awhile for that to happen. Maybe they sell off some pieces this summer and end up with the opportunity to draft Gavin McKenna next summer. Or Landon DuPont the summer after that.

Gonna have to be bad and get lucky for awhile for that to happen. Maybe they sell off some pieces this summer and end up with the opportunity to draft Gavin McKenna next summer. Or Landon DuPont the summer after that.
- Gabe Athaus

As a lifelong fan, I’m willing to watch a few years of suck in order to get top end talent via high picks in the draft. Heck, we all thought that’s what was gonna happen when snow took over almost 20 years ago, and gave his “be patient, a rebuild takes 5 years” speech.

I want a busy offseason for once. Even if it mostly moving some players for picks and prospects and having to sign some players to one-year deals. I understand if a big UFA signing cannot happen now. Just start the work on cleaning up the roster.
- ses111

Agreed. Everyone is on the table as far as I’m concerned. Start over and get it done right from top to bottom.

As a lifelong fan, I’m willing to watch a few years of suck in order to get top end talent via high picks in the draft. Heck, we all thought that’s what was gonna happen when snow took over almost 20 years ago, and gave his “be patient, a rebuild takes 5 years” speech.
- kindlyrick

Yeah I'm willing to be patient and have a few virtually-guaranteed "down" years as long as they aren't a perennial basement team like Buffalo.

Being bad isn't a guarantee to get the player you want in the draft and doesn't solve all your problems, but it gives you a chance. Being an average team stuck in the middle of the NHL's standings definitely is the worst place to be though, so I'm willing to take the risk because they're not going to make a signing or two and all the sudden be a contender.

Yeah I'm willing to be patient and have a few virtually-guaranteed "down" years as long as they aren't a perennial basement team like Buffalo.

Being bad isn't a guarantee to get the player you want in the draft and doesn't solve all your problems, but it gives you a chance. Being an average team stuck in the middle of the NHL's standings definitely is the worst place to be though, so I'm willing to take the risk because they're not going to make a signing or two and all the sudden be a contender.
- Gabe Athaus

For these reasons I wanted the isles to be sellers and load up on picks and prospects. It can be done at the draft, but the panic value isn’t there at the deadline where teams overpay. They have around 3-4 legit prospects and a couple first rounds. They can start the ball rolling…..I think with those assets and players moved like Lee, Pageau etc they have a great start.

Sean Cuthbert
@seanyhockey
2h
Just got an email from #Isles for presale tickets to this summer's draft in LA. Can't recall hearing of a team offering tickets to a draft taking place in another team's city in the past - anyone else see that before?

If the Isles end up winning the lottery and getting the first overall pick then I might actually start to believe the conspiracy theories

Sean Cuthbert
@seanyhockey
2h
Just got an email from #Isles for presale tickets to this summer's draft in LA. Can't recall hearing of a team offering tickets to a draft taking place in another team's city in the past - anyone else see that before?

If the Isles end up winning the lottery and getting the first overall pick then I might actually start to believe the conspiracy theories
- Gabe Athaus

Whatever it takes at this point. Throw us a bone already. I always thought the isles got hosed with Tavares as first overall in retrospect. Nothing to do with how he left, I just felt like his skating was a big weakness for a first overall talent. I’d LOVE for the isles to win a draft lottery and get that marquee guy.

Whatever it takes at this point. Throw us a bone already. I always thought the isles got hosed with Tavares as first overall in retrospect. Nothing to do with how he left, I just felt like his skating was a big weakness for a first overall talent. I’d LOVE for the isles to win a draft lottery and get that marquee guy.
- kindlyrick

Tough to argue his body of work, he's a career .94ppg player and he's turned himself into a pretty good defensive player as well.

Tough to argue his body of work, he's a career .94ppg player and he's turned himself into a pretty good defensive player as well.
- Gabe Athaus

Great player, great career, but I don’t put him in the same category in their respective primes as other first overalls Stamkos, Mckinnon, McDavid, or even Jack Hughes.
I think Tavares and Marcel Dionne are the only two players ever to hit 1000pts and never see the 3rd round.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted a recent rumor making the rounds claiming Mathew Barzal wanted a trade from the Islanders because he was upset over the dismissal of GM Lou Lamoriello.

The rumor stated Barzal wanted out because he didn’t want to be part of a roster rebuild. However, Macias points out the Isles will be retooling rather than rebuilding.

NYI HOCKEY NOW: Russ Macias noted a recent rumor making the rounds claiming Mathew Barzal wanted a trade from the Islanders because he was upset over the dismissal of GM Lou Lamoriello.

The rumor stated Barzal wanted out because he didn’t want to be part of a roster rebuild. However, Macias points out the Isles will be retooling rather than rebuilding.


- Nfdbulldawg

Yea none of that is true

Now we really have to trade Barzal. Did you hear what some internet rando said he said!!!???!!!

I want a busy offseason for once. Even if it mostly moving some players for picks and prospects and having to sign some players to one-year deals. I understand if a big UFA signing cannot happen now. Just start the work on cleaning up the roster.
- ses111

I'm not sure your going to get one. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but the new management won't have much time before the draft. Also I don't know how much room they'll have to move things around. It wouldn't shock me if things stayed more or less the same until the trade deadline unless they want to blow it all up.

Now we really have to trade Barzal. Did you hear what some internet rando said he said!!!???!!!
- UIF

Yeah, I really have to stop spreading rumors on twitter.

I'm joking, it wasn't me.

I'm not sure your going to get one. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but the new management won't have much time before the draft. Also I don't know how much room they'll have to move things around. It wouldn't shock me if things stayed more or less the same until the trade deadline unless they want to blow it all up.
- JimmyP

I'd be happy with at least Lee and JGP getting moved. Rather not wait until the trade deadline in case they have down years. I'm hoping the hiring will not drag out too long. It's possible it will though. Wonder if Palms can be signed to a two-year deal and still be moved at the deadline?

I'd be happy with at least Lee and JGP getting moved. Rather not wait until the trade deadline in case they have down years. I'm hoping the hiring will not drag out too long. It's possible it will though. Wonder if Palms can be signed to a two-year deal and still be moved at the deadline?
- ses111

Not if the new GM gives out NMC's like candy on Halloween like Lou did.

He's too busy for that. Taking the temperature of the room is a long and arduous process
- Gabe Athaus

I thought that was Boulton's job?

Not if the new GM gives out NMC's like candy on Halloween like Lou did.
- PeteM

This is the fear Pete. Rather they let him walk.

I thought that was Boulton's job?
- PeteM

I think you are right.