We have absolutely no shot at the Cup this year. Nor are we a piece or two away. Trade in Pageau, Toffoli, whoever you want, it won’t be enough to save our abysmally bad offense. That’s not to say I think we have a bad team, or that I’m pessimistic about the Isles in the long term. We have a great coach, a solid core and good leadership in the locker room. I still think we’re good for a playoff appearance. It’s just not going to materialize into hardware this year.

So in light of that, I think the Isles should sit still at the TDL, refuse to lose assets for the sake of rentals and start calling up AHLers who have earned a 10 game tryout. Right now, i’d rather see Bellows or Wahlstrom in an Islanders jersey than a guy, however skilled, who won’t be here next year.

Let’s start focusing on the future. We should still strive for the playoffs; we have a brand to maintain. But let’s forget about trades and start developing guys who have earned a call up.

100% in agreement with your statements, save the assets and play the young kids. Only trades that I would be OK with are low round picks for a guy like Nate Thompson. I would like to see this lineup next year:

Lee-Barzal-Eberle
Beau-Nelson-Wahlstrom
Bellows-Koivula-Bailey
Leo-Czizkas-Clutter
Johnston, Bardreau

Out: Martin, Brassard, Kuhnackal, Dal Colle

Pelech (If ready)- Pulock
New Top 4 LD- Mayfield
Dobson-Boychuk
Hickey

Out: Leddy

Varlamov
Sorokin

Out: Greiss

Too bad our AHL coach sucks at offensive development, first thing this offseason should be firing him

Or move him to defensive coach or assistant coach or associate coach