Quoting: Juiceman
3rd line wingers are not the guys you lock up for 7 years. Same with 30 year old 3rd pairing defensemen. You give those guys 4 years max. The Islanders are already old and did nothing to get younger. How do you even consider this a re-tool?
Horvat would've signed for more as a UFA and is a phenomenal 2way forward/ goal scorer. Engvall was a top 6 forward with the islanders and played great last season with nelson and palmeri. If he grows on that which Lou is banking on that contract will be looked at as a steal. Mayfield while the term is too long signed for less AAV so it is what it is. Varlamov also got more term to get lower AAV. Additionally, The Islanders really arent very old-- its a false narrative that is skewed by their 4th line/role players/backup goalie. Islanders core and their ages:
Barzal 26, Horvat 28, Nelson 31, Pageau 30, Engvall 27, Pulock 28, Pelech 28, Dobson 23, Romanov 23, Aho 27, Mayfield 30, Wahlstrom 23, Lee 33, Fasching 27, Sorokin 27
That core doesn't look too old to me??? But, that wouldn't fit your narrative!!
Then again your team is the Sabres who are constantly the youngest team in the league and consistently underperform and miss the playoffs... Hey at least "Buffalo's Savior" Jack Eichel Won a cup!!!