Équipe: 2024-25 Islanders de New York

Date de création initiale: 26 mai 2024

Publié: 30 mai 2024

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

The Islanders remain a classic case of being the middling team. Where is may behoove Lou to tear it down, I am not exactly sure there is an offseason market strong enough for him to do that; so..... you sign a couple reclamation projects hoping they bounce back. Buying out Lee is an option, but even there, to upgrade the offense you are over spending to do it - and putting more money on the books long term at this point simply doesn't make sense imo. The Islanders are what they are entering 2024-25......

Signings:

Reilly: I have always liked him as a pucking moving bottom pair D - and his play with the Islanders last season justifies bringing him back. Simply put, this blueline needs more offensive pop. While they are better out there, Reilly for now is a cheap option.

Holmstrom: his development has been slower than I would like, but not Wahlstrom bad either. One of the few young players that the Isles have that look to have traction. Need to sign that bridge.

MacLean: proved to be an effective 4th line player.... Easy decision here.

Kubalik: One of 2 reclamation projects. As a Wing, Kubalik proved effective. As a Hawk, Kubalik was solid enough. Those years a 35-45 point producer. His trainwreck season as a Sen I think is an outlier. He doesn't fit the typical Islander style, but, would add an element to the lineup. Low risk acquisition here to balance offense.

Vrana: Probably the squirelliest signing I could ever propose. I am not sure if anyone knows what happened here. Issues absolutely. Talent? Absolutely. The Islanders simply have a strong enough locker room where this risk could be taken on. The leadership and vet presence is there. Best case scenario, you have a dirt cheap 2nd line winger. Worst? You bury him for the year..... not like Bridgeport is exactly stocked with talent...... Still..... squirrely doesn't cover this one lol.

Side Notes:

1. Not qualifying Wahlstrom..... I think after 5 seasons we can call that a bust. Not even a trade market for him, as I investigated that.

2. Tsyplakov: I think the rookie Russian makes the team. Islanders need more offense, and that is something I think he brings.

3. Speaking of offense..... I get I didn't add a big sexy name. But, the one thing the Isles have are 3 lines they can roll. How Roy configures them will he interesting. Just goes back to my thinking that adding money and term to this team is a fools errand...... Given what I have done, worst case is they look the same as last year.

4. Playoffs: well, that all depends if the risks work I think. If they don't, I think there will be a very good market for Palmeiri and Nelson. Let the rebuild begin.

Overall:

Middling is the best way to describe it. And where tearing this down probably should be the course of action at this point, that isn't Lou's style; and knowing that you play into it. Hopefully Roy can squeeze something out of this. They will defend, for sure. Score? Ouff. That remains the $50 question. Taking risks. Nothing to loose.