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Hockeygoalie53

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Islanders de New York
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Forum: Armchair-GM30 oct. 2019 à 9 h 49
Sujet: This needs to happen soon
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>I agree that the team has been playing very well recently, but the problem with Carolina + Boston is they play a similar style. They forecheck extremely well with more skilled players. Carolina is a much different team than they were when the islanders beat them in Fall 2018. Their 2018 #2 pick came into his own in the 2nd half of the season (has 10 pts in 11 games this season), they traded for Nino Niederreiter (nino-aho-teruvainen became one of the most effective 1st lines in the NHL). They improved during the offseason adding dzingel (27 goals last season), haula , and their blue chip prospect Martin Necas, who was top 10 in Corey pronman top 100 prospects. Also Jake Gardiner &gt; de Haan.

At least we were able to beat Carolina at some point last season. Islanders have been outscored 20-5 against Boston in their last 5 games. I feel like every time we play Boston we look outmatched.

So my point is, although we have playing well, Lou should not be complacent. He should always be looking to make the team better and not be content with making the playoffs and winning a round.</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>First of all, Vegas was absolutely robbed in the 1st round against the sharks (who had no business winning that series, shout out to the refs) and I have no doubt they would have beaten the avs. Who knows if they would beaten the blues but they had a much better shot than the sharks. Mark stone definitely made them a more dangerous team - he had 12 points in 7 games, 6 of those points were goals. He's a PPG player in the regular season and the best defensive winger in the NHL. You can make the argument for trading dobson for him - it depends if you want a two way elite defenseman for the next 10 years or a 35 goal 80+ pt (if he stays healthy) winger to play with Barzal. Stone is 27 and will likely give you that production for at least the first 6 years. I don't think you can make the argument that the Islanders a better team than Vegas, who have arguably the best forward corps in the NHL and an above average defense. They are tied for 8th in PP % and 2nd in the league PK%. Marc Andre Fleury is also once again proving he is still an elite goaltender.

Mark stone and JT miller have definitely made their teams better. There was just an article on the Athletic website on why jT miller has been the Canucks best forward (this is on a team that has Elias Pettersson and Brock boeser). He's fast, great on the PP, above average defensively, and has a great shot. Exactly the type of player the islanders could use. He's only 26 and he is locked up until he's 29 (prime years) at a very reasonable cap hit. Of course Lou would have had to make other moves to make it work, but that's what he's paid to do. He has not proven that he can be creative in the salary cap era. He's a great POHO, he changed the culture, and hired trotz, but his personnel decisions have been pretty underwhelming. The fact that he offered panarin 12.5 mill and had no plan B is very concerning - he acknowledged he needed to upgrade the top 6, offered panarin a bunch of money, and then said "we're happy with the guys we have, I don't worry about goals). It reminds of something Garth Snow would say. You can die on the hill of "he tried" but he didn't do what he said he was going to do. That's the reality of it. Garth Snow paid Andrew Ladd like a franchise player when he was already on the decline (age 31) because he had to make up for losing Frans Nielsen and okposo to free agency. Much different situation - that was a panic move. Overpaying old veterans on July 1st is never a good move.

Pelech's defensive numbers are elite though. I just mentioned he had the 7th best defensive impact in the NHL last season among defenseman with tough usage. That is extremely impressive. He's also been the islanders best overall defenseman to start this season, metrics from Natural stat trick if you want to look them up. He's not flashy, but he's cemented himself as a legitimate top pairing defenseman. Mayfield and pelech shouldn't even be in the same cconversation. Mayfield is solid, but he does not face the same quality of competition as pelech, isn't as good on the PK, and also doesn't have the level of hockey IQ that pelech has. Mayfield is a #4, #5 defenseman, pelech is a #2. Dobson, Wilde are both RHD, Bolduc is a project (likely 3-5 years away), Vande Sompel and Wotherspoon ceiling is likely 3rd pairing. Aho is the only LHD that can become a top 4 D in the near future, but unless that actually comes to fruition, pelech is in the islanders long term plans.</div></div>

You're assuming that just because Lou hasn't made a move, that he's complacent?? There is no way to know what goes on behind the scenes when he's engaging other GMs for Trades, or FAs to sign. It's become pretty evident that top tier FA won't come here, and that's fine but to assume that Lou has failed just because he hasn't made a trade to address the Top 6 is laughable. The people (coaches and players) we brought in have turned the Isles into a playoff contender. He brought in coaches and players last year to turn the worst defensive team in the league, into the best and they have continued on that route this season. Lou job is to bring a sustained winning atmosphere to the Isles and bring home a cup, not to do all that in ONE season, not to appease an impatient fan base and I'd say he's done a pretty damn good job of doing that so far. EVERYONE expected the Isles to crash and burn last year when JT left and EVERYONE expected them to regress and miss the playoffs this year. Last year they finished second in the Metro and so far this year, while the defense has regressed slightly, the offense (their biggest issue last season) has actually gotten better.

Yes, Stone is a great player and he's improved Vegas' forward core even more but he still hasn't put them over the top, however given that the cost for him would have been too high. Dobson, another roster player and a 2nd round pick PLUS having to sign him to a deal north of 9m was not something they should have done. Anyone who has watched Dobson play this season can see this kid is going to be a Top 2-way defenseman in this league for years to come, and anyone who says they would have given him up for Stone is a joke. As for Miller, again, yes he's made VAN better, but no one is claiming they are Cup contenders even with that move.

Lou could have probably traded Leddy this offseason (heck, several teams needed and still need a D like him) but coming off last season teams probably aren't offering much for Leddy. By your logic, Lou should have moved him regardless, for less of a return, just so fans can say he's doing something?? Or he should have overpaid and used Leddy and additional assets, to get a Top 6 FW, again, just so the fans can say he did something?? OR, maybe he held onto Leddy in the hopes he'd rebound (which he has) and he could actually get proper value for him... seems like the smart and RIGHT thing to do.

We could argue this all day, everyday, but I'll take the side of the guy who's been working in hockey and building championship teams everywhere he's been for decades, then the side of impatient Isles fans everyday. Just remember, as you pointed out in the Ladd situation, overreacting to save face and appease a fan base rarely works out for the better, so I'll take Lou's level headed approach and ability to wait things out for the deal that BEST suites the Isles, over the reactionary GM who wheels and deals just to appease fans 10 out of 10 times.

Isles fans just need to have a little patience and let Lou do is job. This team has a SOLID foundation right now and an influx of talented prospects in the system that aren't too far off. Wahlstrom could end up being the Top 6 FW to play on Barzal's wing by the end of the season or next season and we wouldn't have even needed to trade anyone away to get that... hmmm....
Forum: Armchair-GM29 oct. 2019 à 15 h 44
Sujet: This needs to happen soon
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>We disagree on a lot , and that’s fine - you give him credit for trying to make moves, the fact is he failed to get the job done. Erik haula is not a 3rd line quality F, he had 29 goals in 17-18, was injured most of last season and now he’s fully healthy and contributing at a borderline elite rate.

It’s evident this team needs another top 6 forward to take that next step. Like I said, right now they are headed towards a 2nd round exit, there’s like a 1% we can beat Carolina or Boston in a 7 game series.

Pelech is elite defensively and he has the best xGF% out of all the regulars - I wouldn’t call a player of his caliber replaceable. Trotz loves him and he’s the exact defenseman Lou lamoriello covets. He’s a core player and will be given an extension.</div></div>

I'm not saying the Isles don't NEED a Top 6 FW, because they do. What I'm saying is I have no problem with Lou striking out on players he's tried for if it means he doesn't need to mortgage the future of this team, like most on this board want him to do or he's a failure. Vegas went to the Cup Finals 2 years ago and last year traded a haul for Stone and didn't make it back to the finals. Would you have wanted Lou to trade Dobson, dal Colle and a 2nd in a deal for Stone (that's what it would have taken to get him) because the team NEEDS a Top 6 FW? No, I don't think any Isles fan with a brain would make that trade.

Lou has been rumored to be in on everyone (Stone, Panarin, Miller, etc) yet not one of those players have made their team better or won them a Cup. In fact, you could arguably say the Isles are better than Vegas (Stone), NYR (Panarin) and Vancouver (Miller) at this stage. My point is, when you're team is playing well, which the Isles are, you don't rush into making a trade just because... that's the kind of short-sighted thinking that landed us with Andrew Ladd for 7 years.

For the record, the team right now is completely different than the team that played Carolina a few weeks ago. They've looked much better offensively and defensively over the last 2 weeks and have scored 13 goals in the last 3 games. Before we right them off on a 2nd round exit 6 months from now, why not see how they play CAR and BOS a few times before hand. And for the record, that CAR team that swept us in the playoffs, we beat 3 out of 4 times in the regular season last year... so this team CAN beat them and have shown they can.

Haula IS a 3rd line players. Before his 29 goal season with Vegas 2 years ago he had NEVER eclipsed 15 goals or 35 points in a season. He played 3C for Vegas and plays 3C for Carolina now, not to mention that 97% of this board (including you, IIRC) were clamoring for him to be our 3C this year... definition of a 3rd liner.

Finally, Pelech is an excellent defender, but I wouldn't call him elite. And don't get me wrong, I like Pelech, but if it comes down to paying him 4-5m (or more) per year, he'll either be let to walk or traded in his final year. Max Pelech and Mayfield should get in their next deals should be 3-3.5m AAV, otherwise Dobson, Wilde, Bolduc, Vande Sompel, Aho, Wotherspoon can all replace them both for much cheaper.
Forum: Armchair-GM29 oct. 2019 à 12 h 27
Sujet: This needs to happen soon
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>I can see your point on Leddy but not making any moves at all (although the team has done well scoring goals the last few games) is still a failure By Lou considering he stated he would address the top 6 and Barry Trotz said that the top 6 needs more “pop”. Erik Haula went for a prospect and a conditional pick and he has 7 goals in 11 games, JT Miller (who lou was in on according to verified sources) went for a 1st and a 3rd (13 pts in 11 games). The goal here should be to win the Stanley cup, not exceed expectations and get eliminated in the 2nd round again. Currently the team as constructed cannot win a playoff series against Carolina or Boston. Isles have lost their last 6 games against the canes and their last 5 against Boston. They play a similar style with more skilled forwards.

Pelech had the 7th best defensive impact among defenseman with tough usage last season. He’s the top pairing LHD unless he gets traded (big mistake). So it would have to be pelech-Dobson , toews-mayfield. If the islanders are going to break up one of the best top pairings in the NHL and trade pulock, the return better be an elite sniper.</div></div>

Ok, first, Erik Haula is not a Top 6 player. He's a 3rd line center who was hurt most of last year, I don't blame Lou for not wanting to give up a prospect and a pick for another bottom 6 guy. Yes, he's having a good year, so far, for Carolina in their system, but let's not kid ourselves and think ANYONE would have predicted his start this year. As for Miller, I agree he could have helped, but he's also signed for 5m+ for 3 years after this one. If Lou traded for him the Isles would be over the CAP and forced to make another move, and seeing as TPA couldn't take any salary back they couldn't have offset that way. And, honestly, I think a 1st and a 3rd is a little high a price for Miller, given the situation it would have put the Isles in, so I'm glad Lou prevailed in that one and didn't go higher.

As for not making moves, it's not like Lou hasn't tried. He had the biggest offer out there for Panarin by 1m dollars and Panarin chose to go a rebuilding team instead of a playoff team... simply can NOT blame Lou for that. He's dangled Leddy, a Top 4 puck moving LHD all offseason for a Top 6 winger and got nothing because most people think Leddy is washed up after last season.

Lou did everything right this offseason, he went after the biggest FA available and decided to bet on Leddy and hold onto him for him to rebound (which he has) in order to maximize his trade value. I'm also fairly certain the Isles were one of the teams who reached out to Marner regarding a OS, but it's clear now he didn't want to sign one. Lets not also forget that last year Lou could have Mark Stone, but it would have cost the Isles Dobson, should he have made that move just to say he made a move??

Making a move simply for the sake of making one is NEVER a smart idea. The team has gelled over the last 2 seasons and this year they are looking much better offensively now that they have adjusted to Trotz' system. While a Top 6 FW would be great, it also has to be balanced against blocking giving young guys (like Wahlstrom and Dobson - who both look NHL ready) a chance along the way.

Lastly, Pelech, while a solid defenseman, is not someone you lose sleep over losing, especially if he's going to command 4-5+ million per season. He's easily replaceable in the Isles D core, especially right now with Leddy, Toews, Hickey and Aho all under contract and guys like Vande Sompel, Bolduc, Wotherspoon, etc on the way.
Forum: Armchair-GM29 oct. 2019 à 11 h 15
Sujet: This needs to happen soon
Gotta also remember it takes two GMs to make a deal. Everyone is complaining about Lou not making moves, but other GMs need to be willing to part with what Lou deems his players value is. If teams aren't willing to do that, then I'm glad Lou has stood pat. The team is on a 7 game win streak and are actually scoring goals this year and all people can do is complain about how Lou isn't making any moves. GMs are probably low-balling on Leddy because of his year last year, but he's shown early on this year, last year may have been a fluke... I applaud Lou for standing his ground here.

Now is not the time to sell low on Leddy or Boychuk. Come the TDL or Offseason, then you can move them for less than value to clear CAP, but right now, you hold off till someone meets your asking price... simple as that.

Also, about this post, I have no issues with Toews being signed to a Sam Girard type deal, as I think he'll be better over that time. The real question to start asking is... and I'm going to preference this by saying, this is not something I WANT to do, but could be more of a necessity given the 3 RFAs this offseason... could it be time to move Pulock, with Toews now being a very close behind #2 D who can easily slot into that #1 spot??

With our RD as deep as it is, Boychuk playing well (and not easy to be moved), Mayfield being a solid 2nd pairing D on a cheap contract, Dobson certainly looking like he's NHL ready and Wilde likely ready to stop in next season... could Pulock be moved to help the CAP situation next year AND bring in a legit Top 6 or a haul of picks/prospects.... Again, not saying I want go this route, but could be an interesting option in the offseason.
Forum: Armchair-GM25 oct. 2019 à 9 h 53
Sujet: Wahlstrom needs to stay
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>I have no doubt wahlstrom will be back in BPT soon - he only played 7 min tonight. For some reason trotz doesn’t trust him although He was solid ;his xG% was 62% while dal colle and bardreau were under 35%. He created chances with players that can’t generate offense, which is pretty impressive.</div></div>

I think you're making something where there is nothing. That whole line, dal Colle-Bardreau-Wahlstrom, played less than 10 minutes... maybe Trotz felt with it being a line made up of young guys and AHLers (Bardreau) he'd limit their ice time some, and give some of the other lines more ice time. My point is Wahlstrom has now played 4 games and it doesn't appear Ebs is coming back anytime soon, which means if Wahlstrom plays 5 more games his ELC can no longer slide and becomes active for this year... I don't see the Isles burning a year of his deal in the AHL.

As much as we all want to see Wahlstrom and Dobson as fixtures in the lineup, the team is HOT right now. They just won their 5th straight game and the team is actually starting to score... how about we hold off on the doom and gloom about who Trotz is and isn't playing, because clearly, whatever he is doing, it's working right now.
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 10 h 42
Sujet: Wahlstrom needs to stay
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>I agree on most of what you said with the exception of Martin lol - I’m fine with wahlstrom and Dobson being the additions this season; Dobson helps with the transition game and he’s solid defensively. Wahlstrom shot is elite and he’s the only player other than barzal that can creat his own chances. I just have a feeling he’ll get sent down because he’s waiver exempt. I pray I’m wrong. Dobson’s underlying metrics have been at an elite level (small sample size) so I really don’t get why they haven’t played him. Let the kids play.</div></div>

Yeah, I don't understand why they aren't playing him either. Only things I can think of is, they have a few teams interested in Boychuk and are trying to play him as much as possible to showcase him for those teams. OR, they are working with Dobson on training, conditioning and adding on some muscle, as he is listed at 6'3 and 184 lbs, which is on the slight side for someone 6'4. Where as Wahlstrom is 6'1 and 211 lbs, so he is more developed physically.

As for Wahlstrom being sent down, I understand your concerns but I don't see it. He was literally on the cusp of making the team out of camp and they moved Bailey back to LW to make room for him coming up eventually. I think with the way he is playing they can't justify sending him down. He was going to be up by Nov/Dec anyway, the Eberle injury only expedited the call up that was coming.
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 10 h 24
Sujet: Isles 2020-21
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>slapshot723</b></div><div>I actually do see Barzal taking a bridge deal. After seeing what the other RFAs did, the high QO is a lot of betting on themselves. Barzal seems to be the type that loves that kind of challenge. This wouldn't be another JT situation, he'd still be restricted after this contract, then we can sign him to an eight-year deal. Very, very different situations. I think of these bridge deals as 10 or 11-year deals with the first three years being a lower cap hit. To me, they're genius and should be the norm moving forward for RFAs.

Agreed and thank you on the Pulock/Toews comment. We have to remember that Toews is 25 years old. He can't really sign a bridge deal because he'll become unrestricted too fast. He has to sign a long term contract, which I'm happy to do for him. As a Quinnipiac alum, I freaking love Toews.

The ANA deal is a stretch, for sure. I don't know if Lou wants to trade Komarov, and I don't know if the Ducks would take him. I think the Mayfield for Ritchie part makes a ton of sense for Anaheim. I think the Leddy trade I made is exactly what you're talking about. It's a 2nd round pick, a mid-round pick (which I can take or leave), and a guy on an overpaid contract. Obviously it's not Alzner, but I think Montreal would happily take him at that price.</div></div>

I don't know. After hearing Lou and Barzal talk about his next contract, I think for both Barzy and Lou the focus is going to be on a long term deal, with a bridge being the fallback if, and only if, a long term deal can't be worked out. I know it's not good business practice to make deals based on fan reaction, but I don't think Barzal or Lou want to even give the impression there is a CHANCE of Barzal leaving in the near future. The kid is going to be the face of the Franchise and I think they are gonna wanna make sure he and the fans know that with his next contract.

Also, and I may be reading too much into this, but I honestly think the JT situation affected the current players a lot. I think it bonded and unified them in a way not many expected it to. I think they honestly felt betrayed by JT and his actions and want to prove to everyone this team is better off without someone like that in the locker room.

Lee, Eberle and Nelson have all signed below value deals to stay with the Isles and all of Barzals' comments on the contract situation have been that he doesn't care about the dollar amount, he just wants to get a deal done with the Isles when they are ready to talk.
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 10 h 14
Sujet: Wahlstrom needs to stay
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>You can’t have a team of all skill players, but the route the islanders are going (not enough skill players) isn’t the best move either. The islanders as currently constructed cannot compete with teams like Boston and Carolina who have a ton of grit and intangibles, but a lot of speed as well. The islanders have lost their last 6 games against the hurricanes (including playoffs) and the the last 5 against the bruins.

Agree to disagree on Martin. I do believe he’s been good for this team, but his age (and lack of physicality so far this season) should be a good reason to move on. I would go with Johnston-cizikas-Fritz next season. Johnston skates better than Martin and has more offensive upside and fritz brings speed, grit, and playmaking abilities. A lot of fans hate on fritz, but he is underrated and he would bring a lot to the 4th line. The islanders just have a lot of bad contracts which prevents him from being up with the team.

My problem would be if the islanders sent back wahlstrom to keep both Martin and Johnson on the 23. The islanders don’t need 7 4th liners on the roster.</div></div>

We are gonna have to agree to disagree on all this, I think. The Isles have a TON of talent and skill in the minors... Dobson, Wilde, Wahlstrom, Bellows (yes he still counts), Holmstrom, Koivula, etc... that eventually will add that skill up front. This team won last year on Grit and hard work, that can't be discounted. Yes, they absolutely need more offense, I'm not denying that, but we are already starting to see that happen this year... Beau is off to a good start, Barzal is heating up the last few games, Bailey is off to a good start, Dobson and Wahlstrom have looked amazing in the games they have played... that's more than enough skill and talent at the top, but in the bottom 6 you need some grit and toughness.

Wahlstrom won't be sent down, I can't see them justifying that demotion in any way, shape or form... I can see dal Colle being the casualty if someone needs to go, which wouldn't be a total loss. dal Colle has turned into a nice 3rd line player, but I don't see him being the Top 6 guy they envisioned him being, and as you pointed out, we have enough bottom 6 guys. Yes, I'd prefer someone like Komarov or Ladd being the one to go, but if the casualty for Wahlstrom staying up is dal Colle, I'm okay with that.

And I know a lot of people on here criticize Lou/Trotz for the love of Vets, but let's not forget they did waive a bottom pairing veteran defenseman (Hickey) who Lou just gave a brand new 4 year deal to, to keep Dobson on the roster. Yes, they are playing Boychuk over him more than they should, but they did cut a Veteran to keep a rookie... so it's not against them to do something like that for Wahlstrom.

One last point, if you remember, I was one of the people clamoring for Fritz to take over the 3C or 4C (move Casey up to 3C) spot in the offseason, so I am a fan of his. But I just think, at this point, others have passed him by on the depth chart. Koivula is now targeted for that 3C spot next year and Johnston seems to have secured his spot on the 23 man roster... I can see them doing Martin-Cizikas-Johnston (if Clutter gets bought out) with Fritz as the 13/14th forward next year. I just don't see them NOT re-signing Martin.
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 10 h 4
Sujet: Isles
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>slapshot723</b></div><div>You definitely make great points.

I know you saw my Isles 2020-21 thread, so you saw I did make additional moves to get some cap space. I also think Saad is a better pickup than say, Jason Zucker, because his contract expires by 2021-22, giving them room to re-sign Beauvillier and Pelech. This also helps by losing Hickey's future years and cap hit in the minors, which is more of a hindrance than I realized when I was making future teams. I know it seems a bit contradictory with Saad, but it does end up working out.

I'll address your Barzal post in the other thread. Toews will make a little more than $4M, he's becoming a $5M+ defenseman, and he's too old to keep him into restricted free agency.

The lines you put out make perfect sense. I like the lines I put out, but honestly, this team can have any combination of anything and I think it can work out. I trust Trotz in that sense.

Make sure to check out the 2021-22 thread too, it helps put these moves into perspective.</div></div>

Haha, yeah, I didn't realize you made a 3 part series, so that's totally my bad. I still think some of the trades might be a little optimistic given the state the Isles will be in regarding the CAP and NEEDING to shed salary. Which is why I was hoping they would move Leddy this offseason or before the TDL, to maximize his value.

I'm also of the school of "you gotta let the kids play" and we have a TON of young talent in the wings. I know we need a Top 6 scorer, but with the team playing well right now and actually scoring some goals, I'd rather let someone like Wahlstrom and Beau develop into that Top 6 guy than trade for someone who is going to add to our CAP issues in the future.

But overall, excellent job on this... very well done and thought out!
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 9 h 21
Sujet: Wahlstrom needs to stay
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>My frustration has more to do with Lou lamoriello prioritizing intangibles over skill and needing to have 7 4th line quality players on the roster.

For the most part, when Martin, cizikas, and clutterbuck are together, They are effective but cizikas is the one that drives that line. So far this season Martin and clutterbuck have not been good - Trotz brought that up in an interview after practice and Martin was a healthy scratch 3 games in a row, I personally hope he’s not re-signed and clutterbuck is bought out, but if he’s given a 1 year 700 k deal it wouldn’t be the worst thing.</div></div>

You can't have a team of all skill players, you need guys who bring heart and grit to the team as well. Those intangibles, as you call them, are just as important as having a guys that can score 100 points a season. We saw that when Martin left and Clutter was hurt, the team has NO ONE to protect the Barzals and Tavares' of the team. Since Martin was brought back and Clutter got healthy, teams haven't been able to run over Barzal without having to pay for it later.

If Martin is willing to take a 1-3 year deal in the 1-1.5m range he'll be back (there is a reason Lou brought him over from TOR). Johnston is a Martin clone from a few years ago, having him as a backup for Martin (when he is out of the lineup) is a nice thing to have, but Martin is the heart of this team (always has been) and if he isn't brought back the Isles will feel it on the ice.

Honestly, I'd rather see Clutter bought out and Johnston take his place on RW and roll with Martin-Cizikas-Johnston/Komarov as the new fourth line.

I know a lot of people attribute the Isles success last season to them bringing in Trotz, and rightfully so... but I also think a big part of the turnaround was Lou bringing in guys like Filppula, Komarov and Martin... gritty guys who play more with heart and work ethic than skill.
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 9 h 6
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 9 h 0
Sujet: Isles
So, in the first line of your explanation you say that any moves the Isles make need to account for giving Barzal, Pulock and Toews their extensions next year... but then you go and make a trade that hinders that and leaves the Isles with roughly 15m (after CAP increase) to sign all 3??

It's going to take at least 20m (10m for Barzal, 6m for Pulock and 4m for Toews) to sign all 3... at least 2 to 3 other moves will need to be made in the offseason to accommodate the increases and your trade for Saad.

Honestly, I'd rather just move Bailey up to the Top line to play with Barzal and Eberle... gives that line a playmaker to feed pucks to Barzal (with his new shoot more attitude) and Eberle (a natural sniper) and have Lee move down to play with Nelson and Wahlstrom (let the kid figure it out playing 2 Vets in Lee and Nelson) and have dal Colle play with Brassard and Komarov (dal Colle played well on the third line last year)... all this to let the team grow and let some of the younger guys grow and learn at the NHL level (Wahsltrom looks like he should be here to stay), as opposed to swinging a trade that's going to hinder us from signing the big 3 in the offseason.
Forum: Armchair-GM24 oct. 2019 à 8 h 51
Sujet: Wahlstrom needs to stay
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>you're right, but Lou/trotz both like his "intangibles" - such BS lol</div></div>

Martin's intangibles aren't BS, lol. Martin is the heart and sole of the Islanders, and exemplifies what it means to be an Islanders. He may not be the best player, and maybe he's not the player he was in his first stint with the Isles, but he gives 110% and works hard EVERY shift. There is a reason he, Cizikas and Clutter are "the best fourth line in hockey" and it's not because they are superstar players.

Martin never wanted to leave, but Snow in his infinite wisdom (Sarcasm) didn't offer him a contract and needless to say, the Isles **** the bed the 2 years he was gone. The guy LOVES being an Islander and I wouldn't be surprised if he's resigned to a cheaper deal (Johnston like) when his current deal his up.
Forum: Armchair-GM17 oct. 2019 à 16 h 22
Sujet: Isles lineup against WPG
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Isles777</b></div><div>Yeah I saw the tweet before I replied to you - I’m not going to wish an injury on boychuk, maybe just some soreness lol - Dobson needs to be in the lineup every night. Of course boychuk had to play out of his mind the last 5 minutes in the 3rd period to cement his spot in the lineup although he was brutal the rest of the game. He was on the ice for both STL goals and he was getting bullied by their forwards - so much for a physical presence.

I know it’s a small sample size, but the islanders are much better when Dobson is on the ice. His underlying metrics are at an elite level in his 2 games with the team - that’s just more of a reason to play him.</div></div>

Haha, unfortunately I don't think just "some soreness" will do it. Him being out of the lineup for a handful of games won't change much, he needs to be out for an extended period of time for Dobson to cement is place in lineup lol.

My concern is they are playing Boychuk to try and get a team interested him for a trade, as that's the only logical reason. Dobson is the future of this team and Boychuk as no place on this team past this season, keeping Dobson on the bench does nothing for him or the team. Sitting Boychuk also shows other teams the he's not good enough to play on the Isles, so why would anyone trade for him. At least if he plays, the Isles can argue he's still serviceable... I don't know.