isles

New York Islanders: Predicting the 3 big RFA contracts

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Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have to re-sign their “big 3,” and they need to be re-signed soon. This “big 3” will not be a cheap resign. Each of those three players is crucial to the Islanders’ success now and in the future. The deals will most likely be completed soon. No one has any idea what the negotiation status for all three players currently is because Lou Lamoriello doesn’t let anything slip. But, for the sake of argument, let’s imagine what these deals would look like.

Three potentially big RFA contracts for the New York Islanders:

Mat Barzal

The franchise player, the golden boy, the fastest player in the NHL. Mat Barzal deserves a hefty contract right now due to his recent play. Do I think Barzal could be playing better? Definitely, but he’s only 23 years old, which is scary. I think this deal will be a bridge deal. What do I mean by this? A bridge deal is almost like a “prove that you deserve all our money” deal. So, instead of a 7-8 year deal, I believe it will be a 3-4 year deal. So, when the deal is over, Barzal can cash in on big money. Right now, due to cap concerns, the Isles can’t throw all their money at Barzal. But, Barzal knows this by now and will take a discount to help the team win. Final deal: 4 years, $8 million.

Ryan Pulock

The best defender needs a new contract, and he earned big money. The fact that Pulock isn’t an all-star is absolutely mindblowing. Ryan Pulock deserves at least $5.5 million. But, Pulock will probably get more than that. I think Pulock will get around 5-6 years. No reason to let Pulock possibly leave in 3 years. Isles must sign their best defender for a long time. Final deal: 6 years, $6.5 million.

Devon Toews

The Islanders have a growing star here in Devon Toews, and they need to lock him up for a little while longer. Toews doesn’t deserve big money yet, but he has earned a decent contract. I’m thinking around $3.5-$4 million, and that’s a little generous. The number of years will be around 4. I think it’s a solid bet that Toews’ deal will get done first. Final deal: 4 years, $3.5 million.

New York Islanders: Predicting the Qualifying Offers

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New York Islanders, Devon Toews

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello has recently stated that 1 or 2 players won’t receive a qualifying offer. The Islanders currently have ten restricted free agents. And for the sake of simplicity, I’ll say Mat Barzal, Devon Toews, and Ryan Pulock will all get a qualifying offer. Lou Lamoriello has also said that Joshua Ho-Sang has already received a qualifying offer.

So, with that all being said, out of the six remaining RFA’s, who will the Isles keep?

Resigned

Without a doubt in my mind, Sebastian Aho will receive a qualifying offer. Firstly, he got pulled up for the playoffs. Secondly, he has decent trade value, could be able to move Ladd with Aho in the trade. Grant Hutton will also receive a qualifying offer. Lamoriello likes him, and it’s his decision.

Next is Mitchell Vande Sompel, he has to be brought back. He’s been with the Tigers for three years, and his passing is exquisite. Cannot let Vande Sompel leave without compensation. Finally, I have Parker Wotherspoon edging out Kyle Burroughs. There’s one simple reason for this, Wotherspoon is more offensive-minded than Burroughs. This league is becoming an offensive defenseman heavy league. The Isles could have another one if they just make one correct move.

Released

I see Lamoriello releasing the other two RFA’s on the team. First is Kyle Burroughs. He’ll probably find his way onto another AHL team, but he won’t return to Bridgeport. There are too many players that are better than him, no reason to keep onto more depth. Linus Soderstrom is the other player who will not receive a qualifying offer from Mr. Lamoriello. A 4th round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Soderstrom hasn’t reached expectations. Now with Ilya Sorokin being the goalie of the future. And Christopher Gibson surpassed him. And Jakub Skarek is developing correctly. So, keeping Soderstrom is not necessary.

New York Islanders: Possible 3-Way Trade for Patrik Laine

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New York Islanders, Patrik Laine

The New York Islanders have the possibility to make one of their biggest acquisitions ever. But, this move will come with a price, a price that’s very steep. This possible trade has a ton of speculation behind it. A reliable source has been vocal about the proposal. This trade involves the Montreal Canadiens, the Winnipeg Jets, and of course, the New York Islanders.

The Trade for the New York Islanders:

The New York Islanders relinquish Oliver Wahlstrom, Devon Toews, a 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick, and Kieffer Bellows. The Islanders only receive Patrik Laine. Wahlstrom, Toews, and the 2nd round pick go to Winnipeg. The Canadiens give up Max Domi to the Jets, while the Isles send Bellows and a 1st rounder to them.

Analysis

Why in god’s green earth would the Islanders ever accept this trade. First of all, Montreal doesn’t need to be involved in the trade at all. Like why would the Islanders want to trade Kieffer Bellows, one of their best prospects by the way, to the Canadiens, and get nothing in return? The Canadiens would have to send Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi back the other way. No, I am not overexaggerating that trade, this is the only way the Isles can win that 3-way trade.

Revamped Trade

Here is my deal for the new 3-way Patrik Laine trade. First, cut off Montreal. The Isles don’t need Montreal to complete the trade. So, it would be Devon Toews, Oliver Wahlstrom, and a 2nd for Patrick Laine. This deal makes a lot more sense for everyone. Max Domi can find another trade to hop into, the Isles certainly can’t lose both their top forward prospects. And as an extra, trade Ladd and Ho-Sang to Ottawa for a 7th round pick.

New York Islanders: What would an Andrew Ladd trade look like?

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Andrew Ladd, New York Islanders

New York Islanders‘ forward, Andrew Ladd might have the worst value contract in the entire NHL. In 2016, this contract seemed like an excellent move for the Isles. They had just lost longtime forwards like Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, and Matt Martin. John Tavares needed a complimentary player, and Ladd seemed like the right guy. Well, only 181 games in 4 years later, Ladd’s long and expensive contract became a significant problem. Andrew Ladd currently has as much trade value as I do, so let’s see what an Andrew Ladd trade could look like.

New Jersey Devils

The Islanders took the 38-year-old, $5 million dollar contract Captain from the Devils earlier this year. Now, the Devils take a large contract back. But, the Islanders have to give up another high pick just for some cap relief.

Yes, say goodbye to next year’s first Islanders fans. Isles fans are still being drug through the mud because of Garth Snow’s terrible money management. So, the full trade is Andrew Ladd, a first-round pick next year, and a third-round pick this year for John Hayden. Who John Hayden, you may ask? I don’t know exactly, he’s just depth really.

Ottawa Senators

Ah, the Islanders very good friend, the Ottawa Senators. After gifting the Isles J.G. Pageau, the Islanders are ready to give a gift back. And by a gift, I mean a 35-year-old who’s played 30 games in 2 years and has a $5.5 million dollar cap hit. Not only must the Islanders relinquish Andrew Ladd, but Josh Ho-Sang is gone too. Lou Lamoriello has to trade away his favorite player Josh Ho-Sang.

The full trade is Andrew Ladd, Josh Ho-Sang, and a fifth-round pick this year for Angus Crookshank and a sixth-round pick next year. Crookshank is a 3rd/4th liner, nothing the Sens are sad about giving away.

New York Islanders: 2 Trades Lou Lamoriello Must Make

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New York Islanders, Nick Leddy

The number of times I’ve said that the New York Islanders have no cap space is too numerous to count. The Islanders aren’t loaded with pieces to move other pieces. What I’m saying is that the Isles cannot make a Marc Staal-esque trade. Since the Isles are in a difficult cap situation with no great trade pieces, there are only two trades I know the Isles must make, and it involves some defensemen.

Nick Leddy

This may be surprising to NHL fans, but Nick Leddy has trade value. Nick Leddy had a solid year, but it’s Noah Dobson’s time to shine. Leddy’s trade value apparently has been ramping up as of late.

It’s looking like the minimum return for Leddy is a 2nd round pick. The Islanders have zero second-round picks until the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Now the Isles can either ship Leddy off for cap space or package him. I wouldn’t be surprised if a team like Ottawa would offer up Anthony Duclair for Leddy and maybe Leo Komarov. A Leddy trade is something the Isles must do.

Johnny Boychuk

Johnny Boychuk’s cap hit is absolutely terrible. The fact that Garth Snow believed this contract would help the Isles, in the long run, is ridiculous. Boychuk is a great player and an ageless wonder, but it’s past his time. He’s hurt often now and was benched in favor of Andy Greene during the playoff run.

Now the question is who in the right mind would take on Boychuk’s contract? Well, no one is taking on Boychuk straight up, there has to be a deal sweetener. Josh Ho-Sang seems like someone that has a little trade value. Ho-Sang and Boychuk for I guess a 7th round pick. If the Isles can make that trade, they are complete masterminds of the trade market.

New York Islanders: Team Awards Part 2 (Norris Trophy)

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Ryan Pulock, New York Islanders

Today, we will continue the team awards for the New York Islanders. The award in question is the Norris Trophy. The Norris Trophy is given out annually to the best defender in the league. This award takes points, steals, blocks, and many more stats into account. Only one Islander will win this award, and two will just have missed out on being the best defender for the Islanders. Without further introduction, let’s see who the Islanders’ best defenseman of the 2019-2020 season was.

Ryan Pulock

The reason Adam Pelech doesn’t win this award is because Ryan Pulock plays offense. Pulock has a booming slapshot that can be as fast as 107mph. Pulock is the most complete defenseman on the Islanders and about a season or two away from Norris Trophy contention. Ryan Pulock has great stick skills, a great shot aforementioned, and a good presence. There are only two things he needs to work on: using his body more and becoming more accurate.

Adam Pelech

Shoutout to the #pelechposse on this one. Adam Pelech is the best defensive defenseman on the Islanders and possibly the metropolitan. Pelech has his signature poke and pinch. I believe Adam Pelech will be a top defenseman in the league very soon. He needs to get older and more experienced before that leap happens, though. The team went into the dumpster without Pelech, and it became dangerous again when Pelech came back.

Johnny Boychuk

That’s a surprise name, isn’t it? Yes, 35-year-old Johnny Boychuk makes my top 3 in the Islanders’ Norris Trophy award. Boychuk will put his life on the line if it means his team can win. Boychuk is as tough as they come. And I absolutely love Boychuk’s play. He’s still got it even at 35.

New York Islanders: Thomas Greiss will test free agency

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Thomas Greiss, New York Islanders

The heartbreak continues for New York Islanders fans as Thomas Greiss’ agent confirms he will test free agency. This was 100% expected, though. The 4-year contract of Semyon Varlamov opened the casket for Greiss, and the signing of Ilya Sorokin laid him to rest. Thomas Greiss finishes his career with the Islanders as a top 5 goalie in franchise history. Greiss finishes with the 5th most wins, 6th most shutouts, and 5th most games as a goalie in franchise history. As much as his departure will be upsetting to Isles fans, you cannot look at it as a bad thing. Greiss is not an AHLer, but he’s not a 1A starter. He deserves a place where he can thrive and win a cup. Where are those places, though?

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are moving on from Braden Holtby in favor of Ilya Samsonov. But, a young goalie needs an old backup who can mentor him. Insert Thomas Greiss here. Greiss moves cross-division and becomes the backup to one of the best young goalies in the league. Greiss probably commands 30-35 games in Washington as Samsonov isn’t ready to play 50 games yet. This is the perfect signing for the Caps, and it’ll be cheap enough for them as well.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Thomas Greiss makes his return to Pittsburgh a whole lot better than what he once was. As the Penguins move on from Matt Murray, they need a backup for Tristan Jarry. Greiss again is the right guy to be a backup to a great young goalie. He’ll probably give them a discount as well. It makes sense for the Penguins and Greisser.

Vegas Golden Knights

Just a year ago, the combo of Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss won the William J. Jennings trophy. The trophy is given out to the goalies who play for the team who gave up the least amount of goals. Greiss reunites with his partner across America. This takes Vegas from dangerous to “oh my god, who is going to stop them.” Vegas would be dumb not to try and sign Greiss.

New York Islanders: Is Patrick Laine a Real Possibility?

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The New York Islanders might finally make the biggest splash of the summer. According to Roger Dicklund, a former NHL scout, the Jets and the Islanders have been making a ton of noise over a Patrick Laine deal. Now, this doesn’t mean the Islanders are 100% getting Laine, and that you should get his jersey right now. But, this does mean that there is a chance this deal could happen. The Islanders would have to give up on some big-time players if they want to obtain Laine. What would the deal look like?

3-Way Trade?

The Islanders might have to make a 3-way trade due to cap space restrictions. The problem with a 3-way trade is that the Islanders have to do all of the heavy lifting. And by heavy lifting, I mean getting rid of good young prospects.

So, in this scenario, I have a trade between the Jets, Islanders, and Lightning. The Islanders obviously receive Laine, but they have to trade Leo Komarov, Oliver Wahlstrom, and Nick Leddy to the Jets. While the Jets have to trade Laurent Brossoit and a first to the Lightning for Anthony Cirelli. This trade is a little bonkers, to say the least, but who says no?

Straight Up Trade?

The Islanders can make a straight-up trade with the Jets, but do the Jets want to take on a bad salary? Probably not, but at the same time, they can just lose Laine next year, so they don’t have a choice. So this trade is Patrick Laine for Leo Komarov, Nick Leddy, a 4th round pick, and Otto Koviula. I don’t think this is a bad trade, but it’s not a great trade. What are your thoughts on this?

New York Islanders: Team Awards Part 1 (Hart Trophy)

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New York Islanders, Brock Nelson

The New York Islanders‘ season is officially over. And as sad as it is to hear that for Isles fans, the team took a huge leap this year. There aren’t questions on if the team can make a deep run, but the question is how far now. The Hart trophy is the trophy given to the MVP of the NHL. There is no one on the team who was in contention for the award, but team awards still exist. I will include playoff performance here as well. So, without further introduction, let’s see the winner and runner-ups of the Hart Trophy for the Isles.

Brock Nelson

Brock Nelson was the best player on the Islanders this year, so he takes home the Hart trophy. He finished on 5 points behind Barzal in the regular season. Nelson possesses the best shot on the team by far, and he’s arguably the best two-way forward as well. Nelson’s forechecking is absolutely phenomenal, it’s what makes the 2nd line so dangerous. His playoff play wasn’t superb, but scoring isn’t everything. Nelson is the best shooter, 2nd best faceoff guy, a great penalty killer, and one of the most dangerous weapons the Isles have.

Mat Barzal

I only have to say this once, but when Mat Barzal learns to shoot more, he will win the Art Ross trophy year after year after year. Barzal is outright deadly when he shoots; the problem is, it’s sporadic. Barzal had to be triple-teamed against the Lightning, and still, he got by every one. He’s the best passer in the NHL. He’s one of the fastest skaters in the NHL. The best part is, he’s only 23. The Islanders have a gem in their hands who can become one of the very best very soon.

Anthony Beauvillier

There was a point in the offseason where I said, “there’s no reason for Beau to get resigned; he’s not going to develop soon enough.” Wow, did he prove me wrong. Beauvillier always was the guy for the Islanders all throughout the season. His forechecking is unmatched by anyone. He’s the 2nd fastest player on the team. Beau’s shot has improved vastly; it used to all be just five-hole shots, now he can pick his corners. He’s insanely smart with the puck and creative off the puck. Beau produced tons of memorable moments for the Isles, especially in the playoffs; it’ll be awesome to see him continue to grow.

New York Islanders: What the Islanders need to win the Stanley Cup

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New York Islanders

The New York Islanders had their run ended just short of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Islanders are in a great spot for the future. The UBS arena is ready in 2021. Ilya Sorokin is an Islander. The Isles made a deep run and proved the whole league wrong. Lou Lamoriello still needs to make a big move to improve the team and make them cup contenders for awhile. There are three things the Isles need to do to accomplish said goal.

Sign a Legit Top 6 Winger

The Islanders cannot get to the Stanley Cup Finals without having someone who can score consistently. The Islanders currently have no one like that, but they can sign one hopefully. With players like Mat Barzal, Ryan Pulock, and Devon Toews, all needing contracts, the Isles are strapped for cap. The Islanders will have to make a trade to get rid of a high salary cap player. No matter what it takes, the Islanders need a top 6 winger. It’s a lot easier to win with a guy who scores 30 goals consistently than a guy who can maybe score 22.

Improve Power-Play Strategy

Tampa Bay shut down every single Islanders’ power-play while being effective on their own. The Islanders were unwilling to dump in the puck, and Tampa took advantage of that. The best forechecking team in Hockey became unwilling to forecheck on the power-play. Not only that, but the Isles need to get rid of the drop pass. Every time they get bumped out of the zone, they take it back 70 feet and drop pass it to Barzal. It’s predictable, and it takes away the stretch pass that takes the defense off guard.

Develop Young Players

The Islanders are a young team with a lot of good young players. Mat Barzal needs to develop further and give more effort to backchecking and on defense. Noah Dobson needs to gain confidence in his play; he’s a good player, just needs confidence. Have to let these young players know that turnovers won’t fly around here. Ilya Sorokin must be developed correctly if the Isles want to make more deep runs. Although he’s a great player already, Anthony Beauvillier still has room to grow. Devon Toews is a solid defender, but. he makes too many mistakes. There’s a bunch of young guys who need to learn how to play Islanders’ Hockey.