nhl 21

New York Islanders: Should the Islanders draft a goalie?

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New York Islanders

The New York Islanders finally have a pick today in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The problem is, this pick is late in the 3rd round. You’re not going to draft someone who’s ready to play immediately in the 3rd round.

So, if you have to develop this player for multiple years, why wouldn’t you pick a position of future need. I mean the Islanders didn’t qualify Linus Soderstrom, and Christopher Gibson/Jared Coreau aren’t getting any younger. With the 90th pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, I have the Islanders selecting a goalie.

Who are the candidates though?

Drew Commesso

Commesso hopefully drops down this far. In 27 games, Commesso recorded a 2.05 GAA, and .920 save percentage. Commesso is only 6 foot 2, but he takes up most of the net. Cuts down the upper angles really well, and is very aggressive.

Commessi also has some very strong legs, his kick saves are one of the best in the draft this year. His transition to the butterfly is quick and effective. His puck control is very good, and he’s calm under pressure. Commesso is never bothered by a bad goal. His rebound control is the only thing that goes against him. Could be a legit #1 one day if he keeps developing.

Joel Blomqvist

Joel Blomqvist consistently blows me away. Blomqvist showed a ton of promise in the Finnish league, as he sported a .930 save percentage for the last two years. Blomqvist is more of a hybrid goalie, switches between stand up and the butterfly. He doesn’t give many shots up high.

Blomqvist has some excellent puck control, especially for a young goalie. He doesn’t get beaten by dekes too easily. Blomqvist has some very strong legs as well, rivaling Semyon Varlamov. By far my favorite goalie that could possibly fall to #90. Whoever drafts Blomqvist is getting a great goalie.

New York Islanders: What does Sebastian Aho’s new contract mean?

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New York Islanders, Islanders, Sebastian Aho

New York Islanders‘ defensive prospect, Sebastian Aho was recently given a 2-year extension. This move seems small, but in the grand scheme of everything, it’s a huge move. Giving someone like Aho two more years at his age guarantees he’ll be playing soon. But, who could he possibly start over? Noah Dobson has priority over him. And the Islanders still have Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk around for a while. Well there’s the answer, right? One, if not two, of the Islanders defenseman, will be traded very soon.

Why?

Now I know you’ve just told yourself that I’m absolutely crazy for thinking this contract means anything. I’m not though, and the reason is in the contract. Aho signed a one-way deal. What does this mean? His salary doesn’t change if he plays in the AHL. Also, his contract clearly states “If he doesn’t play at least 58 NHL games in the next two years, he will qualify to be a UFA.”

Why would Lou Lamoriello sign Aho for two years if he doesn’t have a plan for him? Don’t act like Aho isn’t a good defenseman either. Aho recorded 46 points in 2019 and 30 points in 2020. I know that happened in the AHL, but those are some good stats regardless. Islanders could use another offensive-defenseman.

Trades

The Islanders need to move one of their older defensemen if they want Aho to finally get his real shot. There are only two players that come to mind: Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk. Everyone knows that Boychuk should be traded. He’s old and always hurt and carries a big contract. Who can handle that contract though? Oh, I don’t know, maybe the Red Wings who already had a ton of cap space and now just bought out Justin Abdelkader.

I can see why some people don’t want to trade Leddy. He’s a good defenseman, he’s offensively-minded which is great, and he’s a great veteran in the locker room. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think that the Islanders need the veteran experience right now. The Isles have a bunch of older guys who can guide the younger guys.

New York Islanders: Is Alex Killorn in Play for the Isles?

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Alex Killorn, New York Islanders

The New York Islanders need a top 6 winger, and that’s no secret to anyone. This top 6 winger must be a goal scorer, but at the same time, he needs to know how to play defense. That’s why I’m very skeptical of Patrik Laine and Taylor Hall. Neither of those guys is huge on defense, and they need to be if they want to get those big minutes in Barry Trotz’s system. Enter Alex Killorn. Alex Killorn does it all, he’s a goal scorer, he plays on the PP and PK, he’s a grinder who can lay the boom.  Killorn has the word Islander written all over his play. But, is he in play for the Islanders?

No Move Clause

Alex Killorn does have a no-trade clause in his contract, but it has become a 16 team no-trade list as of this year. If you’re the Islanders, you’re praying that you don’t get put on that list. Killorn could waive this, though. I mean, you recently saw Patrick Hornqvist waive his NTC after realizing the Penguins didn’t want him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Killorn ends up feeling the same way. Killorn’s team just won the Stanley Cup, it’s not like Tampa owes him anything or vice versa.

Contract

Alex Killorn signed a 7-year deal in 2016, he’s now making $4.5 million per year. The Islanders do not have a ton of cap, but they can make some moves to open up space. First, the Islanders have to find a way to ship off Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ladd. If the Isles can do that and sign all their RFA’s, it’s a no brainer to trade for Killorn. Killorn doesn’t have a large contract, but it’s not one the Isles can take straight on.

The Trade

Since I get berated in the comments every time I report a possible trade offer, I’m going to throw out multiple ideas. NTC for NTC? Jordan Eberle and Ross Johnston for Alex Killorn. As long as the Islanders keep Matt Martin, I don’t know which Islander fan that says no to that. Killorn is more than a million dollars cheaper and scores more points. Tampa gets a more expensive winger, but they also get a good enforcer. Or what about Nick Leddy, Kyle Burroughs’ rights, and a 6th round pick this year. Tampa gets another offensive defenseman and a 7th defensive defenseman. The Islanders get the guy they “want.”

Also, just for anyone, whose going to comment. The Islanders do not care about the boarding in game 2, it’s in the past, I doubt they hold grudges like that.

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: 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: 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.

New York Islanders: Possible Lineup Changes for Game 6

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Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders

The New York Islanders face another due or die game tonight in game 6. Barry Trotz has already alluded to the fact that some players from game five won’t be available for game 6. This is probably a smokescreen, so Tampa doesn’t know who to prepare for. I’m saying that the Isles are fully healthy, but are going to switch up the lines again. So, there are some lineup changes that will need to occur. However, I will keep the 11 forwards, seven defenseman strategy.

1st Line Forwards/Defenseman

Mat Barzal and Anders Lee will obviously be on that first line. There’s no reason for either of them to switch lines. There’s a case for Jordan Eberle to sneak up on that first line as usual, but I’m going to move him down to the second line. I think Cal Clutterbuck should man the right-winger spot on the first line. Cal is a great forechecker, lays the boom, and can snipe the toy department. For the defenseman, it’s going to Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. PP is by far the best defensive line pairing.

2nd Line Forwards/Defenseman

Anthony Beauvillier, Brock Nelson, Jordan Eberle as the 2nd line forwards. “Why isn’t Josh Bailey on that line?”. Well, J.G. Pageau needs help, and Bailey can feed him in the slot. This line is a boom or bust; it all depends on how Eberle plays. It’s just an experimental line, so don’t get mad in the comments. The 2nd pairing for defense should be Devon Toews and Johnny Boychuk. Boychuk played really well in game 5, so there’s no reason to take him out.

3rd Line Forwards/Defenseman

J.G. Pageau, Josh Bailey, Matt Martin on the 3rd line. This line is a little confusing, but this may be the most productive line. Matty can crash the net and scoop up rebounds. Josh Bailey can forecheck and pass to Pageau in the slot for an easy goal. This is the “thumper” line even without three physical guys manning it. The defenseman will be Mayfield and Leddy. Hopefully, Leddy doesn’t turn the puck over a million times again.

Extra Forwards/Defenseman

To finish out the lineup, we’ll have Leo Komarov and Michael Dal Colle play. Andy Greene will be the extra defenseman. 3 scrappy players who will give it their all to win this game and see another one. What are your thoughts on these hypothetical lineups? Keep it clean in the comments; it’s just an idea.