Isles 2018 Free Agency Preview

Per David Pagnotta, “John Tavares' agent Pat Brisson has just informed me that while "I've been in constant communication with (the six) teams," no verdict has been relayed or made yet... So, hang tight.”

While we and Isles management continue to wait for their #1 free agent target, John Tavares to make his painfully slow decision, it’s important to go over a couple of UFA players in each position that could help our Islanders next season. The official open to sign and announce free agents is noon tomorrow. I’m sure the Islanders will be active in the trade market as the summer goes on and into camp, but tomorrow needs to be a productive day for the Islanders. Especially if Tavares doesn’t re-sign.

Here’s my options in a thinner free agency period behind a guy like John Tavares, who by popular opinion, could be the biggest available free agent in NHL history thus far.

Goaltenders:

Carter Hutton, G, 32

Hutton is coming off his best NHL season, posting a 17-7-3 record with a 2.09gaa and .931 Sv% with St. Louis That includes a stretch of 6 wins in 7 starts, filling in for Jake Allen. His goals against and save percentage ranked first among goalies who played a minimum of 20 games. Hutton has pushed goalies in front of him so far in his career. Hutton was 20-11-4 with a 2.62 GAA and .910 save percentage in 40 games for the Preds in 2013-14 in relief of an injured Pekka Rinne. He had a 3.01 GAA in three relief appearances for Nashville during the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

While the 32-year-old seems to be finding his groove late in his career, I think he is a good stop gap for the Isles in net if Buffalo didn’t already make a deal.

Robin Lehner, G, 27

The Sabres didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Lehner, 27. That makes the emotional and sometimes, erratic netminder an unrestricted free agent. Last season, Lehner was a dismal 14-26-9 with a 3.01gaa and .908 Sv% with 3 shutouts in 53 games. I think Lehner has more skill than he had shown in Buffalo or Ottawa and with a fresh start and some strong coaching, he could become a more stable goaltender, especially at 27 years old.

Kari Lehtonen, G, 34

Lethtonen posted his best numbers since 2013-14 as a backup goalie in Dallas last season, going 15-14-0 in 34 games, with a 2.56gaa and a .912Sv% and 1 shut out. He can be a serviceable short-term starter or a reliable back up for the Islanders.

Defensemen:

With Calvin deHaan and Thomas Hickey as UFA’s, the Isles need to shure up a lack luster defensive unit from last season. Both de Haan & Hickey are said to have many suitors starting tomorrow and if they won’t be back in New York, I think the Islanders will need more than a Devon Toews promotion from Bridgeport. This is not meant as an insult to Toews, but Pelech and Mayfield showed a lot of improvement last season, but struggled a bit last as well.

Jack Johnson, D, 31

Jack Johnson is a solid defender who needs a fresh start away from a defensively stacked Columbus team. He could fit well on the isles blue line and has enough experience to contribute some big minutes.

Ian Cole, D, 29

Cole is a steady stay-at-home defender who can join the rush and play some special teams on the PK. He is a good target to fill a bottom-pairing on defense and offer some playoff and Stanley Cup experience.

John Moore, D, 27

Moore eats up minutes (20) and is set to to take the next step in his career at 27. He has size at 6’7, 210# plays a solid stay-at-home style, but also has the skills to net a timely goal, especially in the extra session. He needs to improve, but can fill a top 4 roll for the Islanders, especially under a defensive specialist coach like Barry Trotz.

Forwards:

James Van Riemsdyk, LW, 29

Van Riemsdyk is a strong player in close like Anders Lee, but he can put up points and contribute on the power play. He has tallied 201 goals and 393 points in 609 NHL games, averaging somewhere around 25 goals per season. Hes a 4 time 20 goal scorer and a 2 time 30 goal scorer.With a good set-up winger, JVR could add to the Isles potent offense.

James Neal, RW, 30

Neal is still a valuable power forward. He is one of the top goal scorers available this summer. Neal has 10 consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals and gotten 40 points in 7 of 8 NHL campaigns. In the playoffs, Neal has 31 goals and 24 assists in 100 career postseason games and figured prominently in the late season and post season playoff push for Vegas last season. Neal had 25 and 19 for 44 points in 71 games.

Paul Stastney, C, 32

Still dangerous, Stastney is great in the face-off circle and a strong passer, more importantly, he is a skilled penalty killer and defensively accountable. Two things the Islanders need moving forward. Stastney was 16 &37 for 53 points in 82 games.

Isles Notes:

G, ChristopherGibson signed a 2 year, 2 way deal with the Islanders. Terms are: 18-19 $650 000 ($225 000 AHL) 19-20 $700 000 ($250 000 AHL)

D, SethHelgeson signed a 1 year deal with the Isles: 18-19 $650 000 ($250 000 AHL) 19-20 $700 000 ($250 000 AHL)

The New York Islanders 2018 NHL Entry Draft & John Tavares Update

While many hoped to hear about a trade for a top goaltender, very few can find flaws in the choices the Islanders made this year based on the players that were somehow available when it came time for the team to make their selections.

According to NHL insiders, the Islanders did very well with the 11^th and 12^th selection in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. When I did my Draft Preview, I didn’t see the players they chose as being available, both being ranked in the top 7 by Central Scouting. It seemed to be the theme of the day. The Oilers selected my first choice for the Islanders by taking D, Evan Bouchard. But the Isles did select RW, Oliver Wahlstrom at 11 and D, Noah Dobson with the 12^th pick. "They are outstanding prospects," Lamoriello said. "The offensive player (Wahlstrom) is a prolific scorer, he has great hands, very talented and the defenseman from Quebec, Dobson, has so much upside as far as skill and offense." These selections could turn out to be some of the best of the entire draft.

#11      Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, 6’1, 208#

Wahlstrom is a “big, strong power forward” who idolizes and has been compared to Alex Ovechkin and Patrick Laine. A lot of fans can’t wait to see him with Kieffer Bellows in the Blue & White Scrimmage, and beyond. Wahlstrom, a product of the US National Development Program (40 goals in 54 games) led all US born players with 7 goals at the U18WJC. While he is set to return to Boston College next season, Wahlstrom wants to get noticed by his NHL team. He lists some of his best on-ice attributes as skill, creativity and a hard, heavy shot. He also said he has to fine tune his skill set, but he’s more than confident when called upon to step right in when he gets the chance. Many thought Wahlstrom was a top 5 offensive talent in this year’s draft. He is a dual-citizen of the United States and Sweden.

#12      Noah Dobson, D, 6’3, 177#

Noah Dobson is a highly skilled, puck-moving, offensive defensemen who is projected to be a top 4 D-Man who could lead an NHL PP one day. With his speed, Dobson is well suited for the modern NHL game for a blue liner. He said he models his game after the Blues, Alex Pietrangelo. Per Dobson, "The goal this summer is to be able to get my body to a level and add some strength where I can go into an NHL camp with the Islanders in September and compete against men and not be out of place and make a decision tough on management to send me back to junior," Dobson (2 & 5 for 7 pts) captured a QMJHL title with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan and a Memorial Cup. "I bring a two-way, puck-moving game. I think I’m a very reliable defenseman, able to play against other team’s top players, but at the same time get up in the rush and create offense and produce offensively." Dobson was proud to be selected by New York, “Just to be at the NHL Draft and a chance to be selected is pretty surreal itself," Dobson said "I was happy to join any NHL organization here today, so to join the Islanders I'm very excited and happy to join this team."

On Day two, the Islanders had the opportunity to use the #41, #43, #72, #103, #134 and 196^th pick to add to their prospect pool. Here’s a breakdown on their selections.

Round 2

#41      Bode Wilde, D, 6’4, 198#

Bode Wilde was ranked 18th in the draft. He is a Canadian born player with US citizenship, playing with the U.S. national U18 squad. Wilde has been called a two-way D with size & strength, good offensive instincts & has a low hard, heavy shot. His tenaciousness and competitive nature keeps him in pursuit of the puck. He has good awareness and positioning in all three zones and limits the space available for the opposition, regularly forcing them to the outside. On the rush, Wilde can start the transition or carry the puck and use his skating to open up space in the offensive zone and has a strong, accurate shot. He is known for a good hockey IQ and can makes good decisions on the ice. His skill level had him in the first round, but much like a Josh Ho-Sang, he is said to have some issues with coachability and discipline. He was slated to play at Michigan, but wants to play in OHL next season.

#43      Ruslan Iskhakov, LW, 5’8, 152#

A smaller, highly skilled winger, Iskhakov showed what he could do on the Russian National U18 team. While not as highly ranked as some of the other quality players on the squad due to his size, his hands and playmaking ability is said to be better than most. He is a strong, quick skater who creates space, uses his agility to turn and slip away from defenders and the awareness and mobility not to be positionally compromised by larger opposition players. Iskhakov is a hard-working player who uses the forecheck well despite his size and steals the puck, creating turnovers in all three zones. A very under-rated player by many insiders.

Round 3

#72      Jakub Skarek, G, 6’3, 196#

Skarek is a highly competitive, athletic goaltender who has been a pro since the age of 16. While faltering in other WJCs, he was instrumental in helping the Czech’s win gold at the 2016 Hlinka Tournament. He has size, positioning, quickness and a refined ability to track the puck. A strong butterfly goalie who moves the puck well, has a quick glove and isn’t afraid to challenge shooters. Per Craig Balloch, InGoal Magazine, “To the naked eye, Skarek’s skating ability may look suspect – but he makes up for it with excellent edgework while in the butterfly. This works for his style, because he likes to seal the ice first, and move from the butterfly position. His wonderful frame allows him to pre-set in the reverse-VH position in sharp-angle situations, and his post-integration is extremely advanced for his age. His talent ceiling is one of the highest in the draft class, regardless of the type of year he has.”

Round 4

#103    Jacob Pivonka, C, 6’0, 201#

Pivonka is a quick two-way center with NHL bloodlines (father, Michal Pivonka, WSH) who plays a fast-paced game and can score off the rush with a quick, accurate shot. Known for his hard work ethic and positive attitude, Pivonka is also known as a strong face-off specialist. It isn’t known is Pivonka will go to OHL or stay with Notre Dame.

Round 4

#134    Blade Jenkins, C, 6’2, 194#

Blade Jenkins is a U.S. born player who transitioned from the USHL to the OHL. He can score, plays with intensity and an aggressive edge. Jenkins can move the puck and is known to have the smarts to pick up new systems quickly.

Round 7

#196    Christian Krygier, D, 6’2, 192#

Christian Krygier calls himself a hard-nosed, shut down defensemen who’s hard to play against. He’s played for the U.S. National Team and set to play for Michigan State University.

Several selections the Islanders capitalized on today were higher projected players than many had anticipated being around when their numbers were called. Even in the later picks, the prospects chosen, seem to have a lot of upside once properly seasoned.

All-in-all, a great draft for New York.

On John Tavares:

Now we wait to hear about the choice made by captain, John Tavares. Per Larry Brooks, “I am told (though not by agent or NYI) that Tavares will meet with five teams during interview period that opens tomorrow. Rangers are not among them.” Pat Brisson, JT’s agent confirmed this to Pierre LeBrun. So, he will entertain proposals with a short list of teams’ that will vie for his services prior to entering the July 1^st opening to free agency. The five-day negotiating window starts Monday.

Per Arthur Staple, the teams are Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Los Angeles Kings.

Aside from the Islanders, IMO, Toronto and the TBL are the only young teams that gives JT a place to win. We were told negotiations are going well, so we wait. Ownership has opened the future to the team starting with Lamoriello, Trotz, Arena, Practice Facility, New House on Island, etc. It’s not the same old Isles culture Tavares has dealt with before, but it’s his choice. He’s also getting married this summer. If he does just walk away and for nothing, it’s a real shame.

“Even with Tavares taking these meetings, just about everyone around the league feels he's going back to Isles.” -Staple

Isles Notes:

Per David Pagnotta, “Told the Islanders have officially tabled Tavares a contract offer. It’s an eight-year deal worth $88M. Also the first formal offer made to Tavares camp from Isles.”

Per Andy Graziano, “From what I'm hearing from those exiting Dallas, #isles goaltending targets seem to be centering on Craig Anderson and Jimmy Howard. Thought is Cam Talbot little too pricey for what seems a stopgap in a weaker market. #nhl.”

Isles have $32.8M in cap space after new $79.5M limit.

F (RFA) Nelson, Johnston, Quine, Prince (UFA) Tavares, Wagner D (RFA) Pulock, Davidson (UFA) de Haan, Hickey, Seidenberg G (UFA) Halak.

Islanders release 2018-19 schedule. Will play 11 of their final 15 home games at the Coliseum.  That’s 8 additional games.   

Islanders Name Barry Trotz Head Coach

Thanks to Scott Malkin and John Ledecky, Lou Lamoriello continues to orchestrate what could be a big year for the team born on the Island.

Our New York Islanders have named 2017-18 Stanley Cup winning coach, Barry Trotz as their next head coach. Trotz resigned from Washington on Monday after a dispute over an extension clause in his contract. He’s the first coach since Scotty Bowman to so. Money was a factor and Isles ownership stepped up. Trotz is rumored to be making $4M per season on a 5-year contract. Mike Babcock makes $6.25M per with the Maple Leafs. This is the best news we've heard since Mathew Barzal won the Calder last night.

Per SI.com, “Trotz, who turns 56 on July 15, spent the past four seasons behind the Capitals’ bench and previously coached the Predators from 1998 to 2014. He has a career regular-season record of 762 wins, 568 losses, 60 ties and 134 overtime losses. Since he led the expansion Predators to their first playoff berth in 2004, Trotz’s teams have only missed the postseason three times.”

While a Trotz run team had never advanced to the 2nd round prior to this year’s cup winning run, he brings an experienced coaching style to the Islanders - one that has gotten a lot out of all the teams he has coached since he started with Nashville. Trotz was 205-89-34 after 4 years with Washington, winning the Jack Adams for Coach of the Year in 2015. With Nashville, he was 557-479-100 in 15 seasons. He sits 5th in NHL history with & 62 total wins, 20 behind Isles legendary coach, Al Arbour. 

Trotz was also an assistant coach with Team Canada’s World Cup of Hockey program in 2002, 2003 (Won Championship) and 2009. Per Andrew Gross, Lou on new #Isles coach Barry Trotz: "Barry brings to the New York Islanders franchise a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience and success. He is and has been one of the top coaches in the National Hockey League. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”

As a defensive minded coach, Trotz should help the Isles crumbling defensive scheme that took the team from the tops in the east earlier in the season to a 35-27-10 record last year under Doug Weight. The stats were all you needed to see from my post season recap. “Injuries, horrible defense, goal-tending and several other challenges seemed to derail the team and keep them from ever getting back to winning. The defense and goal-tending was so bad, the Isles were the worst in the NHL, surrendering 3.57 gpg, 35.6 spg and a league low, 73.2% PK rating.”

The 2018 NHL Entry Draft opens tomorrow and Lou Lamoriello will take the helm for the first time as Isles President and GM. With Trotz’s input, the tandem should help reshape the organization and, hopefully, have done enough for All-Star Center, John Tavares to remain with New York. Per Andrew Gross, “Also, not a done deal, and still a fluid situation, but sounds like Isles may have good news on John Tavares as well.” Per Brian Compton, “Said it when Lou was hired: I don't think he takes the job without having a good idea JT was staying. Now you have Barry Trotz in the fold. It's all falling into place.”

Rumors have Trotz looking to bring in some familiar coaches from his staff and possibly even a trade for Caps back-up goaltender, Philipp Grubauer, to help shure up the Isles net. Grubauer helped Washington make the playoffs before losing the starting playoff job to Brayden Holtby, who backstopped the Caps to a Cup win. I’m not sold on him, but I’m eager to see the new roster take shape.

What other announcements will be made prior to free agency on July 1^st? What trades could happen at this weekend’s Draft and going into training camp? How about a key signing or two? 

I’m ready. We all are. And to the greatest, most passionate and deserving fan base in the NHL, let me quote myself for a moment. "We may indeed be on the cusp of reaching that next step. Legitimacy, consistency and accountability breed champions.” 

Let’s see where this all goes.

Mathew Barzal Wins 2018 Calder Memorial Trophy

Mathew Barzal was our winner for the Calder Memorial Trophy after he was nominated, but the NHL confirmed it tonight at their Awards Show on NBCSN. Barzal was the Isles 16th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and has become a force for the team on the ice.

Barzal won the award and is the 5th Islanders player to do so. Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy and Bryan Berard all won the Calder. This year, Barzal won with an impressive 1626 votes while Brock Boeser of Vancouver who finished 2nd got 750 votes. Barzal’s Rookie of the year honors were galvanized by leading all NHL Rookies in points with 85, Most by a rookie since ’07, including an impressive 27 points on the man advantage. His 63 assists were 4th most all time and had 20 multi point games including 3 five-point games, only the 2nd Rookie to do so. He also won Rookie scoring the race by 20 points and placed 13th in the NHL for scoring overall.

Per Brian Compton, “He (Barzal) was the seventh rookie in NHL history with at least 20 goals and 60 assists in one season and the first since Sidney Crosby with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who had 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) in 2005-06.”

“This is an amazing honor to win the Calder Trophy. The players that have won this award, within the #Isles org & then others around the league, includes HOF players and Stanley Cup Champions. To have my name next to those guys in the record books is very humbling.”

Mathew Barzal and our Islanders open the 2018-19 season against Nashville on 10/6. 

Is it October yet?

Isles Notes:

Lou Lamoreillo and the Isles Management team will be at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft this Friday.

Per Pierre LeBrun, “Barry Trotz had a clause in his contract where if he won the Stanley Cup he could accept a two-year extension with a $300k bump in salary. Obviously since he was only making $1.5M, low by today's NHL coach's standards, a $1.8-million salary doesn't cut it. So Trotz stepped down.”

How would you feel if Trotz was made head coach, JT was signed & #Isles made a splash at draft? Who is best alternative in your mind for Trotz or JT? I dont care. I want both. JT is a character guy & has world class skill and Trotz is a D-minded, best available, successful coach.

Islanders present $9.5M Coliseum plan to IDA

Isles Anthony Beauvillier supports the Alzheimer’s Society of Montreal.

KoC 2018 NHL Entry Draft Preview

Swedish Defender, Rasmus Dahlin is heir apparent for the #1 pick at this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Dahlin is a solid, all-around NHL ready defender and won’t be around for the Islanders at the number 11 or 12 pick in the first round when New York has the option to select some of their future without losing a lot of assets going out in return. What Lou Lamoreillo and his staff will do next week isn’t known to anyone but them. The top needs for the Islanders are a premiere NHL Goaltender and a top pair D-Man. Trades will probably be made and change is surely coming to next year’s roster for New York. How much this summer’s draft will play into the future is a discussion for another time. We all knew the buzz on Mathew Barzal, but few thought he would be the favorite for the Calder after his rookie season. Will will know Wednesday night after the NHL Awards are announced. While the Isles have a draft party planned on the 22nd, there is always a chance for the top picks to be flipped in a package. A move like this can immediately address some of their more pressing needs to compete for a Stanley Cup by adding veteran players needed to fill holes heading into next season.

A couple of days ago, Darren Dreger mentioned That Isles Captain, “(John) Tavares is now focusing on negotiations with the Islanders on an extension. Daily discussions last two weeks. A deal could happen quickly, or if negotiations stall, Tavares still has flexibility to consider options during interview period. Lou Lamoriello has been speaking with Tavares on a constant basis...sharing his plan/vision of the Isles moving forward.” The recent rumblings have Isles country more optimistic on the possibility of J.T. staying home for elite money. Some have even speculated a possible home-town discount similar to the one Stamkos gave the Lightning in 2016 at $8.5M over 8 years with a NMC.

Tavares had to be waiting to see what the Isles new direction would be this summer after years of unsuccessful gambles and reclamation projects. Adding Belmont and Lou Lamoriello to the mix are strong reasons to consider staying with the team who drafted him first overall in 2009. There have been other rumors of J.T. waiting for the new NHL salary cap to be announced before signing to increase his yield and remain with the Isles. The Islanders are the only team who could sign him to an 8-year deal. That deal could be a buy-in with the Isles for the future or a sign and flip scenario for another team who wants him prior to July 1 to avoid a bidding war if he chooses not to remain in NY. The future plan will surely change based on the decision Tavares makes, but the Islanders have an NHL Entry Draft to attend to this week.

Our New York Islanders have 8 picks in next weeks Entry Draft at #11, #12, #41, #43, #72, #103, #134 and #196. If they go the draft route, I’ve compiled a list of players I could see them going for with their top 2 picks. A first and second round pick were acquired as part of a package by Garth Snow in Exchange for Travis Hamonic last year, adding to this seasons yield.

Evan Bouchard, D, 6’2, 193# (London, OHL): Bouchard is a big, smart, all-around Canadian D-Man who loves to join the rush, carry, pass and fire the puck. His game has improved and so has his ranking on most-everyone’s list. His size and durability means he can be a problem for other teams’ skilled players and an anchor on defense for big minutes. His intuition allows him to anticipate, read and react in all zones and his noted work ethic means he has a good chance to adapt to the NHL game.

Quinn Hughes, D, 5’10, 170# (University of Michigan, NCAA): Hughes is solid with the puck, makes good decisions and could be a very good NHL PP QB one day. The team USA defender has been called an elite defensive talent with a balance of speed and hockey IQ whose been known create space in all zones and set up plays on the rush with his creativity. Hughes also has the ability to make the opposition pay for their mistakes, in short, a complete defensemen.

Adam Boqvist, D, 5’11, 168# (Brynas Jr, Sweden): Boqvist is another gifted Swedish defensemen in this year’s draft. A modern, offensive D-Man, Boqvist can carry the play with his stick handling and his skating can create plays and open the ice whether on the rush, moving through the neutral zone or creating room around the net. His vision and offensive flair makes him a threat to the opposition, drawing defenders to him and has the tools to finish offensively.

Ty Smith, D, 5’11, 175# (Spokane, WHL): Smith is a leader on the ice and did so as Captain for Team Canada’s Gold Medal U18 squad. Smith is known for his solid skating, insatiable work ethic on and off the ice with an upside that compares with the best defenders in the 2018 Draft. He has also won WHL First All-Star and Scholastic Player of the Year honors last season.

Joel Farabee, LW, 5’11, 164# (USNTDP): Seen as a possible top 10 talent, this gifted LW may slide down due to his smaller size. What the Team USA product, Farabee doesn’t lack character, work ethic, skating or vision on the ice and the ability to make things happen. If he’s still available and with some time to develop in a pro system, he could become a steal for a mid-round first round pick.

Serron Noel, RW, 6’5, 205# (Oshawa, OHL): Noel is said to need more development, but has the tools required to be a power forward at the NHL level. His size and grit will make him a big asset to park in front of an opposing team’s net and let him finish chances down low.

These are my best guesses without trading up or down. It’s very possible packages of picks, prospects and players could be traded next week and the Isles organization could improve without adding many picks. There is also a chance they use many or all of their picks, even to trade up and down or simply add the best players available with the knowledge Management has approval to be aggressive at the July 1^st open to free agency.

Here’s to doing what needs to be done.

Isles Notes:

The Islanders preseason schedule has been announced.

The NHL will announce the 2018-19 regular-season home openers for all 31 clubs on Wed., June 20 at 1 p.m. ET.

Per Arthur Staple, “Confirming SNY report, Greg Cronin was let go by #Isles. No other coaching decisions have been made as of now, at NHL or AHL level.”

Per Chris Botta, “As a follow up, I was contacted after article posted by two dismissed coaches from #Isles organization (who requested anonymity) who said they were fired Friday, June 8.”

The 2018 NYI Draft Party is on Friday, 6/22! Music, family activities, & appearances from special guests.

Lamoriello & Isles announce Steve Pellegrini as Assistant General Manager

Today, our New York Islanders added to their hockey operations pool. President and General Manager, Lou Lamoriello announced that Steve Pellegrini has been named Assistant General Manager. He will work alongside current Assistant General Manager Chris Lamoriello and should give the Islanders an even more stable leadership foundation from the top, down.

Pellegrini was with the New Jersey Devils as the Vice President of Hockey Operations since 2006 and should have a strong familiarity with Lamoriello and his S.O.P. Per release, “With the Devils, Pellegrini worked on all hockey-related matters, including and not limited to, contract negotiation/salary arbitration preparation, collective bargaining agreement/salary cap compliance, scheduling and scouting. Steve brings over 20 years of knowledge and experience to our hockey operations,' Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello said.”

Pellegrini worked with the Edmonton Oilers as Director of Hockey Administration (1995-1998) and has spent years working for the NHL from 1991 until the start of his tenure with Edmonton in a Community Relations capacity. After his term with the Oilers ended, Pellegrini went on to serve as Group Vice President for the NHL's Central Registry Department (1998-2006) where he served on the league's CBA negotiating committee and assisted on CBA rules and regulation enforcement.

Per @capfriendly, “While in #Toronto, Lou Lamoriello likely saw the benefit of having someone on his team with a strong understanding of the CBA & the advantages of having someone well versed in the ins & outs of the salary cap." 

Rumors are that Lou Lamoriello expects to have a head coach in place by middle of next week. It’s probably best for new-look team’s approach to NHL Entry Draft and Free Agency anyway. And it’s usually key for free agents to know before they are willing to commit. Per Lamoriello, “We're going to get the best coach available. Different coaches are for different teams. Whether I know them or not will not enter into the decision.”

The next few weeks should be huge for Isles country. Look for possible player movement, trades and a few unexpected surprises. And the J.T. watch heats up in a big way.

Lamoriello: Snow & Weight Relieved of GM & Coaching Duties, Remain with Organization

Lou Lamoriello was named the New York Islanders President of Hockey Operations. When he was, we all knew changes needed to be made from the top, down in the organization. Today, Lou Lamoriello announced today that Garth Snow and Doug Weight have been relieved of their duties and General Manager and Head Coach. Weight's entire coaching staff may be on the block as well. Per release, "The New York Islanders would like to thank both Garth and Doug for their dedication to the franchise," Lamoriello said. "Both started their tenures with the franchise as players and grew as tremendous leaders to the positions they held." Snow and Weight will remain with the organization in another capacity.

Thanks to ESNY for photo

For now, Lamoriello will immediately take over the responsibilities of General Manager heading into the draft under advisement of the scouting staff, free agency and during that time, begin the process to find the team's next Head Coach per release. Per Chris Triantafilis, “Since Snow was hired, other division rivals have made it to SCF in 8 of last 12 years.” The change at GM has been a long time coming. We all know of Snow’s big moves as GM, but the painful reminders of his failed shortcomings have limited the team’s ability to win more than a single playoff series and make serious strides as an elite NHL team. A culture change has begun from the top, down.

Lamoriello will take part in a media call at 4:30pm today. 

Accountability.

What else is coming and how soon?

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, "Brock Nelson now repped by Ben Hankinson at Octagon. RFA center's previous rep had a rather contentious negotiation with #Isles during the summer of 2015 and signed his deal on the eve of camp. No word on any talks with Lou Lamoriello as of now."

The @NYIslanders have extended their affiliation agreement with the Worcester Railers Hockey Club of the ECHL through the 2019-20 season.

Icethetics rumors to Isles 3rd Jersey.