Lambert Named Isles Associate Coach & Goaltender, Skarek Signs ELC

Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders named Lane Lambert, Associate Coach today.

Lambert spent the last four seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Washington Capitals along with Isles Head Coach, Barry Trotz. During that time, the Capitals won two consecutive Presidents' Trophies (2015-16 and 2016-17) and last season’s Stanley Cup Championship title. A first for the Caps.

Lambert was an Assistant Coach with the Nashville for 3 seasons, including a second-round playoff berth for the Preds. Prior to that, Lambert was a Head Coach for the AHL, Milwaukee Admirals from 2007-11, credited with four straight Calder Cup playoff berths and 2 West Division titles, including the highest point total in the 2010-11 (102 pts, 44-22-14 record) season for a Western team.

Lane Lambert also served as an assistant coach for the Isles major AHL affiliate, Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the 2005-06 season. The team went 38-33-0-9 that season, finished 4^th in the east, losing 3 games to 4 against the WBS Penguins in round 1 of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Per release, “Lambert was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round, 25th overall, in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. He scored 125 points (58 goals, 67 assists) and accumulated 521 penalty minutes in 283 career NHL games (1983-88) with Detroit, the New York Rangers and Quebec Nordiques. Lambert enjoyed his most successful NHL campaign with the Nordiques in 1987-88, recording career-highs in points (41) and assists (28) in 61 contests. Lambert won an AHL Calder Cup title with the Adirondack Red Wings in 1986 and helped the Houston Aeros claim the IHL's Turner Cup Championship in 1999.”

The New York Islanders also announced that G, Jakub Skarek agreed to terms on a three-year ELC. Skarek was the Isles 72nd overall, 3rd round selection in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old posted a 2.41gaa and a .912Sv% in 21 games with Dukla Jihlava of the Czech Extraliga last season. Skarek was noted to be one of, if not the best goalies in the Draft this summer for NHL potential.

Per Release, “Skarek led Czech's second division in wins (21) in 2016-17 and was part of Jihlava's championship run in 2015-16. Internationally, Skarek won a gold medal at the 2016-17 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament and has represented his country at two straight Under-20 World Junior Championships (2018, 2017). He's also played for the Czech Republic at the 2017 Under-18 World Junior Championships and the 2016 World Hockey Challenge.”

Isles Notes:

Per @CapFriendly, “With the #Islanders signing FA goalie Robin Lehner to 1 year/$1.5M contract, we now show the club with roughly $19.8M in projected cap space based on a tentative roster of 19 (12F/5D/2G).”

On June 25th, The New York Islanders extended qualifying offers to the following restricted free agents: Kyle Burroughs, Ross Johnston, Brock Nelson, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews.

@CapFriendly, “Reminder that today at 5:00pm EST is the deadline for Player Elected Salary Arb filings, with the Club Elected Salary Arb deadline set for tomorrow at 5:00pm EST.”

Per Eric Hornick, “New #Isles goalie Robin Lehner, who played over 6,200 minutes in the last 2 seasons, was traded to Buffalo 3 years ago in a deal that included a 1st round pick that BUF got from Isles in Vanek deal.”

Andrew Ladd on John Tavares, "We're not worried about him anymore."

Lou Lamoriello on SiriusXMNHL today:

"We did everything we possibly could to keep John. He was a quality player. But now that's the past. Will get prepared for next year."

On Lenher, “I think he's a unique case and situation. He has something you can't teach, size and talent. He's determined to get himself back. I'll allow that process to take care of itself."

On Komarov, “Leo, what he brings to the locker room is not seen. What he brings to the ice, his versatility. Even the addition of Matt Martin, it's nice to have those guys because they're in the locker room. Leo is going to bring something special, and intangibles."