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.

Islanders Name Lou Lamoriello Team President

So, the Lou Lamoriello rumors got a little more substance today when Arthur Staple mentioned Lamoriello “will be running the Islanders’ hockey operations in a matter of days, sources confirmed to The Athletic on Monday.” He joins his son Chris, already Isles Assistant GM. Lou Lamoriello was removed as GM for the Maple Leafs for Kyle Dubas at the end of April. Over his esteemed career as an NHL executive, as GM of the Devils, Lamoriello helped solidify New Jersey and win 3 Stanley Cups. As GM of the Leafs, he helped add top talent and enabled the Leafs to make the playoffs before losing to Boston, 4 games to 3, last season. Lamoriello joined the Toronto organization in 2015 and was the reason behind drafting players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

It’s been confirmed that Lou Lamoriello will be running hockey operations as Team President. His new role will be to oversee ("having full authority") any and all hockey operations for the New York Islanders. He is reserving any further comments at this time. That means 12-year GM, Garth Snow (4 playoff appearances and 1 playoff round win in 2016 vs. Fla) could be reassigned with 4 years remaining on his contract or fired with a “steep buy out,” per Staple. Sources say Snow and Lamoriello are close friends, so I’d expect him to remain in some capacity, or even stay as GM under his watch, but he has fired people for much less over his tenure in the NHL. Garth Snow and Doug Weight were in Denmark scouting the Worlds’ last week.

Elliotte Friedman added a few details today as well. “I'm not exactly sure how it will all work, but we've all believed Lamoriello will eventually run the NYI hockey operations department...and it's believed he represented the Islanders when he spoke to Tavares … More details are to come in the next few days, but there was contact last week between UFA-to-be John Tavares and former TOR GM Lou Lamoriello … On Lamoriello/NYI/Tavares contact, I’m told that in the eyes of the NHL, there are no issues with the process.” It seems like the Ownership group of Malkin and Ledecky want it to be so. And I doubt they stop at Lamoriello. Rumors of former Islander, Tom Fitzgerald, is possibly in line to join the front office as well - perhaps as the GM to Lamoriello’s President? The next few days should be interesting. Will moves like this be enough to keep impending free-agent and team captain, John Tavares in the organization?

Staple added, “Malkin has been meeting regularly with Pat Brisson, Tavares’ agent, and those two most likely arranged the sit-down. The Dec. 20 announcement that the Islanders won the right to develop an arena at Belmont Park was a big step towards that respectability, especially in Tavares’ eyes. 'For my situation, it’s really exciting news. I’m not going to say it’s going to change or ultimately make my decision, but everything that’s involved in my daily life plays into it and going to the rink, playing games is a big part of that,’ Tavares said at the press conference that day.”

Lou Lamoriello brings a no-nonsense, accountable, proven NHL level executive presence to a franchise in desperate need to reinvent their image and change a culture of mediocrity and crap-shoot gambles. Some may see the 75-year-old as a bit of the old guard, but the man knows hockey. He proved what he could do with Brendan Shanahan in rebuilding a solid base for a struggling but respected and sacred franchise in Toronto. The New York Islanders have quality free agents to evaluate and a lot of moves to make this summer, even before the July 1^st open to free agency. The new-look management group have the 11th and 12th picks in June’s NHL Entry Draft, along with some NHL and prospect talent to negotiate with. It starts with Tavares, then a quality NHL netminder and a few more pieces to perhaps galvanize a new culture for the organization, poised to reinstate its winning traditions with Belmont on the horizon.

What will today's move actually mean for our New York Islanders? I can’t wait to find out.

Isles Notes:

Anders Lee and Team USA win Bronze at 2018 IIHF Worlds.

Isles Draft Party is set for June 22nd at 5:00pm at the old Barn.

Per @IgorEronko, “Thing is I heard it from his Russian agent. Who will get NHL licence soon. Spoke a bit to Sorokin today. Said: 'Sure, someday I would be proud to be a part of NY rivalry'. Money is a factor absolutely. But so is doubtful management. Sorokin is the highest paid CSKA player now.”

Per Arthur Staple, “Been asked about @IgorEronko's tweet re: Sorokin and Snow. Here's what I know: -- It's still about $ -- Sorokin makes a lot of it in the KHL and doesn't want to play on a 2-year ELC. -- Sorokin's US-based agent was Snow's agent. Would be an odd way to show he dislikes GS.”

Per Rob Taub, “These words from my interview with Jeremy Roenick: “If the Islanders don’t get a goaltender in the offseason, I’m convinced they don’t want to win anymore.” #Isles”

Sound Tigers Notes:

The @NYIslanders have signed Travis St. Denis (F) to a two-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) deal.

The #AHL will have a new division alignment in 2018-19.

A Tribute to the Memory & Legend of the Architect: Bill Torrey

Today, we learned of the passing of Isles legend, Bill Torrey. Torrey was the “Architect” of the Islanders Dynasty and built a team so well and so skilled, they may never be duplicated in the modern age of the NHL. Torrey went from the AHL and later served as GM for the NHL Oakland Seals, New York Islanders and Florida Panthers, who until the Vegas Golden Knights, showed what a model expansion team could do by making their way to the Stanley Cup finals in 1996 before losing to the Colorado Avalanche in four games.

Known for his bow ties and eye for talent, Torrey brought on Isles Legendary Coach, Al Arbour and took “the other team from New York” and forging them into an instrument of brute force and talent. Cory Wright wrote, “He was the first man in the door, becoming the team's first general manager on Feb. 15, 1972.” After Arbour, Torrey added Potvin, Trottier, Morrow and the immortal Billy Smith to the Islanders organization and knew the way to win was to build through the draft and add key pieces at the right time. Torrey surrounded his future star players with a team Arbour could mold and hone into the legacy that became Long Island’s team. Torrey and Arbour challenged each other and pushed each other to create the dynasty. Their friendship was evident two years ago when Torrey gave a moving speech at Arbour's memorial service. "He choked up at the end saying how much he missed his close friend and confidant a year after his passing. On this day, the hockey world is mourning Torrey." Mr. Islander, Bob Nystrom said, "They had a partnership there," Nystrom said. "It was a partnership. They got along so well and Bill was just one hell of a great guy.” 

"He certainly led a charmed life and a meaningful life with all that he did," Morrow said. "I looked forward to when I would see him to catch up and thank him for all that he did for me." After he was named team President in 1980, Torrey even had the foresight to add the final piece of the puzzle, trading popular players Billy Harris and Dave Lewis for a 29-year-old veteran center named Butch Goring. What followed was 19 consecutive playoff series wins (a pro record that still stands) and four straight Stanley Cups from 1980-83. Torrey even engineered the loss of LaFontaine into a trade for Turgeon, Hogue, Krupp and McLlwain and eventually added Thomas and Creighton. Even though he resigned in 92, those players became the nucleus for the Isles surge in the 93 playoffs when they dethroned the 2-time Stanley Cup Champion, Pittsburgh Penguins and came close to contending for the cup that season.

Nystrom said of Torrey, "He was the guy who gave me a chance to play in the NHL and for that I owe him a debt of gratitude," Nystrom said. "He saw something in me and was willing to give me an opportunity. He did that for a lot of players. Had a real good way of reading character and what was really inside a person. He's going to go down as one of the greatest GMs that every worked in the NHL."

Islanders President and General Manger, Garth Snow said, "Bill set the model for how to build a franchise with the leadership he instilled through his coaching staff, his innovative drafting methods and the trades he executed," Snow said. "He was a pioneer, who became a mentor and even better friend, to so many in the industry. The teams he constructed set records that may never be broken, including the four straight Stanley Cup Championships and 19 straight playoff series wins. On behalf of the entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to Bill's family."

The tales of Mr.Torrey’s respect and earned loyalty were much like those that were spoken of Mr. Arbour. Like the legendary Jiggs McDonald, Bill Torrey always seemed to be a special part of my fandom. And based on the words of his players and those around the organization, the tributes speak to the kind of man others saw in him. Torrey’s legend will live forever and deservedly so. He helped build some of the greatest hockey memories of my life time. The team he built took a kid born in Yonkers and who grew up just above Westchester, right in the middle of Ranger’s country to become a die-hard fan of our New York Islanders. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mr. Torrey was 83.