KoC Isles 2019 Free Agency, Part 1

Isles fans entered the July 1st deadline feeling good. NHL insiders had Artemi Panarin slotted to sign with the team on the Island. An hour or so before the open, rumors that the rival Rangers were now in the mix had surfaced. Panarin ended up signing with the Rangers for a million less ($11.6M vs. $12.5M) then the Islanders had offered him for a 7-year deal. Rangers president John Davidson on signing Artemi Panarin: "We know he wants to be here in New York, specifically with the Rangers. 'It's a perfect fit." Fan those flames.

The good news? The New York Islanders announced that their Captain, Anders Lee, agreed to terms on a seven-year, $49M ($7M AAV) contract. Lee said he let his agent speak with other teams, but to focus on a deal with the Islanders.

Lee scored 51 points (28 and 23) in 82 games last season, finishing with a career-best +20. He shured up his two-way game this season and became a considerable playmaker for New York. Whether it was in front of the net or joining the rush, Lee led by example, and his team responded. Last season, he had 40 goals and 62 points, both career milestones. Per Isles release," Lee is one of only 15 players in the NHL that has accumulated over 100 goals (102) and one of three US-born players amongst the group. Thirty-three of those goals have come on the power-play, a mark that places him 10th overall in the league over the course of the last three seasons."

As a lifelong Islander, Lee was selected in the 6th round (151st overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and played for the Isles AHL affiliate Sound Tigers scoring 46 points (25 and 21) after his dual-sport (Hockey and Football) college career at Notre Dame.

"Internationally, Lee has represented Team USA at three IIHF World Championships, scoring 17 points (10 goals and seven assists) in 28 games. He won a bronze medal in 2015 and 2018."

Per Andrew Gross on speaking with Lou Lamoriello, "Asked about bringing back Anders Lee, he jokes, "We didn't bring him back, he never left."

Per Arthur Staple, "Anders Lee on Robin Lehner going to Chicago: "It's really tough to see Robin go. We're all disappointed it didn't work out but we wish him nothing but the best in Chicago, he'll do great there." Robin Lehner signed a $5M, one-year deal ($1M with $4M signing bonus) with the Chicago Blackhawks.

This was an interesting development, especially after the Islanders had a 2 year, $10M deal on the table during free agency.  Lou Lamoriello said he did everything he could to bring Lehner back. Lehner claimed via report (@CRoumeliotis) on Twitter that he got an offer and the team moved on before he could get back to them. To me, that's on the Agent. No idea if Lehner felt slighted hearing KHL star goaltender and Isles prospect, Ilya Sorokin part of future in net for New York, but that opened the door for Semyon Varlamov. 

Semyon Varlamov, 31, agreed to terms on a four-year, $20M contract ($5M AAV). Per Andrew Gross, "Semyon Varlamov said he believes Islanders/Long Island is right place for him and his family. Exciting to work with #Isles coaching staff, including director of goaltending Mitch Korn and goalie coach Piero Greco." Craig Custance tweeted a 4-year comparison of the Vezina nominees (2019 for Lehner, 2014 for Varlamov) for total save percentage. “Robin Lehner .920 (179 games) Semyon Varlamov .911 (124 games).” In 'Varlamov's last eight seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, he was 183-156-38 with a 20-19-9 record, a 2.87 GAA and .909 Sv%.

Varlamov is older, but very skilled and should only improve in the system implemented by Barry Trotz and his coaching staff. Per Brian Compton, "Varlamov excited to work with Mitch Korn and Piero Greco, and of course Thomas Greiss. He said he's known Ilya Sorokin for about three years and that "he's the best goalie in the KHL." Doesn't know Sorokin's future plans." Varlamov and Sorokin share the same agent.

Per NHL release, "A selection of the Washington Capitals in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2006 NHL Draft, Varlamov has an overall record of 213-169-50, a 2.68 GAA and a .916 SV% in 448 career games with the Capitals and Avalanche. Internationally, Varlamov has represented Russia at three World Championships (2010, 2012, 2013) and the World Junior Championship in 2007 where he had a 5-1 record, helping Team Russia to a silver medal."

The New York Islanders also signed Tom Kuhnhackl to a one-year contract.

Kuhnhackl scored nine points (4 & 5) in 36 games with New York last season and chipped in 3 points in the eight Isles playoff games last season. He was a valuable depth player and contributed when called upon.

The Islanders are far from done. Pieces are still needed and the team needs to improve on paper before camp. They will most likely add depth and could even add a major piece or two via trade. Names have been thrown around and top tier prospects will get a chance just like Devon Toews did last season.

Let's wait a little bit before the panic sets in.

Isles Notes:

Per Cap Friendly, "After re-signing Anders Lee to a 7yr 7M AAV, the #Islanders now have $13,653,334 in projected cap space, with a roster of 21 (13F/7D/1G). Remaining RFA's: Anthony Beauvillier, Michael Dal Colle, Joshua Ho-Sang."

Per Arthur Staple, "Lou on Belmont groundbreaking this summer: "In the very near future I won't have to answer this question anymore."

Valtteri Filppula signed with the Detroit RedWings on a 2-year contract.

Per Andrew Gross, "Lou also says Valtteri Filppula told him he wanted to "go home" to Detroit to finish his career. Filppula has a long relationship with GM Steve Yzerman. Lou said he totally understood."

The New York Islanders 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Day 2. Review of Rounds 2-7 & UFA Non-Update

Our New York Islanders selected Simon Holmstrom in round one with the 23rd selection on Day one. Per Andrew Gross, "Lou Lamoriello says it's too soon to project whether Simon Holmstrom will play in North American this season or remain in Sweden. Lamoriello says he projects as a top-six forward. Too much of a talent to pass on, per Lamoriello."

Yesterday, on day two, they went back to work.

Round 2, #57 overall (via CGY)

Round 5, #147 overall.

Round 6, #178 overall.

Round 7, #209 overall.

#57    Samuel Bolduc, D, 6'4, 209#, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of QMJHL

Bolduc, 18, had 9 & 28 for 37 points in 65GP last season, leading the D-core in all three categories with another 2 pts (1 & 1) in the playoffs. He's acquired 51 pts over the last three seasons in Juniors and knows his way around the defensive zone and a staunch, two-way defender. He skates well and can start the rush on a dime with an active first pass out of the zone. He's a big body who likes to play a physical game and battles hard in front of his net. He's also noted to be a good shot-blocker and has been improving year-by-year according to reports.

#147    Reece Newkirk, C – LW, 5'11, 170#, Portland Winterhawks of WHL

The 18-year-old Newkirk had a career-high 59 points (23 & 36) and 5 GWG in 68 games for Portland. He also added 2 assists in the playoffs last season. Size has never been a factor for Newkirk. He plays with a snarl (88 PIMs) and doesn't back down for bigger opposition. He is known for being a smart passer and is relentless on the puck, especially around the net.

#178    Felix Bibeau, C, 6'0, 187#, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of QMJHL.

Bibeau, 20, had a career-high 69 points (28 & 41) in 63 games with the 2019 Memorial Cup Champion. The alternate captain was tied for the lead with 14 goals (5 GWG and 6 on PP) in 20 playoff games en route to a championship season and was named to a Memorial Cup All-Star. Reports have him defined as a passionate player and confident with the puck. Has smooth hands and a fantastic shot, good vision and hates to lose.

#209    Cole Coskey, RW, 6'1, 201#, Saginaw Spirit of Ontario Hockey League

Coskey, 20, set career-highs in goals (31), assists (32) and points (63) in 52 GP in four seasons with the OHL's Saginaw Spirit. He scored 31 & 32 for 63 pts in 52 games (broken jaw) last season and had 8 points (3 & 5) in 13 OHL playoff games. Overall, Coskey compiled 155 points (72 & 83) in 240 career OHL games, all with Saginaw. He has been called an improving player, year-by-year, and one who works hard to get more responsibility and make more of an impact for his team. On his chance to play in the NHL, Coskey said, "I want it bad."

The Islanders are right back to it today with the open of free agency next Monday. Captain, Anders Lee, and Goaltender, Robin Lehner remain unsigned at this point. Both players have stated they are in talks with the team to the media. With Lee, term seems to be the sticking point. An Apparent difference on 5-6 years in term from the Isles and 7-8 from his camp. Per Brain Compton, Lee - "We want to make sure that everything is done right and it's right for both of us, for both sides. I hope it works out. They're working on it right now." Per Brain Heyman, "Just spoke with UFA-to-be Anders Lee, can start talking to other teams tomorrow: "I never thought it would get to this point, but I guess it's the nature of what this week means." His 1st choice is to stay, hopes it works out. Said talks with #Isles still going. #Islanders #NHL.”

Andrew Gross Tweeted, "Asked about Anders Lee's comment to @bheyman99 today back in New York that Lee is surprised negotiations have gotten to this point (in terms of a lack of progress), Lou Lamoriello said, "I have no response to it. We'll do everything we can." Lamoriello was seen speaking with Lee's agent, Neil Sheehy on the draft floor yesterday, but it looks like Lee will indeed entertain offers from other teams during the free agency period. Lehner was quoted as saying he would take a 1-year deal, just wants to come back and play with New York.

There we no big trades by New York this weekend as fans had hoped. The NHL has raised the salary cap to $81.5M with the Cap floor at $60.2M. Per CapFriendly, the Isles have $20,746,667 in cap space. 

The real clock continues to tick away. And the Islanders are on it. Panarin watch?

Isles Notes:

Per Brian Compton, "Thomas Hickey tells me he hasn't paid any attention to trade rumors. Wants to be in NY … Thomas Hickey is getting married in NY in two weeks. Lives here year-round with soon-to-be wife. Just moved into a new home. "I love playing here and living here."

Per Alan Fuehring, "Youngest son of #SoundTigers head coach goes to New Jersey." Tyce Thompson from Providence was selected with the 96th pick.

The New York Islanders 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Round 1 Review.

Isles fans probably entered the night thinking about fantasy-type trades, a Lee or Lehner signing and maybe even moving up for a stud target in this year’s draft. The truth is, the Isles are in win-now mode, and Lou Lamoriello knows this more than anyone. Barry Trotz took the reins and never looked back last season. He squeezed every ounce of heart out of every player on the roster, and the team bought into his system. The result was a close-knit, hardworking squad that pushed through to the second round of the NHL playoffs. Next season will different by way of expectations and probably the look of the roster.

Many speculate that means trading for a key piece or two to address the scoring and power play concerns. In last year’s draft, the Isles made some solid picks and bolstered their stable of prospects. Some of which could be used as assets or currency to shape the 2019-20 roster along with the farm in Bridgeport. I asked fans on Twitter if they wanted the Islanders to focus on Drafting or trading. 58% wanted trading to be the focus and 42% on the draft. Let’s move ahead to this year’s draft, round 1.

At the start of the evening, the Islanders hold:

Round 1: #23 overall.

#23      Simon Holmstrom, RW, 6’1, 198#, HV71 Jonkoping

Isles go off the board a bit and select Simon Holmstrom. The 18-year-old Holmstrom is known as an offensively skilled player who skates very well, can beat defenders cleanly and has good hands. Called a competitor who uses deception to make plays and has an underrated two-way game. Explosive passer and sly puck mover with a strong wrist shot. Called a character player who puts the team first. Needs to stay healthy (hip surgery, broken thumb, concussion) and have more development to play in the NHL. It has been noted that without his recent injury history, Holmstrom would probably have been a mid to high-level first round pick.

Per Barry Trotz, "What our scouts are saying is he's got a great release, lots of quickness, real good hockey IQ … hopefully he'll be a good match ... when you're watching him and (Mathew) Barzal walking together. Hopefully they'll play together someday."

Holmstrom played 21 games with HV71 J20 with 7 goals and 21 pts with a +7 rating. In the postseason, he scored 1 & 3 for 4 points. In J18, had 1 & 3 for 4  pts in 5 playoff games. Holmstrom played one game with SHL’s HV71. He helped Team Sweden win a gold medal in the U18 World Championship this past season.

Per Andrew Gross, “Isles first round pick Simon Holmstrom said he tries to pattern his game after Peter Forsberg and Mathew Barzal. Said he was excited to meet Barzal tonight.”

Day 2:

Round 2, #57 overall (via CGY).

Round 5, #147 overall.

Round 6, #178 overall.

Round 7, #209 overall.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, “Lamoriello says #Isles have qualified all their RFAs except John Stevens.”

Per Andrew Gross, “For the Islanders, going into their second season of splitting games between the Coliseum and Barclays Center, it will mark their first home opener in Uniondale since a 4-3 win over the Hurricanes on Oct. 11, 2014.”

Per Andrew Gross, “Lou says Isles hired Jim Hiller as an assistant because they believed they would lose Lane Lambert, who did not get Ducks job. Lou says no other coaching personnel moves at this time. But sounds like still being evaluated.”

NHL announces rule changes for 2019-20 season

Islanders Represent at 2019 NHL Awards: Lehner Wins Masterton and Trotz Wins Adams

Tonight, our New York Islanders were represented by their Head Coach, Barry Trotz, and their goaltenders, Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. Barry Trotz enjoyed a successful first campaign behind the Islanders bench, leading New York to a 48-27-0-7 record and 103 points, the highest total since the 1983-84 season. The Isles netminders had something to do with that as well. Lehner and Greiss were winners of the William M. Jennings Trophy for the NHL's top goaltending tandem, allowing the fewest goals in the NHL at 196. The last time the Islanders won the Jennings Trophy was 1983 (Billy Smith and Roland Melanson.)

Robin Lehner won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy given annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. Lehner overcame his battles with addiction and mental illness with his professional and personal life, admittedly at an all-time low. He acknowledged he had a problem and got help with the support of friends, family and, hockey family and overcame his most significant obstacle. "I’m not ashamed to admit I’m mentally ill. But that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.” Such a fantastic story and I was thrilled to see him play a significant role in writing the story of our Islanders this season.

He was also nominated for the Vezina trophy, awarded to the top goaltender in the NHL. Per NHL PR, "Robin Lehner established a franchise record in save percentage (.930), aided by an eight-game win streak. He helped the Islanders become the second team in NHL history (and first since 1918-19) to go from worst to first in team goals against." Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the award.

Lehner finished the 2018-19 campaign with a 25-13-0-5 record with a .930Sv% and a 2.13GAA and 5 shut outs. Congrats to Robin Lehner on his Vezina Trophy nomination for helping to backstop the Isles in a most memorable season. We are so appreciative for your work in our net this year.

There is no doubt the guidance of Mitch Korn and Piero Greco helped the Isles goalies elevate their game, and the coaching staff provided the X's and O's that enabled the Islanders to reach the second round of the playoffs.

Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Trophy given annually to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success in his first season with New York. It's his second Jack Adams (WSH in 2016.) The great Al Arbour won the award in 1978-79. Trotz's Islanders were ranked 5th in the NHL, and he helped turn the team from worst to first, defensively behind a restructured defense and improved goalkeeping and a 23 point improvement over 2017-18. His approach was a human first mindset, and with the aid of his coaching staff, they helped the Islanders have a fantastic season.

In other big News, the Islanders, announced today that Jim Hiller was added to Trotz's staff as an Assistant Coach. Hiller is a Power play specialist. Something the Islanders have sorely missed in their game. Hiller was an Assistant with Toronto for four seasons where he was under the eye of Isles General Manager, Lou Lamoriello.

Let's once again salute our New York Islanders Ownership on John Ledecky and Scott D. Malkin for giving the Organization the tools and freedom to repurpose itself front the front office on out.

I can't wait until next season. I love cheering for these guys.

Isles Notes:

The 2019 NHL Entry Draft is this weekend on Friday 6/21 and Saturday 6/22.

Islanders Preseason Schedule: 9/16 at Philadelphia 9/17 vs. Flyers at Barclays 9/20 at Detroit 9/21 at New Jersey 9/23 vs. Red Wings at Coliseum 9/24 at Rangers 9:28 vs. Rangers at Bridgeport.

Per Dan Rosen, "Islanders goalie Robin Lehner said he does not want to become a UFA, that he wants to re-sign with the Islanders, and he remains hopeful of that happening. "I like the people there. I love my teammates. I love the organization. So obviously, I want to be back."

"Lehner said he doesn't care if it's a short-term deal or a long-term deal, he wants to return to the Islanders. "I know the team knows where I stand, and I just hope something works out."

Per Andrew Gross, “#Isles Lou Lamoriello finished fifth in GM of the year voting. Had the same eight first-place votes as winner Don Sweeney of Bruins. Third-place finisher Don Waddell of Hurricanes had most first-place votes with nine. Lamoriello also had four second-place votes and four thirds.”

Per Eric Hornick, “How much did Barry Trotz change Mat Barzal's game? The Kid Who Won the Calder was the highest-rated #isles in the Selke voting (ironically tied with John Tavares). Casey Cizikas was just behind them. #NHLAwards”

Islanders Extend Jordan Eberle

Our New York Islanders came to terms with Forward, Jordan Eberle on a five-year contract at $27.5M ($5.5M AAV.) According to cap friendly, Eberle's contract includes a full no-trade clause in the first two years with a modified NTC (no trade to 16 teams) for years 3-5. Eberle was acquired from the Oilers for F, Ryan Strome in 2017. His prior contract with Edmonton had a $6M cap hit, so what made him take less (6yr/$36M) to play for the Isles? Per Brian Compton, Eberle wanted to stay with New York, and he mentioned the "camaraderie" of the Islanders and said "He (Eberle) owes a lot to Barry Trotz for developing more of a two-way game. Is also looking forward to having stability in a coach after the numerous changes during his time in Edmonton." It's also an indication that the top Isles players are signing contracts that leave meat on the bone for their GM to gain more for the organization.

Jordan Eberle, 29, has scored 96 points (44 & 52) in 159 games. He netted four goals, including the GWG in Game 2 of the Isles 1st round win against the Penguins. Eberle also had 5 assists and 9 pts in eight games this postseason along with 4 pts on the PP. Eberle said it was going to be nice coming back to a team with some stability and familiarity, and he felt winning was a priority per Andrew Gross. Eberle's contract is good news for the Isles who want to parlay their remaining cap space ($22+M) into quality-fit, free agent signings, trades, and qualifying offers to improve the squad. And don't forget about Valtteri Filppula. Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Dal Colle are RFAs and can be contacted on 6/27.

Of the Isles main unsigned assets, Team Captain Anders Lee and Goaltender Robin Lehner remain unsigned with the July 1st deadline looming, just over two weeks away. The buzz around the beat is that at least one will sign and talks between the team and their top UFA's are ongoing. Andy Graziano of WFAN said, "People I've spoken with believe Lee/Lehner will be signed by #Isles prior to draft. Panarin major FA target, but consensus sticking with Rangers as destination. Leddy/Hickey highly involved in trade discussions, as Pagnotta noted. Feeling is at least one is surely going." Robin Lehner will be attending the NHL Awards next Wednesday (Masterton-Perseverance and Vezina-Top Goaltender) along with Head Coach, Barry Trotz (Adams-Top Coach) to represent the Islanders and be recognized for their outstanding performances this past season.

With the NHL Entry Draft on 6/21 and 6/22, General Manager, Lou Lamoriello will have an opportunity to deal picks, prospects and players to improve the team prior to the open of free agency. After July 1st, the summer agenda will be even more apparent. New York will need to get better by free agent signings or trades. No one knows that more than Isles management. Both Lamoriello and Trotz had a productive year with the personnel they went into the season with and understood where they fell short over the season and in the NHL postseason. Free agents can be contacted on 6/24.

Jordan Eberle seemed like a rental to some, but it's good to have a player of his ability back with the Isles. One who wants to play for them alone. Especially entering a summer with limited prime free agent scoring punch available.

Two big ones down, two to go?

Isles Notes:

Per Brian Compton, "Eberle on Lee: "Anders is on his own path. No one can really blame him for taking his time or going to free agency. He's earned the right to that. I know in his mind he loves Long Island."

Isles sign Tanner Fritz at $700,000 in 2019-20 and 2020-21 is a two-way deal, $700,000 NHL and $250,000 AHL with $275,000 guaranteed. – Andrew Gross.

Isles QMJHL prospect, Arnaud Durandeau signs a 3-year ELC. Durandeau had a career-high 38 goals and 35 assists in 68 games for Halifax last season and seems to be a steal for New York, selected in the 6th round in 2017.

Casey Cizikas awarded Bob Nystrom Award for the 2018-19 season.

Per Andrew Gross, "Per Isles: Cal Clutterbuck (back) and Andrew Ladd (knee) both had surgery. Doctors expect Clutterbuck to be able to play this upcoming season. He should be ready to start training camp. Ladd's timeline a little less clear at this point.

Tickets are on sale for fans to come and watch the Isles top prospects compete in a rookie scrimmage and skills competition on June 27th at @NHIceCenter.

Islanders Lock Up Brock Nelson

Isles sign pending UFA Brock Nelson to a 6 year, $36M, $6M AAV contract per Arthur Staple. Nelson has flourished under Barry Trotz, and despite the criticism, he gets from some, the Isles feel they know what they have in Nelson. They wouldn't necessarily "know" what some of the other UFA's truly bring who will become available on July 1st. That's a good value for New York IMO. And it's still all about culture.

Nelson clearly made the most out of his last-minute deal last summer and showed what he could do as a significant player in the Islanders forward core without missing a game in the 2018-19 campaign. As a big part of the team heading into next season, Nelson will be expected to carry more of the load and hopefully, improve and become an even more consistent player for the Isles up-front on a more evolved and experienced Isles squad.

The 27-year-old Nelson had a career-high 53 points (25 & 28) last season. He was a playmaker, scored big goals, and looked much more comfortable in the Isles new system. Nelson helped New York finish 2nd in the Metro and fourth in the East to finish with 103 points, 48-27-7 record, and a +32-goal differential. The Islanders advanced to the 2nd round and were swept by Carolina after sweeping the Penguins in round 1. Brock Nelson finished with four goals in eight playoff games.

Nelson was the Islanders 1st round selection (30th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Per NHL.com, "Nelson played all 82 regular-season games for the second consecutive season and third time in his NHL career … (Nelson) has 241 points (124 goals, 117 assists) in 480 NHL games, all with the Islanders. He also has 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 26 playoff games.” Tony Stabile says, "The 3 players with the closest match to the Nelson contract are Mikael Backlund, Adam Henrique and Kyle Turris. I'd take Nelson over all 3 of them." I agree. Your thoughts?

Brock Nelson told Brian Compton, “You could wait it out, but this is the only place I’ve ever been. It’s a great place to live, especially now with kids. We love it here and were very happy to be here another six years.”

@NHLRumorsDaily says the "Isles are currently working on a very similar deal with Captain Anders Lee in the $40-42 million dollar range." @CapFriendly says, "The Isles now have a projected $29M in cap space with a current roster of 17 (9F 7D 1G)."

It's on Isles fans.

Hurricane Warning: KoC New York Islanders 2018-19 Round Two Recap vs. Carolina

Our New York Islanders swept their way past Pittsburgh into round 2 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs only to be swept themselves by the similarly modeled stingy, floor checking play of the Carolina Hurricanes. New York was failed by their resurgent lack of scoring depth (4-0 when scoring at least 3 goals, 0-4 without) and struggles to add to or recapture a lead. The game one goaltender interference call against Anders Lee and 'distinct kicking motion' of Devon Toews disallowed goals in games 1 and 2 were close to giving the Isles a good shot at being up 2 games to none after two instead of down by 2. Even with the late postseason surge, the power play was the most significant deficit in New York's game all season, and I would argue it cost them an advance or two in the postseason. Per Eric Hornick, The Isles scored power-play goals in each of the last three games of the series; they did that only once in the regular season (4-game streak in October)." Goaltending was great, and the defense was good while the team's energy and snarl was always present. It just wasn't enough to overcome bad puck-luck and the previously discussed failures in the system. "It's the only time all season that the Isles have lost four straight games, the first time that they have been swept in a playoff series since 1994 (Rangers), and the first time they have been swept in a series that they opened at home." – Hornick

Stat wise, Brock Nelson, Jordan Eberle, and Josh Bailey lead the Isles in playoff scoring. Eberle and Mathew Barzal led the team in playoff assists with 5. Jordan Eberle had the best postseason of his career for New York. He had a team-leading 9 points and scored at least one point in every playoff game in which the Isles scored in. Robin Lehner finished the post season 4-4 (0-3 vs. Canes) with a .936 Sv% and a 2.00 GAA. Thomas Greiss made eight saves in relief of Lehner in game 4. Carolina advanced to the conference finals to face the Boston Bruins, who they now trail 1-0.

With all that said, it was a fantastic season for a team that needed an emotional lift. It was a great model for Lou Lamoriello and Adams nominee, Barry Trotz to really evaluate their squad going into a huge free agent summer. Anders Lee and Robin Lehner stepped into their prospective roles and were a fantastic part of the team's success this season. Lee led the team like a seasoned captain with his on and off-ice actions. Per Andrew Gross, "Agent, Neil Sheehy, and Lou Lamoriello had a 'lot of conversations' all season. 'People know how I feel about this place. Right now, Lou and Neil are going to figure that out, and that side of things will take when they come." Robin Lehner rose from the ashes into an elite goaltender this season and immediately inserted himself into Isles goaltending history. "I can't state enough I love everything about this team" -Lehner. His Masterton and Vezina nominations say others agree. Lehner was once again my Grail Knight of round 2 and overall for the Isles 2019 playoff run.

Jordan Eberle, Brock Nelson, Valtteri Filppula, and Devon Toews are all UFA's as well. All players who played well and would be a welcome signing for most fans. "We'd like to have them back without question. They have to make decisions, and we have to make decisions, but they are all quality human beings and players, and they've been an integral part of this organization." – Lamerillo on Isles free agent class. Tom Kuhnhackl is also a UFA who played hard and showed his mettle to everyone watching. D, Luca Sbisa or insurance player, Dennis Seidenberg are UFA's who are unlikely to be resigned. Tanner Fritz was a valuable minor league asset who ended the season on the IR and is also eligible to enter July 1st as a UFA. RFA's Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Dal Colle proved their value to management. But the summer is wide open, especially if ground for Belmont is broken as the team rumors suggest. Per Arthur Staple, "Lamoriello is extremely confident that Belmont is on target. "I wouldn't have come here if there weren't going to be a new building... Unless you know something I don't, it's still on the right path." The Islanders have to be an attractive trade target and free agent destination for top tier players this summer.

The team has room for improvement. They need to make adjustments that address the holes in their game that showed in round 2 of the playoffs and should investigate all avenues of team depth. The pride was there, and the culture has changed for the better. This team is relevant, and they understand that enough not to be full of themselves or think they are better than they are.

I'm sure they will even be looking into all attractive international and prospect players that might fit into the master plan.



But that's another article. Or three.




Isles Notes:



Per Arthur Staple, "Mayfield had an ankle issue — fluid kept filling up, could barely get his skate on during the final month."


Brett Cyrgalis on Cal Clutterbuck, "Stress fracture, rotated vertebrae, two slipped discs, pinched nerve," is how Clutterbuck rambled off the things that are wrong during Monday's breakup day on Long Island. "A couple things that need to be addressed in there, so I'll go see a couple specialists and go from there."


Per Eric Hornick, "The Isles finished 2nd in the Metro Division, 4th in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the NHL. The Isles have not finished that high since the conference was created. They last finished that high in a conference in 87-88, when they were 3rd in the Wales Conference. It's the first time since 1985-86 that the Isles have finished in the top five overall."

"In the regular season, the Isles were 35-16-6 when Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck all play and are 13-11-1 when one or more miss a game.  They are 4-3 when all three play in the playoffs and 0-1 when one (Clutterbuck) misses a game."


The NHL Awards will be held in Las Vegas on June 19th while the 2019 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Vancouver on June 21st-22nd.

The Isles will pick 22nd in the first round of the draft if Columbus beats Boston and will pick 23rd if the Bruins win that series.  The Isles own Calgary's 2nd round pick (but not their own). – Hornick