https://thehockeywriters....hould-sign-alex-nylander/

Thoughts???

https://thehockeywriters....hould-sign-alex-nylander/

Thoughts???
- Nfdbulldawg

I don't dislike the idea, it's about the only kind of move the Islanders can probably swing at this point. A few questions/concerns with it though:

- Why isn't Columbus bringing him back after a relatively productive, albeit limited, showing?
- A lot of those stats they posted are based off of a very small sample size
- They'd have to move someone out to accommodate him, assuming he signs at league minimum. I would assume Fasching would be the candidate at this point. Not that I think Fasching is overly valuable, but he provides a skillset that's much more suited to a bottom six role

But it would be a low-risk move with decent upside so I'd be on board

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
12m
Oliver Wahlstrom and NYI avoid arbitration at 1 x $1M

And now they are about $950k over the cap. Something else will happen before the offseason is over

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
12m
Oliver Wahlstrom and NYI avoid arbitration at 1 x $1M

And now they are about $950k over the cap. Something else will happen before the offseason is over
- eichiefs9

With Wally now signed, other teams know what his hit will be. It is not like trading an unsigned player. I still think he is going to be packaged with someone before the season starts. It does not appear that Roy or Lou are high this kid moving forward. he has a confidence problem.

I don't dislike the idea, it's about the only kind of move the Islanders can probably swing at this point. A few questions/concerns with it though:

- Why isn't Columbus bringing him back after a relatively productive, albeit limited, showing?
- A lot of those stats they posted are based off of a very small sample size
- They'd have to move someone out to accommodate him, assuming he signs at league minimum. I would assume Fasching would be the candidate at this point. Not that I think Fasching is overly valuable, but he provides a skillset that's much more suited to a bottom six role

But it would be a low-risk move with decent upside so I'd be on board
- eichiefs9

I agree that it appeared to be a low risk with upside. Not sure why Columbus was letting him go. I looked at their roster but could not see anything obvious. However, with Wally signed, I do not see this as an option anymore.

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
12m
Oliver Wahlstrom and NYI avoid arbitration at 1 x $1M

And now they are about $950k over the cap. Something else will happen before the offseason is over
- eichiefs9

Good signing. Wahlstrom's 1 year deal is just like Holstrom's make it or break it contract. He had that knee injury and if he can find his game under Roy who knows what kind of season he can have. That said we have been waiting for him to find his game under the 2 previous coaches without any success. As pointed out on here he could certainly be a piece in a trade. I think they may see what he can do under Roy for a bit before pulling the trigger on him.
Just my opinion of course.

Good signing. Wahlstrom's 1 year deal is just like Holstrom's make it or break it contract. He had that knee injury and if he can find his game under Roy who knows what kind of season he can have. That said we have been waiting for him to find his game under the 2 previous coaches without any success. As pointed out on here he could certainly be a piece in a trade. I think they may see what he can do under Roy for a bit before pulling the trigger on him.
Just my opinion of course.
- nyisles7

If they think he was struggling because he was still recovering from the knee injury. Then I agree they may see what he can do when he is healthy under Roy.

If that was not the case, I see him as being a piece they move now that his contract is defined prior to the start of the season.

My feeling and I have liked this kid from the start, is that he will be playing elsewhere at some point this season.

This could be the third option.

"Lamoriello signing Wahlstrom to this contract could be a delay tactic from the long-time general manager as he searches for a trade partner but still avoids arbitration. If he can't find any takers, he could waive Wahlstrom with his entire cap being buried in the minors without penalty." per eyeonisles.

With Wally now signed, other teams know what his hit will be. It is not like trading an unsigned player. I still think he is going to be packaged with someone before the season starts. It does not appear that Roy or Lou are high this kid moving forward. he has a confidence problem.
- Nfdbulldawg

Definitely agree that now he's a known cost and maybe a little more marketable in a trade. Also a hypothetical new team wouldn't have to potentially go to arbitration with him right off the bat and poop all over him to start their relationship.

Don't think he really has any value though. A couple of injuries and poor production means they'd be selling low on him. If they were able to get better than a 3rd round pick I'd be shocked.

Definitely agree that now he's a known cost and maybe a little more marketable in a trade. Also a hypothetical new team wouldn't have to potentially go to arbitration with him right off the bat and poop all over him to start their relationship.

Don't think he really has any value though. A couple of injuries and poor production means they'd be selling low on him. If they were able to get better than a 3rd round pick I'd be shocked.
- eichiefs9

I agree on both parts. I also think he would be included in a package and not straight up if moved.

from the hockey writers

Given the uncertainty of the lineup, there is a world where everything clicks, and the Islanders roll out one of the stronger forward cores in the NHL. In this iteration of a lineup, the Islanders will be maximizing both Duclair and Tsyplakov’s most admirable qualities, finally adding a valuable and consistent third-scoring threat to each of the top two lines. If that is the case, it would look something like this:

Tsyplakov – Horvat – Barzal
Duclair – Nelson – Palmieri
Holmstrom – Pageau – Engvall
Lee – Cizikas – Fasching
EX: MacLean, Wahlstrom

When Duclair was signed, the immediate expectation from fans was to see him on the first line with Horvat and Barzal. This makes a lot of sense because Duclair is a speedy, shifty winger with a strong wrist shot. However, in this “ideal” world, he is better suited to play alongside Nelson and Palmieri.

I do not agree to start off like this. Tsyplakov has not played in the NHL or the North American style of game. I would rather see Duclair start on top line.

Lee on the 4th line at what , 7 million???? I'd rather buy him out.

from the hockey writers

Given the uncertainty of the lineup, there is a world where everything clicks, and the Islanders roll out one of the stronger forward cores in the NHL. In this iteration of a lineup, the Islanders will be maximizing both Duclair and Tsyplakov’s most admirable qualities, finally adding a valuable and consistent third-scoring threat to each of the top two lines. If that is the case, it would look something like this:

Tsyplakov – Horvat – Barzal
Duclair – Nelson – Palmieri
Holmstrom – Pageau – Engvall
Lee – Cizikas – Fasching
EX: MacLean, Wahlstrom

When Duclair was signed, the immediate expectation from fans was to see him on the first line with Horvat and Barzal. This makes a lot of sense because Duclair is a speedy, shifty winger with a strong wrist shot. However, in this “ideal” world, he is better suited to play alongside Nelson and Palmieri.

I do not agree to start off like this. Tsyplakov has not played in the NHL or the North American style of game. I would rather see Duclair start on top line.
- Nfdbulldawg

Seems highly unlikely they dump a complete question mark in Tsyplakov onto the top line out of the gate. I think we all assume Duclair will be given a shot in that position before anyone else at this point. Also I don't see Lee being relegated all the way to the fourth line, seems like Holmstrom would probably be a much better fit there anyway. Or MacLean plays wing and Holmstrom is an extra forward.

This could be the third option.

"Lamoriello signing Wahlstrom to this contract could be a delay tactic from the long-time general manager as he searches for a trade partner but still avoids arbitration. If he can't find any takers, he could waive Wahlstrom with his entire cap being buried in the minors without penalty." per eyeonisles.
- Nfdbulldawg

With Wahlstrom’s game the last 2 years I don’t see him being worth much in a trade.
He may be a throw in but what will the Isles get for him other than another teams struggling player.
I think you gotta give him a chance to show the new staff what he can or can not do.
Obviously I’m still hopeful a fresh start with Roy and his staff can give Wally the kick in the ass he needs. The contract amount is so low that it’s worth giving him another shot. If he fails to show he belongs it’s an easy dump.

https://thehockeywriters....ity-2024-offseason-moves/

This article talks about roster flexibility. The roster is not drastically different from this past season. The roster is younger and faster than last year, but the depth of this team is still in question.

You have Reilly and Duclair that help solidify the bot 6 D and top 6 Forwards. You now need Holstrom, Wahlstrom, Maclean to step with their numbers. Then maybe you talk about options.

I keep forgetting Tsyplakov. I see him starting in Bridgeport unless he has lights out camp. If he starts tearing it up in Bridgeport, then maybe you see him. I know stated that he was signed for the NHL. However, without a ton of knowledge on this kid. It is difficult for me to say that he will be in the top 9 let alone the top 6.

Maybe Lou pulls that rabbit out of the hat. I mean I am just an armchair GM.

I will be optimistic and say if this team clicks as is. If Duclair or Tsplakov can find chemistry in the top 6 and the bot 6 can be consistently on the positive side. It should take some pressure off the D, keep Sorokin fresher. They may be in it at the end.

With Wahlstrom’s game the last 2 years I don’t see him being worth much in a trade.
He may be a throw in but what will the Isles get for him other than another teams struggling player.
I think you gotta give him a chance to show the new staff what he can or can not do.
Obviously I’m still hopeful a fresh start with Roy and his staff can give Wally the kick in the ass he needs. The contract amount is so low that it’s worth giving him another shot. If he fails to show he belongs it’s an easy dump.
- nyisles7

The kid knows he is at a crossroads in his early career. I read towards the end of the season that he was finally getting rid of the brace for his knee. If he can come into camp in shape, find a way to regain his confidence, he may become a solid middle 6 forward. He was on his way to a 35 pt season when he got hurt.

I hope he bounces back and finds his way.

I agree that it appeared to be a low risk with upside. Not sure why Columbus was letting him go. I looked at their roster but could not see anything obvious. However, with Wally signed, I do not see this as an option anymore.
- Nfdbulldawg

Signed to an AHL contract by the Leafs.

https://sports.yahoo.com/...pick-signs-183458334.html

The kid knows he is at a crossroads in his early career. I read towards the end of the season that he was finally getting rid of the brace for his knee. If he can come into camp in shape, find a way to regain his confidence, he may become a solid middle 6 forward. He was on his way to a 35 pt season when he got hurt.

I hope he bounces back and finds his way.
- Nfdbulldawg

At the term and price it makes sense to give it one last shot.

Signed to an AHL contract by the Leafs.

https://sports.yahoo.com/...pick-signs-183458334.html
- JohnScammo

Eight overall pick. Crazy that you just never can bank on a player being able to become an NHL pro. Maybe his attitude was bad as it wasn’t that long a trial period.

https://thehockeywriters....ity-2024-offseason-moves/

This article talks about roster flexibility. The roster is not drastically different from this past season. The roster is younger and faster than last year, but the depth of this team is still in question.

You have Reilly and Duclair that help solidify the bot 6 D and top 6 Forwards. You now need Holstrom, Wahlstrom, Maclean to step with their numbers. Then maybe you talk about options.

I keep forgetting Tsyplakov. I see him starting in Bridgeport unless he has lights out camp. If he starts tearing it up in Bridgeport, then maybe you see him. I know stated that he was signed for the NHL. However, without a ton of knowledge on this kid. It is difficult for me to say that he will be in the top 9 let alone the top 6.

Maybe Lou pulls that rabbit out of the hat. I mean I am just an armchair GM.

I will be optimistic and say if this team clicks as is. If Duclair or Tsplakov can find chemistry in the top 6 and the bot 6 can be consistently on the positive side. It should take some pressure off the D, keep Sorokin fresher. They may be in it at the end.


- Nfdbulldawg

It would just seem shortsighted to send Tsyplakov to Bridgeport. He's almost certainly going to bolt back to Russia if they do that. If that's the case, why did they even bother signing him?

Giving him some time at the NHL level to see how he handles it would be the smartest thing to do. There's no real downside if he stinks, he can either be a 13th forward or they can send him to Bridgeport and if he leaves then so be it.

But it's not like there's another forward on the roster whose spot he'd be taking and is so good that Roy couldn't justify giving Tsyplakov a real chance.

It would just seem shortsighted to send Tsyplakov to Bridgeport. He's almost certainly going to bolt back to Russia if they do that. If that's the case, why did they even bother signing him?

Giving him some time at the NHL level to see how he handles it would be the smartest thing to do. There's no real downside if he stinks, he can either be a 13th forward or they can send him to Bridgeport and if he leaves then so be it.

But it's not like there's another forward on the roster whose spot he'd be taking and is so good that Roy couldn't justify giving Tsyplakov a real chance.
- eichiefs9

I’m sure they will take a look at him in camp and pre season. He may be ready for the NHL but I think they want to make sure he gets acclimated to the smaller sheet, less time and hitting that comes with the NHl game.
Guy certainly has the skill and has shown he can play in the KHL but there have been numerous KHL “PROS” who just couldn’t play here. He signed a contract and obviously wants to play in the best league in the world. He should let the staff determine where he starts and what gives him the best chance to succeed. If he bolts because they send him to BP. Let him go if he knows better than the staff.
He has size and having his father behind him I don’t think he will do this and follow the staff’s recommendations. We will see him in an Islanders jersey hopefully soon.
Just my opinion of course.

I like Wahlstrom now that Lou signed him. I mean it’s obviously an incredible, monumental, deal. Very happy to have him. Thank you Lou!

It would just seem shortsighted to send Tsyplakov to Bridgeport. He's almost certainly going to bolt back to Russia if they do that. If that's the case, why did they even bother signing him?

Giving him some time at the NHL level to see how he handles it would be the smartest thing to do. There's no real downside if he stinks, he can either be a 13th forward or they can send him to Bridgeport and if he leaves then so be it.

But it's not like there's another forward on the roster whose spot he'd be taking and is so good that Roy couldn't justify giving Tsyplakov a real chance.
- eichiefs9

Thought I read somewhere that Lou said Tsyplakov wasn’t signed to play in the minors. Maybe Lou is still working the phones?

I like Wahlstrom now that Lou signed him. I mean it’s obviously an incredible, monumental, deal. Very happy to have him. Thank you Lou!
- Cptmjl

I just don’t see a spot for Wahlstrom on the isles. I think it’s time Lou cuts bait and lets the kid have a shot elsewhere to maybe put up some pts and make some money.