Balancing optimism with realism

Team: 2022-23 New York Islanders

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 5, 2022

Published: Jul. 5, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

First post in about two years, but here goes:

I think the best use for our 1st rounder is to go after a partner for Dobson. Having our Top 4D corps locked up will give us back the consistency we were missing last year.

Forsberg just feels like a Lou Lamoriello signing to me; as much as I would like to sign Gaudreau, I don’t think it makes sense from a money standpoint, nor do I think the big fish will sign with us anyways. I’d be fine with 2nd biggest fish here considering his age and performance last year.

I know the Arizona deal below is a wacky one, but I think it makes sense for both teams. Isles make cap space for a big UFA signing and acquire a great young LHD and the Coyotes get a mix of current NHL players with playoff experience and futures to keep building. I feel like AZ wins this deal, maybe one pick less from NYI or a 3rd line forward coming back from AZ? I dunno. Still, I’d pay this price.

I almost moved Varly, but I figure with how busy the market is for goalies, he’d have more value at the TDL where he could be used in a deal to trade up on a forward prior to a playoff push.