Losing Lee and Eberle sucks, but I don't get the feeling anyone's looking at staying after Tavares left. Sure, we can talk about making Lee the captain and how close Eberle and Barzal are. But I've heard this all before. That our players are "loyal". Well, even after our 1st playoff series win in almost a decade, Okposo, Martin and Nielsen left. Then Tavares left when it was his time. We need to stop expecting loyalty from our UFAs. I think it's time for a changing of the guard anyways. Barzal and Beauvillier both look like the real deal, and I see all of Ho-Sang, Bellows and Wahlstrom being Top 6 forwards. All of whom are still RFAs. Rather than taking a slower approach to a rebuild, the Isles will target prospects from last year's draft instead of a treasure trove of picks from this year's draft.
With the Isles taking both Dobson and Wilde in the draft, both right shooting defensemen, and with our formerly solid looking left shooting defensive prospects looking more and more questionable, it might be a good idea to get a "sure thing" prospect on the left side. I think after having a great season last year, New Jersey will look to build off their earlier success, and they definitely have the youth to do so. They'll look to stun a team in the playoffs, and bringing aboard Taylor Hall's old friend Jordan Eberle would be a good move for them. Eberle has shown a resurgence since leaving Edmonton, and he'd be more than welcome in New Jersey.
With Tavares gone, the Isles can no longer expect a solid one two punch at center. For now, Barzal is all alone at the top. The Isles will need to stock up on Center prospects, and while the 2019 draft is looking like a great year for centers, I'd rather see the Isles take one from last draft as well. Los Angeles is looking solid both in net and on the blue line. Their offense is nothing to sneer at, but I still think that's where they need the most work. Los Angeles isn't a prominent contender, but they're not a team to ignore for cup contention. Adding a 40 point goal scorer would change the narrative and make them one of a few front runners. That, and I haven't seen their management pay too much attention to their prospect pool lately. I think the Kings are going to do what the Blackhawks did; trade away their picks and prospects to remain contenders for as long as possible until a total rebuild is completely inevitable. I considered taking Akil Thomas in the trade instead of the 2nd rounder, but I think Los Angeles will want to keep at least one of their Center prospects. Kupari, a late 1st and a late 2nd are sufficient compensation for a 40 goal scorer in my mind.
Our line up by 2020-2021 (First year in Belmont):
NOTE: Expect the Isles to give up a lot of picks after the 2019-2020 season unloading Komarov's, Ladd's and Boychuk's contracts. If Bailey declines next year, I see Lou trading him while he still has value.
Beauvillier-Barzal-Wahlstrom
Bellows-Kupari-Ho-Sang
Nelson-Kovar-Jenkins (or some other prospect, I have a feeling about Koivula)
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck
Leddy-Dobson
Smith-Pulock
Toews-Wilde
Skarek
Soderstrom
Trades
1.
NYI
2019 3rd round pick (ANA)
Additional Details:
Ty Smith
2019 3rd Round Pick becomes NJD's 2nd Round Pick if Eberle re signs with New Jersey
We have the same LD weakness in Jersey, hence the Smith pick. So, that’s a no despite our need for Eberle.
If the Isles were to send an LD prospect back like Aho and/or Vande Sompel would that help? Or if the Isles were willing to send Hickey in exchange for a 2020 2nd rounder, would that help?
I think he's referring specifically to their prospect pool, not their current line up, though you definitely bring up a good point. And I'd say Green-Vatanen-Butcher is a lot stronger than our probable line up of Leddy-Hickey-Pelech.
you're right, idk why capfriendly has him listed as a lefty. but still, butcher and greene + someone else is considerably stronger than the isles. I mean, they turned john moore into an above-average dman
If the Isles were to send an LD prospect back like Aho and/or Vande Sompel would that help? Or if the Isles were willing to send Hickey in exchange for a 2020 2nd rounder, would that help?
It would be hard to unload Komarovs contract. You’d have to find a GM that puts a premium on hard working grinders like Lou. With Ladd you’d probably have to eat up a bit of his contract to make it work or add a pick/prospect you intend on piling up. Same for Boychuck,
It would be hard to unload Komarovs contract. You’d have to find a GM that puts a premium on hard working grinders like Lou. With Ladd you’d probably have to eat up a bit of his contract to make it work or add a pick/prospect you intend on piling up. Same for Boychuck,
It’s astounding how the Isles can’t resist bad contracts. Ladd, Boychuk, Clutterbuck, Komarov and Bailey if he does poorly this year. I agree we’ll lose picks/prospects getting rid of those players. I’d think you could make the case that a 50% retained Ladd wouldn’t need a pick/prospect bribe to work. 2.75m for a 35-45 point scorer with a 2 way presence isn’t a bad deal by any stretch of the imagination.
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