that barzal guy will probably get cut

IIRC Ho-Sang is now waiver eligible, so he'd either have to make the team or make it through waivers

Kuhn better get cut, I think Fritz makes it, Boychuk is 7 dman cuz Dobson makes it and I think Ho-Sang makes it

FL1: Lee-Barzal-Eberle
FL2: Beauvillier-Nelson-Bailey
FL3: Komarov-Brassard-HoSang
FL4: Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck
FR: Johnston, Kuhnkackl

DP1: Toews-Pulock
DP2: Leddy-Mayfield
DP3: Pulock-Boychuk
DR: Hickey

G1: Varlamov
G2: Greiss

Down:
LD Aho
RD Dobson
LW Bellows
LW Dal Colle
LW Koivula
C Fritz
RW Wahlstrom

I think this is exactly what will happen.

My guess, based on what we have:

Beauvillier-Barzal-Eberle
Lee-Nelson-Bailey
Dal Colle-Brassard-Komarov
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck
Kuhnhackl, Fritz

Pelech-Pulock
Leddy-Boychuk
Toews-Mayfield
Hickey

Varlamov
Greiss

The forwards are still missing that pop in the top-6. Either Beau really has to step up, or we need to trade for a top-6 forward. I'd love to see Beau and Brassard play together, I can see that working really well. I think Ho-Sang doesn't make the team, and is either traded in a package for a top-6 forward, or traded for a mid-round pick. I don't think he ends up on waivers. And if he does, so be it.

The defense is just awesome. I love it. It's so balanced and perfect. Unfortunately, Leddy will probably be gone next year, but this is one of the best defenses the Islanders have had in a really long time. I don't think Dobson makes it. And if he does, then Mayfield is getting traded in a package for a top-6 forward. It's going to be all or nothing for him IMO, no nine-game tryout.

I'm a big believer in the goalies this year. With our goalie coaches, I feel I never have to worry. Varlamov is a good goalie, he's going to have a good year. Greiss also has shown he can be good in a 1A/1B situation, so I'm expecting another solid year from him too.



What's wrong with Kuhnhackl as an extra forward? I'm okay with him playing 30 games when someone is hurt. He's a good PKer. Looked good in the playoffs too.

MDC belongs on the team much more than Ho-Sang.

I’d just rather Fritz as an extra forward cuz he can play center. I like Kuhn but if Ladd doesn’t go on LTIR he gets a scratch. I just don’t see Lou sending him down. That’s all, but if Ladd on LTIR definitely have Kuhn up

Yup, but I still think Ho-Sang makes it and MDC doesnt.

Eh, I'd rather have Kuhnhackl since he can slot in immediately if needed. If we get another forward I'd waive Fritz before I waive Kuhnhackl. I don't think Fritz gets claimed on waivers, and I think Kuhnhackl does.



That would be something. MDC looked alright in his 28 NHL games. Definitely looks like he belongs as a 3rd line scoring forward. Ho-Sang I'm just not sure. He's definitely more talented than most of the roster, and probably all of the bottom-6 (except maybe a prime Brassard), but I just can't see him making the team full time given everything that's gone down. I think we end up sending him to Calgary or Buffalo.

If it were up to me and not No Trades AlLoued (see what I did there) I’d do

Beau-Barzal-Ebs
Lee-Nelson-Bailey
Dal Colle-Brass-Ho-Sang
Martin-Cizikas-Clutter

Pelech-Pulock
Toews-Mayfield
Leddy- Dobson

Varla
Greiss

Fritz, Leo, Boychuk

That third line would be good and could definitely score at a nice rate if Ho-Sang becomes a regular NHL player. But a few things:

1) I can't see Ho-Sang becoming an NHL regular on the Islanders. Maybe I'm proved wrong, that'd be nice, but I can't see it.
2) If that third line does become real, our PK becomes terrible. We have only Cizikas and Clutterbuck who can kill penalties. Komarov is good at PKing. No one else can do it. Maybe Bailey, maybe Barzal if we get weird, but we essentially have two PKers when we really need at least three. Given our lack of scoring from last year, it's very important we have a good PK.
3) I don't see Dobson making the team unless he absolutely destroys camp and he gives the team no choice. That would be awesome, but that would probably also mean Mayfield is traded. I think we can get a lot for Mayfield so I don't have a problem with that, but just making an observation that I don't think Dobson makes the team over Mayfield this season.

I like how Pulock makes the team twice. Guess it should be Pelech. Barring trades I think this is pretty much it. I don’t think MDC or JHS get waived so I would think Kuhnhackl gets waived and is recalled on the first injury

I think Dobson makes it over Boychuk, but I don’t think many isles fans will agree w me on that. I think Dobson gets a 9 game stint at the very least

I can't see that happening simply from a contract standpoint. This isn't the year Boychuk should be the 7th defenseman, the guy can still play.

Yeah, shouldve been Pelech. Similar names lol

I personally just think Dobson is better, and I want Lou to ice a team out based on talent not salary

Dobson will make the team. If he was able to play in the AHL, he would start there - but he’s not going back to junior to play against inferior competition. There will be a trade before the season starts, either leddy or hickey.

Exactly. Dobson with force his hand - boychuk hasn’t played a full season (due to injuries) in 4 years - Boychuk is turning 36 - you don’t send your top prospect who is NHL ready back to junior so an injury prone 3rd pairing D man with 3 years left on his contract can play