I just don't think Zaitsev would waive to be the 7D - who would he play over?

Ladd, Hickey, and Dal Colle for Zaitsev, Anisimov (50% retained), and Chlapik.



There are a few options here:

- No Greene
- Yes Greene, but Greene is 7D and Zaitsev plays with Dobson (Dobson can play left side)
- Yes Greene and Mayfield is traded either with another bad contract or to get a scorer.

He might for a Defensive system he could build his value with, A lot would have to depend on what else is in the deal. Ladd is not playing much longer, his repaired legs are not able to keep up with pace. He is one bad bump for the end of his career. He is however should his contract finish, a 3 year 6M cap hit. Zaitsec is a 4.5M for 4 years. It doesnt save the room the Isles need 1 for 1. Can Zaitsev play LD?

id do it. Chlapik and Dal Colle are in the same boat. Hickey and Anisimov also although Hickey has an extra year. But its not something im worried about. he can be Reilly replacement in a year

I would not want Dobson to play his off side. Would rather see if Zaitsev could.

That is awful for Dobson’s development. He should be on the right side going forward. Zaitsev is one of the worst D in the league

Technically it's his off side but he's had experience playing the left side in juniors and in the NHL. It's no different than a lefty playing right side, which happens all the time.



I agree that Dobson should be right side moving forward. Something I thought could be interesting would be:

Pelech-Pulock
Leddy-Zaitsev
Greene-Dobson

Boychuk and Mayfield traded (doesn't matter for what for now)

Even if Zaitsev isn't good, he's better for NYI than Ladd is. He showed flashes in Toronto and Lou likes him. If anyone can make him at minimum competent, it's Trotz.

Leddy-zaitsev has the potential to the worst D pairing in the league. He's actually not better for the islanders than ladd is, because putting him in the lineup significantly decreases the islanders chances of winning.