Quoting: dannibalcorpse
I feel like this team is worse than the one that just finished 37-35-10, honestly, mostly because the defense isn't much better and you've greatly downgraded backup goalie to save $2M in cap space.
I've said it before, Islanders fans have become borderline irrational with Josh Bailey. He is an offensive-minded forward and PP specialist who does not contribute a ton defensively and is probably overpaid by about $3.5M. But he's also averaged 57 points per 82 games over his last 6 consecutive seasons, is a good playoff performer(50 points in 71 games, literally the same as his regular season pace), and is enough of a locker room guy that he's been given an "A" on a team full of Lou Lamoriello-veterans. There's enough positive value that you should be able to get positive value back in a trade (or, more likely, find a team looking to do a "change of scenery" type trade with one of their veterans.)
Beauvillier should only be traded if you're getting back a strong return, and I think his play this season has limited that option. Let him build back up value next season before you think about moving him - the worst case scenario is we're having this same conversation about him next offseason and getting back the same type of return we would've this year.
Varlamov should get close to the Kuemper return from last year - he put up better numbers than Kuemper did before his trade, and has a similar cap hit (and the Isles also have the ability to retain some of it without killing their cap.) Obviously the issue is he has the NTC, but I think if Lou wants to move him he'll find a taker. I don't love the idea of spending $3M to replace him with Koskinen though - Mikko probably doesn't want to come back to the Island and, to me, the feeling is mutual.
Honestly don't think Forsberg signs for $8.5M AAV, or else Nashville would've already made it happen. Perron is a nice target if he can keep up his two-way game on the island, but I worry about signing a guy that's about to turn 34 on a team that's already filled with a ton of guys over 30. I'd rather target a similarly valued player who's younger like Valeri Nichushkin.
Well, even if this same exact team gave it another go, I believe they're better than that record... but excuses you've already heard a million times at this point don't matter anymore.
Honestly, I overpaid for Koski as I had the room in cap.. (Originally I had Schneider returning on a one year vet min... I don't see that being too viable) but I do believe paying 9 Million combined with the current cap situation does not work. Id be open to other backup options and even cheaper as I believe Sorokin can play well north of 60 games next season. Those other 20 something games we do need a solid chance at winning in net. (Maybe some of this money can be used to sweeten the deal on Forsberg or someone else.)
I get the Josh Bailey comment from me was overboard.. However, I really don't see him being a solid top 6 option anymore, and yes he may be a great leader, but we have plenty of that at this point and its time we start putting production over character for a few of these players...I do think we can get a solid return for him. Truthfully, I wasn't to comfortable coming up with a trade idea for him because I do not have a clue as to what can be returned for him.. Also, you gotta think that stat is a bit skewed because of him being on Tavares wing, (obviously, it's not his fault someone isn't there giving him the same chance). Playoffs he did play well and he really hates the pens so that's always a plus lol.
Beau, as I mentioned in a earlier response, maybe it is a bit early to sell and would be a low sell... I really think one of these middle 6 players need to be moved and IMO Beau, JGP, and Palms are all great candidates for this. Palms, im not too sure how big the market is for him and I did like 2nd Half Palms more than Beau's play... but outside of Covid season last year he hasn't been really groundbreaking for this team and I think under a new system like the canucks he would do great for. That's why I also put that comment on picks. Also, I love how consistent JGP is on faceoffs, and can usually slot in anywhere.
Agreed on this part, Im just confused on the whole goalie market at this point, I wouldn't be too upset of Varly stayed of course, im just worried its too much money in goaltending for this team. I do agree Koski was an overpay, again I just had the room and just did it.
Last but not least Forsberg, It probably is too low, the money saved going with another backup could be used to this deal... or even another forward... I really like the Valeri idea after looking at his stats. Admittedly, im not to familiar with him and his level of play.. Only thing that worries me, is that his stats may be inflated only cause of the team hes on but I could be wrong as I usually am lol.
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