Team: 2022-23 New York Islanders

Initial Creation Date: Feb. 20, 2023

Published: Feb. 20, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

We know that Lou does not subscribe to the idea of "selling". He never has and isn't about to start now in his contract year. I FULLY AGREE THAT HE SHOULD HAVE. After the showing of the last two months, the team doesn't look ready to compete. However, Lou always wants to compete. He straddled the Devils and Leafs in his time there trying to hold onto short term success. This is no different.

Barzal is likely out with a sprained MCL, which is a 4-6 week injury. This is purely my own speculation based on the verbiage of the reports from the team. If he takes the 6 week route, that puts him back right at the end of the year. In my scenario, we tell him to sit a bit longer. The goal here is what I think Lou could do to keep the roster competitive and in the hunt and maximizing cap space. That way, if we do sneak into the playoffs, Barzal comes back game 1 and slots in on line 1 with Kane and Horvat. (Kucherov callbacks anyone? yes I know the roster is different than TBL, but you get my point).

Kane trade is based on the reports that came out from Kane himself saying that there is misinformation out there regarding his desires. He waives on the promise of fighting into a playoff spot with a chance to see the Rangers later on and to get them back for not valuing him enough to trade for him. Trade package is depressed in value because fewer suitors and NTC, but let me know if this is far off.

Reilly has been passed through waivers already, so Boston doesn't have much value for him. It's an addition to create pressure among our D-men to play at a higher level, especially since we had to move Bolduc for Kane, since he had played decently while at the NHL level. Reilly obviously comes with a ton of playoff experience. I assume low value here for him bc of waivers, but let me know if that is off too.

If the Islanders can stay afloat among the log jam of mediocrity on the wild card line, there's a chance to make something out of this roster. They'll need a lot of help and guys to play above expectation, but I can see this team pulling a 2019 Columbus/Tampa situation, because even on our worst days, other teams are doing us favors to keep us in it.

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