Trade a 2nd to move Bailey is a much much better move than trading JGP

Before Mat Barzal got hurt, Lane had put him on Horvat’s wing. Then he had Nelson centering Lee + Palmieri, and Pageau centering Parise + Holmstrom with Martin-Cizikas-Fasching as line 4. The idea the isles have extra center depth is pretty much completely false given the fact they aren’t demoting a near PPG player to line 3. For that reason, the isles decline.

Meanwhile we have to take back Casey “No defense” Middlestadt. And in this scenario the only reason we have to trade Pageau is so we can keep old man Mayfield.

I don't disagree. This was more for the Buffalo take than for the Islanders. Tried to make a trade that could be reasonable for both teams. I think it really depends on where they see themselves in the next few years. If they think they are contenders then absolutely pay to move Bailey. But if they think they need to restock the cupboard or get a bit younger while still icing a competitive team then this could be a move they look at.
As a Detroit fan I wouldn't be opposed to a trade of Bailey, 2024 2nd, 2025 4th (2023 2nd could replace both those picks but I don't see them waiting until round 4 to pick) to Detroit for Kubalik. Saves them 2.5M and they get an offensive player in return. If they were still looking at being a contender that is.

Exactly. Nelson will not be a 3rd line center. Barzal and Horvat looked great together and seemed like they will be a great fit together on the 1st line for years to come. JGP is good to have for mismatches on the third line especially when you have 2 of the best faceoff men in the league

Really they have three guys who are locks to win over fifty percent, and Nelson who always hovers around .500

I do believe Barzal would be better on the wing and completely agree with everything you say there. This was more of a hypothetical if Lou didn't want to move any picks to help restock the not so full cupboard. Also has Mayfield fallen off that much, just the way you stated old man Mayfield, is he not worth keeping around? I don't think the Islanders have other options internally other than maybe a lefty, which isn't awful. Free agents might cost too much unless they target someone that would be real cheap.
In the case for Mittelstadt, I agree no defense but that's the problem Buffalo has with their forwards. I think it's just cause they don't have defensively responsible guys and have Casey play on a team that is alot more defensively structured could be good for him. Also having good defensively responsible line mates might allow him to be a bit more offensive.
Also this whole hypothetical was mostly based on Buffalo improving defensively.
I've typed defensively way too much in the last 15 minutes lol

I agree with both of you guys and think the Isles should look at other moves. Opinions on Mayfield though? Does he get resigned or do they try and find someone in free agency?

Ur all good man. I just don’t c how the isles benefit from these deals. Also I don’t think Mayfield has fallen off a cliff, but I know he can’t play with Romanov. So how much money do I want the isles to give to a defender on the wrong side of thirty when he’s a poor fit with my newest defender?

I think they will keep him. At what price idk.

Keeping Mayfield would be a huge mistake unless it’s for close to league minimum which isn’t happening

Does Dobson play well with Romanov? I don't think you can find a better option in free agency for cheaper. Trading for one might be difficult, after trading for Horvat the Isles don't have much for good prospects. A couple that could surprise like Dufour but they are going to need them on their ELC. They seem like they are in a tough spot, got some really good players but seem to be a mid team. Maybe next season is better with Horvat for the whole year. As a Detroit fan I really hope they fall off so that first round pick is better for us lol.

What do they do? Go for Holl? Trade what little futures they have for a young RHD? They seem to cost a premium right now. Maybe Schenn if him and Horvat are close but I wouldn't be surprised if he goes back to Vancouver.

The impact of losing Barzal and to a lesser extent Wahlstrom would have crushed lesser teams. You have to remember you have guys like Palmieri and Lee who are good second liners, but they r being asked to produce in a top line role. They have good centers, good defenseman and elite goaltending. They need to get cheaper on the wing, but the only guy not pulling his weight rn is bailey.

I would sign Holl, schenn , Stetcher, on 1 year deals. It’s a lot better than signing Mayfield to a multi year deal when he is an awful skater and isn’t going to age well.

With Pulock and Dobson on the right side it doesn’t make sense to overpay a RD

Makes sense, good input. Thank you.

And clutterbuck

I mean the Kings and Blue Jackets have a massive surplus of righty d men. I’d be targeting Boqvist or Spence tbh.

He’s the type of guy you can trade tho. Just ask Ryan Reaves.

Depends on the price. 2.5 x 3 sure. But if mayfield gets something crazy like 3.5 x 5 that’s not a movable contract

Agreed, but that comment was about Clutterbuck.

True

Clutterbuck with his injury history im not sure.

His last injury was pretty flukey tho which might help.

Unfortunately Lou won’t trade him. The guy has killed the chemistry of the team because he comes in and gets a big role right away. He’s cooked