By WFAN.com
The Islanders impressive and surprising season came to an end Friday night when the Hurricanes swept them in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With the season now in the rearview mirror, it's time to look ahead to the offseason.
Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello addressed the media Monday during exit interviews. Lamoriello confirmed that everything is on target for the new Islanders arena in Belmont as the plan is for construction to begin this summer.
#Isles Pres./GM Lou Lamoriello said he wouldn't have taken the job last offseason if he wasn't convinced a new arena was a definite.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) May 6, 2019Lamoriello says everything is on target for a shovel in the ground this summer at Belmont. #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) May 6, 2019On the roster front, Lamoriello said he hopes they are able to re-sign left winger Anders Lee and goalie Robin Lehner.
#Isles Lou Lamoriello said he wants to be able to re-sign Anders Lee and Robin Lehner.Obviously no guarantees with that
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) May 6, 2019Lamoriello: "Certainly, goaltending is important. We'd like Robin back, without question." #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) May 6, 2019Lee, Lehner, Jordan Eberle, Brock Nelson, Valterri Filppula and Dennis Seidenberg are all unrestricted free agents. Lamoriello will have a busy offseason ahead following a season that saw them win 48 games, finish with 103 points and sweep the Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. There looks to be a bright future ahead for a team that should call Long Island home once again in a few years when the Belmont arena is finished for the 2021-2022 season.
