Lou Lamoriello has opened the books for business as he looks to continue rebuilding the Islanders in his hall-of -fame image, turning them into perennial playoff contenders, not pretenders that have one good year then fall back.
With center being a major concern in terms of lack of depth at the position, the Islanders president and general manager worked quickly to lock up 27-year old Brock Nelson to a six-year extension at an AAV of $6 million. But, more work is needed to inject offense into his top six while maintaining the grind style that Barry Trotz likes to play in the bottom six.
Cal Clutterbuck is a concern to start training camp with back surgery looming on the horizon and a decision might need to be made on Leo Komarov, who did an admirable job in his role and was excellent in the locker room, but his three-years remaining at $3 million with a modified no-trade clause hurts the bottom line.
New York is well positioned right now with around $30 million in cap space to address their most pressing needs outside of the always unpredictable trade market. Captain Anders Lee and his agent Neil Sheehy are still hung-up on term when it comes to signing an extension with the Islanders. That is a very fluid situation that has a few people I spoke with mildly concerned. Jordan Eberle is unrestricted and no word of any talks on that front, coming off a down offensive season. Do you bring Val Filppula back as C3? And of course, there's the curious situation of Robin Lehner. Thomas Greiss is one-year removed from free agency and it doesn't look like anything is close on Ilya Sorokin finally making it to North America. In a weak goaltender market, Lehner could look to cash in.
It's also easy to forget that next summer will be Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews's turn for new contracts. So, Lamoriello cannot afford to be foolish with his cash.
Whatever happens, there are options in the free agent market where Lamoriello can turn to address the offense. The Islanders now have the structure at the top of the organization and a terrific Stanley Cup winning coach in Barry Trotz. The only hang-up for someone deciding on multiple offers could be the two-arena circus, even though they would never admit it publicly. It does play a role, even if how influential it truly is remains unknown.
All players below are unrestricted free agents (Name, age, last year cap hit):
Matt Duchene, 28, $6 million: All rumblings are pointing to Duchene wanting to link up with the Nashville Predators, but I don't think Columbus are necessarily out of the picture at this point. For the Islanders, he would provide versatility at center or wing and is an excellent skater.
Artemi Panarin, 27, $6 million: I must stick to my gut and continue to say Panarin is likely heading to Florida with Sergei Bobrovsky to link up with Joel Quenneville. But rest assured, Lamoriello will be in hard on landing the dynamic sniper. He would be a huge get, obviously, and provide instant offense with Barzal.
Jeff Skinner, 27, $5.725 million: I've long coveted Skinner on the Islanders and think he would be a tremendous 'consolation' prize should the Islanders swing and miss on the top two. In a league that is placing more and more emphasis on skating, Skinner's agility is off the charts. Has averaged 32 goals per season over the past four. Most recent news has him close to returning to Buffalo, however.
Kevin Hayes, 27, $5.175 million: Hayes dangled his way out of New York when Jeff Gorton didn't want to risk losing him for nothing. No other reason needed since Hayes came into his own with the Rangers, averaging close to 50 points over the past three seasons. Would be a boon to the power play.
Gustav Nyquist, 29, $4.750 million: Some thought the Islanders would make a play for Nyquist at the trade deadline. As we know, Lamoriello couldn't close any deal due to what I perceived as tunnel vision on Mark Stone. Now, they could make a play without losing any assets for the crafty winger. Did only have one goal in 20 playoff games with San Jose, though.
Marcus Johansson, 28, $4,583 million: Trotz obviously has some familiarity with Johansson, who is having a nice postseason with the Bruins. Could be a solid C3 on the cheap if Lamoriello decides not to bring Filppula back. The reservation would be he's been banged up the past two seasons and it can't be close to the contract he's coming off.
Honorable mentions: Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello, Wayne Simmonds, Tyler Myers, Jake Gardiner, Anton Stralman.
Now, let's pivot to the long-shot restricted options:
Mitch Marner, Kasperi Kapanen, Toronto: Islanders fans are drooling at the prospect of Marner since Darren Dreger said that the forward would be entertaining conversations in the free agent listening period. For Marner to come to New York, it would likely cost north of $10 million and up to four first-round draft picks. I say, Kyle Dubas is going to figure this one out eventually.
Kapanen is an interesting possibility if Lamoriello wants to 'stick it' to his former employers. The 22-year old is coming off a career year (20-24-44) and kills penalties.
Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets: Winnipeg could have an issue with Trouba, who wanted out two seasons ago, requesting a trade. In arbitration last year, the two sides were reportedly several million apart. Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor are also restricted free agents and Blake Wheeler's new extension kicks in. Trade market might be very active for the 25-year old American.
William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights: Karlsson wants to be in Vegas. George McPhee is said to want him in Vegas. Hell, I want to be in Vegas right now. But it all comes down to money. Karlsson got a one-year deal after a 43-goal season and followed it up with 24 goals so it's going to be very interesting to see the push and pull that develops. Worth keeping an eye on it.
