New York Islanders fans have grown accustomed to a quiet offseason. Usually, general manager (GM) Lou Lamoriello addresses the public briefly at the end of the summer, if at all, and when he does, it’s uneventful.
Related: Blackhawks Move Up in 2024 Draft in Pick Swap with Islanders
However, this offseason, Lamoriello got the ball rolling early, at least by his standards. He spoke to the media around the same time as the other exit interviews, stating that he will return next season along with head coach Patrick Roy. He signed Maxim Tsyplakov, a scorer from the Kontinental Hockey League, in a move that signaled organizational change is on the horizon. Most recently, the Islanders made a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, moving back two draft picks in the first round and adding a selection in the second round.
Although this might point to an active summer, unfortunately, the offseason will more likely than not be the same as the previous ones. There’s always optimism that the Islanders will make changes, but despite the early signs to the contrary, the expectations are for an uneventful offseason.
Islanders Must Make Changes
The trade involving the team’s 2024 NHL Entry Draft selections has everyone wondering what might be next. The Islanders might use one of their extra picks to get a contract off their books. Or, they could flip the 13th overall pick to land a young defenseman, like they did with Alexander Romanov in 2022.
The trade hints at the Islanders moving pieces around, which could give them a new look for next season. They need it. The roster isn’t capable of competing for the Stanley Cup, as we saw in their first-round series loss (4-1) to the Carolina Hurricanes. The four teams remaining are one if not two tiers above the Islanders, and there’s a significant gap between a team that can claw their way into the playoffs and one that will go on a deep run.
The Islanders must make some big changes and a trade will help them do that. Moving on from Jean-Gabriel Pageau or another skater with a big cap hit will give them room to make a significant signing. Likewise, making a deal like the Romanov one will land them a young NHL-ready player to upgrade the lineup.
Lamoriello’s Biggest Moves Are Behind Us
What can and should be anticipated from Lamoriello is silence from here on out. He added the extra draft selection which provides plenty of speculation but what will he do…
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