Still Beginning Of A Long Summer For New York

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/16/2018 04:57:00 AM |
For now we see if Mark Hunter (contract over 7/15) or Mitch Korn, come to NY or decide on another job elsewhere.

Then we see how arbitration with Brock Nelson/restricted free agency goes.

Don't think we are done with coaching staff changes, but seems reasonable Chris Lamoriello, likes what he has in Brent Thompson, and Bridgeport loaded up with veterans is returning at this point.

As for the rest, can't see any 1st round picks being traded for a rental, who likely would test UFA next summer, that would be an awful decision. Teams in a playoff spot, knowing they are not surrendering a potential lottery pick, only give up their first rounders at the trade deadline.

For those who remember 2014-15, the Boychuk/Leddy deals were not made until well into preseason when it was clear NY could not win with their defense, which included UFA signing T.J Brennan, who never made it back to the NHL, even after going on waivers.

The Kevin Poulin waiver claim also brought Berube here after the season began.

Bottom line is a lot is still expected to change, and the time to do some negotiating with Lee/Eberle is also now, to see what happens moving forward.

They can replace Tavares lack of speed/defense, how he was not visible 5/5 or with games in the balance, but to have this happen next summer with Lee/Eberle is too much. 
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Off the ice, silence is golden for Dolan's Belmont arena scheme, they don't want negative publicity, and Newsday is owned by Dolan.

They just want their shovel in the ground as fast as possible, and will use NYI to make that happen.

Once construction begins, they could care less if NYI play there, but the unknown here is still Wilpon/Sterling paying for it for Dolan to run, and rail access with a double trip to from/Jamaica until 2032 if Dolan's MTA guy, Joe Lhota does not kill it, perhaps taking longer than a train to Barclay's?

I do expect Cuomo to demand no more Barclay's games ever after 2/28/19, but there is no binding lease for Coliseum, and Cuomo has to pony up to make Coliseum upgraded regardless of the cost.

No matter what after a few early sellouts, the novelty will wear down fast, if Tavares leaving does not drive people away, and if poor attendance in Nassau makes Barclay's decide they don't want them in either of their buildings or our owners finally get that reality check they need to play in NYC, that's the end.

And for all Scott Malkin did to upgrade staff/sign Tavares his leaving saved them money, even if those management changes are expensive.