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7/2/23: Lamoriello Needs Some Hockey Trades-BADLY |
New York Islander Fan Central | 7/02/2023 07:29:00 AM |
Lamoriello did what he did, no problem with re-signing Sorokin, which easily could have become a Tavares situtation for the best goalie in the NHL, who would have gotten even more money with teams much closer to a Stanley Cup. Go look at Bobrovsky's contract, Tristan Jarry got five years who never met a soft goal he did not like. I don't subscribe to the one-hit wonders come playoff time. Not a fan at all of Varlamov's term or dollars but if Sorokin wants a partner he's happy with, you do it. Skarek got his qualifying offer, Lennox is signed.
On paper Mayfield was the top 2-3 UFA defenders, and Orlov was hardly a superstar. The defense is young enough with Dobson, Aho, Romanov & others to take this risk, but after all the years he was underpaid, he was getting more dollars for less term, or what he got here. And they needed a right side defender because after this is was injured Hutton on his three year deal or Paul Ladue.
Lamoriello believes in Engvall from Toronto. For a career 3/4 line player that's a lot of commitment, he has to get 20 goals for this to make sense.
As Lamoriello said yesterday he needs a hockey trade for a scoring winger. It has to come from that group of Pageau, Palmieri, Cizikas, Martin, Clutterbuck, Johnston with Bailey now gone, and hopefully Parise staying home or going to Devils/anywhere else. Those wingers have to get younger/faster/better in corners/transition.
Sorokin, Barzal, Horvat, Nelson, Lee, Pelech, Pulock, Mayfield, Cizikas, Pageau, Varlamov are the menu with Romanov/Dobson, and likely an extension coming for Aho's skating/offense. Hudson Fashing is a nice player but a journeyman, who like Engvall belongs on a third/fourth line. Only management sees where Wahlstrom, Holmstrom, other prospects fit here now, sooner, or later.
Most of the teams around them have more speed/skill in their prime years who have a lot of offensive depth. This can't be another year of two goals or less in 12/13 games with an awful powerplay that's it's own worst enemy.
Lane Lambert has not spoke since the final game, only he knows if he picks his own assistant coaches. Apparently Mitch Korn is staying as goalie consultant.