As the curtain falls on the New York Islanders’ season, it’s clear that a period of introspection and bold moves awaits. The team’s roster construction, characterized by an aging core and burdensome long-term contracts, has been pinpointed as a significant barrier to success. This forthcoming offseason presents a critical opportunity for the Islanders to rejuvenate their lineup and reposition themselves as genuine contenders.
A central figure in the anticipated reshuffle is captain Anders Lee. Taking up the mantle following John Tavares’ exit in 2018, Lee’s tenure has been marked by commendable performance, consistently netting over 20 goals a season.
However, his substantial $7 million annual cap hit over the next two years is a luxury the cap-strapped Islanders can ill afford. The potential departure of Lee could unfold in several scenarios, ranging from a trade involving additional assets to mitigate his cap hit, a partial retention of his salary to enhance trade value, or a buyout, spreading the financial impact across multiple seasons.
Similarly poised for a possible exit is Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Despite his undeniable talent, Pageau’s tenure with the Islanders has not seen him reach the 20-goal milestone, making his $5 million annual salary for another two seasons seem excessive. A trade seems the most probable route for Pageau, potentially without salary retention to attract interest from teams valuing his defensive prowess and potential offensive resurgence in a more prominent role.
Scott Mayfield’s situation encapsulates another challenge. His recent signing – a $3.5 million annual deal spanning seven years – has become contentious, especially with Mayfield’s performance hampered by injuries and a resulting decline in form.
The Islanders are confronted with a dilemma, given Mayfield’s no-trade clause and the acknowledgment that moving him would signify a tacit admission of a misstep in re-signing him. Yet, advancing the team’s interest might necessitate exploring trade possibilities if Mayfield consents, despite the complex dynamics at play.
The Islanders’ strategy moving forward, as formulated by Lou Lamoriello, will be pivotal. Lamoriello’s decision to trade Josh Bailey, once a fixture in the team, underscores a potential willingness to pivot from longstanding players for the team’s betterment. This offseason could mark a transformative phase for the Islanders, one characterized by tough decisions aimed at shedding cumbersome contracts and reinvigorating the roster with a keen eye on sustainability and competitive vigor.