Montreal — The first action of the month, which is important to the islanders, begins on Thursday night. Fans who want the general manager Lou Lamoriero to move in front of it certainly know that his hopes are in vain.
"I think like everything else," Lamoriero said at the end of the NHL's GM meeting on Wednesday, "You are open to everything."
Islanders hold the 13th pick in the first round of the draft. The first decision before La Moriello is whether to make a choice or exchange for something that can provide quicker support to the organization than the 18-year-old, who is unlikely to reach the NHL for several years. If La Moriello chooses not to go through that door, there is the question of who will accept the draft he said contains a "pretty good" choice.
"There are good players," Lamoriero said. "And the problem is that they are still at a certain age with an unknown being. I think we can make a good choice. Our staff are happy with where we are and who is there. There are several situations depending on. Like everything else. "
Given that the islanders believe in the championship window, being open is the logical next step in believing that the current roster is given all priorities. is. In the coming weeks, islanders are likely to lose Zudenochara, Andy Green, and Sebastian Ajo, and need to figure out the defense corps that lacked speed and transition last season.
Lamoriero said Wednesday that he had no discussions with a 45-year-old character or a 39-year-old Green (both considering retirement). Noah Dobson, who is entering the 51-point breakout season, will also need to re-sign when he joins the restricted free agent.
If an opportunity arises at some point in the next few days, it may make sense for the islanders to do a little business on the Blue Line right now, rather than waiting for a free agent. It depends on the situation of their whimsical salary cap and the whims of individual players.
"We will be as aggressive as we can to make us better," Lamoriero said of the free agent starting July 13. However, keep in mind that it takes two to execute a transaction. We all have a wish list. … But we are happy with our group. it is clear. we are. "
The sentiment that leads to the belief that 2021-22 was a fluke in other competitive runs is what the islanders do not do this offseason. Emphasize. They believe they can win with the core they have.
"Draft 13 in other words accepts everything that makes you better. You can, "said Lamoriero. "I'm not going to do stupid things today or tomorrow. But you're open. You have to be open."
La Moriello said the goalkeeper was Russia during the off-season. Although he returned to Russia, he said he was not concerned about Ilya Solokin's status. Whether Russian athletes returning home will be allowed to return in the war with Ukraine after being reportedly sent to a military base after Flyers prospect Ivan Fedotov tried to evade the service There are concerns around the league about.
Solokin's agent, Dan Millstein, did not respond to the text from the post asking for an explanation of his situation.
"I'm very happy with the situation of the players," Lamoriero said. “Everything can be blown out imbalanced.”
New assistant coach Doug Houda works with the defense and Brian Wiseman's role is centered around the attack. La Moriello said he had no plans to hire a third assistant coach and wouldn't change anything about Piero Greco's role as a goalkeeper's coach or Mitchcorn's role as a goalkeeper's director.
The board wild, which Islanders chose in the second round in 2018, is still "at risk" from being unvaccinated, Lamoriero said. Wild played 40 games for Västervik IK in Sweden's second division last season, scoring 10 points.