The Islanders do have assets. Maybe, after certain teams failed in free agency, Darche will be getting some phone calls from teams who are more willing to match price tags.
Looking at Victor Eklund’s highlights he is a pure sniper. Kid likely will grow to 6 ft 180 ish easy. Both him and Cole Eiserman are the kind of guys that can beat Goaltenders from distance with their explosive accurate shots. That’s special talent in today’s game. They both are no wallflowers either! These two are exactly what the islanders have needed for so long. It’s very possible both make the team out of camp next year. Getting Eklund at 16 was a complete steal. Getting Eiserman last year same thing. The Islanders luck is certainly changing.
Strangely this season might be a pivotal one. Darche is looking at it as a referendum on the Core.The competition for roster spots outside that core is real. To me the key to the season is can the wings score a lot and consistently. Holmstrom Tsyplakov Palmeri Shabanov Lee Drouin (DuClair/Engvall) They all need massive seasons! If these guys falter the season is done. They somehow have to get between 20th and 15th in scoring to have a successful season. This is in conjunction with strong goaltending and dependable defense. If it breaks right you’re looking at a fun season, with a hope and a prayer first round playoff series. If not back to the lottery and continuing to sand off the old rust on the frame. If that’s the outcome they maybe looking at core parts to move. Basically the vets need to prove they want to be here and can win to Darche. Remember he ain’t married to no one. So either they win as the new players are incorporated, or further changes to that core will be made. It’s a prove it season for every guy in that locker room Players and Coaches. I expect they will make the playoffs. If not that trade deadline will be an absolute bloodbath. Darche is more calculating and ruthlessly than Lou, and that’s a compliment.
Looking at Victor Eklund’s highlights he is a pure sniper. Kid likely will grow to 6 ft 180 ish easy. Both him and Cole Eiserman are the kind of guys that can beat Goaltenders from distance with their explosive accurate shots. That’s special talent in today’s game. They both are no wallflowers either! These two are exactly what the islanders have needed for so long. It’s very possible both make the team out of camp next year. Getting Eklund at 16 was a complete steal. Getting Eiserman last year same thing. The Islanders luck is certainly changing.
Strangely this season might be a pivotal one. Darche is looking at it as a referendum on the Core.The competition for roster spots outside that core is real. To me the key to the season is can the wings score a lot and consistently. Holmstrom Tsyplakov Palmeri Shabanov Lee Drouin (DuClair/Engvall) They all need massive seasons! If these guys falter the season is done. They somehow have to get between 20th and 15th in scoring to have a successful season. This is in conjunction with strong goaltending and dependable defense. If it breaks right you’re looking at a fun season, with a hope and a prayer first round playoff series. If not back to the lottery and continuing to sand off the old rust on the frame. If that’s the outcome they maybe looking at core parts to move. Basically the vets need to prove they want to be here and can win to Darche. Remember he ain’t married to no one. So either they win as the new players are incorporated, or further changes to that core will be made. It’s a prove it season for every guy in that locker room Players and Coaches. I expect they will make the playoffs. If not that trade deadline will be an absolute bloodbath. Darche is more calculating and ruthlessly than Lou, and that’s a compliment.