Islanders & Contract Negotiations -- Or A Lack Thereof
What happens with contract negotiations when a team doesn’t have a president and/or general manager in place?
Good morning, Elmonters! Welcome to Free Friday.
What happens with contract negotiations when a team doesn’t have a president and/or general manager in place?
The answer: nothing.
With no one to negotiate with, the Islanders’ pending restricted and unrestricted free agents must wait patiently for a hiring before their agents can begin contract negotiations.
When I say begin, the expectation is that—who knows what contracts were signed and stashed in that proverbial drawer—any conversations between agents and Lou Lamoriello likely carry no weight when the agent and the new executive get to the negotiating tables.
Here’s a list of the Islanders’ restricted free agents: Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov, Simon Holmstrom, Maxim Tsyplakov, Adam Boqvist, and Scott Perunovich.
Here’s a list of the Islanders’ unrestricted free agents: Kyle Palmieri, Hudson Fasching, Matt Martin, Mike Reilly, and Tony DeAngelo.
For RFAs, there’s not too much risk in waiting because the Islanders own their rights.
Qualifying offers are due to RFAs by June 30, with the decision deadline on July 15. If the player elects not to sign, they become free agents. A player may elect not to sign their QO, a two-way deal, and instead sign a one-year deal that is a one-way contract.
A two-way contract means that a player gets paid differently from the NHL to the AHL. A one-way contract means the player gets paid the same amount regardless of where they are.
We saw this with Holmstrom last season, where he opted not to sign his $871,145 QO. He took less, signing a one-year, one-way deal worth $850,000.
Now, outside of Boqvist and Perunovich, it’s unlikely that the other names are agreeing to their qualifying offers.
Dobson, Romanov, Tsyplakov, and Holmstrom are expected to sign longer-term extensions this summer.
For a player like Noah Dobson and his agent, Olivier Fortier, having him play for Team Canada at the 2025 World Championships could have some kind of benefit after what was a tough season.
For a player like Simon Holmstrom and his agent, J.P. Barry, him not making Team Sweden at the World Championships and showing what he can do against the best in the world could play a part.
Unlike Dobson, Holmstrom had a strong 2024-25 season, a breakout season. But hey, you never know what will be discussed in these negotiations.
Where things get a bit dicey for both sides is with the UFAs.
The more time that goes by, the more likely it is that comparable players to certain UFAs will sign their deals, which will set the market for that player.
For example, the Islanders and Kyle Palmieri’s camp discussed an extension around the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, continuing to hammer away until the end of the season.
We heard a multi-year deal was on the table worth under his expiring $5 million annual cap hit.
But come season’s end, it didn’t appear that an extension had been signed.
Taylor Hall signed a three-year deal worth $3.16 million annually with the Carolina Hurricanes on Apr. 30, a comparable contract that could impact Palmieri's current salary despite what was previously discussed.
The good news for the Islanders regarding their UFAs is that they all voiced a desire to remain on Long Island. Decisions will have to be made, and things will happen quickly following the NHL Draft on June 27 & 28, with NHL Free Agency beginning on July 1.
While teams can’t officially talk with other team’s free agents until that date, it’s clear that things happen fast. Teams need to have plans in place, most already making clear decisions on their pending FAs.
Outside of contract negotiations, there’s other things that the incoming POHO/GM needs to deal with, likley before the draft.
What are the Islanders doing with Pierre Engvall and the remaining four years on his deal at $3 million? What does the future hold for Anthony Duclair on Long Island after he asked and was granted a leave of absence by the team with eight games to go after head coach Patrick Roy called him out?
Duclair has three years left on his deal at $4.5 million, with a full no-trade clause.
I don’t think either player will be bought out. The buyout window does open on June 15 or 48 hours after the Stanley Cup Final ends (whichever is later).
Then, you have decisions about the already contract players, who could potentially be on the move either at the draft or at some point this summer.
I’m not sitting here and telling you guys that the Islanders should be rushing to fill their managerial hole. I actually have been vocal about how they should be taking their time.
But in an ideal world, their search would wrap up over the next week or so, and all the necessary contract negotiations would take place with ample time to get things done and make decisions well before the 2025 NHL Draft.
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The ability to land the Top FA is still something that alludes the Franchise. Let’s hope the New Management Group changes that history. Marner is really the only guy that is very good coming out the next two years. He changes the dynamics for next year, but even more importantly the years after that.obviously you are overpaying him, but he is a 200ft all around player with skill, hard to find especially when you don’t have to give up assets. If he doesn’t come no problem plan B, and you continue to build through the draft and trade for NHL ready prospects. Pulock is a guy of high value at next trade deadline. Pelech also if he is playing well. You would only move these guys for Blue Chip prospects. With Marner they can 100% qualify for the Playoffs next year.
Glad nothing is being done hastily. Next year might not be anymore than the continuation of the retooling. It might be about clearing salary and trading, finishing out of the playoffs again might be a plus. Only signing Marner would make next year a playoff year and change those dynamics. The real jackpot comes in 2026-2027. Even Schaffer, he should go back to OHL and play a full season there. Hopefully Islanders fans have the stomach to complete this retool and come out the other side with a Cup Contender! The real interesting thing about next year is can the core we are building around raise their game? Barzel Dobson Romanov Sorokin Holmstrom Pulock Pelech Horvat. These guys have to play better individually and as a core. It has not been good enough! If Marner comes expectations and plan will be different. If he doesn’t they will move some players during the year.