MATHEW BARZAL~C
22 Goals; 63 Assists; 85 points
2018 NHL TOP ROOKIE
CALDER TROPHY
Lou Lamoriello, hired by the New York Islanders ownership group in May was charged with restoring a once proud franchise back to prominence. He may by 75-years old but he is still sharp as a sickle and knows how to wield it. And on Tues, June 5, 2018, he whacked both former general manager Garth Snow and former head coach Doug Weight. In turn, he agreed to pay the suddenly available Barry Trotz' asking price, and hired him on the spot to be next handler of the Islanders.
Lou Lamoriello looked around, and it said was good ...
This past weekend, he addressed two glaring team needs during the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Knowing the Isles have long lacked an impact defensemen, he drafted three: Noah Dobson, Bode Wilde, and Christian Krygier. Together they average 6'2" 190lbs., in size. And knowing he needed an upgrade at goalie, Lou selected Jakub Skarek in the 3rd round and 72nd overall. Among four forward selections, two are centers: smallish 5'8" 152 lbs Ruslan Iskhakovc, and the considerably larger Jacob Pivenka who weighs in at 6'0" 201lbs. Lou selected two wingers as well who average 6'2" 204 lbs.
Then Lou Lamoriello looked around, and said it was good ...
On July 2, 2018, the franchise player, John Tavares, becomes an unrestricted free agent. He turns 28-years old in September. Various reports list the Sharks, Golden Knights, Stars, Lightning, and Maple Leafs as being interested parties. Odds are he will agree to a contract with the Islanders, and finish out his career as an all-time Long Island favorite. If in fact that happens, Brooklyn had better continue appreciating this opportunity for watching a great hockey player representing the Borough until the team's planned move to Belmont.
There's reason to believe Lou Lamoriello will take another look around, and make good with John Tavares, as well.
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