On the New York Islanders …
Arthur Staple of The Athletic: Source confirms that Lou Lamoriello will be running the hockey operations for the Islanders. He’ll be either the president of hockey operations, general manager, or he could hold both positions.
Two sources confirmed that Lamoriello met with John Tavares last week.
The status of 12-year GM Garth Snow is unknown at this time.
It’s not known if Lamoriello will bring anyone from the Maple Leafs with him. Lamoriello, nor the Maple Leafs have announced that he’ll be leaving the team yet.
Islanders owner Scott Malkin has had regular meetings with Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson.
Elliotte Friedman: There was contact made last week between Lamoriello and pending UFA John Tavares.
Elliotte Friedman: Not exactly sure how things will go down, but it’s believed that Lamoriello will eventually be running the Islanders hockey operations department. There is the belief that when he spoke to John Tavares, he was representing the Islanders.
Elliotte Friedman: Have been told that the NHL has no issues with the process between Lamoriello, the Islanders and Tavares.
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: Signs seem to be pointing to Tavares going to the free agent window where he can talk to teams before the start of free agency – June 25th to the 30th.
Only the Islanders can offer Tavares eight years, and any deal will likely be in the $10 to $12 million per year.
Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson should have a good idea of with teams would be interested.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Lou Lamoriello will eventually get to decide if GM Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight remain with the Islanders.
Lamoriello has a history of trading draft picks and prospects to bring in players, so it could be the end the Islanders history of hoarding draft picks and prospects.
It would be a surprise if the Islanders kept both the No. 11 and No. 12 picks at the draft. They could package one of those picks and young player/prospect for a top pairing right handed defenseman.
Could the get Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba?
Can also expect the Islanders to be interested in Ilya Kovalchuk with Lamoriello coming aboard.
Lamoriello could look at bringing Jacques Lemaire, Jacques Caron, and/or David Conte in.
Lamoriello will also be looking to bring in an upper-echelon goaltender. He could also look to bring in some toughness, maybe even former Islander Matt Martin.
