WINNIPEG, Manitoba — What’s occurred over the previous couple weeks has modified the paradigm for the Islanders, not simply within the standings however fairly presumably on the commerce deadline a month from now.
The precise time frames for Noah Dobson, Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield to return aren’t recognized, however Dobson and Pulock — whose time frames are longer — are anticipated to start skating in the course of the 4 Nations break, with Mayfield having been described as daily heading into the two-week layoff.
Whether or not the upcoming logjam on the proper facet of the protection involves a head earlier than March 7 isn’t clear.
The trio the Islanders have introduced in — Tony DeAngelo, Scott Perunovich and Adam Boqvist — are going to drive some uncomfortable questions in some unspecified time in the future, although.
If simply one of many three injured gamers returns, the Islanders can take care of that by shifting Boqvist to the left, the place he lined up for his debut at Tampa Bay on the evening Mayfield obtained damage.
But when and when all three get again, effectively, there are solely 23 roster spots. One thing has to present.
It’s not assured to final, however the Islanders are successful video games proper now with this lineup.
“They’re just moving the puck very well,” coach Patrick Roy stated earlier than Friday evening’s match towards the Jets. “They break out. They’re skilled guys. They just move the puck out. They join the rush well. [They are] very good skaters. It’s hard to say otherwise.”
Roy didn’t imply it in a pointed method, however these had been all elements the Islanders lacked of their protection corps earlier than mid-January.
They’re seeing proper now how worthwhile it may be to have puck movers all throughout their blue line.
A alternative will should be made quickly.
Shifting both Pulock or Mayfield — two profession Islanders, each below long-term contracts with full no-trade clauses — would drop a bomb into the dressing room.
There was hypothesis about Mayfield throughout his contract yr in 2022-23, and there was periodic hypothesis about Pulock — a Manitoba native typically related to Winnipeg — however that’s all it’s ever been.
Shifting Dobson, 25 and at a relative nadir in his worth coming off harm amid a disappointing season, would quantity to the Islanders saying they don’t consider he’s definitely worth the form of long-term dedication — seemingly between $8 million and $10 million per yr with the cap spiking — he’s set to command over the summer time.
Given his lack of no-trade safety and that he would seemingly be one of many Islanders’ extra worthwhile commerce property even with the struggles this yr, it’s instantly a query that wants asking.
DeAngelo, Perunovich and Boqvist are all short-term commitments for the time being — none are below contract after this season, although Perunovich and Boqvist are each restricted free brokers.
All of them determine to be retainable at a low value this summer time.
With the cap set to spike, the Islanders aren’t precisely dealing with a crunch, but when they wish to go on a spending spree, saving some cash on the again finish is one method to facilitate that.
It’s a champagne drawback, and relying on the timelines for Dobson and Pulock, it won’t be one thing the Islanders must take care of till after the commerce deadline.
That will, clearly, change the equation.
However all three new guys, and DeAngelo specifically, have performed effectively sufficient to date to earn roles past being mere harm fill-ins.
“It adds another element,” captain Anders Lee stated. “There’s passing lanes that open up that they create. They’ve performed an amazing job on the blue line of holding the road and creating lanes to shoot and preserving the puck alive.
“As forwards, when you’re down there, whether I’m in front of the net or guys are off to the side, they’re seeing the option and they’re using them. It allows for more zone time, allows for more opportunity at the net. They’re seeing the ice so well and doing a great job of playing our game and our system with their game as well.”
