As the days pass, the silence surrounding the New York Islanders and their managerial situation leads to more questions than answers. Stefen Rosner continues answering a few questions a night, in more detail, than previous mailbags.
Back at it for another edition of the LLLL Wait New York Islanders Mailbag. Here's part five:
Looking at the Isles roster, I count 10 players who pre-date Lou Lamoriello’s arrival on the Island, 6 of them over 10 years. Do you think that’s too long for a bunch of players who have won nothing? This isn’t Crosby/Malkin, Kane/Toews, Kopitar/Doughty. (@poniesNpucks)
I think this question is twofold.
Keeping a core group together for 10 years and not winning anything seems a bit crazy.
However, things reset when Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz came over in 2018. Let me explain.
Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock became an elite defense pairing under Trotz. Brock Nelson became the two-way scorer that the Islanders needed.
Anders Lee became a captain and led this group to back-to-back semi-final appearances.
The fourth line was dominant for those first few seasons under Trotz and have dealt with injuries over the last few.
This list goes on and on for how the players rostered before Lamoriello changed for the better upon his arrival, with the Islanders making the playoffs in four of the last five seasons.
But, the writing is on the wall that this group of players may no longer be the right piece to build a consistent Stanley Cup contender, which is much different than building a playoff-caliber lineup.
Does Mat Barzal change positions yet again when Wahlstrom is healthy and playing again on his line? Barzal would move to the left side of Bo with Wally back on the right. (goIfyTM)
If the New York Islanders do want to keep Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal together, I think it makes more sense for Oliver Wahlstrom to play on his off-side than Barzal.
You don't want your most talented forward catching passes on his backhand.
It limits what he's able to do.
Wahlstrom moving to the left side could be a game-changer for his career and outlook with the Islanders.
Being on his off side allows him to be a one-time option off the rush or in the zone. It also means that Wahlstrom, who likes to carry the puck, can cut to the slot and be on his forehand rather than needing the extra few seconds to adjust his positioning.
It also keeps him on his forehand for rebounds if he stops at the blocker-side post.
However, I'm not sold the Islanders will play these three together.
Wahlstrom is coming off a significant injury to his knee.
Depending on who the Islanders can get this offseason -- if anyone -- it may make more sense to play him in a bottom-six role to start and ramp up his minutes as the 2023-24 season progresses.
Curious to know how Horvat is adjusting lifestyle-wise and if he is feeling comfortable and fully settled yet. (@nystevo_)
Being traded took a mental toll on Bo Horvat, no question about it. He dove into that in his exit interview.
READ MORE: Islanders Bo Horvat Opens Up About The Mental Toll Trade Took On Him
When Horvat first arrived on Long Island, his wife and two kids did not accompany him. Eventually, they made their way over, with all four of them staying in a hotel as they looked for a new home.
Horvat shared during the season that they were looking for a house but hadn't settled on it. Towards the end, he said that they were getting a house built.
Although a summer on the island to relax may do wonders for Horvat, he isn't staying here as he goes home to Toronto to visit family.
He also trains with former Capitals head coach Adam Oates every summer.
But not having to head into a season worrying about where he would be headed should do wonders for his psyche.