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.
Another day without managerial answers means another day of questions answered.
You know the drill. Let's get right to it.
Hey Stefen, just wondering if you have any UFA targets in mind Isles could potentially target (@StevenBechutsk2)
Regardless of who the New York Islanders retain, in terms of their free agents, they needed a top-six forward, ideally a left winger and a puck-moving defenseman.
The Islanders right now have around $6.2 million in cap space before moving on from Josh Bailey's $5 million, which I believe will happen.
Let's say Scott Mayfield walks. Then the Islanders have north of $11 million.
In terms of left wingers, here are the top three players I'd go for:
-Vladimir Tarasenko ($5.5 M AAV)
-Tyler Bertuzzi ($5 M AAV)
-Miles Wood ($3.5 M AAV)
In terms of puck-moving defensemen:
-Dmitry Orlov ($5.75 M AAV)
-Vladislav Gavrikov ($4.75 M AAV)
-Shayne Gostisbehere ($4.5 M AAV)
Things certainly change if Mayfield does leave because then the focus needs to be on a right-side defenseman (Orlov).
The priority should be on the backend because the Islanders need to strengthen their transition game, which helps both sides of the puck.
Potential coaches for the job if Lane gets fired (@nystevo_)
If Lane Lambert gets fired, there are a handful of options for the Islanders.
Gerrard Galant is available after "mutually parting ways" with the New York Rangers.
Jeff Blashill, who coached the Detroit Red Wings from 2015-2021, was an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning this past season.
He very well may be looking for a head coach position.
Darryl Sutter, Bruce Boudreau, Brad Larsen, Dallas Eakins, and former Islanders head coach Peter Laviolette are also names available on the coaching wire.
To me, Sutter and Boudreau don't make much sense.
I'll throw another name in there. Although he wasn't a strong head coach over two years behind the Washington Capitals' bench, Adam Oates trains Bo Horvat every summer.
So, could he be an option?
If The Toronto Maple Leafs lose this series against the Florida Panthers, everyone is getting fired, which means Sheldon Keefe will hit the open market.
The Islanders, a team in win-now mode, likely want someone with more experience. Hiring someone with little to no experience as a head coach is pointless when they can bring back Lambert.
Where do we see Wahlstrom fitting in? Maybe line partners, where you think the team sees him in their future plans since hes not yet extended, etc. (@Mbellia_29)
Oliver Wahlstrom played 25 games with Mathew Barzal this season. While he struggled to produce, I think he showed positive signs on the defensive side of the puck and just has to learn how to get out of Barzal's way.
He has played right wing for New York, but could he move to the left side with Bo Horvat and Barzal?
I'd be curious to see how he and Horvat play.
With Barzal no longer at center, maybe that gives Wahlstrom more room, which he prefers.
I think Wahlstrom could play up and down this lineup. He's shown to have strong chemistry with Jean-Gabriel Pageau, as most players do.
Him and Brock Nelson on the same line could be a threat.
Because of Wahlstrom's injury, the Islanders can sign him to a relatively cheap, prove-it RFA deal.
The 2023-24 season will be the most critical season of Wahlstrom's career as he tries to solidify himself as a top-six player in the NHL, which he hasn't done yet.
He has an elite shot. He's understanding the 200-foot game. Now, the Islanders need to see that consistent offense.