Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello Answers Question About Bailey Trade, Draft Picks

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello addressed the media following Day 2 of the 2023 NHL Draft.

NASHVILLE -- Following a day in which the New York Islanders parted ways with their longest-tenured player Josh Bailey and made five selections, general manager Lou Lamoriello spoke with the media. 

It was an emotional day for likely many members of the Islanders organization, from the players to management, when the club moved Bailey to the Chicago Blackhawks. 

"I spoke to Josh this morning. He's over in Europe. He and his teammates went on a golfing trip. And it's certainly a difficult conversation. But he knew that this potentially could come about. Our conversation was certainly very positive."

"I'm not aware of any circumvention. Not that that's something that we're thinking of doing. But I would assume -- and I hate that word -- there's nothing negative about it."

"That was the key. Certainly, that gives us more flexibility right now to do some things that we'd like to do."

Lamoriello's goal is still to retain all of his unrestricted free agents.

"Well, we still have a desire to sign our own, but they have to be willing to do the same. But we'll certainly do whatever we can to make us better. I think that's the only way I can put it gently. This is a difficult time for everybody. There's a lot of jockeying, but right now, you can only focus on your own players."

Could we see any of the Islanders' unrestricted free agents before the start of free agency on July 1? 

"Tough to answer because we haven't got them signed right now," Lamoriello said. 

The Islanders made five selections on day two of the 2023 NHL Draft. They selected three forwards and two defensemen:

Lamoriello shared that their scouts are really excited about Danny Nelson.

"Our scouts are really excited about the second pick. They feel that he's a really good prospect," Lamoriello said.

The Islanders lack speed on all levels, which was a main focus with the forwards they selected on Thursday.

"And what we were able to get two different types of defensemen. One's a stay-at-home, and the other offensive. And the forwards all have speed, which is what we wanted to accomplish."

"So, everybody feels good. When your scouts feel good, you feel good because they see them, and the consensus was that they're happy with the way the day went."