DALLAS – There weren’t many things that were going in the Islanders direction not too long ago. They finished near the basement of the Metropolitan Division, fired their coach and general manager, and seemed destined to lose their franchise player to free agency.
In January it was announced that the Islanders would split their home games between the Nassau Coliseum and the Barclays Center, a lousy compromise that angered fans while the team focused on building a new arena at Belmont Park.
Then in an instant, an unattractive landing spot for potential players reversed course. Lou Lamoriello became president and GM, bringing his vast experience and past success to the stumbling team. They hired Barry Trotz last Thursday, the former Capitals bench boss who’s come to save the Islanders.
Like the Islanders fans who didn’t want to split a home arena, Trotz didn’t want to stay in a place that simply didn’t want him
Not even the afterglow of winning the Stanley Cup could ease tension in Washington, where Trotz departed the Capitals three days prior to joining the Islanders. Trotz was seeking a new deal, one more on par for a Stanley Cup coach than the $1.5 million he made last season. He also had a clause in his contract that triggered a two-year extension
“I went to the Caps and said, 'You know, it's a little unfair based on value around the league. Just tell me if anything could be done.' When I got the response, I knew it was time to go in a different direction," Trotz said. "I thanked them. They were nothing but first class. I said we were going to win a Cup in four years, or try to get that within the length of my contract, and we did that. I thanked them and the players. I love them all. I just felt that from my family standpoint and just from a standpoint for myself in terms of principle, I just took my chances and stepped down."
It appeared the Islanders had a better chance of retaining John Tavares once Lamoriello, who oversaw the Devils while they made 21 playoff appearances and won three championships. Those chances seem to have increased even more since the Islanders hired Trotz.
“Like Lou Lamoriello, I’ve been in constant contact with John and I’ve had great dialogue,” Trotz said Thursday. “Obviously, I’ve reached out to him as well and we had a great conversation, so I think it’s in good hands and I’ll leave it between John and Lou. And I’ll answer any questions for John or Lou, in terms of where I am. But we had some good conversations and we both have the same vision for the Islanders in my conversations with Lou and John, and I’m sure they have the same vision as well. From that standpoint, if you know anything about those two parties, they are of the highest integrity, both of those gentlemen. I think that they’ll have great dialogue and we’re hoping to have John be a part of it, for sure.”
Tavares is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Months ago, when it seemed most likely that he’d be moving on, Tavares emerged as the prized haul of this year’s market.
Of course, nothing is final. Tavares could end up elsewhere, but it seems more likely he’ll be back with the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2009.
The Islanders had consecutive picks in the first round Friday night and selected Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson at Nos. 10 and 11 – two skaters ranked inside the top 10 of NHL’s Central Scouting.
These were good steps toward the Islanders revival, something that seemed far off when the season ended.
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