Eyes On Isles
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New York Islanders Podcast: Isles Need Coaching

By Michel Anderson

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals watches from the bench during the second period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 22, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals watches from the bench during the second period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 22, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Sure the New York Islanders need a goalie and even a top-four defender, but they’re also in desperate need of coaching. Both at the NHL and AHL level.With the New York Islanders being the only NHL franchise without a head coach, the link to recently available Barry Trotz is obvious. Trotz just won the Stanley Cup, and is on the free agent market, looking for a big upgrade for his qualities behind the bench.

The Islanders are looking for a bench boss who can step in today, and make this team a winner. Money isn’t an option. The two are perfect for each other.

But what about at the AHL level? It’s not as if the Bridgeport Sound Tigers are a successful team. They’ve made the playoffs twice in eight years and haven’t won a single playoffs game in that span.

And what of their ability to develop players? Ryan Pulock is probably their greatest return to the Islanders in a number of years.

It’s time to get a new bench boss in the AHL. Someone who can turn the group of players in the system into NHL’ers.

What Else Do We Talk About?

We spend a good portion of the show talking about Barry Trotz and coaching for the Islanders. It’s the news of the week. But we talk about a few other things New York Islanders related:

  • Oliver Ekman-Larsson is off the board for the Islanders. The Coyotes seemingly have a verbal agreement on an eight-year extension with the Swedish defenseman. Who should the Islanders turn to now to help boost their defense?
  • The NHL Entry Draft is only a few days away. What do the New York Islanders do? Do they trade both picks, just one, or do they draft two players in the first round?
  • John Tavares is days away from free agency. We think he’s going to stay, but what if he actually leaves? What do the Islanders do then? How do they go on in the wake of losing the best player they’ve had in 30 years?

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Next: Top 50 Isles Players of All Time

It’s going to be an interesting week for the New York Islanders. They could sign a new coach, extend Tavares, draft a top 12 prospect and maybe even acquire a goalie and a defenseman. The franchise can do a 180 within weeks. Buckle up, it’s going to get interesting.

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