Islanders Lou Lamoriello would match Mathew Barzal offer sheet: 3 Q&A Takeaways

1 of 4

DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders prior to the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

New York Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello took some time during the break to answer questions from fans. There was a lot to unpack, here are three takeaways.

We don’t often get direct access to ask the President and GM of the New York Islanders questions. But this week, while the NHL is in the first week of a suspended season, Lou Lamoriello took questions from the fan base.

On Saturday, the answers to some of the questions that were sent Lou’s way were published. In total, he answered 26 questions. Some were simple (yet interesting) questions like what cereal does Lou eat (he prefers fresh fruit and berries). While others were questions we had all asked ourselves recently, like what’s going on with Ilya Sorokin?

My favorite question that Lou answered was the reasoning behind limiting what numbers players can wear:

Question from Kevin DeStefano: How come you make everyone choose a small number? I still believe in tradition, however players who join our organization with an established number are allowed to continue wearing that number when they arrive. It’s not the number that makes the player, it’s the player that makes the number.

I know I’m in the minority here, but I’m a big fan of Lou’s team-first philosophy. In an age of individualism, it’s important to step back and consider the greater good and that hockey is, after all, a team sport.

So, looking at the 25 other questions and answers what are the three biggest takeaways for the New York Islanders?

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JANUARY 24: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders poses for a portrait ahead of the 2020 NHL All-Star Game at Enterprise Center on January 24, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Mathew Barzal and Offer Sheets

We all got quite a fright the other day when Elliotte Friedman told the Spittin Chiclets podcast that offer sheets will come for Mathew Barzal. Other teams will target the Islanders star centerman and try to pry him away from the Island.

We already knew that the Islanders were in a bind when it came to the salary cap next year. With Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock, and Devon Toews all needing new contracts next season, the Islanders are going to have to get creative to make it all work.

Naturally, teams are going to try and take advantage of that situation. Maybe if they make a massive offer sheet the Islanders just won’t have the money to match it and they’ll be forced to take the draft pick compensation.

The question of an offer sheet came up in the Q&A and Lou squashed it:

Question from Tyler McGivney: If Mat Barzal is presented with an offer sheet, will you match? It is our intention to not allow it to get to that point, but should that happen, the answer is yes.

There’s no uncertainty here. The Islanders are prepared to have Barzal signed before July 1 (or whenever free agency is this year). And if for some reason they still get to free agency without Barzal under contract they are prepared to match any possible offer sheet.

The rumors are going to come until Barzal signs a deal, but there’s no reason to suggest Barzal is unhappy and wants out. I don’t see a reason to think he’ll hit free agency let alone actually sign an offer sheet with another team.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JANUARY 08: Ilya Sorokin #90 of the CSKA looks on against the Dynamo Moscow at the Arena VTB Moscow on January 8, 2020 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Anna Sergeeva/ Getty Images) /

Ilya Sorokin Incoming

He’s been on all of our minds for years. Sorokin is the best goalie playing outside of the NHL and he’s ours. So long as he signs a contract with the Islanders.

During the trade deadline, we heard that Sorokin and the Islanders had been working on a contract to get the Russian goalie over to the NHL for the 2020-21 season but haven’t heard anything since. (Sorokin and CSKA Moscow were just headed towards the KHL playoffs when the trade deadline occurred.)

Per @SFedotoF Ilya Sorokin's rights are gonna be traded to the Blackhawks soon. I'm hearing the opposite. Lou met Sorokin's agent. There're some requirements from Ilya's side, A and B bonuses and Euro clause. 99% chance Sorokin coming to the NHL next year #Isles #Blackhawks https://t.co/IZerE3JrLW
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) February 21, 2020

During the Q&A Ilya Sorokin’s immediate future with the Islanders was brought up:

Question from Dennis Anninos: What is the status of Ilya Sorokin and are there discussions to bring him to Long Island? Yes, we have every indication that he will be here for next season.

That’s about as close to a “Yes, and here’s the number he’ll be wearing” quote you’ll get from Lou Lamoriello.

Getting the 24-year-old goalie should solve the Islanders situation in net for a number of years. The Islanders haven’t seen stability in the crease for years so we’re all excited to get a possible star in nets.

We all know his ridiculous numbers over in Russia. But I wonder what he can do in the NHL with the help of Mith Korn and Piero Greco.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 18: Adam Pelech #3 of the New York Islanders during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Islanders defeated the Coyotes 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Status Updates for Injured Players

It’s incredible what injuries have done to this roster. Since Adam Pelech went down with a torn Achilles heel, the Islanders just haven’t been the same team.

Before Pelech went down the Islanders were winning and accumulating points at a 0.697 points-per-game pace. But after the injury the Isles collapsed, picking up points at a 0.45 points-per-game pace.

Losing Casey Cizikas has also had a disastrous effect on the Islanders. Without Cizikas the fourth line isn’t functional at all and Derick Brassard isn’t a functional bottom-six center (if anything he’s a ‘meh’ top-six winger). Without Cizikas, the Isles were left with what amounted to two lines.

On the back end, the Islanders have been without Johnny Boychuk for a little while after he took a skate to the face. It was a terrifying situation and we didn’t know how severe the injury was or how long Boychuk would be out.

During the Q&A, Lou shed some light on when they’d all be back.

Question from Joe Gencarelli: Any updates on Adam Pelech, Casey Cizikas and Johnny Boychuk? Yes, Casey and Johnny will be ready to play when the season resumes. Adam will be ready for Training Camp.

Want your voice heard? Join the Eyes On Isles team!

Write for us!

It’s great news that both Cizikas and Boychuk will be back whenever the NHL is cleared to resume its season. Both are important to this team and both fill big roles.

Adam Pelech missing the season no matter the outcome is though to hear. Between all three he’s perhaps the most important piece currently missing. Having him back for a playoff push would have been huge for the Isles.

Home / NY Islanders News