Islanders Ryan Pulock arbitration could force Lou Lamoriello into action

The New York Islanders arbitration date with Ryan Pulock is coming up at the end of this week. The impact of this could have put the wheels in motion for the Isles regarding other moves.

The New York Islanders scheduled arbitration date with Ryan Pulock is this Friday, November 6th. Is the game afoot as a result of Pulock’s arbitration date?

Isles GM Lou Lamoriello would ideally like to move out some salary contracts such as Johnny Boychuk or Leo Komarov before any other moves are made. While Lamoriello is not in a position of strength moving salary first would put the Isles in the best position possible.

Lamoriello is not going to be able to hold off much longer with Pulock’s pending arbitration date this Friday, November 6th.

Lou has a lot of balls in the air with Pulock and fellow restricted free agent Mathew Barzal, as well as freeing up cap space. Also, there is the likelihood of other moves such as resigning Andy Greene and Matt Martin.

Pulock’s pending arbitration date could mean it’s time to pull the trigger on a number of these moves that need to be made.

Pulock’s Number

Pulock’s cap number for the upcoming season will likely fall between $5.25 and $6 million. The Isles currently have $8.9 million in cap space. That would put the Isles roughly $3 million under the cap with Barzal to sign.

Lamoriello should know the market price now for someone to take Boychuk, Komarov, and Thomas Hickey. He is going to have to pick the least painful route. But make no mistake given the current state of the NHL, the price for unloading a salary cap player will be painful.

Lamoriello has plenty of sweeteners he can include to get one or two of these deals over the finish line. In some cases, Lamoriello might have to pull depth from within the organization to make a trade.

The Islanders are one of the teams that NHL insiders and fans have been waiting on to make some moves. Lou has been patient during October to put the Islander organization in the best position possible. He has been afforded the time and Lamoriello is a big believer if you have the time take it.

But the clock is about to strike twelve on Pulock’s arbitration and that probably means moves are afoot for the New York Islanders.