Eyes On Isles
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The NY Islanders’ rebuild just became real with Lou Lamoriello out of the picture

ByJustin Bonhard|
Feb 1, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA;New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) controls the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA;New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) controls the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The New York Islanders are in the midst of a major change. With President Lou Lamoriello out of the picture and eyes set on a rebuild, there are all indications that major moves will be made this summer.

The NHL Draft Lottery was a very successful night, as the Islanders will be getting the best possible prospect with the first overall selection. This franchise was just handed a golden ticket, which might also indicate whether they are officially rebuilding.

Full rebuild?

This past season was another disappointing one, with a huge dropoff from their previous playoff appearance in 2023-24. Superstar forward Matthew Barzal found himself on the Long-Term Injured Reserve in February, and the Islanders suffered without him. On February 2, the Islanders were four points out of a playoff spot, and from the time of his injury to the end of the season, the Isles were 11-15-5. The supporting cast was not able to keep this team afloat.

With a plethora of aging players, overpaying contracts, and no clear direction, the only sensible course of action is to tear it all down and start over. This is the perfect time to do that.

Getting a shiny new toy

The best thing that could have happened this offseason was on Monday night. With a 3.5% chance of getting the first overall pick, the Islanders moved up to the top spot. They will get a shiny new toy in 2025-26.

There are a couple of possibilities for the first overall prospect, with hometown-kid center James Hagens and defenseman Matthew Schaefer being the top two. Hagens, the Boston College star, hails from Long Island and has expressed his deep-rooted love for the Isles. Schaefer, from the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters, can shape up the aging blue line and give this rebuild a solid building block alongside Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech.

This is the best-case scenario for the Islanders. A full rebuild is the best course of action, with a new President entering the fold of an aging hockey team with little-to-no identity. Out with the old and in with the new.

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