Islanders News: Welcome Steve, farewell Kulemin

The Devil-ification of the Islanders continues, as longtime Devils exec Lou Lamoriello has now brought in longtime Devils exec Steve Pellegrini as assistant GM, to work alongside current assistant GM (and longtime Devils exec) Chris Lamoriello.

Islanders Reading

• So Lou has Pellegrini is in the fold. [Isles | Newsday]
• Both were part of depositions in the concussion lawsuit against the NHL, because the Devils had a history of...we’ll call it “skepticism” with concussions. [LHH] It seems the Devils got away with ignoring the league’s concussion protocol, while the Flames and Habs did not. [The Athletic]
• It’s the end of an era as Nikolay Kulemin’s previously reported signing in the KHL is now apparently official. Remember his classic video with running mate Mikhail Grabovski? [Sportsnet, LHH]
• A bunch of teams have tough summers ahead. Yes, the Islanders included. [Sportsnet]
• Congrats to Bill Ballou, who covers the Railers for the Telegram and Gazette, and won the ECHL Outstanding Media Award for his coverage of the expansion team. [ECHL]
• News and notes down on the farm as the AHL prepares for its first final-round Game 7 since 2003. [Soundin’ Off]
• A fun argument from a Blues fan on why John Tavares might just be waiting for the release of the final salary cap to determine his new contract with the Isles. It’s a thought. [Crest on the Front]
• Jordan Eberle has a hockey school, in Alberta and Saskatchewan this August.
• This subway flashing bastard was wearing an Islanders hat. People suck. [Patch]

Elsewhere

Seriously bizarre and disgusting situation in Ottawa, where Mike Hoffman’s girlfriend/fiance has allegedly been cyber-harassing Erik Karlsson’s wife nonstop — including after their son was stillborn. Ye gods, people really suck. [Ottawa Citizen | Silver Seven]

• Well damn: Barry Trotz sure sounds like he’s staying put after winning a Cup in D.C. during a lame-duck season. [NHL]
• Again with the “Kovalchuk just wants to win a Cup” talk. Also, he’s “more of a team player” now. [The Athletic]
• Elliotte Friedman with some pretty funny stuff on Milan Lucic: “I think he wants to get out of Canada. I don’t think he wants to play here anymore.” [Sportsnet Radio via FRS Hockey transcript]
• Looking for the next Jonathan Marchessault. [Defending Big D]
• Referenced in yesterday’s bits, then quasi-confirmed: Seems the Coyotes have reached a deal with Oliver Ekman-Larsson on an eight-year extension. Can’t be official until July 1 though. [NHL | Arizona Sports]
• What does the NHL Scouting Combine’s bench press gauge? A champion weightlifter muses. [Canes Country]
• Going after Jack Johnson would be a disaster for the Canadiens, which is why it needs to happen. [HEOTP]
• Our SB Nation NHL Mock Draft continues: Kings select K’Andre Miller at #20. [Jewels from the Crown]