Islanders News: Gomez Gone

When the New York Islanders had an unproductive power play again, and then they hired a guy with experience running a power play — in anticipation of Lane Lambert possibly landing a head coaching gig elsewhere in the NHL (which didn’t come to pass) — the question on many a mind this summer was: Does that mean Scott Gomez is out?

Scott Gomez is out.

Officially he chose to leave. But it’s fair to wonder if “choice” came from “writing on the wall” for one of Lou’s longtime faves.

It is safe to say Gomez doesn’t need the gig. The last NHL-level coaching thread to the Snow/Weight era is severed.

But were the Islanders’ ailments on the power play on Gomez? Or talent? Or a mix of this, that and the other? That debate may continue.

• And here’s more from Semyon Varlamov, this time via Arthur Staple of the Athletic: “Last year was a good experience for me, to be honest. I learned a lot from that situation and I moved on. The biggest thing I learned was that I hate seeing the bench.”
• Bridgeport Sound Tigers single-game tickets are now on sale. [BST]
• Meanwhile, Bracken Kearns retires, and other farm updates. [Soundin’ Off]

Elsewhere

• The big NHL news of the day was Oilers mismanaged prospect Jesse Pujljujarvi and unsigned RFA following through on his threat to sign in Finland. [NHL | Copper n Blue | Athletic]
• But maybe Jesse’s signing will ultimately benefit the Oilers? [Sportsnet]
• Meanwhile, Connor McDavid is...”working hard” but not a given to be ready for the start of camp. [NHL]
• The NHL and NHLPA appear to be cordial enough right now to not need their fast-approaching CBA opt-out deadlines, though some like that Vlasic fellow are spoiling for a fight. [Athletic]
• Tag-team exercise: You could build an entire roster just from Islanders and Oilers who played for both teams. [Down Goes Brown]
• Nazem Kadri will wear #91 in Colorado and is “perfect for the Central Division,” says a former teammate who just won the Cup from that division. [Sportsnet]