Islanders Offseason News: Dusting off 2020; NHL awards

We are in offseason mode, which means there’s going to be lots of debating, a lot of ifs, a lot of what-have-yous. The draft and free agency will come up quick — right around the time we’re normally wrapping up preseason and kicking off with the home opener.

Grab your spreadsheets and brace for the ride.

Islanders News

Arthur Staple had the first of a two-part immediate offseason primer at The Athletic:

The most surprising (or longshot?) idea he shared: “With Ilya Sorokin in the fold, it’s either Varlamov or Greiss going. Varlamov has three years at $5 million AAV left; Greiss is a free agent. The Isles could conceivably try to move Varlamov...” That seems far-fetched but I wouldn’t fight it if it meant cap savings and an asset back.

The most frightening thing he uttered: “If the Islanders want to bring in a top-six scoring winger, one of their current wingers has to go. Eberle has a full no-trade clause with the deal he signed last offseason, so would he waive it to go to, say, Minnesota in a revamped Zach Parise deal?” No way I take Parise (‘s contract) unless a similar long-term risk like Andrew Ladd (and his contract) is going the other way, as was proposed last winter.

• Speaking of Staple, he was the guest for Dan and Mike’s very special season-wrapping episode of Islanders Anxiety.
• Andrew Gross reflects on a historic Isles season. [Newsday]
• Here’s a more Post-length look at the offseason decisions. [Post]
• What can the Islanders do to take the next step? [NBC Sports]
• Noah Dobson’s playoff debut gives hope for the future. [Newsday]
• Matt Martin gets to reunite with his newborn, who is absolutely adorable. [Post]
• Larry Brooks says the Rangers should sign Martin, a UFA, but only if they would actually use him. [Post]
• On (yester)day in Islanders history, Mark Streit was named captain in 2011 and the Isles played a preseason game in Brooklyn. [Isles]

Elsewhere and Everywhere

Last night, the Lightning won on the strength of early goals to knot the Stanley Cup final at 1-1.

• Might Steven Stamkos make an appearance in the series? [NHL]
• Anton Khudobin has one of the most unexpected Conn Smythe candidacies in memory. [TSN]
• The NHL announced its final major awards. Draisatl for the Hart, and Lindsay. [NHL] Makar for the Calder. [NHL] Hellebuyck for the Vezina. [NHL] Josi wins the Norris [NHL]
• The NHL is really hoping to have an 82-game 2021-21 season. [NHL | Newsday]
• They’re also hoping to have fans in the areeners if at all possible. [Sportsnet]
• It’s eight straight weeks without a positive test in the bubble. [Sportsnet]
• Analyzing the rosters from a decade of Cup champions. [Athletic]
• The Blues and Alex Pietrangelo, represented by Newport, are probably headed to a UFA divorce. I’m sure he’ll end up in the “how does this affect Toronto?” camp. [Athletic | NHL]
• How will the expansion draft affect Canadian teams? [TSN]
• NHL Draft talk: The Germans are coming! [NHL]