This Has Been the Root of the New York Islanders Cap Problems But How Do They Fix It?

The New York Islanders have salary cap issues. We all know this. But the Athletic ranked each NHL team based on their ability to improve their rosters based on their current cap situations and let's just say the results weren't good for Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders.
We break down how the Isles got into this mess and what they need to do to get out of it. It involves making some unpleasant and difficult decisions but is Lou up for doing that?
Plus, we take a look at draft prospect Ryder Ritchie and what he could add to the Isles if they select him with the 20th overall pick in the NHL Draft.
All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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[@yeright2pops434]

LOU MUST GO. Ownership is the problem at this point. Ownerships worships the ground Lou walks on. It’s pathetic.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

They already announced Lou is staying which is part of the problem. It's not good but it's where we are. Thanks for the comment, yeright2pops.

[@robertdurante68]

When Islanders fans ask, how do we sign the big name elite NHL players, I ask well how do the other NHL teams do it? Teams like Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers,Carolina Hurricanes, NY Rangers, LA Kings, Vegas Golden Knights,Tampa Bay Lightning,Edmonton Oilers,Nashville Predators always seem to be in the mix. So how do their GM’s and Owners produce winning teams? The Islanders need to do better with the front office ownership,scouting,etc. and if the organization has financial problems then it’s time to get things corrected. Sad also how Islanders were rumored some years ago to fold and go to Kansas City. Furthermore it’s sad and disappointing how The Islanders fans have been loyal and supported the team, but just see the team struggle to make playoffs, or make playoffs only to get knocked out in first round of playoffs.

[@FREEDOMFUNADVENTURE]

Gil, I have lost faith in Lou. Lou created this mess. I believe he lacks the courage, skill, energy, and devotion to organization to fix it. I pray that he surprises me this weekend with positive moves but I am preparing for this season to be over by the tike this draft is.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

You're far from alone, FREEDOMFUNADVENTURE. Lou created this mess and the longer he stays, the deeper the problem will get. We'll see what happens tonight and tomorrow. Thanks for the comment.

[@stevenbauer4799]

I noted that a while back about an article that said isles are in the worst shape rosterwise, cap wise, and prospect wise not only in the nhl but in all of the big four sports. Stupid is failing by doing the same thing over again expecting different results. I hate beating this same dead horse to death but the longer louzer stays as gm the worse its gonna get. And it is gonna get ugly one day-probably sooner that we can foresee and can't forsee just how bad things are gonna get. Just a shitshow brewing in the near future. Cap space-roughly $5,812,500 mill. with cap going up $4 mil. on july 1. 5th fewest cap $$$'s in nhl. Compare that to utah yotes whopping $42 mil. in cap space most in cap $$$'s in nhl.. Prospect ranking-32nd dead last just like isles pk. First round picks-none since 2019. First round picks are louzer's only trade chip. 2nd, 3rd round picks are chips to unload his overpriced vets with no trade value. nhl high 8 players signed long term 7 or 8 year deals under louzer. 12 players with m-ntc's or ntc's avg. age goal-32. avg. age d men-(not including ir'd 24 age 31) 27.8. avg age fwds-29.1. His cap mismanagement/lack of prospects leaves no flexibility to make moves.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Well said, Steven. Lou created this mess and the longer he stays, the deeper the hole is likely to get. Thanks for the comment, Steven.

[@raymondhenry5379]

Forget Lamarillo, wtf was up with the award show, was it the MC’s plan to act like a total idiot, the players didn’t seem to like him at all, Lamarillo fucked this team up, he’s not fixing anything, until we get a Winning GM who cares, it’s not going to be much fun, thank you Gil !!! You know I was always under the impression that we were leaving the Colosseum and Moving to a new area, we were off to build a winning team, I’m not a season ticket holder, I got lucky last season and was at the Tampa game and the islanders looked like the best team in the league, I love going to games the UBS is amazing, honestly I really don’t have the motivation to spend that kind of money, to see them blow a 3 nothing lead in the last minute of the game

[@LockedOnIslanders]

You timed it well with the Tampa game. This team is occasionally capable of playing well against even the best teams. But that doesn't happen often. Lou is the problem. The MC certainly wasn't the best last night. Thanks for the comment, Raymond. Should be an interesting weekend. LGI.

[@robertwalsh4397]

After 21 season , is when they needed to make the painful decisions to trade loved players . It's too Late now , I am afraid we isles fans are going to have to suffer a few years more ! Let's see if Lou can pull a rabbit out of his @$$! Let's Go Islanders ! At least Mets are playing good ball and looking forward to the Jets playing well ! Thanks Gil ! Great work !

[@LockedOnIslanders]

That was the time. If not then, after 22 for sure when they missed the playoffs. Lou has backed himself and the organization into a corner. Won't be easy to get out of, will require creativity and luck. Not sure Lou can think outside the box. Thanks for the comment, Robert.

[@vinceconroy5517]

Ownership has given the keys to Lou and exited stage left. Lou has to be woken up after the afternoon nap to tell him it’s time to make a decision. His response is sign him to a long term contract or get rid of him and he usually gets this mixed up. Should have signed Toews long term and got rid of Engvall. Haha😂

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It's been frustrating for sure, vinceconroy5517. I thought Lou would retire or ownership would move on from him but he's back. He did well this offseason given the limitations, but those limitations are due to his past actions. Thanks for the comment.

[@christophercancel934]

Why would they name the team "Utah Hockey Club"? They had good names available. As for cap space, Lou is useless.

[@RayCharound]

Get a free re-brand after only a year with more jersey sales and natural fanfare

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Don't know why they want generic with Hockey Club but it's only for the first season. Yes, Lou doesn't handle the cap well. Thanks for the comment, christophercancel934.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Exactly, Hanginglimbs1.

[@patriciabeecher72]

Lou doesn’t have the ability to sell the Islanders and Island life,to any Big names.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Probably not but keep in mind, no other Isles GM has either. In their history, the Islanders have never signed an elite FA. Thanks for the comment, Patricia.

[@cynthiastines8918]

Good 🌄 Gil, how are you? I hope you're feeling better. I think the problem with The Islanders Cap Space is all these NTC Lou Lamoriello's adding in these contracts. I could be wrong. Lamoriello's got do something about this, AND HE KNOWS IT. Every one of those 5 teams, except Nashville, made the playoffs. I like Lou Lamoriello, but he's right, THIS IS HIS MESS, NOW HE HAS TO CLEAN IT UP. While Bill Torrey is smiling from his grave because of The Panthers, he's also turning in it because of what's going on. Ryder Ritchie: 17 years old. Solid ⛸, but not outstanding. Good skills, need some work. HAPPY 🎂, MIKE SILLINGER, Who joined Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Butch Goring, #18, and Billy Smith to play his 1,000th career as an Islander uniform. Hear from you later, Gil, and LET'S GO ISLANDERS.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Big night tonight with the draft. I still think Lou trades the Isles first round pick. I hope Lou knows what he needs to do and does it. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the comment, Cindy and have a great weekend.

[@cynthiastines8918]

@@LockedOnIslanders You're welcome, Gil. Hear from you Monday unless something suddenly comes up.

[@Danfromoverthere]

Wish islanders could buyout Lou

[@LockedOnIslanders]

LOL. I think most fans agree. Thanks for the comment, Danfromoverthere.

[@RayCharound]

Thanks Gil

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Thanks for commenting, Hanginglimbs1. LGI

[@Gandaulf1961]

Lou must go !!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Unfortunately, he's back. Thanks for the comment, Gandaulf1961.

[@Danfromoverthere]

How does Lou have a job is beyond me

[@LockedOnIslanders]

That's on ownership. Knowing when to make changes....thanks for the comment.

[@darrellbevacqua3871]

Thanks Gil, Big mess created by Lou, Looking forward to the draft. LGI

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Will be an interesting 2 days for sure. I hope Lou finds a way to clean things up. Thanks for the comment, Darrell.

[@johncasiano]

when will ownership care about the team

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Not sure. All I can say is, they trust Lou. Not sure anybody else does. Thanks for the comment, johncasiano.

[@ericweinraub8825]

Gm Gil. step 1. fire Lou. Step 2, buy out the contracts of Lee, Pageau, Mayfield, Ingvall, Barzal. and DO NOT sign Dobson to another ridiculous contract. If the goal is championships, then by that measure there are very few players who deserve a roster spot.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Can't buy them all out, there is a limit to how many buyouts a team can do. Unfortunately, Lou is back for this year and that's not helpful for this organization. We'll see what he can and will do. Thanks for the comment, Eric.

[@davidseanmacdonald1470]

Bday of the day was an easy one! Mike Sillinger

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Some are easy, some are hard. Glad you nailed it, David. Thanks for the comment.

[@tonypalumbo898]

Good morning team. Gil, it's obvious, the call for Lou's job is ringing out again. He is definitely the one responsible for the Islanders cap issues, but is he able, or better still, willing to do anything about it. We all know, as fans, we're kept in the dark about so many things, but if we made a GM report card, how would it look for our glorious leader? I can see a way to help with the cap space issue, but we suffer in talent and lack of wins, meaning no playoffs. I don't know. I'm banging my head against a brick wall right now. Maybe there will be a light at the end of the tunnel we can all talk about some time soon. Everyone, have a great rest of the day and weekend! See you all again next time. Until then.. Let's Go Islanders!!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

We shall see what Lou does. We are kept in the dark, Lou likes to keep things close to the vest. They need to clean up the cap mess and get younger, faster and more skilled. Thanks for the comment, Tony. Hang in there and LGI.

[@ottobee709]

It appears from day one of the draft Lou has no intention of buying out or trading Lee since he was center stage at the Draft. Perhaps Lou does absolutely Nothing to gain cap space! Lou appears like he will stand Pat! Surprised Lou Keeps the pick and grabs a talented goal scoring left winger! Could Cole make the team? Or is he to young, to small, needs time, or has committed to play somewhere. Day 2 what will Lou Do? As The Islanders Turn! We shall have to wait and see.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I love it, As the Islanders Turn. We do need to build up cap space and Lou did nothing to make that happen. I hope Eiserman develops well. Thanks for the comment Otto, LGI.

[@MrRobt1971]

the front office gave every chance for this team to turn it around. i think the hockey ops side was between a rock and hard place. this team had to make the playoffs so LL couldn't sell and couldn't buy. we saw Mayfield Pulock and Pelech go down they answered with Bartuzzo and Reilly they finally got rid of Lambert. its no secret to us or the management of this team they need to make changes.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Now the question is, will they make those changes? We shall see. Fingers crossed Mr.Robt1971. Thanks for the comment.

[@josephzummo9685]

We can't let Luo be the next Milbury. Although I can't see any human being do a worse job at anything than milbury. No less GM! We as a franchise have to go shopping for young players with grit. Guys that are team guys! I feel if we're going to suffer thru a rebuild, we can't get pushed around! Losing sucks! But losing and getting you ass kicked is season crushing. We have enough guys to be respectable if we stick to the game plan. We forget it's entertainment! No "show" people no go! Get it! Go find some Rempe type guys. Lets face it the Islanders are comical. Its time to stand up and push back! We might lose, but it's going to be a lot of fun to watch!!!!!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

That's one approach, Joseph. The problem is, Lou doesn't believe in rebuilding or retooling. I fear that's going to mean several years of bad teams a la San Jose or Chicago. If we go tough, that may be one approach, but again, that will not happen under Lou. Thanks for the comment.