Lou Lamoriello attempts to defend the Islanders' lackluster offseason
The New York Islanders and GM Lou Lamoriello have failed to sign any free agents so far this off-season. Throughout the summer there were reports of them negotiating with the likes of Johnny Gaudreau, Nazem Kadri and other big name free agents. In the end, however, each player chose to sign elsewhere.
Lou Lamoriello spoke to the media today attempting to defend the Islanders' off-season so far saying, "Sometimes some of the best transactions you make are the ones you don't make." According to Lou, they looked at many different options, but he decided that the price they would've had to pay to upgrade at one position could've forced a downgrade at another.
Lamoriello further defended his objectively weak off-season by saying, "There's no disappointment where we're at because we feel very good about who we are, or we would have made drastic changes [this off-season]. We're looking forward to getting back at it and maybe proving everybody wrong."
That's a bit of a contradiction based on the fact that he also said they looked at many options to try and improve the team. Lou continued to try to spin it to look as though the Isles' down season was a fluke and not the real version of the team. He doubled down on his vision for the club and expects them to rebound this season.
"I'm a goal differential guy. Our team is built a certain way and I won't apologize for it. I believe in it," said Lamoriello.
For being a defense first and goal differential guy, Lamoriello's Islanders were -9 in goal differential this past season. With an aging core and just 4 forwards aged 25 or younger, the Islanders are in a bad spot to be able to "improve offensively". Their veterans are often injured and can't keep up with the speed of today's game which is causing them to play a more defensive style and allowing the opposing teams to dictate the pace of the game.
The other important factor here is that Lamoriello parted ways with head coach Barry Trotz as well. If the Islanders don't show any improvement or if Lou doesn't change the make-up of his roster, his time as the GM of the Islanders could very well be ending this season.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 22 | 235 ANSWERS Lou Lamoriello attempts to defend the Islanders' lackluster offseason Will Lou Lamoriello make it through the upcoming season as Isles GM? | ||
| No, he'll be fired this year | 77 | 32.8 % |
| Yes, he's a legend. His job is secure | 57 | 24.3 % |
| Not sure, but he's way past his prime | 78 | 33.2 % |
| Show me the results | 23 | 9.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
