The expected is about to happen. Once Barry Trotz left his post with the Capitals after guiding them to their first Stanley Cup, he was going to become the next coach of the New York Islanders. The only question was would Minnesota have interest.
It looks like it’s definitely happening. With the first round of the NHL Draft a day away, figure Lou Lamoriello to announce the hiring of Trotz. He will no longer be underpaid. But make a reported salary of $4 million per season in Brooklyn, and eventually Belmont.
Both Darren Dreger and Elliotte Friedman reported it on Twitter. Here’s a tweet from Friedman on the particulars.
For the Islanders, it gives them more stability as a franchise. They are clearly headed in the right direction under new President and GM Lamoriello, who knows a thing or two about being a successful executive. Even now, he’s doing things his way. The country club atmosphere is dead.
Next, figure them to convince John Tavares to stay and sign an eight-year contract worth around $90 million. That would be an AAV of $11.25 million per season. Maybe a little less. Who knows.
Assuming Tavares re-signs, they still need a goalie and a defenseman. I’m sure Lamoriello will address both needs in short order. He’s not messing around. The Islanders are no joke anymore.
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Derek Felix
