“The changes Lou’s made to this point are extraordinary – we’re under construction. It’s a great thing. We want to build something great here.”



The idea of yet another building season on the Island elicits groans from the many Islanders fans who have lived through a couple decades of rebuilding, but the above quote from new coach Barry Trotz perfectly describes the insane offseason the Isles just wrapped.



Lou Lamoriello and Trotz arrived. Garth Snow and Doug Weight departed, followed soon after by John Tavares. It’s been a roller coaster for fans and players alike over the last three months and now the team seems pointed in the right direction with the new president/general manager and Stanley Cup-winning head coach.



But the destination – regular playoff trips, Cup contention, respectability – somehow seems a little farther off now that Tavares left town. The 2018-19 results may underwhelm, but the...