Barry Trotz reportedly fired due to rift with Islanders forward

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Joshua Deeds
May 9, 2022 (5:45 PM)

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Via TJMS,
@RealKyper
indicates there was a void between Barzal and Trotz.

The same source as below indicated to me back in February if it came down to choosing between Trotz and Barzal, the #isles choose Barzal. And now, here we are.

Lou Lamoriello had a tough business decision to make when it came to the New York Islanders' staff.

Instead of choosing to move their 2nd line Center, Lamoriello decided to move on from the coach who brought them to a competitive level 2 years in a row.

Which according to Lou, would make sense as he said on the conference call:

«I believe this group of players needs a new voice,» Lamoriello said on a conference call with media. «This is not negative on Barry Trotz. He is a tremendous human being.»

Which makes you wonder was there really that big of a void in the room? Honestly, Lamoriello has loaded the Isles up with aging vets and Trotz realistically is working with the best he's given.

In his 4 seasons with the Islanders, he won the Jack Adams and gave the Islanders 2 years of contention, which is pretty spectacular given the fact the Islanders do have Star players like Brock Nelson, Matthew Barzal and Illya Sorokin. However, the firing feels like another Eichel situation in the making possibly?

No, the fault lies in the front office, where Emperor Palpatine cosplayer Lou Lamoriello lives. The Islanders have either refused to bring in more talent, or let the talent they have on hand simply walk. Devon Toews, who has produced 57 points from the blue line for the Avs this year, was thrown overboard for cap reasons. Jordan Eberle was parachuted to Seattle. And Lou has failed to replace either.

The Islanders shelter a team of 4th liners who were elevated by Barry's famous Trap and while Barzal is one of the biggest producers on the Isles with 59 points in 2021-2022, it isn't saying much. Given all the Isles have experienced this year, with the team coming down with SARS-COV2 and being 16 points out of a playoff spot, it feels like GM malpractice to march him out.