It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix), joined by senior prospects writer for The Athletic, Corey Pronman (@coreypronman), to break down the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft Class and what the Islanders should do with the No. 1 overall pick.Corey explains why James Hagens dropped from being his top prospect last year after his freshman year at Boston College. Is there any argument for the Islanders to take him with the first pick? Plus, how did Mathew Schaefer rise to the consensus top overall pick after only 17 OHL games this season, and did Michael Misa’s massive goal-scoring season make him the top forward in the class?We also spend time on Cole Eiserman, Cal Ritchie, and other Islanders prospects that have the Islanders prospect rankings rising for the first time in years. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe
--------
28:47
Quick Fix: Job Search
It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).Before Lou Lamoriello was spotted in a Buffalo airport, we hopped on to discuss the latest in the Islanders GM search, which *currently* appears focused on three candidates: Mathieu Darche, Jarmo Kekalainen, and Marc Bergevin.Bergevin and Kekalainen come with experience, but that experience comes with blemishes, the byproduct of working in a profession where you are hired to be fired. Meanwhile, Darche has the sparkling pedigree and clean slate that has him atop most fans’ lists to coincide with a new era of Islanders hockey.We also touch on the latest Lamoriello news. If he becomes an advisor to owner Scott Malkin, that’s the owner’s prerogative, but the sooner there is certainty around what that role is and what is not, the better. And if Lou ends up in Buffalo, or somewhere else in a similar role, that may be best for all involved. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe
--------
37:01
Quick Fix: This Is Not Normal
It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).This time, the Isles’ GM search was supposed to be different, or at least normal. They would cast a wide net, speak to a variety of candidates, and have multiple rounds of interviews. Then, they would narrow their list before choosing the new President of Hockey Operations and/or GM.Thus far, it’s been anything but normal. There have been some stumbles, and on Thursday, Arthur Staple reported that Lou Lamoriello could stay on as an advisor to a new General Manager. What? How? Why?Lamoriello, under contract until June 30th, was expected to gracefully exit and make room for a fresh face and a new direction. Now, there’s at least some consideration that the Islanders are pivoting to a most unconventional setup in the wake of not having Plan A or B pan out, or at least that’s the perception.The idea of having Lou stick around to guide a new, young GM may sound reasonable in theory, but it’s not practical, and sounds less than ideal for Mathieu Darche or anyone else stepping into the job for the first time.This GM search has been amusing, confusing, and befuddling, but it’s also been fascinating, and we don’t know what will come next. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe
--------
39:51
Quick Fix: Isle Be Damned
It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).The New York Islanders beat the odds and won the NHL Draft Lottery on Monday night in a stunning franchise-altering moment. The Isles had only a 3.5% chance of winning the top pick, but their chances improved with every ping-pong ball drawn until 13 proved to be the luckiest of numbers. 7-11-12-13 Forever.We talk about what the lottery win means for the organization, and the options in front of them with the top selection Plus, Chris shares the latest he’s hearing on the Islanders GM search, which could be wrapping up faster than expected with a shorter list for John Collins to choose from, and a decision drawing near. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe
--------
35:18
Quick Fix: In The Process
It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).The list of potential Islanders GMs is long, very long. In the last week, fans and media alike have speculated about a wide range and variety of candidates from Hall-of-Famers, to retreads, to popular Assistant GMs, and out-of-the-box options from around the league.For the first time, possibly in their history, the Islanders are conducting a proper search for their general manager. The man in charge of that search is John Collins, and reports indicate there’s been no shortage of interest from qualified candidates around the league. It’s now the job of Collins to sift through the chatter and the noise and decide which candidates deserve a long look.Plus, Chris and Joe comment on the organization letting go of radio broadcasters Chris King and Greg Picker, and the backlash response from the media and fan base. Is there still time for the team to reverse course? Joe then asks Chris where he was when Lanny McDonald broke the 1977-78 Islanders' hearts in overtime, which happened 47 years ago today at the Nassau Coliseum. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe
Isles Fix is a one-stop shop for all your Isles news, insight, and analysis sent straight to your inbox five days per week. Our goal is to deliver Islanders Country their news in a unique and comprehensive way - all in one place, built specifically for fans of Long Island's hockey team.
Subscribe: https://islesfix.substack.com/
Isles Fix is now presenting "The Red Line," hosted by Phil Farber (@PhilzFacts) and David Tuchman (@TuchOnSports), a podcast with weekly commentary, analysis and opinion on the state of the Islanders. islesfix.substack.com
Österreich