The legend has spoken. After a busy offseason, Lou Lamoriello addressed the media and gave important updates on all things Islanders before opening night.

Lamoriello called the Islanders “the deepest team we’ve had.” The Islanders have Stanley Cup expectations after making the NHL semifinals in the previous two years.

Then, he got into specifics. Kieffer Bellows has been added to the roster as a depth forward, taking the now sent-down Thomas Hickey’s spot. Bellows recorded three goals in 14 games last season and has 22 career games to his name. The 2016 19th overall pick is eligible for waivers this season, and his scoring abilities could make him an intriguing claim for a rival team.

Cory Schneider was also added to the roster. Jakub Škarek originally made the 23-man roster in a paper transaction but was assigned to Bridgeport to make room. Schneider was the taxi squad goaltender last year, playing one game for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and none in the NHL.

That should change this season. The 35-year-old will get some playing time as Semyon Varlamov recovers from an injury.

While Varlamov gets better, he will travel with the team on their opening weekend road trip. So will Matt Martin, who is nursing up an offseason ankle injury himself.

“I do not think it lingered any longer. We knew that we were going to give it as much time as necessary to be 100 percent. That’s what we’re doing,” Lamoriello said in reference to Varlamov’s injury. “We’re extremely comfortable that it won’t be long.”

Lamoriello was also asked about a timetable for negotiating a contract extension for Barry Trotz. The veteran executive gave no comment and cautioned the media to not read into that answer. Trotz became the first Islanders’ head coach to win the Jack Adams Trophy in 40 years when he won the award after the 2018-19 season.

Drive4Five