Despite having one of the worst records in the entire NHL, Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz should remain in charge. Trotz and Lamoriello have been the two of biggest scapegoats for the Islanders’ struggles. But no matter how frustrated one is with Lamoriello and Trotz, Islanders’ fans should not lose faith in them. Therefore, no matter what happens this season, Lamoriello and Trotz deserve to be back next year for the Islanders.

A Few Problems

While fans should not give up on them yet, the frustration with Lamoriello and Trotz is warranted. It was very upsetting to see Lamoriello fail to find a proper replacement for Nick Leddy via free agency and then refuse to call up Robin Salo for the majority of the year. It was simply wrong for him to protect Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin in the Expansion Draft over Jordan Eberle and Josh Bailey. Plus, the decision to go with Kyle Palmieri over Eberle has definitely backfired.

For Trotz, it has been just as bad. His unwillingness to be flexible and give young guys more chances has hurt this team a lot. His inability to get on veterans the same way he criticizes the youth is an outdated practice. Trotz also has not provided enough offensive support for Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee on the first line. But the most frustrating decision Trotz has made this season — besides his insistence on playing Zdeno Chara in every game — is restricting Oliver Wahlstrom’s minutes.

Lamoriello and Trotz Deserve To Lead Islanders

Yet despite all their shortcomings and mistakes, Lamoriello and Trotz are the people who got the Islanders to where they are now. At the start of the season, the Islanders were favorites to win the Stanley Cup. The Islanders had made the final four two years in a row, and were one win away from the Stanley Cup Final last year.

This is all because of Lamoriello and Trotz.

Lamoriello has executed key moves that have made the Islanders a better team, like extending Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock to long-term deals.

As for Trotz, he is the main reason why the team has made their previous runs. No one had picked the Islanders to do anything when Trotz first became head coach, yet his style of play led the Islanders to the playoffs three years in a row. The Islanders’ roster compared to other top teams is easily one of the weakest. Yet, Trotz thrives on doing more with less, and he has done a lot with this team.

So before calling for the heads of Lamoriello and Trotz, remind yourself what these two have done for the organization.

Jack Kobil

Hi, my name is Jack Kobil. I am currently attending Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington DC. I am a huge Islanders fan and I love to share my passion for this team.