Could the Islanders’ COVID-19 Policy Change Next Season?
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a major impact on the New York Metropolitan Area. Some of the strongest mandates were in effect at some point, be it on a local or state levels, and the New York Islanders are no exception. Following the 2020-21 season, Islanders’ general manager Lou Lamoriello implemented a vaccine policy in which all staff and players were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and all but one player met that requirement. However, these requirements were just some of the requirements found in New York State.
New York’s private sector vaccine mandate extended to the world of sports, and it had major impacts in several leagues. Brooklyn Nets’ star Kyrie Irving was away for all home games, and it was on the verge of extending to the New York Mets and Yankees as well. However, the city-wide mandate for athletes expired on Thursday, March 24, meaning that these players are now eligible to play in New York City. While the Islanders don’t fall under New York City’s umbrella, could the decision influence Lamoriello to change the Islanders’ COVID-19 policy change next season?
Bode Wilde
If the Islanders were to change their policy, one of their prospects could make a return to the organization. Defensive prospect Bode Wilde was the one player who didn’t meet the policy, and he was loaned to Västerviks IK in the HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second tier. Despite the uncertain nature of the move, Wilde has found form, putting up 10 points in 40 games. Although he did not meet Lamoriello’s policy, the changing rules could allow him to return to North America. If rules continue to change in other cities and in Canada, Wilde will be eligible to play anywhere regardless of his status. As a result, the changing mandates could allow Wilde to play anywhere in North America, and that could influence Lamoriello to bring him back into the organization.
Further Acquisitions
Another piece to consider is that changing the policy could open doors for further trades and draft picks. Although the league only had four players that did not get the shot prior to opening night, one of the names on that list is Tyler Bertuzzi. There was a brief rumor prior to the Trade Deadline that the Islanders might have inquired on Bertuzzi, but it was odd considering Lamoriello’s rules. However, if the speculation is correct, the Islanders changing their COVID-19 policy could allow the Islanders to get a dynamic piece for their lineup. In addition, it is possible that a few players in the 2022 Draft don’t have the shot yet, so it could also rule the Islanders out of a top prospect. As a result, lifting the mandate could allow the Islanders to give all players an equal opportunity and have as as successful an offseason as possible.
While these reasons could be valid in overturning the rules, Lou Lamoriello is always loyal to his ideals. His facial hair and “We, Not Me” policies that made him a Hall of Famer have remained since his prime, and it’s possible it could stick for the foreseeable future. However, as other New York Metro Area teams lift their requirements for players, it could play Lamoriello’s hand to lift it. The idea of bringing Bode Wilde back into the organization can add a jolt to the farm system, and it could allow for a level playing field in draft or offseason decisions. As the offseason approaches, how the Islanders handle their COVID-19 policy will be interesting to watch as their neighbors change their own as well.
I am a first year student at Hofstra University and an avid Islanders fan. I have been writing for Drive4Five since March 2020. My family has been season ticket holders for the team since 2016, and hockey is my favorite sport. As I expand my knowledge in the field of Journalism, I am writing to express my love for the Islanders and the NHL.
