from Joe McDonald of ESPN,

Despite the team's loss to the Lightning, Hamonic's decision to stay was a good way to start the offseason. When free agency opened on July 1, Okposo, Martin and Nielsen signed elsewhere. Those three players were major contributors to the team's success, but Snow was quick to react when he signed Ladd, 30, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning forward; Chimera, who brings a ton of experience, grit and leadership; and the return of Parenteau, who played on Tavares' right side from 2010-12. The Islanders also inked promising 23-year-old restricted free-agent center Shane Prince to a two-year deal worth an average annual value of $850,000.

Still, not everyone is optimistic about the direction of the team. One Eastern Conference GM said in a text message. "he wasn't a big fan" of the moves. "Ladd 7 yrs is crazy. Lost better players to UFA. "

Another Eastern Conference executive wasn't sure the Islanders were closer to contention. "Tough call," he wrote in a text. "Typically a conference finals berth signifies true contention."...

It's likely Snow could trade veteran netminder Jaroslav Halak, 31, who has two years remaining on his current deal worth $4.5 million annually. He suffered a severe groin injury in early March and missed the remainder of the season, and Greiss took over the job between the pipes.

Moving Halak will give Snow much-needed cap relief, even if it means acquiring only a draft pick in return. After beating the top-seeded Florida Panthers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in April, the Islanders proved they are on the cusp of becoming a dangerous team in the Eastern Conference.

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