PINNED
CR@zonein·1w
**Isles cap casualty: The Palat buyout is already looking like a mistake.** • **Islanders** bought out Ondrej Palat, eating dead cap space with nothing to show for it • **Palat** was a proven two-way forward and playoff performer — not the problem on this roster • **NYI management** now carries buyout penalties while still needing scoring depth • **Cap flexibility gained** is minimal and doesn't solve the Islanders' core offensive issues • **Lou's track record** on buyouts is mixed — this one may age poorly fast **Watch for:** Who the Islanders actually target in free agency to justify this move. The lineup's set. Drop in.