Takeaways From Lamoriello's Media Availability

New York Islanders President/General Manager Lou Lamoriello addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon, touching on a variety of topics.

Belief In the Group

Lamoriello reiterated his belief in the group, but acknowledged that if improvements can be made, they will be in order to take another step in being one of the two teams playing this time next year.

"Our ownership has given us every resource and every possible thing that we need to do it," Lamoriello said of being able to play this time next year. "It's on us to do that. We have to get better. I have to get better. Our coaching staff has to get better and our players have to get better and the inconsistency has to be taken care of."

Even though Lamoriello stated he thought there were moments where the Islanders beat themselves in the six-game series loss to the Hurricanes, he still believes this core can and will compete with the best of the NHL.

When it comes to the defense, Lamoriello was strong in reaffirming his support for his goalies and the group patrolling the blue line.

"I believe in our goaltending. I think that sometimes we forget the four young core defenseman that we have in [Adam] Pelech and [Ryan] Pulock as far as the age that they're at 28 years old," Lamoriello said. "And two young players in [Alexander] Romanov, and [Noah] Dobson at 22, 23 years old."

Lamoriello specifically noted Dobson, who netted 13 goals and 36 assists this past season following the singing of a three-year deal in August, as someone he sees has a bright future if he continues to work on his development.

"I've spent some time with him this postseason, as recently as today, and he has a great mindset. He knows what he can do to be better and he will do that. I have high expectations for him. I think he's going to be one of your elite scoring defenseman in this league before his career is over."

Moving to the offensive side of the puck, Lamoriello pointed out the advantage the team has in carrying five centerman and also stated the flexibility of having players that can fill different roles on any given night.

"I think that we're fortunate to have the five center ice-men we have. When I say pure center ice-man, certainly Mat Barzal was moved over to right wing which I do agree and did agree with at that time," Lamoriello said. "But we have the option to if something should come about to make us better in a different situation, we could change the construction of our offensive lines."

Wahlstrom and Romanov Updates

Lamoriello confirmed that Romanov underwent shoulder surgery at the start of the offseason, and that the young defenseman is expected to be ready for training camp.

Lamoriello also added that Oliver Wahlstrom, who only played 35 games last season due to a lower body injury, has started skating and Lamoriello expects the winger to be ready for the start training camp.

Signing Free Agents a Priority for Islanders

When it comes to free agency, Lamoriello made it no secret that one of the main goals for the club was to bring back their unrestricted free agents.

"Our intention is to look at the people that we know first and feel that we'd like back," Lamoriello said surrounding the pending free agents. "We certainly would like Scott [Mayfield] back and certainly [Pierre] Engvall, and Zach [Parise] and Varlamov. They are priorities."

When asked about the 38-year old Parise, who scored 21 goals last season, Lamoriello didn't miss a beat.

"We certainly want him back. We've told him that and we will encourage him any way we possibly can," Lamoriello said about Parise. "I think each and every one of you who have seen him play enough, knows what he brings. He brings not only tangibles but intangibles."

Stadium Series Excitement

Lamoriello touched on his memories of prior outdoor games he's been involved with when asked about the recent announcement of the Islanders taking on the New York Rangers at MetLife Stadium in February.

"I experienced two outdoor games, one with New Jersey at Yankee Stadium and one in Toronto" Lamoriello said. "I think it's something that the players look forward to, the fans look forward to and it's a different experience."

From playing outside in venues that can fit 60,000 or even 70,000-80,000 people, to the practice days leading up to the event, Lamoriello thinks it's a truly iconic event.

"We have to remember it's also a hockey game," Lamoriello said. "That's two points. That's the most important thing but it should be very fun with the Rangers and the Islanders playing MetLife Stadium."