We just learned why the Islanders couldn't lock up Nazem Kadri

In short, Lou Lamoriello failed where Brad Treliving succeeded in freeing up payroll space.

Rumours about Josh Bailey and Anthony Beauvillier have been circulating and it's surprising that the Islanders haven't been able to work out a trade for either.

So far, the only move Lamoriello has made is to acquire Alexander Romanov on defence. Also, remember that he fired his veteran coach, Barry Trotz.

As Friedman reports, the Islanders need to come to terms with Romanov and Noah Dobson by the start of the season. He thinks the former Canadiens defenceman will sign for about $3 million, and that it will be a little higher for Dobson.

Friedman's conclusion is that it is extremely difficult to build a competitive NHL team and manage a salary cap at the same time. The Islanders have not been able to alleviate their salary cap problems with viable solutions and now face a team that looks a lot like the one that failed to make the playoffs last season.

Will the 2022-2023 season be Lou Lamoriello's last?

Stay tuned.