Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said that changes will be made to the roster, but he would like to keep the core of the team in place.

He addressed the media on Tuesday, days after the team was eliminated in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Semifinal by the Tampa Bay Lightning. He called the past two seasons, which saw deep playoff runs, “no fluke.”

“This team has done extremely well in the last couple of years. It’s no fluke in my opinion,” he said. “…I don’t know if words can express how proud I am, but we are extremely happy with this group.”

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The Isles have two big free agents. There's Long Island native Kyle Palmieri, who joined the team in March and has told Lamoriello he wants to stay. The bigger concern is forward Casey Cizikas, a 10-year Isles vet and a key member of their tough guy fourth line who earned the right to test the market.

“That’s the time for the player to make the best decision for him, his family and his future,” said Lamoriello. “We respect that, but we will do everything we can to possibly retain Casey.”

The team will open next season at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park. But Lamoriello says it will not be ready for the NHL's opening night – meaning the Isles will likely start the season on a long road trip.

“I know the NHL and the scheduling group take into tremendous consideration having the players on the road for too long. So, I'm comfortable that we'll get a schedule that we can live with,” he said.

Lamoriello also announced that Jean-Gabriel (J.G.) Pageau had hand surgery on Monday. He’s expected to be OK for the start of training camp.