Three months ago, there was no way Islanders rookie coach Peter Laviolette could have predicted his current situation.

	The additions of Alexei Yashin and Mike Peca don't change Peter Laviolette's objective -- winning.

The former Boston Bruins assistant coach was expected to be hired as an NHL head coach this offseason, but in Boston. Instead, the Bruins hired Robbie Ftorek to replace Mike Keenan. Two weeks later, Isles GM Mike Milbury plucked Laviolette away from Boston and handed him the reins to a team which lost 51 of 82 games.

But after acquiring Alexei Yashin and Mike Peca late last week, Laviolette suddenly has some formidable talent.

"On paper, we became a better team," said Laviolette from his Massachusetts home, still adjusting to the dizzying events of the last few months. "The players we gave up were good, young players. The talent was definitely there, but we picked up a premier centerman in the game and in Peca, we get a tenacious, checking player."

Over the recent draft weekend, the Islanders added Yashin and Peca, but removed defenseman Zdeno Chara and forwards Bill Muckalt, Taylor Pyatt and Tim Connolly, four core players from last season. Initially, the marked upgrade in talent wasn't received well by everyone, especially by Brad Isbister.

"It's sad to see friends and teammates go -- some talented guys," Isbister said. "We had a close bunch of guys, and it's tough to see friends go, but with both trades, the guys are going to good teams."

Isbister, a 6-foot-4 left wing with 18 goals in 51 games last season, knows the team should be a lot better next year, even if it sacrificed some young talent.

"I'm excited to get everything started," he said, noting the appeal of playing with two elite centers. "I think we're still pretty deep."

For players, the change in personnel means fewer friends, but a more competitive team. How will it affect Laviolette's approach to his first season leading an NHL team?

"I don't think it changes the way I approach it," Laviolette said. "I told him (Milbury) I wanted to win hockey games. I told him, from the first game, I plan on winning."

The 36-year-old Laviolette, a two-time U.S. Olympian (1988, 1992) who coached the Providence Bruins to the American Hockey League's Calder Cup in 1998-99, characterizes his approach as incorporating two simple concepts: communication and hard work.

"Outside of drawing things on a board, I'm a big believer in heart and work ethic. And those two are probably my top two things," Laviolette said. "I'm almost naive enough to think that the team that works the hardest wins hockey games. There's been some good proof of it with the two expansion teams doing well (last year)."

While he's willing to confront a player when necessary, Laviolette's preferred mode of communication is to be personable.

"I'm a people person, regardless of age, whether it's my friend and associate Jacques Laperriere (58-years old) or a guy out of junior hockey," he said. "(But) every coach is tough at times."

Laviolette promises to retain an old-school work ethic while playing an up-tempo style -- foregoing the neutral-zone trap as much as possible. Merging the two components became much easier when the Isles acquired Yashin and Peca. Peca can outhustle most opponents, and Yashin thrives in an up-tempo offensive style.

But that doesn't address Laviolette's ability to handle Yashin, a player coming to Long Island with a tainted reputation from his year-long holdout in 1999-2000 while still under contract with the Senators. Based on their first conversation, Laviolette isn't the least bit worried about any problems with Yashin.

"It was outstanding," said Laviolette of his recent phone conversation with Yashin. "He said he was thrilled to be somewhere he really felt wanted. He said, 'Whatever you need for the Islanders, I'll do it.'

"I think he was sincere, and I think he means it."

Isbister, who may be Yashin's new linemate, thinks Laviolette's sincerity will win over the team and the sometimes rough New York media.

"It's been a frustrating couple of years here. He (Laviolette) definitely doesn't want to have a season like last year and the year before," said Isbister, a restricted free agent who has yet to sign for next season but expects to be in camp on time. "He seems to be well spoken, and I think the media appreciates honesty. He seems to be honest and straightforward."

If precedent means anything, Laviolette's coaching results will be pretty straightforward, and he'll use his new talents to mold a winner. When Laviolette was hired in Providence three years ago, he took over a team that lost 54 games the previous season (19-54-7). All he did the following year was win 56 games and take home a championship.

Of course, Laviolette knows the job -- and working in the New York market -- won't be easy, especially with the ever-present memories of the Islanders' four Stanley Cups from the early 1980s.

"I understand what's there through the media and fans. The fans have gone through some tough times on Long Island," Laviolette said. "That's why we have to turn it around -- the fans are there, and we have to bring them back and win some hockey games."

Then, Laviolette checked himself.

"But we haven't done anything yet."

Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com.