Replacing Martinek: What'll it be?
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 2:40 PM EST
in Roster Manoeuvres in the Dark
38 comments
"To me, [Martinek]'s one of best kept secrets in NHL," Gordon said. GM Garth Snow agreed and wouldn't rule out a trade: "It's a big hole for us to fill. If something makes sense, we'll do it."
>>NY Post, paying a blip of home-game attention to Islanders hockey
Well yeah. Of course you wouldn't rule out a trade. When you enter a season with just seven NHL blueliners -- at least four of them no strangers to X-rays -- you're going to reach this point where a replacement of some kind is needed.
That's not to say Garth Snow's job is easy here: It's difficult to sit two quasi-NHL defensemen every night and get them enough work to be competent when you need them. If one of them is a green Jack Hillen, you get stuck wondering if all the sitting is right for his development. That's why a known depth quantity like Freddy Meyer is nice to have.
But now Hillen and Meyer are both in the lineup, and Martinek's 22:47 TOI (2:22 on the PK) per game is not. So what do you do?
The Islanders are headed on the road, where they could be an Andy Sutton shot block or a Brendan Witt awkward hit away from needing another defenseman. Bridgeport's Andrew MacDonald makes for a nice call-up in a pinch; otherwise, none of the young AHL prospects are ready for this role (the Sound Tigers have lost 5 in a row, by the way). But unless they want MacDonald up with the team as The New Meyer, a depth move seems prudent. You're not replacing Martinek -- an already busy Mark Streit and the rest split up his duties -- but you do want someone with enough upside to claim a regular role, plus enough negative leverage to accept whatever the Isles give him.
Any ideas or pet waiver gems out there? (Side Q: Would you have claimed Randy Jones and half of his $2.75 million off re-entry waivers if the injury happened then?) Any *cough* realistic trades? Remember that if you look to Europe, at this point a guy has to pass through Dubie-waivers. And if you bring up Chris Chelios, I swear ...
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it certainly wont be anything earth shattering, that’s for sure, if they traded
what is protocol with the prospects in junior? can they call them up for brief stints? is it that 9 game rule for anyone in junior?
why isn't #16 hanging in the rafters?
by bob l on Nov 9, 2009 3:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, we don’t have much to give, so there’s not much to get. Maybe Snow sits tight (and crosses his fingers) until a team tries to sneak someone through waivers.
For juniors, it’s not really an option until after their junior season ends, or unless they’re keeping ’em up for good.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Chelios! :D
(OK- I only brought him up because Im curious what follows those ellipses there at the end lol!)
Over at the Arena the idea of trading for Aucoin was brought up last night. I just cant picture Garth trading for his former teammate. Plus, a Yotes fan mentined that Aucoin is plying good enough where they wouldnt WANT to trade him anyway.
I dont know, I just dont see Garth doing much of anything tradewise unless something (god forbid) happened to Streit, Sutton, or Witt as well. Maybe if someone was itching to dump some salary… now THAT I could see. But that isnt going to happen til later in the season (if it happens now that means the player isnt playing well and we wouldnt want him anyway lol)
Lets go Islanders...
by TheMetalChick on Nov 9, 2009 4:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i was tempted to bring up CC too TMC, lol, i didn’t want to get banned though :-)
why isn't #16 hanging in the rafters?
by bob l on Nov 9, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL!!!!!!!!!
Lets go Islanders...
by TheMetalChick on Nov 9, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
*belly laugh*
Normally when I bring up a “don’t-you-dare-mention…” it’s an open invitation for crossing me, so I’m tickled that both of you went there. Well done.
I could be talked into Chelios — on grounds of “veteran mentor yada yada mean streak yada yada” and such, plus if someone made some overwhelming case that he hasn’t, indeed, lost it.
He’s quite the divisive figure and I’d have trouble rooting for him. But I don’t think it’d ever happen, not for the Isles nor for him. It would be funny, though: If he’s dead-set on continuing in the NHL, what if his only offer is from a team like the Isles? Then what? Humbling, but beggars can’t be choosers at age 47.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Over at the Arena the idea of trading for Aucoin was brought up last night. I just cant picture Garth trading for his former teammate. Plus, a Yotes fan mentined that Aucoin is plying good enough where they wouldnt WANT to trade him anyway.
By the way, I would’ve loved Aucoin in the summer. I think WebBard mentioned him way back before the end of last year … that would’ve been a fine stopgap doing basically what he’s doing for the Yotes now.
Though I guess D-men who like to man the PP lose their mojo when they’re not on it. Although, with Weight in and out of the lineup, that’s one PP point spot he could’ve shared.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 10, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But if we just feel like speculating...
What do you think about Andrej Meszaros?
Lets go Islanders...
by TheMetalChick on Nov 9, 2009 4:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was pretty much fishing for idle speculation, so bombs away.
Meszaros is interesting because he could be a high-risk/high-reward acquisition (in that if he met his potential, it’d be a coup). But I wasn’t high on him when the Lightning gave him that silly contract, and if now they’re not high on him either, I definitely don’t want to help them out.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You did not mention Westgarth. Dunno if Lukowich has signed anywhere. SI is pushing the rumor that Carolina is trying to move Corvo. Everyone on the Hawk thread hates Sopel, but I do as well. Rather bring up Westgarth or MacDFonald.
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 9, 2009 4:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
actually...Lukowich is plating for the Texas Stars...
Vancouver’s AHL affiliate. We could probably get him for a song. Like him better than anything else suggested here.
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 9, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked him once upon a time. Now? See Chelios.
In truth though, he could be a good guy to have around in that depth role, and maybe he’d prefer NHL healthy scratch cooking to life in the minors.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chelios?! C'mon, Dom!!!
I mean I know Brad’s a little long in the tooth, but geez Louise!!! Truth is he had the misfortune to get traded to a team with one of the deepest bluelines in the NHL. In any event, I think its either someone like him or MacDonald or Westgarth. Anything else would be too pricey. Pity Garth didn’t listen when I suggested we grab Babchuk.
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 9, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, he was the weaker D-man on two good NHL teams, so surely he’d fit the Isles just fine. And he’s only 33, even if sometimes he looks … older.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
westgarth is more a physical guy no? they seem to be shying away from that for some reason
why isn't #16 hanging in the rafters?
by bob l on Nov 9, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Sopel is a non-starter.
True, I suppose Westgarth could be a promotion candidate as well — and on days Gordon wants a fight-capable guy in… But I’d prefer not to replace Martinek long-term with a strictly AHL defensman though. Be nice to have either someone with future upside or a vet who can settle things down. I don’t like the margin now if someone else gets hurt.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who could have predicted that Martinek would get injured like this?
by AP77 on Nov 9, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Only Miss Cleo wouldn’t have. Still, he really outdid himself this time.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 9, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With his track record, I would lock him up with a 15-year contract. It’s the Islanders way, after all.
by AP77 on Nov 9, 2009 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
its funny, that deal will forever live in infamy, DP was to Wang what Vick was to Arthur Blank… hmm… maybe that’s not a great analogy… anymore ;-)
why isn't #16 hanging in the rafters?
by bob l on Nov 10, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Berard?
Unfortunately he is playing for the KHL which means waivers. But I get the feeling that he’s less likely to get picked up then Dubie.
btw, I get bonus points for mentioning Chelios during the off season.
Here’s something to help. This is a list of all the UFAs from the off season. In The comments section is if/who they signed with, Click Here
The only two names that jump out at me are Mathieu Dandenault (Currently signed to a tryout with the Wolfpack) Aaron MacKenzie (Young player, former depth Dman for Avs) and Chris Lee (a Bridgeport player, might have signed with Pens AHL team)
by WebBard on Nov 9, 2009 6:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah, Dandenault. He was always useful. Wonder if he still has it, or if Ranger stench has now infected him in Hartford.
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 10, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That really sucks, I don’t think there’s any realistic way that the Isles can replace Martinek. Really it’s going to be more about getting a veteran NHL D that can play the minutes and be respectable. On that front, the Caps are carrying 8 D and have one, maybe two, prospects in the AHL that could come take NHL minutes. I suspect GMGM has been sitting on the 8 D waiting for either a) Caps injuries require him to make use of all 8 or b) another team’s injuries inflating the value for one of them. Mike Green and Jeff Schultz are not going anywhere. Tom Poti…. Tyler Sloan is basically a no-name and he’s cheap but relatively reliable. He’s not the kind of guy NYI wants. That leaves Pothier, Morrisonn, Jurcina, and Erskine. They all have different strengths and weaknesses but any of the 4 can fill in reliably. GMGM may be hesitant because a rash of injuries have hit the Caps D, but at some point he is going to have to make space for Alzner to come up this season. Keep your eyes open next time we play.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 9, 2009 9:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rumor has it that the Wings are shopping for a goaltender. If that is true, they might do a deal sending Ericsson or Lebda here for Biron.
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 9, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Lebda is more likely. I’m pretty sure they’re real high on Ericsson and I can’t see them moving him for an average rental goalie. (OT, do you think if they could go back they would have kept Quincey instead of Lebda? Great call guys)
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 9, 2009 11:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
of course, the logical thing for them to do is just stay the course with Ozzie
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 9, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure they keep him no matter what. I think it’s Jimmy Howard’s job that’s being shopped. They’ll take another veteran and split starts and hope for playoff Osgood to reappear.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 10, 2009 12:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
a good young defender wouldn’t be a bad swap for Marty…esp since Poulin looked really good during preseason.
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 10, 2009 1:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tom Poti…
Well played sir!
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 10, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey! some of us miss his telegraphed passes and shots
why isn't #16 hanging in the rafters?
by bob l on Nov 10, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Biron will be going back to Buffalo
They need a backup goaltender who is not named Patrick Lalime. I would say they’re probably willing to give up Tallinder, but they’re short on d-men too. So we’ll probably only get a draft pick for Biron.
Please, no Sopel. Please.
by isles16 on Nov 10, 2009 12:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Its possible but I doubt it. Martys going to want better if he can and I think the Isles need players not picks.
Lets go Islanders...
by TheMetalChick on Nov 10, 2009 12:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
with the number of teams already possibly looking for goalies...
Chicago, Detroit, maybe Dallas, Marty could command a good price whether its a prospect or a pick.
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 10, 2009 1:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it’s early in the season for picks to be thrown around though, teams see them as leverage later in the trade game and don’t want to be short on chips at those crucial times
why isn't #16 hanging in the rafters?
by bob l on Nov 10, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I'm saying...the longer we hold onto Marty, the more his value
by BCISLEMAN on Nov 10, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I concur. I just wanted to say concur but I do agree. Trading Marty to a team who has a leak in their boat won’t fetch you the same value as a team that is in all out bail out mode.
by metalcoconut on Nov 10, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly*. Unless Miller gets injured, I hope Biron doesn’t end up in Buffalo, because I can’t imagine the price being very high in that transaction.
*or, if you prefer: concur
Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.
by Dominik on Nov 10, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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