NHL Free Agency: Islanders have money to burn
by Dominik on Jun 29, 2010 11:05 AM EDT
in Big Picture Musings
134 comments
"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses."
>>Elwood Blues
Now that we're past the qualifying offer deadline yesterday and the draft last weekend, the NHL's truly silly season beckons: Thursday, July 1, the NHL's annual inflation bonanza begins. Lucky for Islanders fans, the club has money to burn -- money it has to burn to reach the cap floor, with money coming off the books this summer while the league sees another increase in the cap.
Last year the SBN team hockey blogs did an overview for their respective teams, with a summary of all 30 at From the Rink. This year we'll be doing the same thing; I'll share the central link when all of them are up.
My overview for the Isles last summer at this time is funny in retrospect, in that some answers were obvious (the Isles needed a goalie; they got two) and some I would contradict one year later ("$4 - $6 million for a stay-at-home defenseman? Uh, pass. I bet [Komisarek]'s lucky to get $4 million. This era does not afford such silly money for a blueliner who is not part of the offense.")
I'm still glad the Isles didn't pay Leaf-level money and term for Komisarek last year -- in part because I thought he was overrated and flattered by his Habs D partner -- but I am ready for the Isles to overpay for a minute-munching defensive blueliner this year. A year later, a year closer to turning things around, a year further into seeing how things stack up, it's time to give the on-ice product a boost from the outside.
Without further ado, here's a look at where the Isles stand going into free agency. As I view this site as a collaborative exercise, all your additional suggestions, rebuttals and corrections are encouraged.
Pending Islanders UFAs
Almost too many to count, but here we go:
| Doug Weight (C/LW) | Expected to be signed |
| Jon Sim (LW) | Likely gone |
| Richard Park (C/LW) | Likely gone |
| Trevor Smith (C) | AHLer |
| Greg Mauldin (F) | AHLer |
| Jeremy Reich (W) | AHLer foiled by injuries |
| Tim Jackman (W) | Time well served, but no longer room |
| Mark Flood (d) | AHLer made NHL debut in 09-10 |
| Brett Westgarth (d) | AHLer |
| Freddy Meyer IV (d) | Late surge, would be welcomed back |
| Martin Biron (g) | Good as gone |
| Scott Munroe (g) | AHL vet, squeezed out by prospects |
As noted, Weight is reported to be close to re-signing, while there has been zero news on the rest. It's likely that none of them join Weight, although many fans have come to appreciate Meyer's service in a depth and fill-in role. The Islanders have always praised versatile utility guy Richard Park, but his age combined with a bad season (counting-stats-wise) means the Islanders will probably look to upgrade there.
Pending Islanders RFAs
As detailed yesterday, the Islanders extended qualifying offers to forward revelations Rob Schremp and Matt Moulson, goalie Nathan Lawson, and defensemen Dustin Kohn and Dylan Reese (each of whom made their NHL debuts last season). Sean Bergenheim and Jeff Tambellini did not receive offers. None of the Islanders RFAs made even $1 million last season, although Moulson and Schremp can now expect to exceed that.
Islanders Cap Space (based on $59.4 million estimated cap)
An unbelievable $32 million or so, excluding possible promoted players like Jesse Joensuu and Matt Martin (roughly $850k each) and the outside chance Calvin De Haan or Travis Hamonic make the club on their entry level contracts. Of course for the Islanders, cap space is about as important as the price of tea in China. The real issue is getting to the cap floor.
Room to cap floor: Theoretically around $15 million, excluding those same players who may be promoted from the AHL or juniors, as well as Doug Weight who is expected to re-sign for an incentive-heavy veteran deal. Schremp's and particularly Moulson's raises should nibble into that too, but no matter how those deals unfold the Isles could be looking at a mandatory $10 million to spend on guys who were not with the club in 2009-10, just to get to the cap floor.
Key Needs: Defense, Defense
Try as some fans might, the Isles aren't likely to be rid of Bruno Gervais -- at least not until training camp, where free agents and a potential promotion from within could force him to the waiver wire. With Radek "Injury Caveat" Martinek coming back, that gives the Isles five NHL defensemen including Mark Streit, Jack Hillen and Andrew MacDonald. Ideally Garth Snow adds two defensemen with size and above-average ability to dramatically improve the group's depth 1 to 7. One big free agent score could transform the blueline and prepare it to be a position of strength in the future.
Two years into Sreit's five-year deal and with the touted de Haan and Hamonic (and later, Matt Donovan) in the pipeline, there is room for Snow to make a major financial commitment to another free agent defenseman without it messing up the looming extensions that will come due for the Islanders young forward core.
Speaking of forwards: Snow and Scott Gordon have each acknowledged the team's need for size upgrades. That can happen in a lot of ways -- and it's always a bit of a nebulous topic (you know it when you see it, but finding the balance is tough...) -- but checking forwards is certainly one area where you can add guys who, for lack of a better term, physically punish opponents and create space for their teammates. The question is how many come from within (Martin? Joensuu? Trevor Gillies?) and how many are added via the market.
Potential Targets: A Big D. A Russian forward? Nystrom the Younger?
Well, at the forward checking position, I'm far from the only one to say why not Eric Nystrom? He'd simply be a low-risk, fan-friendly, good-in-the-room move -- and anyone who placed higher expectations on him would be fitted for a strait jacket. But other solid bottom-six targets would come from a pool of players depending on circumstances. (Just to pick one, Manny Malhotra would be a wonderful addition -- especially if the Isles do part with faceoff ace Richard Park -- but he'd need a healthy overpayment to leave San Jose for the Island.)
Another scoring forward would always be nice, but the Isles have so many young forward prospects ready for evaluation (Joensuu, Martin) or ready to take the next step (Tavares, Bailey, Okposo), it's hard to picture a top-six free agent coming in. Not that I'd complain, no sir, but the free agent pickings are slim. But yes, Alex Frolov sure would be a great catch, paving the way for the Russian Kirils of tomorrow.
Defense, of course, is another matter. Never rule out the low-cost AHLers waiting for their shot -- guys that Snow is good at finding -- but this corps needs more than that. If Snow isn't speed-dialing the agent(s) for two of Paul Martin, Anton Volchenkov, Pavel Kubina, Zbynek Michalek and/or Dan Hamhuis on Thursday morning, then my name ain't Nathan Arizona. With the money Snow has to spend just to get to the floor, he really should have one of those guys in that nice new Isles white uni by the end of next week.
In the second-tier of UFAs, a mildly physical puck-mover like Carlo Colaiacovo would be a good fit in Scott Gordon's system, though he carries with him a Martinek-esque injury history. They could always re-flirt with Andy Sutton, but I'd rather not bet on his health, age and looming decline when there are other younger, more mobile options out there.
Finally, in goal Rick DiPietro's shaky knee looms over proceedings once again. Dwayne Roloson showed last year he can still carry the load -- and in fact performs better with the #1's regular work -- so the only question is whether Snow wants to rely on the emergency fill-in ability of Nathan Lawson and Mikko Koskinen (a potential future #1 who missed most of last season with hip surgery), or whether he brings in another veteran to awkwardly share the load. Regardless, the goalie market is flooded, so Snow can afford to wait a bit. Unfortunately, if DiPietro can somehow rebound with health, the Isles won't know until well into the season.
Rivals Have Needs Too, You Know
Around the Atlantic, the Flyers have dabbled in the pre-market with upgrades like Dan Hamhuis and Evgeni Nabakov, the Penguins have done likewise with Hamhuis while preparing their annual "Bargain Wingers for Sid" search. The Devils still act like they could re-sign Ilya Kovalchuk, but as significant they risk losing Paul Martin (hopefully to us). The Rangers are the Rangers, so they're already fighting with Marc Staal over his post-entry level extension, and they'll surely do one smart thing and several stupid things to keep us laughing and almost -- almost -- make us empathize with their abused fans.
That's the round-up as we sit here before the market opens. We can get into more specific targets in the coming days, but who is on your wish list? If you're Garth Snow, who gets your first phone call Thursday?
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i had a dream...
that they non-tendered bergie to save money for a serious run at volchenkov or maybe even kovy
by Lakewood Islander on Jun 29, 2010 11:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
sutton
why not? known commodity that wants to play here(no small accomplishment) physicallt imposing and probably could be had for reasonable amount of money and years.whereas anyone younger will demand a 6 yeae deal that might leave us more hamstrung!
by Lakewood Islander on Jun 29, 2010 11:30 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Sutton: The case against
Just better, younger options out there, and I don’t want to risk getting burned by his age and/or health. We may have just seen the best season of his 30s, and I don’t want to risk a three-year deal on verifying that. If the Islanders were pushed against their budgetary limit I could see it, but right now they should aim higher.
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
Unfortunalty
His age and his health may be the only thing that keeps him a viable option for us.
Lets face facts, until this team wins a playoff round or two we are gonna struggle even to sign the “B” level UFAs. We may have cap space but that ain’t gonna be enough to lure a players here when he has a chance to make a little less somewhere else with a better shot at winning. And the cap has so many loop holes it may as well not exist.
Personally i would not be upset with a two year deal to Andy Sutton. I figured that’s what we were looking at. Given that the youngsters should be better this season I don’t think the D will be getting shelled as much anyways. So he should do alright.
I don’t agree. There aren’t a lot of teams capable of paying top dollar, and the Islanders at least have the arrow pointing in the right direction where a guy like Volchenkov or Michalek could take the plunge for the extra $$$.
What are these cap loopholes that make it practically not exist? Even the teams that are using the loopholes are tying themselves to some significant long-term risk (Pronger’s cap hit and potential decline being one; the Hawks need to shed assets fast being another). This is a far cry from the Rangers being able to spend $76 million for an average team.
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
The way the cap works it's just the average of the combined yearly salary that hits it
You offer a guy a thirty million dollar contract over ten years and front load it so they get eleven mill the first year, 8 mill the second, five the third and so on. You’re average cap hit is going to be three mill a season. With the cap going up each season or even every other season, the spending spree is still on.
The cap was designed to keep the smaller market teams in the UFA game. It hasn’t worked out like that.
Before the cap was instituted, the highest yearly salary was 65 million by the rags. Within two years the cap was raised to 65 mill. Now it’s set to go up to about 70 if I recall correctly? That gives cap strapped teams breathing room as well.
It also raises the floor and it’s a point where there are plenty of teams (like us) that are going to struggle to meet it.
It sure isn't perfect, but it's still limiting salaries significantly
The cap next season is a little over $59 million — and that’s with the union initiating an escalator clause that could easily have them giving 15% or more back in escrow, making the cap effectively lower in real dollars.
In 2002-03 and 2003-04, the Rangers had a $76 million payroll. It’s still a huge difference, and with the exception of the deals where there are wink-wink “you’ll retire by then, right?” deals, teams and players are still having to balance near-term interests against long-term security.
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I’m curious cap versus pre-cap how much in total dollars is being spent league wide on salaries, because although the cap ceiling has limited how much the Leafs and others can spend (just increases their profit margin) it has effectively doubled the floor for some teams (see Milstein’s Islanders).
That’s true, and it’s a greyer area there. Ironically Bettman argued (well, “ironically” only because everyone assumes Bettman is an idiot 100% of the time) that having a cap floor would serve as an accelerator, and it has.
Whether that’s good or bad depends on perspective, I guess. It’s a shame that a big market team can afford cap max every year while a small-market team struggles to afford the cap floor, but the only alternative are: 1) lowering the cap floor to where one team can be spending a third of what the richest teams are spending, 2) more revenue sharing, 3) contracting those teams, or 4) figure out ways to get those teams more revenue/more profitable. My vote is with option 4, but it requires patience: There was no point in expanding if owners didn’t have the long view in mind.
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Lets face facts, until this team wins a playoff round or two we are gonna struggle even to sign the "B" level UFAs. We may have cap space but that ain’t gonna be enough to lure a players here when he has a chance to make a little less somewhere else with a better shot at winning. And the cap has so many loop holes it may as well not exist.
Why doesn’t anyone speak up about this part of the reply? Cap space is irrelevant if all the Isles can attract are Richard Park caliber players.
Until the image of this team improves “B” players are going to be all we can get. Let’s not put the cart before the horse here.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
I don't think that true at all...
if we pay them more money, they will come. It may not work with every player, but certainly the vast majority, the bottom line is always the pay check.
I think that some players are going to lookd differently at the Isles now
They know that with JT on a massive scoring drought, no Nino, no Kabanov, no Lee, no Nelson, no Hammer, no De Haan, etc, the Isles had a week or two early this year when they were about the hottest team around. Then they see us draft Nino, Nelson, and Kabonov, and all the players in our system and they hear the noises about Queens. And then they say, wait a minute, this could get interesting in a year or two. There might be too much competition for A Train, but Zbynek might come…and we need a Zbynek on this team, we really do.
they hear the noises about Queens
Believe me, I wish those noises were true, but until it happens, the Isles play in a DUMP, with their former goalie as GM and our owner’s former partner went to jail.
This is common knowledge. And until our image changes, B or even less are the player’s that’ll answer Snow’s calls. (Or else answer “Is this a prank call?”)
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
Players are smarter than that
they can see where the team is headed, that the former goalie is doing a great job (he is hardly the first former player to be GM) and the former partner is irrelevant.
and on top of that
Players talk. When it was Milbury’s three-ring circus it was hard to get anyone to consider coming here. Over the past three years a lot has changed. The teams see how the Isles compete every night despite wading in the shallow end of the talent pool. They see how their young prospects are already at NHL speed when they arrive here. They see the Isles doing their due diligence in the draft and scouting. Those prospects all talk about how beautiful Long Island is, and some of them do say that the Coliseum was not “the dump” they expected, but was a classic old hockey barn.
Sure the Isles are putting their nicest face front on these tours, but for every guy the Isles draft there’s a dozen who came here and liked what they saw and are around the league talking with their teammates. The Isles are going to be everybody’s darling “dark horse” to make the playoffs this season. Plus they have the dough to keep the core intact for a long while.
Of course I'm an expert, I've seen Slap Shot eleven times!
Until the image of this team improves "B" players are going to be all we can get.
I think hockey-wise, the image of the team is improving. Certainly improving enough for a UFA defenseman, who sees only a few promising teams with ample cap space at the time in his career when he’s ready to hit paydirt, and an uncertain CBA future, to think $500k extra per year in an escrow-heavy environment would be worth taking a chance on the Isles.
Beyond that, there really aren’t many “A” players hitting free agency these days anymore. The truly good ones are getting locked up ahead of time because teams are scared to death of losing them. 2011’s FA crop looks better right now (though I’m sure several will be locked up before then), but I don’t think we’re going to see many summers where Briere, Drury, and Ryan Smyth hit FA at the same time. The fact that all three of those names don’t look so hot for their contracts right now is a good warning that maybe “A” free agents aren’t the wisest move, anyway. Instead, get the right player, for the right fit, at the right price. I think there’s a D-man out there who fits the profile this summer.
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
"A" players don't always equal success
The fact that all three of those names don’t look so hot for their contracts right now is a good warning that maybe "A" free agents aren’t the wisest move, anyway.
That is the important thing to remember, the teams that make big signings get the high priced FA on July 1 are many times the teams that regret it more and more as time moves on. The Isles don’t need to go out and grab “A” talent, they just need to add some pieces to the puzzle and plug some holes in their roster. I also believe that the image of this team is improving and more quality players would be consider playing for the Isles, plus we have the cap space to push them past any reservations they may have…I just hope its used for the right players.
+1
Call Dale Tallon in Chicago and ask him how well signing Brian Campbell to long term, big bucks has worked out. Oh, wait….
For that matter, ask Glen Sather about Wade Redden… The list goes on and on.
OTOH, just how well has Mark Streit worked out for us? A reasonable contrract has turned into an incredible investment and a cornerstone of our franchise.
A reasonable deal for a good, quality, under 30 yeaqr old defenceman who will be here in 3 years is exactly what is needed. If it doesn’t happen this summer, I’m OK with that, because we DO need to look to tie up our future long term and there will be A/B UFAs next year, when they will really be needed.
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jun 30, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
right on mdelbags
most of the time, the A guys are homegrown. It’s very rare for an FA to be the undisputed star on his new team and then succeed, like it did with the ’94 Edmonton Rangers.
Of course I'm an expert, I've seen Slap Shot eleven times!
Dale Tallon’s number in Chicago has been disconnected, but he did have his number forwarded to Florida (and not just for a round of golf). But I agree completely on Streit as well. My take is that he was a mid-level addition to the team that happened to grow into his role, not a pay for your past performance signining.
If you’re Garth Snow, who gets your first phone call Thursday?
Volchenkov and Leopold.
Islander season begins today. Here's to a stronger December. Now go get Gudbranson, Snow, and give me my free tickets.
I think he should call Michalek before Volchenkov
younger, cheaper, not as many people going after him, and basically just as good. Everyone that needs a D will be calling Volchenkov first, so beat them to the punch with Michalek, wow him before Volchenkov signs and you have a bunch more competitors.
Sounds like a plan
I’d still put in a call to both — plus Paul Martin — though! But Z would be the perfect, Streit-like signing while everyone else fights over Hamhuis and presumably A-Train and Martin.
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
D-men on day 1
Calling those players agents should be the first move for the Isles on July 1…I like the idea going straight to Michalek but at the same time we should at least take a chance at Volchenkov. Kurtis Foster is also someone I’d find out about on day 1 assuming we can’t bring in 1 or 2 of the above mentioned D-men. What do you guys think about adding Milan Jurcina to the mix as well?
Foster would be good, too
I always forget about him.
On Jurcina, I’m not ignoring your question, I just haven’t paid as much attention to him so my impression is mixed. I think he’d help, but I am hoping for one of the others. Oh, to be a fly on Garth’s wall and know what he’s thinking. (I guess that’d require being a fly on his cranial wall, actually.)
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
do you think it's like this inside there?
(and yes, i know this show is almost 20 years old)
Scaramouch, Scaramouch, will you do the Fandango ?
-sorry, that pic just screams Boh/Rhap to me
Please, not Kovalchuk.
The term and hit he will demand will cause us serious problems in extending the core. Remember, we need to start signing Frans, KO, JB and JT to extensions over the next few years and they ain’t gonna come cheap. The target season to contend is probably 2011-12, right?
I think Snow should work at one or maybe two significant defensive upgrades. Martin would be great. Volchenkov or Michalek would be good too.
And why not? Facilities aside, we now have a damned good core and a significant upside within the contract window of most of these guys. We should be a significant threat within two years and a real contender within 3-4.
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jun 29, 2010 11:32 AM EDT reply actions
And why not? Facilities aside, we now have a damned good core and a significant upside within the contract window of most of these guys.
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. Money still talks, so the Isles are now in a good enough position where a guy could say, “The venue isn’t great, but the roster is promising and an extra $500k per years sounds pretty good.”
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
The case you made here is why I'm concerned about the UFA shopping spree
That money should be spent extending Okposo, Tavares and Bailey. I don’t want another July 1st 2007 where half the team walks and we have nothing to replace them.
Fundamentally, I agree with you
We haven’t spent the last three years in the wilderness waiting for Snow’s team to develop (and Voldemort’s influence to dissipate) in order to allow the whole exercise to be wasted by spending too much money on the Wade Reddens of the world. Remember, I said no to Kovalchuk, and he is about as close to a can’t miss UFA as you could ever imagine.
The goal will be, within the confines of the CBA, to allow this team to develop into something akin to the 1978 Islanders and then (hopefully a year or so earlier than Torrey did) to make the perfect addition (a la Goring, but by FA acquisition) to put the team over the top.
To restate it, I don’t ever want to spend a huge amount of money on a UFA just for the purpose of spending money on a UFA. However, we will need at least one more guy along the lines of a Mark Streit, who will be in the (reasonably priced at that time) second or third year of a five year deal when we get to the top of the mountain.
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jun 29, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
However, we will need at least one more guy along the lines of a Mark Streit, who will be in the (reasonably priced at that time) second or third year of a five year deal when we get to the top of the mountain.
That’s where I am. And unlike 2007, there are enough solid candidates on the blueline in this summer’s market who will be “worth” (in UFA terms) that money, so it’s not like they’d be blowing cash on Mike Comrie just because he’s there and they have to spend it.
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
UFAs should be used to fill the gaps and not build the core of the team. Fill in with mid-level players and short term deals even if for slightly higher value so that they come of the books at the right time. The key is to make sure they aren’t carrying fat contracts when the core is ready to compete and due a pay raise
I am as strong a believer in building through the draft as anybody, BUT
it doesn’t matter where you get core players as long as you get them. Mark Streit and Matt Moulson are just as valuable members of the core as any we have drafted. A younger FA like Michalek could provide leadership and help the team grow even more than an emeritus player like Weight.
Like BC, I’m a big proponent of building through the draft, but it’s impossible to do it entirely that way. Streit is an example. With D-men taking so long to develop (and their skill being much harder to project during their age 17-18 years), it makes sense to spend some money bullets on legit core blueliners. A 3-5 year deal right now on a top-four D does not interfere with the contracts that will be looming for the youngsters in years 2-5 of that deal.
(Unless the Islanders intend to stay at the cap floor in perpetuity, in which case we have other issues and we might as well throw in the towel.)
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
I think thats the case for star offensive core players...
but defensive, and role players (that can often be just as important to the core), are usually found through free agency and the draft. I think its because those attributes usually come more with experience and with that those player tend to be late bloomers.
I don’t think that you build your entire team through the draft, but the Streit signing is the perfect example of a mid-level player (at the time of the signing he was considered almost an afetrthought around the NHL and on the Islander D he’s an All-Star) that was signed for a reasonable five seasons at a reasonable rate. He has three years left and that coincides with when the re-build should be hitting its prime and cap space could become an issue. It wasn’t like they went out and got Pronger at age 35 for seven years at $35 million because that would be insane.
The core of this team has to be Tavares, Okposo, Hamonic, Bailey, Nino and even DeHaan. Once these guys mature you can bring in higher end players. Chicago for all of their success, jumped the gun with Campbell and Huet and are now handicapped. If they just waited like they did with Hossa they would be a better team and in a better position to keep it together. Unrestricetd Free Agent players (see Smyth) rarely become your core since they have already peaked somewhere else.
but in Chicago's case
They do have that shiny bowl with their names on it. Flags fly forever. No regrets. (Also no Byfuglien, Versteeg, etc etc. but c’est le hockey.)
Of course I'm an expert, I've seen Slap Shot eleven times!
I’m in agreement with you there. I’d rather be in cap hell with the cup than cap space with no cup in sight. That doesn’t mean in hindsight they could have done things better. Huet signing was way more mind boggling than Campbell since he just played them against Caps for a fatter contract. Campbell at least has value on the ice even if it doesn’t match his cap hit.
That's the crazy thing
In terms of “could have done things better,” absolutely. They could have won it all without this cap insanity. So when people start to inevitably say “the cap prevents good teams from staying together” and point to Chicago, I’m going to say no, Dale Tallon both built a good team and made mistakes that kept it from staying together.
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Woohoo! This is my second fav time of year! When we get to look at the possibilities for the Isles to build a bad ass team!
by LI2Brnx on Jun 29, 2010 11:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Lee Stempniak...
could be a nice fit though I believe he’s a right winger, also would love to see Nystrom on the Island. Rumors going around that te Isles are trying to land a scoring winger, and i’ve seen Stephen Weiss come up a few times, also heard something about the Islanders possibly being in on an offer sheet to Bobby Ryan (lol).
stempniak doesnt excite me, ducks will match any reasonable offers to ryan. weiss is interesting… he killed the isles on faceoffs last year,but they need a winger not another center.
by Lakewood Islander on Jun 29, 2010 3:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Weiss is excellent and underrated. But Florida would be insane to let him go.
I’m not very excited by Stempniak. I’ve seen plenty of him, and he’d be similar to what we’ve already had. His unbelievable hot streak this spring may have salvaged his career though.
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insane, you say?
Florida is usually insane. Dale Tallon did a better job than I thought for them in his first few weeks, but still… they’ve been almost Milburian the past decade. The Isles mostly missed on their high picks… the Panthers HIT them all – Bouwmeester, Horton, Weiss, Frolik, that kid d-man Kulikov – and they’ve had either Luongo or Vokoun (who is awesome) in net…. and they can’t even make the playoffs? Horton apparently asked to be dealt because he was sick of it.
The time to pry those guys out of Florida was before Tallon came in. He isn’t gonna fall for any of Garth’s magical tricks.
Of course I'm an expert, I've seen Slap Shot eleven times!
Magical tricks
Not only that, it seems like Tallon has a bit of magic in the trade department (Sharp, Versteeg). Or maybe he got lucky. He really is a mixed bag of a GM.
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
My requirements, Ladies and Gentlemen
I. A first tier defensive defenseman
II. A big, snarly, physical winger who can score
III. A backup goaltender with some game
IV. A Little Caesar’s pizza with extra cheese and pineapple (no ham please!!!)
V. A litre of A & W root beer
VI. A bucket of ice
VII. A collection of Peanuts cartoons on video
Thank you.
a nice list (replace peanuts with red dwarf or monty python for me and pinapple with bbq chicken), but only one of those things has any major impact on the team this year (not counting back up tender as a major) the first thing… so the A-Train is your man right? (much better than his other nickname, though not as funny)
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
Python Marathon...
with peanuts shown inbetween… HEAVEN.
When that’s done, how about a little poker.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
yeah, seriously tho, what a gal, poker WSOP bracelet winner, award winning actress (or nominated at least- possibly for her voice over work in Bride of Chucky???) and provides the voice for Bonnie on Family Guy… Phil Laak is a pretty lucky man
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
the pizza and root beer with Peanuts are a reference to Snoopy's favorite meal
and I actually am starting to warm to Michalek if only because I think the Islanders should at least once have a player with the name Zbynek.
I'd sign up for the Peanuts cartoons, too
…one of these days, Charlie Brown will learn not to return Lucy’s calls.
Just curious, for option “II-A big, snarly, physical winger who can score” — do you have anyone in mind? I don’t see any on the list who move me.
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A fella can!
I just wondered if there’s anyone out there who I didn’t realize would be good. I figured Raffi was the closest approximation. With the NHL UFA market that thin, this is where another Moulson miracle would really help!
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
- I just dont see happening.
The three headed goalie monster was not a particularly fun situation, I just dont see them going there again. With Lawson getting qualified, I think theres your backup if Rick cant cut it.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jun 29, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I wrote 3, not 1- WTH???
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jun 29, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
All your bases are belong to the SBN numbered list gremlin
I think it’s if you hit the # sign before a number it starts an auto list. (You can click “Formatting Guide” below the comment box to see other shortcuts, most of them useful.)
I don’t see a Biron-level three-headed monster happening again, but I’m still wondering if Snow 1) believes in DP’s health enough (doubtful) or 2) believes in Lawson enough to trust him if Roloson gets hurt. Or maybe it’s 3) believes in Lawson and Mikko (after 20 AHL games) enough to bet one of them would be fine if Roloson gets hurt or gets old. I guess if they had Munroe in mind for this position before Biron fell in their laps, it’s not a stretch to think they’d see Lawson in the same light.
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DP won't cut it and Lawson should be more of an emergency guy
Roly will need a reliable backup who can usually be counted on to give the guys a fair chance to win.
Remember Joey Mac and Yann the Mann
I don’t want a repeat of that fiasco again if Rollie goes down and DP can’t get up, so sign me up for another ride on the three headed goalie monster.
I know Montreal just aquired the rights to Ellis but haven’t signed him yet…also Mason, Sandford and Nittymaki may all be decent options…if Biron doesn’t come back.
I totally agree with the big rugged D man, maybe two (heck we signed two goalies last year why not two D men this year?). I still think De Haan is at least two years away, his physical size and injuries suggest to me we need to let him develop a while.
Not sure we are going to get a scoring winger but I’d love to see Derek Boogard patrolling the wing. Our young core needs someone fierce riding shotgun and he’d give those guys alot of room and confidence on the ice. Doug Weight can’t be our enforcer forever you know :)
I still think De Haan is at least two years away, his physical size and injuries suggest to me we need to let him develop a while.
I think you’re right, or at least he’s minimum one year away, but I still worry the Isles will Bailey him or Hamonic or Nino or a Russian. If none of those guys make the opening night roster, I’ll finally stop worrying about it.
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No way DeHaan should make this team next season.
One more year in juniors. He really needed a full season this year to bulk up and improve his work in the corners. I hope he doesn’t get an invite to camp.
Then I will be very frightened.
he almost made the team last year didnt he?
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
That really hard to determine
He just made the cut longer. I never held that he was going to be given serious considerating. I thought they kept him around longer so he could get a better look at what it’s like playing against NHL level talent.
It’s not unheard of. I never really read anything from Snow stating he was given serious considerating. He has the goods to play at this level but still needs a ton of work with one to one gameplay.
if i read into the teams presser a bit, i get a feeling he’s here to stay starting this year (or that they hope so) “Originally slated to draft #26, the Islanders had a specific plan in mind. They first moved up to #16, then later to #12 in order to select Oshawa Generals defenseman Calvin de Haan with their second first round selection of that evening. Although his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, de Haan signed his first professional contract with the team and will surely be making an impact very soon.”
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
He just made the cut longer. I never held that he was going to be given serious considerating. I thought they kept him around longer so he could get a better look at what it’s like playing against NHL level talent.
That was my hopeful read on things. But I just get the sense they want him to be here. If he hadn’t been hurt, I’d bet big money he’d be on the roster this year, even though I’d still think he should wait.
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I won't speak for...
…nor agree with (on this point) BC, but he makes the most compelling argument for them “baileying” Nino. That’s the only prospect on that list that I see in the NHL… But I do this, and they do what they do.
I’m almost over my Bergy man-crush thing… but I’ll say that the only move that justifies losing bergs for nada is the Baileying of Nino. Nino can’t go to the AHL, so if you extend him past the 9 games he’s in top six creek without a paddle. If he fails, there’s no alternative except the owner’s suite.
That’s with Bergy… without Bergy, he fit’s into that bottom 6 slot with Martin/Joensuu/Bailey/Moulson sliding around in the top 3 LW roles… and he grows and learns in the fourth line role…
I don’t advocate that, but I can see it. I’d much rather see Martin and Joensuu get real chances this year… and the professional clock of EL NINO starting next year.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
not really, at least it doesnt have to be, gordo rolls 3 lines pretty continuously, and shuffles in 1 (sometimes 2) of the 4th liners (while others get a sprinkle over 2 min a game)
so 3rd line minutes may not be as low as traditional thinking – maybe
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
They were more successful when they could roll four. I think given a choice I’d have three “second lines” and a third (which is attainable from where we are now, and an improvement over a second, a third, and two fourth’s which is where we were last year. The fourth can be invisible if you have a real first, a real second and a 2B…. but not with our talent level.
They need to imporve from the bottom because Wang won’t spend for ONE top line player, never-mind three… Hopefully, when the time comes, and we have two or three in Nino, JT, Kyle(?), KK(?), KP(?)… he’ll shell out the duckets… but until then, stick to the master plan… Low budget, efficient hockey.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
WANG to Sales Directors: “OK Hotshot, Sell This!”
the master plan… Low budget, efficient hockey.
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
Is it not...
what we have gotten?
No first line players in UFA in god knows how long.
No top pairing “D”… Streit projected as a 3-4, PP specialist that could play the wing when needed.
We have a 40+ year-old starting goalie…
Read my Snowy Island post… the airport has limited access… and it’s a SLOW BOAT.
Kudos to Mr. Wang, because he knows his fan base won’t make it a deserted Island… but I still say shame on him for allowing this to happen in a NY MARKET… well… a good bit of shame belongs to one Michael Milbury… because I think Chucky at least tried to not let it happen.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
what the heck is that? road warrior meets cavemen meets daddy day care?
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
Come on Bob...
That’s the greatest Nick Cage (not a lot to choose from) movie ever…. That’s Randall “Tex” Cobb with the SON OF NATHAN ARIZONA!
There is always a little rhyme to my lack of reason.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
never saw that other than a bit here and there, def not that part, wasn’t a big cage fan in his earlier films
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
If nothing else...
…comes of this drab Tuesday, go rent it… you won’t be disappointed. And I will have done my good deed for the day.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
look alive, son
I’ll be taking these Huggies, and any cash ya got… and could you hurry it up? I’m in dutch with the wife.
Of course I'm an expert, I've seen Slap Shot eleven times!
This thread is starting to take the shape of a typical gathering with my family.
“Her insides were a rocky place, where my seed could find no purchase.”
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Nicolas Cage.... *cue homers donut-drool sound*
That man is on my “list”… I love him. loooooove him. Seriously. Love him.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jun 29, 2010 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
LOVE. Doesnt mean I like all his movies (definitely dont) but man do I like him.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jun 30, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Four chairs, you got a dinette set. No chairs, you got dick
That’s the greatest Nick Cage (not a lot to choose from) movie ever….
So true. Sean Penn had some interview way back that was like, “Cage is dead to me. He could have done great films, and instead he’s doing Face/Off.”
Not that your average Con-Air isn’t fun action candy, but Penn does acting, and Cage does cartoon formulas for $20 million a pop. (Alright, for $20 million a pop, I’d sell my soul, too.)
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
whats so wrong with this???
EVERYTHING
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
Jose Theodore
I think he’d be a good backup for Rollie. He just can’t play in the playoffs.
WOW
anyone see the entrance page to the team site, KK getting the same love now, interesting…
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
EL NINO
FINALLY… A BSD on the NY ISLANDERS… This kid is going to be special… Not saying that because we picked him. said it during the WJC… BC said it after seeing him play… we need this.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
is BSD big story developing? i’m not mentally in line with you today so i can’t assume that to be correct
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
BIG SWINGING D***
Lawrence Taylor… Patrick Ewing… Darryl Strawberry…
Manny! Ray Lewis!
Ovie!
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
And by BSD he don’t mean any ol’ swinging dick. (No Country for Old Men meme.)
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hope the resolution isn't too good on your comp
WHOA! hold on JP,
LT – coke and rape
Straw, coke (ok i know with a nose like that it was inevitable (as the old joke says))
Ray Lewis – while cleared of being involved, he still stood and watched a guy get stabbed and did nothing
use the big shank, visanthe shiancoe, instead, he’s the king of BSD’s
if you play 'words with friends' on the ipod/iphone, my name is BLEWAN, search me out with a "go isles" and it's GAME ON!
Best current example in NY
BRANDON JACOBS…
You’re right with the off the field stuff… I concede that… but this team has needed somebody who, like Messier, or Namath… Says, “Hey, this is MY team, WE’RE GONNA WIN IF I HAVE TO PLAY EVERY POSITION AND KICK YOUR ASS AT ALL OF THEM”
And those are two, maybe better BSD examples from past NY history…
Still.. LT is the B’est Swingingist D of all… I just can’t get behind him off the field, but if you want to win consistently, having an LT on your team is a good start…
and not to push this anywhere that it shouldn’t… the BEST BSD OF ALL TIME IN ANY SPORT…
BABE RUTH… and a close second… MICKEY MANTLE..maybe first in some views.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
D MAAN
I honestly see no reason for snow not to make an offer of serious proportions to throw at volchenkov with the money he literally has to spend. A-Train would give us a solid body at the blue who wont be afraid to block shots and provide a steadying presence for the younger d-men. He’s only 28 and we can get I’d say a solid three year deal out of him, finishing his along with streit’s at the same time and letting time for the pipeline kids to develop
what is up with these posts?
I am as big an Islander fan as anyone out here, in fact, they are my favorite of all the teams in any of the 4 majors. Bit some of you out there have blue/orange colored glasses on. They have 1 top two defenseman and the rest are 5/6/Scratched/AHL defenseman on any other team. they need hamius and two physical defenseman. Gervais? is terrible…he is neither a point producer or a physical d-man. he would be considered a #6. I would retain meyer b/c he at least showed heart. they had Weight playing the point anyway last year on the PP unit, so they only need 1 offensive dman. MacDonald…is okay for a rookie but he seems to be a Gervais type, except only more dependable in his own end. The Isles need to sign 3 dmen….Hamius + 2 physical dman who are not on the radar. and for those of you who want a russian dman…only kasparitis showed his grit and malakhov in his first year…havent we learned enough from having yashin, kvasha, (yes i know they were forwards) that tey don’t work out on the island…….GO Garth, make us proud…..you already blew your chances at a dman in the draft by taking Ned Nederlander (3 amigos reference)
My glasses are clear!
well.. I don’t wear glasses… yet.
Defense is definitely a question mark right now. No doubt. I think everybody here understands that. Check back about august 15th… and we’ll know better… September 15 and we’ll know for sure.
The fact that they have only one forward that has even marginally produced at a top six level is scary. This was a concern last year when they let a few marginally productive forwards pass through the UFA period. They got extremely lucky to even get their one productive forward. But the PRICE has been paid to some extent by allowing their forwards to develop in the NHL. The second question has more to do with style than talent. This is the year that they need to decide if the Scott Gordon model is ever going to work in the NHL. I’m not saying that it can’t, but it HASN’T. This year he loses the TALENT and most likely THE SIZE excuses… he can limp along on the EXPERIENCE crutch as long as he makes progress. The inability to be offensively aggressive against teams that can break the forecheck is INEXCUSABLE… and the answer to allowing solid third period leads to fall into the abyss can not be to grumble away from the interview. Bigger question comes when Petrov and KK are unleashed… does he make them Gordon-esque, or does he work with what is given to him and create a team that DICTATES style….
I think this was a positive draft…. and after whining about it for 24 hours… I think even the moving forward of tendered and non-tendered RFA’s show progress.
The happiness here just shows some confidence in our GM… not a bad thing to have. In reality I think we all understand that we are years away from being a cup contender, but we all know that we should be funner to watch next season.
But what does all this mean to Jeff Tambellini?
actually if you look in the blogosphere
everyone seems to have those orange and blue glasses on because everyone thinks Garth DID make us proud at the draft. The TSN commentator said it all when Garth announced Nino, “AWESOME!!!”
As to the defense, Hillen is at least a second pairing guy and MacDonald is much better than you give him credit for. Hamonic will see action this year and he will be as good as anybody in the NHL when all is said and done. We have a number of other quality prospects in the system and really only need one more big physical defender to complete the core.
D MAAN
We need two physical wingers that can skate and maybe show a little offense as well as two bangers on defense that can skate. We need the two wingers, one each for the first and second lines, to create space for their linemates. They need to be able to go in the corners with sharp elbows, gain possession of the puck and feed their skilled linemates. I don’t see Joennsu or Martin as good enough skaters at this point to accomplish this. A good example of the type we need used to be on our team and just demonstrated his value in the playoffs. Did anyone see Aaron Asham. We need two guys along these lines. On defense we only have “soft” players on the roster. None of them are crease-clearers: Streit, Hillen. MacDonald, Gervais and Martinek?? Streit is a first pair, but he’s the breakout passer. Martinek plays a similar game, but he’s made out of glass. Hillen, while I like him, is too small for an NHL defenseman. He gets muscled off the puck way too much. He’s a good skater, so I could see him playing as a 3rd/4th line forward, penalty killer and possible point man on the second unit. But not a defenseman. MacDonald is a steady partner that a gifted breakout guy can rely on to cover his back, so I can see him as a second pair partner. Bruno played his way off the team and should be demoted to AHL/emergency-call-up-duty. That leaves two roster spots on D with Kohn/Reese filling in on the third pairing – one to play with Streit and the other to play in either the 2nd or 3rd pairing, depending on who you match MacDonald with.
2 top six...
um who is exactly sitting then.
Personally don’t want any top six, although I wouldn’t mind signing an Alex Tanguay for insurance in case Schremp doesn’t come back from injury or Nino isn’t making the team.
Top six for 2010-2011as I see it now (just an example, not sure of the exact combinations yet):
Moulson-JT-KO
Bailey-Schremp-Nino
we have drafted two very talented, big and physical forwards in Lee and Nelson
and Martin is also very good. I should add that Nino does everything well—including banging the boards and Petrov is a very big and physical forward as well.
We do need a big physical crease clearer. Was kind of hoping we could get McIlrath with a second pick but the Rangers got him at #10. Perhaps in 2011.
I can’t agree with 19holekc anymore. the only legit dman we have is streit. we have too many of the same type of player in gervais, reese, kohn, martinek, macdonald, hillen, ….they are all 5’10" or so and weigh about 190. they bounce off bigger wingers. there is zero intimidation. remember when we had the big 4 in hamrlik, aucoin, ninnima, and jonsson…they were all 6’2" and heavier with skill. we need hamius + streit, i can live with macdonald and meyer if we can get two solid bodies that are over 6’2’/220 lbs, that are nasty. ala vandermeer, willie mitchell, even sutton again…or bring Witt back…
The Reverend Nelson now says
“can we bow are heads and pray that all our FA prayers come true”
can I get an Amen.
AMEN!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jun 29, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
AMEN!!
I hope that ‘Reverend Nelson’ sticks…lol
Nicknames: Make it so
Any nicknames that receive love in comments, I’ll do my best to subliminally repeat them in the posts. I’m tickled Rob Schremp Hockey seems to work around here. Reverend Nelson would be great and obscure — heh, hope I’m still around when he arrives in the NHL.
Nino has lots of options out there … the “Low Reiter/Rider” gave me a chuckle. (Nieder = low … reiter = equestrian?).
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Father Nelson, Pastor Nelson or Reverend Nelson? I think I’ll stick with the Reverend. Makes hime seem a little bit like he’s from the old West.
Rev’s all like, “I was drafted! In the first round, even! Hallelujah and praise be to Garth!” :D
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 1, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I'll be impressed
…if the scoreboard/PA guy at the Coli/Lighthouse plays “Low Rider” whenever Nino scores. Then again, they didn’t play “Tank” when Fedotenko scored so there’s that.
Of course I'm an expert, I've seen Slap Shot eleven times!
They need to make a plastic version of this so that I can put in on the dashboard of my car.
I might actually get to see the prospects camp this year. I'll actually be in Long Island for a change.
by metalcoconut on Jun 30, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh man
Conjuring that image in my head…classic.
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Testify!
(waves arms up in the air)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jun 30, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Why would anyone want to play for the NYI?
First off I am a genuine bleed blue and orange Isles fan ..so dont jump me..
But seriously when UFA’s look out at all the teams parked on their lawn are they just going after the money or are they looking for other things. I dont have the answers and maybe you dont either. But there are probably a hundred factors that go into where a guy plays including if he is single, has a family, owns a dog, wants to live in a house in the country or play in a big city, close to family, close to home etc.
We all know the NVMC is ancient..and nothing is going to deceive any UFA differently. Wang can put up all the HD Flatscreens he wants and it will still be ancient. So we know they arent coming for the building facilities.
Maybe they are coming to teach these young guys how to play..but everyone wants to win the cup..isnt that the real reason they all play..yes they are rich by our standards but they all say they want to win the cup…well the Isles arent gonna win the cup in 2010..sorry..let me get it out right here. it will be fun and exciting but we are gonna get spanked at some point and we all know it.
by IslesFanForLife on Jun 29, 2010 7:56 PM EDT reply actions
Its all about the money, always...
yes they may say the right things when they sign, tradition, it was always my dream, great city, etc. etc. but the most important thing is the money and if you pay them they will come.
Two D I would like to sign
Paul Martin who could play on the top pairing with Streit.
Toni Lydman who could take over where Witt and Sutton left off. Our D (I know these hypothetical lineups are annoying) would look like this;
Streit / Martin
Hamonic / Hillen
Gervaise/ Lydman
That’s not too shabby considering last seasons starting six. All things considered I think Martinek is best kept as a depth defensemen/ Bridgport call up. Last season showed his game had really begun to slip and his health is always a factor. I’m not a fan of relying on him for a full season. As dissapointing as it is I would rather rely on Gervaise as a bottom six for now.
In Lydman you get some size and toughess. Which is a bonus. He suffered from mental lapses in Buffalo but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue on the third pairing where he’s not going to eat more than 15 minutes or so a game.
Heh, nice. Let’s just say on this club he would be the third most physical D-man, and that’s only if Freddy Meyer were still on the list.
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This is specifically for Dom:
I really, really, realllllyyyyy hope we make a run at this guy
I cannot wait for Rakh-tober.
Oh man. Editor’s nightmare, but if he plays like Frans I’ll take it.
Lighthouse Hockey: Now accepting applications for 2015.
Espn rumors-
Cites Dom and his/this blog/site as a source… How cool is that?!
(sorry for geeking out.)
Go Mr. Dom. Now how about some lottery numbers.
by IamJacksSplitSave on Jun 29, 2010 11:34 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Ok heres my dream shopping list in order, with alternative if store is out, order is priority
A. Michalek (Volchenkov)
B. Hamhuis (Martin)
C. Torres (Nystrom/Maholtra)
D. Goalie, (don’t care who really)
E. Tanguay (sign late if another top six is needed, Schremp injury, Nino not ready)
Here's my "realistic" wish list
Michalek and Foster on D. Michalek is the player that the Islanders will really target in terms of a Streit like signing and have a shot. With these two they add some size, toughness and a bit of offense. Maybe Jurcina on D, but not sold on him. Foster could be one of those risk/reward signings and at 6 ft 5 230 adds size. He had a serious injury a couple of seasons ago, but any rust should be gone and with the passing of his daughter he may just want the hell out of Tampa. Martin would be nice as well as Volchenkov, but I don’t realistically see them taking the Islanders money.
Malholtra and Torres up front. Add depth on the third and fourth lines since the Islander roster is projected to be all second line players. Malholtra can line up with Nielsen in the third so we have a chance to win a faceoff in the third. Both add size and need depth on LW with Torres. Lombardi would be nice, but he’s smallish 6 ft, should be a number two at his price range and the Isles have a glut at number 2 center. I see him possibly going to the Jackets to set up Nash.
Nittymaki could be a decent backup in net or even Ellis , but I have to believe both will re-sign with the team they’re with. We’re more likley to get someone like Sanford or Sabourin to ride the pine on the cheap. If they get someone more accomplished look for the trade Roloson at the deadline headlines to start before the first puck is dropped.
Wishful thinking and going outside of my pay for core player sensibility: Offer sheets to Bobby Ryan and/or James Neal. I’d think either would be close, but under Corey Perry money at an annual cap hit of $5.23 Million and a 1, 2 and 3 pick in compensation.
Nice plan 1919
I agree with everything you’ve got above aside from the offer sheets…
Now if only we knew what Garth is thinking right about now.
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Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Jersey
|
82 | 48 | 27 | 7 | 103 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
82 | 47 | 28 | 7 | 101 |
|
Philadelphia
|
82 | 41 | 35 | 6 | 88 |
|
New York Rangers
|
82 | 38 | 33 | 11 | 87 |
|
New York Islanders
|
82 | 34 | 37 | 11 | 79 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
Islanders Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
@
Philadelphia
|
Wed 09/29 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Calgary
|
Wed 09/29 | 8:00 PM EDT |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Fri 10/01 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
New Jersey
|
Sat 10/02 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Montreal
|
Sat 10/02 | 7:00 PM EDT |
Last 5 Games
|
Pittsburgh
|
Sun 04/11 | OT - L 5 - 6 |
|
@
New Jersey
|
Sat 04/10 | L 1 - 7 |
|
@
Pittsburgh
|
Thu 04/08 | L 3 - 7 |
|
Montreal
|
Tue 04/06 | SO - W 4 - 3 |
|
Ottawa
|
Sat 04/03 | W 4 - 1 |
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