Okposo Signs Five-Year Deal to Remain with Isles
Way to go, Garth!
This is a great signing and shows SnoWang's continued commitment to building a winner. The rebuild chugs on and takes another awesome step forward.
Per Strang: Worth $14 million over 5 years and similarly back-loaded like Grabner's: $1 mil, $2 mil, $3 mil, $3.5 mil, and $4.5 mil
about 1 year ago
Fabtraption
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dam, you beat me too it. This is great news!
"Milbury said he was at the Winter Classic and he was getting heckled by an Islanders fan. He couldn’t understand why an Islanders fan would show up in an Islanders jersey at a non-Islanders game just to heckle him." My New Hero
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
same here
this is amazing news…now if they only released the details so we would have something else to talk about
SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK!!!
finally we are keeping guys BUT
after getting use to seeing guys leave all th etime it is awesome to see some talent signing to stay for long term. and some decent contracts too. We will get to keep jerseys with the same name on them for awhile.
BUT is this some sort of move to be more attractive to a new city, what if this is all to lure Kansas oCity or some other place into building the arena for them
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
by Rickfansince76 on May 25, 2011 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions
If there's PR involved, it's probably to look attractive to the city they're already in
Leading up to Aug. 1. I think most potential new owners and especially ones looking to relocate would be into a team regardless of a contract here or there.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on May 25, 2011 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Why are you doing this to yourself?
If the Isles do something good, its just to appeal to some other city.
If they DONT do something good, its because they dont give a shit and it must mean they are moving.
Dont you see that your reasoning in this case serves no purpose other than driving yourself crazy?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on May 25, 2011 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
THANK YOU, Metal Chick!
I guess decades of misery has made some of our fans paranoid beyond reason, but it honestly seems like most of our fans already have a preemptive sob-story/conspiracy theory for every move before a move is even made. Given the mess that Snow inherited, I think it is absolutely PHENOMENAL what he has been able to do in such a short time. Nonetheless, the vast majority of Islanders fans want to see the guy canned. It makes absolutely no sense to me. Milbury (and to a greater extent, the downright CRIMINAL ownership we have endured in the past) created so much turmoil for our team, it seems like if Al “The Architect” were in his prime and running this team we would still have an angry mob calling for his head. For the first time in nearly TWENTY YEARS I feel like Garth has this team on the right track….. Let’s try to enjoy it, people….. We weren’t going to return to 1982 form over night….. Last season showed a ton of promise. We are getting there.
by H0PPY on May 26, 2011 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
wasnt bill torrey “The Architect”? because in the coliseum there is a banner saying the architect and then on for arbour with 1500 for his 1500 games coached
SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK!!!
I was thinking the same
especially since they specifically mention his time as an Alternate. I’d still be surprised though.
"Milbury said he was at the Winter Classic and he was getting heckled by an Islanders fan. He couldn’t understand why an Islanders fan would show up in an Islanders jersey at a non-Islanders game just to heckle him." My New Hero
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
ko has the right persona for it,but they will probably give it to streit just because he is the lone veteran .(hunter doesn’t count)
by Lakewood Islander on May 25, 2011 5:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Streit deserves it....
..another VET who doesn’t get a lot of hype for the “C” is Frans. But I do think that your captain should log a good chunk of minutes… and have “leadership qualities”. When things were at their worst Streit was doing all the right things and playing his ass off. Two years, and we go from there. That’s the way I see it anyway. A’s to Kyle and Amac.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Phenomenal
Now I hope he can reach his potential…He has left allot to be desired…
He should not be the capt…Streit is the only qualified guy for capt that we have…Let KO worry about his own game before making him responsible for everyone else….he hasn’t even scored 20 goals in a season yet…
by KO21 on May 25, 2011 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Agreed
Dont put too much pressure on him. Let him worry about getting more goals, then he can be the next captain
Surprised....
Surprised he signed a 5-year deal after a low-production season. He was making less than a million before this contract. Even 90% healthy with a little more production he’s worth $2-$3 million per season. I’m guessing they signed him around $10 million for 5 seasons. Just wondering why he didn’t sign for two years now. He’ll likely be around $3-$4 million player two years from now.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on May 25, 2011 5:15 PM EDT reply actions
my only thought
Is that we have a bunch of guys who feel like they are in the midst of building something good, who also like Long Island. Even in the dark and gloomy days of the Milbury reign, there were still players who loved Long Island and the fans.
"Milbury said he was at the Winter Classic and he was getting heckled by an Islanders fan. He couldn’t understand why an Islanders fan would show up in an Islanders jersey at a non-Islanders game just to heckle him." My New Hero
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
1st post on here, long time reader
you guys are the best. can’t believe i read IPB for years before finding this place. I dont think I’ve ever read IPB again after finding the lighthouse
Great news. KO is one of my favorites. So happy to see him locked up and very excited for next year! Go Islanders.
I’m kinda a hockey n00b when it comes to advanced stats and all that, but I’m looking forward to interacting with y’all and learning lots.
by Dep on May 25, 2011 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 5 recs
Long-time lurker, first-time poster
Yeah that’s how we all felt at first for the most part. IPB dropped the ball on a place to intelligently discuss Islanders hockey. It’s always great to have non-Chris Botta cultists on this board.
And don’t worry about advanced stats. It’s definitely possible to walk around on these boards without knowing what a Corsi is and how you get it – probably gotta do with lice or something.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Ya don't hafta understand dos dam stats
to have fun here. Even with my 3rd grade math I still feel welcome.
NOWHERE Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
WHOOOOOO!
Per Newsday-
Okposos deal is for $14 million over 5Y
It is similar in structure to Grabner’s Deal: $1M, $2M, $3M, $3.5M, $4.5M
LOVE IT.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on May 25, 2011 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
TMC
must be dancing in the “Isles”
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on May 25, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
:) I really am happy w/this.
Isles are paying Kyle what he is already proved to be worth these first 3y… and hopefully by then his play will improve to the point where these first few years were a total steal. I am optimistic! :D
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on May 25, 2011 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Dep: WELCOME
Have fun, not good at stats, so what, make some up on your own so we can all have a good chuckle. Again, welcome!!!!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on May 25, 2011 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome, Dep
Thanks for joining! We’re kind of lucky in that the user/comment interface here helps feed the conversation a little. (To keep up with things, you can see your comment history by clicking on your name, and then you know where replies are and stuff like that.)
And only eat the advanced stats you feel like chewing on. As long as I have the keys here, I hope this place allows everyone to enjoy the sport in their own preferred way.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Thank you all...
For the warm welcome :) Can’t wait for next season and dissecting it online with the posters here. And while i may not understand Corsi and the such at this point, i want to learn! Looking forward to doing so :)
Well
This is a healthy (and timely) start. The rest is just details.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Welcome.
Whenever I see “Corsi” I just pretend it’s an appetizer at an Italian restaurant and it all makes sense. I have no idea what any of that stuff means, yet I still love this site. It’s a great place. It’s odd to find an oasis of non-crazy on the internets.
The tone at IPB, where every article has some subtle snark, and the all out rage in the comments section turned a lot of people off it seems. Yet there, with open arms and lots of imported beer talk, was Dom and LHH.
by Les Beaver on May 25, 2011 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
It's a Westmal tonight, by the way
Which means I’m not technically responsible for whatever appears under my byline here tomorrow.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Corsi al Fresca
As much as I try to steer myself from the Corsi, I think it’s great how Dom, Garik, Ben and others will use those numbers to make a point… or sometimes tear one apart. As I will will sometimes try to counterpoint THE STATS GUYS, I will find myself getting lost in them (the stats, not the guys) sometimes… and I wouldn’t know a Corsi (relative, acquaintance, or otherwise) if it wasn’t for LHH.
This is the best ongoing Islander conversation on the net… bar none. If we could just move it to a bar… then it would be PERFECT!
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Youre like one of those "long time listeners, first time callers"
that call the FAN and then Mike Francesa rips them a new one. We’ll be easy on you.
Intently glued to every COZO
by Chris McNally on May 26, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We should start going all Jim Rome on new members
“Talk to me. Have a take. Don’t suck.”
A buddy and me used to leave each other voice messages imitating/mocking Rome, the guy is so absurd yet curiously amusing.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Just don't call me "Chrissy"
- TMC
She’ll get all Bergenhiem Nasty on ya!
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
by JPinVA on May 26, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
WTF? JP
Are you refering to the (way back then) Jim Evert interview with some sports caster? The guy kept calling Jim “Chrissy”? JIm, got so pissed off he told the guy “you call me Chrissy one more time and Im going to kick your ass.” Sure enought the guy called Jim Chrissy one time too many and Jim kicked his ass. As a long time LA/STL Rams fan that was a dark moment in my Rams fandom. You HAD to re-hash that didn’t you!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on May 26, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Rome "Man" Holiday
That was Jim Rome. I’ve hated that guy ever since. As a guy who grew up around professional athletes who didn’t quite have the physical stature to kick the shit out of their “out of line” tormentors… I WAS A BIG JIM EVERETT FAN after that.
All the guy asked for was a little respect from a shit stirring douche. Rome has built himself quite a base, but any time I heard his radio show his popularity seemed to be fueled by self promoting hacks who wanted a few minutes on the radio… and the people who found guys like “Hokie JE” entertaining.
I only bring that up because Hokie JE is a local jackass whose claim to fame was being a regular Rome caller.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Ditto. That was such a blatant grab for publicity (that worked)
Rome was that pipsqueak with a microphone.
Rome and his base are…well they reflect one sector of America.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Needs....more......stopingandstarting
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
$14M total is what its "believed to be"
$2.8M cap hit annually
per The Hockey News Twitter
“THN senior writer Ken Campbell reports that the Kyle Okposo extension is believed to be $14 million backloaded over five years.”
Let's hope these back load deals don't come back to haunt us
These RFA’s still have something to prove. Hope were not paying 4-5 Million a year to a one year wonder, or a never was.
NOWHERE Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
I guess the plan would be that you could either hide the contract in the AHL for a year, or buy it out and the 4-5 million becomes 2-2.5 Mill over 2 years.
"Milbury said he was at the Winter Classic and he was getting heckled by an Islanders fan. He couldn’t understand why an Islanders fan would show up in an Islanders jersey at a non-Islanders game just to heckle him." My New Hero
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I think that goes against...
the BUDGET TEAM logic. The Islanders may NEVER have cap issues. A full building 50+ nights still puts them in the red until 2015. They need to squeeze as much as possible out of payroll. Somebody else brought up what I think is a solid positive for the “backload”. The contract becomes more valuable to a CAP-CONCERNED trading partner at the end. They can pay $5M, but only $2.8M goes on the books.
That’s my take on the situation. It’s Snow keeping actual cost low while he builds cash flow. VERY SMART… then he takes the lock off the back door should he need to escape.
We really should like the way our “backup goaltender” is doing his job.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Also intriguing to note
is the fact that this is the second contracts in recent weeks that extends past 2015 (dun dun dunnnnnn!), which I think is key in your theory that the Islanders are waiting on rebuilding cash flow. It really is a very shrewd move by Snow.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on May 26, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Really?
Not gonna lie, that’s kind of a surprise to me. I’m hoping that Okposo lives up to that potential and even exceeds it, but right now he definitely hasn’t earned that much. I know he does a lot of the little things that go unnoticed, especially for a 2nd line winger, but points-wise he hasn’t earned this.
Whatever, why the fuck am I complaining? This signing is awesome, period.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
A little high, but...
… I guess the cap hit doesn’t matter the next couple seasons. And when/if it does matter, there’s a good chance he’ll be a $3.5 to $4 million player with a $2.8 mil cap hit…. I wonder if the escalated payment is good psychologically for KO and Grabner when they hit the last couple years. Just hope he doesn’t expect $5M, $5.5M, $6M, $6.5M, $7M the following 5 years!
by North Dakota Red Eagle on May 25, 2011 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
This
I think part of the theory is that the later years are buying out UFA years (when they’d command more regardless), and part of it is that if things don’t work out, a higher revenue trade partner can both afford the higher salary and appreciate the fact it’s a lower cap hit.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
I really need...
to start reading the comments backwards…. it would save me so much time… and embarassment.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
HELL,YEAH!
about friggin time! but seriously,this is another no-brainer ,great move. they should re-sign frans now when its cheaper than ufa money. jt will probably wait another year for more leverage. draft a stud,trade for douglas murray ,have nabby as our starter and presto!playoffs here we come!
by Lakewood Islander on May 25, 2011 5:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
QUESTION FOR OUR CAP GEEKS
What is the significance/impact of the structuring of these deals for Okposo and Grabner the way they did?
Why not just pay 3 mil per for each season……are they basing this off expected increased profits from new areana deal?
I am confused by the structuring the way they did.
_____________________________________________________
"Past performance Is Not A Guarantee For Future Results"
"A great shot is when you pull it off. A smart shot is when you don’t have the guts to try it." - Phil Mickelson
"Listening is a Skill" -Jack Capuano
I Think It Has to Do With Revenue
The team’s losing money right now, and they expect that to turn around when (1) the team significantly improves; and (2) a new areener comes on line. So until that happens, they don’t want to take on a big payroll.
by rmblifn on May 25, 2011 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i think its irrelevant for the cap and simply a cash flow issue. the isles lose money now but hope to be profitable in the future (naturally).
by Lakewood Islander on May 25, 2011 6:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Also
…. incase Isles trade KO in the last couple years, I believe the real money will be greater than the cap hit, so it may be attractive to a team that needs to stay under the cap but doesn’t really care to save real money (like Toronto). Am I right about this?
by North Dakota Red Eagle on May 25, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
Anaheim did this in the Whitney/Visnovsky deal. Nashville has signed a few guys in this way, too. The cap seems to go up every year regardless, so if the team needs to shed players these deals are generally more palatable for a rich team that’s trying to load up for a run.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Yes, but the cap hit is the genius part of it.
Mostly one expects to earn more in their prime, so that is likely another reason for the increasing salary numbers by year.
by OzzyFan on May 25, 2011 7:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Another cap benefit
It pushes us toward the floor now, with out actually spending the dollars.
NOWHERE Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
The dollars ARE spent...
they are just spent a few years from now. This isnt a falsely loaded contract with fake years at the end that will never really be utilized, its a regular contract.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on May 25, 2011 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Next we sign JT and ALL EYES WILL TURN TOWRDS ARAKKIS!!!!!
by Torch7 on May 25, 2011 7:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Simply amazing. we just signed a 2-way top 6 forward to good 3rd liner money.
This is a phenomenal deal, even if okposo is just a great defesive 19goal/49pts per year player. All these players signing cheap long term deals means they want a cup and/or longterm security. And I ain’t complaining, long term deals below market value that end before a player turns say 32/33 are genius. Let’s hope everyone is buying into this. Great move all around.
by OzzyFan on May 25, 2011 7:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Pretty wild
Isn’t it crazy — for all the trouble with drawing UFAs, that the important RFAs are signing and going long? Just a great sign that they believe in what they’re building here.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on May 25, 2011 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
And that will hopefully convince a few more UFAs to come here
Only half a year 'til Opening Night! ... *Sigh!*
by ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles on May 25, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s great to see.
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
BTW: Congrats!
The only problem is… with every win… and great game… Bieksa becomes further and further from being a potential ISLANDER.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
And now Rafalski and his cap hit are retired
So desirable Detroit (when was the last time you heard those two words together?) are in the market for D help.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Is he tough enough for D-town?
Detroit’s a tough town,
Even though the suburbs are nice,
The safest place you can be,
I somewhere with ice.
They just don’t know us,
And it sure is a pity,
When you can live on the North Shore,
Or two miles away in Garden City.
We’re gonna have to settle,
And wait on a prospect,
‘cause we’re the NY Islanders,
I tell ya, we get no respect!
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Errr, he's not a 2-way top 6 forward yet.
Might be in the future…but hold your horses.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
lol, I beg to differ.
Even if he is only a little better then the 19goal/49pts year defensive forward, he is still a top 6 forward. Can you try and convince me why you think he isn’t a top 6 forward? I’m interested to know what your reasoning is.
by OzzyFan on May 25, 2011 8:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Uh because a 19goal/49 point defensive forward is USUALLY
not considered a great top 6 forward (certainly not top 3). Now if Okposo was an elite defensive forward, then perhaps, but well….it’ not clear there yet either.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Never said he was great yet. But as a checking defense 1st top 6 forward, 20/50 ain't bad.
I’d consider him at least an average overall 2nd liner right now. Or a top 6 forward :)
by OzzyFan on May 25, 2011 9:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree, he's easily top 6 on many, many teams.
He makes things happens, has good hands and speed, he’s strong as an ox, but for some reason he can’t miss a goddamn post. This is a great deal for the Isles.
Thanks Fabtraption
Was in a basement dodging a potential tornado (that didn’t hit) when this news broke.
No tornado, and one Nigerian thunderstorm — I’d say it was a good day.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Ain'tlife in the Midwest grand?
been down the the stairs 3 times here in Indiana today.
Back....
had to take a Campbell and wipe my Bettman.
Friend's only let friend's vote YES! or Friends don't let friends vote no.
I need to put a tap in the basement
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Weather is fun
I was in Missouri Sunday night (across the state from Joplin, but close enough to earn a call from Mom), and since got into Bloomington on Monday (just in time for the hotel to lose power)
So far riding it out with minimal difficulty, but I’ll feel better when I wake up in the morning and my car is still there
My boss left Joplin 5 minutes before that tornado hit
With his entire family in the car. Really scary, close call — and he might’ve driven right into it if it weren’t for his iPhone.
This message not actually sponsored by Apple.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
OMG! Really?
WOW… that is a frickin SICK thing for a person to think about.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on May 25, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
No doubt
Our employer, for the first time in 8 years, sent us to the boiler room today when there was a tornado warning. And while we’re there my boss says, “Hey did I tell you I was in Joplin last weekend?”
I sat there staring at him like he was a ghost. They were at a graduation and were going to head back into town, right where the tornado touched down, until he saw the radar.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Cap hit
By structuring the deal this way they will in essence have the ability to keep the team together when we need to pay JT and whoever else we need to sign. The cap hit is 2.8 for Grabs and Kyle, hopefully years four and five we will be able to keep or get a impact player while their combined cap hit is just over 5 million for both of them. This gives the ISLES the potential of not falling into the same mistakes the Blackhawks made and not having to dismantle the team once we WIN the cup.
Just hoping this ends the reign of error (Mad Mike) and starts the reign of terror.
In loving memory;Dad thanks for making us Islanders fans, ACC 1918-2011
we already have a Hossa-esque problem contract with DP.I think they learned their lesson and we wont see that in the future.in fact ,when they eventually sign JT,I doubt they go beyond 7 years
by Lakewood Islander on May 25, 2011 9:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Crossing my fingers
Yeah, I wanna hope and knock on wood that this is a sign they’re newly committed to stopping at five, maybe seven for someone truly special. Meanwhile, bargain bets on Frans and MacDonald were four years, so maybe our GM is a neural net processor, a learning computer.
I’d really rather not risk more than 5 years on anyone, but I get why you’d go longer with a JT who would be at minimum a free agent by the fifth season after his ELC expires.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Southislanders score!
Back....
had to take a Campbell and wipe my Bettman.
Friend's only let friend's vote YES! or Friends don't let friends vote no.
I actually....don't like the deal.
KO is getting paid at the same rate as Michael Grabner (well 1 M less). This is after an injury already in his career that took off a half a season and well, he’s never performed close to Grabner’s level either.
I like Okposo and consider him part of the future. But either we really underpaid for Grabs (possible i guess?) or really overpaid for Okposo, based upon his contributions so far.
Key Question: How many UFA years does this deal buy out?
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
I'd say
KO last season was close, though not as good as Grabner this year.
I generally agree with you that this might be a touch too much, but I also don’t think we’re going to be knocking down the cap’s door anytime soon, so I don’t think of it as being too much of a big deal. Probably a bit of underpaying Grabs (assuming he keeps it up) and a bit of overpaying KO, but it doesn’t seem that far out of line.
Under the current CBA
UFA status is achieved at age 27 as of June 30 or seven accrued NHL seasons as of June 30. KO is 23 as of June 30 this year.
So he turns 27 (and hits seven accrued seasons) in four years, which would mean the final year of this deal is when he definitely would’ve been a UFA. With a new CBA coming, it’s possible that age could be moved up a year or two (that’s been the trend with the last two CBAs, but it depends how much the players want that and what they’d be willing to give back).
For reference, the average salary now is said to be $2.3 million.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
So we bought out only 1 UFA year?
That’s…..kind of lame. With Grabner, we bought out 2.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
They're the same age in June 30 terms
Both 23 as of June 30. And of course, there are two sides to each negotiation.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Obviously
But, and mind you I’m coming from a baseball perspective here, the usual reason to do long-term deals is to lock up a player for additional years. The Isles…didn’t much do that.
There’s very very little danger in an RFA being taken by another team. Grabner had that possibility, but even then it was unlikely due to how GMs behave (rational or not). The value therefore of the contract is:
A. How much we spend on the player for their remaining “RFA” years compared to how much if we did 1 year deals after every season for each RFA year
and
B. the value of locking up the player for an additional year past where you have clear control.
(There’s a third component to value being cap hit, but the ISLES DO NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE CAP).
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
The 5 yr terms
avoid arbitration eligable RFA contracts, which typically are bad for the relationship and expensive.
NOWHERE Nearly enough defensemen to last through the injury bug
by since70too on May 25, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I answered these below but
A) As since70too said, arbitration-RFA years matter
B) Personally I think going too far beyond that for the sake of buying UFA years is dangerous. It’s great to buy them, but 8-10-year deals are scary. And there are two sides to this (the player). Plus, it’s unknown what the rules would be in two summers.
C) The cap hit DOES STILL MATTER, even if they won’t spend to it. It matters in what the player is commanding, who his comparables are, why he should bother to stick with the team, and how easily he’s moved if the relationship should go south.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
there are two sides to each negotiation.
I think 99% of people forget this and just think from the team perspective. What would’ve been a fair deal then? 3 yr $9M? What if KO balks at that? Do you say go scratch? Do you increase the offer? Do you tell the player he’s not as valuable as he thinks he is? What does that say to the rest of the team?
These are all things that are part of the negotiation. I doubt KO went in there looking for 7-10 years, but Garth took a risk, more years, less money up front, less of a cap hit when it might actually matter for the Isles in years 3-5, and less of a cap hit for a potential trade partner that can afford to eat the money but not the cap space.
Not too shabby in my opinion.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Look at RFA negotiations this way
Either:
1) you’re already a star in your ELC and you get a heap even for your RFA years (so Bobby Ryan commands $5M + per year), or
2) you’re hoping to be a star but the team says “prove it” and signs you to a short second contract that safe but could cost the team if you blossom or cost you if you flounder (David Perron commands $2.1M for two years, starts hot but gets a severe concussion in Year 1), or
3) you’re hoping to be a good, improving player but take the security of a longer deal in exchange for a lower rate.
The other option for KO or Grabner would’ve been shorter deals (two years most likely) with arbitration right in their next RFA period two summers from now, which I’m betting would have been more than the cap hit they each just signed for.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Cap hits in 11/12
KO’s cap hit goes to $2.8M. Considering the length of the deal I’d say he’s in quite reasonable territory here from the Isles perspective.
Much less than Booth, Michalek, Lucic, Kunitz, Bourque (LWs), Hartnell, Clowe (RWs) and around the territory of mostly unimpressive forwards.
Impossible to predict future production, CBA rules and salary trends, but I’d be on both Grabner and Okposo’s deals being good buys.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Cap hit is irrelevant to the Isles
Except the Cap Floor.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
It's completely relevant to market value and player asking price
As well as what you can do with the asset if you wish/need to move him, etc. etc. etc. It doesn’t go out the door just because the Islanders do not and probably won’t spend to the cap.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Exactly. Go by across the league to see how the deal is garik, never within team.
Okposo and Grabs are both tremendous deal low cost and low-risk signings.
by OzzyFan on May 25, 2011 9:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Well, there's value to looking at the deal within the team salary structure
Because of your own “internal cap” and any peer or implied pressure you can put on the others to play along for the good of the team. I know there was lots of that talk with Bobby Ryan in not making more than the older two stars on that team. And the Sedins probably signed for less than market value — who knows how much implied pressure Kessler applied with his comments the year before two.
In other words, I think you have to look at both.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Well, depending on how good the deal was I think you look league wide.
But internal cap probably has some play in it. But if it really does, then we will have an all star team in less then 5yrs with okposo, grabs, and moulson all signed at around $3mil/yr.
by OzzyFan on May 25, 2011 9:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree league-wide is still way more important
I mean a player and especially his agent is going to look at what the market rate is, not the rate your penny-pinching team says should be the rate.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Garik, from strictly a dollars and cents perspective
I think you’re right. I follow baseball closely as well and I’m sure Tampa is in your head, even the Mets with Reyes and Wright 4 years ago bought out some free agent years.
But that’s kind of in a vacuum. As much as I don’t buy into chemsitry (I don’t think it leads to winning), the Isles are in a pretty unique spot. They have to prove to the people (fans) they are committed and something has changed from the previous 15 years.
They have to show the rest of the league they are committed, and show other players, ‘hey look, people actually like it here and we treat our players well.’
They have other guys coming up that are in the same position and with Grabs and KO and Moulson now taken care of, they know will take care of you if you put the work in.
And also KO’s standing in the locker room and how he plays. He’s not great, and probably not worth this deal right now. But right now he only makes $1M. They’re taking a small risk banking on some development/production in the future.
But KO has the kind of motor and determination that he can be a valuable (if not slightly overpaid) player even if he’s not putting up 60-point seasons.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Love the Okposo signing
I usually dread Islander summers, but this year seems different….
Eh, who am I kidding, it’s early yet. Something absurd is bound to happen, right? Right?
beware "the ides of August 1st"
by Lakewood Islander on May 25, 2011 10:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
so around noon on Aug 1st then?
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
We've already suffered injuries to every goalie signed to an NHL contract
so…there’s that.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on May 25, 2011 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
SIGN ON GARTH!!
Most excellent!! :-D
This just in: DP to attend Ed Hospidar School for Fisticuffs, film at 11
Is this
Contract structure a new “thing” for the Islanders? heh
Glad to see you guys sign another good guy long term. Sounds like your core guys really want to play together here. That can only mean good things
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
by Semi_Colon on May 25, 2011 11:24 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Is this
Contract structure a new "thing" for the Islanders? heh
I like it WAY more than the old “thing” (trading anyone worth a shit away)!!! :D
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on May 25, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Something tells me the Islanders are going to be leading a new contract structure for other teams across the league
I mean, we were the first team to offer the 10+ years contract and that caught on pretty well.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on May 25, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Except your 10+ year contracts
Had all the years at the same, high, amount
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
One of them did, the other didnt.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on May 25, 2011 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Very Happy With This
Another well structured contract that antipates positive growth for Kyle and the Isles … Congrats to Kyle, Garth and Charles!
Oh… and Mississagua St. Mikes won tonight … all is well in Isle Country
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on May 25, 2011 11:28 PM EDT reply actions
Go Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
and all their many syllables!
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
I'm glad we have Grabs and KO locked up
Now can we please get a deal for Blake COZO…err…Comeau (and please no anti Comeau posts below, they hurt my feelings)
Intently glued to every COZO
Wow, you're right
For some reason I thought he wasn’t due until next summer, but apparently he’s RFA this summer? I’m sure he gets a deal. I was thinking another deceptively fine year from him and it’d be no question that he’s kept around.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
after his phenominal season
he is probably going to get a 1 or 2 year deal, i just dont see him getting a contract like grabner or okposo…in my opinion it would be either a 1 year 900K or maybe a 2 year 1.8mil
SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK!!!
RFA for this year and next
Comeau will get at least 1.2 million per year, since thats what Pap got so i could see something like 2 yrs 3 mill or 4 yrs at 8 mil. Bailey will get more then he is worth but they will give him a shorter deal like 1 yr 2.25 million since he is due a raise from his 1.7 million and still needs to prove himself. Next year i see Nielson getting the same deal as grabner and JT getting 6.5 million per for 7 yrs. Everyone stop worrying about the cap floor, because this year our payroll will be close to 50 million.
I am very happy.
Also to the guys here that call him a 19g/49pt guy, that were his stats in his first 2 years.
The guy is young. Usually those stats will go up for a player.
The guy has a motor, hes a leader, hes strong, hes a playmaker and he has good hands.
I fully expect him to top his previous stats this season. 60 pts wouldnt be crazy for him.
He was worth every penny.
by The Danish Backhand of Judgement on May 26, 2011 7:22 AM EDT reply actions
Obviously ...
a good signing for the team because of the energy, character and chemistry Okposo brings. By his example of full effort on every shift he keeps his teammates honest in terms of their own work ethic, and that’s a high value asset. I think hockey players as a group are less apt to go into cruise control after getting long term deal than guys in other sports, and that’s applies to this guy even more so. In fact I think Okposo’s a guy who will drive himself even more now. He knows the team really needs him to pick up his scoring and if he can, it will make him and the team so much more complete.
I could be wrong...
But this has got to be the best three year window for this team since the mid-seventies. These players are locked up with contracts or indentured servitude for at least 3 years.
CONTRACTS: Moulson, Grabner, Okposo,, Dipietro (okay, so it’s not perfect)
ETL/RFA: Nino, Tavares, deHaan, Bailey, Hamonic, Rakhshani, Ullstrom, DeHart, Ness, Donovan, Poulin, Koskinen, Nilsson, Nelson, Lee(Be prepared for the Gregoire/Kessel treatment)
I’d say that “in-house” defense may be a concern over the long haul… but you have to like the prospects of those forwards growing together over the next 3 years. Short term they are pretty deep on D, but very thin on PROVEN NHL DEFENSIVE talent.
At least Garth has set a good base, and with a solid draft day and free agency period there’s no reason this team doesn’t go into next year as a legit PLAYOFF CONTENDER.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
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1979-80
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May 24, 1980: Tonelli to Nystrom. At long last, the steady build of the New York Islanders from expansion doormat to surprise semifinalist to annual contender reaches the promised land: Buoyed by a late season trade for Butch Goring that gave the team the depth up the middle GM Bill Torrey had been seeking, the Islanders knock off the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.
The victory justified the faith in coach Al Arbour who guided them from their second season to their first Stanley Cup seven seasons later. The Islanders would not be the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, but they would be the only one capable of a dynasty.
1980-81
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May 21, 1981: This time it was much easier. After falling to "only" 91 points in the 1979-80 season, the Islanders returned to their division title tradition, piling up 110 points -- a whole 13 points over second-place Philadelphia.
Between the quarterfinals (where they beat the upstart Oilers in six games) and the finals, the Islanders reeled off eight consecutive wins -- with a four-game sweep of archrival Rangers in between. As they defeated the Minnesota North Stars in five games for their second Cup, their goal difference in the final was a combined +10.
1981-82
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May 16, 1982: Another year, another landslide title. The Islanders won the Patrick Division by a whopping 26 points over the second-place Rangers, and were seven points clear of their nearest competition for the President's Trophy, the still-not-quite-ripe Edmonton Oilers.
A first-round scare against the Pittsburgh Penguins turned in the Isles' favor thanks to John Tonelli's heroics, and a true dynasty was on its way: Past the Rangers in six games, then an eight-game sweep of the Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks to run away with the Stanley Cup.
1982-83
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May 17, 1983: Not so fast, whipper-snappers. The Edmonton Oilers' steadily rising challenge for league supremacy took them all the way to the finals for the first time, where the New York Islanders summarily dispatched them in a four-game sweep. For the Islanders, the Dynasty was secured. For the Oilers, it was a powerful lesson in where talent ends and the demands of playoff hockey begin.
Four years, four Cups, 16 consecutive playoff series wins (a record that would grow to 19 until the rematch with the Oilers the following year). Mike Bossy scored 60 goals yet again, and Wayne Gretzky became acquainted with Billy Smith's crease.
