Islanders Get their Checking Center: Sign Marty Reasoner to 2-Year Deal
by Dominik on Jul 1, 2011 3:36 PM EDT
in Roster Manoeuvres in the Dark
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PrintThis sort of thing happens to the league's unsung forwards who quietly toil in low-point roles while others take the offensive glory, but I can't believe I forgot Marty Reasoner was a UFA in the free agency preview. The Islanders have locked him up as a bottom-six replacement for -- and upgrade over -- Zenon Konopka. Reportedly for two years, $2.5 million (or $2.7 million, according to Katie Strang).
I know a segment of Islanders fans will miss the fighting, and the rah-rah-ing, and the general personality that Zeke provided and scoff at the notion that Reasoner can "replace" any role Zeke performed.
But the fact is Reasoner can do the 5-on-5 part better, and his faceoff performance, though not Konopka-esque, is consistently top 20-25 in the league. Reasoner is one of those forwards in the lineage of Manny Malhotra who, while drafted for first-round offense they could not quite produce at the NHL level, adapted their all-around skills to be effective penalty killers and defensive centers.
You might not have realized it -- and I may have overlooked him -- because he toiled in obscurity, or in Atlanta and Florida (but I repeat myself), but Reasoner has served this role well for several seasons well. Barring a fall-off, he should do it again for the Islanders.
Plus, hey, when the Islanders run through six goalies again, they can always call on his brother to be backup. (h/t IslesFanInNJ)
It ain't sexy. It's not what will draw the casual fan's interest. But it's what makes a hockey team better.
Note: Our original daylong free agency/silly season discussion thread is over here. If you're into 700-comment threads.
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+11 on the Thrashers 2 years ago, +2 on last years Panthers, not bad.
"I bet Calgary wishes they had a backup goalie as their GM" - Pauly C
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
That was fast...
was just commenting on Kiril…Reasoner is good defensive forward
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 3:40 PM EDT reply actions
If Isles have 9 young forwards dressed...
why not sign 2/3 of a 4th line that looks more like a third? mix and match with higher lines…just thinking out loud
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Agree - no need for a prototypical 4th line. Put the best 3 guys you can find out there. Reasoner looks like a good
player to me. Posting +’s for 2 shitty teams is impressive.
by TMS on Jul 1, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
That is very reasonerable.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 1, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Heh- I liked this joke so much that I kept cracking it last night when I was out watching the Mets/Yanks game. Of course the beer could have also been a factor… 2 for ones at Mulcahys last night, and they were doubling up for the ladies- so, yeah… everything seemsed kinda funny. It helped take the sting off that HORRENDOUS call on Reyes.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh for sure
That’s the ideal. And the need. I hope Martin takes a step forward.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
that's the idea of young depth
two or three of them take a step forward when you weren’t expecting them to and all of a sudden, your top 12 could all be top 9 on a different team. This is where Joensuu leaving particularly hurts them. While unlikely, he was at least another ‘take the next step’ candidate.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
have to disagree on that one a bit
Joensuu was a depth forward, his value was best served with the Bridge.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I threw the "while unlikely" caveat in
haha. I agree I didn’t have much faith in him. But age and experience wise, if he WAS going to take a meaning full step, this would’ve been the year to me.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Agreed
It was unlikely, but that’s the thing with these guys: Some just plain don’t adapt to how they can fit the NHL until their mid-20s.
That was my whole hope for keeping JJ: Not that he’d proven anything, but he was good for Bridgeport and his curve was headed the right direction. But if I were GM I’d have told him, “I’m not sure you’ll ever make it, but boy you help our farm. Wanna ride the bus again?” and he would have rightly told me he has better luck with Nordic girls.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Jul 1, 2011 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I heard he's a sucker for blond hair and blue eyes
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
If he does take a step and wants to play in the NHL the Isles will have his rights, correct?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 1, 2011 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions
correct
but he signed a two-year deal w/ HV, so they’d need to come up with some kind of a buyout anytime before then (if that’s even possible), in which case, he’d have to take a pretty big step.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
hes averaged 79 games/25-30 points over the past 5 seasons. not too shabby. veteran presence.
Great in between haley and martin
good move. now lets get our d-man. not much left out there. Ill take Mccabe for a yr or two til we can grab something in free agency…how about going after Bogosian?
McCabe can still run a powerplay...even if he is slow...Kaberle may be good for DeHaan
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I fear McCabe is too slow.
As Witt was his last season here. I’d rather have Marty (or Hillen) for 40 games than McCabe if he can’t keep up.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Jul 1, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Boring is good except in a wife!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 1, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Would Kaberle come to the island though? Id love him. To play along side streit. McKabe could play along side him or Mcdonald. Then you put Hamonic with Steit. We badly need a top 4 d-man. motteau, jurcina, and eaton scare me bc of injury
Not sure but...
he might sign a short term contract for bigger bucks…maybe if McCabe came too, might be able to convince him…Kaberle has his cup ring now…and has something to prove about his talent…Isles would have much improved two powerply units — and a much better 1st and 3rd D pairing…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Snow's done ok so far by me..
i wouldn’t have been happy with making a 2nd or 3rd Dmen the highest paid player in NHL next year a la Buffalo…but this is a nice pick up…can’t believe Colorado gave Wash a first rounder in the strong 2012 draft, plus either a 2nd in 2012 or 2013, for Varlamov…Wash’s third goalie, and a kid that has never won anything in NHL – meanwhile, Montreal got much less for Halak – there is an abundance of goalies out there…and Colorado is still a bad team that in all likelihood will miss playoff next year -
I’d rather miss out of a UFA that get robbed
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 3:50 PM EDT reply actions
This
can’t believe Colorado gave Wash a first rounder in the strong 2012 draft, plus either a 2nd in 2012 or 2013, for Varlamov
Seriously, it’s the most jaw-dropping move I’ve seen today. Can they be that sure they’ll climb out of the bottom five? Can they be remotely sure Varly is both healthy and good?
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
AND, why did they give up Anderson last season?
I thought Anderson was better than Varlamov.
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 1, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
they fell for the small sample size
I’m going to call them the Rockies until at least Christmas.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
2 things piss me off about this deal
1. Colorado has a very good prospect in Pickard that can play very soon and be a very good goalie. Why not sign Vokoun for a year or two for big money and contends this year. Varlamov has never played more than 27 games and was playing those games behind the Caps offense that played 75% of the game in the offensive zone that inflated his stats.
2. The worst is if Varlamov falls on his face when he realizes Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, Green, and Schultz aren’t in front of him the Caps get an absolute stud in Russian Nail Yakupov if they win the lottery. Think of Boston getting Hamilton and Seugin and multiplying it by a hundred when the Caps first line becomes Ovie, Backstrom and Nail
the top 5 draft picks next year are insanely good....even top 10
Two Russian forwards playing in OHL will go one and two most likely, you named one…and there are many high end D in that draft, beginning with Paul Reinhart’s son, Griffin Reinhart…6’4 200 plus pounds of grit and offense…left shot
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions
google 2012 nhl draft, search for scouting reports
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
me thinks your referring to the Russian kid..
Yukpov or Nail something? he and the other top russian forward are playing in ohl, so they shouldn’t have to worry about the “russian” factor…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions
The guys name is Nail?
That’s freaking awesome!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
he might, just might be a generational talent too..busted up ohl
and it wasn’t even his draft year
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Siemens and Langdekog are NHL ready. They have Stastny and Duchene. And keep in mind they are a yr removed from the playoffs. they arnt as bad as it seems.
as for us. this is the way our projected lines go for next yr. anyway you look at it…we need a 1-4 defensemen
Moulson-JT-PA/Okposo/Nino
Grabner-Frans-PA/Okposo/Nino
Comeau-Bailey-PA/Okposo/Nino/Hunter
Haley/Gillies-Reasoner-Martin/Hunter
Streit/
Hamonic/Macdonald
Jurcina/Eaton
Mottau
Reese/Dehaan
the best part of it is lines 1-3 can be interchangeable. I think this is pretty nifty. I see Reese and Dehaan being a 8th defensemen for depth as well as haley/gillies splitting time in the A and hunter and martin splitting a role on the other side. Bailey will be a 3rd line center at best. unless you wana make the 3rd line your defensive line. in that case…grabs goes where frans goes.
no matter how one dices and slices...
Colorado paid one of the highest prices for a goalie in recent years – in a flooded market — for an unproven goalie who was third string on a solid and deep team…Colorado had better hope Valamov turns into a steal, b/c if Wash gets a sniff anywhere near top 5 or top 10, someone in Colorado is going to get the axe…I’d rather have Anderson
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
They were certainly lucky to even make the playoffs two years ago
So two bottom-five finishes and one unbelievably lucky (and Anderson-aided) first-round and out. I just wouldn’t bet a #1 pick on that not backfiring.
Plus, it’s not like they got a star goalie.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Jul 1, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Right on all counts
unbelievably lucky (and Anderson-aided) first-round playoff: CORRECT
so, why did COL ship Anderson out?
Varlamov:it’s not like they got a star goalie.CORRECT
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 1, 2011 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
they got a defensemen for Anderson. I think…
They could have obtained Vokoun for cheap. vokoun is proven
actually
i believe it was a straight up trade, Brian Elliott for Craig Anderson. Who ever is running the show in Colorado is clearly shitting the bed this year. Varlomov for a 1st and 2nd round pick!?! The guy was heading to the KHL as of yesterday! And the failed to retain John Michael Liles, a D-man who could have certainly helped them this coming season.
outside of solid leadership
Zenon was a two trick pony. Fight and take faceoffs — and when your top and only legit faceoff man is in the box for between 200 and 300 minutes a season….not good
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
:(
Maybe Reasoner likes rabbits.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
This can work
I’m happy with him as a replacement for Konopka. Also, a checking center sounds very useful.
All Who Oppose Grabner Shall Perish.
Usually top 20-25
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
wily veteran
A nice little story from Derek Zona, who watched the Panthers a lot this season, about Reasoner “the wily veteran”.
Also, the coaches seem to love his PK ability, he was actually 5th in the league among forwards in 4-on-5 TOI in 08-09 and 09-10 each, 21st in 10-11. Generally, I think the Isles have had a few decent PK guys and PK was a strength definitely this past spring, but what Reasoner adds is the ability to win faceoffs, where both Bailey and Nielsen have struggled a bit.
Who does this Derek Zona guy think he is?
Butch Goring?
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah...
and he’s a good guy for the young guys to be around. Nice pickup – not sexy, but nice.
Love the move!
This day brought more excitement than I thought, but that speaks more about my expectations I guess :)
haha, when Marty Reasoner gets you excited, I think it's about time for the team to take the next step.
for the sake of the die hards out there
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
:)
Well, I was expecting nothing or at most an Eaton/Mottau-like signing today. This is a definite upgrade and I just had my last work day before vacation, not hard to get a bit excited:p
haha
I’m already 3 scotches deep so I’m with you on that, haha
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
this post
…brought to you by Chivas™.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
and faceoffs is one area where most young centres struggle
but it is also an area where one can improve. Sidney Crosby is a prime example. He busted his ass off to become better on faceoffs – and it paid off – the kids and Franz could use a guy like Reasoner to teach as well as win faceoffs.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 4:28 PM EDT reply actions
What's a faceoff win worth? I know they're important but I really wonder whether having a clearly limited center on the ice
is a benefit overall just because he wins a lot of faceoffs. I highly doubt it. I think its overemphasized.
by TMS on Jul 1, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
but I think with work it's a skill you can get good at, so why not get good at it?
Every little bit helps. If you have hands enough to knock a 90 mph slap shot out of mid air and deflect it on goal, you should have hands enough to be at least 50% on face offs.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
It could be worth getting pinned in your own zone for an entire shift...
So it’s worth a lot. It can change your strategy for defensive zone face-offs, offensive zone face-offs.
by billymac23 on Jul 1, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the real question is
Is the difference between Konopka (57.7%) and Reasoner (54.5%) significant enough to put up with Konopka’s other weaknesses in lieu of Reasoner’s strengths.
Faceoffs are a maddening value to get a handle on because it requires so may reps just to get a decent sample, and of course every scenario depends on the four or three teammates you have out there to help win the draw. If a Konopka wins a draw but then can’t get to an opening to receive a pass/prevent a turnover, are the percentages helping you anymore?
And even the difference between “pretty good!” and “kinda bad, actually” is not a wide spread. Stupid faceoffs.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
couple of examples
Righty Brent Sutter made Team Canada for the second time (not 1984) for his faceoffs alone. Bryan Trottier won two more cups with Pens b/c of his faceoff skills. Faceoffs and leadership was the reason for keeping him around. and the pens cited his absence as part of the reason they failed to win a third straight cup…keeping them from having a dynstasy
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Certainly
But those guys are fantastic players, period. You’re not deploying them solely because they can win a faceoff 4-6% more often than the other guy. Y
You’re deploying them because they can win a faceoff 4-6% more often, and in the 44% of the time when they lose, they know what to do to get the puck back.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
have to qualify...
high end examples, but both were well beyond their prime then…especially Trottier..
Trottier had little if anything left in the tank by that time, he often won faceoffs and got off ice asap…I would go as far to say if not for his faceoff ability, Trottier likely wouldn’t have been in NHL anymore at that time.
On the world stage, at the time, Sutter was no where near top 12 Canadian forwards…his faceoff ability and defense was given as reason for his being on the team a second time. faceoffs is an area where Canada had a long history of dominating the Russians when we were always one and two (they beat us in 8-1 when Liut was in net and coach didn’t play Billy Smith.
Knowing you can ice the puck if in a jam, push for whistle and eventual faceoff in other zone if your the defensive line…knowing you can dominate the faceoff circle is a nice advantage. it was a mystery up here as to why the Russian never bridged that advantage Canada held for so long over them…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
whom ever controls the faceoff circle controls the game...
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd like to see the value of a faceoff win quantified somehow.
I’m skeptical that they are quite as important as that expression implies.
by TMS on Jul 1, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
ask a coach
generalizing but….if you lose a PP faceoff in the offensive zone…puck is shot down ice, you lose 20-30 seconds..you win, in less than 1 sec, you set up for play and/or shot….you drive to the net as opposed to taking your check and heading down to other end of ice in defensive mode…
other way around…you lose a key faceoff in defensive zone…cover your check right away, get ready for a shot on your net…there are even set plays that are older than most of us for goal opportunities off the faceoff
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
another example...
83 NYI were a slower team then the Oil. Knowing they had the advantage in the faceoff circle allowed them to slow the game down…if your afraid you can not win in the faceoff circle, your less likely to ice the puck if in a pinch, or hold it for a faceoff in offensive zone, b/c your just giving them back the puck…at the end of the day, usually the team that controls the puck the most controls the game and generally wins…faceoffs is a big part of controlling the puck and game…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I heard Potvin talk about this series in an interview this year
he said they put the pedal down and didn’t let up for 12 periods and he cited faceoffs as a big way they controlled the play. But the knew they were in trouble speed wise, and he said they had no choice but to give everything they had for those 12 periods and just try to steam roll thru the Oilers.
After Game 4, they didn’t celebrate in the locker room right away. They were too spent and too injured. They were mad the locker room door was left open and some Oilers players saw that. They eventually mustered the energy to party late into the night, but it was a good changing of the guard moment and it seems like they were aware of it when it happened.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
by Pauly C on Jul 1, 2011 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
thanks for that Paul, i heard the story from Gretzky...how that motivated him
said he went by to see what it felt like to win….and was stunned…said he learned then they had to leave it all on the ice…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
another faceoff example: what are specialty teams worth to the outcome of a game?
If you believe specialty teams are essential (PP and PK) than one also believes faceoffs are essential. It is extremely difficult to have a top tier PP and PK if you suck at faceoffs.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Game winning goal.....
I think it was game 2 in Vancouver where the won the face off and went in and scored
quantifying faceoff worth
I think they figured this out at Behind the Net once. It’s not much in the large picture – my guess is that teams are so close overall that the margin takes a while to add up. In a big spot, though, it could be the difference between a goal and a stop – and thus a win or a loss.
IOW it’s important because you’re never sure when it will be important – if that makes sense.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
a basketball comparison
winning faceoffs helps your team gain more Time of Posession and helps your team control the flow of the game. If you get the puck out of your zone, you have an easier time changing lines (as in – your skaters arent pinned in their own end for 2-3 minutes).
winning faceoffs is kind of like free throws in basketball. players can train at it and get better, and it slowly helps your team get better.
Personally, as for free throws, i don;t understand how the majority of players aren’t shooting close to 98%. there’s a big box drawn on the backboard almost screaming out “throw it here and it will ALWAYS go in!”
Marty Reasoner
A whole lot of very wacky contracts. Marty Reasoner? Boring like a fox.
by 4195mary on Jul 1, 2011 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Nice pick up, Mr. Snow.
It’s a solid, depth building move. Nothing flashy, just a good, solid move that makes the team better as a whole.
Wonder who he’s scouting on the peripherals. Garth’s big move is going to be either a trade or waiver robbery.
Just a hunch.
Jeff Carter to Columbus? Wait, I've seen this one before, it was called Shanahan to Hartford. Advice? Don't buy a Carter jersey.
by BrassBonanza10 on Jul 1, 2011 4:53 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
with Joensuu leaving
we need a few more depth forwards in addition to Marty
but this would seem like a great Goring-style signing
love it
Beautiful depth signing that is a great upgrade from Konopka.
Great of faceoffs, great PK’er, great defensively, good offensively as a bottom 6er, and should help make us have 2 reliable bottom 6 lines. Awesome signing.
Question
Which teams are over the cap to the extent that they would consider a trade with us?
Methinks that’s the most likely angle for a game changing Garth Snow move – to try & exploit such a situation – and probably not with a team in our division
guess I meant
after reading CapGeek’s home page http://www.capgeek.com/
which teams would most need or want to trade away salary either to achieve a total salary level they want, or to given them the space to sign a Richards etc.
not sure we know who that could be, but could be the angle he is pursuing if any
you mean like how Florida pried Versteeg away from Philly?
I feel like an impact d-man is what we need and that is the least likely (aside from goalie) player an over-the-cap team is going to deal
Intently glued to every COZO
by Chris McNally on Jul 1, 2011 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Tough to guess with all these moving parts
Maybe whichever fool signs Richards?
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
This is
the best signing ever of a player that I didn’t know was still in the league.
by afrosupreme on Jul 1, 2011 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 7 recs
At the very least it's better than signing Jagr @ $3.3M.
Holmgren has lost his mind.
by Les Beaver on Jul 1, 2011 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Love the durability, happy to see the faceoff numbers
Glad to see I’m not the only one who forgot Reasoner was even out there
Party on Garth
Shhhhhhh on the durability front
He’s an Islander now; you’ll jinx it.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
hahaha
i’m going through the ufa list on yahoo and see reasoner’s name pop up and think to myself now here’s a vet who might mesh with the team and provide some mentoring and production. no sooner than that i get a txt from katiestrang’s twitter saying we’ve signed him. BOOYAH!
by 54_Fighting on Jul 1, 2011 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
nice
Now, why didn’t you conjure up a third Sedin or something????
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
Done?
I hope not. Next person on the smart player list is Ian White. Or Snow could take a flyer on Babchuk. I also agree we need help at right wing to replace JJ.
I think I can live with White
Up and down year. Great in his walk year in Toronto. Wonder where that puts his asking price.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
on the other hand
I’m glad to see Garth stay relatively quiet this year. A veteran d-man would be nice though. I’m happy he’s not throwing big money at mediocre ufa’s in an effort to stay relevant like say, colorado or florida, or hell even buffalo. 10 years for erhoff and 6 for leino? somebody won’t be making moves come next summer when the free agent class is gonna be looking up.
Amen
Those teams have made WTF decisions that will constrain them for years to come. We have improved the team significantly with one move. If all goes well we can put up four lines on a consistent basis as well as have a number of excellent PKer’s. What we need now is a veteran defenseman and right winger.
Garth – good job at staying out of the madness.
by TheMagus on Jul 1, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Garth has never made a move
that I thought at the time " gee that was dumb". Think how many fans out there today are consoling themselves with “at least we got a good player” dispite we waaaaaay over paid, and this will probably frig us in the future. Keep making the smart moves Garth. Let the fools part with their money unwisely.
This IS the year.
by since70too on Jul 1, 2011 5:24 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
By not throwing good money after bad the Isles are one step closer to locking up Tavares long term
which is really the next big move the Isles should make.
by rickrays on Jul 1, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
My one worry is
a huge year from JT, a strikeout from Toronto this year and next trade deadline, and they make a big run at JT. I suppose the Isles will be in a position where they can match anything, but I hope it doesn’t cost them in other areas of the roster.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
I think Philly needs to worry more about a Leafs offer sheet than Isles...
Watch Brian Burke on Camera as L.A. drafted Brayden Schenn right before him…you can read Burke’s lips scream F@#K! The Leafs want Luke Schenn’s little brother bad, always have. And JT is pretty much assistant GM on the Isles. Moulson, Strome…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
The Isles will match any offer for JT
by rickrays on Jul 1, 2011 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I also think that the Isles will be be working to lock up JT to a long term deal ASAP
In this case, I think they can start signing Tavares to a new contract following the conclusion of the 2011-12 regular season.
I think managment and JT respect each other enough
That JT never gets to RFA or UFA status, They sign him to an extension long before he gets to FA status.
This IS the year.
it shouldn't ever come to that
It would be astounding if the Isles didn’t extend JT well before June. If they’re lockiing up Grabs for five years, look for JT to get seven or longer.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
Agree with this
Although if Ehrhoff said yes I might have to revise my thinking. But really Garth has handled this rebuild as patiently and prudently as possible. Some of that I’m sure is UFAs turning down the Isles due to ownership/arena issue, but even his signings like today are well thought out and perfectly placed w/in the current roster.
It’s almost like he let Z go b/c he had no doubt he could find an upgrade for a similar price and he made it happen.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Ehrhoff
Yeah, that would have been a revision for me, but a small/acceptable one. Instead of giving up an asset, give up extra money for that boost.
I love that it’s the Isles who were modest and Buffalo that decided to offer four more years.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
They got plenty of space so I'm cool with money
term is what I pay more attention to. 6 years would’ve bothered me.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
I'll miss Z, but signing Reasoner was a smart move
Zenopka was awesome in rallying the troops, but with the advent of Micheal Haley and the need to have less minutes in the penalty box, I think signing Marty Reasoner was the way to go.
I will admit that I thought that Reasoner was out of the NHL.
Most upset I've ever been with Snow
Was the year (around May I think) when he told Logan he was happy with the blueline headed into the next season. Witt was already in evident decline, and I’d just lasted through a season where the blueline was a weakness. Was scratching my head. Of course I forget the exact year or details now.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
I think a big part of a GMs job is to ensure confidence in his team though.
His words say he was happy, but then he signed a bunch of DMen. So on the one hand he was full of shit, but on the other hand, he didn’t want to insult anyone. I’ve yet to be pissed at Garth Snow, to be honest.
by Les Beaver on Jul 1, 2011 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
How about we grab Suter? He’d be worth a first or 2nd rounder, PA, and then go after a wing or 2 for the 3rd/4th line. I think Nino is gona make the team out of camp.
Maybe we could be ok with McKabe if they can get’m.
Suter
He is signed through next year. It will take a lot more than that to get him. Nashville has a lot of cap space.
McCabe is washed up. There is no value there.
McCabe can still run a powerplay
never was much of a skater….a forward converted to D, and I still think it was a mistake….he developed that can opener move b/c he gets caught flatfooted all the time
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Yagr to the Flyers
Well if the Rags get Richards, then they’ll have to deal with the flyers.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370567
Oh and they got Max Talbot.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
where is philly getting this money from?
has holmgrem figured out how to rub 2 quarters together and get a 3rd? also nj resigned andy greene and johan hedberg.
Thats what i was thinking
bc they also signed Talbot to a 5 year deal. They did trade Versteeg but I cant see how that kept them under the cap with these moves.
Intently glued to every COZO
by Chris McNally on Jul 1, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I read they can still clear more room by
moving Lapierrere to the AHL and one more move (which I obviously forgot but remember it wasn’t hard to do), but it could get them another $8M in space. So they could make a run at Richards still if they can structure it right. But that was an hour ago, not sure if they did anything since then.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
I really didn't think I could have less respect for Max Talbot.
And then, viola, he proves me wrong. Ugh. I really dislike that guy. If HE came to the Islanders, I’d have a tough time accepting it. At least Mottau admitted he did a dick thing to Frans. I’m pretty sure Talbot would never be able to admit he deserved to get Matt Martin’d.
Actually
I’m pretty sure Talbot would get Martin’d again.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
I would love to see Garth trade Matt Martin to Flyers just so Martin could punch him in the face all through training camp.
Then trade back for him. Or not. If Martin stayed a Flyer and continued to punch Talbot in the face for 82 games, I’m cool with that as well.
I wonder how long it will take Pronger to let Talbot know he’s a douche.
A little off-topic, but here is some quick explanation of RFAs QOs Salary Arbitration
Salary arbitration and guidelines for admissible evidence in hearings
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
The admissible evidence stuff is pretty fun stuff
(Assuming that link is the same stuff I’ve read in the CBA.)
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Luckily...
You might not have realized it — and I may have overlooked him — because he toiled in obscurity, or in Atlanta and Florida (but I repeat myself)
Reasoner must enjoy obscurity… because he’ll have two years full of it.
I think this is a good move. There can be some nice bottom six shifting now. Zeke was never off the fourth line. Now they have a center they can trust with the puck AFTER he wins, or loses a faceoff. It also gives Haley a year on the ferry to get things straight.
But we still need a defenseman that can eat minutes. I’ll be okay with the other Marty, or the other returning Islander (McCabe). (Maybe I should have checked to see if either of them were even still available.
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
yes and yes...both are still available, as is minutes muncher Kaberle...who DeHaan is often compared to
this is why i think, if isles are so high on dehaan, sign kaberle…get system moving the way you want, dehaan steps in as seamlessly as possible
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
but ask ANY Bruins fan; Kaberle did NOT have a particularly distinguished half-season with them.....
…..I’m VERY leery about taking on his sizable asking price (no doubt) and quite possibly limited range of skills…..
by ogam5 on Jul 1, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i know but...
Isles need to get to floor, kaberle is not without his faults but is one the best Dmen left, and can skate plus makes great saucer passes tape to tape…he has no nhl slapper though and the top teams with depth focus on him to make the pass…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Now they have a center they can trust with the puck AFTER he wins, or loses a faceoff.
This is the most important part of the signing. Everytime they ran Z out there for an important D zone draw, and he lost it, the Isles were at a severe disadvantage. Reasoner should fix that.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
by Pauly C on Jul 1, 2011 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Colliton
I think resigning him would be another good depth move
agreed it will be hard to get a good D man via trade – Jurcina was very good last year
relying on him might be the direction
Streit – Jurcina
Hamonic – MacDonald
and 2 more from the balance
could work actually
and if Kabanov is somehow ready to be a 3rd line player, we may be all set
4th line = Martin – Haley – Reasoner
like it
Without Kabanov
…Isles have 9 above Martin-Haley-Reasoner. And that’s with only one of Nino/Hunter in the top-9. I am cautiously optimistic that Hunter is ready to go. That would give Isles an extra trading piece.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Jul 1, 2011 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Hunter had been one of the Isles best PK when healthy
I just don’t know how well that knee will hold up.
by rickrays on Jul 1, 2011 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think PAP should be considered top 9 necessarily
and we need some depth in case of injuries
Bridgeport forward depth is lacking at present
unless we think Dibenedetto is ready (I do) or Rakhshani (not necessarily) or Ullstrom (probably not) or Romano (underrated but….)
Hunter could be part of that depth if he really is ready
Nice signing
This is serious upgrade from Zenon. With the Grabner breakout, the nice Moulson follow-up season, the pleasant surpise of PAP and the decent production from Comeau, we had pretty balanced scoring from three lines last season. Only two years removed from the season where Streit lead us in scoring and we had no twenty goal scorers we had three lines each represented by at least one twenty goal scorer and three 30 goal scorers (I’m going to give JT the benefit of one extra goal here) Going into this season we can reasonably expect Tavares to continue his progression and outscore what he did last season. Its also not unreasonable to expect Moulson and Grabner to put up comprable numbers to what they did last year. Even if PAP and Comeau can’t meet last year’s success we can expect at least 25 goals between the two of them on the pessimistic side. Nielsen should duplicate the kind of production we have seen from him in recent years too. With Nino hopefully joining the fold we have someone who should net between 18-25 as a rookie. Adding Reasoner gives us another center who besides providing good defense and face-offs should also score between 8-16 goals. Compared to what Zenon would of likely provided we get not only a small offensive boost but a more seasoned, better (see benhansa’s post somewhere above about Reasoner’s PK numbers. Don’t have the EV corsi numbers in front of my but I would guess they are stronger than Zenon) defensive forward.
I think the Isles were 15th in scoring
and that’s with a decimated blue line. So if the forwards duplicate last year for the most part, plus Reasoner over Z, plus Streit back, the scoring should be fine. They just need to keep the puck outta their net now.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Yeah I agree
The addition of Streit, having Okposo back for a full season, the further maturation of Tavares and the addition of Reasoner and any prospects coming up should mitigate any regression or injury from Moulson, Grabner, PAP, Comeau etc. I really don’t see any of those guys regressing considerably and if we can maintain a relatively healthy core I think we can improve upon our goals scored from last season. I think that Streit makes a really big difference both in generating offense and defensivley so having him back will be huge. Its basically like signing an A-1 defenseman since we did what we did last year without him.
4th line goal scoring was a problem last year
not that anyone expects much offense from their 4th line, but how many NHL 4th liners on other teams crack the 10 goal mark? how many did so on the Isles?
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
LOVE IT.
LOVE IT.
He played top competition, with weak zone starts, though not extreme zone starts. Essentially, he was playing against the same competition as Frans Nielsen last year, with weaker teammates. And he did quite solid.
He’s a HUGE upgrade over Zenon.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
by garik16 on Jul 1, 2011 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Just to add
Zenon wasn’t terrible, for the record. His performance given his extreme usage, was solid defensively. But he brought negative value to the team on offense, and Reasoner far surpasses him there.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
was hoping for the SABR stamp of approval
this is good news.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Yeah I agree
Big upgrade. Not only an offensive upgrade but also seemingly a defensive upgrade as well.
Reasoner's advanced #s the last 3 years:
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
thanks, when you posted above I was going to ask you to post these
A big defensive upgrade over Zenon. Having two good defensive centers in he and Franz is really nice. The fact that they both have offensive upside as well is another plus. I think center is the one position to build from and now having a good offensive center and two good two-centers is a nice thing. Adding one more good offensive center will be key at some point, whether that will Strome or someone else.
Also, via Vic’s scripts I found that Florida outshot the opposition with Reasoner on and the score tied (Corsi tied 50.8%, Fenwick 51.4% – team overall 49.2%, 49.1% respectively). It looks like he played quite a lot when they were up a goal or two, driving down his overall Corsi a little relative to some team mates.
Very Nice.
Clearly a nice find. If we didn’t have someone we wished to develop in Bailey, I’d imagine he’d be our #3 starter.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
I think this is Baileys last chance to prove he belongs
He doesnt have to have a monster year but he has to be good and be consistant
will be interesting to see what they offer him
might as well try to get him cheap for 3 years, just in case. Then at least he’s cost controlled a good rate if another team wants to take a chance on him.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Isles should make offers to Keith Yandle, Zach Parise, and Scott Hannan
a very young skilled defenseman, a proven goal scorer about to hit his prime and a solid big man to help build up the defense and to help the young guys develop. If theyre feeling rreally wiling to spend then offering to Doughty or Stamkos is always a possibility even though spending 20% of ur cap on 1 player is tough to pull off (just ask the devils). UFA will quality are fair n few in between but theres tons of RFAs that they might be able to steal. With all the picks the Isles have save dup the last few years, spending a few future ones for proven talent is a risk worth taking.
Can't make an offer to Parise
He’s going to arbitration
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
If he goes to arbitration...
and they award him more than the devils can afford under the cap, what would happen to him? could he get offer sheets form other teams?
All teams are allowed to go XX% over the cap till the season starts.
They will cut salary if need be. They were gonna do it last year if it wasn’t for their pre-season LTIR injuries leading to the money needed to free for the Kovy contract last year.
If the DEvils are stupid enough to actually go to arbitration
That could damage the relationshipe w/the team. They only filed for arbitration to keep teams like us from trying to lure ZP over… they will sign him before actually going to arbitration unless they are crazy.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions
well so far...
I’d say the Isles have stayed pretty even keel. We haven’t lost anything significant and have only upgraded our bottom 6. Not to shabby.
Around the division, Philly lost their core offense in Carter, Richards, and now Leino while only adding an old Jagr and the turtle Talbot, plus Bryzgalov who can be an enigma like Zherdev. Plus their defense continues to age.
Pitt hasn’t done a whole lot, pretty much swapping out Talbot with Steve Sullivan and losing Mike Rupp to the Rangers.
NYR has been quiet as well, probably gearing up a 10 year $100 million contract for Brad Richards, only adding Mike Rupp.
New Jersey has only resigned Hedberg and Greene. Their main focus this summer seems to be resolving how to pay for Parise.
If things stay the way they are I can see the Isles finishing realistically in 3rd in the division.
by 54_Fighting on Jul 1, 2011 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
P.S What is with FLA!
They’re gonna hamstring themselves for next summer by signing anyone with a pulse. Big gamble on signing Fleischman.
It's a big gamble
But if he’s completely healthy (like doctors say he is) he can be a huge reward… I wouldn’t say a steal for the kinda money he’s gonna make but still a pretty good option.
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Good points
I was shocked by those philly trades. Trading away two elite centers so you can sign a goalie is ludicrous in my opinion. Not that the trades themselves were awful- in fact had they been rebuilding I would have found them to be prudent. I think the Jagr signing would of made sense had they kept Carter and Richards- signing him as a complimentary veteren piece. I hope they suck next year, I really do. I’ve always argued that you don’t build around goalies- you don’t draft them high or sign them to high contracts at the expense of key position players. I just don’t think that much seperates “elite” goalies and “journeyman” goalies. Center is the position I think a team should be built through so Philly did the complete opposite of what I’ve always thought. Hope they don’t prove me wrong.
Matt Cooke
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
just let Gillies man-handle him 'ala Tangredi
problem solved, suspension warranted, contract earned
by 54_Fighting on Jul 1, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Zenon Konopka
I wonder if Garth just felt that Zekes mouth was more trouble than it was worth. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the guy but the fact of the matter is he can bring some unwanted negative attention to the organization. So maybe that’s the reason he was let go. Then again he wasnt a good hockey player. Or it could be simply because of the fact that Zeke wasnt a good player. ALl he was good at was faceoffs. He fought allot but he mostly just clutched and grabbed unlike Gillies who won his fights and Fists of Haley…IDK, what do ya think?
I don't think Zenon was horrible
He was a role player and he played his role. He was good at faceoffs and was a pretty good defensive player. Given his minutes and the defensive zone assignments he was given the lack of production isn’t suprising. If Reasoner is used exactly like we used Konopka last year don’t expect him to put up numbers like he did for Florida last season.
Not really
All the fighting majors he racked up were penalties that didn’t need to be killed. I agree he took to many penalties but let’s not forget all the matching penalties.
agrred good point --but he never scored.
I feel bad throwing him under the bus especially since last month I wrote at this very site that he should be cpt— but I guess thats why nobody is calling me for their vacant GM job
You are making a good point
Last year I would have been fine with him being captain. He was an emotional player and a leader. He also did his job. At the end of the day though you have to put emotion aside and go with the more valuable, more productive player. So like you I really liked Konopka but I have to be happy that in Reasoner we are getting a better, more productive player. He may not be the leader Konopka is or have his intangibles but I would gladly give those up for talent.
Zeke instilled pride into the young guys...Hopefully what he did instilled is not lost
and the guys keep that spirit of “us vs the world” going…
quick Z story
my friend, a girl, is a manager at Rothman’s Steakhouse and just after the season ended they hosted a fundraiser for the Isles. Konopka was a dick of the highest order. Saying some lewd things and what not. To the point where the other Isles players were apologizing for him, and said ’he’s always like this’. This could’ve been an aberration, or maybe the other players just thought it was funny, but I tell the story just to say things might not always be as they appear. Maybe he wasn’t so great after all? Maybe he was a pain in the ass? Who knows? But I think we tend to overrate things like “locker room presence.” Especially when we’re talking about a 4th line player.
I think the same thing when I hear the MSM talk about Nick Swisher. “He’s a great clubhouse guy” they say b/c he’s affable and loves to joke around. But he just seems like an annoying douche to me. Not sure I’d wanna be around him for 180 straight days.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
by Pauly C on Jul 1, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think Swisher just genuinely loves life and is soaking it all up, being a yankee
I could imagine Zeke being an asshole because he has an attitude and he likes to talk trash…bottom line is he wasnt a good player so thats one reason to let him go but I have a feeling Garth felt he brought too much negative attention to the org…Maybe Im wrong but it makes sense
See this is why
I hate when fans make statements about a players personality; we don’t really know these players until we have interactions with them. (except in cases like this where either yourself or someone you know has actually interacted with them) I always here Player A is lazy or Player B is a hardworking team guy…its all bullshit assumptions. Zeke seemed like a cool guy in interviews but I’m not surpised he’s a dick. A lot of hockey players are. At the end of the day we pay to watch these guys play hockey so I don’t concern myself too much with who they are off the ice but I am human and I am less inclined to root for a guy after hearing a story like this. By the way, I met Trottier once at an Islander game- my Dad’s firm represents cablevision and he took me and my late grandfather to an Islanders game in the cablevision luxury suite, which is right next to the Islanders’ luxury suite. My Grandfather was a typical talkitive story-telling Irishman who will intorduce himself to anyone. He met Trotts out in the hallway behind the luxury boxes and brought him in to meet me and my brothers. He couldn’t of been nicer. Really was an incredably gracious guy. That was great because he was my absolute favorite athlete at the time (still is) and it was nice to see he was a cool guy.
by MatthewM11 on Jul 5, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
agreed but the big Z will be missed
For me 28 is always immortalized for the Feb 11 massacre he was our gen patton that night and I’d still love to know what he told Maxine after he pimp slapped him and then made him flench
by Torch7 on Jul 1, 2011 7:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Gotta applaud what FLA pulled off today
Decent signings should get them closer to ending a decade long post season drought. Their system has decent depth and this should buy them time to develop rather than get thrown to the wolves. FLA, even if they don’t make the post season this year, just bought themselves a shitload of time for their kids.
Carcillo to Chi/Mottau Backs reasoner
Bob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
Caarcillo’s deal in CHI is one year, $775,000.
19 minutes ago
Katie Strang
KatieStrangNYI Katie Strang
Spoke to Reasoner about playing on LI; feels he’ll be able to provide experience and leadership with young group, thinks will be good fit
7 minutes ago
Katie Strang
KatieStrangNYI Katie Strang
Reasoner has kept in close touch with former BC teammate Mike Mottau, who “gave the stamp of approval” for LI as a place to live/play
5 minutes ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Sillinger 2.0?
I wonder if Reasoner’s impact will be similar to that of Sillinger. Mike had a real solid impact on that team and its too bad he had to end his career on an injury.
by deeco on Jul 1, 2011 7:33 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
If he's close to Sillinger
…it’s a great move. Sillinger scored a few more goals, though, right?
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Jul 1, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
What would it cost us to get a top 4 D in a trade?
according to all sources, that is our #1 priority
James T Paulson
Updates
Updates
Katie Strang
KatieStrangNYI Katie Strang
Speaking to GM Garth Snow, sounds like any significant move #Isles would consider would be to upgrade on D via trade
19 minutes ago
Katie Strang
KatieStrangNYI Katie Strang
Snow said he doesn’t envision this weekend to be very busy, not particularly moved by this FA class. Also won’t give out offer sheet #Isles
16 minutes ago
Katie Strang
KatieStrangNYI Katie Strang
Biggest priority for #Isles, Snow said, is top-4 defenseman. Said team has 10 forwards "pretty much set" heading into training camp
13 minutes ago
Sabres now most expensive team in league
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
10 Forwards pretty much set...who are they?
You would have to assume the 4th line wingers are the ? marks. I think Basically what Snow is saying is he would like a better partner for Streit…because in my eyes, we certainly have 3/4 of a top 4. I would think Snow may look to deal his first picks or prospects in some time to get a top 4 guy…but who is available? This is the 2nd time he said it, so I guess he’s serious.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
10 guys set are
Nino, JT, MM, Grabs, KO, Frans, PA, Marty, Martin and Haley
I would think the ones that are not are Bailey, Comeau, did either of them sign their QO? and then Hunter
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Jul 1, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
You know, it never said if they did or if they were just offered
either way, not a big deal…I guess if one gets an offer sheet in the next few days we’ll know.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
I don't get why people are so quick to dump Bailey or assume his position is in question
It takes about 300 games to develop a player, Bailey has about 211 NHL games under his belt. This past season was a slight set back from the season before (35pts down to 28 pts). Kid probably caps out at about 60-70 pts with above average two way ability.
It’s kinda funny cause living in Boston I got to watch Joe Thornton go through the same struggles in his development. By year three I think Big Joe has about 20-30 more games under his belt and his production leveled off a bit for the next three seasons.
Much of Bailey’s poor point production really comes with who he’s playing with. This kid is more of a playmaker than a natural goal scorer and needs to be surrounded by finishers. Given that he’s not getting prime PP minutes and has been playing on the third line with no finishers he’s not going to rack up the numbers.
I would love to see him spend time with Martin and Nino. Bailey clicks really well with Martin and seems to do really well playing with guys who have a nose for the net.
As an experiment I wouldn’t mind seeing him get some time centering JT and Moulson.
Before he's dumped for good
the Isles owe it to Bailey, and more importantly themselves to put him with the best wings they have and see what happens. Even for 10-15 games just to see. But I agree, he deserves at least one more year, if not more.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Hearing everyone Bash Bailey always reminds me of Bertuzzi
Bertuzzi was horrible here, he didn’t get it. The light went on for him in his 5th season. I think Bailey was rushed to the NHL, and as he hits 23,24 will trun into a pretty nice pro. There are not to many guys in the league under 21 that produce unless they are superstars.
Given that he's about 21 y/o
playing on third line, 30-35 pts is not too shabby. There’s a reason why his name pops up in a lot of trade rumours as of late (fictional or real). Teams know that getting the Isles to give up on this kid would be a fleecing. He’s one of the 5-6 guys taken in the top ten of his draft left standing.
I have to believe it's just the fans
that are impatient with Bailey. I think Garth knows their best chance of finding a bona fide 2nd line center is Bailey (esp if Strome moves to wing). He’ll get another 150 games minimum to prove himself.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
only out of bailey's draft year, only Stamkos has scored more goals
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Compare to Grabner
Bailey was not the first pick in the draft, Grabner didn’t break into the league until this year @ 24….bailey has 3 more years until he is 24
Stamkos gets a lot more playing time.
my point was....
Stamkos is obviously by far the best player from that draft, a generational talent….that said, other than Stamkos, no one has as many goals as Bailey…wasn’t compare Bailey to Stamkos but rather Bailey to the rest of his draft class.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
How many forwards from that draft have played as many games as Bailey though?
He’s definitely near the tops in games played. A goals/season or goals/gms ratio would be better here.
Don't know that how many games he's played
Is much of a gauage of how he stacks up against the rest of his draft class, or the fact that he has more points than anyone other than Stam. We rushed hi to the NHL and he’s played far more than he should have. That said, other than burning up ELC years, which will cost us more in his prime, not sure it has really hurt his development (or ruined him, as some like to say). I just think he hasn’t come close to reaching peak development yet. So let’s all give him 2-3 years before we decide if he is part of TEH CORE.
This IS the year.
yep, he's near the top in games played...
but that also supports the point i am making….Bailey’s development compared to where it is at, compared to the rest of his draft class…..if Bailey is a bust at 21, so is everyone else from the 2008 draft not named Stamkos.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
i think ppl bash bailey
b/c when you look @ depth chart, if bailey pans out, Isles move to contender status much quicker with all the high end wingers in system
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Givem at least 2 to 3 more seasons
This is why building this way is slow and painful. Hockey players take years to develop.
To me, the parallel isn't Bertuzzi
Bailey’s not that kind of player. When I think of Bailey taking time, I think of Olli Jokinen, and how he turned into a bona-fide top-line center in Florida. Who knows what the heck happened since, but the guy was racking up 40 goals and 80+ points on a not-so-good team…
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
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You can't assume Nino or Haley are locks.
I’m sure Snow is talking about Comeau and Bailey along with Tavares, Mouslon, Parenteau, Grabner, Okposo, Neilsen, Reasoner, and honestly, thinking a Garth here, he may be talking about Hunter and not Martin.
Intently glued to every COZO
by Chris McNally on Jul 1, 2011 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
totally agreed
I think the ten guys you mention there are the ones Garth referred to. Given everything is going well with Hunter’s recovery I’m pretty sure he’s included in that list indeed.
he made reference to Wiz...so maybe he's looking for that kind of move
someone who has to move a player b/c of cap
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't mind seeing
…Isles swap 2012 1st rounders with a middle-of-the-pack team as part of the deal for a good, solid defenseman to play with Streit. It would be fun to have a “rival” in the standings next season.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Jul 1, 2011 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
it would have to be a very good Dmen, in the mid 20s to about 27 or 28 range, and willing to sign a long term deal
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions
How about this one?
Bob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
Not saying PHX will trade RFA dman Keith Yandle, but my sense is PHX will gauge his trade value as it considers all options (trade or sign).
14 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3885
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
impressive stats
might be worth it…i would try to hold onto the first though, maybe give him 2013 first…noticed he was drafted in fourth round….i always like to check draft rounds for Dmen, supports theory that defense take longer to develop, don’t draft them high unless they are generational talent, etc. etc.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Thing is
did COL destroy the trade market with the Varly deal, or does everyone else write it off as idiocy?
You would think if Varly gets a first and a second, Yandle would get in the same range.
I’m also guessing PHX would want a body back too though, not just picks.
we should try to get this guy
for a 1st round pick in 2013 – which hopefully won’t be a good one….
but if Phoenix is moving next year do they care about trading for picks?
of course they do
Why wouldn’t they? If you have to sell a car, you wouldn’t start skipping oil changes and tune ups. If you want to sell a hockey club, why would you gut the team?
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
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Hopefully
They would trade him b/c he wants too much money. So maybe PHX doesn’t think his value is that of a first round pick, or a high end prospect. Just hoping out loud I guess.
Money I’m less concerned with. If the Isles have to overpay a little for him for the next 3-4 years I can live with that, they’ve got plenty of room.
I think they’d be able to sign to a pretty short term deal if that’s how they wanted to play it, b/c every player hates Long Island before they’re here and he would be scared to sign something longer (seriously, how do I do that sarcasm font thingy?)
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
More Yandle
David Pagnotta
TheFourthPeriod David Pagnotta
by 618_STLBlues
As of now, I don’t know which teams expressed an interest in Yandle. I just know it’s been discussed. Don’t think anything’s close, either.
12 minutes ago
@incarceratedbob incarcerated bob
BREAKING NHL NEWSSource: As i reported earlier Gagne could possibly be heading back to Philly & yes he has signed with Flyers #DEALDONE
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Gagne too
Holmgren must be running off hundreds in the basement. Gagne wants to know why his paycheck has Uncle Moneybags on it.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
The Flyers are Now $167 Million Over the Cap for Summer
Before training camp they plan to petition the league to split into two teams, one each for North and South Philly.
by rmblifn on Jul 2, 2011 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOL!!!!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Gord Miller
GMillerTSN Gord Miller
San Jose signs Michal Handzus to a two year deal for $2.5m a year.
2 minutes ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Bergie to the Panthers Numbers not available yet
Michael Russo
Russostrib Michael Russo
RT @FlaPanthers: Just when you thought they were done. #FlaPanthers sign another forward, inking Sean Bergenheim to a four year deal.
1 minute ago
Erik Erlendsson
erlendssontrib Erik Erlendsson
by TSNBobMcKenzie
Tampa Bay is out of the running for unresticted free agent Brad Richards, Steve Yzerman says. #tblightning
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
4yrs 11 mill
Bob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
Bergenheim’s four-year deal is worth $2.75M per season, as per @DarrenDreger.
1 minute ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
FLA signing everyone lol
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Jul 1, 2011 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions
One hell of an expensive PR signing
have to wonder if Bergenheim played in St Louis if the Panthers even give him a second look.
Considering he has never even earned thirty points in an 82 game season
This is ridiculous overpayment.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 7:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Tank
Bob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
NYR sign Ruslan Fedotenko to one year, $1.4M contract.
31 seconds ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Rags just desperate to make noise with that signing
Won’t be long till RF finds himself on waivers.
Feds was actually fairly valuable last year, given salary/role
It’s the Rupp signing that makes one go hmmm.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 1, 2011 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
You still need a fighter in this division
probably always will. Too many rivalries!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Blech.
He has no fit. Boyle-Prust are both decent to very good defensive forwards, and then you’re going to stick a black hole on their line? Then Feds will end up playing 3rd line with Stepan and either Zuccarello or a rookie, and that line has no identity.
Screws up the whole bottom 6. Unless they’re going to make another move.
We needed Reasoner lol
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by George E. Ays on Jul 1, 2011 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha
Lot of people here looking for Rupp for the physicality/hitting. We originally drafted him and he went back in, so screw him I say. It is a bit of a strange fit. The Rangers are in a place where the Isles were for a few years (although better than Isles) with a bunch of mediocre with no game breaker. Gabby is great (insert injury disclaimer), but you guys need a center for him…bad.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 1, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
but you guys need a center for him…bad
Yeah, they’re working on that . We should only pay eleventy billion dollars for it, which is nice.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 1, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Well
probably more worth it than half the crap that went on today….but there’s some stiff competition for “stupid” with Feaster. Looks like they have the Jeff Carter type posse working him over (Iginla’s calling).
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
There’s basically zero chance that BR provides positive value based on his cap hit. The hope is more that he builds up the value of everyone around him enough to offset it.
You’re right though, it’s got to be better than some of these deals, which are incredibly terrible. I haven’t done a true list yet, but I know your Reasoner deal is one of the few I’ve liked.
Even the fake Vokoun to the Isles deal was better than 90% of what happened.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 1, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
if Wash ends up with top ten or top 5 pick in 2012
i am going to hate colorado
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s up there on the WTF list pretty darn high.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 1, 2011 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously.
Certainly overspending on Vokoun was better than that deal.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
That was an epic screw up
There’s no way that two picks in the top 40 are less valuable than a small sample size goaltender with a wonky groin…and then to get Giguere a little while later? He was basically being cut and going to KHL.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
anyone wondering if there were any brown envelopes
full of money exchanging hands to get this deal done?
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 1, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus
not sure if this was much of a national story or just local, but Varly threw the Caps under the bus with regards to his medical treatment last year. Reportedly something along the lines of, the doctors in Russia are better. Good times.
true that
Seriously, the Colo-Wash deal for Varlamov is so bad, I’m a little surprised that the league accepted it. Remember how Bettman intervened in the Palffy deal to LA?
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
by mikb on Jul 2, 2011 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Rangers are going to be so gritty...
They’re gonna sand the varnish right off the bench.
"It's too bad he lives in the city. He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent Paul Kraus during Palffy's contract holdout in 1998.
by PGI on Jul 1, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
such Ted Nolan type players
Torts better watch out lol.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Peter Botte-Making stuff up
Peter Botte
PeterBotte Peter Botte
Don’t be duped by the tired “we offered more” spin w/Isles. Buff gave Ehrhoff totally frontloaded deal, something NYI/Wang would NEVER do.
KeithLHHockey Keith Quinn
@
@PeterBotte I think Isles fans can honestly say, we hope Buffalo enjoys him for the next decade. It’s a good fail.
Peter Botte
PeterBotte Peter Botte
@islesinfo Players concerned there will be salary rollbacks in next CBA. Wang trying to limit losses until arena settled. Bad combo.
11 minutes ago
KeithLHHockey Keith Quinn
@
@PeterBotte @islesinfo Is that a quote or a sourced statement. Or a guess?
9 minutes ago
Peter Botte
PeterBotte Peter Botte
@
@KeithLHHockey Common sense. Look at the deals signed w/ Okposo, Grabner. Big money is owed after new arena, or, well, when team sold/gone.
7 minutes ago
KeithLHHockey Keith Quinn
@
@PeterBotte Those guys get to 4 million per before arena opening. 5 after. Could be they are young/likely to improve, and not overpaid.
4 minutes ago Favorite Reply Delete
Keith Quinn
KeithLHHockey Keith Quinn
@
@PeterBotte Kind of a stretch to say team not trying to bid/improve status unsourced…common sense doesn’t cut it. Just your opinion
4 minutes ago
Peter Botte
PeterBotte Peter Botte
@KeithLHHockey OK, but if no arena, maybe Wang won’t be 1 paying those salaries. And didn’t say not trying to improve, just on their terms.
17 seconds ago
Peter Botte
PeterBotte Peter Botte
@KeithLHHockey OK, but if no arena, maybe Wang won’t be 1 paying those salaries. And didn’t say not trying to improve, just on their terms.
5 minutes ago
Keith Quinn
KeithLHHockey Keith Quinn
@
@PeterBotte Sure, but speculative. Never any indication of sale. Isles offered CE 6X33 almost same as Buff. Last 3 yrs of Buf = 3mill
2 minutes ago
I’ll update if this progresses, but what a jump huh?
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Way to go Keith!!
That’s telling him … Press likes to invent their own theories… when all they are doing is guessing.
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Jul 1, 2011 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
New York Sports Media
Throwing wet blankets around since the Yankees overpaid for that obese, philandering drunk Babe Ruth!
Seriously, Peter, if you wanna piss on Islander fan expectations you’ve got to be more subtle. Make up an injury history or a story about a locker room rift. The big time, doom and gloom “They’re gonna move and Wang is an evil mastermind” stuff is so 2009.
"It's too bad he lives in the city. He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent Paul Kraus during Palffy's contract holdout in 1998.
by PGI on Jul 1, 2011 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bravo, Keith!
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
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Seems more Wang than Snow
but yeah…maybe he’s just upset at the Rupp/Fedotenko quinella
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Go get 'em Garth
Bob McKenzie
TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
Not saying PHX will trade RFA dman Keith Yandle, but my sense is PHX will gauge his trade value as it considers all options (trade or sign).
31 seconds ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
This guy plays defense?
I know that this is not an exact scienceand a very subjective stat but they have him down for 30 hits on the year. Just to give a comparison, Adrian Aucoin had 134.
Is this really what the Islanders need?
The answer is YES he plays Defense.
Played agaisnt the 3rd highest competition of Coyotes Defensemen, but nearly tied for 1st, and did fairly well.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Teachable Moment
So I’m obviously doing something wrong when I try to look up these numbers:
He’s fourth, and doesn’t seem that close to first. What column should I be looking at?
Regular Quality of competition isn't correct. You have to look at the Corsi Relaltive to Quality of Competition category. That's the right one.
This is a link to the “correct” compartitive quality of competition among teammates:
http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=29&s=13&f1=2010_s&f2=5v5&f4=D&f5=PHX&c=0+1+3+5+11+12+13+14+15+16+29+30+31+35+36+37+38+39+40+47+48+49+50+51+52+53+54+55+56#
OK
I thought Corsi Rel QoC was your Corsi relative to the quality of competition, whereas Qual Comp was just the level of competition faced? Is that wrong?
When I read
Played agaisnt the 3rd highest competition of Coyotes Defensemen, but nearly tied for 1st, and did fairly well.
I assumed that meant Qual Comp—Corsi aside, no?
Corsi Rel QoC is the Quality of Competition measured in THEIR average relative corsi.
QualComp is quality of competition measured in their average Relative +/-
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Ahh ok
So, generally speaking when people say played against x competition, they are using Corsi Rel QoC. Got it.
Regular QualComp has him at 4th, but basically tied for 3rd.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
I'm so happy that people are figuring these out.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
He definitely improved quite a bit this season with the coaches trusting him more than ever. But he had been sheltered extremely the two previous seasons, getting zonestarts of 60%+ and easiest competition. He knew how to take advantage at least and delivered some pretty decent numbres, but wasn’t quite extraordinary back then.
As said, he’s surely improved this season, leading the D in EV TOI, but it’s not easy to get a read on Phoenix’ D on the other hand. Remember that Rozsival was brought in at some point and Klesla was traded for Lepisto later. The numbers at behindthenet of these guys still include the games played for the Rangers and Columbus respectively. From going through some other stats it looks like Aucoin-Jovanovski was their primary shutdown pair early on and Morris-Yandle their all-around pair. After bringing in Klesla and Rozsival, responsibilities and also indeed pairings were all over the place, it seems. So, I don’t know, he surely did play some defense and wasn’t bad, but was still behind Jovanovski and Aucoin in Corsi with the score tied and given his more favourable zone starts I don’t think he played tougher minutes overall than those two. And just generally I’m not sure this type of high-event player is what the Isles would need most. Then again, he’s young and improving indeed, so maybe worth a shot indeed, though I still think just re-signing Hillen would be better value.
Played agaisnt the 3rd highest competition of Coyotes Defensemen, but nearly tied for 1st, and did fairly well.
The Coyotes had to adjust to the big loss of Michalek (who used to do the tough minutes with Jovo), and Yandle shouldered more of a burden this year. What he brings to the offensive attack is really impressive.
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
Kenny Jonsson wasnt banging into people left and right either
My point is that you absolutely can be a good defenseman without hitting all the time.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Paul Coffee, Brian Leetch, Lidstrom...
list goes on and on…the majority of offensive Dmen are positional defensively, not overly physical….Denis Potvin was an extreme rarity…saw Bobby Orr in an interview once, he called Potvin the most complete D he ever saw, and pointed out that most pro-hockey players have health issues the rest of their lives after hockey…Orr said Potvin retired when he was still better than most D in the world, and he left with his health intact, without health issues, even though he was a generational Dmen, and one of the most physical ever.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Watching Reasoner Hightlights
…on youtube. Seems he scores most of his goals from inside the crease. Good! Teach these kids how to drive the net for a rebound.
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Jul 1, 2011 10:59 PM EDT reply actions
This reminds me of...
When the Isles signed Mike Sillinger. A gritty and very off the radar player who can get things done. I really did like Konokpa a lot for his charisma and leadership but I admit that Reasoner is a 100% better HOCKEY player than Konopka.
The New York Islanders....they make opposing goalies look gooooood.
by Metalstar on Jul 1, 2011 11:17 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
He's also about the same age as Sillinger was when they signed him.
I like this deal. He brings a veteran presence to a young club and a good two way game at a good price. What’s not to like?
Especially if he pans out like (or close to) Sillinger did.
Jeff Carter to Columbus? Wait, I've seen this one before, it was called Shanahan to Hartford. Advice? Don't buy a Carter jersey.
by BrassBonanza10 on Jul 1, 2011 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Get it done Garth!!!
incarcerated bob
incarceratedbob incarcerated bob
UPDATED NHL TRADE NEWSSource: I can confirm 1 team who has made contact with Coyotes for Yandle… NY Islanders have been pursuing hard
41 seconds ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
incarcerated bob
incarceratedbob incarcerated bob
BREAKING NHL NEWSSource: Coyotes have some offers on the table for Yandle & they are thinking about pulling trigger. Watch out
3 minutes ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
wow, really?
If Twitter didn’t run so bloody slow on the laptop I’d be following this like Jean Valjean.
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
Lighthouse Hockey - a beacon of greatness on the rocky coast of sports blog mediocrity
Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
if this is true, color me excited
Keith Yandle is a solid defenseman…question is how much will he cost in terms of picks/money?
I Like Where the Islanders Stand in the Division
For months, some people – notably Brian Compton – have kept saying that the Islanders will never get out of the basement without major, major moves because they will never be better than the Flyers, Pens, Devils and Rangers.
Well, the Flyers are worse off today than they were a week ago. They look like a real mess. The Pens have Crosby and Malkin coming off major injuries and have now lost role player depth. The Devils amazingly still don’t have a coach and Parise is also coming off a major injury. They were bad last year and so far only signed two non-impact foot soldiers in Greene and Hedberg. The Rangers have to pay Callahan and Dubinsky, and may or may not wildly overpay for Richards.
So I ask these Comptons of the world, with all the high end young talent the Islanders are accumulating, with a GM who has shown a keen ability to fill in areas with undervalued vets, why can’t the Islanders go to the top of the division? The rest of these teams are not exactly worldbeaters any more.
by rmblifn on Jul 2, 2011 1:07 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Devil's (but certainly not Devils'!) advocate: If they're going to the top of the division
NYI needs to consistently beat ALL FOUR of these teams.
I don’t really see how the Pens are going anywhere as talented as they are at the top. I’m willing to bet on Crosby and Malkin returning to form.
The Flyers have certainly become more of a mystery, and the Devils remain so. The Rangers will likely remain a playoff contender, because they still have Hank, and he’s still really good.
And as much as I like El Cubano, if you ranked the Isles’ goalie situation among the 5 Atlantic teams, where would you put them? Maybe third or fourth above the Devils or Pens if you’re feeling REALLY optimistic?
What I think the Comptons of the world are saying is that to pick up the points NYI needs to make the playoffs, they need to start picking up points against divisional opponents. That hasn’t happened yet, and despite how June and July have gone so far, remains to be seen.
My Point is It's All Cyclical and The Tide is Changing
I was not sugesting that the Islanders would be at the top of the division NEXT YEAR. But to say as Compton does that it’ll never change, that’s utter nonsense. You just have to be patient in building with high end talent, develop them properly and NOT go for the quick fix.
by rmblifn on Jul 2, 2011 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Very good post.
As all the team’s sit, and will likely sit(B-Richards aside):
-Devils likely won’t make the playoffs unless Brodeur gets better or Parise comes back and nets 40goals.
-Rangers are likely going to be borderline at best playoff team again, and likely won’t make it imo with Gaborik still injury-prone and likely to decline in offensive production(as he did last year), and no Rozsival/McCabe replacement yet found or even in sight(?).
-Pens are all dependent on wildcard’s Malkin and Crosby. 2 best players that both had major injuries, Crosby’s more frightening. And if Crosby and Malkin are coming back as I am expecting(Malkin a bit slower and less productive, Crosby a step slower and going to be injury/concussion-prone), they are gonna be a middle of the pack playoff team.
-Flyers. Talk about a cluster-smurf. Banking on Bryzgalov, banking on young talent, banking on chemistry, lots of new faces, top forwards shipped out, old top pairing d-men, etc. So many risks and questions with the likely outcome of a lower-seeded playoff team at best to a completely disastrous season. They made huge changes to all of their lines, don’t be surprised if they fall off the face of the earth.
I expect the Pens to take the division, but we can definitely make the playoffs this year with a weaker division and stronger team. If Garth really gets that top 4 d-man he is looking for at the cost of prospects/picks, expect this team to make the playoffs. Even if it is a #4 d-man, because Streit/A-mac/Hamonic is a solid #1/#2/#3 d-man combo in itself. And then take everything else into account: tons of D depth, solid forward depth(for the most part), a projected above average goals/gm offense, an above average PK that “could” be elite, an above average PP that “could” be elite, and an overall solid team. Our biggest question has and still will be net, but if we can get average goaltending throughout the season from the Montoya/DP/(fill-in if need be) combo, we should no question be a low seeded playoff team, even more so if Garth makes pre-trade deadline moves during the season to help the team. We have all the tools and the right scenario to succeed.
by OzzyFan on Jul 2, 2011 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
......predicting Penguins WON"T be the same for some time to come;
Crosby’s bravado has been shaken to its core (maybe, just MAYBE, he’ll stumble upon some HUMILITY in the process, but I’m NOT holding my breath) and with Talbot especially gone (Cooke likely also headed out of the Iron City) it’s possible the team character will improve – but they won’t seriously contend in my estimation. NO, from where I sit this morning (and landing another Top4 defenseman will only strengthen this perception) I can actually see us TAKING the division (with how much authoritAY, dependent upon how well our goaltenders perform). Rangers look to be our only serious competition (but NJ CAN’T be ruled out entirely) but they too are still short some key pieces to go very deep into next year’s playoffs…..
Compton and Botta
remind me of the Milbury days…they see to still believe in Mad Mike theory that you dig yourself out of any and every hole by make a huge media head line grabbing trade…anytime the Isles rebuild has hit a bump in the road or a rut, you can see these two hitting the panic botton and screaming for a trade…I give Botta high marks for his interviews, no one I’ve seen has come anywhere close to him in this capacity and as a fan i really appreciate that. On the other hand, I’ll say it again, Botta is not a hockey mind, a media relations guy and a fan, but not a hockey fan.
I actually have been reading for a while now, fans comments that Botta should get his “credentials” back, etc. and how bad an evil man Snow was for doing this…
Fact is, Botta was a former employee…whether he left on good terms or not, I don’t know, but it does seem strangely obvious Isles let him go for some reason. First thing I noticed, out of the 29 other NHL teams, no one, not one, appears to have come after Botta to offer him a job. Instead, Botta is attempting to break into the sports media business, which is fine, but think about it for a moment. When a business cuts ties with an individual, often there is a payout, a cash settlement (not sure if Botta received one) and in order to receive that settlement, one must sign a legal contract not to disclose trade secrets, blah blah blah…you can’t bad mouth your former employer, even if in truth…
This is why to me, when Botta makes reference to this in a way that gives his supporters the impression Garth is the bad guy, but yet Botta will not just open up and tell all (what did happen between him and the Isles? Did he get a settlement? Was their an agreement?) he leads me to believe that either Botta is hiding something, or he has to be careful b/c of a possible settlement agreement.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
agree on flyers
no way rookie braden schenn replaces M. Richards next year….and whether or not Couturier pans-out is irrelevent for next year as he will be in minors.
Every year one has to ask if Marty Brodeaur is done…
and even though i was never a Lindros fan, I hate to say it but I believe this is the beginning of the end for Crosby…I’ve never seen an athlete who has had repeat concussions ever return to full health – and never again get another concussion – Crosby’s career will be cut short, and I blame the NHL itself for this.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Worst Transaction/Deal on free agency opening day? Gotta be the Varalmov trade.
Frigging insane for a number of reasons:
-Caps didn’t want to keep him
-Varlamov did, and likely still wants to explore the KHL
-A 1st rounder and a 2nd rounder. That could net one hell of a “signed” player and it got them an injury-prone RFA goalie.
-If the Avs offered Varlamov an offersheet and the Caps didn’t match(99.99% likely), they could have had him at the “max” cost of a 2nd round pick.
Are we in agreement here?
PS-I feel bad for Avs fans. They let go of Liles for nothing and now this? Damn. I know this isn’t Florida-esque or even Milbury-esque, but they are making some stupid moves as of late. Even the E-Johnson trade was an overpayment.
by OzzyFan on Jul 2, 2011 1:57 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Would Ya Consider Callahan?
Send a significant draft pick for Yandle or Grudbranson, or both?
Yandle adds another lefty to our defensive mix. But he fits Snow style of untapped player that comes to the Isles and truly develops.
Grudbranson would add snarl our defense certainly lacks besides the Hammer.
Would you try and swap PAP for Ryan Callahan? Callahan would be a perfect alongside JT or FN by being gritty. I think Callahan would positively improve the Islanders but the thought of such a trade is well……
swap PAP for Ryan Callahan?
HUH???? Why on earth would the Rangers do that? Callahan is to the Rangers what Okposo is to Isles- only CAllahan has accomplished more. PAP is to the Rangers what Tambellini was to us.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Besides- the Rangers and Islanders do NOT trade players.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Salary Cap Issues
Once the Rags sign Richards….will they have enough money to sign the rest of their RFA’s? Forget trade should we attempt to steal one of their best players.
I agree with his relative importance but it would but an offer sheet would place tremendous pressure on the Rags and we have the money.
Callahan is the type of player we need on JT’s wing. His presence and a stud defenseman could position us well for a playoff run.
I think Duby goes before Callahan if it comes down to it.
But they have a list of players they’d dump to clear cap before Duby and Callahan, likely Wolski and Avery. And trading a top 6 player within any division is an extreme rarity and only accomplished by overpayment if done.
Sure. And while he's at it
Garth can trade Okposo to the Blackhawks for Campoli.
In other words, I don’t see a Parenteau-Callahan trade in the works.
"It's too bad he lives in the city. He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent Paul Kraus during Palffy's contract holdout in 1998.
by PGI on Jul 2, 2011 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Garth can trade Okposo to the Blackhawks for Campoli.
Perfect comparison.
The Rangers think Callahan is their future Captain and besides Henrik is looked upon as the most important player on their team. The idea that they would just dump him for a player that they themselves didnt bother to keep is laughable.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Great signing for you guys. Kudos to Snow.
(Reasoner’s also one of my favorite hockey player names. This has nothing to do with why I like it. But he’s smart!)
In Dinglebarn We Trust -- JftC
:)
I am just so grateful that the Isles did not jump head first into the pit of insanity that was yesterday.
The Reasoner signing is IMO one of the relatively few rational signings that took place.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
every year on July 1
the evidence confirms that having money and having brains is not necessarily one in the same…there are a lot of really big idiots with billions of dollars in pro-sports…i love sports, but there is a limit to everything…i’d rather see these philanthropists build a hospital than over pay players by tens of millions
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
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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.
