On the Second Day of Free Agency, Islanders Rest
by Dominik on Jul 2, 2011 7:00 AM EDT
in Big Picture Musings
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PrintIt was pretty obvious heading into free agency that the Islanders needed a center to replace (and, ideally, improve on) Zenon Konopka, and the Christian Ehrhoff move betrayed their desire for a "top four" type of defenseman as well.
While July 1 featured league-wide insanity -- seems all those pre-July 1 lock-ups squeezed supply even further, bumping up the money for an ever-weaker market -- the Islanders actually came off well by landing Marty Reasoner, who is a legitimate upgrade over Konopka. (God love Konopka and all he gave to the franchise, but unless you really value frequent fighting, sandpaper and goal songs, it's very difficult to argue the team isn't better with Reasoner.)
The whole "top four" thing was not taken care of, and perhaps the reason Garth Snow tried to jump on Ehrhoff early is because he knew how slim the pickings were beyond the German, who himself isn't really worth what he was commanding. James Wisniewski (been there) signed for an absurd sum and term in Columbus. Ed Jovanovski is no longer a "top four" by my definition, and in any case the Panthers signed the 35-year-old to a likewise crazy sum.
I'm hoping neither of those options were even on the Islanders' radar this time. Regardless, late yesterday Snow made clear the most likely route to address further defense improvements is through trade:
Here's what he said of the defense through the Islanders official Twitter account:
"We do have a young group with a few veteran leaders on the blue line. We’ll look to add another defenseman...I don’t think it’s going to be through free agency, but we’ll see where that takes us.
We did it last summer with a trade for (James) Wisniewski and we’ll look along those lines."
Always, there is the question of depth if no such trade presents itself. But by letting both Radek Martinek and Jack Hillen walk, it seems like the Islanders are ready to go with what they have unless something much better than those two presents itself. The way summer goes, you never know when that kind of fruit might shake loose.
Here's what he told Newsday's 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. ...
Biggest priority for #Isles, Snow said, is top-4 defenseman. Said team has 10 forwards "pretty much set" heading into training camp.
I know so many fans get disappointed when July 1 passes by fairly quietly for their team, but frankly I can't put myself in that group. The biggest free agent "prize" did not even sign yesterday -- and the number of bidders virtually guarantees Brad Richards will sign a very long, very expensive contract that his new team will soon regret.
The numbers flying around Richards are just one of several crazy stories from Friday, though. I can count only a handful of useful players I'd want who went for prices I could stomach (Belanger, Handzus, Goc at $1.7 million per).
Tallon: Shakespeare Monkey?
Almost everyone else seems to be drunk, including Philadelphia which after clearing its cap congestion has decided to again buy now, ask questions later, and Buffalo, which while improving seems to be burning through its cap in nearly Rangers-like near-sightedness. (Ville Leino has a long way to go to earn that contract.) That also includes much of what Florida did (in addition to Jovo, there was Fleischmann for $18 million over four years; Sean Bergenheim at $2.75 million per for four years) -- behaved as if the cap will go infinitely upward under the next CBA. Maybe they know something I don't.
(As Derek Zona at Copper & Blue said: Dale Tallon must be the Shakespeare monkey. Put enough monkeys in a room making random trades and free agent signings, and one of them will eventually stumble into a Stanley Cup.)
Tallon certainly improved his team on the ice, but as with the Blackhawks it seemed to be without the use of a calculator. That's fine when you've already lucked into Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews...
Goalies: Commodities
You can tell GMs are understanding that goalies are mostly pretty close and mostly unpredictable when you see so many of them shuffle around the way they did yesterday. Then there's Colorado's Greg Sherman, who decided his lottery team's first-round pick next summer was worth gambling away for the oft-hurt, oft-average Semyon Varlamov. That trade nearly made me sick to my stomach, and it didn't even involve anyone or team I care about.
I would comment on more of yesterday's signings, but the sheer volume was overwhelming. Has such a weak class ever been attacked with such vigor? Here's the full list of free agent signings at nhl.com, though you'll have to dig deeper or head to CapGeek to get the details on each. You might also enjoy the "top 10 deals" at ESPN.com or the usual "winners" and "losers" post at Puck Daddy.
Meanwhile, we had our fun gawking at the financial bloodletting in the free agency open thread, while also saying goodbye to Jesse Joensuu, hello to Marty Reasoner, and looking forward to seeing you to Kirill Kabanov.
If you're spending this holiday weekend away, have a fun and safe one. We'll always leave the light* on for you.
*No way was I going to get all cheese-pun with you and say "the lighthouse."
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ESPN lists Tallon as "a winner". They are on crack, too.
I shake my head at the stupid contracts Florida gave out… but I am amazed that he is PRAISED for them.
And suddenly the NHL Network was talking about Wisniewski like he is frickin Chara. Why do the BJs get a pass for this?
Florida, the Avs, Columbus, the Flyers, these teams are all insane.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 8:39 AM EDT reply actions 5 recs
Faint Praise
Some of the “Top” deals recaps seem like backhanded compliments:
Leino:
The 27-year-old followed up a strong 2010 postseason in Philadelphia with a 19-goal effort this past season. He will need to do more than that for the money and term Buffalo has committed to him.
Wiz:
This is a deal that you might eventually call a GM-killer. … Only five NHL defensemen will make more than Wisniewski’s $7 million next season. The bottom line: Wisniewski had better help lead the Blue Jackets into the playoffs or this one is going to be tough to explain.
Cole:
Hard to imagine this contract, much like teammate Scott Gomez’s bloated deal, won’t end up being a non-stop talking point in Montreal. True, Cole did have a bounce-back season in 2010-11 with 26 goals for Carolina; but he had a miserable time of it during a brief stop in Edmonton in 2008-09, his only other stop in a traditional hockey market. Now, he’s going to be a go-to guy in an intense market. We’re just not sure he has the chops for it.
If these are the “Top” deals, I’d hate to see the bottom ones.
And the Avalanche one is just bizarre:
Instead, he took on a Stanley Cup winner whose career is in decline in Giguere, and a young, injury-prone netminder who was once upon a time seen as the future in Washington. Varlamov is a restricted free agent and the exposure isn’t great on Giguere, so Sherman has a lot to gain and little to lose with this goaltending tandem.
A washed-up hack and an injury risk! For cheap! Except that first round pick that a rebuilding team might want for the future.
"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 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Fixed the Avs one
Unproven injury risk who played behind a perennial presidents trophy caliber team.
That deal is Milburian…or Burkian…at least Burke got Kessel though.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 9:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
I don't think they were top deal, I think they were just notable deals
I thought the same thing when I was reading it. Couldn’t be top deals. Every deal on there are the ones that were universally panned.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
They called him a "winner"- that alone is enough to make me scream into a pillow.
IF the Isles made all these dumb stupid ass moves they would be BLASTED for it.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
rec'd hry TMC
have you read the fanshot by Nullzer…26 free agent busts? these media talking heads rarely get into serious analysis, but rather…oh, he’s the winner, he signed the most for huge bucks"…and then a season or two later, the same talking heads shake their heads like experts and question why Redden, Nylander, Gomez, Campbell among so many others ever recieved that kind of money.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Tallon IS a winner today
Because he makes his team better TODAY. In three years everyone will realize that his moves were short-sighted, but there’s no doubt he made the Panthers more competitive for the 2011-2012 season.
Of course, he had to, his farm system isn’t nearly as good as the islanders’.
By letting Vokoun walk and signing Theodore? Youre sure about that?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
just by virtue of his fiasco with grabner,i will assume everything tallon ever does is stupid until proven otherwise
by Lakewood Islander on Jul 2, 2011 10:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Agreed
Buzz today but bust tomorrow.
What is also interesting is to read the blogs from their respective fans all scratching their heads at the various lineups. The Flyers are a complete mess. Av’s got robbed with their goalie acquisition from the Caps. The Wiz was always a second rate defenseman begging for first rate money. He got the money but it doesn’t change is value. The Panthers made a splash by adding a some old players with long contracts. It is easy to see they will choke on those contracts in the coming years.
Snow on the other hand maintains his slow and steady approach which is fine by me. We have a lot of young talent to sign long term like Taveres. Let’s give him the stupid money instead of some player past his prime.
by TheMagus on Jul 2, 2011 9:01 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Let’s give him the stupid money instead of some player past his prime.
Or some player who is IN his prime, but just isnt very good.
Either way, the point remains- spend the money where its WORTH IT.
Yesterday reminded me of drunk guys during last call, scrambling for anyone they can take home.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
that sounds terrible.....
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
It is terrible
And these clubs are gonna regret it, too.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Spend, Spend later on these clibs have to pay the piper!
NOT our problem. Stick to our needs, Garth says we need one more top 4 D-man, so that’s where we go spend $$ on. Not on these stupid deals I saw last night!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
- actually sounds like something Myers would've said in.....
…..“So I Married An Axe Murderer’! (Quote: ’May I have your attention PLEASE! A piper is dewn. Ah rahpeet, a piper is dewn. Oh, niew need to pahnic!”)
NO Scottish burr ogam, BUT and Irish like hangover: the same really!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
- distant cousins we may be:) I suppose it could've been an Irish brogue too.....
- but to paraphrase, when you appreciate all things (well, MOST things) Scottish, every accent is a burr!
The worst is when
They turn the lights on.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 9:31 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
sometimes that's not even enough to save you
that always makes for a fun morning….
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
So which of these teams is going to get the proverbial crabs in the future?
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Spend the money wher its worth it and needed! CORRECT! agree 100%
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
In fairness to the Panthers
Im assuming Tallon has a “5 year rebuilding plan” which is why all of those deals are 4 years. I’m pretty sure they are still under the cap floor. They had to spend what 25mil just to make it. They really didn’t have much choice on severely overpaying. The crap part is that it skews the market. The reality is, if they didn’t do it, they’d be penalized for not making the floor. And really, they don’t have trade chips they’re willing to part with and they shouldn’t bother getting draft choices.
If you think about it, do you know how hard it must be to spend that much money an still construct a team bad enough to get you high draft picks while still having those players have deadline trade value? Tallon should be interesting to watch.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 9:30 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
They did have other choices.
There is something called “trades” where he could trade for someone elses stupid contract instead of giving more of them out himself. But NOOOO, he wants to add to the problem.
What he needs to realize is that there is a BIG difference between the Hawks and the Panthers. The Hawks are a storied O6 franchise, with one of the most recognized logos in sports history, and a fanbase that was a sleeping giant just waiting for a reason to cheer. That is not the case in Florida. You cannot approach things the same way- but there he goes, anyway.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
BTW The sarcasm was directed at him, not you.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Trades are an options sure, (here's the but)
That’s the milbury move right? I mean, do they start mortgaging the future by moving prospects and picks? They really don’t have a lot on the existing roster to move. The advantage Snow had (in a similar situation) was that the floor was lower too. I hear you that the moves are crappy for the NHL, but I don’t see them as having too much choice…Buffalo and Philly on the other hand…
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 10:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I meant a cap relief trade
Then they could sign players they want to contracts they deserve instead of overpaying everyone and fucking up the whole market.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
True
But apparently, noone needs cap relief. The Flyers are still grabbing guys…and really, they did take Versteeg. I wonder if any of those are coming up, or if team’s are in OK cap shape now that it went up.
It could just be a one year market problem, and if we maintain our cap space the right way (which I see as inevitable), we could make a killing next off season. A KILLING! We will have inexpensive safe players to move and $ to cover an influx of talent. Could be fun!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think the Chicago comparison works the opposite
The Panthers don’t have any other real history to fall back on, other than the Rat-Trick (which I wouldn’t mind see making a comeback with the red jerseys). They play in a market best described as fickle, where buzz and star-power matter almost as much as winning
They’ve missed the playoffs 10 years running, and while no one is going to confuse them with a Cup contender come October, they’re much closer to the playoffs in a fairly mediocre East. The contracts will hurt them at their end, but given they started the day not even being able to see the salary floor, they needed to drop some FA cash. Their tradeable assets are, at this point, fairly limited. They’ll probably hurt financially on the back end, but who knows what position they’ll be in at that time as far as being able to unload an expiring contract
Of course, a new CBA could make this kind of analysis all moot, but while I don’t love what Florida did yesterday, I can’t totally fault them for it
This Panthers team reminded me of the 2007-2008 Islanders
Just a weird mash-up of Fedotenkos, Comries, and Vasiceks.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Haha, yes
A Kozlov here, a Sillinger there, here Guerin there a Guerin everywhere a Guerin Guerin…Old Garth Snoooow had no farm…
E,I,E oh no.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 10:53 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
The thing that got me is all the four-year deals at high prices
I mean Tallon was prepared for this day by shedding every salary under the sun. But the problem with that is in a weak market you have to overpay (even more than normal) to make sure you don’t just have scraps.
Granted the cap goes up yet again, but building a roster off of $3-4 million players on 4-year deals can catch up to you.
That said, if I’m a Panthers fan I’m relieved just to have NHLers in the building. I remember that feeling.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Does anyone think that.....
…..Garth’s reasoned moves will cause some people who have been contemptuous of this team to admire him? NAHHHHH….I am soooooooo grateful we have a GM that, to put it bluntly, has a brain! And have never taken more pride in him than today…..
But there are Isles fans who are TICKED that Garth didnt join in this madness and piss away money and years on mediocre players. They apparently have such a need to conform and fit in with the rest of the league that, if the rest of the teams are doing all this stupid shit, they want to, too.
I am with you, I am THRILLED that the Isles did not follow suit. Sometimes the best moves are the ones not made.
And the whiners might understand that when the Isles have the cap space and the room to keep all the kids they want to keep. That is, if their memories extend more than a few months.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
EXACTLY
SOONER, rather than later TEH CORE will dominate and needs of FA and trades will be minimal, if any.
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
But there are Isles fans who are TICKED that Garth didnt join in this madness and piss away money and years on mediocre players.
please don’t tell them about lighthouse hockey….
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
by Pauly C on Jul 2, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Couldn't have summed up the Islanders last two days any better.
Rec’d, and hopefully this will be the blueprint for this franchise for the future.
While we are eventually going to have to pull the trigger on signing a big FA, this year was not the time.
Proud to root for the Jets, Mets, and Islanders!!!
by CharlieIsles on Jul 2, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Blogs seem to appreciate what was done
Twitter and the mainstream, not so much. The George Ays of Blueshirt Banter thought it was a good move…PPP was happy Burke played like Snow yesterday. A lot of times, the fans (and media) dont understand the CBA and the players attributes the same way as the passionate fans that go to the blogs and soak up all that stuff…unfortunately, sometimes those same people have pretty loud voices.
What people have to realize for us here is Snow is building this team’s depth so that 10-20 years from now, it will never look like it did five years ago. It will have depth, trade chips, cost control, quality players, a new arena, a marketable destination point, history, potential and character…and he’s doing while behind the 8 ball of scorn and bad press. I think he’s been more than a genius even if he hasn’t landed high profile guys.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 10:40 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
What people have to realize for us here is Snow is building this team’s depth so that 10-20 years from now, it will never look like it did five years ago. It will have depth, trade chips, cost control, quality players, a new arena, a marketable destination point, history, potential and character…and he’s doing while behind the 8 ball of scorn and bad press
This is my dream and the fact that it’s actually happening is hard for me to wrap my mind around. I’m 28, so was born in 83. In that time only the football Giants have been respectable and that’s even somewhat fleeting.
I’ve lived through Milbury, Phillips, Minaya, Wilpon, Duquette (so much damage in only half a year), Millstein, Spano, early Wang, one day of Neil Smith, and Isiah Thomas.
I can’t believe I have Snow, Alderson and Reese now. FINALLY, I’m exposed to intelligence. I’m so pumped about the Isles especially. Snow is a top 5 GM in this league, and in the next year or two, people not on Lighthouse Hockey, will finally notice.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Garth Snow is like the Frans Nielsen of the GM world
He’s smart, he makes good moves that aren’t too risky, he’s incredibly underrated, and like Frans is easily in the top 5 of defensive forwards in the league, Garth is in the top 5 GMs of the league.
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
who right now is a better GM than Garth Snow?
I’d say we have the best GM iin the league
just look at www.capgeek.com for the team rankings on spend (we are 2nd to last) and where he’s taken us already
stick with the plan
by Cary K on Jul 2, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Ken Holland in DET……struggling to think of anyone else.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
I actually thought Paul Holmgren was a good GM
Well, that is until yesterday anyway
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
A lot of speculation
That that was an “ownership mandated” set of moves…I guess we can wait for his book to find out for sure???
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Living outside philly
There was a lot of speculation that since Carter and Richards were party buddies going out late and drinking that they were traded away for that reason.
I don’t know, he too often found himself spending or over the cap due to his own problems.
"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.
I can't tell if you guys are kidding . . .
While I certainly like the direction of the team and the slow and steady rebuild, and the absence of cap- and budget-killing deals for a team with cost-constraints, at best Garth gets an incomplete at this point. To say that a GM whose teams have finished at or near the bottom of the standings for several years is the “best GM in the NHL” is absurd. It’s no fait accompli he’s built a dynasty. Holland, Chiarelli, Shero, Lombardi, etc., — there are plenty with a better track record as of now.
Remember what Winston Wolf said about certain frozen treats.
by Hey Hanrahan on Jul 2, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Disagree
None of those guys started from the same point as Snow. Shero stepped into a situation that already included Crosby and malkin an after the Pens financial problems.
I am not saying Snow should be in the HOF, but he is currently doing things exactly the right way. How the picks pan out and the team play going forward will confirm or deny that, but he is doing it as right as possible given the circumstances, and really hasn’t taken any shortcuts.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Stick to the plan
Great teams build from the draft…
Look at every sport, (that has a cap) the better teams draft great and then keep their players together through their primes and have long spells of winning. As long as when the new Coliseum is built they don’t go crazy and try and speed up the process by trading Nino and Hamonic for a 32 year old captain from some other team with bad knees and a bad back.
Not all of the draft picks will work out, and if they all do we can’t play them all anyway, but the isles have amassed a great deal of young talent.
No argument that the trajectory of the team has improved . . .
But you can’t say he’s he best GM in the league until we know “how the picks pan out and team plays going forward.” Does he seem to be setting things up nicely? Yes. Hopefully there will be a big payoff for “slow and steady.” But I guess what I’m saying is it’s hard to put him up there with guys who have a documented history of success. And while Garth has proven he can rebuild a farm system, can he prove he can build a winner and put a team over the top? Jury’s out (though I am hopeful).
On Shero: Yes, he inherited Crosby and Malkin, but he’s also put the necessary pieces around him. They were still pretty darn successful this year even missing those guys for half the year. While maybe he hasn’t proven he can build a farm system, he’s had success putting a team over the top.
by Hey Hanrahan on Jul 2, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
develop and draft
Snow has drafted extremely well. Now it is the second half of the draft…development…if Isles develop well, this team is going to be good…
even if 50% of prospects are busts, that still leaves a very talented top six and solid bottom six forwards, half a solid D core and 1.5 solid goaltending.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Garth is building this business so as to LAST - the most ironic thing about our circumstances.....
…..if, as expected, the referendum passes in a month’s time and the ‘areener’ goes up, it won’t be long before a lot of people will be eating some VERY stale crow and pointing to the New York Islanders as a new model for making a sports franchise successful…..
by ogam5 on Jul 2, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Leaving a legacy
Is something not often done in sports. When you think back on Milbury’s “well at least we saved our jobs for a couple of years” quote, you realize that sometimes, there is public, personal and ownership pressure to save face and “win now”. There’s a certain sense of job pride that Snow has that keeps him from bowing to pressure and public criticism and keep plugging away with his vision.
If it works even halfway, he is to be commended considering his starting point with where this franchise was.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
speaks to the owner too.....and the Isles past 15 years/arena/revenue as well
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Agreed on the owner
And that’s what makes the “sell the team” talk sound like so much bullshit.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:23 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I will cry if the Mets trade or lose Reyes...
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Jul 2, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
baseball talk alert!
They will definitely keep him thru this year. I think they will make a GOOD offer to him that will be very competitive. After that, it’s up to Reyes. I don’t think they’ll offer him the MOST money, but I could see Sandy stretch up to 6 years and just short of $20M per if necessary.
(sorry, couldn’t help it….back to hockey)
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
The fact that Reyes won't discuss until after the season
tells me that he’s not re-signing. I understand the Mets need to shed contracts, but you don’t get rid of the best player in the league to do that. Get rid of your Bays, your Beltrans, your K-Rods, and your Santanas, but for the love of God, don’t get rid of Reyes. I’ve got a hell of a lot of faith in Alderson if he managed to make this steaming pile of a team into something average, but the only player on this team I want to keep is Reyes. The Mets haven’t had homegrown talent like that in a very, very long time.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
ummm what about Alex Escobar....heeeelllllloooooo
haha
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
The George Ays of Blueshirt Banter thought it was a good move
I did. Perfect fit for a team with some young, offensive minded centers. If Strome arrives quickly, a Tavares-Strome-Nielsen-Reasoner combo down the middle is quite strong.
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 2, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
If only we could merge these team!
What would it look like?
Moulson/JT/Gaborik
Grabner/Richards/Dubinsky
Callahan/Neilsen/Okposo
Boyle/Reasoner/Prust
Streit/Staal
Amac/girardi
Hamonic/Sauer
Most importantly, the Rangers goaltending!
I don’t have Rangers roster in front of me, but it seems like the two team’s weaknesses and strengths are opposite.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Callahan/Neilsen/Okposo
My god that line sounds so awesome.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously
The “I’ll give you effing intangibles!!!” line.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 12:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
drool.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I would take McDonagh and Erixon over Girardi/Sauer. I don’t like losing Anisimov either, but yeah, that’s a pretty awesome combination there.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
IPB Board...
Just went over to read comments there from yesterday and today. I think I need to go take a friggin shower. I understand disgruntlement…but you’d think Crosby, Malkin and Ovechkin were all available and we took a pass.
I’m thinking they wanted us to sign Wizzer to a $7M per deal. LOL!
On another note: any quotes from Reasoner vis a vis coming to the Island – looked all around – he seems kind of quiet…
I know... I started getting so angry reading all the stupid shit people were posting that I had to just close it and stop.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I think I read four or five from yesterday and a couple from today...
One guy posted, (paraphrase) ‘Everyone else got better today and Snow did nothing.’
Unbelievable…
I'm pretty sure Pittsburgh and Philly got worse
New Jersey stayed the same. The Rags got a little better with Mike Rupp, but not much.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
they got Richards, too
I hope that bites them in the butt sooner than later
Yeah I posted that before the Richards signing
I think Richards makes them better now, worse later.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
definitely makes them better
But they’re going to be paying him $6.6 million a year until Rick DiPietro’s kids retire.
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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Richards is a UFA a year before DiPietro is
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by George E. Ays on Jul 3, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Richards is a little older than Rick.
They are the same age when their contracts end- 40. But Rick got his contract when he was young and healthy, Richards got his contract after he was already in his 30s and has already had concussion issues. Not to mention he is getting paid two to three times what Rick is getting paid for years, with a cap hit that is only what it is because of what you and I both know perfectly well is nothing but NHL-sanctioned cap circumvention.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Now I hate you
I don’t like reality at all…you’ve hurt my feelings!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Knew I was crossing a line, I felt like I built enough credit to get one shot in. My bad.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 3, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Btw, yes, I’m well aware it’s loophole exploitation, having just checked the buyout calculator on him however, there’s no real benefit to doing so at the end, so they’re going to have to hope for retirement at the end, the savings is minimal.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 3, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
The savings is minimal?
No it isnt- its just that the savings is all in cap space, not in real dollars.
If he is bought out after year 6, the money is nothing- but thats after all the imaginary years chopped out 33% of the capspace your team should have been charged with for all the years before.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
If bought out after the 6th year
Brad Richards buyout from CapGeek.com
2017-18: $6,000,000
2018-19: $6,000,000
2019-20: $6,000,000
2020-21: $333,333
2021-22: $333,333
2022-23: $333,333
They save $666667 for the final 3 years, which is minimal when you’re talking about a $6m cap hit left over
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by George E. Ays on Jul 3, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
My point was just that you have to factor in what is already being saved
I mean, the rangers are getting away with a nearly 50% reduction in what their caphit should be for the next few seasons!!!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah, well yeah, but my point is there’s no real escaping the cap hit on the back end, so really there’s no true advantage in the way it’s structured. The only out is retirement, and I’m not sure at 37 BR’s going to retire unless he’s completely broken.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 3, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I was wondering, can he be Reddened?
Or did he learn from Wades AHL adventures and demand a NMC lol?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
No Reddening, complete NMC for the entirety of the deal
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by George E. Ays on Jul 3, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah- cant blame him for that.
Added you on Twitter, BTW (NHLArenaNYIsles)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess maybe the Rangers are counting on the CBA changing and eventually giving them an "out" once they take advantage of the caphit savings
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
If he retires, at say ~37 (which is a likely possibility).
Rangers make out like bandits with that contract.
No, plenty of cred, absolutely kidding if it wasn't obvious!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
your so right...
I stopped reading the posted comments on that site last year.
by John from ATL on Jul 2, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that a lot of the IPB community's egos are so caught up in this team's success.....
…..that when it appears to them that Garth hasn’t been as active as the (in)famous Holmgren, Tallon, Sather and Burke, they feel especially betrayed by him…..
I always get the feeling
That these are the Milbury apologists. The guys who liked Milbury because he’d always make a big deal, with of course no grounding in reality.
"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.
Like Milbury? OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, I say!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
you'd be surprised
They claim that before Wang Milbury was handcuffed by the owners. Then they say that everyone loved the Yashin trade when it was made, that Luongo was a bust anyway, at least the Isles made the playoffs, etc…
"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.
if you'd like to know how to operate when "humstrung by the owners"
please call Garth Snow. That is all.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Plus another problem is that he never seemed to sign any young UFAs or mid-career guys who might have been worth a chance. He never brought in a Moulson or Parenteau type. It was always old timers who he had coached in Boston who had nothing left in the tank.
It was possible to build a team on a shoe string budget in the late 90s, but Milbury didn’t have the patience.
"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.
In fact, Milbury hated the Moulsons and the Parenteaus
He was way too impatient and would’ve never given them a chance given their track records in the past.
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I blame myself
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 12:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
It really doesn't!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 12:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
we blame you too
If you hadn’t been nine years old at the time, Milbury never would have retroatctively gone back in time and traded Pierre Turgeon.
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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Sigh
I was old enough to know better…I will die with regrets.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
I'm not what one would call a Milbury Apologist, but...
I think anyone who is analyzing the thing fairly needs to say that he was not the AntiChrist.
The Yashin deal was not one I had a problem with at any point in time. Years of mismanagement meant that the new team needed to do somethng to get credibility quickly. Yashin, Peca, Osgood — 44 point increase in one year and the first playoff birth since 1994. Had they won that playoff series wth Toronto, things might have been different. That, the subsequent fallout from poor deals, the value of Spezza and Chara over the years and the failure of yashin to lead over the extent of the contract meant that the trade gets a much more jaded look than, IMO, it deserves.
At the same time, no matter how much I like DiP, there was no rational basis for that trade. DiPietro could have been a perennial All Star and it would still have been a terrible trade.
Milbury’s biggest problem was always a lack of insight into the game and a terrible impatience and need to improve the team by meas other than what most GMs know works: Drafting and developping you own young players.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jul 2, 2011 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
This is quite good.
Nice Hand sir.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jul 3, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I Disagree - Milbury was the Anti-Christ
The tail poking out from beneath his pant leg? The smell of sulphur every time he was around? No, my friend, I think you are wrong.
by rmblifn on Jul 2, 2011 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yashin weakness were well known though
many teams at the time wanted nothing to do with him at any price…he was in the dog house in ottawa for a reason…the dynasty Isles, especially Bill Torrey and the owner of the day, were under enourmous abuse and criticism to blow up team for a win now mentality. what milbury achieved was a temporary quick fix – closer to playoffs, father from cup – for long term regret.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions
One other thing:
Other than the Bruins (and possibly Lightning – watch Bruno go out and get 50 points with a +20 now!) I strongly believe the KINGS are in the best position to win it all next year…..
For the Bruins it depends on goaltending.
Right now, I say Caps are the East favorite and Kings/Sharks are the West favorite.
Kings
they have to be one of the top two or three cup favourites now, especially if Brad Richards signs…i just don’t know what their cap looks like now
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Brad Richards is a Ranger.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Incarcerated Bob says we are chasing Yandle
Not sure what that deal would take. We would have to give a real asset back I’m sure.
Vote Yes on August 1st.
I'd do Wishart or Donovan
plus maybe a 2013 first or a 2012 second. Maybe an additional 4th or 5th rounder to make it look nice. Pretty sure I’d do that.
I hate giving up picks. But they have other assets (such as a really cheap Nabokov) to recoup at least some of what they gave up.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
I am VERY reluctant to be too fast & loose with Donovan;
my intuition tells me he’s going to make a very big mark in this league…..
Would be tough to deal him I agree. But Yandle was being talked about last year as turning into a first pair defenseman. So you’d have to part with something valuable to get him. I’d rather give Wishart too though.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
- and that's NO knock on Wish; just believe Matt is gonna be a first-rate PP quarterback,
maybe even stepping into Streit’s skates in the not-too-distant future – unless deHaan or somebody else does first……
i love donovan's game
but like most prospects, there are flaws to correct…i really love this kid…but at the same time, there are other kids on the D depth chart ranked higher…PHX is going to want quality in return…which means we will have to give up asset(s) we would rather not…this is why i believe Nashville would insist Hamonic be included in any trade for Weber who apparently has 2 years left on his contract.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Weber's an RFA
But they do control his rights for two more years before he’d hit UFA.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Yandle's offensive numbers are astounding
On a team not known for offense. He’s about Amacs age and could be locked in long term as a successor to Streit. He is the case where you give up a lot. I’m not a huge fan if giving up picks (especially in a year where it’s supposed to be strong 2012), but this guy is worth that risk I think.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 10:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm hopeful we won't have nay winner's remorse about falling out of the bottom 10 next year;
we can afford to peddle the first-rounder for ‘12 if it helps to bring back Yandle – but again, I don’t want to see Donovan go at ALL…..
will be very interesting to see how Donovan develops at BPT this season
definitely not one to trade if possible
but we do have that next wave of D prospects – Mayfield, Kichton, Pedan, etc
and room at the Inn for de Haan probably mid season if he looks ready and injuries inevitably occur
if it takes our 1st Round 2013 pick + Donovan to get Yandle you probably have to think about it
Agreed - but what really excites me about Keith coming to LI is.....
…..it silences all the counterarguments about choosing Strome over Hamilton (as if Mayfield didn’t already do so….. )
a lot of so called experts claim it is a mistake to take a D in top 5
unless they are that generational talent. Even if Strome doesn’t pan out…knock on wood – it was still right decision…no GM has a crystal ball, and they are playing the odds/percentages when drafting. D take longer to develop, and when you look at top players in league, without doing a statistical study, far more highend forwards were drafted early, while far more highend Dmen were drafted in later rounds or rounds other than first….same reason for passing on Schenn…can get his skillset in later rounds (Hamonic), will not be drafting top 5 for ever.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Donovan is tough
His value to us is more than he would get in a trade. I don’t think he would be included. I would think they might ask for Bailey (who I’m real worried about giving up on). I’d rather give up picks. We have more than enough prospects now. We need roster players to take us to the next level. I’d set it up as a conditional where we give up more if he signs for 3 years or more.
Vote Yes on August 1st.
i love donovan
but he is my no means a sure prospect – i read he has to work on skating – not sure whether or not that has been resolved, but donovan in my view is not a third pairing prospect b/c of size…he needs to make the show as a top 4 Dmen…who knows if that happens…i wouldn’t keep Franz if it meant passing on a health Crosby, if donovan is what it takes to land a highend D, might have to do it…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
never believe the scouts
When they say it is going to be a weak or a strong year. Everyone said 99 was going to be strong…
"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.
Agreed.
I’d give up Wishart/1st rounder/3rd rounder package for yandle, “if” he agrees to a 4yr+ contract.
I would NOT do that!
A 1st, plus a 3rd plus a player in return for just ONE? NO way! Like someone already said Yandle, he is not a star.
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
PHX Will most likely want a comination of prospects, picks and an established lesser player
incase prospects and picks don’t pan out…I’d definately include Wishart as he may very well be odd man out long term with Yandle coming in…3rd round is nothing really…1st in 2012 worries me, but to be honest, i am not sure PHX would accept that trade, they may think it is not enough, especially if not sold on Wishart.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
on the other side of coin regardling physicality
D men who hit a lot tend to get injured. That is another reason why Potvin was such a freak of nature…playing the game he did and leaving with his health intact. I’m ok with my top D men not hitting like Kasper so long as he stays healthy, can play D and puts up points like top offensive D.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
For Yandle, I could live with that
That’s provided he signs though
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I wouldn't live with that.
That’s a ridiculous amount for any player who isn’t a star.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
He's not a star
But he’d certainly make us better and our lottery pick could turn into a middle round pick.
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Or it could stay a lottery pick.
And even a middle 1st and a middle 2nd are a ton alone, nevertheless another player to go with it.
That’s a LOT.
You guys really do not understand the value of draft picks.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
What about reversing the picks?
2012 second and 2013 first? Not sure how much they’d like that but still
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
feeling a little arrogant this morning?
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
by Pauly C on Jul 2, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
No, just like my normal self.
I see this also with the RFA talks, where people dismiss 4 #1s as if they’re nothing to a team on the cusp. Early round draft picks (2nds and Firsts especially) are really really valuable for long-term success.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Totally agree
Success declines as you start to get to later picks.
Somewhere in this thread I posted about great teams year in and year out always draft well, no matter what sport (except baseball and its non cap rules)
yea that is crazy
but if Garth believes Yandle is bona fide #1 pairing D man, is a 1st rounder in 2013 too much? Is a player and a 2nd rounder too much? I don’t know the answer, and it MIGHT be, but it’s not that crazy to me either.
I would definitely hate giving up a first and 2nd rounder in the same draft. That would bother me. But I think the Isles are building enough depth that they can recoup at least some picks given up in trades. Above I cited Nabokov. If he comes and plays and plays well, and Montoya or Poulin or dare I say, DP can cover the #1 spot, they could prob get a 2nd rounder back.
Just thinking out loud here.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Based on what the Avs gave up for the Goalie
Yandle is probably worth 3 first rounders and the next 7 second rounders through in a couple thirds…
I hope Garth doesn't believe Yandle is a bona fide D Man.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
I like Yandle
Not for the amount posted above, but it would take far less than that IMO.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
No way in hell Id do that
just saying thats what itd take. If Garths really going after Yandle one could assume he thinks our biggest need is an Offensive dmen…not sure I agree
He might only "not be a star" because he plays in Phoenix
The guy had 59 points this year on a team with one 20 goal scorer…second by one point to Shane Doan. Turning 25 this year, and as a bonus…because this is how the Isles roll, he’s from Boston.
Playing with an offensive team, he may be even better. This guy is/will be better than Ehrhoff (and I get that we didn’t give up much to get his rights), but he arguable would be better than Streit immediately, and possible top 5 in the conference.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I also love the waffling people do
Between "always take the proven commodity over "potential"" vs “don’t mortgage the future”. I guess this whole argument is based on how much of a proven commodity you view Yandle as, but he certainly looks good on the surface…it’s too early to look up advanced stats!
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
you can only kkep so many on a roster
At some point some of the guys on the farm will be ready, and at that point do we have more than we need?
When is the right time to analyze the situation and package a few away to get something we need.
Expiring deals
Next year, Eaton, Mottau, Jurcina come off…I think the Witt and Yashin buyouts come off, and Hunter and Parenteau too right? We have the space and the coin and replacements.
On that note, shouldn’t Nabbys cap hit be the un-prorated version of his salary this year? That will come off too.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 11:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hunter doesn't come off till the end of 2013
Yashin’s buyout ends after 2015. Nielson is in the last year of his contract next season as is Montoya and Gillies. The rest you had right.
Don’t be shocked if Nabokov shows up at camp as his agent stated. Nabokov really has no choice.
Nielson, barring injury, needs to be re-signed mid-season
He’s going to command a big raise in the free market.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Definitely needs to be re-signed
This is a no-brainer considering how the rest of the C position is still a question mark.
/scowls at Bailey
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 12:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Based on what I see now Frans will get a huge raise via UFA
My guess is Snow will have to act quickly to get a deal done. Behind Tavares that is Snow’s main priority in terms of player contracts at the moment.
Who's to say Yandle isn't a star?
He throws up an 11goal/59pts(his 2nd time netting 11goals and 41pts) Streit-like season for a borderline playoff team, alongside a weak offensive partner in D.Morris, playing 24min/gm, why’ll playing against the 3rd toughest competition among d-men, and at the age of 24. But that’s not good enough to be a star in this league? Only 2 d-men in this league scored more pts then him last year, and both were on better offensive teams. Respect the Yandle, he’s proven over the last couple seasons that he can play decent defense, play top pairing minutes reliably, score pts on the PP and at even strength, run a PP with weak pt-playing partners, and he got 5pts this past season in the playoffs against the Wings, tied for 1st on the coyotes with 2 forwards. Honestly, Yandle on our team could possibly net 60pts/yr reliably with our team(phoenix was really really weak at forward). This guy is a game changer for our team. He puts us over the top and gives us a streit-successor.
Garik and Ozzy, please help....
I thought of Yandle as being a 1st pair defender, really coming into his own this year. At least that’s been the perception out there that I’ve picked up on, but really never did any research or saw him play that much.
It appears from your post Ozzy that I’m not wrong.
But then garik said “I hope Garth doesn’t think of him as a top pair defender.”
I value the advanced stats. I’m all over them in baseball, not as well versed in hockey. So could one, or both of you, state or stat (I’m so clever) your case for Yandle either being a potential top D man or just a 3-4 with some offensive abilities?
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
I will tell you that from my research on his career, he is that top pairing guy you and I think he is.
Plays top minutes (24gm+) reliably. Is an offensive guru that was underrated in juniors and underrated now apparently. Can run a PP well. Is a great all around big minute player. He is no a-mac defensively, but that’s what your shutdown pairing is for. I’ll say he’s gonna be similar to Streit, as in all around game and 24min/gm high offensive producing minute eater/PP running top pairing d-man. This kid is the real deal. He only recently has been given a big shot at minutes over the last 2yrs for the coyotes and he’s excelled in them. Yandle would be a tremendous pickup and the scary thing is that given the circumstances he’s played in so far, he could get better offensively. He’s the real deal.
I live in Phoenix
And get to see a fair amount of Yotes games. I for one would love to see him on the Isles but only if the price is right and we can lock him up for at least 4-5 years.
He's a good skater, definitely an above average/fast skater. I don't think I'd label him as elite fast, but definitely speedy though.
Here’s some goal vids.
If Yande's offensive number stay as they are or go north, he's a star
if that doesn’t fit the definition, a lot of other Dmen consider top enders need to be reassessed.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
i'm seeing a lot of love for keith yandle being traded to LI...
i agree that this would be a nice upgrade to our top 4. i’m having a hard time believing phoenix will part with him so willingly. they’re trying to keep a franchise in arizona, so trading yandle (an exciting defenseman to watch) would only make it harder for the coyotes to stay. but hey, that’s their problem right?
i was browsing through defensemen on capgeek, and i have a short list of dmen that i thought could possibly be on the move given the right circumstances and the surprise factor of garth snow…
Lubomir Visnovsky, Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Erik Johnson, Barret Jackman, and Drew Doughty.
You read that list and may think that there’s no shot in hell these guys are coming to Long Island (or that it’s somewhat unlikely they come here). You may be right. But when I looked at them again, I looked at their current positions. Some have 1 or 2 years left, some are RFA, and some may have a NTC. Most are in a pretty good position of cap relief for other teams. Visnovsky is in his 30s. He may be looked at as a guy who Anaheim may want to move on and not commit anymore money towards. He’s a seasoned vet the isles could look to. Suter has a year left and may be looking for a big raise. I don’t doubt Nashville will give it to him but who knows if they’re willing to spend extra money there. Weber is a RFA, and that makes it more likely for him to get shipped. However, he’s one of the mostly unlikely guys to come here. Erik Johnson got passed once, and is a prime resurrection candidate for Snow to take on. He could continue the new trend on LI that was started by Moulson, Grabner, and Montoya. I think Johnson would benefit from Capuano’s style and the comradery in the locker room. Jackman has a NTC, but could possibly waive it. the isles could take on the last year of his 3.6 salary. He’s a solid-style d-man who plays first pair minutes. Doughty is the most unlikely, I think, of these guys, but again, RFA. the isles could give him the contract that LA might not want to give him. I would be fine with overpaying for Doughty if given the chance to acquire him.
so that’s my crazy, yet it just might work, list. fire away my friends.
"son of a bitch i'm sick of these dolphins"
- Steve Zissou
I was thinking along the lines, however, more with regard to next summer. I don’t think there’s any chance to get one of these guys now, but Suter and Jackman as well as Burns, Carle, Coburn, Tyutin will all be UFA indeed next summer and at least some of them will certainly hit the market. It won’t be easy to get anyone of these guys to Long Island, but some would fit pretty well.
i think each year it will get a little easier to attract ufa's
4 years till new arena, prob. 2 years removed from playoff contender, 4 from cup winner…
but for me, i don’t want anymore than two ufa’s b/c they tend to be overpaid busts far too often…they need to be the RIGHT ufa’s, the right fit for the right price
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear you guys. Thing is, nobody is coming cheap or being given away for nothing.
Yandle is gonna be about as cheap as any of those guys, is younger then most of them or is ahead of the younger ones(Doughty the exception). We are looking at an offensive guy, and out of that list, Doughty is untouchable, Erik Johnson is likely untouchable, Weber is likely untouchable, Suter is better but definitely more costly, and Visnovky at “34” is at best a stop gap. For offensive top pairing guys, Suter and Yandle are the most realistic and best fits as a low-risk top pairing/streit-successor young d-man.
And the same with Ben’s list, Burns being the only exception. Everyone else on Ben’s list doesn’t have as high of an offensive/top-pairing ceiling or are older.
So in essence, you’re best bets are Burns, Yandle, and Suter. 2 you have to into a bidding war for or trade for their rights, and the other you have to trade for his RFA rights(yandle). Other then that, none have the longterm top pairing upside we “need” for now. That’s why I think you have to go after Yandle right now, there really aren’t many other idealistic “available” options on the table for now or next year.
and something no one has mentioned yet..
given D take longer to develop, Isles will need to acquire at least one, maybe two D via trade or UFA who are ready at the same time the young forwards peak…drafted D are as likely to be ready as they need to develop
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. That's why I was specifying the younger guys signed to multi-year deals as the best possible option.
Stopgaps like Visnovsky and Kaberle and McCabe are nothing but stop gaps. They are no long term solution. If we wanna fix something, why not fix it right with a long term solution instead of trying to fix it twice or even 3 times?
I certainly agree that age will be a big factor and everyone over 30 years old won’t be worth spending big money on next summer. But we’re not quite on the same page for the rest I guess.
First, I doubt Yandle will ever be a true top-pairing guy. He seems to develop into a nice all-around player with pretty great offensive talent, which still makes him a valueable player of course. But particularly Suter, but also Burns and even Carle are just better, more complete players.
And I don’t think we should be looking after offensive defenders. In my world Streit’s gonna be around for a few more years and play effective hockey indeed, just maybe not 24+ minutes per game anymore and in all situations or against toughest competition. So, rather than a replacement for Streit, which DeHaan might grow into 3-4 years down the road anyway, I’d be looking for someone who can help to make life easier for Streit. In that sense, even Tyutin and Coburn could for the team ultimately be better defenders than Yandle.
Now, of course, you need to check what your needs are now, what your needs might be next summer or a couple of years ahead and you need to explore what you can get now and how good your chances are to get something next summer. Apparently, you can’t just wait now and miss on everything next summer…
So, I’m not saying it would be wrong to go after Yandle now, but in an ideal world I don’t think it’s necessarily the best move Garth could make. Then again, Yandle would surely improve the team next season and a strong year might increase the chances to land attractive free agents next summer. And if you need room Yandle is a guy you should be able to move out again pretty easily.
I see your point. I just think Yandle works in all ways.
Security for streit, “efinite” Streit-successor, definite PP QB, definite 24min/gm guy, etc. He’s no shutdown d-man defensively, but he can face middle of the pack competition on D well(which is all he’ll be asked to do) and likely throw up 50pts+ seasons doing it with his complete toi. I just think that A-mac/Hamonic/input-future-guy-here will do the heavy lifting top competition shutdown minutes already and we have that whole plugged.
And the whole question of Burns/Carle/Suter being more complete is a debatable topic I’d say. Debatable as in, Yandle is better offensive then them but Yandle is a bit worse defensively, and so on.
But I can see all sides. I just think “right now” Yandle makes the most sense. We don’t need another Hamonic or A-mac right now, but “right now” we could definitely use another Streit/successor to Streit because we have none in his footsteps/proven right now.
Doubt E. Johnson will be available
Colorado just gave up a budding power forward and a pretty nice offensive D-man to get him, so they’re probably vested in seeing that through unless they find something very ugly about Johnson.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Yeah, they gave up the ~equivalent of about DeHaan + Nino + 2nd rounder for Johnson + 3rd line checking center + 1st rouner.
Pretty nuts. Gotta think he’s completely untouchable with how much they traded for him.
Not Donovan.
I see him as a first-pair defenseman in a couple of years.
maybe top 4
but i don’t think donovan will be a top pairing…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd give our 1st round 2013 pick
and some spare parts to get this done
might be attractive to a team likely seeking a buyer
What is with the people willing to sell high draft picks?
Even if by 2013 we’re a top team, 1st round picks are the fuel by which teams keep on top. And as a team who is unlikely to spend a lot (which WE ARE IF IT HAS NOT SET IN YET), they’re especially valuable.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Avs Caps Deal Made Me Sick Too
I think this impacts a team like the Islanders more than one thinks.
How do fans feel about the prospect that the Caps may receive a pick … like perenial power house NJ received Adam Larsson by squeezing ahead of the Islanders in draft order? Or like Boston being able to land Seguin / Hamilton in back to back years… Do we want to see more East Conference power houses shore up their prospect pools by adding top 10 rated prospects?
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Jul 2, 2011 10:11 AM EDT reply actions
That draft lottery was FIXED for the Devils, here is how it went down
Betteman: Lou we F’ed you on the attempt to circumvent the CBA with the Kovalchuk, but I’ll make it up to you somehow.
Lou Lamarello: Thanks Gary, any thoughts on what you got in mind?
Betteman: Sure, I’ll make sure you win the draft lottery.
Lou: Are you sure this is legal, won’t anybody notice?
Gary: No chance, everybody actually thinks its a lottery, Idiots! No one will notice or question it.
Lou: thanks Gary! I owe you one.
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
we lucked out
Moulson – Tavares – Strome will be one of the leagues top lines
we may well have drafted Strome anyway, or traded down to do so
looking at the talent
In a couple years this team has a chance to be pretty scary…Nino looks like he should be pretty good, and Kiril has the talent, if only he can keep his head straight. Add in Strome, and the isles
should be able to roll 3 potent and deadly lines.
You were there, too?
That’s exactly what I thought happened.
Don’t you remember the rest of the conversation?
Lou: Won’t anyone be suspicious?
Gary B: remember the NBA? I was there and we were able to get the Kicks Patrick Ewing. It was totally fixed and no one was the wiser.
Lou: Good Point. Won’t ther Islandahs be angry?
Gary B: Who cares?
The rest, as they say, is history.
Don't forget
Pens getting Crosby
"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.
by Mark D on Jul 2, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Someday Islanders Might Be Very Thankful Devils Won the Lottery
Doug Weight said 5-6 teams came up to the Isles table at the draft and told them they got one of the two best players in the draft, the other being RNH. Given Strome’s elite offensive potential, that could wind up being correct. If the Devils hadn’t won the lottery, the Islanders would have had to pass on Larsson to take Strome, who it looks like they really wanted anyway. Then they would have had to listen to how they passed on Larsson year after year.
Frankly, I think Larsson may be overrated. I don’t see high end offensive skill there, and 4th overall is very high for a defenseman who’s mostly a defensive d-man, no matter how good he is. Mayfield might wind up being almost as good.
by rmblifn on Jul 2, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Crazy day...
As said above, thank God Garth has a brain and didn’t sign anyone to one of those off the wall contracts yesterday. All it did was inflate the salaries league wide. Meaning players will get more at arbitrations. What Bergenheim and Leino got should support Comeau in asking for a good increase.
The Av-Caps trade was nuts too. I can’t wait to see who the Caps end up drafting with that #1 pick.
Plus what are they talking about with Richards. Seven or eight years for 8 million per. This is nuts. Richards is good but, he’s not a #1 center. He’s a good number two. He has never had 30 goals or 100 points.
Looks like from what Garth stated, he will look to see if a good D-man gets a contract through arb that the team doesn’t want to pay and then Garth can scope them up in a trade (like Wisniewski last year).
Lets not forget...
We still have Nabby in our pocket to move for a trade … at a very reasonable rate… and we aren’t desperate to move him either.
by 19 Isle in NJ 22 on Jul 2, 2011 10:28 AM EDT reply actions
Hockey Prospectus' Timo Seppa lists the Isles as a winner:
From twitter: “Wrote a piece for ESPN Insider on FA winners and losers for tomorrow morning. Winners: CAR, CHI, NYI. Losers: COL, FLA. Mixed bag: BUF, WSH.”
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
That post appears not to be up, and I don't have insider, so you'll all have to tell me what it says btw
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
From Puck Daddys twitter stream
wyshynski:
RT @andystrickland: Told Brad Richards has decided to sign with the New York Rangers…details to come #Rangers [via Twitter]
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
nice, I'm up 1-0
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
by Pauly C on Jul 2, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Reportedly 9 years/$6.5 million per
That’s a looong time
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Sather killing the cap again
for the new version of Ilya Kovulchuk. How’d that work for the Devils?
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Not very well
That’s a lot of money for a long time… Sather can bring people in but might be the worst when it comes to deals.
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
well why draft for skill when you can draft for grit
and then just ridiculously overpay for skill?
I like your style Glen Sather.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
damn, 1-1
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
WE ARE NOT AMUSED by this!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
This is terrible news
Richards and Gaborik are perfect for eachother. I had hoped L.A. would land him…It just got harder for the Isles to make the playoffs.
I don't think it is that bad
Richards is good, but what did he do for Dallas, he was in Dallas for 3 years, 3 consecutive years of playoffs missed.
No its bad
The only thing holding the Rag$ back was an inept offense. This acquisition gives them 2 legit scoring lines.
It's only bad if he can handle the spotlight
But I really wonder how he’ll do with that. He’s from Prince Edward Island (not very populous) and played on small hockey market teams in Dallas and Tampa Bay. He won the Conn Smythe with Tampa but even still it should be interesting.
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I would argue
I would take the Islanders forwards over the Rangers….of course I would take the Rangers Goalie at this point. unless Montoya can repeat last year, and he is allowed to play.
I would certainly take some of your forwards over ours. The group as a whole is probably even. I’ll certainly take our D and G though, at least for now on the D.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Especially with Eli Manning
I mean Erixon working his way onto the Rangers. That D is really solid. Aside from McDonaugh and obv Staal, Sauer impressed me a bit last year.
"It don't make you a bad person" - Ron Bennington
Damn, forgot about Erixson
Crap
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 12:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Still needs a puck mover pretty badly, hopefully Del Zotto gets his head on straight.
As I said though, you guys certainly look like you’re building a solid D on your own. Hopefully some of these kids develop well. I could see it being a dead heat or advantage Isles in a few years.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
That would be awesome!
As one of the “old timers” here I was 12 when the islanders were born. I witnessed all those NYR-NYI wars of the 70s and 80’s when BOTH teams were good! Not only the hockey world stood still whenever these two teams played BUT the entire sports world was glued to these matchups. I await the next chapter of this rivalry when BOTH teams are equally good. THAT WILL BE A SHOW WORTH WATCHING, my friends!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
STOP BEING SO DAMN REASONABLE.
It makes it so hard to hate you..
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
by garik16 on Jul 2, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I live ~7 minutes from the Coliseum and root for the Rangers, does that help?
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Just VOTE YES on Agust 1st!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
What he said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that the Casino bill? lol
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
There were people at Mulcahys last night who asked the same thing lol. Im glad I was there to straighten em out!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
That is why YOU TMC are needed on this site
to straighten em out!!!!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
lol!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Just saw your T-shirt, I like it!!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like me
Born 2 subway stops from Yankee stadium and I’m a Met fan
Looking at the teams going after him,
it’d almost have to be either the Rangers or Kings. It’s going to be too long for too much, but in the next year or two, this will make our lives more difficult
Not a Number 1 Center
Still don’t think he’s a number one center. Taravers should have more goals and assists this year.
Richards
may be just as likely to be a flop as a star
you just never know – how he fits in NYC, in MSG, with this team, injuries, etc.
my sense is that across all sports, deals for FAs that are 5 years or more fail more than they succeed – that would be an interesting list to see
Ironically
Despite missing the playoffs, The Stars had a better season last year then the Rangers. So how is he moving on to a Contender?
"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.
by Mark D on Jul 2, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Errrr.
Statistically, the Stars record was a fluke. Rangers were the better team.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Strictly by the Standings, The Rangers were 44-33-5 for 93 points and Stars were 42-29-11 for 95 points and most people agree that the West was a tougher conference then the East.
"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.
by Mark D on Jul 2, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Our hope is that because the D/G is a certain upgrade over what’s in Dallas, that Richards brings enough offense with him to turn the tide.
His GVT this year was 15.2 through 56 games, so even if he brings 3 wins with him, that turns us into a 99 point team. Combined with the youth progressing and whatever benefit he gives Gaborik, hopefully it means we’re a 100 point team now.
It’s never that simple, but that’s the game plan at least.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t you think GVT flatters him enormously due to lucky shooting, soft minutes and ample PP time, though?
First of all, 10.70% on-ice shooting and 103.6% PDO at EV is not repeatable and one of the reasons for that flattering GVT number. Then, I don’t know how accurate the QoC numbers are for Dallas, but it looks like he played against 3rd line competition at best and was helped out with pretty favourable zonestarts, yet struggled heavily to come out just at evens (47.6% Corsi 5-on-5) and in relation to his team mates (7th Corsi relative). And if you go a little deeper it only gets worse, as his Corsi numbers are inflated by the fact that he got huge ice-time when they were chasing the score. Actually, 5-on-5 with the score tied his Corsi was 43.6%. And again, all this while playing soft minutes. And on the PP, neither his points/60 (4.22) nor sfon/60 (49.5) are anywhere close to the league’s best players and at least the shot rate indeed not all that much ahead of Dallas’ average.
And all this didn’t look any better the previous seasons. I have to say that I haven’t watched him a lot, but I feel like maybe he’s the most overrated player in hockey right now.
by BenHasna on Jul 2, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
First of all, 10.70% on-ice shooting and 103.6% PDO at EV is not repeatable and one of the reasons for that flattering GVT number.
He’s carried a 10+ on ice shooting percentage for 3 years now. At some point one has to think he’s carrying that percentage to some degree. Combined with Hank carrying a 92.0+ ES SV% for several years, I think it is quite likely that he will carry an above 100.0 PDO. 103.6, no, but 102.0? I think so. So I don’t expect a ton of regression there.
I am fully aware he’s not a strong ES player, and also that he’s not trusted to play the toughs. I’ve pointed it out numerous times on BSB as a concern, and something to keep in mind. Thing is, he won’t be asked to take those assignments as long as Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan are around, and to a lesser extent Boyle-Prust (though Rupp throws that line for a loop a bit defensively)
As for his PPP/60, no 4.22 is not elite, but the 5.70 he posted in 09-10 is, and his 3 year average represents a better number than anything we had last year, so that’s an upgrade.
Look, I’m not going to pretend his contract presents value. It doesn’t, no matter how you slice it. The hope is that he brings enough to the table, while assisting others in improving theirs, that the net sum is a positive value. I think he can certainly do that from 31-34 or so. After that, who the heck knows, but the hope is that Stepan and Anisimov can grow into their primes enough to offset however much Richards regresses past 35.
It’s alot to worry about, and the stench/stigma of Drury/Gomez hangs over it, mightily, but BR is a better player offensively than either were. It’s hard not to be at least somewhat optimistic about the signing in the present.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s about fair overall and we’re definitely on the same page in general.
The high shooting percentage for example though would not be something I expect him to repeat necessarily. Richards himself is not a great shooter (around 7.5% at EV over the last few seasons) at all of course and what put his numbers over the top was the fantastic shooting of Eriksson and Neal. Sure, Gaborik’s similarly great and if he makes his shots Richards’ on-ice shooting could after all be high again indeed, but it’s not something that he brings with him (unless you believe his playmaking added to the shot quality of Eriksson and Neal…).
As for the PP, true, he’s probably more valueable there than I gave him credit for.
I figure the shooting percentage is not necessarily carried by Richards [lack of] ability to shoot, but his ability to find teammates in the scoring chance/home plate area. Obviously I could be dead wrong on that, but that’s the hunch.
I fully understand the pessimism, I’ve diluted myself into feeling this one will be different. It’s easier that way.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, maybe. Some shooting% WOWY would be interesting perhaps – haven’t figured out how to “wowy” Vic’s scripts of 08-09 and 10-11, though. Just 09-10, but the samples are very small there with Neal-Richards-Eriksson together pretty much the whole season. However, I’d just be concerned that despite such great shooting (if it’s repeatable) he might finish worse than +/- 0.
I fully expect his +/- to be negative. He’s a -72 for his career.
My hope is he takes the NYR special teams differential (49PPGF, 42 PPGA, excluding SHGs for now b/c I don’t feel like looking it up) and increased it enough to make up for the – at ES.
It’s not ideal, but I’m not sure what else is realistic with Richards, he’s not becoming Datsyuk or Bergeron tomorrow.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s what you realistically can expect. For me, to go back to the beginning, that just doesn’t feel like he truly will add three wins. However, I’m definitely looking forward to follow you tracking his EV game, particularly when he’ll be up against Frans Nielsen&Co., heh.
Well, I don’t expect him to draw Nielsen, at least at home. Then again, based on Corsi, Richards isn’t really top competition, so not necessarily who Nielsen would draw anyway. Bit of a catch-22 there with using the BtN QoCs.
Anyway, you’re right, 3 wins (18GVT) is probably the optimistic end of the scale. I guess we’ll see what happens.
I do have every intention of tracking scoring chances again, so hopefully that will shed some more light on him
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Richards shooting percentage seemed to increase because of his very weak 5-on-5 competition. Looks like the best explanation to me, and he likely isn't getting sheltered like that in NY.
I expect Richards to net 70pts/yr in a good 1st season with the Rangers. Nothing more. Gonna be interesting to see how he pans out.
He will not be sheleterd at ALL in NY
To the contrary, he will be expected to be top dog on that team along with Gaborik.
They are gonna be SOOOOO pissed.
And its not because he isnt a good player- he IS.
But there are gonna be some serious expectations on this guy.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
GMillerTSN Gord Miller
by StapeNewsday
Richards year by year: $12m, $12m, $9m, $8.5m, $8.5m, $7m, $1m, $1m, $1m. $10m SB+$2m the salary first year, $8m SB + $4m salary the second
So he’ll be bought out by year 4?
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
by Fabtraption on Jul 2, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cap Space Left for Rags
How much cap space do the Rags have left to sign a number of RFA’s?
I still say make a move for Callahan……push them on their cap space….
Per capgeek. $16,158,333 remaining, but they have a little more than that in summer cap room b/c the deals of McDonagh, Del Zotto, and Zuccarello only count half during the summer.
We have the 5 RFAs to sign. Duballahan should get ~$8m, Anisimov $2m, Boyle/Sauer ~$2.5m combined.
That leaves about $3.6m to get the remaining 2 defensemen spots signed. One should be Erixon’s $1.75m, the other a cheap vet 7th.
In the event that I underestimated the RFAs, they could move Avery, Wolski, Christensen, or all 3 if need be to make room. There’s no cap danger.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
holy crap
I knew it was front loaded, but that’s preposterous. From $7 mil to $1 mil over the last three years… the $60 mil over nine years is really $57 mil over 6. That $6.67 M cap hit should be more like $9.5 M. It’s becoming transparent how teams are jacking around with the cap limits.
Next CBA, the league is going to tighten this up. My guess is that they’ll more strictly limit the size of the drop in compensation; or else they’ll charge teams a cap penalty of some sort based on the hit during the peak years of the contract. Richards could retire at 37 and the Rangers will, in effect, have gotten an extra $3 million in cap space for the length of the contract.
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 3, 2011 3:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, they’re going to really close that loophole, be it median salary, average of top 5 years, whatever they decide to do.
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 3, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Yup.
I think they will still allow long-ass contracts, but will discourage them by no longer allowing all the fake cap circumvention years that your teams tend to tack on there at the end. They could make it that no years in one contract can differ by more than a scale of 4… so that if you pay a guy 12m in any year, the lowest any other year in the same contract would be allowed to be would be 3m.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Yea
Wouldn’t it work to just make it that the lowest year couldn’t be less that a certain % of the highest year? Or a % of the median?
Sheltered means two different things here I think.
Gaborik was sheltered last year, in that his zone starts and competition were both offensively favored. I expect nothing to change now that Richards is here, in fact, it might be even more pronounced.
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 2, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I expect Richards to net 70pts/yr in a good 1st season with the Rangers. Nothing more.
I’ve said 80-90 for one, maybe two years, then 60-70 is my expectation.
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 2, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
damn
i was hoping richards went to other conference…damn..just found this out
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
That is feasible
But it will all boil down to health and chemistry between him and Gaborik. And since health might be a question with both of them, it is a bit more worrisome.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
The Richards injury history thing is a bit overblown. Yes, he’s coming off a nasty concussion, but so was Stepan (at Wisconsin), and he was fine last year.
It’s a concern, but I don’t think of RIchards as injury-prone in nearly the same way Gaborik has been.
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 3, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
me either
I agree he is less likely to have more probs than Gaborik.
But as an Isles fan, we know firsthand injuries can sneak out of nowhere and totally screw up your plans. Hell- Mark Streit and Moulson merely bumped into eachother during a silly little scrimmage game and Streit, a very healthy player, missed an entire season because of it. Over 1800 man games lost to injury over the last 4 seasons teaches you that lesson over and over again, unfortunately. :(
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Very true.
To be honest, I’m much more worried about the injury history Callahan is developing than Richards. Sure, broken bones are fluke things, but he’s missed more than 20 games in 2 of 4 seasons now, and has yet to play 82.
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 3, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Callahan… 
Um, sorry.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Its all about why he is missing those games, you know? Whether its the same problem again and again.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
All F and D issues aside
What may make or break this season is who is the starter in net and how they do
Yeah, I pretty much agree with you Cary K
There comes a point in time where most of the re-build peices are in place. Then its time to go with the peices you have aquired, sort of like playing the hand you dealt yourself. That time is fastly approching BUT like you said it all comes down to WHO will give this team a chance to win every night in net! Some things in hockey and sports never change, good pitching out does good hitting: goaltending makes or brakes a team!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
The Rangers getting Richards is something I really don't see as a big deal
Every year its the same thing for the Rags. They go into the off season saying they need the top free agent to get a dynamic offense and do so by trying to dump whatever rediculous contract they already had only for the player they just signed to not be worth the money then repeat. First it was Jagr, then Drury and Gomez, then Redden, then Gaborik, now Richards. What is the difference this time
I’m telling you this Rag$ team is different. they have young talent, veteran talent and good depth at all positions. Sathers up to something and I dont like it.
Trying to find ways to anchor the team
"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.
The yearly enforcer paid twice what he’s worth isn’t enough?
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 2, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
lol
You guys had to make up for Boogard.
It’s funny how much I hate Rupp, and he keeps going to teams I hate.
"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.
I just hate those type players. Rupp’s at least got a little bit of hockey skill to him, so it’s not as bad as the Orr/Brash/Boogard(RIP) deals. Still weird.
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 2, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
So how long Until Wiz?
replaces Campbell as the worst defenseman contract in the NHL. I think he’s going to wear out his welcome by the second or third month of the season.
"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.
I say till training camp
But it should be a quality battle between him and Ehrhoff for a while.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 12:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ehrhoff can play
He just had a bad playoffs. I’d rather a player have a good regular season and bad playoffs when I’m looking to sign them then the opposite. Hot playoffs is never a good sign.
"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.
Like Joel Ward?
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
Ward hasn’t scored on a regular basis since his last year in the OHL and last year in College.
Who signed him?
I was also thinking Bieskla.
"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.
Joel Ward doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in that context, though. For those into advanced stats, check the WOWY analysis at the bottom of this post over at the red line station. Ward’s got “Frans-like” numbers, making almost everyone on the team around him better.
by BenHasna on Jul 2, 2011 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
THIS. I hate reading Ward was overpaid on some hockey sites here. The man faces insane competition and does a good job against it.
Excellent shutdown forward in this league, his loss in Nashville is gonna hurt them noticably.
Its crazy
and now theres no telling him he isnt a a top pair dmen. just think…Andy MacDonald makes .550k a year! We’ll see about worst contract but for now he’s def the most annoying dmen in the NHL
by backstop87 on Jul 2, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sad thing is
If AMac was a UFA, I don’t think he’d get anywhere near what Wiz got.
"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.
I like my D-men the way I like my women.
Cheap and able to cover the slot easily.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
OK I could do a lot of 5-hole jokes here..............
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Campbell, Redden, Wisniewski...
He is in rare company now.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Richards Announces Going to Rangers! Simultaneously Announces His Retirement!
The salary is, uh, more like a pension.
Anyone got insider?
http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/insider/news/story?id=6732723&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnhl%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d6732723 lists the Islanders as a winner of yesterday, reportedly.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Errr this:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/insider/news/story?id=6732723
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Islanders GM Garth Snow made the right move in looking to upgrade at third-line center over C Zenon Konopka, who despite the league’s fourth-best faceoff percentage (57.7 percent) was really a fourth-liner pressed into a checking-line role. While C Marty Reasoner is likewise one of the NHL’s best in the faceoff circle (54.5 percent, and better by advanced metrics), the 34-year-old veteran provides an all-around game. Signing at a reasonable two years, $2.7 million, the journeyman is an instant upgrade for the Islanders’ bottom six, and an incremental improvement for a young, talented team that’s set to compete for a playoff berth next season.
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 2, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
thanks for the quote
i dont get though how this is an upgrade at 3rd line center
Last time i checked bailey was our 3rd line center. Konopka was never brought in to play anything but the 4th line and although hes probably capable of it, i dont see Reasoner becoming our 3rd pivot
"Mario Lemiuex… I used to respect you."- Turgeon1992
ESPN KNOWS HOCKEY!
I guess they consider Nielsen our 4th line center.
"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.
Hey, at least he evaluated the player well with "advanced metrics"
you can't have everything
At least it’s better than some of these hacks that are going to complain that he “only had 30 points, how’s that gonna help”.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 1:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Timo Seppa is not of ESPN, and has a low opinion of Bailey
And Konopka was used a ton, almost as if he was the 3rd line center as times.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
but still
If you look at his TOI average, the only Islanders who played more then 1 game but had less ice time were DiBo, Gillies and Haley. He had 45 less seconds a game then Martin, a minute less then Jon Sim.
I realize he got a lot of the important defensive zone faceoffs, but to think he was a 3rd liner is a stretch.
"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.
cant read the article without a subscription
no thanks
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Jul 2, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Proposed Trade: Bailey and Comeau for Yandle and Boedeker
RFAs for RFAs. Islanders get young top-4 defenseman and underperforming but talented winger taken 8th overall in 2008 draft. Phoenix gets young proven 20-25 goal scorer with size and underperforming but talented center taken 9th overall in 2008 draft who’s more established than Boedeker.
Thoughts? Stupid? Not fair from either side?
Why sell Bailey low?
Unless you think he might get worse?
"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.
HUH?
We here are firmly addicted to every COZO, you can NOT get rid of Comeau! Bailey stays!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'd do it
Bailey and Comeau aren’t close to being what Yandle is. Sign Arnott, play around with Hunter and Nino’s spot…maybe one more guy, Strome steps in in two years, championship.
If only right???
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 1:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Errr Comeau was pretty good last year.
People don’t realize how valuable his offense was.
If you consider Strome a Center, trading Bailey away could make sense.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
I'm Not Diminishing Comeau At All
It’s precisely because he DOES have value that he’s in the deal. If you want a 24 year old top-4 defenseman who’s an RFA, then you’re going to have to give up equal value. Can Nino replace all or most of Comeau’s 24-22-46? Well, that’s the calculation you’d have to do.
That's a calculation we can't make right now, Nino is not here yet!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I just think if we have goaltending problems, and eventually when we don't
Improving the D is a smart move. Streit/Yandle transitioning to Yandle/deHaan, Amac/Hamonic, Mayfied/Donovan could be incredibly potent…and obviously, incredible unpredictable, but so is Bailey/Comeau. We have more potential “third line centers” in our pipeline in Lee, Ullstrom, Nelson and those are easier to come by than PP point men who put up 60 a year.
Despite age, would you be comfortable with Reasoner being our 3rd line center? I would, but contingent on having a more offensive 2nd line center…or retaining Frans for a long time, which is doable (until Strome works itself out between W/C).
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 1:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
....not for NOTHING, but......
….poor deHART seems to have been COMPLETELY forgotten about in the past month, especially with the stockpiling of defensemen a week ago…..
No Question in My Mind, Strome's a Center
He’s not small, but he’ll never be winger size, and it would be a complete waste of his talent, skill and speed to make a winger out of him. Man the half wall on the PP with Tavares? Sure. But a full-time winger? I wouldn’t do that.
Garik, have you been able to find Strome's faceoff numbers in juniors?
I have read a couple sites saying he needs to work on his faceoff skills and is lacking there, but I can’t find any numbers. Have you?
We keep Bailey, he is only 21YO
Are we going to give up on this KID who has talent and skill already? I say NO! maybe when he is 25YO but not now!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
There's potential there, sure.
The issue is that he if anything took a step backwards last year.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Yes there is potential, that's why he stays!
Bailey had just about everyone as linemates with the exception of Sparky the Dragon and the Ice Girls. I would venture to guess that had a lot to do with him taking a step back.
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Jul 2, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Depends Partly on What You Think of Boedeker
Isles are deeper at center than on the wing. If Tavares, Strome and Nielsen are penciled in longer term, then you’re exchanging youth at center for youth at wing.
I don't even think it's a matter of giving up on him at all
I still think he can be a good player…which is why he would be included. You have to give to get. We are drafting BPA, we need to fill team need through trades or FA signings (and those aren’t working out). I personally figure Yandle is less of a gamble than hoping deHaan pans out, Streit produces consistently after 35, or that Comeau becomes a 60 point producer.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 1:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No need to panic!
Let’s assume we start this upcoming season with the same roster we had last year. Let’s assume we did NOT get anyone in FA, and made no trades. The question is; are we a playoff team?
Answer: YES! Let’s try to remember that despite using 7 goaltenders last season we gave it a run in the second half of the season. A second half run similar to the Devils. Let’s not forget the terrible stretch of 21 games we had in October that ended any playoff aspirations.
So, keeping the same roster, TEH CORE with one more year of experience AND (here is the most important part of the equation) quality goaltending, we are a playoff team!
So IMO, this is NOT the time for the organization to trade, give up on player we are developing just to get in to the playoffs. No need for that we will be in the playoffs!
We are all Islanders, even if we are in Jersey!
I've got my towel
"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.
by Mark D on Jul 2, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Way back when the Isles acquired Wiz
I went onto the Ducks fan website to read posts about Wiz…I would highly recommend in the future teams have someone do this prior to a trade, just to get some incite, and also, they have the pro-scouts to check to see if facts are facts and not fiction….anyway, everything wrong with Wiz’ defensive game was discussed in plain view by the fans. the couldn’t believe Wiz wanted money back then similar to another one of their D.
Said it many times in the best and say it again. With cap, you can only have so many overpaid UFAs on your team, and most UFAs are overpaid. This is why you must draft and develop well (drafting well means nothing if you don’t develop well). This is how you have depth to fill holes, and make trades to fill holes where you have no depth.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:12 PM EDT reply actions
Oh okay, enough revisionist history.
Wiz’s signing today was bad.
Wiz’s being trade for was good. There is a KEY DIFFERENCE.
Wiz was a good player. He wasn’t great on D, but his O more than made up for it. He’s just not worth the money he now got.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Doesn't negate the fact
that everything in the Anaheim Calling write up about him was completely accurate. I think all CIL is saying is that those advanced metrics and analysis by those sites are valuable to teams and fans in figuring out what exactly a players worth is. Honestly, I think the Isles staff may do some of that, because really, who would have picked up on some of the signings that we/ve made over the past couple of years? Nielsen and Moulson, Parentau and Grabner are rated among the top tops in points/goals per $. It is good work, and would also be nice not to have to argue these strange points against people saying things like “GRATH SNOW SHUOLD HEAV SINGED RICHARDS!!!”.
you know?
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Right, but his post is implying that the trade for Wis was a bad idea.
It wasn’t.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
That is true
not a bad deal…we manged to turn a 3 into a 2 & 5 without overpaying and while using a 1/2 yr of service.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
umm no it wasn't
you just assumed that…my post implies the Ducks fans said precisely what Isles fans discovered about Wiz’ game, pros and cons, and the money…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Wiz was a good player. He wasn’t great on D, but his O more than made up for it. He’s just not worth the money he now got.
Absolutely agree.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
umm..revisionism? are you serious???
in history, when an historian is called a revisionist, it is generally meant as an insult…in reality, in history, there is no such thing as truth…truth is based on the probababilty, and that is litterally what can be proven – that is why historical interpretation changes. that is why different analysis come out – simply put, new data, new info, data not viewed before is then brought into the discussion…which is precisely what i am saying…Wiz was good offensive…he most certainly did have his gaffs, and Snow doesn’t appear to have be willing to give him the money the Ducks wouldn’t either…
point is, go to their fan site and read what the fans wrote about the Wiz’s game, strength’s and weaknesses…and how they felt about the money he thought he was worth…i believe it is bang on to what Isles and their fans have concluded.
So unless Isles now think something different and believe they should have kept Wiz and given him the big money he wanted, that is not revisionism
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
phd...a few publications..
i am a historian – specialize in canadian/american aboriginal history and politics and the north (including Inuit/Eskimos)
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
that is so cool :)
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
look in mcmillan’s Encyclopedia of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity published out of NY NY…it covers all of human history globally, i authored the section on canada
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice!
I used to work for Macmillan McGraw-Hill- I edited their 6th grade science textbook for 2007.
I also wrote a 4th grade Coach review book for the NY Science program.
Seriously, that really is so cool!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
cool
when i went to concordia to write my phd in montreal, it was an american professor there named frank chalk who introduced me to the field of genocide studies. aboriginal studies was always my interest…in canada, anything to do with archives and residential schools for inuit is my research — even the video doc on “the experimental eskimos” i was the one who discovered the documents on that — it let to inuit being included in residential school settlements here…have articles and such published, but hoping book (which is my phd) will be out in a few years or less..,thanks
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 3, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
lol
wouldn’t recommend that david lol
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Crap
David Shoalts
dshoalts David Shoalts
RT @nhl_canes: Canes agree to terms with Anthony Stewart on 2-year deal. Read more: http://carhur.com/cgj
42 seconds ago
Jeff Marek
JeffMarek Jeff Marek
Carolina signs Anthony Stewart to a two-year deal at $800,000 and $1million.
1 minute ago
Liked him
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
I did too
but i dont think we had a place for him
no way he slots in on the top 2 lines and hes be either taking comeau or ninos spot on the 3rd line
and i doubt hed play on the 4th line
"Mario Lemiuex… I used to respect you."- Turgeon1992
Meh,
Not really interested. Okay #s and nothing more, and doesn’t really fit.
Our top 3 lines are set at the moment. The only thing we’d add is a 4th line winger (which would need to be more defensive than offensive, so he doesn’t fit) and possibly a D man.
(and maybe a goalie, ahem Vokoun, ahem)
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Connoly to the Leafs
Darren Dreger
DarrenDreger Darren Dreger
Paperwork being worked on between the Leafs and Tim Connolly. 2 year agreement @ $4.75 aav.
1 minute ago
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Another player I'd take Reasoner over.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
HAHAH
Oh there’s that crazy Brian Burke signing we all were expecting.
I like Timmy, but not at nearly $5 mil per year.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Id take that contract over Wisniewskis. Or Ehrhoffs. Or Bergenheims.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
That doesnt mean its great, it just says how bad so many of the others have been.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
lol!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
If Bergie gets what he got, Connolly's def gonna get more.
"I think we consider too much the luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm." ~ FDR
yup.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
yep
the fact that the Leafs have been playing Kessel at Centre (he played some centre in his junior career apparently) tells all about how shallow the Leafs are at Centre
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Gagne to the Kings for 2 yrs
"I think we consider too much the luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm." ~ FDR
Hannan/McCabe?
incarceratedbob incarcerated bob
BREAKING NHL NEWSSource: Islanders have offers 2 Hannan & Bryan McCabe / Canucks & Wings will also make offers for McCabe later today
19 minutes ago Favorite Reply
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
I like the idea of Hannan
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Jul 2, 2011 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
but are either of them a top 4 D?
signing someone for the sake of doing something, not a good idea
James T Paulson
by Jtpdolphins2009 on Jul 2, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
McCabe is good in a mentor role too.
Vote Yes on August 1st.
I don't really know anything about Hannan
McCabe I could see as a stopgap on the top 4 D until one of Donovan/Wishart/de Haan graduates to the NHL level. He wouldn’t be the “TOP #1 CREASE-CLEARING LARGE BIG BODIED D” of the future, but he’d be serviceable. Kind of like an Eaton with better offensive instincts.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Yikes
McCabe was awful last year. Why do we want an old man when we can have White or Babchuk? White is good in the locker room and Babchuk is great offensively.
Looks like Snow’s attempt for a trade fell through and he is back to plan B or C or D.
McCabe wasnt awful
He just isnt worth 5M+ a season anymore.
Nobody is giving him that, though- and if he is paid half that, its a whole different story.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay
Not awful…how about mediocre at any price…..why would we chase him versus white or babchuk. They are younger have more upside. Unless of course it is cost. But we are so under the salary cap.
We dont know Garth is interested in either
But it might not be a matter of chasing, it might be a matter of someone who Garth feels will fit in nicely with what we already have and understands the expectations and goals of this team.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
White
I never liked his Game when i watched him a lot with Leafs…McCabe has always had problems with skating, getting caught flat footed, which is why he developed that can-opener move…he was a forward converted to D. If he is signed, it will be primarily for the PP and offense. I doubt he’d be out there much in a defense first scenario.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
What is the obsesssion with top 4 D here?
We have a top 3 D set right now. De Haan is projected to also fit that category, and he’ll be on the team at some point this year.
It is NOT urgent to get that great of a D-Man.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Quick, somebody check for flying pigs
I actually agree with garik.
We do NOT need to make a big deal thsi summer.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jul 2, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
unless DeHaan blows the roof off
if he’s in the NHL next season, it is b/c Isles lack depth…and if he is top six in depth chart right now (or top four in depth chart) Isles in my opinion have all the evidenced needed that they need a top 4 D.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Worked out OK
for Hamonic last year, but OK.
My point (and I think, gods be good, garik’s) is that we don’t want to be tossing around
(1) Huge amounts of money for second rate #4 Dmen (ie. Ehrhoff, Wisniewski) — Garth seems to have avoided this trap; or
(2) Top prospects and #1 picks in exchange for marginal long term upgrades.
Remember, boys and girls, this is not the year. Next year and the year after is the year. This season, insh’allah, we make progress and compete for a 7-8 playoff spot. NEXT year, we make a major move, if we need to, once we see where we are after year 3.5 of the rebuild.
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jul 2, 2011 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
i hear you
but i think comparing Dehaan to hamonic is apples and oranges…ham is a lot tougher and stronger physically. his body is better prepared for nhl…Dehaan needs development in minors, isles have to get to floor,..i think rebuild is best served by pencilling Dehaan in for the Bridge, until he gives team no choice but to have him in nhl…
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 2, 2011 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it's always been about DeHaan's body and readiness for an nhl top 4 role.
The last couple years the GM/Coaches thought he wasn’t ready for those things. I don’t know this year, but some AHL time will do him very good, and work well for us if Wishart has to pass through waivers with a call up, which we don’t want ever happening.
Remember
Garth DID make the major move for Ehrhoff. 6 years for $33 million is a BIG BIG move, but, as we know with Garth, he’s going to be picky. If he doesn’t get the guy he wants for longer, then he’ll get the next guy for shorter. Just because he doesn’t get Ehrhoff for 6 years doesn’t mean we’re going to get McCabe for that long either.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Gonna be interesting to see...
…whether Ehrhoff helped the Isles by saying nicht nicht.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
if Wings & Canucks really want McCabe then I guess we’ll have to go with Hannan. Not that it would be a bad choice. Who is the better clear the crease player, Hannan or McCabe?
Its possible that we may go for Kaberle too
James T Paulson
I am amazed
at how so many GMs are throwing money away. The Isles are on the right track – right now I see one need, a solid first-team defenseman who has some offensive skills. We don’t need to be like Florida throwing money at bad real estate (wait, isn’t that the entire state?) or the evil Pond Scum Rangers who just buy the most expensive player every year and still can’t win (HA!!).
After we get the one defenseman we can clear out some of the weaker spots (Eaton, Mottau, etc.) as the time comes and get the young guys some chances.
Where’s the “How do you feel about the Islanders?” scale? I pick 9.
by martylnd on Jul 2, 2011 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
on the road all day w/ weak phone...
Can’t reply to comments. But y’all have kept me occupied w/ interesting comments.
…Is PHX really shopping Yandle? A sell high situation? I remember good things about him, but i think an offensive tear last year might have inflated his price. Wonder what Maloney is after — maybe we can offer him Muller.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Jul 2, 2011 4:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 2 recs
We obviously trade well with Maloney
Maybe it won’t take that much to get him. We could possibly get another friendly discount, hopefully.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Top4 d-Man
If the Isles are looking for a top 4 d-man then I would suggest a good stopgap until the kids are ready is Radek Martinek. The last I heard is he is available and has done a better job in a shutdown role than some of these guys that are getting the big money.
Sometimes the devil you know is a far better option than the one you don’t.
For depth I would sign Minnesota Jack. Making a trade for a top 4 defenseman would involve giving up valuable assets and what is left on the open market does not make me think that there is an upgrade for Marty waiting to be signed.
This team as currently constructed is not all that far off being a bonafide contender. Patience is a virtue and the payoff is not all that far off.
As previously has been stated, Radek has gone way downhill.
I liked the guy. But he’s injury prone and old, and did not play well enough to be a top 4 last year. he’s not a stopgap, he’s a step back.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
Martinek
I can’t believe I forgot about the concussion he received at the Worlds, I respectfully retract my offer to Marty. Not a big fan of players with concussion history.
However my offer for Minnesota Jack Hillen is still on the table.
by Isle Of Weight on Jul 3, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Getting a concussion is not "a concussion history"
Okposo has had a concussion. Tavares has had a concussion. Comeau has had a concussion. Fransie has had a concussion. You see where Im going with this.
Feel how you want about Radek, but that isnt a good reason IMO.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
One concussion is still a history, I'd say.
But definitely not a good reason to turn away from a player. Marty’s concussion on top of all of his other injuries does make him very injury-prone.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
The funny thing about Radeks injuries
is that its always something new with him. Its not like he has some issue that keeps springing up and bothering him, its always some random, different thing that happens.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
He doesn't suffer from Islander Hip
He suffers from Islander Body.
Official choice of Lighthouse Dog #1.
Concussion History
I am not about to get into a debate about what is or what isn’t “a concussion history” but I do find it odd that I got slagged for advocating the Islanders sign Martinek and then I get slagged for not wanting to sign him. I am sensing a trend here.
The one thing I noticed about your list of concussed players is that they are relatively young. What I didn’t get across in my earlier post is that age would be something that I would take into consideration under the circumstances.
by Isle Of Weight on Jul 3, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Im definitely not slagging you
I think a good argument can be made either way.
I personally want him to come back- not only because I love him and he has been a part of this organization since the frickin 90s, but because I do not think the alternatives are any better than he is.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Marty Continued
I also would not have a problem with Radek returning as I have been a HUGE fan since his rookie season. I am just trying to move on because I am under the assumption that he will not be back and it makes it easier for me if I can rationalize it in some way.
by Isle Of Weight on Jul 3, 2011 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
also suprised Vokoun is still around
easily one of the best goalies since the lockout. never a SV% lower than .919 and always stuck on crap teams. hell I bet he’d take a paycut for the opportunity to play with a competent team in front of him. it’d be a real shame if he priced himself out of the league.
Well, free agency is basically over
This feeling is similar to what I go through when I hit the card store at noon on Christmas, Easter, and mothers day…irregular weird shut strewn all over the place, and you have to search REAL HARD to find something appropriate.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 6:10 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Holy crap Vokoun
To Washington for 1.5 mill. Guess who wins the cup this year?
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 6:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
That is NOT Vokouns asking price- he obviously picked Washington (prob after watching Washington win in their division for years) and took a SERIOUS discount.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know TMC
How many other teams have the money to spend and a goalie opening?
He’s smarter then Nabokov and Turco and released which way the wind was blowing.
"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.
1.5M?
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Isn’t that what Turco and Niemi signed for last year?
"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.
But Vokoun>Niemi>>>Turco
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
All I’m saying is that the market wasn’t going to get better for him if he kept holding out.
"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.
I don't know
he’s as desirable if not more than Bryzgalov. That’s a serious steal, and his agent more or less said it’s all about winning a Cup. I think at his age he realizes a move like this is his best chance at that.
More of a gift than a steal, IMO.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Either way
GMGM absolutely dominated these last few days. Even with overpaying Ward and Hammer (who also both fit the team ridiculously well).
I think Washington is close to the cap now
And still needs to sign Brouer and Alzner…they may have to move someone. Interesting that it’s only one year. I wonder if the intent is to lock him up longer next year (if they can make cap room), or i this is a one off until they hand reins over to Holtby and Neuvirth.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 7:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If Garth could bring in Semin
that would be unreal. Especially if he could somehow land Alzner as part of it (though I realize that wouldn’t make sense, since he’s one of the guys they are trying to clear space for).
But I have too much fear of what GMGM would steal away from us with the roll he is on. Garth vs GMGM is a truly epic battle!
According to Deb Placey
“Don’t think T Vokoun misjudged the market. He never got offers from Colorado or Phoenix.”
If only Vokoun would've taken such money from the Isles
Seriously, he’s been a $$$ goalie for years on bad teams; have to figure if he was going short with anyone, it was with a clear contender.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
That's gotta be "best chance to win" money
"I think we consider too much the luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm." ~ FDR
by NSOsFan on Jul 2, 2011 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Close, that's best chance to show my talent on a National Stage to get big money next year.
There was no market for him this year. Here he gets on a team where he’ll be shown on Natl’ TV a lot so as to get a big payday next year.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
And best move of free agency
Bar none…well played caps. Adding Hamrlik, Ward and Vokoun is huge in completing their defensive transformation.
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 6:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
....as much as I'm fully aware we've a 'goalie glut'.....
…..this development PROFOUNDLY disturbs me; of all the goaltenders in this league, Vokoun and Lundqvist gave us by far the most grief last season……but I’ll get OVER it (Jonathan) quick-like, especially if any or all of ours play well…..
I’d still take Pittsburgh, assuming Crosby’s healthy.
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 2, 2011 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nah...not w/ Vokoun
I like Wash also. My 2 pence…
With the way Crosby's health has been and Malkin's surgery, I gotta go Capitals. Especially now with an above average goalie in net and more defensive depth at F(Ward/Halpern) and D(Hamrlik).
Remember that they won the conference last year with key injuries to their better players, and they got better this offseason.
Fair enough.
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 2, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I suspect Hillen will be re-signed by us at this rate.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
and a good move it would be
Nothing wrong with a 25 year old defensemen who can add offense. Played in 60 plus games for the Isles the past two years. He’s still learning the game and I wouldn’t give up on him.
I just don't understand why some people write off Hillen
A couple of years ago people loved him. I’d certainly rather have Hillen over Mottau and would expect that Jack would be in the lineup. It’s only a matter of time when de Haan and Donovan are here both of whom I expect to be top 4 defensemen. Again I’d rather have someone who wants to be here than a someone who really doesn’t. Hillen might only have to used for a few months before one of de Haan or Donovan are ready.
Yeah, very stupid to get rid of him. I had him penciled in our top 6 to start the season.
If we don’t find a top 4 guy now, his loss will be greatly hurting us come season start.
with top 4 minutes
hillen is a slamp dunk for 30 + points…wouldn’t be the least surprised to see him get 40
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jul 3, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
The prison pontificator
UPDATED NHL NEWSSource: Trade talk is flying in the NHL : Hearing Islanders / Habs / Oilers / Devils + Wings are all close 2trades
web • 7/2/11 6:33 PM
Islanders might have a conference call tonight (Still confirming could be that D-Man)
web • 7/2/11 6:57 PM
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 7:01 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 2 recs
can we double check
How well he’s been during FA? He seems to be spammin a lot and we aren’t double checking.
"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.
He's been pretty good from what I remember
But maybe I’ll work a post on it. It will take some time to match it up going through his feed, but my initial observations are he’s prob 65-75%
NY Islanders, just one irrational free agent signing away from contention!
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Jul 2, 2011 7:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
not even a post
Just something so we can see whether he’s an eklund or someone wort quoting occasionally
"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.
He can come here now
He can’t break Bruno’s face in the locker room now
by sayvillelax94 on Jul 2, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Test
Sorry to spam – I want to see the time stamp for this post vs. earlier ones.
The one underlining thing I keep thinking .......
During this FA frenzy is when they post last years numbers for some of these guys is, one the $$$ amounts are out of control and PAP and Blake had better numbers.
Everyone is crazy except Garth
Here is a chart from Capgeek. The Islanders had 3 of the top 6 values (minimum 50 games) on a cap dollar per point basis.
Vote Yes on August 1st.
AMac was 2nd in defensive value after Yandle as well.
Vote Yes on August 1st.
And people don't realize how big of a pickup Yandle would be if we got him and signed him to a multiyear deal.
He is very underrated. If Yandle was playing LA or another big market, people would be saying he’s the next Scott Niedermayer. He’s that good.
It is the norm for a GM to throw a name out there after a player had a productive year to see what value he has
Really I think this is all this is and no I don’t think Phoenix is trading Yandle. Phoenix has 3 UFA defensemen next year and I doubt they want to move a soon to be 25 year old defensemen who is very good.
Not wanting to move him is one thing, being far from an extension is another thing.
If the rumors are true that they are far off on negotiating an extension while he is a RFA, it may be best to except an offer sheet or trade for him. Looks like not many people want to stay in Phoenix right now, the next likely hockey town to be sold and moved to Canada/elsewhere. If true, why would Yandle want to play on an aging team that just lost their top goalie and looks to be on the decline for at least next year if not multiple years. Yandle could easily be being shopped for good reason, and testing market value for the hell of it likely isn’t one of them.
lots of speculation on your part and he is a RFA
It really isn’t up to him if he stays in Phoenix or not. What makes you think he wants to come here when the Isles have issues as well in regards to a franchise move?
There are multiple reports that an extension isn't close for Yandle.
http://www.mynhltraderumors.com/tag/keith-yandle/
http://www.hockeytraderumors.com/article12911.html
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/feed/2011-06/nhl-free-agency/story/ryan-callahan-keith-yandle-among-attractive-realistic-restricted-free-agents
And there are a few reports on them shopping him too (twitters and such). He wants the market to be made before he signs an extension, and me think he wants $6mil/yr longterm. Yotes might not wanna pay that. GM won’t admit shopping him obviously, he does that and his trade power/value for him drops like a rock.
And it’s not about his wanting if the Coyotes trade his rights, which is the likely happening if he isn’t signing an extension or an offer sheet for the Yotes to match.
kudos to snow
for not falling head over heels for this incredibly weak free agent class. its like in a club-low lights,too many drinks,its late…hard to pass on the slim pickings left. STAY SOBER,GARTH!
by Lakewood Islander on Jul 2, 2011 10:43 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 2 recs
All the same, it would've been nice for him to throw us a BONE or somethin'.....
…..faithfully staying glued to our monitors all after noon and evening as we did! LOL
Unfortunately, this
says far more about us than we really want to admit
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jul 2, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I don't know.
I think that Garth needs to sign or trade for a top 4 d-man sooner or later. Once the market dries up of the Hannan’s and Kaberle’s and McCabe’s, trading leverage increases for the teams’ getting rid of the top 4 d-men and the price would likely go up. That’s why I am hoping and thinking Garth will definitely get something done through FA or trade for a top 4 d-man within a week, preferably days to make us happy.
“sooner or later” is fine, no need to correct yourself.
But if you do want to use the comparison, it would be sooner than later.
NOTE: Not meant to be an annoying grammar police type post, I just thought it was interesting. I think its because I was just talking about editing/writing higher up on this post lol.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 2, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
But like I said you were fine in the first place
So I think you are paying more attention than you give yourself credit for lol.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jul 3, 2011 7:05 AM EDT up reply actions
The Isles don't need a top 4 d-man as they two who will be ready soon enough playing for Bridgeport
If Garth has to reach the cap floor by signing someone I really see the odds being long it will improve the club. By Garth stating yesterday he’ll make a move similar to acquiring Wiz last year doesn’t impress me and I hope he was stated such to encourage the media to move along. I would prefer him to focus on signing Hillen, Comeau and Bailey possibly front loading some of those contracts to help reach the cap floor. This idea of making a move just for the sake of it is something I don’t subscribe to.
Honestly, we are lacking a partner for Streit to run the PP with and take top minutes for.
If DeHaan isn’t ready, DeHaan isn’t ready. And Wishart isn’t ready for that role either. Prospects are also just prospects. Wishart has done nothing to warrant an immediate top 6 starting job at the nhl leve yet. DeHaan even moreso off. For all we know, Wishart may turn into a bottom 2 d-man and DeHaan a bust. A need is a need until it is filled, and right now the needs aren’t filled. And either way, you can never have too much depth. Great depth creates playoff teams and cup contenders. Take the Canucks for example, tons of blueline depth offensively and defensively where if need be, they have 4 d-men on their team that can play top pairing minutes if need be(and injuries did occur). Main points, injuries happen and depth is a recipe for success.
The Islanders have plenty of forwards that can man the point during a PP
It wasn’t long ago that Streit was a forward.
You really don't want a Forward manning the point. It's a waste unless that player's game is specifically brainey enough to make hard accurate crisp passes and has a strong enough 90mph+ slapper that he can hit the net with from that deep. It's not like
those forwards are aplenty around, or are definitively on our team.
how many times did...........
Grabs expose a forward on the point last year while short handed.
by IslesinAZ on Jul 3, 2011 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
There's something about watching other teams GMs make stupid deals...
…that simply cannot be explained without first ingesting a massive amount of some sort of intoxicant for them to even begin to make sense.
Now I know how other clubs fans felt while watching Mike Milbury and Don Maloney work all those years.
Makes me wanna buy Garth a beer.
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 2, 2011 11:56 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Garth is in a unique situation than pretty much any other GM in the NHL
He doesn’t have a large amount of media hounding him with every move, heck he even told one to go you know where. No corporate base to speak of or a large amount season ticket holders to impress. No Garth does things his way and I bet a lot of GM’s will envy him in the not so distant future if they don’t already.
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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.
