Bits: Nabokov contract talks to "start soon"; around the NHL, more problems at BU
by Keith Quinn on Feb 19, 2012 10:22 PM EST
in Bits o' Islanders News
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Arthur Staple of Newsday has been in contact with Evgeni Nabokov's agent Don Meehan who told him that contract talks between them and the Islanders camp will begin soon. This is not the worst idea considering the volatility the Isles have had at the position and the recent poor play of Al Montoya (rust/injury), the ongoing Rick DiPietro injury concerns (boneitis, thank you PPP) and some youth coming off of uneven early seasons in Kevin Poulin and Anders Nilsson. If Nabokov's demands fit with the team salary structure, this can work as his age would lend itself toward gradually building in the kids plus, the Isles will need to add salary to make the cap floor to replace the UFA dollars coming off at season's end (barring any changes in the CBA this summer).
For all of the questions and craziness surrounding last year's waiver claim, Nabokov appears to be a well respected member of the team, well liked, professional, good with the media, durable (relatively...but in years past, he's played a large percentage of his team's games) and most of all, quite good. Of course, if the Isles are not able to sign him, they really should try to gain an asset for him, but the best value here may be to stabilize what has been a punchline for far too long, until a long term solution is reached. Especially, if the priority is, in fact, to stay in the playoff race.
After the jump, more NHL trade deadline news, some clips to some fights, and a look at John Tavares' offseason training to give you a sense of just how dedicated one has to be to play at this level and the strength that even some of the smaller NHL players have.
Another member of the BU Terriers hockey team (Max Nicastro, Red Wings 3rd rd.) was arrested for an alleged sexual assault on campus. The BU players and coach Jack Parker appear to be under a gag order on commenting. There appears to be a big problem in the culture of BU that needs fixing quickly. The first clipping here indicates that Nicastro was actually a worse offender than Trivino in creating raucous behavior, though nothing had been previously reported.
Max Nicastro arrested, suspended from hockey team | The Daily Free Press
The Boston Hockey Blog: Max Nicastro arrested, suspended
Boston University Terriers hockey player Max Nicastro faces sexual assault charges - ESPN Boston
In a related bit of irony...(Did I Morrisette that?) The Boston Hockey Blog: Beanpot teams take stand to end violence against women
An update on Corey Trivino's current situation Trivino appears in court for case check, in ‘compliance’ with court procedure | The Daily Free Press
Fights! (We're not totally pacifists)
Outstanding old footage of a Canadiens/Flyers line brawl where Larry Robinson bests Dave Schultz. Remember How Sunday NHL Hockey on NBC Used To Be? - Habs Eyes On The Prize
Marty McSorley vs Eric Lindros, Nov 21, 1995 - Kings vs Flyers - hockeyfights.com
Trade Deadline/Around the NHL
NHL Trade Deadline 2012: P.A. Parenteau - sportsnet.ca
Leafs making a push for Blue Jackets' Nash? - sportsnet.ca
Flyers will stick with Bryzgalov and Bobrovsky | ProHockeyTalk
James Neal signs six-year extension with Penguins - NHL.com - News
The full NHLPA players poll results and commentary on 25 topics. A bit different than the SI players poll, and some surprises...maybe most notable for Isles fans, NVMC ice isn't one of the five worst.
2011/2012 NHLPA Player Poll Results
Hockey Night in Canada Commentary/ NHLPA Player Poll
Pens, Habs lead NHL in man-games lost to injury - The Globe and Mail
Video
I was able to find a few interesting tidbits from commercials and training and the like that we will try to embed of link to over the next couple of days. It's pretty interesting and kind of sad how little marketing is done by the Islanders and for hockey in general in New York. Many of our team's players frequently make appearances on Canadian TV and radio and very rarely, unless you're looking really hard, do you ever see it. Obviously, if you come across interesting items, you are free to post them as fan shots, or feel free to e-mail them to one of the moderators if you think it belongs in a post with some context. Thanks!
John Tavares Training Video
Calvin deHaan is not a closer
John Tavares focuses under heavy pressure
Ryan Strome hates dinged up stinky corners
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Yes please @ possible Nabby resigning.
And Strome looks like he’s 16 years old. Crazy.
Stainer of mountaintops.
by Chairman Meow on Feb 19, 2012 10:40 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Now THAT"S dedication
JT’s signing cards while the geek gets to talk to the hot chick.
"...I was here on Day 1 when Garth decided to do the rebuild, and I really want to see it through." -- Frans Nielsen
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 20, 2012 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
Stamkos looks like he's five years old in that last video.
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 19, 2012 11:00 PM EST reply actions
I like the idea of trying to resign Nabby.
It speaks volumes of how the organization is perceived by players who have been a part of it.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
by Turgeon1992 on Feb 19, 2012 11:01 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Seriously.
Look at the message that sends.
You refuse to report because you dont want to be here, then once you are heare you dont want to leave? I like that story a lot- but I like the idea of another year or two of Nabokov even more.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 19, 2012 11:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously! The media would get migraines just trying to figure out some way to spin it negatively.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 20, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
They would probably ignore it best they can.
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 20, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
FWIW, they are ignoring the fact that he wants to come back.
But if he & his agent has said they DIDNT want to come back, you know that would be everywhere.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 20, 2012 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
Islanders Sign Washed Up, Enigmatic Russian that's Never Won a Stanley Cup.
by Les Beaver on Feb 20, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Almost...
Lowly Islanders Sign Washed Up, Enigmatic Russian that’s Never Won a Stanley Cup.
I think we’re getting close lol!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 20, 2012 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
Lowly Isles Sign Washed-Up, Enigmatic Russian with No Stanley Cup
“Team and goalie apparently giving up on the future.”
We may be in the box, but you get the penalty.
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Non-hockey scribblings at nightflyblog
by mikb on Feb 21, 2012 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And we have a winner!
Throw in some snide comments about Ricks contract and the arena situation and its an Islanders story that will make the media nice and comfortable.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 21, 2012 7:45 AM EST up reply actions
All those worried about Stromes
weight and strength, watch the training with the pros, if he is working out with JT and Moulson in the off season at that facility, I doubt we will have any issues in those areas.
Also...
It’s nice to see a player poll that does not have the Isles insulted in any way. Not the worst ice, not the most overrated franchise… also nice to see the Isles in the runner-up portion of “most underrated franchise.” Maybe players don’t hate the Isles as much as the media makes it appear.
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
just another arrow.....
pointing to the end of DP’s tenure as Charles Wang’s golden child.
What will come first?
DiPietro’s retirement or widespread wireless electricity?
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 19, 2012 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
Matter/Anti-matter reactors.
Powering CARS!
I'm NOT a jinx!
by BrassBonanza10 on Feb 20, 2012 1:55 AM EST up reply actions
The Nabokov story is terrible news
for two reasons:
1. It means the goalie market is still bad.
and/or
2. The Isles have no business wasting cash on re-signing Nabokov when they already have a backup goalie for next year and a cheap solid option. Spend on other things guys, not goalies.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
They don't have a starter for next year
is mostly the problem. I tell you this, if they spend Rolston’s 5 mil, Montoya’s, Mottau Witt & Wallace’s $ on Nabby and Parenteau and Eaton, Staios, Pandolfo, Reasoner and Jurcina’s money on defenseman X, I’ll be a happy man…
happier than this year at least.
Another thing, they can save themselves some money putting Nino in the AHL
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Feb 20, 2012 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
Keith.......
Cool videos, Tavares……….she gave me the look! LOL
We are all Islanders, even if we’re from Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Feb 20, 2012 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
I like the Nabby/Montoya tandem or Nabby/Poulin
I think Montoya will be fine with a few more minutes than he has been getting, especially if he is called on to make a few starts in a row due to injury.
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
by Rickfansince76 on Feb 20, 2012 5:04 AM EST up reply actions
You assume quality goaltending.
I don’t.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
Its easy to assume...
He’s only been doing it for his entire career….But you obviously think he’s over the hill…
Not terrible news,
Qualityy goaltending gets a team to the promised land. Besides when cap mule is gone there will be enough money to sign other guys.
We are all Islanders, even if we’re from Jersey!
by Russel Ginart on Feb 20, 2012 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
It's fine, but they only have a few days
Can they really get something done in a few days? If he’s not signed they will need to trade him.
And does that mean they’d trade Al?
Could part of this be that Chicago and Detroit’s goalie situation is getting better and the trade market isn’t very strong now?
The way this team goes though goalies
they can never have too many.
"He's depriving some small village of a pretty good idiot" - Mike Milbury on Ziggy Palffy's agent. On Twitter: @Dan_of_Science
amen, unfortunately
Definitely a poster at Lighthouse Hockey until 2015, then maybe somewhere else.
Depends
on what they sign Nabby for. If it’s more than $2M/yr it’s too much, and if it’s more than 2 years it’s 2 long. But like Keith says, this isn’t really a matter of a backup, but of a starter. Or someone who can reliably ease Poulin in (which is another reason I’d rather it be Montoya, but they seem uninterested in giving him a shot post-injury).
I generally agree though-as long as DP is on the books, our other goalies have to be insanely cheap.
I’m not sure #1 is true; it could be precluded by Nabby saying he’s not waiving the NTC.
Good point on the NTC
because if he was going to be moving/traded, that probably would’ve been brought up in the media by now to drum up some interest and bidding.
Internal budget wise, 2 mil may be too much, but man, this team has spent far more on much less even this season. I mean, they gave Comeau 2.5 and then waived him. Rolston gets 5 for what he does…They’re going to need to spend anyway, so they might as well at least be fair if not overpay him. Two million seems like too little to me. I would think 3-4 per for two years if I were GM (which I’m still not dammit).
Neil Smith @bigdealneil94 @KeithLHHockey @craigjbutton hey keith GFY
Website:Lighthouse HockeyTwitter: @KeithLHHockey
Fair point
this team has spent far more on much less even this season
I guess I still have this dream where rather than overpaying to make mules, we overpay stars. 4 would be crazy to me, but I guess if they are looking to make their way up to the floor, then it makes more sense. Looking at capgeek, I guess he slots in around the 2.5 range…
2.5 for 2 years
Hell, I’d be willing to go 3M for 2 years and cut the cape mule. The extra dollars are well paid for by stability in the crease and just the story of not reporting then wanting to stay. This will send a message to the press and other players. Being he is great with the team and will vocalize the positives of a great young team/Organizatoin on the rise we may get rewarding with players not signing elsewhere for less cash.
"If it felt good saying it...it was probably the wrong thing to say."
by partagaspete on Feb 21, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
.If the Isles sign him for 2 years it would be GREAT NEWS
For many reasons! Its been a long time since we’ve had a goalie that can steal games like Nabby…Its been a long time since our goalie situation hasnt been a question mark…If it wasn’t for Nabby I believe this team would already be playing for next years draft
......2 years. A 37 year old goalie.
sigh.
Writer at Beyond the Box Score and The Hardball Times
Pitchf/x enthusiast.
http://twitter.com/#!/garik16
if he's healthy
SIGN HIM – two years for sure
makes a perfect mentor/compliment for Poulin
lets Nilsson spend aonther year in Bridgeport – Nabokov is a winner & he wants to be here
problem?
Yea
Guys can fall off a cliff at this age. Look at Roloson.
by afrosupreme on Feb 20, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
Roloson lasted to his early 40's
so if we sign Nabby for 2 hes not even 40 when he is an FA…
You’re right. Guys over 35 never deteriorate quickly.
What is the upside of a two-year deal vs a one-year?
by afrosupreme on Feb 20, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
I think you're spinning KO's comment a bit.
Each of you make valid points. It would be a gamble. I say 50/50 he plays two more solid seasons (average NHL starter or better).
The upside of a two-year deal is that Nabby may not be interested in a one-year deal unless it is $4 or $5 million. So upside is that Isles would end up spending less money on quality goaltending over the course of the next two seasons, rather than spending $4 million on Nabby (for instance) next season and then $4-$5 million on another goalie the year after. (Assuming Poulin isn’t ready to start that year.)
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 20, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
He's healthier than our younger goalies, DP and Monty...
Roli is like 43 and 2 yrs is just enough…
I like signing Nabokov
His age isn’t a problem, many goalies like Ed Belfour when signed by the Leafs, play better in the later years, until they hit their decline. Nabby has been an elite most of his career, playoff success aside. He’s proven himself as a starter, Al Mo hasn’t yet. I think Poulin is ready for backup role. Nilsson and Koskinen in BP, next year looking good in goal next year.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 20, 2012 1:48 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
But Al has been anointed by fans! How can you say he hasn't proven anything?
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...
by Turgeon1992 on Feb 20, 2012 11:45 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He’s been about as good as Nabokov, and put up the bulk of those numbers when the team was an absolute disaster, whereas Nabokov’s success has coincided with the team’s improved play.
by afrosupreme on Feb 20, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
OMG
The future of the Islanders? A Glengary Glenross reference? Bad acting?
If these videos just had a little Nicky Cage thrown in I would be in heaven!
Strome vid cracked me up
With the talks with Nabby’s agent, thought I’d share this from The Hockey News….
There remains talk among some NHL agents that the league’s next collective bargaining agreement will include a provision allowing the opportunity for each team to "amnesty" one unwieldy player contract from its salary cap books without any penalty other than the financial buyout itself.
Likelihood team buys him out (out of five, with one being highly unlikely and five being a virtual certainty)
Link concerning Islanders:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AsLoyZSRP1f2hejMF678qP17vLYF?slug=thn-44844-proteau-teambyteam-buyout-candidates-pt-2
"Scorching the back of my neck with a revolving red light!"
Thoughts
Strome not bad. It’s hard enough to “act” when there’s pother guys there, but all by yourself? Not bad.
I don’t want this Amnesty. RDPs contract doesn’t hurt us. It’s money we pay, but we pay it anyway. The only thing it does is count against the Cap and that’s not a problem for us like, say Wade Redden’s contract hurts the Rags or Scott Gomez’ hurts the Habs.
I dare say that, unless he’s recovered completely, he’ll have retired long before we get anywhere near the point where we’re running into the CAP as opposed to trying to get to or stay at the FLOOR. If he retires due to injury, his cap hit is gone completely, since he signed well under the age of 35.
"...I was here on Day 1 when Garth decided to do the rebuild, and I really want to see it through." -- Frans Nielsen
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 20, 2012 8:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That's exactly what I've been saying about Amnesty
There’s been some comments that this would be good for the Isles becasue they can dump DP’s contract. But Isles don’t need cap space, and won’t for a long time (if ever). All this does is free up more teams to compete for UFA’s, making it an even more difficult task for Isle to sign a quality UFA (more buyers = more choices and dollars for free agents)
by JoRiverside on Feb 20, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Nabby contract
I would think that Snow is thinking along thelines, of
if we can sign nabby we trade Montoya, if we can not sign Nabby we trade him. so if it looks like they are close or if he is signed by 2/27…I bet Al goes. If not we may be looking at Montoya/Poulin tandem and audition for next seasons #1
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
I don't think Montoya would bring anything back in a trade.
He has been playing poor hockey lately and is only under contract for a few more months. Most playoff teams have more confidence in their backup goalies, I feel.
"The reader of this sentence exists only while reading me."
by North Dakota Red Eagle on Feb 20, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
i wonder
What Chicago would give for nabby and pap ?
by WRANGLERICK on Feb 20, 2012 8:26 AM EST via mobile reply actions
The rumor was that Nabby hung up on Garth when he picked him up on waivers...
Who would’ve ever guessed that after Nabbys tumultuous start as an Islander, that he would end up in talks with Garth about being an Islander by his own free will? I would be pretty psyched if we sign Nabby for a couple years. The Isles with a solid NHL caliber goalie…Who would’ve thunk it???
sign nabby if we can...
the guy has proved that he can still play and he gives the isles the best chance to win games. whatever happened in the past is the past. i still like montoya and really don’t think it’s wise to give up on him yet, but it’s become clear that in order to win games, you need solid goaltending night in and out. poulin should be ready in a year or two and that would give the isles time and nabokov a place to play with a team that’s young and exciting to watch. playoffs are certainly expected next year and i’m sure nabby sees that.
in the likelihood he doesn’t come back and the isles trade him/let him go, nabby should have the fans’ blessings and gratitude for his had work, stellar play, and class that he exhibited with the team. and you can add another plus to Garth’s resume.
"Redemption? Sure. But in the end, he's just another dead rat in a garbage pail behind a Chinese restaurant."
by gukid17 on Feb 20, 2012 9:14 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Well said!!!
Nabby has had an excellent season despite having possibly the worst defense in the NHL in front of him. He has kept the team quasi in the race. If we can resign him for 2 years @ 2.5-3 per year, do it. He is a legit number 1 goalie and the length is perfect to let the kids develop. Do you think a top level defenseman is going to want to come to a team with a training camp circus of Montoya vs RDP like this year ?
Now let’s get PAP signed and make a trade for a top 4 D with next year in mind.
by Best Thing Going on Feb 20, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
when you said boneitis
all i could think of was THIS
These comments crawl up from the depths of the deepest Chasm of Saar
Kypreos = Bonehead
In that video re: Parenteau, he’s adamant that the Isles should move him for picks at the deadline as opposed to keep him and try to resign in the offseason. Burnside must be his favorite hockey writer.
Goalie Fight
The link goes to the Habs-Flyers fight game, not a goalie fight. Why do you tease me so?!?!?
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1979-80
Source: Uploaded by user via NYIslanders on Pinterest
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.
