Bits: Nabokov contract talks to "start soon"; around the NHL, more problems at BU

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)

Awesome goalie fight highlights USHL brawl; ‘We have a major melee here!’ (VIDEO) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! Sports

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