Goalie Bits and More: Nabby Grades; another Fun Flyers June

The New York Islanders goalie situation is very much unsettled for 2013-14, which is both a natural and potentially a good thing at this point in the NHL cycle.

Evgeni Nabokov has not been re-signed, but you have to bet on that being a Plan 1A or backup plan depending on how their exploration of options goes through the next month.

If you missed discussion yesterday, Arthur Staple of Newsday had sources informing him that the Islanders are indeed in on the shopping for Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier. But after holding on to Bernier for a few years past his ripening -- because goalie insurance is good to have -- the Kings sound like they're trying to drum up competing bids for a goalie market that is a little flooded.

Bernier, who turns 25 this summer, is entering his theoretical prime and yet it's still not clear what one can expect from the guy who was once the Kings' goalie of the future before Matt Moulson's brother-in-law forced his way into that seat. Meanwhile, there are several teams who could use upgrades in goal this summer, but even more goalies who could theoretically offer such upgrades.

In market situations like that, teams like the Flyers tend to shoot first, ask questions later. The Islanders tend not to Flyer up the market. So Bernier is probably a longshot unless no one steps up with an ideal offer for the Kings by the draft.

Meanwhile:

• The Islanders' annual prospect scrimmage is set for July 11. Prospects are required to attend three summer prospect camps, so Nino Niederreiter has done his time and will not be there this time.
  
• Back to the goalies, here are some Islanders blogs grades on that timeless subject of interminable debate Evgeni Nabokov's 2013 season: IPB | Isles Nation | Eyes on Isles
• And as for the Flyers, are they in on Bernier? Well ... maybe. Ilya Bryzgalov's agent claims the Flyers told him he would not be bought out. Paul Holmgrem counters that he said no such thing.
• Flyers Fun, II: Supposedly they're chasing Bobby Ryan again, with the #11 pick in this draft and Braydon Coburn on the table.
• Flyers Fun, III: Danny Briere has apparently been informed he'll be bought out.
• Flyers Fun, IV: Oh, and the Flyers have some bonus overages that will carry over to 2013-14. #capmanagement
• Flyers Fun, V: Sticking with that same source, Tim Panaccio of Comcast, who remarks: "it's always insane covering the Flyers when the draft and free agency roll around. why would we think this summer would be any different?"
• Cool stuff: The arbitration process, behind the scenes | Yahoo shows a Whalers-themed wedding that went all out | Barclay's setup for hockey in Brooklyn
• The Stars are still looking at Torts and Ruff in their search for a recycled REAL NHL coach
• As you know, David Ullstrom is headed to the KHL. Where he'll travel a whole lot.
• If you missed it, Kirill Petrov is still in the KHL. But his agent is making a little noise about the Islanders next summer.
• Friedman's 30 Thoughts from this week.
• Also from him, the NHL sounds set to try hybrid icing in the preseason, then implement it if it works.
• Two good Cult of Hockey bits: What's up if the Avs really pass on Seth Jones? | And oh, really, the Hawks are losing money?
• The SB Nation hockey sites are running our annual mock draft, which you can follow along here. We pick for the Islanders on Friday. I mean, the Isles have done okay at #15 in the past.

Finally, most of the authors here will do a group video chat Thursday evening, which we should be able to post afterward. If you want us to toss specific questions around, leave them below or here.