New York Islanders Tea Leaves: Strome on the 4th, injury non-info, Donovan chronicles

The only traveling external beatwriter covering the New York Islanders, Arthur Staple of Newsday, is on the road as the team travels to Minnesota and St. Louis this week. Before he departed, he solicited questions from Isles fans via Twitter.

For the Twitter-phobic, or the "I'm at work, can you summarize?" set, here is a sampling of his responses. These are just a few highlights; check his timeline (@StapeNewsday) for all the topics and quips.

How High Can Brock Nelson Go?

Matt Moulson high. No pun intended.

@thesaucerpass Very high. He's Matt Moulson with more upside right now. As long as he hangs out net front PP, he could score 35-40.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

On Brooklyn

Can we pretend the last two years haven't happened? No.

@mattliguori I'm sure there's some mutual clauses in the deal, but no, they're not coming back.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

Can We Have Jagr?

No.

@vahe5505 Intriguing, but I doubt it. Doesn't play at the pace of the top 6.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

How is Matt Donovan Holding Up?

Pretty well, given the Great Long Scratch era.

@Riz2525 I think so. He's gone through the wringer a bit mentally this season. If he can play well after sitting, he can be part of the club

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

@IslandJudgement No. They held onto Donovan that long for a reason. Don't think they'd just dump him in a deal now.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

Can Strome Join the Top Line Already?

Don't see it happening.

@mschwarz8 @_jaymeariellexo I don't see Strome going to LW now. That line would be missing a physical edge that 86 or 29 bring.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

They Hate Strome, Don't They

I saw Ryan Strome on the fourth line in practice. Why? Why! Why would they put a good player on the fourth line as they face three top opponents this week? (P.S. Regular fourth-line center Casey Cizikas is injured, so...)

@blairmacgregor Not at all. I think he's been so good they feel he'll be good there. Not a demotion whatsoever.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

@BillyFitzz Only because of 53.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

What is Johnny Boychuk's Prognosis?

The NHL: It's not an info-sharing kind of league. Hide under HIPAA.

@transmogrifier Don't know and no.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

Similar stuff on Travis Hamonic.

Add More Guys? What's up with Pulock?

@freelancehack They're not major injuries, I don't believe. And Pulock is the D they would add. Not looking outside.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

Are These Q&A's Less Crazy at 19-8?

@ImDonBecker It's certainly a different group of questions.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

Our Beatwriter Has Low Battle Level!

Sorry gang, that's all my struggling Macbook could allow. Thanks for the questions and I'll try to answer the rest when I arrive. Later!

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) December 8, 2014

Nonsense. Lots of info and opinions therein, particularly for a guy heading on a plane with a Thomas Pock-level laptop. #beatwriterlife. Check his timeline (with replies) for more. Debate, berate, relate below.