Tea Leaves: A chamomile Twitter Q&A with Newsday's Arthur Staple

Newsday's Arthur Staple, now covering the Eastern Conference final, took some time during his flight to Tampa to answer some Islanders-centric inquiries on Twitter.

Because the team has been mostly quiet since their elimination, Staple warned readers ahead of time that, "nothing's changed." So the questions were a predominantly low-key collection of updates, predictions for the near future, thoughts on Barclays Center and, of course, insight into the returning coaching staff. And the requisite goofball ones.

Here's a selection of replies. As always, we thank Art for his time.

Contract Watch

@brettborz Excellent question? I have no idea... 6-7 years, 6-7m per?

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@NumberBradleyF @brettborz Could see long term for Nelson, 2-3 years for Lee.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@blairmacgregor I'm sure quite a bit depends on how next season goes. But remember that Garth is extremely loyal to his guys.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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New Blood Incoming?

@BUIslander Joel Ward. Signing him would require a few other moves, but he'd be a solid addition.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@MyConnorIsName Thomas Greiss, maybe Nik Backstrom... There'll be plenty to choose from.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Cappy, Cappy, Cappy

@Kevd92 I think he earned it. Don't see Snow turning over the reins to someone who wants personnel decision powers.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@FullMetalJack3d He went with some veterans at times when I would have rather let the young guys work through it.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@Ruffunzo Possibly

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Donovan Declassified?

@ryangillman Didn't want to risk waivers early in the year and they missed their window to get him playing time.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Grabner's Groin

@EMN430 Have not heard. I've been studying German though, so maybe I'll dig something up.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Griffin's Growth

@rightontime31 Not at all. Defensemen take time, especially big guys. If he's willing to be patient, they will be too.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Kids Stuff

@R_Glassman Still needs to improve physically. A couple years off, I think.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@p8rlynch Too young. Unless he blows everyone away in camp, he'll be back in Oshawa.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@tbone31592 Pulock. Just my opinion though.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Barclays Scouting

@IslandJudgement The ice sold out. And fixing? They're obstructed. Don't sit there if you don't want obstructions.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@deekay31 Second level, at one end of the rink. It's fine. Plenty of arenas have bad setups.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Willhoft's Happy Music

@4ScottStevens Yes, I'd think so. Same role.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

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Aforementioned Goofballery

@KeithLHHockey I actually have to think about this one. Few choices out there!

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015

@cultureoflosing He owes me a few beers. Think we're even now.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015