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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
@vahe5505 Honestly, if they've come close to winning by then, he'll take less so they can stay good. He's too smart to be that greedy.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015
* * *
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
@chris_220o They'd love Eberle, I'm sure. Zero chance on Kessel. Maybe less than zero.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015
* * *
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
* * *
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
@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* * *
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
* * *
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
* * *
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
* * *
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
* * *
Willhoft's Happy Music
@4ScottStevens Yes, I'd think so. Same role.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) May 19, 2015
* * *
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