NYI FREE AGENCY LIVE BLOG, DAY II
Islanders sign Eaton, Jurcina, Parenteau, Konopka
7:25: Matthew Lombardi signs with Nashville for three years. Trevor Smith signs with the Ducks. After signing four players, Islanders appear to be done for the night. Garth Snow and the players did interviews with Katie Strang of Newsday, so check out their happy reactions there.
Eaton is on a two-year contract, the rest are on one-year deals. If the Islanders take the next step this season and make the playoffs, Snow will have a better chance of luring bigger fish a year from now.
Nevertheless, plenty of players remain. The Islanders can negotiate some quality deals with available free agents over the next two months.
Closing up the Comments thread for Day 2, so here’s wishing everyone a fun and safe weekend.
3:50: The Islanders have signed fourth-line fighter and energy player Zenon Konopka, whom the fans are going to like. Great energy, willing pugilist, good on faceoffs. The Islanders were interested when they scouted him in Syracuse before he signed last season with Tampa Bay. Konopka gets a one-year deal.
2:30: According to Katie Strang of Newsday, the Islanders are signing defenseman Milan Jurcina and former Rangers farmhand forward PA Parenteau. Jurcina is a 6-4, 235-pound defensive defenseman who was a depth player last season in Washington and Columbus and hasn’t hit nearly enough for his coaches’ liking. Jurcina played for Scott Gordon in Providence. Jurcina gets $1 million on a one-way for 2010-11.
Parenteau, with good hands but not great wheels, will get a good look just as Matt Moulson did. He got a one-way deal for $600,000, so Parenteau will be on the Islanders in 2010-11.
According to agent Allan Walsh on Twitter, both deals are for one season and “Garth Snow gets the gold star for the day.”
2:05 pm: The Islanders have signed former Penguins defenseman Mark Eaton to a two-year contract worth $5 million total. The 33-year-old Eaton is 6-2, 205 pounds and averaged 20 minutes a game for Pittsburgh during the regular season and playoffs. In 79 regular season games, he had 3 goals and 16 assists and was a plus-5. Eaton had 25 penalty minutes.
He is known as a positionally-sound defensive defenseman with average mobility, but he does not play tough and he does not play physically. Eaton is the first of two defensemen Garth Snow hopes to sign. The Islanders could still use help on the power play point and a dman who hits.
*
11:55 am: The Bridgeport Sound Tigers sent out a press release in the last hour announcing the Islanders signing of goaltender Nathan Lawson. He accepted his one-year, two-way contract. Garth Snow has hinted that Lawson will compete for an NHL job in training camp. If the Islanders decide to not sign an expereinced goaltender in the free agent market, the job could be Lawson’s by default.*
*Of course, this all depends on the status of Rick DiPietro.
Noon: Pavel Kubina decides to take a two-year deal with Steve Yzerman and Tampa Bay.
12:05: Matthew Lombardi, said to be looking for big money, is still available. So is Andy Sutton and a cast of about 100.
12:14: Sheldon Souray has been placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers.
12:45: A personal thank you to all the hockey fans who jumped on this site yesterday to the tune of a staggering 200,000 pageviews. Incredible.
1:10: The reliable Kevin Allen of USA Today is reporting that Chris Higgins is signing a one-year deal with the Panthers.
*
12:05 am: When Ryan Smyth chose Colorado over the Islanders three summers ago, and agent Don Meehan went public in saying the Islanders gave Ryan plenty to think about, the plight of the Islanders and the Coliseum rightfully came into focus. The setting was also far different than it is today. Rick DiPietro was healthy. Ted Nolan was considered a players’ coach. Michael Farber of SI picked Garth Snow as the NHL GM of the Year because he went out and got Smyth at a very fair price. The Islanders had made the playoffs.
Smyth left and Snow wisely made the decision to go full-throttle with a slow and steady rebuilding program. The Coliseum and uncertainty of the franchise’s future will be a hurdle until all is settled. But please, to make the Islanders’ inability to recruit Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin and anyone else about the Coliseum issue is an insult. Hamhuis went home to BC to play for a contender. Paul Martin got $25 million for five years to sign with a team led by Sidney Crosby and run by Mario Lemieux. What would you have done?
Beyond the view of the Coliseum asphalt from the Marriott, here’s what the top free agents know: in the last three seasons, the Islanders came in 26th, 30th and 26th. They know the Islanders have needed Alexei Yashin, Rick DiPietro and bonuses just to reach the salary cap floor. They might have thought having Kevin Connolly at the draft table and announcing a first round pick was, um, interesting.
They know John Tavares is going to be really good, Kyle Okposo is almost there, and Mark Streit turned out to be a darn good player after Montreal let him go. Then there’s a dropoff. The top free agents don’t know, don’t want to know and don’t care that the Islanders have begun to re-tool the prospect pool. The potential of 17-year-old Nino Niederrislander, the two Kirills and Travis Hamonic doesn’t mean Jack Hillen to them. Again, can you blame them?
When the Islanders have a season like the Phoenix Frickin Coyotes did this season, players will listen to their offers. When the Islanders have a season like Colorado did, maybe agents won’t have to manufacture cover for the Islanders’ failure to sign a Type A free agent. If the Islanders’ rebuild is on target, there’s no reason why that can’t happen next summer or the one after that. When the Islanders have a 100-point season, I guarantee no one’s going to ask how extravagant the Coli’s family room is.
In the mean time, lining up the excuses does not look good. How does the Nobody-Wants-the-Islanders chorus reflect on the players that do sign here over the next few days or weeks? Cripes, what does it say about Doug Weight? Stop it. It’s insulting.
A slow news day in August, if you want to recap the offseason shopping and mention the Coliseum hurdle…that’s one thing. At least wait until Kate Murray potentially makes herself the villainess. To spread this crap soon after dinnertime on the first day of free agency, while the Coyotes are signing people, is shameful.
Look, the Islanders’ shopping list remains the same. As I wrote the other day, that top-four defenseman and top-six forward might have to be in the “potential” category. They also need an effective grinding forward and reliable, big-bodied third-pair defenseman. Players of this calibre are still out there and can be had at reasonable rates. You better believe these players could not give a puck if the Islanders don’t own a single treadmill.
The Islanders haven’t gotten anybody yet. Big whoop. Anyone hoping for highly sought after players like Anton Volchenkov, Hamhuis and Martin this summer - and this includes the Islanders - took their eye off the ball. Far from the end of the world. The excuses that started popping up eight hours after the market opened? Inexcusable.
Move on. Get back to work. Make the hockey team better. The Islanders have two months.
Day 2 thread begins. See you in Comments.
Well said CB, well said.
Funny that since you left PR, that department is a nightmare for the Islanders.
Well said. Why sign a player we will be looking to dump in 2-3 years because we overpaid for them.
As much as I agree with you C.B., you have to give credit to a fan base that responded with over 1400 hits to your blog for a team that finished 26th, 30th and 26th the last three years and did not sign one player today.
preach!!
Where will they spend the money to get to the floor? Bobby Ryan, hopefully. 5 years 30 mill give up the 1st 2nd and a 3rd and call it a day IMO. We did pick up an extra third rounder next year on draft day. Only missing the 1st and 2nd in the draft.
“Look, the Islanders’ shopping list remains the same. As I wrote the other day, that top-four defenseman and top-six forward might have to be in the “potential” category.”
Andy Sutton
Arron Asham
Thanks for all the great info Chris.
GO ISLES !
All in all, I agree, Nonetheless, while there more time to make signings, it still appears that come October the Islanders will have raised prices significantly on their most loyal fans for a team that is likely to barely reach the salary cap floor.
Hey, CB, chalk it up to our passion. We all had a tough day (wasn’t expecting a lecture).
Let’s hope day 2 will be better.
I don’t think I’m blaming the old “barn” or the coach or the players. It’s just that it frustrating to offer the same if not more money and not even get a whiff of an “A” player. CB, what else can the Isles Management do to get a couple of those experienced “A” players that every team needs and doesn’t seem to win without? Whats the secret CB? No excuses here!
You are 100% correct. It is not just the arena or just one thing. The arena does not help—but neither does our record over the last how ever many seasons. One playoff series win in what almost 20 seasons. That was in 1993.
I did not see many UFAs flocking to Washington before they got their rebuild done with Ovie and Co. I did not see free agents all get on the plane to the Panthers office today. Teams that rebuild have to do so through the draft—and that is what we are doing.
Well said CB—thanks for bringing some common sense into it.
As a fan, I was disappointed to see the Islanders didn’t make any headway in the rebuild on day one. We will have to wait and see what Snow winds up with before officially declaring the offseason a success, a bust or a non-factor.
Tack of signings on day one leads me to think it is due to one of three things:
a) Snow tried to lure some top UFA’s and came up empty because the players prefer not to play for the rebuilding Islanders, whether it be because they want to go to a contender or because of the uncertainty of the franchise, state of the facilities, etc.;
b) Snow tendered offers to some top UFA’s but was unwilling to match other teams offers or overpay to sign any of them; or
c) Snow did not make an effort in day one and is saving the effort for day two to avoid the bidding competition.
The first option is likely partially true and the second is almost definite. The last option seems ridiculous.
CB, what is your take? Do you think not participating in day one was Snow’s strategy all along or do you think he truly preferred to make some headway in day one and just came up empty?
I think we need to sign Sutton and Asham tomorrow. We need to show that the Isles are in business to make the playoffs and need some more help!! LETS GO ISLANDERS
Thank you Chris, What a great post and the reason, among others, I love this blog. It’s nice to read a level headed straight shooting blog on the team I love. Keep up the great work!
nothing but excuses from this team
the fans should make excuses not to buy tickets…no attempt to make playoffs…keep rebuilding
we had the best offer on the table for martin and he still shot us down.. and fyi, we got not choice but to overpay.. we have to make up 9 million to hit the cap floor..
I think a signing just for “hope” purposes for the fanbase would’ve been the right thing. At least show you want to be here.
CB - agree 100%. Everyone needs to take a step back and realize that the coliseum issue is not the main issue with FAs. The team has had 3 horrible seasons and until some progress is made in the winning category it will be very hard to draw top free agents.
Lets bring Sutton back for 1-2 years, pick up Lombardi who is approaching the prime of his career and would make a great fit for this team and try to pick up another vertern forward. Rather than that, let the kids get sometime and grow together. I am a huge Kovalchuck fan but its drives me crazy hearing people say we need to bring him in.
Look at Chicago. They brought in some crazy over priced FA’s and now all the younger talent developed and there forced to deal away some great pieces and are stuck with guys like brian campbell.
We have waited this long…lets have some patients.
Plain and simple common sense from CB. Does anyone rememebe the Type A free agents PHX and COL signed on July 1 last year? PHX had a tremenous season beyond anyone’s expectations and they still ended up losing Michalek as a UFA. Results on the ice first, then the names will follow. Until then it’s the draft and hope the lower end UFAs and prospects pan out.
Its the catch-22, not good enough to lure free agents so free agents don’t want to sign here. CB is right, team needs to have a good season before top players consider coming. In the meantime, its more of the same.
Hang on, folks…There will be action soon…BIG action. whether it be Ilya or some RFA offer, not sure; but the big move MUST come. As many have said, the Isles MUST get at LEAST to the Cap floor, if not more. We will see action….right?
CB, while I somewhat agree with your article, this isn’t the team making an excuse, this is a newspaper coming out with info saying that they tried. I haven’t heard Garth making any excuses…yet.
Also, even if the fan base shouldn’t expect a first tier free agent, these long term deals are making for fewer grade A free agents each year. By the time we get to the point of respectability, the highest grade free agents are going to be washed up 40 year olds.
Ill say it again tho ive said it before CB youre my effin hero. The Isles still have plenty of options. Lombardi, Stemps, Sutty, Mitchell, Poni, Frolov. Keep the faith those that bleed the Blue and Orange. Party on Garth.
when the coliseum is full its one of the best arena’s to play in passionate fans who love their hockey! If free agents don’t want to be a part of that well screw them lol bring up some of our kids and them grow into our home grown talent!!
I know this is from yesterday’s thread (technically) in regards to Marc Staal, but I feel compelled to respond…
“do you really want to leave yourself open to revenge from one of the deepest-pocketed franchises in the NHL?” -and- “Anyone who knows the relationship between the owners of the Islanders and Rangers knows why.”
That makes the Islanders sound like an inferior franchise that simply has no chance of standing up to the Big Bad Rangers. Well, that sort of attitude doesn’t fly with me, and I’d wager money that it doesn’t fly with a lot of other proud Islander fans either. That kind of tone is something I would never want to hear from any sort of competitive team. You may as well forfeit the season or bow out gracefully. The way I see it is, no franchise owes any other franchise jack hillen (wink wink), and certainly the Islanders don’t owe the Rangers anything. The point is, if you want something, go and get it. No excuses, right?
This is my station, see you tomorrow!
You have to give people credit for good intentions. However, that only goes so far and then you have to judge them on their results. Snow’s results outside the draft and a few free agents signings are not great. Of the few trades he made the best ones have been for draft picks.
Pho with it’s 29 owners and wanting a new building but still might be moving who know’s where is a playoff team and signed quality FA’s today. Why couldn’t Snow?
I had interest in 5 players in FA, none of them were “fantasy” players like the Isles signing Kovi because I knew they wouldn’t and shouldn’t. I wanted Lombardi and 2 or 3 of Carkner, Scott, Volchenkov, and MIchalek. An insurance goalie too. That is all I wanted and can’t understand why Snow couldn’t do it. Perhaps Lombardi and Carkner can still be had.
Prospects are really impressive so kudos for that.
I’m sick of TOH, long ago I wanted Wang to tell Murray to choke on it and go to Queens or some where else.
What is so troubling is the same issues continue to plaque the Isles year after year. I was told repeatedly by many writers and the Isles that this would be the year they signed FA’s because it was the right time in the rebuild and the Isles have so much cap space other teams do not. It is a super weak FA class but of the players we know they targeted Snow couldn’t get the job done on one of them.
Now we hear ‘NEXT YEAR THEY’LL SIGN PLAYERS”. Will next year be the year Snow finally takes advantage of a team with salary cap issues? We’ve been hearing that for three years too and he still hasn’t done it.
If the Isles don’t have a treadmill I don’t know what to say except you couldn’t build a temporary preconstruction structure like many NFL teams use to practice as your state of the art gym until you can your new facilities? Wouldn’t the few 100 thou be worth it?
Sign Carkner, sign Lombardi but Snow is going to have to trade for 2 d-men and he has very limited assets to do so. We know who the untouchable prospects are, perhaps Kohn, Katic, Rhashanski, Figern, MacDonald or something being packaged might get you what ya need.
Progress was made with the house cleaning but while the team finally drafted size, skill, grit, finally get the uniforms right, they still have the arena crap hanging over them for the past decade plus, and still can’t make a trade to improve the team and still cannnot sign a free agent. Same issues and every year is all about NEXT YEAR.
Gillies or no Gillies this team is not tough enough by a long shot.
I understand the rants and agree somewhat but if patients is what is being preached then the isles should have enough sense to not raise ticket prices through the roof the fans can and should be upset. Especially when ticket reps call your house the day of free agency and ask if you are renewing for next year. Why would you say yes?
“Build it and they will come,” Field of Dreams.
And I don’t mean an arena either. Build a winner, a consistent winner and UFA’s will be lining up to come here whether we play in brand new digs, the NVMC, or in an outdoor rink. We’re a long way away but we also have to be patient. I know, we’ve been patient for to long now, but, if the organization is serious about this rebuild then I will gladly wait. Look at the Caps, its taken them 6 years and they still aren’t all the way there. The Blues are in year 4 or 5 of their rebuild and they are now showing signs of getting better. The LA Kings are starting to show flashes that their rebuild is starting to work.
We have JT and if those 18 points in the final 13 games are any indication we will have a stud on our hands. If KO can become a 25-30 goal guy and a Selke type forward that’s another great piece to the puzzle. This years draft could go a long way into having a great future with El Nino, Nelson (who some are comparing to a Bob Bourne type player), and if Kabanov can mature and reach his potential, we will be solid team for a long time to come.
Its frustrating but, we also have to remember its not a strong UFA class in terms of forwards not named Kovalchuck and we’re not getting him. I’ll say we end up with Lombardi, Afinigenov, Asham, and Mitchell. Short term deals for all and let them be a bridge for the good young talent that will be ready in a year or two.
I think what Mr Snow did at the amateur free-agent draft last week was far more important to the Islander franchise than what we could have reasonably expected to do today. And Mr Snow et al did splendidly in the City of Angels. I admit to being slightly disappointed that we didn’t sign anyone today. But there are still useful fish left in the free agent ocean and I would be more disappointed if they had made a move like that team in Manhattan did with the Boogeyman or our-same-year-expansion Calgary Flames did with Ollie Jokeinnen. I still haven’t decided to get a full or partial season package (that is work-related, not enthusiasm) but as long as this team is in Nassau or Suffolk, I’ll be there for a number of games.
This rebuild will keep going on and when we finally get competitive and think we have a team we will lose our players also.We have to show we are willing to pay for free agents to come here or this will be a trend that keeps on happening.If signing Sutton and Asham makes you happy for free agent signings then we have a fan base that doesn’t get it.How will those 2 players make us better?I do like them both but they are not impact players.We need a top three dman and a top 6 forward and it looks like that is not happening.
Can you please pass the Kool Aid? I’ve seemed to have run out…
just get andy sutton back be happy he liked it here least someone did…..
When will people realize that it is not the coliseum. I just recently took a trip to Detroit and the Joe is a “Dive”, but a “Dive” with a winning tradition that is not almost 30 years in the past. That building is almost as old as the coliseum. When the Isles start winning, the players will sign up to be a part. For now, every Isles fan needs to be patient as the kids develop.
Just sign someone of worth while and I’ll be happy. I’d love to see Sutton or Asham back on LI.
By the way, with this being year 3 of Garth Snow’s rebuilding project, should the Isles take significant steps backwards from last season, what the Draft going to look like in 2010?
I hate it how our fans say we need players inorder to fill the stands. We need fans to show the players how enthusiastic we are about our team, and then the STARS WILL COME. I live in florida and see my favorite team 2 or maybe 3 times if i get to Tampa for a game, and i would give anything to see more. My last year in NY as a senior in HS i saw 20 games from Feb on, and that included 3 games against Wash, 2 against Pitt and 1 vs Mont in the playoffs. Please FANS, Fill the seats and the STARS WILL Want to PLAY HERE!!! LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for that draft day recap, CB. Right on the money. I wish more people read your blog because you are the voice of reason among a lot of really silly sidebar stories written about the NY Islanders and their various situations.
Day 2 plan
1. We need a top 4 dman(either give Kubina a 3 yr. 11.5 mill deal) or explore the availability of Kevin Bieksa from Vancouver, after they signed Hamhuis today.
2. Sign Stempniak to a 3 yr. 9-10 mill deal. (Lombardi would be nice, but we are already stocked at center.)
3. Sign Sutton to a 1 or 2 yr deal (2.5-to-3 yr per)
4. Sign Asham to a one yr deal.
* If it costs us a #1, #2 and #3 draft pick to get Bobby Ryan, go get him now.
If we accomplish that, I can live with today’s shutout.
Great read, perfectly said.
Islanders fans complaining about not signing anyone are the same ones who laugh at the ridiculous contracts Sather gives out.
eric nystrom to the wild. so much for that. not even a long island kid wants to come hear. get lost wang!
Thanks for writing exactly what I was thinking, CB. I almost got sick reading the mass of comments from the last thread. The sky is not falling because we didn’t sign Dan Hamhuis, Paul Martin, etc. Get a grip people.
A wise rant to start the day CB. Thanks so much for giving all of us (yes, ALL of us, even the Negative Nancys) a place to share. Point Blank is without a doubt the ultimate place for all of us to read about and share our passion for the Isles. Point Blank is a Godsend. I definitely get tired of all the crybabies here, so thank you to all of you who write with sensibility. Especially you Chris. We all owe you one. You should never have to pay for a beer when you’re out!
The NY Islanders are being built wonderfully. I’m moving back to LI in a few weeks and can’t wait to watch Okposo, Tavares, Bailey, Streit, Hillen, Moulson Golden, and the rest of these guys. I’m already sold w/o any of our new free agent signings. I love the team and will be excited this year, and a few years down the line when I look back at these days.
I have absolutely no idea what life is like in Snow’s office, but I trust him to do the best for the organization. And I believe he will.
ORANGE AND BLUE! Go ISLES!!!
Chris, as always. You are right on the money.
Everyday I learn something new about the team and the sport, by reading your columns. I am so happy that you continue to write this Islanders blog. Its my main source for the real deal on what’s happening in Islanders-land.
Thank you!
Well said, well spoken CB! You fricken rock!
I want the kind of player that, to some degree, doesn’t care about how good the team around him is, because HIS being on the team is what makes the team good (kind of like what Nino did this year!) As such, I guess that player didn’t exist in Day 1.
I don’t want anybody playing here who doesn’t want to be here. Get lost. Hit the highway. And most of the guys who signed today were for ridiculous amounts and years anyway.
And I agree with this stuff about the building. The arena is old, but it has history. Just like the Joe as was saiid above. And you’re in the NYC metropolitan area just like the Rangers and Devils for crying out loud.
Because the building is new in Newark that’s a deal maker? Please. It’s in a slum, in a city that couldn’t care less about hockey. When you sign with the Devils they give you a complimentary Club for your car.
Continue to build and develop from within with players who regard this as THEIR team.
Why all the noise about Lombardi suddenly? He’s a center and that’s the one position we’re okay at. Wings and D are what we need. I say Corvo and Asham, maybe Frolov and Sutton could be had. I’d be happy with those guys in the ranks. We haven’t missed out on much of anything yet. Boogaard for 4 years? That was the biggest laugh of the day…
I get the Coyotes and Avalanche comparisons. Nothing compares to a solid winning season. I didn’t think we’d make a gigantic splash today, but I don’t blame anyone for being upset we didn’t.
Yes the slow and steady rebuild is the wise move, perhaps the only choice…but that doesn’t automatically instill PATIENCE in fans that live and breathe for this team every day. Not to mention, spend their hard earned money.
Excuses are one thing, but the disappointment and let down many people feel, especially in the order in which players were coming off the board, just hurts, plain and simple.
Now everyone is singing Sutton and Asham - 2 players that I love and would warmly welcome as well…but who’s to say we’re not logged on here and refreshing our twitter feeds to see them and other free agents sign on to other teams.
Sure we have money to spend and HAVE to spend it, but with a diminishing pool, I think it’s reasonable to fear that at some point we may be considering our choices to fill roster spots - Richard Park, Jon Sim…or other team’s equivalents.
There doesn’t seem like there’s much left the team can do to really give the fanbase a shot of optimism. But, I do hope the holes can be filled wisely and Gordon can put together a team that thrives together and has some decent success.
great post been on here all day waiting for something that never came. I know it will and I will be happy with whoever comes, I think. I believe that Snow tried and that he will continue to. I guess my question is why in like say the NBA they take the money every time but when we over offer we lose out to guys taking less. I guess NHL players care more about playing for a contender? Not jumping off the bridge, passionate aboout this team more than any other sport in which i am still a fanatic. Hope we get our guys eventually. We just love the instant gratification. thanks CB for the best Isles info out there bar none!
CB, I can’t thank you enough for this post. I’ve been out since 5:30, and when I came back to read that not only had we not signed anyone, but may have even offered more then what some UFA’s signed for, well, it was sad to say the least. Although I expected this, it’s a bit of tough pill to swallow. Us Islander fans seem to always dream. But then when reality happens like today’s shutout, it’s great to be able to read an article that taps right into the heart of this emotion. You really nailed it this time, and really tapped into the emotions of so many. It’s so great to read something that shouts “I understand”.
Do you feel better now CB? Ok, now breathe and remember that Snow said that he wants the team to make the playoffs this year.
I still think Wang should have a life sized mural of the Lighthouse created an placed up against the side of the NVMC for opening day.
Gotta love Islander fans. When a player signs somewhere else, the excuses are always the same. They overpaid, or we did not need him. Yet we suck every year.
Islander fans who are ready to jump off a bridge because of the inactivity on 7/1/2010 should divert some of their time and attention away from the doom & gloom and take a look at which teams signed which free agents today. There wasn’t one single major free agent acquisition (read: Tier I) for any team ranked between 30th and 16th last year. Then there was Sergei Gonchar to the Senators, who finished 15th. All of the Tier I free agents went to teams that finished with top 11 (the Pens finished 11th)records. Do the borderline suicidal Islander fans after 7/1/2010 seriously believe that it’s a coincidence these players signed with successful teams over our 26th overall finish team?
I don’t think its an “excuse” to say these teams overpaid. To get a marquee free agent, you have to overpay. Does Volchenkov really deserve a 6 yr deal for Big Money? Does oft injured Gonchar deserve 3 yr 18 mil? The Isles are in a tough situation. You want to get some good free agents but you don’t want to give Kiril Petrov’s PP time to Maxim Afinogenev? And for the forseeable future I’m comfortable w/ Streit, DeHaan and Hamonic leading our D’ w/ cheap alternatives MacDonald & Hillen as 4th/5th DMen. We already have Yashin, DiPietro & Witt’s terrible contracts to deal w/ because of bad financial decisions. Can we afford another one? …….CB, I LOVE your work, but Kevin Connolly is helping the Islanders brand name, not hurting it..
Sabres sign Jordan Leopold, 3 years, $9m
Sean O’Donnell to Flyers for 1 year
Canucks Sign F Manny Malhotra to 3-Year, $7.5M Deal ($2.5m per, NTC)
Good read. Still hurts seeing the two defencemen that would have helped us the most(now and in the future) sign in the division. And whether we sign Lombardi or Kubina or Sutton or whoever, the road to the playoffs will not be easy. The division, outside of the Rags, remains stacked. And the other ‘bottom-feeders’ are improving, especially TampaBay and Atlanta. Even Toronto will be better. At this point all I ask is that they add size/toughness so I don’t have to watch them get pushed around all season. And two serviceable blueliners(on short-term contracts) so that Hamonic is’nt rushed.
At present we are the cute girl with dificult parents that no one is sure what she will look like. Some interest but no takers.
There is plenty of talent left, from what I have read, Garth has tried, but no takers and do you want to overpay for marginal improvement? Once this team starts to fill out, future a bit sorted FA will come to a beuatiful part of the world. They are going ot Calgary and other rough weather areas, they will come here when the situation is right.
I personally prefer to sit through a day with no signings than pretend to be psyched about signing a ham and egger like Colby Armstrong to 3 million per year like Mapleleaf fans are. Nobody that was signed today is worth losing sleep over.
spoken from the heart LOVE IT!!!!!. most hockey player in the nhl are passionate about getting the cup. Unlike other pro sports where athletes seem to chase the money. How can a guy like martin with options not want to go to pittsburgh knowing he will be contending for years to come. volchenkov 6 years is a long time. he will be another campbell on chcago. untradeable and make the devils cap strapped. In two years if our prospects pan out garth will have to think ahead regarding the cap to keep the core together for many years. he will have the space and we will have a team that grew up together and able to play many years together. over pay or spend just to spend when where not ready to seriously contend is foolish. I understand we have to hit the cap floor but there are smart moves to make and then there is calgary who signed players just to sign them. sutter should be fired and be niknamed milbury jr. i like our position alot better then them. btw the lighting needs d man worse then us and they couldnt land a big name with there core of forwards yhat says alot. everyone who paid there due’s and earned ufa status seek a winning situation and contenders not pretenders.
i feel asleep what happened.lets go islanders
Amen, brother.
Oh well at least we have cool jerseys again! Its the little things in life!
#9 Fill the building on a consistent basis and win. That is pretty much it!
yea, I understand all of this, however there is absolutely NO reason now to not land Sutton & Asham.
Good job CB. Rebuilds are done THROUGH the draft. We’ll get some useful players soon through free agency. This team was 3 wins away from making the playoffs anyway. If a rebuild is done correctly, it’s build so that the team can make the playoffs year after year after year. Detroit comes to mind. Meanwhile the Rangers have no “soul.” And THEY didn’t make the playoffs despite the millions they spend; they’re like a fantasy team. Stay patient fans. Trust the process. Hell, I hope we pick Top 5 again. We will be a very solid playoff team for the ‘11-’12 or ‘12-’13 season.
i’m not sure i’m 100% in agreeance CB, the instability of the future of this franchise, the decrepit barn, are def some of the reasons why it is hard to draw people here.
Now we can look at martin (to pens) hamhuis (hometown b.c. boy) but what about gonchar? unless sens were only team offering that much, nobody including gonchar would think sens had any shot at a cup.
Money usually talks, and if it’s true that snow did offer the best deals, then somebody should’ve sniffed, werent we also the ones offering better deals to smyth and drury a few summers ago?
That being said, if we didnt blow all of those 2-0, 3-0 leads this year, we would have been in the playoffs and we would be snapping up these guys.
It was very tough watching all those d-men signing everywhere else yesterday.
Is it too early to post a list of the top 5 prospects for next year’s NHL draft?
Yesterday was tough, but I agree that we need to be patient. I don’t want players who choose to come here just for the big payday. Look at 2006. Guys like Poti and Kozlov had something to prove and had very good seasons here, but when they left for more money I think their games took a step back. I don’t want to be the team that overpays for players looking to cash in.
No excuses.
Sick and tired of hearing why this team doesn’t get better in terms of adding talent.
Islanders not signing anyone on first day? No worries.
Rangers signing Boogard for 4 years?!?!? Perfect.
Go Isles!!!
I would take a chance on Willie Mitchell, 1 year deal so he can show the hockey world he can play a healthy season. Add Shawn Morrisonn, a big body Dman.
Rusty Torres, Eric Belanger, Steve Begin forwards. Nobody gets a long term contract.
Well said.
But you must admit Martin had to be enticed by the new arena he’ll be playing in next season….
Agree with everything you said CB, I’m just curious how their going to make up the money to the cap floor without overpaying for yesterdays leftovers. I know guys like Lombardi, Stempniak, Ponerkerovsky, and so on are still out there….but this summer is huge for their rebuild. Our division has gained more experience, leadership, and talent, how can we compete with just about most of last seasons roster? There needs to be significant changes before we have a run like Phoenix.
CB, I agree with you and think that all of the signings yesterday didnt work out for us. But to hear players dont want to come here is crap. Every interview last year of players from different teams went like this: Good young team, come to play every night, future looks bright. Horsesh*t from the players? If they see the Islse in that light why dont they come here? Sign Sutton, Asham and another forward and lets kick A*S this season.
This is a listing ship, to much time & money wasted on real estate. I do not want to hear about Murray anymore and I do not want to hear your same old story & excuses. Chris I read and followed you every day and thank you for all your hard work, but I have to say I am moving on and you have to stop defending them. Tell it like it is, they had no interest in any of the top players yesterday no matter how bad one or 2 of them could have helped this team. Maybe find a new owner who’s interest is Hockey before real estate. Wang wasted a lot of money and time on a lost cause so I have no sympathy for him. He should have started looking elsewhere in the region to house his team. If you put a good product on the ice the fans will come. Look and the die hard fans who have been showing up for this team so far. And if he is so hell bent on LI maybe he should sell the team because he learned nothing from Hockey For Dummies. Good luck to all the fans who insist on throwing their hard earned money at this owner. After 35 years of support I can no longer watch a Management team that seems bent on running a great club into the ground. Good luck with d-men like Sutton (after he re-signs) Witt (one more year on his contract he is already paid for) Bruno Gervias and so on.
The playoffs are a long shot this year so why waist money on free agents we have to overpay. It is a 5 year rebuild and we are only in year 3. It would be nice to win a Stanley Cup next year but our best days are ahead of us but not so much this year. We need at least another year or 2 to let the young players develop. We have some great young talent but we are not that good yet. Give it some natural growth and time is on our side.
Why the emphasis on Sutton and Asham? I as an Islander fan since 1975 don’t really care if we sign re-treads. This team needs to continue with a new face looking forward. I am not a big believer in Asham although Sutton delivers the big hits and blocks shots I guess he is a definite upgrade from Gervais. I want some new veteran blood to go with the young guys…it may even help alleviate the stigma associated with guys not wanting to go to LI.
Battfist (63)…I think he might have been more enticed by the name plates over the lockers and the recent banners that hang from the rafters!
The problem is not the coliseum it is the perception to the Isles fanbase…We are starving for good news,positive news, after seeing teams around the islanders solidying and improving themselves yesterday and probably in the days to come, it’s painful to realise that this team will not be able to make the playoffs yet again this year… I will continue to support and cheer, and watch the young players progress…. but reality is reality…
Well played CB. Biron is a good guy, but we all saw what he does when he doesn’t play for a while…good luck getting in there more than once every 2 weeks with the queen in net marty. the rangers signing boogaard? laughable. they can have him for over 1 mill a year. most times when fighters get that kinda cash, they start getting a big head and think they’re better than they are. stay patient and within the rebuild garth. let’s go islanders
CB is 100% correct. Also two players that actually played here that are free agents expressed a desire to return. What does that say about our franchise? You cant blame Snow for players wanting to go to a contender instead of a rebuilding team. And again lets not forget the value Snow has recieved for his efforts in free agency the last 2 years. My money is he does it again. I am behind him. Had a great draft, now if he would just give a good interview with CB……..also 1400 hits yesterday!!! In July!! Love it.
if they get Sutton and Kubina I consider the fa period a success. I dont understand why they dont make a trade for Brian Campbell. The guy is a good dman who is grossly overpaid. Have Chicago throw in some prospect or picks and absorb the hit.
Sorry, but this argument doesn’t hold up for me. This is a business and players go where they get paid the most. Ryan Smyth took less money to go play with his friends in CO, but not much less. If the isles had offered significantly more, he would have stayed. Martin St. Louis just signed with a team that has drafted 1, 3 and 6 in the last 3 years. If the Isles overpay for a few top level free agents, the others will come.
islanders need to show the fans SOMETHING! other than the fresh new jerseys we got. we keep showing islander brass how much we care but they do very little to reciprocate. islanders finish dead last, we get 10,000+ for a draft party for john tavares. islanders finish 26th, maybe 2,000 fans show up for a free draft party and get charged $7 to park. use that parking money for something other than blowin smoke up our butts!
at the least we have jerseys we can be proud of on the ice every night now….
Raising ticket prices, parking fee’s, etc all while telling the fanbase that “he is free to spend what he needs to improvce the team” and then getting nothing done is going to infuriate any fanbase and with good reason.
Why can’t this team just be honest with us? Why do we have to read between the lines to see that they aren’t going to spend any money yet. They let the anticipation grow and grow and then Bam - zero happens and the fans get angry.
They knew they weren’t going to land the big guys so why didn’t they go right out and land Sutton Asham and Nystrom on day 1. No, they’ve got to let them sit and try to get them on the cheap - what does that tell the fanbase about this org?
Just to add to my earlier post…bring in Kubina, Lombardi and Frolov before Sutton and Asham…then I believe we can equate that to success.
Read ESPN magazine yesterday and nvmc is the biggest dump in all of sports which we all know, but top free agents don’t won’t to come here. I say get asham and Sutton and show other teams we will be a powerhouse in years to come. Make the playoffs and win a series for once. We won’t get any respect until we win a cup or a playoff series . We are heading on the right track though. Pittsburgh and Chicago is an example. Wish that dope DP would retire and do us a favor.
CB: If anyone read your post of 6/29 they would have known not to expect too much. So why is this such a surprise? The uncertainty of the Isles situation has to weigh heavily on UFAs decisions where to sign. The people who already wrote off the Isles 2010/11 season don’t know squat. I’m betting the Isles will make the playoffs. I still believe they would have last year if the Olympics hadn’t caused a timeout. They couldn’t seem to get back into the flow of the season afterward. That can be chalked-up to inexperience. Other teams flourished from the rest.
Well hey atleast Garth hasnt hurt the team like some of these other GMs. Look at what Sather and Sutter did….
Whats really sad is that Kovalchuk has one team interested in him. If the Islanders got involved maybe they could lure him to the East coast. 50/50 shot at one of the best players on the planet and cap space just to get to the ceiling is there! Granted LA has a nice team over there but the Islanders might not be too far off if they could ever lure Kovy here. Im not saying he would come to Long Island but you gotta give a shot. Kovy would put the Islanders back on the map. Snow threw boat loads of cash at Smyth, Gomez and Drury 3 short years ago and they are not even close to the player that Kovy is. Sign Kovy and inject some life into this franchise and the fans………then other FAs will come.
….and if that doesnt work out sign Bobby Ryan to an offer sheet and try to get Matt Lombardi.
CB, I hear what you’re saying about us LOWLY Islanders but, Do you think Snow knew this going into Day 1 of Free Agency? What could possibly be the plan now being that we’re not even at the Cap Floor and half a Roster to fill?? I think Management (including WANG) should’ve been a little more Proactive and have the wherewithall of knowing that this would happen. Obviously, you did!!
I cannot see how Wang and company can expect us to want to become Season Ticket Holders or even see ONE game a Season when we could just go to Bridgeport and see an Equal Product.
It’s not fair to the players currently on the team nor is it fair to the fans who have to shell out our hard-earned money just to see a bunch of failure. We are relying on Wang and Company to do what’s necessary to get us at least back to respectability.
Not sure why two good, serviceable players (Asham and Sutton) are labeled “retreads” whose signings represent “a step back.” Why? Sutton was great last year and Asham would add toughness to go along with some skill. Esp. love to have Asham back. What about Frolov and Corvo for added skill? I haven’t seen anyone else mention Corvo and he would be a talented d-man to add to backline; take some pressure off Streit.
I thought Kate Murry was suppose to reveal her plans this week. The week is almost over.
You’d figure after all these years of losing the fans would have a better understanding of what’s going on here. This is a SLOW rebuild, though the draft.
After the Ryan Symth deal, things changed. Everyone blames Milbury, but some think a Milbury type quick fixs Free agent signing will suddenly turn the Islanders into a playoff team. This is not what the team needs now. They are likely not making the playoff next year. Snow’s biggest mistake so far has been to say he was disappointed they didn’t make the playoffs last year and should next year.
Any Free Agent signing this year should be a transitional player to help the kids grow, show some leadership and hold down a roster spot until de Haan, Neiderrieter and Company are ready.
This team is still 2-3 years away. The draft part is done, now the players need to develop. Once they have and the team is winning and made the playoffs. Then they can go after a FA or two to put them over the top.
With the rebuild going well and two strong drafts behind us, why not go ahead and offer Bobby Ryan a 5-6 year deal at 6mm per season? He is only 23 years old with 121 points in his last 145 games.
I would love to see garth try to sign Mathew Lombardi, is he the best free agent available no, but lets face he fits the isles pretty well. He’s a “b” level free agent, one the isles can easily sign without overspending, He is a player like a “Molson” or “Streit”, what i mean by that is a player who will fit into Gordons system and blossom, having their best season in an islanders uniform. Lombardi is only 28 and is a speed demon.
while im not a big Afinogenov fan, I wouldn’t hate it if the islanders signed him, besides the obvious lack of size on the islanders, A little more speed upfront could sure help this team. Hunter skates like his feet are lead blocks.
Lombardi is known for his speed. our team really lacks speed up front. seems like a natural fit.
My main reasons for being upset yesterday:
#1 - Most of the D-Men signed yesterday were not signed to bad contracts. Most in the $4mil - 4.25 million area. 4 to 5 years. That’s is Streit’s contract. Are we complaining about that?
#2 - The “condition the arena is in” excuse in play about 7 hours into free agency. Good call CB.
#3 - “Garth offered more and they chose to sign elsewhere.” I call B.S. The reason supporting this claim is Ms. Strang’ s infamous “sources”. Also, read the quotes by the two agents in Newsday and tell me what they said can be in anyway construed as Garth offering more. Sorry, not buying it. Bottom line, as CB said, 26th, 30th, 26th place finishes. As of right now we are another year or two from 8th seed.
Needless to say, this was a terrible day to follow an awesome draft. Went from high to low in less than a week…
Other than a first round pick for Comrie (great move) what TRADE has Garth made for players? We’ve traded FOR picks and traded AWAY picks. I bet he’s great at Fantasy Hockey. Byfugli, Versteeg, Mezaros, all end up somehwere. If no one wants to come as a FA -TRADE for some players. Since Smyth, Garth is, as Jackie Gleason says, “ascared”. Show us fans that you are trying. And as one poster has said earlier, Ive seem to run out of kool-aid -may I have some? Also, dogging the Rangers for Boogard and then comparing that to Garths inactivity, is apples and oranges. The Rangers are stupid. Why doesnt someone say how GREAT the moves Uncle Lou has made? Besides Volchenkov and Tallinder, getting Hedberg as well, to take the load off of Brodeur, shows why hes the best
#77 - I’ve been saying the Isles will wind up with Corvo for about 2 weeks now. And I wouldn’t mind. The guy has a cannon of a shot.
Fortunately, I looked at yesterday as I have all the past F/A days…rebuils are done through the draft, and we are on schedule with that…I think Nino and Kabanov will be given every opportunity to play themselves out of a spot in camp, so we are probably looking at the “improvements” already…not to mention there are a multitude of F/A still available to sign….I thought maybe Hendricks or Madden could be had at a decent price, as could Murcina on D…we are talking about players to fill out the roster, they won’t be putting us over the top for the cup…just a thought…no reason to be upset over yesterday’s proceedings, the players signed so far did not want to play for the Isles…who cares! I still root for these guys with the same passion…no fair weather fan here…
just a after thought, if we did sign either Sutton or Asham or even both of them. That would do more to shut people up than anything. If these guys resigned with the islanders how bad could it be to play on Long Island. Both of these guys did and WANTED TO COME BACK
cb i agree, the post is on target. however, why reprimand those who are yell about the coliseum as an excuse while ignoring the others who offensively attack garth and the isles as being lazy useless sacks? i find the latter complaints to be more counterproductive and misguided.
I heard that Hamhuis & Martin were afraid of the the possable Water and Traffic problems the Lighthouse project would bring.
As I’ve heard people say. You need a Plan A and if that fails you have B, C, and D to try. So let’s get on to Plan D.
Bobby Ryan….2nd and 3rd and 1st in 2012.
Calaiavco or Kubina and Sutton. We need the size. And this would make Bruno our 6 or 7th dman, which is where he’d play on the other 29 teams. Plus it would take pressure off of deHaan & Hamonic who could use the seasoning in Bridgeport, instead of rushing them.
Volchenkov’s 6 years with an NTC is too much. Same with the Hamhuis deal. Good on Lou and the Canucks, for doing that, but I don’t blame Garth for not. A GM shouldn’t be willing to pay more than worth, just as none of us would pay $100k for a Nissan Altima. Nice car, but it’s worth $20-$30k and that’s what we’d be willing to pay.
There’s always disappointment, I’m sure fans of most teams were disappointed yesterday (I’m looking @ you Calgary and Rangers fans). But as the day went on, I’m fine, and I think most people are as well. The core is in place, and they will be better, bigger and stronger this year. I think Garth’s doing a good job. He’ll fill in the gaps with what he can, and we’ll make a good run this year.
CB great job on the reporting as usual but I have to disagree with you. If you are correct in your summation then why is it that the “Trashers” manage to sign a number of decent players? Atlanta is not a hotbed of professional team support especially hockey and they weren’t in a great position in the final standings for the season.
And let’s face it despite spending more money over the last 70 years than any other hockey team the rangers are a pitiful team with a horrible record based on their investment in players. They really finished no better than we did last year yet they manage to sign all sorts of greedy talented players. Even “mad glenn” now admits they are in a rebuild phase going slow and steady now. So why do players go there?
And to your point about teams like the Coyotes having a good year and players wanting to listen and go there; jesus it’s frickin 111 degree Phoenix - hockey doesn’t even belong there - they are in or on the verge of bankruptcy - nobody knows who owns or will own the team or where they are going to play. I can’t see why anyone would want to play there and oh yeah Don Maloney is the GM. I just think there is more to why players don’t want to come here than the reasons you stated- maybe it’s our team ownership and management?????
im more concerned if we don’t address our Defense concerns. We only have one top 4 dman in Mark streit. aside from that we have 20 game martinek. hillen could hang and mcdonald is more of a 5-6 guy.
grevais belongs in the the ahl.
Also I agree, How in the world are Free Agents lining up to sign with the NHL owned Phoenix Coyotes? It doesn’t make sense.
I also agree with what you are saying CB, but it doesn’t change the fact that “it sucks”. High expectations are ususally followed by disappointment. Lets swing a deal for Brian Campbell, sign Lombardi or Frolov and call it a day.
Why would you guys want Brian Campbell and his outragous contract!?!?!?!?!?
It’s “patience” guys. Patients are people in a hospital, which is where you’ll be if you dont calm down some.
Chris, you point to Colo. and the Coyotes are examples of teams that had good seasons last year. Two things in common between them — a solid, settled goaltending situation. The Isles’ goaltending situation, on the contrary, is very unsettled. I know you have supported DiPietro, but his uncertain status MUST have an impact on that locker room. I can’t see how his presence does anything to improve morale. Management really needs to address him better for the sake of the team and the fans.
You do realize that signing Asham and Sutton will only make us 13th in the East. Why should fans fill the Coliseum when the team is just not that good. Who wants to pay inflated ticket and parking just to see a team get “boatraced” within their division. The teams in the division all got better yesterday sans the Rangers. We are still going to finish in the basement of the Atlantic and in the lower portion of the East. Our defense is weak and our team is small with an aging goalie, in his 40’s, a broken backup who only helps us in reaching the Cap Floor. Sign me up now for tix!
#87…because we are still an outragous contract away from hitting the cap floor
The irony of the situation is that one of the reasons we are drawn to this sport, the character of the hockey player, is what has left a (fill in your own adjective) taste in our mouths.
As the late NYG GM George Young once said, “It’s always about the money!” And with a handfull of execptions (Kirby Puckett in MN comes to mind), he was spot on when it comes to the other 3 major sports. But it is the modesty, sincerity and above all, competitiveness of the hockey player that will have him leave a half a mill on the table for the chance to sip from Lord Stanley’s Chalice.
Unfortunately, the NYI, at this time, cannot offer such a chance. Until we reach a higher level we can continue to order the Filet Mignon, but the waitress will continue to bring the Salisbury Steak!
I thought in rebuilds you were suppose to get better. Fact is if we don’t get solid players to fill out the roster, we aren’t going to be any better.
What time does the shop open? TSN looks like they are going live at noon.
Brian in Va, I did not say anything about Asham and Sutton putting us over the top; nor did I suggest stopping at signing just those two. I like Frolov a lot; Corvo and maybe Stempniak. A Campbell trade is starting to make some sense. I was simply stating that I did not agree with labeling Asham and Sutton “retreads.” I think they’re both valued players that have something to add to this team.
We got worse from last year
The isles should try and make a few trades with teams that did sign a player. Bieska or obrien from vancouver the flyers may need to get rid of a couple of guys call pitt and lets get goddard back.Iam all for the rebuild but we need to start seeing some improvement from the young guys always talk of ko being the man when is he going to start scoring like the man.The diamond in the ruff needs to be found Detroit finds them in the late rounds of the draft.Lets go Isles
I do agree with you about “our broken backup” goalie though. I would love to see that guy gone once and for all.
Good piece Chris. I will have to disagree with one little point though. By dragging this along as far as she did, Murray already made herself the villianess no matter how the LHP works out.
CB,
Sportnet.ca said this morning that Gagne has played his last game as a Flyer. His contract has 1 year to run at $5.5 million. I think he could be had by the Islanders for a high pick and or prospects.He would be a great pickup…would play with Tavaras and can score goals…
This is not about excuses on why guys aren’t signing with the Isles. Its about the isles’ results, what they accomplish, on July 1. This team never gets results on July 1. Not in the past three years. And in all fairness, its getting old.
With all due respect, I’m sick of the company line of the lowered expectations. Why shouldn’t the fans expect Snow to sign solid players on July 1 instead of settling for unwanted re-treads? If phoenix, a team on the verge of being sold and probably moved, can go out and get quality guys like Whitney, the isles should be able to. Phoenix had one good year. Its not like they’re a perrenial powerhouse. If Atlanta, a team that has nothing to offer or anything special, can re-shape their roster, the Isles should be able to as well. The isles don’t get results in July 1.
Its a catch-22: nobody wants to sign with the isles b/c they are bad, but the team can’t improve w/o signing quality UFA’s to compliment the kids.
Something’s gotta give.
I think the isles ned to out-bid everyone else to get a guy they target. You say Hamhuis or Martin wouldn’t come to the isles for equal money and I agree. But what abour for an extra 500K/ season? Because that’s what its going to take to get a prominent UFA to sign with the Isles.
Its all good Chris in DC. I wasn’t coming at you. I just get sick of the Snow apologists. Its like a cult. This team right now is extremely young and mediocre. I think we overvalue our prospects a little too much… We are not even close to being a Wsh/Pit/Chi or LA. We are closer to FLA. I think TBY is in a better spot than us for the future.
Im just happy the East got a little tougher, Go Gilles! Lets get some more tougness! Its funny how we always end up looking better at the end of free agency than the beginning. Stay the course, just get a little tougher is all i ask!!
This is exactly why you draft the most difficult skill to acquire - scoring. Even before the recent rebuilding era, the Isles have had difficulty signing a scoring UFA forward. I have asked this question before on this comments board- which player, in his prime, is the most recent scoring UFA forward the Isles have signed?
Sign Sutton and Asham? Didn’t we finish in 30th place the last time they were on our team?
first off i love this site and what you do CB, but c’mon, everyone here just “yes” you to death.
We have every right to be angry and complain. All everyone talks about are our prospects and young players…let’s face it, none of our young players are on the level that other teams teams that went through rebuilds are at. We don’t have an ovechkin, crosby, malkin, towes or kane. taveras and okposo are nice, but their ceilings are much lower that the other ones i just mentioned. and as far as prospects we have and always talk about, well folks, they are called prospects for a reason. nobody knows how they will turn out, so lets stop putting all our eggs in the Harmonic and gang basket.
2001 was a great year for the islanders when FAs signed here and helped turn the franchise around after years of horrible play. PROVEN players with some young talent around them is what wins. it is what the islanders need.
i’m sorry, but rebuild is just the politically correct term organizations use for saying to the fan base “we are going to suck for a years while we nickel and dime everything and pray to god that one of our prospects turns out to be the next crosby.”
go isles!
i would be very happy to add higgins torres asham and sutton and one other d-man and call it an offseason.
#87 and #90 - They’re saying Bobby Ryan turned down a 5 yr, $25 mil extension from Anaheim. Think a call should be made to get that huge floor-reaching contract?
Look, there weren’t many free agents available who were going to make an immediate impact. There wasn’t a single winger, save Kovalchuk, who’d be expected to score more goals than Tavares or Okposo. Other than Volchenkov and maybe Martin, there wasn’t a first-pair defenseman. Why spend the money on second rate players when you’re looking to develop something more? Look, this is the same team–and a better team, due to more experience and conditioning for the young guns–that was in the playoff race all season. If we had a more stable goaltending situation, we might’ve been the 8 seed in the East. I fully expect to reach that plateau this year, or at the least to be in the race into the last couple weeks of the season. Once we’ve cleared that hurdle, then we’ll add players, the missing pieces–we’ll spend the money on the players who can get us over the top. Right now, it’s better to throw these kids in the fire than risk taking on a bad and overpriced contract.
If this team misses the playoffs next year, it won’t be because we lacked a Derek Boogard. It won’t be because we didn’t have a Bobby Nystrom. We knew this rebuild would be long and hard. We knew Garth was committed to build through the draft. To expect anything else would just be fooling yourself. I, for one, applaud Garth for sticking to his guns, and I’m confident that over the next month, we’ll see him add players who make this a more complete Islander team better suited to competing in the East. His track record so far is pretty darn good.
I never thought I’d say this, but I think I’m ok with the lack of signings right now. Maybe Garth believes in the youth knocking on the door of the big club. I can see Hamonic making the jump to the NHL this year and being a physical presence. I also see Matt Martin filling a pesky physical 3rd or 4th line role. Maybe El Nino plays right away, and Kirill if he impresses in camp? Still doesn’t excuse the BELOW cap floor situation though…
Bridgeport goaltender Nathan Lawson agrees to a one-year, two-way deal! It’s not much but it’s better than what we saw yesterday.
nathan lawson!!! We’re on the board. Put one up for the good guys.
Sratch another off the list;
Kubina to Tampa
To Post 54 - Isles 14:
Is that you, Garth?
Well said. I am upset we didn’t get Nystrom. There’s no way the facilities or organization would have been a tough sell for him. I think he would have fit in nicely with our younger forwards and given a chance to develop into another beloved member of the Long Island family. Oh well….onward!
I think it comes down to this… is anyone that suprised that we didn’t land volchenkov or Martin or Hamphuis yesterday? Sure I was hoping we could land Volchenkov. A train was probably the one defenseman I was really hoping for or wanted for that matter. All the other ones you know were going to get overpaid and too many years. Now that A trains gone Snow will probably land Sutton. We all love Sutton… blocks shots, big hits, big guy whats not to like. The isles are going to do some things sign some players maybe a trade or an offer sheet. They obviously have to do something to make the cap floor… Asham 7 mil a year? haha it’ll be fine. I’d like to see frolov over stempniak but will see what happens today and throughout the weekend
Well written! As an Islander fan, I was disappointed we did not pick up anyone yesterday but I like the direction the team is going. I certainly want the team to make it to the playoffs this year and hopefully win a round or two but the fact is, we are rebuilding and that doesn’t happen over night. Garth Snow basically has to build this team from scratch after the debacle of the Milbury era as well as grow into the job as GM. I think he has done a great job so far considering the circumstances. There are GM’s in this league that have been around a long time that have made some pretty bone headed moves (Boogaard for 4 years $6.5 mill) so I think we need to relax and and let SnoJanks to their job. There is time to criticize AFTER the season starts!
Two words: Zenon Konopka. Instant fan favorite if signed. Do it!
A-men CB. I couldn’t believe some of the things that were being said in here yesterday. We went from,” Wow the Islanders are really heading in the right direction and made a big splash in the draft”, to “This team and organization is a joke and Garth Snow should be fired AFTER Wang is forced to sell the team” IN ONE WEEKS TIME. Yikes!
Well said, CB. Most of the big name free agents went to contending teams (Canucks, Devils and Penguins). I can’t explain Gonchar, but maybe he wasn’t on the Islanders list anyway.
Garth will get Andy Sutton and 1 other top 4 dmen( Mitchell, Colaiacavo, Corvo or Kubina) as well as a top 6 forward today or soon after. Then he’ll sign some bottom 6 grit and a decent #2 goalie. I’d be lying if I said I wasnt dissappointed yesterday, but I’m 100% confident that Garth will have a playoff capable team on the ice come September. He’s very good at identifying players that are about to bloom.
Garth couldnt give Kubina more than 2 yrs.
#9 CB said what has to happen in his story. When the Islanders are a better team, meaning when our young talent comes into their own, players will be asking to play here. Right now we are in the bottom 6 of the league so why would a player sign here when he can go and play for a contender. It’s seriously that simple and it’s amazing that people can’t understand this.
Nathan Lawson accepts qualifying offer. A one year deal to stay in Bridgeport.
Garth made one good grab since he has been here, Matty Ice. Let’s not give him too much credit in seeing talent that hasn’t bloomed.
As much as everyone says they hate Garth and Wang thinking they are everything bad thing possible….they are making the attempts and trying as evidence with the offers they put out there…things will take time..lets go isles!
Pavel Kubina signed by Tampa Bay. They needed better defence and went out and got it.
Well said CB. I couldn’t agree more. I was more upset with the excuses and not the lack of signings. They insult my intelligence as a fan.
I love the fans who are saying: Sign player A, B, and C then call it a day.
Then when said players sign with other teams, the fan will say: Sign player D, E, and F and call it a day.
WAKE UP! No matter how low you set your expectations, no players of consequence will sign here. Last year’s team will be this year’s team.
You’re right Chris. However, considering the raised prices and going back to paying for parking, I’ll wait until premier free agents will sign here, then I’ll consider returning.
Great points, CB. Makes you wonder, however, how teams like the Lightning always seem to sign players and they are in the same boat as us - sort of.
CB, you have a great point! But what about on the trade side. I am sorry but I disagree. You can’t sit there and let Big Buff, Versteeg and Laad fall to other teams while you twiddle your thumbs. We have to hear Snow say how he is going to capitalize on another teams cap miseries. I understand it is early but we always seem to come late to the party.
#114 You must not watch Islander hockey or you would’ve noticed guys named Mark Streit and Dwayne Roloson that were also signed by Garth Snow.
Why sign free agents and mess up a good draft party tradition?
Andrew #50 gives the numbers to back up what Botta said. The best teams got the best players yesterday. The posters who are talking about the available players are the ones we should be reading, not the negative posts like the ones I wrote yesterday regarding the arena issue. My apologies for piling on.
Tampa is in a worse boat than the Isles. Their ownership fights eachother. 3/4 of their attendence is from free/discounted tickets. Kepp sitting on your hands Garth. I guess you missed this one because you were busy with your egg sandwich this morning. Relax, finish your coffee. Hopefully some other players will be available.
Whatever happens in the next few days in addition to the next few weeks, the team will get better. While things havent gone as I would have liked, they are improving and at least the team is building assets. Trades may be the way to go. If you find the right situation, its doable, look at Versteeg. Im just tired of the haters constant complaining We know what is up. Go cheer for the rags. Just give up on the Isles, it will be better for all of the real Islander fans.
To Chris @ #114, I disagree. Streit was nothing more than PP specialist in montreal. When he came to new york and was given an opportunity he showed he’s an allstar dmen. alot of teams would pay more than 4.5 per to add streit to their roster. Rob Schremp was picked off waivers and could have had almost 50 pts. if he stayed healthy. Dylan Reese played 20 games as a rookie on a bad team and was a plus 4. Since youve already heard of this Moulson guy Ill spare you
Still keeping up hope on Frolov and Sutton. I liked Asham when he was here but im not sure about him coming back. Higgins is still out there as well. He’d be a better fit with a young isles team. The Rangers placed a ton of pressure on him. He could be a great 2nd line guy for us.
Bravo Chris, bravo.
Anyone else remember Peca and Yashin coming here, thats right into the same old barn, and the same ownership. The real reason behind no one coming here on day #1 is simple. No one thats made it to the NHL wants to play for a annal loser. Unless of course they have a ring or 2 and are simply looking for a BIG paycheck.
Kubina is now gone - back to Tampa on a 2yr deal. Options for fortifying the blueline are getting thinner and thinner at this point.
I want to have some hope for this team. Trying to stay positive since May 1993…
I was hoping for that one big, perhaps overpaid (in a healthy way) contract to show the hockey scene that the Islanders were ready to take the turn from the rebuilding, bottom of the barrel team, to the team that’s ready to start making the playoffs, and be taken more seriously.
Kubina back to Lightning, must be the building of ours and the huge success Tampa had last year that drew him back (sarcasm)
Again it is the job of the GM to convince players to come to his team, Yzerman isnt having problems getting guys signed up in Tampa, Tallon didnt have problems signing guys in Chicago before they were good, same for Pittsburgh. Maloney of all people has Phoenix playing well and drawing interest. If Snow cannot convince people to come to the Islanders, than let someone else try.
I am about 90% sure that Sutton will be back. Which is OK with me. A nice bridge until players like Hamonic, De Haan and Donovan are ready. If Martinek can stay healthy (haha) having Sutton back will leave us with a D corps that is manageable, but not great.
Streit - Macdonald
Hillen - Sutton
Gervais - Martinek.
Not exactly a who’s who but not the worst ever.
This is one big “Catch 22″ isn’t it. How do you get better if you don’t get better players? How do you get better players without spending money to get theses players? Even if you draft all your players, by the time it comes to re-sign after the entry level contract expires, you usually sign for considerably higher price. That is what free angency does. It takes the guess work out of drafting the player. You already know what you are paying for. With that said, that is why you pay a little more because someone else did all initial legwork on player. With the Isles it is even a higher price to get players to come here because of the uncertainty. Until decision is made on franhises’ future, we will continue to have a “tax” added to get top players to sign here in the form of overpaying for quality guys. Which we know they won’t do so the circle continues….Good luck Tim Jackman, your efforts were much appreciated…Go Islanders!!!
I agree to an extent with your post, Chris, but, on the other hand If I was a Super Star player like a Kovy and I could get the $$$ and the team and the nicest facilities all along with it why would I go to the Isles who cant offer IT ALL…Its like when I went on job interviews, when I walked into a building with beautiful tiles, and a water fountain in the lobby and big beautiful elevators I would be like WOWWW, i could see myself here in this beautiful environment as apposed to an ugly dilapidated old office with stains in the old ugle carpet…It makes you feel better and proud…Its A HUUUGE selling point
Don’t use the arena as an excuse Isles….If Phoenix can get free agents with their uncertainty then the Isles only excuse is not opening the purse. Anyone can say they offered more money to player X and say they opted elsewhere. It’s a farce and Wang should be ashamed of himself. Hope he’s happy with 6000 per game, and that’s on a good night!
ANYONE? Is the Paul Martin pitch true? Isles offered him more and he walked? Snow was aggressive on him?
Tampa is in a better spot than us because they have a HOF Forward as a GM and we have a career backup goalie… The choice is obvious… I wish we had a different owner because I guarantee we’d have a quality hockey op’s instead of Ringling Bros.
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!! lets get positive people. C’mon Lebron
Little bummed about yesterday, but there are still options:
Lombardi
Frolov
Kariya
Asham
Sutton
Mitchell (if healthy)
Here is the problem I have with our “rebuild”
All the teams that have recently went through a rebuild and turned it around have had young players who DOMINATE. I’m talking about Crosby and Malkin in Pitt, Towes and Kane in Chicago, and Ovechkin and Co. in Washington.
While Bailey, Okposo and Taveras are all nice players, only 1 has scored over 20 goals in a season. The ceiling of their potential is not much higher than that, where as the ceilings of Ovie, Crosby, Towes and so on were all Cathedral Ceilings!
We need players who can score and win now, with the young guys we have being the perfect supporting cast who will benefit from a star being here.
I’m tired of waiting for the second coming of the Hockey Jesus to come through the draft and wear the white, blue and orange.
Maybe Garth can pry someone like Gagne away from Philly.
Cb, update us on why kubina went to Tampa? Tampa has finished neck and neck with us in the bottom 5 the last 2 years..
Some of the comments the past few days are ludicrous. Tampa has an advantage because they have a HOF player as GM and we have a back-up goalie??? Really? Bill Torey scored how many goals in his career? Tallon had how many shut outs in his HOF career as a goalie?
Are we really that upset from not signing Dan hamhuis? And Eric Nystrom to crazy contracts…???
Let’s put things in perspective and look at the bigger picture of what this franchise is trying to accomplish long term.
@133: Maybe familiarity? He did play his first 8 seasons there and won a cup there. Good signing for Tampa.
tampa is on the verge of exploding. they have 3 mega-stars. they have a possible budding star in hedman. they solidified their goaltending. TB is in a much better position then us at this point.
It’s a catch 22. Build it and they will come? Winning solves a lot of problems obviously, but winning teams/contenders do not have a team full of young players with little to no veterans in the lineup. The Isles are not primed to win consistently without the key veterans we all clamor they get, and are having trouble signing them. What do you do? what can you do? A vicious cycle naturally with not much hope in sight for those that believe it can not be done. Allegedly the Isles offered players like Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis more money. Players are going to “winners”. As Chris said best, we must hope for a Coyote like season to attract free agents. Until then, we should keep expectations low.
Disagree that Stevie Y is the difference maker for the Lightning. They do have a few decent players like Lecavalier, St. Louis and Stamkos, in case you hadn’t noticed.
While we can sell the potential of Tavares and Niederreiter, TB has established stars. (Amazing they were as bad as they were last year, really.)
Kubina was also a homecoming, much like Sutton or Asham would be. They had the “home team” advantage.
Frolov could be a big offensive pick up for the Isles. May work out with Petrov and Kabanov in the Isles’ mix and future. Though there is always the KHL risk, and the Yashin/Kavasha history on the island. Sutton and Asham, would be great former islanders, that would fill in needed holes. Raffi Torres is another former islander(drafted) that could help the energy line.
CB, valid points, but I think you sum it up in the final sentence, “make the team better”!
FA’s want to see teams that are serious about winning.They don’t see it here! This slow and steady draft rebuild may someday pay off but right now there is no light at the end of the tunnel! Phoenix rebuilt in a year with no owner! Colorado in 1 year. Florida added 7 players on draft day! Those are rebuilds!
Drafts are nice but the real meat and potatoes is in evaluating talent, signing FA’s and making trades in addition to drafting young talent. Our GM does not do that!!
As of right now , we have not added 1 quality player( or any player) to a team that finished 26th last year, What can we expect this year? Not much! After 26,30,26 in the last 3 years , asking for another year of patience is a little much!
#131 I agree 100%. This Organization needs a Home Run GM. Somebody that brings instant credibility to our Organization. Exactly how Bill Parcells did it when the Jets were a complete laughingstock (Which is exactly what we are now). Unfortunately our incompetent owner and that’s exactly what he is INCOMPETENT will never let that happen because he is an EGO MANIAC! Sell the team loser and do us all a favor!
#131 and #138 I agree with you 100% but did you see him at the draft table…he looked like a little boy at Christmas…he’ll never sell the team…
A “rebuild” is a term for teams that are not concerned about winning. The word appeases the fans and preaches patience. Look you think my other favorite team, Florida Marlins, care about winning, nope. They have been “Rebuilding” since 2004… And so it goes…
Sterling (Clippers) Loria (Marlins) Wang (Islanders) worst owners and franchises in sports… That is what it boils down too…
Not certain why Garth hasn’t signed Sutton yet. The options out there for D are pretty slim. If he can bring Andy in that would be a step in the right direction. Calm the fans a bit, adds size to the club. He’s probably trying to get him cheap but by waiting so long he’s giving all the power to Sutton. As each D man signs Sutton becomes all the more needed by the Isles.
I’d like to see the islanders pick up mcgratten…add some toughness and he’d be pretty cheap…much cheaper then that insane boogard contract.
u ever been to tampa?? its beautiful. all these players know of LI in the marriott… florida is 70 degrees in january, tampa has loads of young talent, and oh yeah and they have no state income tax.
we have DP, a crazy ass owner, and no idea where these players will be getting their mail in a few years…
nobody good will come - yet…
Tampa had five 20 goal scorers last season. They r getting what thay need and will be much improved. For what its worth their arena is awesome and there is no state income tax in florida.
Hell - if we didn’t have Wang, we’d be rooting for the friggin Saskatchewan-Kansas City-Hamilton-Quebec Islanders. No thanks. I love Wang and Snow is a crafty negotiator; I would NOT like to play poker against him.
I agree with what someone said above, I want the kind of player that knows he is good enough to make a difference when he comes here. I wonder how many goals Tamby would have playing in Pit. I want players that want to prove they can make a difference, and when that happens we need to reward them. I also feel the salary cap means jack-squat. How are Philly, the rags, and all the other team’s on the cusp of capping out, signing so many players. Perhaps more than players, we need a 1)new accountant. 2) a new trainer 3)A good P.R. person(Hello, C.B.)This team makes horrible P.R. mistakes, which is the main reason we are so poorly viewed by the rest of the league. Look at Lou L. He has 0 personality. Except for his recent signing of Kovie(who is not staying), and Parisi(I hate you Milbury), he does not have any stars, and has anyone been to newark? Yikes! Point is everyone wants to sign there because the organization and the front office appears air tight. Unlike with us, where there are always some crazy, stupid, fan-unfriendly, media laughing shinanagans going on. Trip to China. clueless son in law P.R person, silly changes wanted by our owner and G.M to change playoff format. I think these are the reasons why we are perceived as a laughable organization. I do believe Garth cares about this team, and Wang has learned to love it as well. Someone, (Garth, Morrow) need to have enough balls to tell the owner his way of doing things is not working. Pay hockey people who can help you. All we want is a competitive team. Unfortunately, our management has not figured out that they will make tons of money if the team is good. I am a die-hard. I am there no matter what. Everyone loves a winner, fills the seats, and your pockets!
#141 we have Gilles… how many “tough” guys who can’t score do we need. We need talent who can skate and put pucks in the net. Throw in some big D who can lay the opposing player out and she should be fine. The Boogard contract is insane.. period..
it is what it is…i don’t doubt that garth has made every effort to bring in someone. but the sheer reality is that the island is a great place to play. but there’s also 29 other cities that are excellent places to go play professional hockey. players generally don’t want to be a part of a rebuild. they want to go where they can win. all the islanders need is one season to prove the players that this team is serious. if you build it, they will come…and i’m not talking about a building.
CB, valid points and you’re right, the Coliseum should be the last thing we’re talking about. The fact is the Isles were sitting here with millions in cap space and plenty of good, not great, FA’s available and didn’t get any of them. To throw salt on the wound division rivals got much better but thats not even the point.
The point is even ONE free agent signing would have given us fans something to be excited about. And it’s not like these d-men got Redden-like contracts, most were very reasonable actually. You keep saying the Isles need to sign the “right” players and I agree, but let’s not bs here, the right players can also be the best players. Garth doesn’t need to look for Moulson’s and Streit’s every year when quality players are staring him right in the face and he’s got money to spend. A signing yesterday would have done a lot I think. It would have made us players in a game that we aren’t really in right now. It would have given the young guys some confidence that management is ready to invest and win, while taking some pressure off 20 year olds at the same time. We’ll see what Garth does, but my feeling is his best chance to make this a playoff team next year was yesterday and he didn’t get it done.
Sign Raffi Torres,
Sighn any 2 of Lombardi, Stempniak, Afinogenov or Ponikorovsky.
Make a trade for Shane O’brian of Vancouver now that they signed Hamhuis and the other defensemen. Sign Sutton
and call it a day.
If want to make all these other doom and gloomers happy get Kovalchuk.
Brian in VA (#130)-By no means does being a HOF forward mean that Steve Y will turn out to be a great GM, nor does it mean that Snow is a bad GM because he was a backup goalie. Brian Burke plays one season in the AHL and moves on, drafts the Sedins in Vancouver, Wins a cup in Anaheim, and now doing everything in his right mind to make the Leafs a contender. Lou Lamoriello was an athletic director in College, now he has 3 cups under his belt. Wayne Gretzky the best ever to play the game, not such a great coach. I believe Snow is doing a pretty good job for what he has been given. It is Wang who is becoming a joke(if he isnt already anyway) because of this lighthouse fiasco. He needs to come clear with his intentions wether he wants to keep this team in Uniondale or move on because its holding the organization back.
Anyone know anything about Milan Jurcina from Washington? He is a big D, 6′4″ 233lbs, 27 yrs old. Definitely not a top 4 guy but could be a good depth signing and would help address the size issue
#147 Good Point. If Wang wasn’t the owner we would have a different hockey op’s… I just don’t buy into Snow, sorry.
This is embarrassing. Its funny that the Isles have all this money to spend - just to get to the cap floor and they cant sign anyone.
The Phoenix Coyotes finances are handled by the NHL and they dont have a problem opening their wallets and getting an impact FA.
But yet we still find new ways to look like idiots. Yea lets have Kevin Connolly sit at our draft table. Lets have him announce one of our first round picks. I mean can we look anymore like a circus act?
Yes Jim, and Bill torrey never played in the N.H.L either. I think Snow is on the right track.
islz (#142) - You’re absolutely right about Tampa. I love the arena and the fan experience. I am actually looking to move down there in the next year or two and leave NY politicians in the rear view mirror.
Milan Jurcina would keep me from the ledge.
great post CB
overpaying for UFAs isn’t worth it
this team is moving in the right direction, and is now well positioned to pull off a trade or two, sign Sutton, maybe Asham, maybe others
Snow has been quite creative & I expect this to continue
the negativity from some commenters is completely uncalled for and should be ignored
Wow last weekend Snow was a genious and today he is a bufoon. Last week everyone was love the young guys we are great gonna do this and that and so we did not pick up anyone on first day of free agency. CB told us not to expect anything big in first day. When the dust settles and teams try to get under cap we can trade or wait till someone has to be cut. Do we want to wind up like Chicago and not be able to keep anyone. It’s easy to say we should sign this one and that one we are way below the cap but we will need to resign our young guys starting with Baily next year and Tavares the following year when their entry level contracts are up. It’s also cap management.
Well written! As an Islander fan, I was disappointed we did not pick up anyone yesterday but I like the direction the team is going. I certainly want the team to make it to the playoffs this year and hopefully win a round or two but the fact is, we are rebuilding and that doesn’t happen over night. Garth Snow basically has to build this team from scratch after the debacle of the Milbury era as well as grow into the job as GM. I think he has done a great job so far considering the circumstances. There are GM’s in this league that have been around a long time that have made some pretty bone headed moves (Boogaard for 4 years $6.5 mill) so I think we need to relax and and let SnoJanks to their job. There is time to criticize AFTER the season starts!
CB,
I agree with what most you said..it’s like the isles playing against a top team–We all wish they would win and most times they dont– so we’re disapointed and we show frustration for a bit and then we’re over it. I can’t blame people for being frustrated and speaking there mind (whether for bs reasons or not) Lord knows i’ve blamed games lost on silly reasons (ie late penalty, didn’t pass and instead shot) I think in end we all want things to change with this team but right now it’s same ole story on Free agency opening for WHATEVER reason.
My two cents for whatever it matters.
JUST WIN BABY (o and move to queens please)
I would be happy with Garnett Exelby, Carlo Colaiacovo and Alexander Frolov !
What are the chances Tavares, Okposo and Bailey even want to stay here long term? If nobody wants to come play here, what makes everyone think they will want to either?
#152 How much is Bailey going to cost? He is not a great player he is a B- player.
I don’t buy into the ‘let’s wait and see what happens’ philosophy. This team is trying to play Smallball in a division of Home Run hitters - it just ain’t gonna work and we get yet another year of ‘rebuilding’. Memo to Garth: you can’t hit a homer when you are always squaring around to bunt your way on.
DISAGREE WITH CB.
When you are referring to the “coliseum issue,” you need to be more specific CB. The coliseum issue refers to general instability of a franchise, not just the crumbling building. Please do not oversimplify this issue. Sure, a winning team would help. That’s obvious. But are you really telling us that finshing the season with a winning record and a moderate playoff run will attract UFAs given the current status of this franchise?? Are you really selling this line to us because I don’t believe it at all. Case in point - in the 40 days of Neil Smith’s administration, the team was able to onboard several coveted UFAs with relative ease after another losing season. I wasn’t the biggest proponent of Neil Smith but he brought something to this franchise that it currently lacks - stability. The aesthetics/facilities etc. of NVMC is symbolic of a franchise going in the wrong direction. This is a franchise that is characterized by rapid ownership and managerial succession. This franchise cannot get their act together from the top down and the condition of the coliseum is symptomatic of a larger problem. Your argument that UFAs choose to avoid Long Island because the team is not a winner is shortsighted. And, to dismiss the “excuses” that this fanbase is applying towards yesterday’s shutout is almost tantamount to insulting our intelligence. This is a passionate fanbase and we can vent our frustration over a failed goal (let us not forget that Snow stated this goal and then failed to execute) without being scolded for missing the point. If I was a UFA, I would not want to join an organization in flux, nomatter the winning percentage. This fanbase is tired and frustrated. Your little rant trying to invalidate the reasons for our frustration is misplaced. The coliseum issue is real and present. You should be aware of this and not characterize it as the incoherent ramblings of morons. Doing so is distateful and disrespectful.
Can someone tell me why I really have not seen anyone talking about Alexei Ponikarovsky? He is 6′4″ 220, a pretty consistent 20 goal scorer who had 50 pts last year and 61 pts the year before. He is only 30 years old and has playoff experience (although he had a bad playoffs last year, which could help keep his price more reasonable). He seems like a good fit for a team that needs size, a 2nd or 3rd line wing, and a guy who can score on the wing. Even Fanhouse says “he’s still a legitimate 50-point winger with a solid two-way game.”
Why is nobody talking about him?
There are other ways to improve a team besides FAs. Atlanta’s added some nice players from Chicago via trade. Versteeg also went for a relatively low price. There have been others who have improved through trades as well, and “they won’t come here” doesn’t apply on the trade market. Though the Isles haven’t done particularly well on the trade front either. I don’t know. I’m not devastated by any means b/c of yesterday. But if they won’t/can’t do trades and won’t/can’t sign FAs that’ll make the team better, it’s going to be a long road for the fans.
To be honest the only guy i was somewhat upset that we didn’t sign and who signed elsewhere was Volchenkov. The other D like Paul Martin did no really excite me, we need a tough stay at home type to put in our top 4 and Martin while good is not that type.
Just about every team in the East got better yesterday. All the better defenseman are gone. Sutton is still around, but as good as he was for us last season, we still missed they playoffs with him. I blame the whole situation of players not wanting to come here on Wang. He has run a Mickey Mouse organization since he got here and I don’t blame players for not coming here. Good thing Yashin and DP eat up about $8M in salary. Even with them, I can’t figure out how we meet the cap floor this season. Give Kovalchuck 8million for 5 years. We’ve given inferior players similar.
Brian at 139….DEAD ON brother
Kubina to TB for 2 years! Snow still remains asleep.
The top story on NYI.com is that Nate Lawson accepted his qualifying offer
(152) How many trades has Garth Snow made? He is un-qualified and inept…its easy to suck every year and pick one of the 5 best 18 year olds.
we didn’t want or need Kubina
we need Sutton and some forwards and we’re fine
.. Does this team need help? YES, do i wish they signed a UFA? Of course but lets see what happens before we jump off the bridge!!!
.. I understand the nervousness and frustration of the fans i really do (Im a fan almost 30 yrs) but lets all take a chill pill and calm down!
.. Lets see what happens with the next few days, perhaps theres a trade or signing coming soon. The Garth “bashers” have to REALLY SLOOOOOOW down, hes done a nice job as GM.=== Drafting, rebuilding the farm system, grabbing some ‘gems’ like Moulson, and putting us in the position of being competitive with YOUN TALENT! - anyone remember the GM before snow and his track record? SRSLY?
.. Lets all calm down, take a deep breath, take a look at the BIG PICTURE and see what develops over the rest of the summer, chill out!!!
Here’s a clue for ya Sparky, the Islanders ain’t getting any top free agents anytime soon, like 5+ years or more. NO ONE will play for a tight wad, in a dump, with the prospect of moving to who knows where, won’t happen.
Wang could solve ALL OF THIS by just telling Hempstead to take a flying leap and heading to Queens. But, he’s in this to make money OFF of the team from his fantasy and if the team does well, all the better. Hey Chuck, see the economy? See any hope and change out there? Drop the fantasy and get the team to where it CAN be.
When Wang hired Snow over Dean Lombardi that should have sent off warning bells to everyone involved, he took the cheap and inexperienced route once again. The Kings are a team on the verge of greatness and the Islanders are a team looking to get another top 3 draft pick, and picking up cheap FA’s off the scrap heap, rah.
And #139 is right on and you can add the Ford family ( Lions ) as well, awful.
Might be ignorant of those you address CB but why lecture people for having their ideas, even though they are misguided? I wouldn’t call it “inexcusable” to be wrong. I however think you are absolutely right on a factual level. Keep up the great info!
there is a bright side - you don’t need to spend money on season tickets - you would be able to buy $10 ticket for any game this season
No disrespect but Moulson was a lucky guess find! C’mon he was a C- prospect before last season. I remember when we signed him last summer. People were not praising Snow for it. A squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while… Snow is just un-qualified…
How come no one was irate when Snow traded up 5 spots and gave up a second round pick to do it? I am pretty sure Snow did it so that guy from Entourage would make the selection. That was the only reason he was there so Snow had to get another pick. Moving 5 spots and giving up a 2nd rd pick is horrendous
Steve MacIntyre
CB, its a nice thought, and I get that we suck, and the top FAs aren’t joining our rebuild until we suck somewhat less. However, none of us here are shooting for the moon with free agents. We might be the only fanbase that gets excited over the prospect of adding B-level players. Even so, the B-level players aren’t coming here, and frankly, with all our cap room, and the correct reasoning that if you offer a guy enough, they’ll come, what other reason can we find other than the fact that the Isles aren’t serious about winning? I get that Wang can’t afford to reach the upper limits of the cap, and no one expects him to. However, we have funds available, and we’re waiting on what, then, exactly? To sign 6 C-level players to get to the floor? So that Bridgeport can win the Calder? It’s a damned joke. Sign a couple of marquee guys for decent money, it can only help speed the rebuild. And frankly, unless the Isles are relevant (re: winning) again, there will be no expeditiousness by Hempstead, Queens, Brooklyn, or anyone else to build a new home for us. So, maybe if Wang had some foresight, he’d realize that to get what he wants, he needs to spend a little now. There are some good guys out there…just make it happen. I supported Wang throughout all this, but more and more, I see a guy that wants everything his way, but is willing to make zero effort to give it a better chance at happening.
CB - Regarding your last paragraph. We as the fans have a right to take out eye off the ball - its part of being “fanatic”. But when the Isles did as you mention - going after Martin - who isnt even a big guy - not physical - concerns me. Im really worried that the Isles didnt do enough homework. Maybe concentrated TOO MUCH on the draft? I dont know what to think anymore.
And yes its only 1 day after free agency - but it would be more tolerable if more defenseman were still on the shelf.
Panthers hired Tallon and boom makes good moves left and right… FLA future brighter than ours, BOOK IT! and Miami doesn’t even care about hockey.
last year moulson.
the year before streit
last two years in third round..the russians. forget to mention the goalie he signed at an insane discount.
just dont see where the guy has gone wrong. has he been brilliant? not yet. hes been really solid. if either of the rusians pan out, that makes him brilliant.
CB - Although I agree with the spirit of your post. I just don’t buy into 100% that players don’t come to the Islanders because of their past record. When Tampa finished dead last 2 years ago they were able to sign free agents … good ones at that. When Tampa finished 29th overall the other season, they were still able to sign some free agents. I remember just this past season wondering how a team loaded with talent can stink on ice so bad.
I believe it’s a composite of reasons why players don’t sign. One of them is definitely the NVMC situation. A player only gets to see the area mostly in the winter with dormant trees surrounding an asphalt jungle building (that actually looks good from the outside).
I’ve worked in a lot of the newer buildings … and just based on the Press accomodations compared to NVMC alone I see a huge difference. I can only imagine the player accomodations.
I think Garth and Wang if anything are a positive reason to become an Islander. Here you have an owner that is committed to a team so much … That he’s lost almost $400M on the team if you include the price it cost him to buy it.
He’s a fighter just like his GM.
I know Garth worked the phones yesterday. There is nothing he can do. I don’t blame the players for taking other offers. I don’t blame Garth for not being able to seal the deal … but I think the Isles’ have a more promising immediate future young talent wise than most of the teams in the NHL at this point.
I think it comes down to 5 major factors for a player, not in any order:
1- Accomodations / facilities for themselves and family.
2- Team’s forward progress / contention status.
3- Money.
4- Club stability.
5- Location, location, location.
Lets face it … part of being a FA is having a chance to decide where you are going to live a good chunk of the year.
With the Isles’ arena status up in the air, a player may wonder if they’ll have to up and move to osh kosh.
Players also talk … and usually most people talk because they like to complain… not praise. Yesterday’s thread was a good example.
I’m confident Garth will do everything in his power to improve the team.
Or how about they’re going to leave and a slow, steady rebuild is a complete waste! How about they give us something to cheer for while the opportunity still exists? You’re right though, I wouldn’t sign with this circus if I were talented either…
CB, any change we can trade for Filatov? I feel like he would be a good fit on th Isles. What do you think we would have to give up?
“Wang is a joke”, “Wang is the worst owner in sports”,…. If Wang didn’t step up 10 years ago and buy into this mess, would we still be talking about a NY Islander team. You folks are just out of touch. Tavares Okposo Baily Joensuu Martin Rahkshanni Petrov Kabanov Neilsen Comeau De Hann Hamonic MacDonald Hillen Niederreiter Nelson. Because Snow doesn’t overpay for mediocre fa hes an idiot. Your crying over Eric Nystrom guys got 20 goals in 3 years of hockey. This team is on the right path, if you can’t see that you are blind. Stop the crying and get behind this team. There is PLENTY to look forward to!
#171 is Petrov a definite lock to play in the NHL? Is Kabanov going to change his attitude and mindset? Lets hold off on Snow being close to being brilliant.
19 Isle in NJ 22- Very good post. I completely agree.
CB- You can’t say that players don’t care about prospects and potential (which I actually agree with you on) and then turn around and say Doug Weight would be insulted by our internet message board posts. I’m sure Weight doesn’t really care what we are posting on Islanders Point Blank.
cb- you say that the coliseum excuse is inexcusable, in part, because of what it says about players who do eventually sign here. why? what does it really say about fans who sign here?
i think the “we’re not a good team so nobody wants to sign here” reasoning (which you put forward) says a lot more about the players that do eventually sign here.
Oh no, a dose of “open your big mouth and take it” reality from CB!! We can’t have any of that can we Islander fans? What will happen to the we’re the victims of selfish management & political hacks scenarios? What will we have to whine about? Come on CB next you’ll be telling us we’re a fanchise on the rise with an exciting brand of hockey played by a core of young & exciting players. Wait did I just say that out loud?
what a short memory some people have. mad mike was great at doing something just for the sake of doing it. that’s clearly not always a good idea.as cb says why would a top player come here when they can get similar money to play with better players and a chance to win? garth is and has operated on a wang imposed budget.how much money would any of you be willing to lose, year after year as wang has?for us the salary cap is a blessing, it forces the team to spend a minimum. can you imagine what our payroll would be like without a cap floor? remember the milstein years anyone?
I wouldn’t mind being Chicago if it means having to muck through the unfortunate experience of winning the Stanley Cup. I can’t blame the cream of this year’s crop for taking less money to play for contenders. Until this franchise establishes itself as a team that can annually compete for the Cup, we’re only going to be able to attract the second (and third and fourth) tier free agents. This is not unique to hockey. A championship banner looks pretty good hanging in any stadium’s rafters.
I bet Tampa wishes they could take back some of those free agent signings. They have a stanley cup title within the last 10 yrs and have better nhl level players.
The Islanders seem willing to overpay and Snow will get something done but I see no point in telling fans to cool it about the state of the building. If anything, fans should be encouraged to once again light a fire under the TOH’s collective by whatever means necessary. The state of the Nassau Coliseum and uncertainty of the franchise’s future is indeed a factor in luring free agents. Its not an excuse. Fans should be furious with the TOH, not the opposite. Its not that hard to link the TOH’s foot dragging and the overall health of the franchise year after year and even if there are other obvious factors involved. The only time they have been in the team’s corner is to deliver an elbow to the head. Its too bad fans are told to sit still and wait calmly for Kate Murray’s final nail in the Lighthouse coffin to be announced. I would have thought a “this better be good” stance from residents would be more appropriate at this time.
As a fanatical NYI fan living in Arizona perhaps there is something I dont quite understand..and I would appreciate a real answer..please dont jump me..
Why dont the Isles looking for another place to play in Nassau County besides the Town of Hempstead?
or go to suffolk county..or queens as was recently suggested..am I missing some of the larger or underlying politics here..I thought Suozzi was a fan of the Isles larger project..I have read all the literature on both sides..so please help me understand this.
First everyone needs to relax with the calls for patience. I like alot of other people have been fans for 30+ years. With no real success since 93 I think you can cut people some slack if they are a little disappointed at the lack of progress yesterday. It would be nice to come out with one big name on July 1st especially since we need a player of every type imagineable. I believe we are among the most patient in sports next KC Royals and Detroit Lions fans
Id had to go here just for giggles…the toronto sun writes this…
N.Y. Islanders: They aren’t usually active at this stage of free agency, but doing nothing while everyone else in the division made moves does nothing for their long-term prospects.
The attempts to justify this joke of a club are amazing. Excuse….after excuse….yet we always suck. Our kids are going to get abused this year, our d is terrible, and injury prone Mitchell or Corvo, are not going to do much. Then we have no back up goalie. No problem….
Isles still shutout huh, mid way through Day 2?
Shocker.
Manhattan Mike, i like your toronto quote and i wrote that yesterday. I would not be happy if i was under 25 and an isle now. Bet all these kids bolt there first chance to leave.
I hope Wang never sells this team. I live how he uses creative accounting to play 8 million under the cap floor while coyotees have a higher payroll with no owner. I live going decades without winning a important playoff game.
Milan Jurcina, Joe Corvo, Aran Asham.
DO IT.
Next year, Joe Thornton and Chara are free agents. HELLO massive money spending.
Oh wait.
You guys are getting out of control. You sound like Ranger fans. Always wanting the big signing for too much money. I don’t care what these other teams did. We want a Stanley Cup. I could care less if we make the playoffs this year. I want the cup in a couple of years. Signing a few guys so we can just make the playoffs is a waste. Snow has done a descent job. Wang may be far from perfect, but he cares and is trying. How many other owners were as engaged at the draft table.
If you want to watch a team make FA signings just for the sake of “doing something” then become a Ranger fan. We don’t need you crybabies here.
Kubina signed with Tampa, and we lost a good tough guy signing with Ivanans.
Can we stop patting Snow on the back for finishing in the bottom-5 and then, would’nt you know, drafting highly regarded prospects. Outside of Tavares it will be years before we know just how successful these last three drafts were.
Detroit drafted 21st this season. The highest they have drafted since 1991!
And BTW, the Cup winning Hawks roster was made up of 8 drafted players, 8 free agent signees and 4 players acquired through trade. They hit the jackpot with Toews and Kane. The best thing we could copy from the Hawks is the two years Keith spent in the AHL, with regards to Hamonic.
Kubina SUCKS! Y’all need to relax!
People act as if the team sits back and does absolutely nothing. At least we’ve heard that Snow had tried to make some moves, and they didn’t work out. He will make something happen, as he did last year and the year before.
They’re not getting big name talent on day one and they won’t for a few years until they start competing. Until then, it’s slow and steady.
It’s actually angering to see people complaining and thinking that signing a big name for a year is going to do anything to help this team in the long run. Be realistic.
Everyone is so quick to be negative. If you can’t stand a team so much, stop being a fan. Simple as that. I’ve heard all the “Well i’ve been a fan for 30 years and it makes me mad” justifications — why don’t you find a team that suits you better instead of being angry year after year? I hate the negative atmosphere they bring to this blog. Thank you for pointing it out, CB.
Why get another tough-guy when we have Gillies/Martin (one of whome will be dressed each game)? We will get average players and be mediocre. So What! Like last season, at one point we will probably contend for a playoff spot and we oculd get one.
Stop with the damn negativity.
What if any islanders ever become very good players? How will snow pay them and still have the lowest payroll in hockey? Maybe it’s best our draft picks put up baily n okiposo numbers rather then pallfy #’s because then we have to trade them for draft picks because the isles are determined to have lowest payroll
#228 ur absolutely right ! We gave that up for a kid who looks like Screech from “saved by the bell”, I bet if we offered same package to Anaheim at #29 we could have had Emerson Etem ! So hard to root for this team and their 2nd class way of doing things! Etem > “Screech”
Mitch from AZ, changing locations to Suffolk, Queens or Nassau alternative would start the politics/project review from the beginning, so add an additional 3-5 years of environmental reviews etc. Also, Wang wants a sprawling complex of shops, offices, condos etc. in order to recoup the 20 million a year in losses. Queens and other areas don’t have the free space for a huge complex.
#260 Jisles
How do you make a rant like that and then finish it off with “lets go islanders”? Pretty contradictory.
Jcchamu - Yes I want to be EXACTLY like Chicago. Win the Stanley Cup and lose some of our 2nd and 3rd line players while keeping our stars. That wouldn’t be too bad would it?
Shocked if Sutton is not an islander again by end of day.
I guess its Lawson vs Koskinen for the backup job with DP just hanging around?
So the backup job could end up going to Lawson? Rick DiPietro still on this team, or are we writing off yet another season?
Just because they signed elsewhere, let’s not downplay the value of Volchenkov, Michalek or Martin. These are in-their-prime defencemen. This is not the Rags overpaying a 33-yr old Sylvain Lefebvre.
The “lecture” was not about the fans. It was about the excuse-making from the team via the media about Hamhuis and Martin not signing here because of the building and the leaking of information that the Islanders supposedly offered more for the players. (Not sure why they’d offer more cash and more than the six years Hamhuis already got in Vancouver). I don’t understand how any fan could have thought the rant was about them. Enjoy Day 2.
@254…..I see taking a shot in the playoff is a waste, giving the kids playoff experience is a waste. Only on the Island….
Souray is on waivers. If the Isles don’t claim him, someone needs to break down the walls of the Coli and teach Snow a lesson or two. CLAIM HIM GARTH.
I would love to see Souray play here.
There’s more of a reason then the Coliseum, a market in the shadow of NYC, a young team,,,I believe something about this management is creating the “shy away” attitude. I’m a big proponent of Charles, and Garth,,,even Scott, but something behind the closed doors is keeping players away. I like our young kids, they have something you can’t buy, HEART and the DESIRE TO WIN…but without strong big D’s, without a killer scorer, I fear the season will be another lost season. I don’t blame big names going to play for Sidney vs. JT, I understand that, but I’m also offended by players like Nystrom who’s excuse was nothing but lame.
Sheldon Souray baby! Do it Garth!
In my opinion, unless he’s hurt, Koskinen is a better alternative to back up Roloson for 30 game starts than Lawson, who’s a minor leaguer. Why not? Koskinen’s not a teenager and showed he was more than capable in the SEL. Throw him into the fire.
And what the heck is Ricky’s status? Are we all just waiting on the inevitable retirement due to injury announcement?
Souray is overpaid sure, Only 2 years left, If Snow supposedly was offering 6 or more to Hamhuis, why not take a chance on Souray for just 2?
@Ted 262
In Phoenix they did the same thing here at Glendale Arena and it worked really wonderful. I actually live in a condo less than 5 minutes walking distance from the Arena in a circle where behind me is another inner circle of shops and in front of me is the Arena and other sporting stuff. They made the Arena the center of everything and then just built living and shopping around it. Now there are 100K people living within 20 min of the Arena with lots of shopping and fun. Glendale used to be a boring BORING place to live..now it is a hotbed of hockey and football. I think this plan really works and would make LI the center of all things cool in NY
NEW WISH LIST not in any order
SUTTON
STEMPNIAK
FROLOV
TORRES
MAX AFINOGENOV?? We need some flash!!
Someone mentioned Chara as a free agent next season.
I would love to have him back and Id be willing to not
get anyone this year and wait on him.
Im I crazy?
Sheldonnnn
Sean B #17 - Chicago also won a Stanley Cup!
Here are some numbers from nhlscap.com:
The Islanders have the MOST cap space at $28,279,100.
We have 13 players under contract (that count against the cap) which is T-30 in the league. We need a minimum of SIX more players.
Our current payroll is just south of $26M…
I understand that Garth tried yesterday, and I’m sorry for blasting him on day 1. However, after everything that has happened, our ONLY move thus far was an extention for a minor-league goaltender??? I love this team and have loved this team since birth, but I’ve never felt this low about the current state of our franchise. It’s just sad.
272 Havent you heard the fans dont want retreads here. Laughable. Especially when Sutton and Asham want to come here. Sign them both for 1or 2 yr deals.
If netherlands could beat brazil in futbol, then anything is possible. Who knows who the Isles will end up signing. Perhaps it is better to have ‘B’ players, helping our youngsters grow, than ‘A’ players taking away key roles. However, we have player roles missing, spots missing, and cap floor to reach, so something has to happen. If the Isles pick up Frolov, I say it was a very successful FA, if they dont, it doesn’t manner, as long the rebuild continues to grow.
Souray on Waivers? Dont be shocked if Snow plucks him. It fills a hole on D, and Striet and Souray played together in Mtl.
Somebody needs to get 276’s comments and put them on a billboard in front of kate murray’s office!
I’m not so sure about Lombardi. Just because he’s the best available forward does’nt mean he makes sense. He’s an undersized center. Not exactly an area of need for this team.
I say lets get Souray and Sutton. That would take care of the size issue on D. Souray on the pp with his cannon and Sutton to make forwards afaid to come into the zone.
Did anybody else see that ESPN Magazine “Ultimate Standings 2010″ today? The ultimate standings rank how much MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL franchises give back to the fans in exchange for the time, money and emotion the fans invest in them. The factors they use are called bang for the buck, fan relations, ownership, affordability, stadium experience, players, coaching and title track. Alot of New York area teams placed poorly overall. For example, the Yankees were in the middle of the pack at #62 overall which clearly doesn’t make sense, but that’s how it goes. Overall, the Mets, Islanders, Rangers and Nets placed in the bottom 20%. The Islanders did place last in Stadium experience which is defined as quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment.
Come one Snow…get Souray.
Mitch … having 100K people living that close to NVMC is exactly what the Town of Hempstead is trying to avoid. Actually I think they are trying to avoid 10K+ people from living in that space.
The NVMC is so twisted and complex at this point and time from layers and layers of bueracracy and politics that it can’t be unravelled with any one simple solution. A reflection of our society in general I suppose. Even a “can do” attitude isn’t good enough anymore.
————–
I suppose with Moulson’s contract still to be worked out that Garth has the flexibility of stacking that with bonuses to help with the cap hit… but doesn’t bonuses affect the cap for the following year?
I am taking a shot in the here but if JT was not drafted by the ISLES MOULSON would not be an islanders he was signed because of JT not some great find off the scrap heap. If Snow cant get a FA to sign make a trade to get somebody,he trades draft picks for draft picks how about he gets somebody that can play in the NHL now that is what i would like to see then we can say we might be able to make the playoffs.
280: so, spano in cuffs, mil and bern trying their hardest to condemn the coli, kirk muller, milbury trading away all-stars for kvasha and parrish, the fishstick jersey, and getting slapped around by the rags in ‘94.
Not signing Martin or Volchienkov really beats all that, huh?
The only reason Sutton and Asham come back is because we’re their best (or perhaps only) option. It’s not out of any desire to relive their glory years on the Island. Do those two improve our roster as it currently stands? Yes. Do they help us become a playoff contender next year? Not likely, especially because our peer franchises have improved their squads as well.
CB, in your well-written piece last night/this morning, you said, “When the Islanders have a 100-point season, I guarantee no one’s going to ask how extravagant the Coli’s family room is.” But isn’t that kind of a catch-22 situation? Don’t we need A-list talent with playoff wins under their belts to even get to 100 points?
In other words, in your honest opinion, do you think the blossoming of JT, KO, and JB is enough to get us 100 points? The trio tallied only 59 goals between them last year. And as great as Roli has been for us, can he really win that many games next year? With what looks to be the addition of B and C level FAs just to reach the cap floor, I don’t know how we will improve as significantly as you project.
Believe me, I HOPE I am wrong!
anyone know Sourays salary?
Yes, let’s blow cap space on guys who will make the team perennial contenders for the 8 spot instead of stockpiling young, cheap talent that can turn the team into a force for a decade. I’ll take a few years of pain in exchange for the latter.
5.4 mil for 2 years I believe.
approx 5.25/year over the next 2 years
Souray + Streit = amazing PP defensive pair. NO reason we shouldn’t pick up Souray we need to spend the money and hes another body on D.
the problem is not THE COLISEUM itself. the coliseum is a symbol for the pathetic state of this team. the whole future of the franchise. when people blame ‘the coliseum’ they’re referring to the overall state of flux, uncertainty and non-competitiveness. this includes charles wang not spending to improve the team unless and until there is certainty regarding the future. if i were a player i wouldn’t sign with a team not knowing where it will be tomorrow, in a week or in a year. i would take less money to go somewhere stable, especially if i had a family. to say free agents won’t come here more because the team hasn’t won than because the money is less, or because they’d have to play in a cesspool, or because they don’t know if they’ll have to move their family again in a month or a year, is bogus.
Not to beat the dead NVMC issue but the damned thing did have to get built the first time..was there this much opposition back in the 70s?
CB do you think we have a chance at Kovalchuck if we offer him say a 25% ownership of the team? and throw in the 50% of the Sound Tigers and maybe the Marriot. O and a 200 million dollar contract. And as a throw in he can have JT and Kyle’s first born children. Maybe right? nah probably not…
But really the team will sign a few good value guys. Maybe one B+ guy. Regardless this team will be better next year than last. When they show they are a winning team then the free agents will come.
great, u guys pissed Botta off!
Trade for Kaberle, pick up Souray off Waivers, Sign Sutton. They have the space to get a top notch D squad.
If your going to overpay, at least get Bobby Ryan in return
Souray would be a good pick up for 2 years, and there would be no negotiating or competing with other teams to get him if we claim him. Martinek, Gervais, and Witt I believe will be gone by next year, leaving spots for the first few young dmen (Hamonic and De Haan). Donovan, Toews, Kessel, DeHart, and anyone else considered a prospect are at LEAST 2 years off. Need to fill the holes in the mean time with people that can get us into any playoff spot, which in turn causes players to want to sign here next off season (which by the way will be a GREAT bunch of players), and THEN we can be a 100 point team.
Don’t we have to wait to be able to take Souray? I bet Columbus takes him first.
I’m missing something here…
Why is it so outlandish to think that the Isles will make a serious pitch for Kovalchuk? Last I checked, a 6′2″ 230lb 27-year old wing that puts up 40 to 50 a season fits our little “rebuild” nicely. Is it not conceivable that this could be one of the final pieces of the puzzle that see the Isles become a Cup contender sometime in the next 3-5 years? We’re one of just a handful of teams with the cap space to pull this off… Contrary to what many seem to think, we are still in New York… We have a handful of top Russian prospects… I know that he wants to go to a contender, but if he were to come here, we would become contenders. If we don’t make a serious pitch to him, then what are we doing? Why even bother? I don’t know… This just makes too much sense. I’d like to see Asham back, but Asham ain’t getting us a Cup. Eyes on the prize, Garth.
skip souray. too expensive, too injury prone, too soft.
corvo is a better option.
“12:45: A personal thank you to all the hockey fans who jumped on this site yesterday to the tune of a staggering 200,000 pageviews. Incredible.”
Sorry, Chris, but I’m responsible for 190,000 of those.
Puck Daddy Wysh just wrote this in his FA Frenzy thing:
Wyshynski: As for the Islanders and Kovy … they tried to give Paul Martin the moon and he turned them down. I don’t think it matters what they offer Ilya.
With Souray on waivers … and Edmonton for obvious reasons not inline to get him, doesn’t Toronto become first inline to get him? I know T.O. is flirting with the cap at this rate… then it falls to Florida, Columbus and the Isles based on how the standings ended last season.
I’m not exactly sure how Sheldon Souray even helps the Isles other than pushing them closer to the cap floor. Sheldon is definitely not the player he was in 2007, with injuries (shoulder, hand, knee & concussions) … and those are only the injuries he got the last 3 years with Edmonton, and now at 33 … I don’t see him returning to that kind of player with the Islanders. He was a great, big, productive blue liner 3 seasons ago… his best days are long behind him.
We fans complain about Garth’s reclaimation projects, and then want Garth to go out and commit millions on beat up aging veteran defenseman who was a -19 and had only 13 points in 34 games on the worst team in the league.
#304—I love your optimism—and I would say great if we nailed him down—but I really doubt he does it. He is likely to go to LA or stay in NJ. he wants to win NOW.
Since we cant even buy a FA it Looks like the only way to improve this team will be thru a trade or the waiver wire.
No need to thank us, CB. Without you I can’t imagine what life as an Islander fan would be like. The thanks are all for you.
the Isles are gonna be fine, the goal is to build a perenial contender which starts w/ a consecutive successful drafts which we have finally appeared to achieve.
and for those claiming a rebuild is just a pr stunt to quite fans, that can be true in some cases(see the royals bringing in players on the wrong side of 35) it is not true in our case. snow has focused on players who will be here and be quality players for the next 3-5 years.
Souray on waivers. Do we take him at half price?
Souray at $4.5M per for two years? I don’t know about that. Souray at $2.75 on re-entry waivers would be a different story.
@Mitch, I am a fan of the lighthouse project and would love to see it come to fruition, I was just explaining why Wang can’t build it elsewhere in Nassau or Queens, no space for a huge project and political opposition would start the process all over again plus untold millions in costs for “consultants”. The history of the Coliseum land development (or lack thereof) is interesting and sad, many have tried to develop since the 70’s and ALL have failed, including Wang. The book “Fishsticks” gives a summary of Islander owners trying to develop the area and all were shut down.
Good call #302 on getting Souray, Sutton and Kaberle. Souray and that 100 mph shot would be a definite power play upgrade.
CB - I was responsible for at least 50,000 page views. I clicked refresh all day
Darth Vader you are right on. Lance, and many others here, want to be slightly above average every year and just make the playoffs and win a round or two. I want to be contenders for the cup every year. That takes patience. Like I said, you want quick free agent signings to appease a restless fanbase, then become a Ranger fan. The Glen Sather style of GM is just what you are looking for.
Bad math. Souray at $2.5M per for two years would be a good experiment. He’s got size, he could put our power play over the top. At the very least he’s an upgrade to Bruno. Why the hell not.
Souray also drops the gloves big time. This needs to be done
Why did Edmonton cut him? Wasn’t he a big disappointed out there?
To all the Snow is a genius fans. The thing about Matt Moulson being such a great find on Snows part is BS. He had nothing to do with it and neither did our scouting staff. It was John Tavares who made the suggestion having known Moulson from before the draft. FACTS are FACTS get um right
Lance.. They needed the cap room
souray isn’t on re-entry waivers, he’s available at his full salary and cap hit. No thanks.
Sure I’d love it if Kovy came to the isles but that’s not likely to happen and I don’t expect snow to spend that much money. Not for another year or two. If we make the playoffs higher than the 7th seed then I see the year after that being one where we could add some pieces, but at 26th overall I doubt it.
We don’t need Souray and his -19 stat. We already have one of them in Brendan Witt.
“I’m not looking for the best players. I’m looking for the right ones.” ~Herb Brooks
None of us are hockey insiders, if we were why would we be wasting time posting here when we would be very busy right now? Seriously people we have no control, and should have no control over hockey decisions. Let the pro’s handle it, no sense in getting stressed over this.
Pass on Souray. His best days are behind him. And he would’nt be pleased coming here.
Higgins to FLA per USA Today.
CB, remember a few weeks back you suggested if the Isles weren’t gonna make a splash that they should maybe get an extension done with Okposo? I think we have reached that point. Lock the kid up. He’s gonna be a stud. Philadelphia locked up Richards before he had his breakout, so there is precedent for that.
@steve from ct
plus minus is not really indicative of of a players contribution, remember he played on the worse team in the league meaning they had to give up a significant amount of goals
there are other red flags there to
Kovy wants $10 million for 10 years (per LA Times)….ouch
The “next year is our year” philosophy is bull. If I’m a young up and coming player (e.g., Okposo and Bailey) entering my third (and final) year of my entry level contract and see little or no improvement to the roster in those three years with the team (not to mention zero protection during that entire stretch), I’m interested in walking after the 10-11 season, despite being an RFA. What would the fanbase think this time next year if Okposo and Bailey sign elsewhere on July 1st? This is Garth’s most important chance to upgrade the talent on this team and show the league he is for real … so far it is a no-go.
#331.. really? offer $12 million for 10 years..
We should give him $10 for 1 year and flip him for a boat of picks at the deadline.
Higgins to Florida on a 1-yr deal. That’s the type of signing that could have made sense.
Any word on any of the RFAs for the Isles?
10M for 10 years? No way, dude. He’s real good, maybe great, but not that great.
It’s Wang we’re talking about here. $8M for 20 years.
If Chris Higgins is the answer, what could possibly be the question?
HAHA.. @ 336
The Oilers will have a tough time moving Souray with his contract. The only way any team (including the Isles) should acquire Souray is with Edmonton eating a large portion of his contract.
Attention Readers: There is no negativity permitted around this franchise. There is no reason for any. Everything is fine, the team will be much better next year, we promise, you’ll see. Now move along.
We don’t need another Yashin. Thanks.
kovy, sutton, belanger or mcgrattan..That would sure speed up the “rebuild”
We couldnt do 1.6 for Higgins?
I forgot, Snow is still asleep.
Higgins to Florida
NHL.com referenced that the Oilers tried to trade him but it fell through. They have every intention of putting him through re-entry waivers in hopes that somebody will pick up half his contract.
#343. Teams can’t eat contracts in the nhl!
#343. Teams can’t eat contracts in the nhl! They go on waivers and if a team pick him up they only pay half the salary.
I wish everyone would stop saying Snow is asleep….players DONT want to come here. Wait until the rookie deals are up for Okposo, JT and Bailey. They are gone also.
If, indeed, Snow offered more money to those players I’ll at least give him kudos for trying.
#300 Yes. Read the book “Fishsticks” which has several pages on it. It was a lot like the Lighthouse debate of today. “The Coliseum has always been a lightning rod for dirty politics” as authors Peter Botte and Alan Hahn describe it.
Souray wouldn’t be a bad pickup. He’s decent on the point in the power play and I always feel The Mighty Okposo is miscast playing there instead of close to the net.
Wow its 25 hours into free agency and the panic is amazing!
Come on folks—there are plenty of player—solid players left.
How many of us wanted Boogaard for $1.6 per?
We should all relax and laugh with glee at the Rangers—who are the joke of the NHL with that deal!
D. on post #263, I have rooted for this team since “79 when I was 9 years old, saw all the ups and downs, this is my team no matter what is going on I will always be a fan. “Lets fo Islanders” is our Mantra as fans and I always close my posts with that good or bad because it is us, including you. BTW, I am taking time out of my day to write posts to this blog so I think my loyalty to the team is not in question. Lets Go Islanders!
did anyone watch higgins play last year? i don’t want him if he came here for free. this guys game went south in hurry after he left montreal.
yes very exciting draft day. kudos chris on covering it. we should get souray. we need to spend some money. come on garth… do something. don’t blame the coli.
Thank goodness… no Higgins!
I agree that +/- is a very arbitrary stat. When looking at +/- you have to really measure it against the peers on the team. However, for a defenseman that stat is a lot more important since they usually get more ice time than forwards.
The fact however is that Sheldon Souray has the 2nd worst plus minus on the team … and he only played in 34 games … That is the huge Stop sign right there. At an average of 22:36 of ice time a game, he would be on a pace to a staggering -42 if he was to play a full season. That is horrible no matter how you slice it. He only scored 4 goals … We are looking at Edmonton’s version of Witt. Thanks, but no thanks.
Not even CB thought it would take this long to sign a player.
Remember the time free agency began and we didn’t sign any players for 2 days, and watched as every team in our division got better while we stayed mediocre? Oh ya that’s right now……wtf
@361….Snow must of went away for the weekend.
Just a general question to all the posters who are accusing Snow of all kinds of stuff:
has anyone here ever been a GM of a pro hockey team?
Ever been in a NHL locker room for more that just a visit?
Been a pro scout traveling the world watching all kinds of prospects?
Nope, me neither, that usually why I don’t jump to conclusions with players & player moves.
To me the re-build started the day they traded down to get Bailey, I think i’ll wait till year five to burn my jersey and call for snows head!
And no Souray, Please.
@363…..well if Snow knows best, you should not of bothered with your no Souray comment, being that you are not a GM. 5 years….lol! Other teams turn it around in 1 or 2.
I thought we’ve been in rebuild mode since 1984
If I have to read one more comment on Eric Nystrom I’m gonna lose my lunch.
HE SUCKED FOR CALGARY AND HE’LL SUCK FOR MINNESOTA, HE’S NOT “BIG” BY ANY MEANS, COULDN’T FIGHT HIS WAY OUT OF A WET PAPER BAG AND COULDN’T PUT THE PUCK IN A SOCCER NET.
AAAAAAAAAARGH!!
Corvo and Sutton as place holders till the young d-men are ready. Pony and Asham, call it a day.
I’m sitting here waiting for news on 3 ex-islanders…and debating on whether or not I should go to this blue vs orange scrimmage this week.
I also think it’s still somewhat quiet about one player who is not totally available, but could be…possibly? I don’t even want to say the name…i’m superstitious at this point.
Does the free agent frenzy take a 3-day holiday break? Because it would be nice if I didn’t have to give a damn about this stuff again until Tuesday.
Could it be another 1,000 comment day with no signings?
I thought the year when the best we could do was sign Jon Sim was frustrating. I hope we get some good news soon.
Also, Boogaard to the Rags is going to haunt us. Would have loved to have him here.
Free Agency starts for the Isles on July 3rd! Not July 1st. Just the way it is!
Does anyone think that maybe Snow is actually thinking of putting all his bread in one basket and make a huge statement by signing Kovalchuk? ….
Neither do I, just trying to stir the pot.
Would be cool however.
@ 50 in 50 #325:
Morrow’s staff brought Matt Moulson’s name up to Snow, who brought up MM’s name to Gordon. Gordon remembered him from the AHL, and said all of his goals were goal scorers goals, and Gordon was in favor of signing MM, which Garth Snow did. I think your the one that needs to get your facts right.
Mark Eaton?
Snow should get Bieska, perfect fit and is on his way out of Van.
Nick Kypreos on twitter says hes hearing were getting Mark Eaton 2 years 2.5 per
According to Nick Kypreos mark eaton is a NY Islander.
Yep, hearing Snow got Mark Eaton, 2yrs, 2,5M per year.
I hope not.
Not very familiar with Mark Eaton
Mark Eaton is 33 and a C grade UFA… Typical…
Mike Eaton… What a waste?
Wait, so now we sign someone, and people still complain? Now, THAT’s typical.
Radek Martinek and Mark Eaton…awesome. They should combine for about 9 games next year.
Flat Stanley is an upgrade to our D-corps. I’ll take it.
Stats are unimpressive, 26 PIM all last season. Is there an upside?
Eaton has cup experience and would upgrade our 3rd pair alot, geez people complain when we don’t sign someone and complain when we do.
#386…He is ALWAYS hurt.
He played 79games for the Pens last year..He was a +5 as well..Please give it patience
no upside he is 33 yrs.old… Oh well better than Gervais…
Who? I think we could have spent 5 million more wisely, no?
He played 79 games last season, and 68 the year before.
He has size and can bang some.
This is a reasonable signing. Ill take it to fill a hole short term.
The premier guys on the blue line will come from within (DeHaan/Hamonic)
he’s an upgrade over what we have to fill the 4th to 6th slot on defense. Not bad and the dollar value is decent.
Corvo would be nice for the powerplay
2.5 million per…..Are you kidding me? Let the overpaying for mediocore talent begin.
Do u guys watch entourage? See how the agent talks to the client? Every good agent tells his client “this teams a joke.. They won’t spend money on players or coaches…Tavares will walk away from team first chance he gets if he has a winning bone in his body”. Imagine jeter getting drafted by the pirates… Does he stay forever n be a loser? Heck no he leaves to sign with a winner.
Defintely like this signing..guy played junior hockey on long island..won a cup in pittsburgh and defintely could a 4 5 or 6 d-man and provide leadership in the room..quality signing garth
Won a cup and is a capable vet on D. I’m not complaining. Still want some size and toughness up front. A top six guy wouldn’t hurt either.
The signing of players is only part of a GM job as is drafting. I think Snow is doing a great job drafting the last few years. Drafting low can only help. I can’t blame the team for coming up short on signing on day one. Players will always choose the best team for them and their chance to win. Every Yanks fan knows what that’s like. The move I can see Snow making are 2-3rd ter players and maybe a big trade to help a team like LA make some cap room for them to sign Kovy. I hope there is something on the burners or some seeds planted for the next few days
Now I have to think of the 7 foot 4 dude from the Jazz every Islander game.
For another 2.5 million you could have offerd Volchencov 5 million. Whats next, 5 million a year for lombardi?
I’ll take Eaton, not a bad pick up.
people are hysterical sometimes… stats arent everything. This guy plays big, blocks a ton of shots, has a cup, has the experience of playing with younger kids.
Not a bad 4-6 D man. Its not Volchenkov but what was everyone expecting lol
He is known as a positionally-sound defensive defenseman with average mobility, but he does not play tough or he does not play physically..
10 years, 531 games played. Figure it out.
Sign someone, who? mark eaton. Wang wont spend. Spent to much. Garth is napping. To funny
I don’t get it. I would rather just play Gervais, Witt and Meyer.
WTF. He stinks, doesnt use his size AT ALL. Whoever said he can hit is wrong. I want Sutton back, please.
Its a lock that Kyle and JT walk as soon as their entry contract is up. Kyle will get an offersheet from the Wild and Burke will offer JT… But we have 33 yr. old Mark Eaton.
Mark Eaton = DEPTH MOVE.
wow Sourays cap hit is 5.4 million
#398 LOL I remember THAT Mark Eaton.
Eaton to the Island, Jackman now gone to Calgary….hmmmmm….
Terrible signing, he doesn’t bring anything to the table that our current guys don’t bring, we needed a big physical guy, like Sutton.
Welcome Mark Eaton. I’ll take it. Fills a hole for a couple of years. Our stud defenceman will come from within. Role players are what we need. He play almost every game last year and most the year before since he recovered from a MCL tear a couple of years ago.
KatieStrangNYI Have just been told that #Isles are closing in on two other deals right now…
LOL - YES, this is what we needed and were waiting for?
Love those left overs, playoffs in 2015!
Mark Eaten is the 2nd best defenseman on our team lol. Mark Streit than Eaton lol. I would be an upgrade to our defense. Does anyone actually watch this team. And enough with the overpaying…..who CARES! we have to spend 8 mil just so we can fricken play next year
@ 408 … I agree. Unless Snow is smart and locks them up before the team gets any worse.
Expensive Depth Move, Mark in Ottawa, but its a move to add an NHL experienced positional defenseman. Better than watching Kohn and Gervias take the brunt of the minutes. This guy is at best a decent player with minimal risk.
He is known as a positionally-sound defensive defenseman with average mobility, but he does not play tough or he does not play physically. Eaton is the first of two defensemen Garth Snow hopes to sign.
Off the scrap heap, hell be gone by deadline
Still would like to get Sutton back here. Were not gona get much better through FA…if the isles are gona get better, the kids need to step up and surprise some people this year. If they don’t, then we become the LA clippers- at the top of the draft board almost every year.
he played 20 min a game for the pens , that has to say something people
Yessssssss. Good move
Eaton has cup experience and we got him cheaper than Toni Lydman in Anaheim and he is better than Lydman. We need another Dman who is tough but this is not a bad signing people!!!!
I like this signing a lot, actually. He’s young, a Stanley Cup winner, and he DOES have a nasty edge. He’ll fight when he has to and play physically when he has to. He’s a less reckless, younger version of Brendan Witt. I like it.
We go from, sign someone! ANYONE! to Mark Eaton who??? he sucks, cant play physical, Way to overspend. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
Sign Sutton, did great hitting people entering our zone. Then, try to go all out on offence.
Sign Sutton, did great hitting people entering our zone. Then, try to go all out on offence.
Mark Eaton is a pretty good all around player, who I think will surprise us this year. If he made the Penguins’ roster, he can make ours. It’s better than other players we have, not worth complaining about. Go Isles!
When can Tavares leave? He signed a 3 year contract then is a restricted free agent? Is this correct?
Might be Lombardi. just read lombardi is close to signing and will be done by end of the day.
best signing . love it. not totally happy. i’m really upset they didn’t sign someone but did.
good money. not bad. 2.5
let’s see what he can do. playoffs in 2020 when tavares leaves.
good going garth. i actually like it. bring some experience here.
Didn’t mark eaton play for the utah jazz?
Garth Snow…years later and the laughter continues.
Its a start (I mean I hope its a start and we actually pick up a few quality players)
I will be able to sleep much better when I get an email from Sportsnet informing me that Park and Sim are now players on another team.
So, is he the potential top-four defenseman, or the reliable, experienced, tough third-pair defenseman? See, I’ve been paying attention! . Seems the latter, but not so tough.
Eaton is ok only if he isnt the only piece added, he is depth thats it. We need at least 1 more Dman, I would take a shot and pay Souray off waivers if Edm eats some of contract. Then sign Lombardi, Frolov and Sutton
Milan Jurcina and P.A. Parenteau…
BBBWWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA.
Yay! P.A. Parenteau…good God.
I’m hopeful we can sign some more guys people can complain about. Maybe we can not sign anyone as well, so people can complain. Either way…same result.
Mark Eaton made $ 2 mil last year - if we got him for $ 2.5 mil - not bad value-wise
Whoever is saying he’s always hurt must be thinking of someone else. Since he’s come up to the league, he’s played at least 68 games every season, including 71 and 79 the last 2 years.
He’s also positionally sound…I can see him being the precursor to bringing Sutton back on a 2-year deal to form the second pairing. Sutton can go for the big hit knowing he’s got a partner with good position behind him.
Jurcina is definite upgrade over Gervais, at least size-wise
Milan Jurcina works with me - 6′4″, 236 lbs… just wish we had some more offense on the back end… PA Parenteau, I don’t see a spot for.
Wow, I hate Garth Snow so much right now.
Frolov makes me want to vomit. Obnoxiously inconsistent. Lombardi would be a nice addition, for a fair price. Mitchell and Sutton would also be nice. Joe Corvo might complement Mark Streit nicely on the powerplay.
Jurcina I could get excited for. Parenteau? Are you kidding me.
Souray & Sutton…nuff said!
Gotta love Snow working a deal for that Piker PA Parenteau! Do like the Jurcina deal though.
The next two signings are pretty bad. Jurcina is okay, but Parenteau? Is Snow absolutely kidding me? Time to dig the grave deeper.
PA Parenteau has the possibility of being a nice player.
Parenteau….that’s who replaces Bergenheim?
I hope I am wrong about that signing.
I’m done. Going to go enjoy some sunshine and Capt. & Coke.
Enjoy Day 2 everyone…
Eaton is a good signing. Garth just made Gervais have to earn anything he’s given. Great 4th/5th dmen with good size. 2.5 million is more then most would have payed but not much more, Its not like we aint fot the $$. He’s a veteran for our young D-men
Parenteau is no big deal, likely a Tambellini type role, and he is better than Tambellini
Jurcina would be AWESOME
I could see Parenteau sticking it to the rags every game this season that wouldnt be so horrible. Eaton has a cup and players for a great team, good defender sound like a good addition.
Jurcina is terrible. Huge but slow and doesnt hit ever.
Bring back Sutton and Meyer now.
Wow. Just…wow. Free agency just started…24 hours ago. What is the deal with all these folks getting nuts? Hahuis - was NEVER coming here - he was going home - literally - to play. Martin - “ummm, let’s see - Crosby, two cup appearances, one Cup, a brand new stadium, Lemieux is my boss? No, I will go play for the Islanders.” Not happening. Volchenkov - a million dollars per goal scored? No thank you.
Now a smart pick up with Eaton. Can y’all take a xanax please?
Parenteau can’t stick it to anyone, might as well have kept Tamby, seriously.
eaton is very good defensive defenseman, and would play well with a guy that takes chances every once in a while….underrated is tough at 2.5 a year though.
Let’s see what the terms are on the Parenteau deal…I would assume it’s a 2-way deal and he’s more of a depth signing. Let’s not forget that Moulson was not exactly a big name signing, and look how that turned out for us last year as well. Eaton and Jurcina are good signings.
In case you forgot, there is also this league called the AHL. We need to sign guys to help our prospects there. Thus, I give you…PA Parenteau. Get some perspective.
Eaton-okay but overpaid for him
Jucina-decent but a 6-7th D-Man
Parenteau- Still never heard of him played only 20 games last year.
I think Jurcina was with Providence when Gordon was coach. If so, he must be familiar with him and could have weighed in on the decision.
I like Jurcina 6′4″ 240 not too many penalty minutes. Parenteau will be used in Brigeport, and will probably never see the Island unless its a dire emergency.
If Jurcina is in over Sutton, Snow should be promptly fired.
Patience,the Stanley cup is never won in July,in Garth we trust,1singed D-man,now let’s get Lombardi, and a second servicable d-man (sutton)!p.so also think snow will make a trade for a top player from a close to the cap team.we will be better this year if we stay healthy.
I dont even know why I bother with this team anymore. They just continue to let me down year in and year out.
I love how we sign guys with size but they are not physical or have any offense skill at all.
Why dont we just sign Kevin Connolly…..and put him on Tavares’ wing.
This team is pathetic. Wang is better off moving this team and putting us fans out of our misery.
I like Jurcina but still think we need 1 more D-man signing this summer. I’d be happy with Sutton and bring back Meyer too.
Jucina, Parenteau ..CB there is nothing official. Strang said they are in on a deal,also Sarbes in on Jucina. Do you have a source?
Exelby would be a nice physical D pick up…
Yesssss. I actually liked PA parentau too
I would still like another tough forward and scoring forward. I am not sure our defense is good enough yet either..
Wasn’t it Exelby who went off on an Islander a year or two ago?
Somebody ALREADY updated Eaton’s Wikipedia page and has him as an Islander.
I like Eaton, nothing special but better than nothing, they overpaid but it’s of little consequence. If they pick up Sutton then we would have a decent mix of vets and kids.
From the perspective of adding depth on the blue line, Jurcina and Eaton are OK. I’d rather keep Donovan, DeHaan, and Hamonic away from the big club as long as possible as they develop.
Parenteau, is a good fit because the Islanders only need to replace two letters from leftover jersey and locker room nameplates from Justin Papineau while dropping the “T”.
Right now, not renewing STH still looks like a wise move.
Will renew my STH.
Garth is working his plan. Each player has a role and purpose. We can’t really judge these moves until the roster fills out. The re-build continues - have faith people!
What do you guys think is a fair price for Sutton ?
According to walsha on Twitter, Jurcina and Parenteau have both signed 1 year contracts with the New York Islanders
Parenteau = Tambellini
This cant be it, with this guys signed they should take a shot at Souray and Sutton, plus Lombardi/Frolov. Added tall lumbering non physical guys is not addressing their needs
Does this mean no Sutton, Asham, and Torres?
smh…. I actually thought Parenteau looked annoyingly good against us. Will have annoying Moulson story attached to him I’m sure. Terribly unproven…I hope he works out though.
I would rather have Sutton and Meyer back than non-mobile guys who can’t hit. Eaton’s 20 minutes a game in Pitt has to mean something positive though. Parenteau could be a solid signing if he translates some of his AHL skill to the NHL.
For everyone saying that Okposo, Bailey, and Tavares will just sign elsewhere once they become RFA’s, do any of you remember the Thomas Vanek situation? He signed an offer sheet with Edmonton while he was an RFA with Buffalo. Buffalo was given the choice to either match the offer sheet and keep Vanek, or to let him go and take the compensation from Edmonton.
Stop moaning. I like these signings. Those D men are top three on out team. And PA def has some potential.
Agree with the have faith comments. Look at Matt Moulson, Jack Hillen, etc.
Same with Parenteau’s Wikipedia page, not Jurcina’s though…
Canoe.ca on Eaton -
ASSETS: Sees the ice well. Makes sharp passes out of the defensive zone. Is poised and a good skater. Blocks shots and uses his smarts to fend off forwards.
FLAWS: Doesn’t use his 6-2, 204-pound frame nearly enough and lacks physical presence. Is not considered much of an offensive threat.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Defensive defenseman
I don’t understand why people here are referring to penalty minutes as if going to the box is an achievement. maybe in fantasy hockey.
but in the nhl, a player can be sound defensively and a solid body checker without going to the bin.
cal clutterbuck led the league with over 300 hits but had only 52 PIMs. Dustin Brown was second with 287 hits and only 41 PIMs. Ryan Callahan was third and had only 48 PIMs.
Why do we want guys in the box?
Two soft dman, Snow is a freakin joke of a GM.
I wasn’t that disappointed with who we missed out on yesterday, but today on the other hand.
To put Eaton into perspective for Isles fans, go to the Fanhouse Top 50 FA list put out this week:
Eaton - ranked 47th (17th on defense)
Sutton - ranked 20th (9th on defense)
Jucina & Exelby - not listed in top 50 (are they fa’s or trade possibilities?)
When Mark Eaton is the highlight of your July 1st and July 2nd combined it’s kind of a bummer.
This is worse then Comrie & Guerin.
My hope is Garth will sign:
Garnet Exelby
* Age: 28
* Height: 6-1 Weight: 215lbs
* NHL Seasons: 7
This cant be it, adding such big lumbering non hitting dmen in a fast system while claiming you are looking for very physical dmen is so….Milbury like..yes I said, Snows moves are Milbury like
Jurcina couldn’t crack the Blue Jackets lineup last year that tells you all you need to know about him. PA Parenteu give me a break I thought if you are going to let Sim, Park and Bergy go the idea is to get better players not WORSE?
Enjoy JT and KO while you can because as soon as the become RFA they are LONG GONE!
All these people ripping snow were the same people tearing him apart for Matt Moulson, 30 goals later and Moulson is the man…..relax its June, you wanna rip Snow, do it at the end of January
I think these signings are perfect for where we are at right now. Everyone was bashing Snow all day but truth is.. we have a good handful of top tier NHL players coming up through our system.
2 of the contract signings at 1 year each is perfect… 1 d-man with size (we lacked) and 1-forward. If they don’t impress enough to stick around after the year is over (more than likely the case) this is just fine! After this full NHL season, more of our prospects will be ready to jump to the big club after 1 more year of development in their respective leagues.
Garth… I’m with you here, decent and smart signings.
they will stick with the 1 year contracts until something is done with the ligthouse.
So no Asham and no Sutton, does that mean Snow cant bring in guys who dont want to play here AND cant sign guys who do want to play here either and have publicly expressed this? Must be the building!
Man I must have missed the season where every Islander fan signed up for waaaaahmbulance service on FA day 1 and 2.
These signings - if they are official - are great news. Overpaid for Eaton?? Show me your comparables. There is no basis to say his contract is high for his minutes, size and age. Jurcina-Eaton is a perfect 3-4 for our team, (both are more mobile than Sutton, though not as tough). Parenteau is a good little player.
See - you cannot have it both ways - no moves? “Oh no you suck. We need big d-men.” Gets two big d-men: “These moves suck.”
This is why you are commenting on this board and not actually involved in the process. (thank goodness!)
Enough of Garth Snows plan?He doesn’t have one PERIOD what has this clown ever won as a player or GM? NOTHING!
People on here make it sound like he is Scotty Bowman now he would have a plan or Lou Lamarello. But Garth Snow his plan is 3 meals a day sleep and repeat.
“2 of the contract signings at 1 year each is perfect… 1 d-man with size (we lacked) and 1-forward. If they don’t impress enough to stick around after the year is over (more than likely the case) this is just fine! After this full NHL season, more of our prospects will be ready to jump to the big club after 1 more year of development in their respective leagues. ”
What summer is this again? 06 07 08 09 10? Because this story keeps getting repeated.
499- You clearly havent seen these two. Two big d-men that are some of the softest in the league.
@gilliesforPM - nicely said.
gilliesforPM, It’s be nice to get two big dmen, who knew that they were big.
this site is getting as stupid as Metsblog
nice signings today - clear scope for much more
the internet has given us some great things - listening to a bunch of halfwit know nothing complainers does not help
this team is very much heading in the right direction people
@501….there is a big difference between 2 big damn, and 2 big dman that actually.
Love how Walsh gives Snow the Gold Star for the day… His two weak clients have now gotten him paid…
Wow….so let me see if I have this right—fans upset we do nothing on day 1 calling Snow every name under the book. We sign two quality Tier 2 defenseman—and everyone is unhappy with the moves.
I think the worlds worst job has to be Isles GM. Damned if you do/damned if you dont.
Solid signing for Snow and the Isles. Excellent work. I have ZERO issues with any of the three. They will fill the holes we have nicely. In the case of Jurcina—very happy. Young, big—connection to Gordon. It makes big time sense. I hope he plays well, and that he can be here for a while.
Don’t wanna whine, but these signings are slightly disturbing. I have no problem with the Eaton signing, that’s all good. Jurcina is a gigantic man that doesn’t hit. Parenteau is a low risk signing, but still unproven. Sutton and Mitchell are still out there. What about Lombardi? I just don’t know if these were the best options.
Katie says we have one more in the works. I’ll take Eaton and Jurcina but if the other one in the works is a Parenteau-level signing I’m going to be annoyed. We still don’t have a decent top 6 forward added to this lineup (and don’t tell me it’s Parenteau).
Jurcina also has roots with Providence, no?
Canoe.ca on Jurcina -
ASSETS: Owns a huge frame and the ability to play an all-around game from time to time. Also possesses a big shot from the point. Takes up a lot of space in the defensive zone.
FLAWS: Doesn’t play with a lot of passion and rarely takes full advantage of his tremendous size. His skating and coordination are also weaknesses in his game.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Inconsistent big defenseman
Soft dman will get crushed in the East. The Snow supporters need to take off the blinders.
FLAWS: Doesn’t play with a lot of passion and rarely takes full advantage of his tremendous size. His skating and coordination are also weaknesses in his game.
Theres that tough dman Snow promised us!
this is probably as “good” as it’s gonna get. we’ll see, I guess.
504- I think you meant me over here at 498… and yes i HAVE seen these 2 guys. Yeah they may not be physical presences but at least is SIZE.
If you play hockey I’m sure you understand that Big Bodies in a defensive zone whether they are throwing hits or not, clog up space. One of the 2 is a very good shot blocker. So we didn’t get the TOP defensive free agents with size… so what Do you REALLY think they’d pick up and move their families and play in a place where the future of the franchise is uncertain? It’s just not gonna happen. Snow did the best he could with what was available.
503- i understand where you’re coming from, but I really don’t think our prospects NOW compare to the Sean Bergenheim’s and Nillson’s of the era’s you speak of. We got some real solid guys drafted.. Not every draft pick or prospect is going to be a star, just as long as it’s a piece to puzzle.
Jurcina deal is only for $1M. Still alot of space to reach the capFloor.
Who, who, and what?
So PA Parenteau > Sean Bergenheim???
Jurcina 1 year / $1.0M per TSN
I’m ok with these. Get Asham and either Sutton or Meyer and I’d feel better, ok Frolov for 2 years too
Whether or not you like Eaton or Jurcina or Parenteau, so far these signings are nothing to get excited about. They aren’t going to kill the Isles, and I don’t see them making the team any better.
I’m hoping that the youth core steps it up this season … That’s where the improvement in the standings will be. This keeps the opportunity open for them to step it up … sends a message. “It’s your team guys … take it.”
We now have depth at 7th defensemen.
522- agreed 100%
Can’t say any of those signings excite me….I’d rather have Sutton, Meyer and Asham than those three. A big body that’s soft is useless.
523- agreed 100% as well lol
If Bergie had Parenteau’s hands, he might have still been here. On the other hand if Parenteau had Bergie’s wheels, he would have stuck with the Rags. Yippie. I’ll rush back to renew my tickets now—NOT.
Just BRUTAL!!!!! Guess it is time to see who the top players are in next year’s draft. CB…Can you break down next year’s top 5 draft eligible players?
NHLsources is saying Frolov to Isles on twitter. Katie Strang tweeted one more deal about to go down.
Frolov would be nice!
I know there are pissed off fans here…understandable, but the fact of the matter is this is still our team. If you are real Islander fan and have Long Island pride… pissed or not we gotta stick with them. I’ve been a fan too long to throw my hands up in the air and give up. Hockey is hockey and I’ll enjoy watching them either way.
some of you complainers are probably the same fools that scream at players to shoot all game long. if you know anything about the game you know this team is building towards the next few years. signing big ticket players makes no sense for a couple more years and i feel sorry for team that overpays for kovalchuck.
I’d love to see the team take a flier on Frolov.
533-and 534: THANK GOD SOMEONE IS WITH ME HERE! lol. I feel like I’m defending myself against all the Debby Downer’s in the world.
Do the signings of Jurcina and Eaton mean that there’s no room for Sutton? If so, too bad. I would have rather had Sutton than either one of these guys.
Frolov looks like your best bet to get to the cap floor and would really salvage these past few days for me.
Is it too early for a 2011 Draft Preview, Chris ?
Just curious. Thanks.
Well said Mook #532…..
We still have a ways to hit the cap floor anyway…
What did we commit to so far?
Eaton @ 2.5 mil
Jurcina @ 1 mil
Parenteau @ > 1 mil
Approx 4 Mil?
We all know the rangers will sign frolov
I think the team overpaid for Eaton. Sutton is a better D-Man in my opinion as well.
I’m ok with these signings, they are just stop gap players who are here short term until the kids we drafted are ready to contribute…hamonic, de hann and the slew of forwards will probably not be ready this year. There will be no cup won on the Island this year anyhow, I think its reasonable to assume Okposo, Bailey, Tavares will improve enough to bring us closer to .500/playoffs etc…then the following year we bring up the kiddy corp reinforcements and begin to consistently challenge for a playoff spot and eventually championships. So for the time being sit tight w/ the non-impact FA signings. Party on Garth…
@534…that does not mean he is not soft.
“He is known as a positionally-sound defensive defenseman with average mobility, but he does not play tough and he does not play physically.”
Try and pay attention next time.
Frolov is an underachiever but I’ll take him.
Sutton at what price? He isnt that good and has his own injury issues. Then you will complain we overpayed.
Sign me up for an under achieving 30 goal scorer any day.
Not bad so far, I’ve always liked that Parenteau kid. Here’s hoping he pulls a Moulson next year and blows the team away.
Not bad so far, I’ve always liked that Parenteau kid (outside of that nasty sweater he used to wear). Here’s hoping he pulls a Moulson next year and blows the team away.
Now source saying Isles have no interest in Frolov. It was nice dreaming for those 10 minutes.
Let’s get Kovalchuk, and go past the cap floor. Then we will make a statement to the league that we want to make the palyoffs.
536 i hear you. this is whay fans arent gm’s. been with this team for a long long time suffering with all the stupidity. just seems different this time. had the pleasure of meeting luongo w my kids last week in florida. believe me those mad mike guys were frustrated that the team was never given the chance to see how good they could have been. If garth keeps going the way he’s going with any luck its going to work out. lord knows we deserve it!
Yeah, I also heard the same source say the Isles are targeting Lombardi…I wonder if that’s the player Katie is referring to.
Putting together a team with Elmers Glue!
Milan “Juice” Jurcina weighs 240lbs, can’t complain about size anyway.
Frolov = Kvasha…we are signing guys now just to get to the cap floor. Pitiful…
jurcina is 1 yr at $1 million? good signing. pure depth/seventh defender. guys, you need these type of players to fill out a roster in case somebody gets dinged/hurt. with some luck, Eaton plays this season, and drops down roster next season when our prospects come up..perspective fellas.lets see who gets signed/traded for our up front.
Andy, Frolov has had 5 20+ goal seasons, some of them on some questionable LA teams. He’d be an upgrade.
This summer reminds me of the year we went out and got Comrie, Geurin, Fedotanko, Sim, and Vasicek. These players never took us to the promise land. In fact, these players are greatly responsible for us landing Josh Bailey. I really hope this isn’t a repeat. I’m still going with the fact that we haven’t signed anyone yet because these players just don’t do it for me…and the rest of Long Island.
do you guys think that Eaton will be pissed when he realizes that the team has a crappy arena?
Where are all these sources everyone speaks about??
With the two D-men signing; will buy-outs be in the future for Witt / Martinek?
548 - Amen.. the fact is everyone is gonna bash Garth and management until we make a run in the playoffs. Then everyone will praise him for the “smart moves” he’s made over the years that led to this point. Everyone be patient and stick by our team.. it’s coming together. My last post here for the day..
LET’s GO ISLANDERS!
Jim from St. James - he played in a crappy arena (the Igloo) for several years so there will be little adjustment for him. :o)
OK so one more deal is coming according to Katie, who is it?
5mm for 168 goals in 536 games? 2 years out of 7 over 59 points?
.. The jury is out but im skeptical and i have defended Snow so far but im not so happy with things
.. Big guys are GREAT, if they PLAY BIGG Why get something the size of a pitbull if it plays like a damn poodle!
.. The eastern conference got even BIGGER/MEANER and we sign 2 guys who are NOT PHYSICAL PRESENCES regardless of the size.. Cmon Garth got a MEANER Dman PLZ!
Katie reports one more Isles deal almost done…3 mins ago.
I have a feeling its kovie….I mean asham
Kovie wants 10mm per for 10 years. He is not getting that contract from anyone.
1 more… meaning that’s it, or “hey look another one!”?
Andy, Frolov’s had five straight seasons of 50+ points. He is definitely an upgrade to the Isles roster. Kvasha had one 50-point season. So, I don’t get your comparison.
The most goals Frolov has had in a season is 35. Kvasha’s high is 15.
If the Isles get Lombardi or Frolov, Isles fans should not be complaining.
they saved the best for last? (for today)
I’m not excited by these signings but I’m not upset about them either. They may not make the Isles even better, but they don’t make the Isles worse. Different players help to bring different kinds of play to the team, which is good.
Mark #569, Im with you man! I do not have any problems with these signings. We have’nt even dropped the puck for the season and people are jumping ship. Amazing!
I think its Lombardi….LeBrun did report he would be signed by the end of the day. I think Frolov is looking at the Rags.
Please be Lombardi.. Hope its not Frolov. It will probably be someone no ones thinking of.
@ Mike 571 - Its not about stats, its about watching them play. Unmotivated, lazy most of the time. Reminds me of Oleg, goals or no goals. That was my comparison.
Zenon Konopka?????
You’re joking…Zenon Konopka? Wow that will put us way past the cap floor…
Konopka, tough guy thats good in the faceoff circle.
Looks like #Isles’ fourth deal of the day will be with Tampa Bay tough guy Zenon Konopka
Zenon Konopka????
I am sooo done………..ready to hand in my fan card after 30 years. Unbelievable.
Konopka???
Who the blank is that???
You wanted toughness, you got it.
Zenon Konopka , isn’t that the bad guy from Mario Brothers?
Zenon Konopka. Seriously, you’re gonna love this guy. Good signing but we could use a guy who can put the puck in the net too. Let’s get that done!
there goes Lombardi and Frolov =[
#586 funny
THE Zenon Konopka???!!!!!
Day 2 and the Isles are already going scrap heap. Is this that creativity some feel Garth possesses?
How do they get to the floor with these 4 totally uninspiring moves?
We are filling all our holes with depth players.
I have heard of Xenon Headlights…
to #577, Andy, I get what you are saying. You’re right that at times, Frolov gets a little lazy. But, I don’t think he even comes close to Oleg territory.
Zenon Konopka
Fans will love Konopka. Steve Webb type can fight. when asked last year how he stays motivated after tampa was eliminated from the playoffs his response” my cousin works in a factory, i have the greatest job in the world i dont need extra motivation”. Will definately stand up for his teammates.
Isn’t Konopka a character in Super Mario Bros?
For the same amount of money spent on these 4, I would’ve much rather Eric NY, Freddy IV, and Asham.
YES! This guy is awesome. Great on faceoffs too. Something we need and super tough.
this will be the softest team in the league. jurcina and eaton better mean brunoand radek are going.how about raffi torres, you know a guy who can skate And play physical.
Eaton and Jurcina instead of Gervais, Kohn, Reese, Klementyev, Flood, etc. … I’ll take that exchange in a heartbeat from a size and experience perspective. Those may not be sexy signings but they’re not awful either. I’d love to see Sutton back as well and they can buy out Gervais, Martinek and Witt.
so … about that cap floor ….
Konopka led the lead in PIMs last season! I like this move … not sure he can handle Boogaard but should be able to stand up to (and hopefully handle) pretty much anyone else in lead league.
Best faceoff % on the Lightning last year, very tough guy, led the league in fights by a good margin, great team guy, puts up good numbers at the ahl level. I like it.
Konopka is a great move. Obvious tough guy is also very good on faceoffs.
“Get your ringside seats now for the Boogaard-Konopka bout, only from Islanders Entertainment!”
The fans will love Konopka - trust me on this!!
Konopka, this is the one Garth was working on all day? He cant convince this guy to come here easily? Time for a new GM
I just wish they would get a difference maker
Umm……are we gonna sign someone that can put the puck in the net?
This means Martin,and Joensuu, will be with the big club this year !
This guy works for me!
When Garth publicly stated that the goal was to make the playoffs, what year do you think he was talking about? Here’s to next year’s draft party.
The Islanders have signed fourth-line fighter and energy player Zenon Konopka.
I think I’m gonna cry …..
I have to say—the first three signing are solid. I have no issues….but Konopka? We don’t need a goon. We need secondary skill to take scoring pressure off the kids.
I would still like to see any one of Torres, Poni, Frolov, Stempniak or Lombardi. I still believe we will be adding players—perhaps not today, but Snow is not stupid….
On the former….
We have Eaton, Striet, Jurcina, Hillen, Martinek and MacDonald as the top 6—can we agree on that? That means what….for Gervais???
Please sign Lombardi
How old is Konopka? Perhaps i whined too soon b/c I like what I am hearing about him from you guys.
How about Lombardi to cap it off?
Hope Gillies/Konopka will be a 1-2 punch all year!
Any idea where these guys fit into the lineup? 1 million for Jurcina is crazy. Does he make our top 6? He wasnt even able to make the Blue Jackets top 6
Well … Garth got us some ink on contracts today … step in the right direction … It’s clear that Garth isn’t going to commit to B- FA demands for more money … and the one’s that are reasonably priced don’t want anything to do with the Isles.
I want to pose a question .. CB … or anyone with a theory can answer.
With this year’s and last year’s draft being so deep … and some of these players having a good shot at playing this season … Do yo think some of the lower end FA’s are just taking what they are can get just to gaurantee a job next year? Do you think the higher end FA’s who know next year’s draft is kinda weak in comparison know they can get more because there is little hope of help via the draft in 2011?
I have no idea what a player’s mindset is to these regards. I’m sure they really are going by what their agent recommends on a case by case basis. CB probably can give us the most insight… maybe even Justin Bourne.
I can now purchase an Islanders jersey with my actual last name on it. Thanks Garth.
i think I like this Zenon guy. Youtube Dave Steckel v. Zenon Kopoka ….he looks pretty nuts.
This is a great signing. Complain now but You are going to love this guy. An answer to the toughness question, good for the young guys. NOw get a tough Dman,winger and we wait for the kids {kirill twins , nino,martin}
GOOD MOVE.. lead Tampa in faceoff percentage.. Do you remember how horrible our centers have been on the draw since Sillinger left???? Please, this guys is better and tougher than Gilles.
With all the kids we have, we really do need a goon to drop the gloves and protect
I actually like Konopka. Tough SOB who will take on anyone, and he has some game. Problem is, I don’t know if he really makes the team a whole lot better.
On Pateneau—you guys see his number in the AHL?
Could it be that he is our new “Tambellini” or could he become this years “Moulsen?”
I think it is a viable try.
Konopka -gotta love his player profile picture when you look him up on TSN….
He’s good secondary toughness. They don’t come anymore willing.
Best signing of the day is Konopka. He is a good 4th liner who does everything well. Im sick of having little guys on 4th line like Park and Sim. This is a real nice signing!!!
We still need another dmen and another forward. Im assuming we trade Hunter and Gervais..
Wow—everyone seems happy with the goon, and not happy with the guys with some playing ability….this must be Isles country!
Someone has to protect against Boogard….
Konopka will look out for our youngin’s. watched him when he was here on the Crunch for a couple of years. Not afraid to drop the gloves. good 4th line addition
Konopka is 6′0″ 211lbs played 74 games last year and had 5 pts and 265 PIMS last year. I’m ok with this.
actually, this guy will help out our young guys believe it or not. Look up on youtube, Zenon Konopka Mic’d up. He talks to the bench a lot, and sticks up for his teammates.
Knonopka is a great sign, he is better than boogard, tough as nails and a little crazy and can actually win faceoffs. Not sure if he takes alot of dumb penalties with that many minutes but I know for a fact he will be the new sheriff for our young boys
i like this guy… not happy with it though but i’ll take it. why won’t garth do something. i’m giving up. but slow and steady is the way to do it.
@631 Trippstar; my sentiments EXACTLY. Adding Kenopka is good, adding Asham along with Kenopka and we are set with toughness. Although I wouldnt mind Andy Sutton added to that mix.
I saw that pic of ZK on TSN … LOL!! The “Z” man looks possessed … or trying to pass a stone.
I’ve only know ZK from his fighting rep … I now know he’s a good face-off guy too … But how’s his wheels? He’s going to need ‘em under Gordo, and I’m sure being a face off guy they want him to kill penalties too.
Analysis appreciated. Thanks.
solid player. he can actually PLAY and provide toughness.
IF IF IF…we added Asham! We did not sign Asham, sorry.
Intriguing signs so far, and hopefully these will surprise. Konopka sound like a fun guy to watch. They leave me few reasons, however, to think they’re appetizers for a main course of Kovalchuk or Kariya, Lombardi, Stempniak, Asham, Corvo, etc. Ah well. But we still are far from the cap floor.
Note that of the four players we drafted, none (!!) were drafted higher than the eighth round. (Eighth: Jurcina; Ninth: Parenteau; Undrafted: Eaton, Konopka)
We did okay today but don’t we still have to spend about $5 mil to get to the floor?
Dont complain about how tough the east is and who will protect the kids and then complain when Garth gets somebody to do it. Konopka can play everyday which i dont think we can say about gillies. More moves should be coming.
Konopka answers two needs - faceoffs and a bit of sandpaper; to that I say good job Garth - but if this is your big day 2 haul, you’re still in trouble.
There’s just no way this group of forwards, even with banner years and growth from Bailey, KO and JT has enough scoring to make the playoffs.
Again, not saying we didn’t need Konopka and I may eventually settle for him getting Eaton and Jurcina (and I’ll also happily eat crow if Parenteau has a Molson-esque season). I just think we as fans thought we had bigger holes that needed attention like a top 4 d-man and a top 6 forward and thought those would be the holes patched up first.
Getting Konopka now instead of a Frolov or Lombardi or a Stempniak almost seems like we’re not getting a top 6 forward - so we’re going back with the same forwards that finished among the bottom 5 in offense this year (and don’t tell me Parenteau is somehow going to be a difference maker). But of course, I’ll gladly eat crow on this…
Hmm, interesting pick-ups, hopefully a prelude to a bigger impact signing. I’d rather have Sutton than Eaton, though we might get both in the end. Konopka fills a need, and ranger fans really liked Parenteau and wanted him to get a bigger opportunity last year.
Lombardi, Frolov, Sutton and Mitchell still available …
#631…I have been a fan since before they won the cups. When the games were on WOR. As Botta said, enough with the arena excuses.
He also had 33 fights last year, according to hockeyfights.com
Konopka is a Great signing if he signed for the league minimum. He can skate, plays very physical and will protect his players. He is a huge improvement over Jackman, Gillies, etc. This guy is tough and can skate and can score a little bit too. Look at his OHL stats. Great 4th line signing by Garth. Still has some work to do though. Asham would be a great fit with Konopka on the fourth line. Team is getting bigger, more physical, and more talented.
#622 C. Konopka, you are the biggest winner of the day! What a way to start the holiday weekend.
..Konopka is a solid signing, hes a good player who plays CENTER and will win faceoffs (a area we sucked at)
.. He will scrap/drop the glioves and brings energy excitement to the buidling, think along the lines of Steve Webb. Hes a decent signing and the fans will love him
.. I think he replaces Park and we should all BE HAPPY about that, at least this guy hits and plays hard 24/7!!
Moulson-Taveras-Okposo
Comeau-Neilsen-Bailey
(Niedereitter)-Shremp-Hunter
Konopka-Weight-(Martin)
(extra: Gillies)
Streit-MacDonald
Hillen-Eaton
Jurcina-Hamonic/DaHaan
(extra: Martinek/Gervais)
Roloson
DiPietro
Lawson
Hmmm… I dont know how I feel bout this team.
Telling ya….I have faith in Snow….as disappointing as yesterday was, the man is no idiot. He knows what he is doing. He is building a team through the draft and adding some good pieces through free agency. Are they star signing? No. but they are good pieces. He certainly addressed size. He said he would add 2 on the “D” and he has.
I’m luke warm about the other signings, but happy about Konopka. While Eaton & Jurcina will be somewhat of an upgrade to our D, I was hoping for better. Parenteau seems little different from people we’ve given up, talent wise.
However, Konopka gives us something we need desperately (as many have been screaming for), an enforcer. He’ll give us twice as many minutes as Gilles could, has more experience, and can take a faceoff. I’m not for goon hockey, but everybody on this site knows we need this type of guy, especially in the east.
My mind has been changed. Jurcina is a low risk signing who hopefully can elevate his game under Scott Gordon. Parenteau is also a low risk signing and a hardworking youngster. Konopka will entertain us fans and hopefully prevent Tavares’ teeth from getting splattered all over the ice (hem hem Chris Pronger). I am still waiting for Willie Mitchell, Lombardi, or Asham though.
Konopka is an upgrade over Sim. No more of these guys though. Martin needs to be on this team.
Would love to trade Hunter out of here.
ZEKE! I bet a lot rookie forwards from this group will make the big team: Rhakanshani, Matt Martin, Petrov, Joneseu, etc.
Have always heard zenon is good on faceoffs but he fights just to have the PIMS. Not a good fighter and takes silly penalties. I’d rather have Asham, Martin or Haley protecting than zenon. And Gillies is a much better fighter.
after years of fandom people are giving up after year 2 of the rebuild? This doesnt happen over night. Penguins and Blackhawks didn’t just become good overnight. It took years. Not 1 year. Not 2 years. At least 3 years.
Simply having JT, KO, De Hann, Hamonic, Bailey, all 1 year older is better for this team.
#653 I know with that current team we lose every game 3-1… And finish in the basement of the Atlantic and finish 13th in the conference.
Konopka is one of the signings that was needed. The guy plays hard and can fight. Nobody can question if the Isles have someone to protect the kids.
Does this mean Bailey will go to the wing?
Good signings to address many issues for the Islanders.
who would you guys prefer, Frolov, or Lombardi?
Comeau score 20+ this season. You heard it here
Can we get Frolov for 2 years? I know he can be inconsistant, thats why I don’t want him long term, plus they can kiss him goodbye when El Nino and the Karils are ready.
I really would of liked to make a deal for Versteeg but that has come and gone… Now to improve this team the most there are 3-4 signing I think would put us in playoff contention.
Sign Stempniak
Sign Lombardi
Sign Sutton
Sign Mitchell (I know he is always hurt but he really is good when healthy)
I think adding these players would give the Isles a nice mixture of veteran leaders (even tho they all arent even that old)
Post 662 ?
Tavares-Nielson-Schremp-Konopka look to be our centers…
#662 I think Bailey plays a better wing then center.
Frolov over Lombardi for me, more consistent.
I would rather Lombardi but we are not gettin him. Too many teams want him for him to choose the Isles.
We have a chance at Frolov cause he is inconsistent and most teams wont overpay for him.
Seems to me the lineup is pretty full now..
tavares moulson okposo
bailey schremp comeau
hunter nielsen UFA
konokpa parentu weight #13 Gillies
D-
Streit Hillen
Macdonald Eaton
Jurcina Martinek
extra - Gervias
Unless we make trades our roster is pretty much set..
Frolov isn’t inconsistent, he only has 2 seasons that he didn’t hit 20 goals, his rookie season where he had 14 and last season he had 19.
Frolov for me….more upside. Hit the 30 goal mark twice. Has his moments but overall a better fit. He is also a bigger player at 6′2″ compared to Lombardi at 5′11″ Also—Frolov is a left wing, Lombardi a center. We NEED a left winger.
Id like a few years—2-3 at least. I would love to see what a line with Frolov, Kabanov would look like—or with Petrov…Could be fun.
Watched Kenopka on youtube. Not a big man 6′1′ 213. Can take a punch, fearless, asham dropped him on one clip in fairness Kenopka slipped, but, it looks like he can handle himself against bigger guys. He is game.
So he’ll do, I hope.
Id take Frolov in a heartbeat…
Top Line of:
Frolov-Tavares-Okposo
Sounds pretty good
If you re-arrange the letters in P.A. Parenteau’s name, they spell Jeff Tambellini.
I would still try to get Asham as well.
guys he tried signing martin and hamhuis offered more money stop crying i don’t want him paying manny malhotra 2.5m yr for 3 years.a few years ago these defensemen were signed as free agents:wade redden,brian campbell and mark streit who signed mark streit?
Konopka -
ASSETS: Comes to play every night and isn’t afraid of dishing out punishment. Possesses sound defensive acumen and plays with energy. Can drop the gloves and is also good on face-offs.
FLAWS: Is limited in the offensive zone and only suited for a fourth-line role. Must avoid taking too many bad penalties that place him team in a tough spot.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Rugged depth forward
Could not agree more with Brian (VA)89&96. Many are drinking Garth “koolaid”. Wish Wang would sell team. A shade under 700 comments-a great fan base and frustrated. Prospects prob. overrated. Still not physical enough and too small. Did Garth attempt to sign Nystrom -Higgins- cannot even attract LI talent. CB do not patronize the fans with earlier comments. Konopka signing OK-Eaton? Still bottom of the Atlantic Div.
Isles sign who, who, who and who? Konopka is an average fighter who fights alot. Parenteau is like Tambellini, good in shootouts, gets the occasional pretty goal, but is realistically an AHL guy. The 2 big defenseman are also average at best. Did we get better today? I think not.
Parenteau -
ASSETS: Has excellent offensive instincts. Can line up both at wing and center with equal aplomb. Is a proven scorer in the minor-pro ranks.
FLAWS: Is somewhat undersized and needs to add more muscle in order to thrive in the NHL. Must also continue to work on his play without the puck.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Reserve forward
Solid B Grade for Snow for today’s signings.
Parenteau signing is puzzling though considering his slow skating. Almost seems like a lateral move from Tambellini.
Go Isles!
I’m in the minority on here but, I like the Paranteau signing, I liked him in his brief stint with the rangers, and I remember his goal vs. Roloson. Knopoka looks to be a good pick up also and certainly fills a need on face-offs, toughness, and energy level. As for Eaton and Jurcina, they have size which we really needed and we’ll see how they gel with the other d. Everyone may be pleasantly surprised.
Are we done for the day?
Isles continue to love fighters that cant fight, its Gillies or nothing here, Konopka will be a whipping boy in the east. Sign Big Steve MacIntyre for Dfense, Bridgeport/Isles!!
4th line players and other teams depth defenseman do not translate into a playoff berth - unless Snow has something up his sleeve, we’re looking at another long season of upper level AHL / lower level NHL quality hockey
Sorry to burst your bubble. MacIntyre to Edmonton about a half hour ago.
At this point, the Isles are better off putting DeHaan and Hamonic in the lineup as they can’t be worse off than the guys they signed. I think the Isles should look at picking Souray up.
678, Big Mac signed back with the Oilers
i am not a fan of snow at all, but he addressed needs today. we needed someone to protect our future, we got zenon. we needed some size on the blueline, we got JUICE. we needed another veteran presence on the blueline. we got eaton. all the while keeping room available for the young ones to develop. by no stretch is the team that much better today, but its a start. and yesterday we were all begging for some action, well we got some today and we didn’t spend stupid money or give out stupid years.
P.S. still don’t like snow.
What is this garbage? Sign some real players or are we trying to be the laughingstock of the nhl again?
Our kids have nowhere the talent of Pitt or Chicago, this is not going to turn out like them. Not with Snow as GM.
We aren’t making the headlines on TSN or NHL.com. hhmmmm… wonder why
Same every year. The quality guys dont want to come here so over pay for the garbage thats left.
Not impressed.
Hey it’s depth and size and resaonable prices. Still worried about the physical end of the D-men though. I am fairly sure Snow will swing a deal or two for 3rd line or (hopefully 2nd line) scoring by start of training camp.
@ Steve M: definitely Frolov. He’s more skilled, stayed durable, and has been a high performer, less inconsistent, etc.
I have a new plan for Wang/Snow: sign/draft Russians, get Prokhorov interested, sell him the team, allow him to move the Isles to Brooklyn, and allow him to launch a two-front assault on the Dolans….ha
Our needs are not fully addressed by signing a bevy of marginal NHLers. None of the players we signed have succeeded in more than one dimension at the NHL level yet. Baby steps so far.
Are we joking. The signing of these bums off the scrap heap is a joke. Okay all I wanted was a guy who skates and hits ( Torres ) and a fierce competitor like Asham. On defense we shot for the moon and got garbadge. I for one will not be paying one cent to see this team play.
I see a bit of humour in some of these comments. Last year, we complained till we were blue in the face that we didn’t sign a tough guy to protect Tavares and Co. Sure enough, during the season, they had no one standing up for them. Now this year, Snow goes out and gets 3 large bodies to protect Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nino and so on. And yet….we complain. I want the big signing as much as the next Islander fan, but I don’t think it’s a lack of Snow trying, just players having options.
this may be reading into it too much, but sim and park are off the islanders roster on their site and meyer is still on. interesting.
No need to worry about Lombardi—just signed with Nashville
per pierre leBrun: Preds get their offense- Matthew Lombardi at $10.5 over three years.
Eaton and any one of the muscle signings I am good with. I do not understand the number of non-impact players. One or two role players are fine, but they are adding a lot of low-level players which take up roster spots that could be left to the youth movement. In addition, it sounds like we are still under the salary floor.
I would rather see Eaton, one muscle player and then overpay (or way overpay)for an impact player as a way to get up to the salary floor. Maybe I am missing something in the way that the salary cap/floor works. They have good, young players to fill out the roster…what they need are difference makers.
The Architect 2.0 skillfully adds the necessary pieces to supplement the young Core of The Next Four
@ 684
Jonathan Toews rookie stats:
64 24 30 54 11
look familiar? Almost identical to Tavares. I have no issues with that. KO’s first year stats weren’t half bad either, and last year he was improving as well. It doesn’t happen overnight but it will happen if we keep heading in that direction.
Is Zherdev available? Would love to sign him today.
Lombardi gets 3 years @ $3.5 million per.
Seems reasonable to me, and Nashville isn’t exactly a hockey mecca. Did we even try for him?
They could always cut any of these guys after camp sending them to Free Agency depending on who else we sign.
Are we still far from the cap floor?
i think garth snow ran out of quarters for the pay phone and charles wang refuses to give him anymore…. thats why we didnt sign lombardi
Zenon! what a gas!
Konopka is a bulldog and a pretty good middleweight fighter although he takes on all comers. He isn’t too much of a liability on the ice and can take a somewhat regular shift on the 4th line. He is a decent pick-up and adds much needed toughness to the team. I really hope Martin makes the team too. The team would at least be fun to watch and not be physically man-handled all the time. And you can’t forget Gillies either.
I hear alot of Tampa fans pretty torn up over losing Konopka. They’re raving about the guy and the energy he brings game in, game out. It certainly makes the Isles tougher.
Tavares and Okposo arent going anywhere. Okposo will get a contract this season or while hes restricted. The amount of money and time depends on how he produces this season. Tavares is not restricted for another 2 years, by then the Islanders might have something good brewing. I hate the constant negativity on this board and this coming from a fan born in 1984 who hasnt seen much. The Islanders are getting a lot of young talent and they will be a good team in a few years. How good? who knows. But along the way they will find out where they are playing and they will go after some bigger free agents. Tavares and Okposo are not leaving via free agency especially not when they are restricted. That is crazy! The Islanders will be good, young, big in 2 years.
I’d rather give frolov 3.5mil a year than lombardi. Frolov’s career year was 35 goals, lombardi’s was 19.
Konopka. Awesome!!! Instant fan favorite.
Eaton @ 2.5 mil
Jurcina @ 1 mil
Parenteau @ > 1 mil
Approx 4 Mil
LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL YEA IM GONA RUN AND BUY TICKETS..HAHAHAHAHAHA WHAT A JOKE.
THIS GOALIE SNOW SIGNS THE SAME KIND OF FREE AGENTSPLAYERS EVERY DARN YEAR…GIVE IT A REST ALREADY..YOU AND WANG ARE A JOKE.. THIS COMING FROM A DIE HARD
We could still use some big bodies in our top 9. Just becasue we have 2 tough guys on our 4th line doesnt mean we have any protection for our players when they’re not out there. And we have NOBODY on defense who will stand up for anyone.
Maybe I’m jaded at this point. Was Lombardi’s deal not reasonable? Maybe it’s a bit on the high side?
Foster would have been a nice signing on D since he’d help the powerplay out as well as being a large body. The D is still too soft though. Jurcina and Eaton will not throw the body around or play physical. I find those two pickups kind of baffling because I honestly don’t feel they really upgrade the defense or bring any kind of a physical presence to the back end. Even Meyer is more physical than those two. Strange, but then again, Snow and Wang can be kooky characters. Oh, and Parenteau should have been signed to a 2-way deal. Chris, please help make some sense out of these signings.
People you clearly saw that Snow offered more money to the top of the line players than what they signed for. Plain and simple they don’t want to come here!
I live in tampa and see more lightning games than isles. This guy is a great teamate, plays hard every shift, will stick up for teamates. Has a good personality. Maybe moulson and him can host a cable show. He is very aware that playing in the nhl is a privaledge and treats it as such.
STRUMMER, no disrespect, but when did Figren become, untouchable, unless you mean in regards to the puck, because he often was a healthy scratch in BP.
wow is this a hockey forumn or a place to complain that we didn’t get a date with the head cheer leader. Who cares the ship has sailed. I mean come on who expected to get the top of the free agent crop that was not even that big anyway. If anything the big move isn’t gonna come from a signing probably a trade of some sorts or an offer sheet. If they sign frolov then i’d say this was a great day for the isles
But what is so bad here i dont understand. for the fans, yes the place is a crap hole but for the players,the ice is the same everywhere, on get on it a skate. You take your equiptment off in a locker room and get dressed….WANG BUILD A DAM ARENA AND FORGET ABOUT THE LIGHTHOUSE YOU BOZO..
I like Konopka! But still…this all amounts to a pencil dive in the deep end. No splash..
At this point I really need one of the ex-Isles and I think I’m somehow selling myself on the need for Frolov.
Still crossing my fingers for restricted FAs
Maybe I should have gotten Soundtiger Season tickets! I could have saved $$$$.
Hey Chris #707, where have you been for the last few years. Nassau County ownes the arena not the Islanders. Or would you rebuild the house you are renting?
I understand the Lombardi love-fest, he’s talented and is coming into his prime, but I doubt the Isles even made a serious offer. Where would he have fit? The guy is a third-line center (perhaps second-line on this team). You pushing Frans or Schremp down to be a grinder on the fourth line, or even getting rid of one of them? Don’t think so.
What we need is a talented, experienced winger, and there are still a few of them available…
How are these AHL-worthy signings setting up the core? These are fill-ins and nothing else. They added a measely $4 million to try to reach the cap floor. 3 of the 4 signings are for ONE year. How is thispart of any rebuild?
As for the Penguins taking 3 years. They had 58 points in 2005-06, then 105, 102, 99 (Won Cup) and 101 this year. They improved in 1 year.
The Blackhawks…65, 71, 88, 104 and 112 (Won Cup). Improved dramatically every year.
The Islanders for the same period? 78, 92, 79, 61 (Won Draft!) and 79.
If the Islanders improve to about 88-92 points this year, then yes, they are following the Blackhawks template. However adding Jurcina, Eaton, Paranteau and Konopka does not equal to adding 10+ points to the Islanders record. Remember, Philly improved their team by a wide margin and they barely squeaked into the playoffs. Ottawa improved. Boston improved. So did Tampa, Florida, Devils, Montreal, Toronto, etc.
So I temper my expectations and hope the kids improve, we get another top 5 pick next year and when Jurcina, Konopka and Paranteau’s contracts expire after next year, we spend similar in free agency.
Then we can watch JT and KO leave because if no FA’s will come here, why would any stay, right? It HAS to be the building as management is as sane and suave as ever.
Oh, and to all the people hoping lightning strikes twice as it did with Moulson…don’t think so. This is more of Trevor Smith. I too really HOPE so, but I will not bet on it.
Nice to see Snow signed a big time tough guy to protect JT, Okposo, Bailey, and Nielsen to name a few. He’s always ready to stick up for his teammates.
what a bunch of garbage….they should have just kept Bergenheim, Tambellini and Dylan Reese
Excited about Zenon, happy with Eaton. Someone teach Jurcina to use his damn size.
Not super thrilled with Jurcina. He is actually kinda terrible in my opinion. Eaton is solid and Zenon is a lunatic which I love.
Gagne just got asked to waive his NTC…could he coming to LI?
Good signings. Snow did a decent job, with what he has. The Isles are a better team now than last year.
Eaton is a legit top 4. Eats minutes and plays well short-handed. Far better than Gervais.
Jurcina is coming into his prime and has size. Better than Kohn and Reese.
Parenteau will get a look on the 2nd line. Excellent hands and shootout specialist. Maybe this year’s Moulson.
A lot of new and young fans here. If you expected top free agents, you are not paying attention or know very much about hockey.
Isles are the smallest market team in the NHL and there are far better places to live in the US and Canada than LI, lol. No one wants to come to live in LI. You live there because you were born there.
Is it too early to give Gillies and Konopka a target list?
definitely decent signings, but not the game changers, not the names that will sell tickets
Too much credit for Eaton. He is a boarderline top four. Parenteau has allot of upside. I’m excited about Jurcina’s size though I’ve read that he doesn’t use it to his advantage. He has history with Gordon so I trust he fits into the system. I’m hoping that management adds one more d-man and throws us a bone and adds a reasonably talent nhl goal scoring wing.
Go to youtube an watch Konopka take on Neil…hes a gamer!
Would have liked Sutton or kubina instead of Jurcina but it’s only for 1 year …hope he plays well.
Hope we sign Frolov…he’s big can skate an xan score!
#718 the Islanders are not the smallest market team in the nhl and people would LOVE to live on long Island. Its nice, its not that cold like some northern areas a lot of hockey players are used to, beaches, lots of restaurants, close to the city. No way long island is the smallest market and people dont want to come here because of that. Edmonton, Calgary, Buffalo, Phoenix(not a small market just for hockey), Nashville, Columbus. I would rather live on Long Island than most of those places.
Why didn’t the sign Carkner? He is a much better d-man then Jurcina.
Jurcina looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane. Eaton is just Jane.
Thankfully we can add Trevor Smith to the list of overhyped non-productive players that are now out of the organization. He signed a minor league deal with the Ducks organization.
hopefully the night isn’t over.
Lombardi is gone…….we could have used him
Eaton & Konopka are really solid moves. I do not understand Jurnica though. He’s really lousy. Yeah he has size, but size is nothing if you can’t move. Parenteau is going to score 25 goals for this team. Just watch.
These are stop gap signings until Hamonic and De Haan are ready for action next year.
So Gagne would waive his NTC to come to the Islanders. Why do you think players ask for no trade clauses? To avoid being traded to teams like the Islanders. Some of you guys crack me up.
hathead68 #705, I am not sure what you are talking about but if I listed Figern on an untouchable list it was a MASSIVE TYPO. He is not.
My untouchable list would be: Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Neideretter, Martin, Petrov, Nelson, Hamonic, De Haan, and Koskonin. It would include DiPietro if he was healthy.
Decent moves by Garth. Konopka adds the toughness we need, Paranteau could be the lightning in the bottle like Moulson was, and the 2 Dmen are on the team just so the young guys can develop at the Bridge. I would rather Garth go this route than overpay on D like everyone else did yesterday.
YES!!!! I called for Parentau yesterday, so either Garth does read PB, or he is much more on the ball than we give him credit for. The only times the rags would score is when they had this kid in the line-up. I remember when he scored 2 goals against us, I thought, Jeez, where the hell did he come from and why don’t we have him. Tamballini?? This guy crashes the net. Great hands, also. Not afraid to take shots. We just might have found this year’s golden boy! Good Job Garth! Rags sucked once they sent him back, but they had to so they could make room for their overpaid and over rated uh-hum-stars!
As a fan since 1972, I’m discussed with most of you on this blog. I can recall all of you fans laughing at the Rags every year because the threw big money at big names and got nowhere. Now you’re upset that Snow is smart enough not to do that. You beg for the big signings. Maybe we can trade snow for Sather and get Gomez, Redden, Bure, Jagr, Drury type players and pay them zillions for seasons on par with the players signed today. Smarten up folks, you’re an embaressment to Isles fans everywhere. Learn the game and you’ll understand wwhat Snow is doing.
Hey Jeff #710. I know all about it im probally 20 years older then you.
Im just fed up with the LH Bull????.
If they think FA’s dont want to come to this slum, nassau being the slumlord.
Then just go somewhere else and run the team correctly
Garth “the Puppet” Snow should be fired
he contradicts everything he says..how are these signings getting this team into the playoffs or good for the snail slow rebuild
Wang to Snow: Only spend to 43.5 million to get us over the cap floor
Snow: yes boss
Jurcina & Eaton are very soft Defenseman
and Giving PA Parentu a 1 way deal is moronic…why not Sign either Sutton, Asham,Eric Belanger, Colovacio, Torres…this team needs a bunch of Physical Players/Presence….I like Konopka but can he take a regular shift?
I am tired of all of the excuses from the Owner & GM ….they don’t know what they are doing …What a Defense Core we have now…WOW
Let’s recap: Two stale dmen, 1 4th liner, 1 NYR castaway…awesome start to FA.
Dan the Man….step away from the ledge. Harsh entry, keep in mind, these are all opinions, doesn’t make anyone here less of a fan
How can you not like to have a guy on your team named Zenon Konopka?
hey dan #727 you cant possibly think snow the goalie knows what hes doing. im a fan since 72 also and i disagree with you holeheartedly.
Snow the goalie does nothing but get second and third rate players every year.Yes hes drafting good players, but
your not going to win with a total young team with crap surrounding them. You and i both know you need some name GOOD NAME PLAYERS along with youth.
At lease throw a good enough team on the ice to at least make the playoffs every year then you have some playoff revenue to play with, do they not understand playoffs=extra revenue????? …Bring back Spano
@727….who cares what disgusts you? Face the fact, the Rangers are better than us every year. Wang and Snow, are the embarrassment.
Here is a clue, what Wang spends is not your money. Keep on drinkiing the Kool Aid.
Lombardi to the hockey hotbed of Nashville for 3 yrs 10.5 mil total, we couldnt outbid that?
I think if Garth improves at Center, it’s going to be through a trade. From what I’ve read, next years free agent class is better then this years so maybe Garth is lining himself up for that. I mean after all, he only gave Jurcina and Parenteau one year deals….
That to me sounds like he will be giving some of our draft picks a year of development in the AHL, then sent packing to the big leagues for 11-12 season. I wish we didn’t have to go out an get 2 band aid’s though. I’d rather see one intricate peice to our rebuild.
who? who? who? amd who?
I bet snow didn’t even bid for Lombardi.
From Chris #703
People you clearly saw that Snow offered more money to the top of the line players than what they signed for. Plain and simple they don’t want to come here!
Chris, that is damage control by the Islanders. Of course there gonna say we offered more money. How do we know they did. Was anybody in the room? They are still a joke.
Since these signings are not going to make the Islanders a playoff team next year, maybe another top 5 pick wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Looking at the division, we can’t compete with anyone else. Looking at the conference, the teams that appear to be locks for the playoffs next year are Washington, New Jersey, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Boston, and Philadelphia. That leaves 2 spots for the Rangers, Senators, Canadiens, Thrashers, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Panthers, and Islanders to compete for.
Again, it is the job of a GM to convince players to come to his team, if Snow is only able to bring in crap, than its time for a new GM, plain and simple. Edmonton and Toronto were worse than Isles, Phoenix is a franchise worse off than Isles, yet they are signing people to fill spots. Isles are just desperately trying to get to the cap floor.
These signings definitely shore up the defense, which is improved:
Hillen-Streit
McDonald-Eaton
Martinek-Jurcina
Gervais, Reese, or Kohn when Martinek gets injured.
I’d give a contract to Meyer too, and waive Gervais (who I hate!).
I think our offense could still use a proven winger (these are not line suggestions; I’m just organizing people):
Okposo-Tavares-Moulson
Bailey-Schremp-Comeau
Hunter-Neilson-Parenteau
Konopka-Weight-??
Are we really going to play Gillies on that fourth line? Any way we could get rid of Hunter? Is Joensuu ready? Where does Martin fit in? Have we officially signed Weight?
We have a huge need for one more skilled winger. If Garth does that, I think we’re good to go for next season.
I’d really like to see Maxim Afinogenov signed. If Afinogenov was on the team last year, he would have been our leading scorer with 61 points.
737
Martin’s agent said we offered him more money. Is he on Wang’s payroll as well?
there is no way that pa parentau is better then bergenhiem and sutton showed intrest in coming back and he is way better then jurcina and the often injured eaton get a clue snow
Hey guys does everyone not realize we had an 18 point jump this past season. all we need is half of that to make the playoffs this year, with Tavares a yr older, okposo and bailey more experienced.. even andrew macdonald and jack hillen more experience. neilsen and comeau, all these guys have to do it take a small step forward and we make the playoffs regardless of who we signed today.. i do think we made ok signings we finally got some size. lets hang in there, with all this youth and another yr of experience, i think we make the playoffs this yr… we all forget we made a huge point jump this yr
Are you kidding me? I like the Z signing, but the 2 D are awful. They don’t hit, can’t move, lovely. Pateneau is a dart at the wall, who knows.
Flash forward to June 2011
” And with the first pick in this years 2011 NHL draft, the NY Islanders select…..”
Konopka is a great pick up. I went to about 20 or so Lightning games down here in Tampa. The guy is a warrior. He can skate, good face off guy, pk, and he can throw down. Only knock I have on the guy is he takes the occasional stupid penalty.
My Question is: are they now done signing free agents? if they are, this isn’t getting the job done….I hate to be so negative but this season looks over before it even starts…thanks for these brilliant moves Snow…it must have been really hard to get thses deals done
the isles should still resign richard park he is an excellent penalty killer and leader
Brian they can’t be done, they’re still 4 million dollars under the cap floor
Maybe if the U in UFA stood for unwanted instesd of unrestricted,people would get the idea about what this time of the year REALLY means.We could sigh Kovi TOMORROW and we would STILL be the 8th or 9th best team in our conference.THATS how much work Sno/Janks had to do to rebuild this organization. Its not an instant process,not in a capped league where bad contracts kill you more than good signings help. All I wamt to say about UFA is this: if you’re not giving up anything to get it,it probably isn’t worth having. Try to be patient,it will be worth it.
These are great pickups. Good value and bridge the gap on rebuild. Eaton as solid as they come as stay home defense. and would put jurcina ahead of martinek on depth chart.
Parenteau has upside. Great hands. He is only guy that scored on rangers shootout when they lost to philly in finally game.
Nice work. I agree no reason to overpay. Gonchar could be on ir 3 months in and hamonic and de haan will be way better than martin in few yrs.
We will sign a top 6 forward or trade for a top 6 forward. We may also sign another player or 2 and make some trades.. Maybe we trade Hunter and Gervais
Peter #740
Where did Martin’s agent say that the Isles offered more?
He said, *”Garth was really aggressive in trying to sign Paul,” said Martin’s agent, Ben Hankinson, who added that Snow talked to the former Devils defenseman personally”. *Newsday 7/2/10
It was Katie Strang’s “sources” (ooooooohhh) that said we offered more than Pitts. Probably the same “source” from the Wilpon rebuttal.
But I am glad he personnaly spoke with Martin. Way to get involved…lol. At least we know he is “active”.
Look, I LOVE this team. I have been a fan since I was 6 years old in ‘81. It is KILLING me that this is happening. This is pure frustration and a this blog is simply a means to vent that frustration.
I will still be a NVMC come opening night like I have been for the past 20 or so years. But Garth and Charlie HAVE to do a better job at improving this team every year. The draft is an absolute crap shoot. Nino and Kiril(s) can bust big-time! Then what?
I also think that the current stable of prospects also reflects what Garth is shopping for when it comes to FA’s.
We can try to chart the progress of some prospects to see how Garth views them as potential to make the team or join the team for a cup of coffee this season.
LW- M. Martin: Already a few descent NHL games under the belt … may make some noise in traning camp … could use another year of finishing school at the Bridge … but definitely in the convo.
Def- C. deHaan: Had an injury shortened season in Juniors last year. Really needs to bulk up and get some pro-experience at the Bridge … Not NHL ready at last report. May have a cup of coffee or two on the Island.
D- Katic: I have no idea of where he is after 1 year at the Bridge.
LW- J. Joensuu: Work in progress … we will probably see him up and down. Is he ready for full time job?
D- Andy Mac: Another work in progress that we may see up and down, perhaps win a job on the blue line out of camp.
D- D. Kohn: Been waiting for him for a while. Where is he now? How far from landing a full time job.
C- M. DiBo: I’m afraid another year of development before we can even gauge his development.
Rakshani? … We’ll get a taste of him at the Bridge.
I didn’t include this years draft class … and there are a few others from last year in college … We will definitely need more development, and FA next year of better quality.
STRUMMER, my bad, it was more a “touchables” list you had Figren on. Sorry, no hard feelings. I would add Kabonov to the list of untouchables, and Blake Kessel seems promising.
plz snow trade trent hunter for a bag of pucks. Waive him…. i cant stand hunter. 75% of this blog can move quicker than hunts
As far as next year’s playoff contenders in the East:
–I don’t think Buffalo is a lock after their blueline losses.
–I think Atlanta is going to be close to a lock. Seriously. They have really stocked up.
–The Senators are a lock.
–The Devils strike me as a team that could suddenly look old, and play like it.
Day 2 thread closed. Enjoy the weekend.