STRAIGHT TALK FROM GORDON
On Bailey, keeping 8 D and Comeau
(Blake Comeau)
Scott Gordon and I had a 45-minute discussion late this afternoon at Iceworks on a range of subjects, including sports reporting and this blog. But from the more than 50 blog comments since the announcement of the final roster, I know what you want to hear about.
I asked Gordon some tough questions and he looked me in the eye and earnestly addressed each one. In the brief time I’ve known him, I see no reason not to give him every benefit of the doubt. His dutiful adherence to the Islanders’ amateurish injury policy aside, he has been open and fair with reporters since taking the job. So here’s his side of the story, presented to Point Blank readers for their review.
Josh Bailey: I asked Gordon directly if the 2008 ninth overall pick is still here in part because the Islanders want to show their fans they didn’t make a mistake moving from 5 to 7 to 9 in the first round to take Bailey and add draft picks. Much has been made this week of could-have-been-Islanders Luke Schenn (5-Toronto) Nikita Filatov (6, Columbus) and Mikkel Boedker (8, Phoenix) making their NHL clubs.
Gordon told me he was too wrapped up in his own team the last few weeks to have any clue how the other first-rounders were doing in their camps and whether they made the NHL. “Honestly, I don’t follow how they’re doing or how their teams are handling their development. That’s their business,” said Gordon. “To suggest that I’m keeping Josh around because some other top draft picks may still be with their teams is not right. Josh has something. I want to take a longer look.”
Fair enough, in my view. But does it makes sense to keep Bailey from the captaincy in Windsor for up to a month when he has not wowed at camp and the Islanders have plenty of veterans higher on the depth chart?
Gordon pointed out that just because Bailey is with the team today - he may or not play Friday - doesn’t mean it’s a lock he’ll be here for 9 games. Could be just 2 or 3, could be - gasp - 82. As the press has learned in this camp, this coach is a man who likes to keep his options open and not publicly project further in advance than he has to.
Point Blank’s Take: This is Gordon’s call, and Gordon likes what he has seen so far from the kid. Nevertheless, Bailey is here to play 9 games max, and could return to the OHL sooner.
The 8 D: The Islanders opted to keep eight defensemen today, not including the injured Chris Campoli and Andy Sutton. Brett Skinner and Jack Hillen, the only survivors not on one-way contracts, made the roster on performance. Gordon seemed to imply the Islanders will not go long with two healthy defensemen sitting in the press box.
Point Blank’s Take: Many teams like to keep eight dmen at the start of the season. Coaches want the extra bodies in case of injury and they like having eight defensemen for practices. Expect the Islanders to keep eight for about a week before one, maybe two defensemen make their way to Bridgeport.
Blake Comeau: The 22-year old forward, a rare bright spot last season, practiced in an orange jersey today with four other players. The other four were demoted to Bridgeport this afternoon. This has created a perception that Comeau, a darling last season, has not won over Gordon.
The coach, as he often does, insisted that his thoughts on players will be shared with those players before he ever, if he ever, shares them with the media. Gordon did make it evident he likes Comeau and knows the youngster is held in high regard by management and fans for his play in the NHL last season.
Point Blank’s Take: This is nothing more than a case of what I call Campoli Syndrome. Chris Campoli had a standout rookie season under Steve Stirling and Brad Shaw before Ted Nolan became head coach and Campoli struggled proving himself all over again. Comeau is in the same spot, but it isn’t personal and it isn’t fatal. Comeau is a prospect who had 15 points in 51 NHL games this season. He can handle the adversity.
11 Responses to “STRAIGHT TALK FROM GORDON
On Bailey, keeping 8 D and Comeau”
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Thanks Chris, good stuff.
I’m glad that Comeau isn’t already in Gordon’s doghouse, as was my concern.
As for everyone double & triple guessing Snow, Morrow, & the rest of the team on the draft picks, it’s crazy. To the naysayers, I ask you this: How can Bailey be such a huge bust when every ‘expert’ out there says the Isles had one of the best drafts this year?
i hope he keeps comeau around. i really like the kid.
Chris, thanks for inside info - keep it up.
1) Comeau, whom I like, should and I’m sure will see ice time …but as was pointed out 15 points in 51 games last year is ok but it’s not like he’s some offensive machine that’s being ignored by a new coach …lets just see how things play out
2) Totally agree with Rick. I don’t think it’s a PR stunt, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this kid can do and I hope he shows enough, because I would rather watch him than old man Sillinger gimp his way all over the ice …out with the old …
While I like the fact that Gordon wants to keep his options open, I have to agree with you Chris that keeping Bailey here is probably not in his best interest. What purpose does it serve to keep him around so Gordon can him when he’ll be in mini-camp next summer and then training camp next fall. Plus since Gordon loves using video to scout and analyze, he can just watch some of the Windsor games this season.
And why keep him here if he is not going to play? That makes little to no sense. Bailey is a great kid and deserves better treatment than this limbo he is in. I never really thought anything could shake his confidence, but this might, and that angers me.
Adam, do you really think Bailey is hanging in limbo??? Right now I’m guessing he is the happiest 19 yr old on the planet. He might actually might make his NHL debut in a couple of days and I’m pretty sure Gordon’s reasons for keeping him around are pretty good. Giving him a small taste of the NHL is going to shake his confidence?
I definitely think he is the happiest kid in world right now, yes. But if Gordon is true to his word that he doesn’t tell the media anything he hasn’t said to a player, then he has probably told Bailey he doesn’t know how long he will be here. Could that inspire him? Sure, and I bet it does. But it also has a downside. Add that to the fact that he may not play Friday, which is the most bizarre point, it could have some potentially bad repercussions.
All that being getting a taste of the NHL will not shake his confidence, I agree. But that’s not what I’m concerned about. Nothing makes people worry more than uncertainty. I know it’s cliche, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
zzzzzzzzzzz
Good read! thanks. The only thing I feel right now about all this? I believe the potential is there, I think the guys are hungry to make a change happen, I think what the coach has in mind sounds good but remains to be seen until the season unfolds..it’s kinda hard to pass judgement til then. Fingers crossed!
Adam there is no way Bailey is not in the lineup this weekend. If he doesn’t play friday maybe Gordon wants him to watch a game from up top? Who knows but I don’t think they will jerk this kid around. Plus Bailey already might know what the deal is and nobody is talking to the media. Media and the fans are usually the last to find out. LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!! The Tavares/ Hedman watch begins in 48 hours!!!!!
Chris. What makes Comeau so special is his ability to hang on to the puck in the offensive zone and his patience to make a good pass or play. Do you think the problem he is having is that his style contrasts too much with Gordons unload the puck quickly method?
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252003&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
Filatov sent to the AHL.