SILLINGER’S NEW TEAM: BRIDGEPORT
37-year old center agrees to AHL conditioning stint
10:25 am - Point Blank has learned that the next step in the comeback of veteran center Mike Sillinger will be a conditioning stint in the American Hockey League.
The 37-year old Sillinger, attempting to return to the NHL after major hip surgery, is expected to make his Sound Tigers debut on Sunday when Bridgeport hosts Philadelphia in a 4:00 pm game at the Arena at Harbor Yard. The plan calls for Sillinger to also play Friday, Nov. 28 in a home game against Hartford and on the 29th in Worcester.
Sillinger has not played in the minor leagues since the 1992-93 season, when he played 15 games for the Adirondack Red Wings. He has played more than 1,000 NHL games since.
Ten days ago, we broached the subject of a minor league conditioning stint with Sillinger. He said his progress was not yet at the point where it was even a consideration. But several more Islanders practices later, it appears the veteran is ready to test himself in AHL action.
Sillinger is not required to play in the minors, but he agreed it was a necessary step on the road to NHL game No. 1,043.
54 Responses to SILLINGER’S NEW TEAM: BRIDGEPORT
37-year old center agrees to AHL conditioning stint
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Adam M. says:
I hope he comes around soon so Comrie can be moved.
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bCarey says:
CB – I assume there are no waiver issues involved with this move. Is there a stipulation in the CBA that accounts for this scenario?
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Good luck to Silly. He is probably dying to play and score. Plus his leadership will help a lot. He is Witt’s type of player: slow on skates, but smart and skillful with a big hockey heart.
Go get yourself in shape in Bridgeport and come back in the lineup to move out some dead weight like Comrie. -
UIF says:
bCarey, I’m no CBA expert, but I’m pretty sure a guy coming off injury can do a conditioning stint w/out clearing waivers. I love how Sillinger approaches games mentally. He will be another returning player who should help lock down the third period.
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Unfortunately, I think the writing is on the wall. I feel that Bailey will be sent to Windsor so as to keep him locked up for three years after this one. I feel Sillinger will play center, and Comrie will be traded.
To CHI: Mike Comrie
To NYI: Cam BarkerSmart for both teams. Comrie is the second line center that Chicago needs badly, and Barker jumps into our defensive corps as a reliable three-four defenseman with potential to develop even further. Chicago already has Campbell and Sopel to move the puck, so Barker is expendable. Playing next to Witt, he could develop into a number two defenseman!!!
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Cain says:
Methinks Comrie will play Left Wing, Sillinger will be eased back in centering the fourth line and we’ll see Tamby and Sim sitting.
Josh will get his 9 games and then a decision will be made, resulting in trades and decent players sitting in the press box, competing for game time.
Wonderful problem to have.
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Yeah UIF is right. Vets can do conditioning stints without waivers.
I think in almost every case, the player has to agree to them, but the player usually does so because either 1) he actually needs it, or 2) it can postpone a roster decision that might entail waiving him.
(Not implying (2) applies to Sillinger.)
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Chris TMC says:
Rest assured, the team is not risking waivers or anything of the sort by letting sillie play a few conditioning games. I think this is a great idea!
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The Mick says:
With all this winning of late is there any reason to tinker with the lineup?
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By the way, Cam Barker was a 3rd overall pick a few years ago. I can’t imagine Chicago would give him up for Comrie.
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KenB says:
Don’t trade Comrie now! We gotta wait till the trade deadline to get something of value for him! Besides I just got my Comrie # 89 Sweater!!!
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Comrie isnt a bad guy, he has just been hurt. Cut him some slack, jeez… and besides, even when he is injured he is more productive than Tambellini is when he is healthy.
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I’m sure he’s glad to just be getting back on the ice. Anyone’s ice. Hell, send him to play for the Stony Brook Seawolves. I’m sure they’d be happy to have him. ;o)
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Tambs is frustrating, no doubt. He has such a nice wrist shot, but in game situations, he gets like Hilbert in front of the net and just whacks at the puck instead of shooting it hard and making the goalie work
If we could somehow genetically combine Park’s poise with Tambellini’s shot, we’d have an offensive dynamo, I think.
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guerin13 says:
glad that sillinger’s injury problems look to be over. my guess is that when he comes back bailey is returned to windsor and comrie is eventually traded. i like what i see from bailey but i’m not sure if he’s ready for a full nhl season yet.
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love me some sillinger says:
As you can probably tell from my screen name, all I can say is… HALLELUJAH!!!!!
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JohnnyC. says:
I am glad Gordon is sticking with Tambs. He is playing better the last few games,getting himself in position to at least score and using his body. Just needs that one to go in and maybe finally he can relax. Look at Franz how he has played since he scored his first one this year also Okposo. Nolan would have burried them last year.
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steve says:
Just wondering, was anyone else planning on participating in the facebook chat with Bruno Gervais today? I was interested in the kind of questions he was going to get and was excited to ask him my question of who his facorite defensive partner is on the team and who his roomate is on the road. I’m guessing practice ran late this morning so they had to cancel it. Any word on this CB?
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Tom says:
Please tell me when he does come back tambi is waived.
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I don’t know, JohnnyC…I thought Nolan gave decent minutes to young people that earned them, but I know I’m in the minority there. Bergy, Comeau, Campoli all saw plenty of minutes. The big fight seemed to be over Tambs, and we’re still debating that one.
I think Gordon’s system is more exciting to watch, and the Isles have had success with it lately, but I don’t see it as “if Gordon is successful, that means Nolan must have stunk.” He’ll always have my respect for taking us from league-wide punch line to the playoffs in 06-07, and getting 40 goals out of Blake and 20+ out of several other players that year on a very sub-par roster.
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Mike from Queens says:
Tom,
If Andy Hilbert is still here on the strength of his AHL performance, then Tambellini deserves the same kind of chance. I’d rather see Tamby get adjusted here and potentially be a factor than give up on him and see him score 20-30 goals in another system.
You can make an all-star lineup of players the Isles have given up on, only to have them go and do well somewhere else.
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Uncle Jr says:
In my opinion when Silli and Comrie get back Tambs sits and Baily goes back to Windsor to captain that team and participate in the World Jrs. This is it for Tambs, he has about 2 weeks worth of games to prove he belongs in the NHL before Silli and Comrie get back. Sim IMHO has to keep playing and doing what he does… getting under opponents skin and crashing the net getting dirty garbage goals. Personally i would not sit Sim, if anything i would raise his ice time a bit.
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Yeah, I figured there were no waiver issues with Sillie. I thought there might be an interesting rule in the CBA about it. That’s why I asked. Thanks for the answers, though.
If Tamby went anywhere I’d be shocked. I think they’ll give him a full season and it wouldn’t surprise me if he put together a nice stretch from the AS Break on. Say something along the lines of 12 goals in the second half, 16 or 17 total. Any word on Okposo?
Oh and did anyone else see the MSG Plus ad for Isles-Devs that compared Kevin Weekes to “an empty net?” I was amazed. MSG broadcasts both teams!
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Is Thompson on a one-way or two-way? I’d send him down, I think, if Jackman continues to fill the role the way he has. Plus, Jackman’s a winger and Thompson a center, so it eases the center logjam a bit when Comrie and Sillinger come back.
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Isles Fan in Ulster County says:
Bailey going back to Windsor isn’t bad. I would rather he stayed with the big boys, but he’ll learn a lot in Windsor, plus he can participate in the Juniors tournament.
Comrie is clearly not working out. He is lazy. If the system doesn’t fit with him, then he should go as soon as possible. I don’t want Jackman demoted because Comrie returns.
Chicago won’t go for that trade no matter what Eklund wants to rumor. Why trade a good defenseman for a center who looks miserable on the ice?
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Agree with Ulster… we arent getting much for Comrie, especially now. Maybe when teams get desperate near the deadline, but even then he isnt worth much.
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With respect to Comrie, don’t forget we don’t really know the extent of his hip injury…not being able to move well can make one look lazy. I don’t know how well I’d be walking shortly after hip surgery, let alone skating all-out against people who are slamming me into the boards.
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Strummer's Army says:
Smart move and the added bonus is you have a guy like Sillinger down there teaching some of our young prospects. Much better then the Parrish move which was nothing more then Snow helping his buddy out, while losing ice time for our prospects.
Not sure on the Devs enforcer situation but Buf needs pay back. Time for Fritz. The teams we face coming up has Laraque, Godard, Peters, and Lucic. Jackman can’t handle any of them, Sutton can’t either. I am sure Sutton’s hand is still not fully healed because Neil really tried to get him to fight several times and Sutton wouldn’t. Andy Hilbert can sit.
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Tim says:
Comrie dogged it for half the season last year. He’s known to be a half-ass kinda guy, so while his play lately may be a reflection of the injury, I don’t ever see that guy putting an effort in every night, or even most nights, of the season.
Barker for Comrie? Let’s be realistic here. Chicago isn’t run by Mike Milbury.
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JPinVA says:
It will be nice to see Sillinger again, but at what cost?
Comrie is already out, and will have a tough time working his way back into this, or any other lineup. There is almost no value there at all.
Jackman is becoming a key player in VICTORIES… you can’t demote him right now.
Thompson was in the same position that jackman was before he got hurt, he should be the only one to replace him.
Tambellini will be on the ice until either he performs or he is D O N E… this has got to be it for him. He does look better, but how can you compare him with the other forwards on the team who ARE PRODUCING…(Bergy, Okposo, Jackman…even Hilbert)
Bailey… this is the most likely option. Sillinger’s return will run concurrent with Bailey’s 9 games (almost). If they win 5 or 6 of the 9 it will be a heartbreaker to see him sent back to juniors… especially to a team that doesn’t need him. And to be replaced by a guy who won’t be here next year. I don’t envy Snow, to have that decision to make.
Park is way too valuable.
Sim is making his presence known…
Hilbert in the booth would be my option.
That leaves:
Bergy-Weight-Guerin
Tambellini-Nielsen-Hunter
Okposo-Bailey-Park
(or Park slides to C and Hilbert replaces Bailey)
Jackman-Sillinger-Sim
No Comrie, no Hilbert, and thompson pushes Jackman from the AHL until Sillinger is traded… or 2009.Any thoughts?
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A player can be sent down for 5 games for conditioning without any issue of coming back up.
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Good post JP … all your points are valid. I think that Hilbert has found his role and IMHO is excelling in it. He is a very good penalty killer and very responsible in his own zone, he works hard and knows the system well and plays it well. I was never a Hilbert fan but he has been an asset so far this season.
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Let’s see where Bailey is at come the 7-game mark. Question – if he continues to look capable, like he did last night, but puts up no more points in that time beyond the one in Ottawa, would you guys keep him up or send him back?
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From what I gave seen so far the kid has hands and good hockey sense which you are born with … hockey sense cannot be taught. Okposo doesnt have it although i think he will be an above avg player in the NHL. I would keep Bailey up only if he gets major minutes. If not I would let him rip it up in Jrs and see what he can do at the Worlds. Sending him back wouldnt be the worst thing that could happen to him. Keeping on the 4th line getting 3-4 mins a game would stunt his growth. Just my opinion.
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It’s nice to see Silly on the mend and back on the ice in bridgeport.His presence and experience will do wonders for those kids. I wonder who will be the odd man out when he comes back up.
I will tell ya, that this Goalie situation seems very interesting for when DP heals up i see and hear by being at the games that Mcdonald is the Fan Favorite!! -
Frank James says:
Puck Daddy on Yahoo! had this about Comrie
Cap considerations and general concerns about fair value have evidently killed a potential trade of Michael Nylander from the Washington Capitals to the Chicago Blackhawks for power forward Dustin Byfuglien. Getting a second-line center and moving Patrick Sharp back to wing is pretty darn important; but here’s the reality of the Blackhawks’ surroundings from Third Man In: “Mike Comrie and Doug Weight on Long Island are probably available at the right price but Byfuglien and/or Cam Barker will be the going rate. And they always will be in each and every case until we get closer to the trade deadline
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That’s where that rumor came from. -
I just don’t see anyone giving up anything of value for Comrie…or Weight for that matter. Maybe a little more at the deadline, but Ottawa got Comrie from Phoenix for basically a bag of pucks a couple of years ago around the deadline, and I’m not sure his value has gone up much since then.
I can see Weight, if he has a productive year, having value to a young playoff team (like Phoenix if they’re close at the deadline) as a “steady veteran presence,” or something like that. But there again, unless he’s really turning some heads, I can’t see the return being too spectacular.
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Rob says:
Somehow the Blues got Andy MacDonald from Anaheim for Weight last year. Maybe the Ducks allowed Mike Milbury one more day as a GM, kind of like how the Isles brought back Arbour for #1500 last year?
As much as I like to watch the young guys play, if Sillinger comes back healthy I think you’ve got to send down Bailey. He’s still young and, although he’s looked pretty good so far, could probably use another year of seasoning in the OHL. Maybe a 100-assist season will boost his confidence even more so he can eventually become a more explosive full-time NHLer.
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Willis says:
Good for Sillinger. I wish him the best of luck!!!!
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ISLESFAN999 says:
My thoughts.. Send bailey down after 5 games.. good for sillinger bring him up when after the conditioning.. trade comrie for a # 1 or top prospect.. Jackman is better than Thompson..
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matt says:
Comrie looked lazy last year. He is weak on the puck and in his own end, I for one am not in any rush to see him back. And for anyone who thinks Chicago is going to give up Cam Barker for him you have a screw loose. I don’t care if he led the team in points last year. He has always had the rep of being lazy bcs. he is. Going to be interesting to see if Sillinger can hold up playing the way the team has. I think if Bailey is playing well we don’t send him down. The kid is showing signs but will see he’s got some games left. Hope KO’s OK!
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We will never, I repeat, never, ever get a #1 for Comrie. We will also never get a top prospect for him. He sucks, we are the only fans that thinks he is good. Unless somebody hires Milbury of course. Not even a late first unless we include something else in the deal and please don’t say Gervais!
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Bailey needs to be kept. He is giving us what no one else is capable of. He is getting good ice time and will get more as the year goes on. THis makes him even more successful for next year and we can have a faster rebuild.
Yes, send Comrie away when we can get fair value.
Yes trade Sillinger to a contender by the deadline.
Yes, move Hilbert if possible or send him to the Bridge via waivers. I’d rather have Jackman, Fritz, Bailey, or Sillinger in the spot not to mention Comeau, Collitton etc.
Most of the players don’t fit the system as mentioned by several scouts and people but as time goes on we’ll exchange more assets for the right type of players.
Any word in Okposo yet? Wrist injury seems to indicate someone gave a nasty slash.
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I would like to see Bailey stay too of course if he shows he can and as far as I’m concerned so far so good. I like Sillinger but if he impacts others playing time I say dish him. You have to let the kids play if you want them to develop. You have some people playing well that honestly thought never would like Jackman, its pretty exciting to watch so I say let them play!
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randy boyd says:
I would like to see Sillinger come back healthy and have Bailey sent to Windsor where he should develop properly. No need at all to hurry the process. Actually, even if Sillinger doesn’t make it back, Bailey should still go back to Juniors.
I would also like to see Comrie moved. I like him, but his forte is slowing the game down and he does not operate very well at high speed, a real negative in Gordon’s system. I much prefer the style, speed and edge that Thompson provides.
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I think Bailey could stay and develop just fine in the NHL. That being said, I agree that if his ice time diminishes a lot then the best thing for him is let him go back to juniors.
Re: Comrie, he DID look lazy a good part of last year but suddenly he was out and then we heard he had an operation over the summer. I think he was just another one playing hurt last season and had limited strength and power. Apparently he doesn’t like to tell anyone. Now this year he looked lazy again but it does seem like he is just not healed right and was trying to play thru it. Not fair to his teammates if you ask me but aside from that, if he can get to 100% (and learn another move), he might be able to up his value by the deadline. He has the speed so that’s a plus. Thing is, we can’t get rid of him if he has no value so its in all of our best interests to get him back and get him producing. -
Pride-N- Passion NYI Hockey~ says:
Andy Hilbert at this time , is hands down more valuable then Jeff Tambellini & his “ZERO”,Production!
I was dismayed with all the chances that hilbert recieved last 2 years & total
Goals scored from them,Though when the team plays like a cohesive & Functional as they are right now,
It becomes clear Andy Hilbert is needed &is playing his role well as a PK specialist & a scrappy energy guy 4th line , with occasional 3rd line usage
when hes flying. (like he was last night)Bottom line Dont question Hilberts contribution to this club, I no longer do.
He’s Earned that Respect!Question why Tambellini,still can not produce or play with any consistencey
@the NHL level… Tick.. Tick… tick..
Clock is approaching midnight on his days in the NY Isles!(at least the big club)Lets go Isles….Lets Go Islanders!!
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Tambellini should be the odd man out over all mentioned thus far in my book!
Good Day all!Lets go Isles… Lets Go Islanders!!
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The loose bolts here are probably comrie, thompson, Bailey, tambellini and Jackman.
Bailey, tambellin and Jackman have spots.
1. Sending Bailey to juniors isn’t going to be the end of the world. It’s nice to see that he has some NHL potential, but he can probably use some upper body strength and work on his footwork in one on ones.
2. Tambellini is probably going to get a strong look this year, and that means 25-50 games with 12+ mins and good PP time. He is showing great effort, and has made some chances, but he just hasn’t found that confidence yet to be NHL AGGRESSIVE. Never having played NHL hockey I don’t really know what it is, but a perfect example is the difference between the 2007 Jackman and the 2008 Jackman… he’s become ALL-Jack-ED-UP-man. Who knew?
3. If they send Jackman to the minors right now it would be a cold slap in the face to what they’re trying to accomplish. He worked his tail off in bridgeport to rise from obscurity, and is taking advantage of every opportunity…Everybody’s “Hilbert” arguments are valid, so I’m not even going to add him to the equation. YES, I appreciate his talent and contributions… I just think that his lack of “finish” makes him tough to carry when you have guys like Bergy, Nielsen, Park, Thompson, Jackman and Sim who offer similar strengths, with added production value. And jeez… he almost killed somebody when he tripped over the blue line last night.
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The difference with respect given to your opinion JP…..
Jackman is a role player the Scatchard comparison
(mentioned by another blooger) was a good one.
Jackman brings tenacity, size, & occasional Goal Scoring… Already Crashes the Net better then the smallish tambellini probably ever will!Jackman is worth more then Tambellini to the Isles as well!
Tambellini was a 1st Round pick 27th overall by the LA Kings in 03′
Hes Played 95 games in The NHL with 2 teams.
4 goals 15 assites grand total 19 pts
along with 32 pim’s and a +/- of -8!How Long of a strong look with a varied assortment of sytems & coaches to you need before you realize he’ not an NHLer?
Dave Taylor (ex gm Kings) was a world class player & a Bright Hockey Guy…
If he traded him early on…
I will trust Dave Taylor on this!Tambellini is may have good blood lines, yet make no mistake he is not his father
who was a fantastic role player..Jeffs supposed to be a sniping winger?
just dont see it! right speed for gordons system , just not the right execution/skill level at the NHL level!JPin Va Great Isles fan read alot of your stuff its solid and again respect your opinion..
just disagree on this one.
Lets go Isles… Lets Go Islanders!!P.S. wonder if they would have been better of trying to keep Parrish in a place (LI) where he played well?
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PNP,
I appreciate the kind words, but I think you misunderstood my point. I think tambellini should go for sure. Those of us who have followed the circus act that is the NYI’s past 15 years have been trying to make sense of it all.
One of the reasons (rationalizations) Snow ex-isled Nolan was that he did not give “the kids” a chance. Nolan said he would get to the rink and he’d have players there he wasn’t expecting.
TAMBELLINI is the the key to that argument.
Comeau… had a chance and excelled. Nielsen had a chance, had some injuries, but had some success. He definitely fits into Gordon’s system better.
Bergy… chance… success. I think that Bergy is the RE in Weight and Guerin’s REBIRTH.
Colliton… never gonna be more than a third liner on a team that was FuLL OF THIRD LINERS.
Jackman’s no “kid” but he was afforded what he earned under Nolan.
All the “D” got chances, and they were ALL EX-ISLED…
So the only person Snow could hang that accusation on was TAMBELLINI. (and maybe Walter… but Walter was even passed up by his former coach for Thompson)
YES, I was a Nolan supporter, but I’m perfectly willing to give Gordon a shot (no choice, I root for the name on the front, not the one on the back). But Tambellini has become a political pawn. Eventually they will give up on him and he’ll either waste away in obscurity or he’ll find another role, like many others have, somewhere else. I wish him all the best. Heck, I’d love him to light it up and have 10 before x-mas. Like most fans I just don’t see it.
If you’ve read the Logan blog you might rememember that my assessment from day one was, “this is the only guy in the NHL that hurts himself when he throws a body check”Parrish had lead in his skates, i really don’t think he would work much better than Fritz in this system. He’s going to succeed again. He just needs somewhere that fits his talent… nobody tipped and deflected better than Parrish. But that’s my opinion… as much as I liked Parrish when he was an Islander.
So… bottom line… I think we agree more than you are lead to believe.
There is also this…
BLAKE V TAMBELLINI
I don’ think anybody would disagree that Blake was overpriced in July 2007. But in december 2006 he could have been had for a modest raise, and probably could have been negotiated down to 3 years to stay on the Island. I firmly believe that GARTH SNOW HATES BLAKE(from their playing days). He had no problem renegotiating with anybody else last year, Hunter, Hilbert, Meyer… But Blake… during a career year was set adrift.
I think it also added to the Nolan fire that Ted HIGHLIGHTED Blake and got the most out of him.
I respected Blake’s tireless effort, but there was definitely something that put him on an Island. The guy doesn’t seem to be well liked ANYWHERE. I’m pretty sure that Peca and Tucker set him up to rent a house in Toronto area that is the worst commute to the rink. He just isn’t a good teammate (purely speculation). We’ll wait for Chris’ book for the real story.
Anyway… Snows rationalization for getting rid (basically) of a 40 goal scorer is to replace him with TAMBELLINI.. and that is not working out.
..and it’s eating at him. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure he could have gone in the third round draft pick yard sale last year.
Just a thought(or three). -
Indeed ,I think I misunderstood you.
Simply Put I agree with You!point on Blake always felt it was Yashin who made Blake & his career year!
Bad Teamate , maybe….Writing on the wall once they knew Yashin would not be retained?
I think diffenatly!everything being equal JP it’s nice to be able to debate getting rid of excess parts on a team that is becoming
just that…. A TEAM!!Now lets Make The Dev’s The 4TH in a row!!
Lets Go Isles… Lets GO Islanders!! -
I think Nolan put them in a position to succeed, but I don’ tthink that yashin could live up to anybody’s expectations of a HOCKEY PLAYER.
Purely speculation, but I think he was beyond motivation… The whole “100%” dialogue Nolan had with the media wrang out as a scathing accusation.
..but maybe I’m the only one who heard that between the lines.
But you are correct… Yashin and Blake sparked… but Blake went the whole year with however he played with and continued to produce.
Okay.. I think that horse is dead, and sufficiently beaten!
So will Sillinger on his way back and Comrie coming back, Gordon and Snow have some decisions to make. What to do about Baily and Jackman. At some point Thompson will be back soon as well. Does this open the door for a trade? Does Baily get shipped out to Windsor? A lot of questions coming up, no?