A PAIR OF PRIME REBUILDING BLOCKS
Islanders interested in Bozak and LI’s Gilroy
(Matt Gilroy)
The Islanders have two opportunities to step up their rebuilding program over the next several months without relinquishing any assets in a trade. As Darren Dreger recently reported on TSN, college free agents Tyler Bozak and Matt Gilroy are two of the hottest properties in the game.
Point Blank has learned that the Islanders are seriously interested in both.
The team’s courtship of Gilroy is no state secret. The Boston University defenseman is from North Bellmore, NY and met with Islanders officials last season to discuss his future. Going against the advice of even his own coach Jack Parker, the 24-year old Gilroy turned down more than a dozen NHL contract offers in order to play his fourth and final season at BU, where his brother Kevin is a freshman forward.
The 6-2, 200-pound two-way defenseman is 1-8-9 in 13 games this season with the Terriers. Most scouts consider him a second-pair defenseman with the potential to be a No. 2 and believe he could play in the NHL next season without any time in the minors.
The Islanders were one of the leading candidates to sign Gilroy last spring, and figure to be again when the Long Islander’s collegiate career ends in March or April.
(Tyler Bozak)
Gilroy is arguably the second-most sought after college free agent. Tyler Bozak is without a doubt No. 1.
The sophomore center at the University of Denver is 7-11-18 in 15 games this season. One Eastern Conference scout calls the 20-year old “dynamic,” “fast” and “a complete player.”
For comparison, Point Blank recently ranked Denver forward Rhett Rakhshani as the Islanders’ No. 5 prospect not currently in Bridgeport or with the big club. If the Islanders signed Bozak, Rakhshani’s Pioneers teammate would be neck-and-neck with the top-ranked Kirill Petrov - and the team wouldn’t have to worry about getting him here.
Dreger reported that 26 NHL teams have expressed interest in Bozak. We can confirm that the Islanders are one of them. The college player cannot have an agent, but he is being “advised” by Wade Arnott, with whom the Islanders share a cordial working relationship.
Scouts seem convinced Bozak has the ability to step right into the NHL next season. While the competition for Bozak’s services will be fierce, the Islanders no doubt could find a spot for him down the middle.
78 Responses to “A PAIR OF PRIME REBUILDING BLOCKS
Islanders interested in Bozak and LI’s Gilroy”
Please Wait
Both would be great. Get it done Garth!!!
Very interesting. I can see Gilroy signing here because of his LI ties. At 6′2″ he’s got size. But I’d be surprised if Bozak signed here. Why would he if he’s got his choice of teams. Although immediate icetime could help.
Saw the Dreger clip. Two of them look SWEET! To get 1 of them would be a nice.. I like Gilroy as the better fit. Being from NY and all Start from the backend and work way up to forwards. Good D are nice to come by.
Terry…don’t forget loads of cash. Also the Isles would be an organization with some familiar faces and that obviously values DU players - see Dubie, Mannino, Rakhshani, and others I might be forgetting off the top of my head.
They sound good. Hopefully we get Petrov too though. I didn’t like the “we wouldn’t need him to come over here comment after we got all jeweled up for him.
Chris, I do not know what the salary situation is for the Isles next year, and what contracts come up, but these sound like the types of players they need to get. My guess is, that a couple of shovels of dirt in the ground, (if you get my drift) would be a major aid in decision on how much to spend, if they decide these are players worth signing.
Matt he said you wouldn’t have to worry about getting Bozak here. He wasn’t talking about Petrov.
Oh what I wouldn’t give to see a fellow Bellmoreite (or is it Bellmoron?) join the Islanders.
Gilroy has been a force at BU - had the pleasure of watching him live many, many times.
Jack Hillen was prized last year and we got him. 1) He saw that there was not much competetiton or depth at his position (not much as changed Harmonic and Neimi are probably 2 years away at least, Geravis has flamed out and you know the rest) and there isn’t too much at center either.
2) Garth not only gave tons of cash but had the first year of his contract kick in when he played his first game. That is good creative thinking and gave the team an edge.
Either guy can see the opportunity. Those are the two biggest positions of need. I am excited now to research them and can’t wait for the college season. If signed during the year they can finish out the year with the Islanders, it is after the deadline so there will be room.
Chris, I’d like to 2nd the word counter idea.
as a friend of gilroys I would love to have him here..the kid can skate like wind and move the puck with the best of them..I really think we’ll see him in an islander sweater soon
Ryan work on your buddy. Get him here brother!!!
Maybe The isles are interesting in this guy. I can tell you this player could be a good deal. He is one of the best forward in the Swiss League (28ga 18g 15a 33p) and when he was playing in the OHL he posted 127ga 53g 65a 118p.
According to Swiss reports, several NHL teams have been scouting Swiss forward Roman Wick, and there are rumors that he could be the next “Fabian Brunnstrom.” (ie. the next hyped European free agent prospect.) Wick plays for Kloten Flyers, and was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators 156th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, but was never signed to a contract. Wick’s agent Christoph Graph said to slapshot.ch: “It is not a rumor, it’s true: We are bringing Wick next season into the NHL.” Up to 20 NHL teams have been scouting the Swiss forward, including the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings. Brochu’s take: He could become this year’s overhyped European prospect. However, Wick does have two years in the WHL under his belt. With the early success of Brunnstrom, more and more NHL teams are scouting the European.
Regarding the idea of throwing cash at these guys to get them here–Aren’t there provisions in the CBA regarding entry level contracts that put a cap on what they can make?
yup
In that case it’s all about the playing situation and any perks that could be included (i.e. Hillen getting those 2 games with the club last year).
I will say I said “Two words: Matt Gilroy” to Snow over the summer and he grinned ear-to-ear. I would not be the least bit surprised to see him in the blue and orange next year. Bozak may be a harder nut to crack, but I think they have a great shot at it.
Don’t think thats what he meant jax
Matt- Read it again. He said he would be right up there with petrov as the best prospect. He then says you wouldn’t have to worry about getting here like you do with Petrov.
Don’t know much about them… But Gilroy seems to be a good character guy if he turned down NHL money to play one more year in college for his team and his brother. Garth seems to have a knack for getting the college FA’s, sounds good to me.
Ferdinand, the Swiss fwd prospect do you know if he is a wing or center?
Any of you who read the Russian interview with Petrov that someone posted a long time ago makes it sound like his contract isn’t an issue and that he’ll be here sooner then later.
Ryan Caldwell is another recent Denver alum (former captain–in fact) who’s been through our system.
Nice, I didn’t know Gilroy was from Long Island but even better. However, my enthusiam is tempered a bit by the Pock reference in the quote. With Bozak we’ll see what kind of salesman Rhasanski is.:)
Look for Boston University defenseman Matt Gilroy, a junior, to turn pro within days, if not hours, after the Terriers wrap up their season. Much like ex-UMass defenseman Thomas Pock, who signed with the Rangers in March 2004 after four seasons with the Minutemen, Gilroy is considered the hottest college free agent on the market. “No question,” said one league GM, “he’ll have 30 offers on the table when he’s ready.” Gilroy, who grew up on Long Island, originally joined the Terriers program as a walk-on, agreeing to switch from forward to defenseman for a shot at making the club.
Great scoop CB! This is the sort of coverage I look forward to and now expect only from Point Blank
Both sound very interesting. The potential certainly seems to be there. This is definitely the ideal type of risk we need to be taking while in the process of rebuilding. Go Garth, bring it home!
To Strummer’s Army
It’s a right wing…
sign em’ up!! i hope we sign these guys. take rebuilding to the next step. f we dont get number one and instead get 6-13 or whatever CB said, we dont havbe to worry f we got these guys
And Wick will only be 23 next summer. Good size, too - 6′2 and probably about 195-205 lbs. Let’s get Mark Streit calling him every week to tell him how awesome it is here.
So…what does it take to get them here?
Just sign them?
That’s it?
Why isn’t it done already?!
If other defenseman from LI are succeeding for other NHL teams why not Gilroy. Get it done Snowy.
Felix - not until the NCAA season ends, in March or April. I think it’s likely the same way with this Wick guy, he probably wants to play out the year in Switzerland.
I’ve been hearing Gilroy’s name since last year and although it may be harder to grab Bozak, we need Gilroy to sign here.
How interesting!!! Thank you so much for the info, Chris!
Sign both and then trade them to Minny in package for Gaborik! They would have been “our” prospects for like 5 min so I don’t think any of us would complain as long as Gaborik was signed to long term deal.
I’m kidding guys but hopefully Snow is able to land one of these youngsters and further solidify our youth movement.
It would be wonderful to have a native Long Islander ON the Islanders!
This is exactly what the Islanders need…
The fact that Gilroy is 24 and still playing in college doesn’t seem a bit odd to anybody? Will we try to sign Van Wilder too?
CB - Great read. 1 of 2 would be nice, both would be fantastic!!!
Nick - As a four year resident of Bellmore with many friends who grew up there, I would definitely say it is “Bellmoron”.
These seem to be 2 very goo prospects, i i am always “leary” about FA college players. If they had that kind of talant they would ahve been drafted, they could just be in a VERY good position with current school and line-up they are in.
That being said lord knows we could use a LI player who actually has talant and a scoring center.
Will they sign here? Garth Snow said in July of 2006, the Isles can’t sign talented FA’s because the Coliseum was a dump. IF he was telling the truth, both Gilroy & Bozak will sign elsewhere.
YES! PLEASE GARTH SIGN BOTH! They both have promise. I heard of Gilroy from being a Long Islander, but did not see his play until I attended UMass in the fall. He is a solid defenseman and although my #17 Minutemen beat up the #1 Terriers badly… 5-1. He was a stand out. Sign the Marcou brothers too while your at it.. they play for UMass and are from Kings Park or Smithtown I forget
Tom on Dec 3rd, 2008 21:22:54 said:
“Garth Snow said in July of 2006, the Isles can’t sign talented FA’s because the Coliseum was a dump. IF he was telling the truth, both Gilroy & Bozak will sign elsewhere.”
That is not a quote, Tom. Garth did not say that they “cant sign talented FAs” he did not say “the coliseum is a dump” and what the heck point are you trying to make with this, anyway? Come on.
Gilroy played junior until age 20 hence why he is 24 and still playing college
Nice bone CB… no meat on it… But nice bone just the same.
Some food for thought…
“I would never join any club that would have me as a member”
- Groucho Marx
I would love if we could pick up any of the 2 but especially Gilroy, I like what I’ve heard about him and I like the LI connection. also btw hilbertsnipe, the Marcou’s are from Kingspark. Also they are my 2nd or 3rd cousins (we r pretty far away in relation though) but anyway back when james was invited to training camp in 2007 my uncle told me he was pretty close to signing but i guess they couldnt reach a deal. I dont know how accurate that is but all I know from the handfull of times I met them they where always very nice and down to earth. I hope the Isles are still interested in them.
It would be great if we picked up some of these FAs.
Chris TMC:
Thank you for your response to TOM. It is comments like that from TOM that distort the actual quotes and real facts that then somehow morph into made up “facts” that keep getting repeated by so called fans until everyone starts believing them.
Similar to the DiPietro is difficult to coach and he doesn’t get along with teammates etc. Maybe it was Asham that was the difficult teammate? NO?
DOC
Chris TMC not to argue or anything you are right that isn’t a direct quote but he did say that in so many words. I don’t know where those DP rumors come from but there seems to be enough of them around that there may be some truth to them. Who cares really. I don’t hang out with the guy, as long as he plays well and stays healthy and his team can tolerate him that is all any of us should care about. Pointless dribble non-the less.
keep up the exceptional work chris—look forward to your updates always. Bozak is a stud-I watch a lot of college especially Denver due to the rock being an islander property—both are great talents!
my buddy rooms with Bozak and another dude so i texted him to ask what his future plans were nhl wise, said he wants to stay out west but wouldn’t mind coming to long island. kids an avid surfer
Can we put him in touch with Jimmy Buffett? He loves the waves out in Montauk.
Bozak needs to talk to Witt about the waves on LI.
I support Rick DiPietro!
Yea seriously just get Witt to paddle out with him and he’ll be set. Says the Kings are up there with where he wants to go (i guess the surf thing is consistent here).
My buddies talking up Long Island like you wouldn’t believe. hes got a peave with the gottis tho not a fan… these guys just ruin it for everyone.
Here is Garth’s quote from July 2007 as taken from the Newsday article. Yeah, he doesn’t use the term “dump,” but read between the lines. Regardless, he’s talking about established NHL players, not the likes of Gilroy or Bozak:
“I’ll be honest. One of the reasons for Ryan not coming back was the facility that’s here right now. We all know we’re trying to put a new Coliseum up. It seems to me the common theme of why players aren’t coming here is not because of Long Island or the organization. It’s the facility when visiting players come here.
I know this is my limit on this thread, but there comes a point when you can’t blame them. There isn’t a winning team here to combat the state of the building. In addition, the Coliseum, pre-Lighthouse and renovation, sits on a 77 acre asphalt jungle. Imagine, if you were flying into LGA or Republic on a charter and then driving into Uniondale, your experience would be 2 highways and a sea of parking lot. Would you think Long Island was such a great place in that instance? Of course not.
Another very overlooked part of having a new building is the training facilities. New training facilities in the newer buildings can literally add years to a player’s career, and when you’re a veteran thinking about signing a contract that will ensure the financial stability of the next 3 generations of your family, you want to maximize your earning potential. Just another reason we can’t get the Lighthouse soon enough…
(Sorry CB, hit Submit too soon again) Guys like Gilroy and Bozak would want to come into a situation where they could get big minutes rather than sign with a team like Detroit and hang around in the AHL for 2 years.
In addition to playing time, the other selling point (which applies to all teams in our division) is the relative lack of travel compared to the rest of the league. It would be nice to sign these guys.
Agree with Nick totally. These guys wanna play, thats what gets them going is knowing they have an instant chance to play not sit in the minors or get lost on a team full of stars. Im stoked, honestly i see both these guys landing here.
STAY AWAY FROM GABORIK
Patrick- That’s pretty cool. Your cousins are doing very well for UMass…I believe James led HockeyEast with PP Goals before Halloween (last time I checked) and was in the top five of the nation with PP points or something. I could be wrong, though. I always get them confused.
I think his brother played with my best friend over in france two years ago too.
Anyway, back on topic. These kids show promise from undrafted free agents. We may have picked up a charm with HIllen, and Garth would make a big splash if we sign these kids and they pan out to be something well. Gilroy has good size, bigger than a majority of our D-Men right now. 6-2, 200 is perfect for todays mobile defensemen…
Perfectly stated by these 2 posters I think…
“Guys like Gilroy and Bozak would want to come into a situation where they could get big minutes rather than sign with a team like Detroit and hang around in the AHL for 2 years.”
“These guys wanna play, thats what gets them going is knowing they have an instant chance to play not sit in the minors or get lost on a team full of stars.”
These 2 insights give serious consideration to our chances of actually signing these guys. They are not 18 year old phenoms straight out of juniors. Gilroy is 24 or 25 already I think! They have been working hard and dreaming of the NHL for a long while now. The chance to break in on a team that has more open spots than most and is in the process of an exciting rebuild should be very enticing to this type of free agent. Garth is a product of college hockey and I think he possesses a unique understanding of the psyche of todays hockey professional (since he is not very far removed from playing in the NHL) .
Go Garth. He has done it before (with Hillen, Smith and Iggulden - 2 of which scored tonight for BST) and I would just love for him to evolve into a great GM that leads this franchise back to its proud/successful place in the NHL.
As a former student from the University of New Hampshire, and a future student of the University of Denver, I have to say I’m a big fan of all the signings and interest from these two schools. I’m hoping Trevor Smith finally makes it up here so I can wear my UNH jersey to the coliseum. I’m all for signing both of these guys even though it’s probably a dream
Here’s a question when can these kids be signed to a contract? Is it anytime during the year or does it have to be once their hockey season ends? If it’s when their season ends when is that I’m figuring Late March early April.
Wade Dubielewicz, Trevor Smith, Jason Krog, Rob Hennigar, Sean Bentivoglio, Jack Hillen, and Peter Mannino were all college free agents who chose to sign with the Islanders.
Not to mention the litany of Islanders prospects playing in college hockey right now…
Rhakshani, Trivino, Kessel, Ness, Day, Rogers, Gregoire, Toews, Donovan and Weslosky
I see no reason why Garth can’t convince these 2 that they have an excellent opportunity to play big minutes next season.
What makes them FA vs. draft elligible? Age?
And the chances of actually signing any of them are???
Everyone is assuming that Bozak will not want to play college hockey next year. Is there any chance that he’s like Gilroy and will want to finish his college education??
A couple of million dollars might change his mind CGS….
I think Gilroy wanted to play this season with his younger brother that’s why he stayed
Yes, Tony- The Islanders are presently fostering a reputation of being very, very ‘college player friendly’. College players know that this is a team that isnt going to treat undrafted players or players that chose to stay in college instead of going the professional route like they did something wrong. I think that will bode well for the team regarding the possibility of picking up and signing these two hot tamales!
Chris,
I think you’re right. The upside is that it creates good will, and a foot in the door with kids like Hillen (who I think may prove to be one of the biggest Snow contributions to the team).
The downside is you already have a glut of B/C grade talent in the organization, and there are only so many roster spots for B/C grade talent.
The team desperately needs a way to sign major FA talent…and put major effort into scouting draftable talent with mid level picks.
Like I was trying to say in my last post. This is really just an announcement that they are interested in these two guys. No signatures, but a little hope just the same.
Hopefully go-go will get on a roll, and there will be a ground breaking ceremony… That will attract some good youngish UFA’s over the summer.
This is one time I feel they’re in a decent position to land some quality players. Older more established FA’s are well aware 1) the team is rebuilding with no immediate chance at contending 2) the coliseum is a joke. These younger guys should jump at the chance on getting in on something at the ground floor with the greater potential in the long run. I think it’s safe to say that the current team has more of an upside than many others who are in the process of rebuilding. If only Garth can convince them to see the light…
I watched Gilroy at MSG last year against Cornell - best player on the ice and it wasn’t even close. Believe the hype - he can contribute right now. Go get em’, Garth!
Ok YOU people tell me what Garth said in July 2006 minutes after the exodus. Let’s not play cute. Snowy made excuses on why Tier 1 FA’s refuse to sign w/the Isles. Stop picking on the minutia and address the BIG picture.
BIG picture. How’s this for the prim & propers…I remember garth mentioning something about the condition of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coilsium as to why some FA’s might have 2nd thoughts about signing with the Isles. Is THAT vague enough for you people?
These guys sound good, they’ll have SEVERAL offers why sign with the Isles??
My fellow Isle fans are so beaten up they’ll get excited about guys that will never where the uni.
This is from Logan way back when: “IS IT
“IS IT THE COLISEUM OR THE GM?
Ever since Islanders general manager Garth Snow invoked the shopworn condition of Nassau Coliseum as the “common theme” for why he missed out on signing Ryan Smyth and several other big-name free agents, I have received a raft of e-mails from unhappy fans threatening to cancel their season tickets and demanding that I rip the organization for its failure to spend enough money to put a contending team on ice…”
We are talking a #1 prospect who IS an FA & can sign anywhere he his little heart desires. From Garth OWN words we are at a disavantage - due to the fact no new arena is in place. It’s a legit concern. Sorry, folks just keepin’ it real.
And I ask again, what the heck point are you trying to make here??? I dont like when people “quote” things that other people dont say, and I pointed that out. Are you now trying your hardest to “prove” that NVMC is a disadvantage as opposed to being an advantage? Well no frickin kidding. Who in the world thinks otherwise?
As for next summer’s draft, don’t forget Jordan Schroeder. One of the youngest players in college hockey, on the same team with Aaron Ness, leads all freshmen in scoring. Schroeder is the impact player in Team USA’s WC juniors team along with James VanRiemsdyk and Colin Wilson. Schroeder is exactly the type of player the Islanders want to draft, high skill, high hockey sense, good character. He would be a certain top 5 pick if he had more size. Under the circumstances still a top 10 pick at least.
What I am saying is, the Isles will NOT sign Tier 1 one FA’s. These 2 guys are the PICK of the litter. According to GARTH SNOW’S quotes & OPINIONS they probably won’t sign here.
Like someone said a few posts up, thanks for bone, but it’s got no meat. More than likely, neither of these guys will ever wear an Islander uniform.
I believe I’ve reached my 4 post limit. If your still confused perhaps someone else can explain things, I can’t break through granite.
Going back up a ways re: ability to throw cash at these guys - at least one has the potential to be wooed with big $. Per Dreger’s article:
“Gilroy turns 25 in July and, unlike Bozak, will not be subject to entry-level contract cap limits.”
NYI v TOR.. both are in the same market.. and similar “needs” situation… If you’re a prospect from LI who do you sign with.
1. toronto has a great barn.
2. Toronto hasn’t won a cup since 505 was in knickers, but they are rich in history and tradition.
3. toronto’s barn is full every night… and you don’t have to pay for 40 tix a night so you’re friends can come check out the Ice Girls.
4. In Toronot you’re not worried every year about having to move to Vegas, Winnipeg or Hamilton.
5. I’m pretty sure that in toronto you’re not worried about getting your shoes wet when you come in for the morning skate.
6. We’ve all noticed the terrible colly ice situation… so factor in knee and maybe even (cough!!) hip surgery in your future.
So.. I’d have to say Tom has a point. I definitely rememeber Garth blaming the NVMC situation for his inability to ink quality players. I guess we all forgot the “LEFTOVER LINE” term from last year.
You know MOST of us would have loved to see Gomez on the team… or Drury.. but we were cool with Comrie and Guerin.
How’d that work out… leading scorers are leading scorers… right… even if they only have 49 points.
Garth even said that he made equal (if not BIGGER) offers to some players, but he was at a disadvantage because of… well CB would know better becasue I’m sure he was called to task to do spin control.
Is there a story as to why Gilroy is graduating at 24 I assume he didnt start college at 18
JPinVA, NYI and TOR are most certainly not in the same market. One of them- TOR- is the sole local respesentative of the most popular sport in the entire nation, while the other- NYI- is one of three local representatives of a sport that is a distant fourth at best. Ignoring these truths dismantles your entire argument.
I only have one left, right Tom, so I’ll just throw this out there.
I remember last year when Wheeler became a free agent. The Isles would have been a great landing pad for him. Excellent future cap space, and instant ice time… Last time I checked he was with a real team that uses AHL coaches in the AHL and NHL coaches… well… you know. They also have a pretty nice barn…and they are gonna be in the mix come May. How did they ever part with talent like Hilbert, Bates, JMac, Walter and… Gordon.
Chris… (sorry tom, but I have to defend my ideas)… by “same market”, I meant the same market for players…
Spin that how you want my man, but they are only one of many teams that are bidding for the same players.
Peace… and thanks for making my point for me.