BAILEY DECISION ONE BIG FAIL
Three weeks of development he’ll never get back
Josh Bailey has played 14 NHL games and he has been credited with a total of 14 shots on goal. In those 14 games, he has 0 goals and 6 assists. The idea that Bailey has suddenly slam-dunk-morphed into ”a pro who should be playing against pros” instead of playing with John Tavares for his home country and against Victor Hedman for the World Junior Championship is far-fetched.
The Islanders have made a big mistake not providing Bailey the opportunity to play for Team Canada.
Of course when asked by the media the kid is going to now say he wanted to stay an Islander. If the team asked if he would like to go, he undoubtedly said the same thing. Among Bailey’s many attributes, he’s very smart. When the Islanders announced on Nov. 29 that Bailey would not return to junior, he was overjoyed when talking to a handful of reporters at the Coliseum. The 19-year old center was clear that as much as he loved Windsor, New York is where he wanted to be.
But you couldn’t help but notice that when he was asked about the WJC, his demeanor immediately changed. The exhilaration ceased and he said that he was sure whatever the Islanders decided, it would be for the best.
After beating Ottawa that night, the Islanders have lost four games in a row to fall six games below .500. Keeping Bailey here for the next three weeks, instead of watching one of their top prospects in the WJC - give him a contract and a uniform, but that’s what he still is, a prospect - is not for the best.
In response to Commenters who wondered if Bailey was even a lock to make Canada, I would not have written all this the last three days if I hadn’t done my homework. A highly reliable source at Hockey Canada told me Bailey would have been one of Team Canada’s top-two centers.
Bailey will not be playing with Kyle Okposo the next three weeks. Frans Nielsen is out. The “youth movement,” through nobody’s fault, is on hold. Jon Sim is on waivers, and there’s rumblings of another veteran being on the move before the holiday trade moratorium.
The Islanders are in a bit of flux, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Why Bailey has to be here for the next 13 games is hard to understand, unless the Islanders are merely being selfish and stubborn. If Bailey went to the WJC, there would still be 41 National Hockey League regular season games for him to play and who-knows-what after that.
For this, he’s missing the chance to play for his country in the most prestigious hockey tournament in the world short of the Olympics - and there’s a lot of people in Canada and in Europe who’ll tell you this one is bigger. For this, he’s missing the opportunity to be a leader on a team that will play every pressure-packed, Game 7-style match before a huge live audience watching on television screens across the country.
On to Pittsburgh and Columbus.
(Nice little experience for Patrice Bergeron, Sidney Crosby and Corey Perry)
Comments.
96 Responses to “BAILEY DECISION ONE BIG FAIL
Three weeks of development he’ll never get back”
Please Wait
OK CB, screw the Bailey rant…
What’s this rumbling of another veteran on the move????????
Sounds like a Milbury decision. Another snow job.
If there is one thing the Islanders never fail at doing, its to let down fans and even their own players with poor decision making.
History is on our side with that arguement, and the continue to add to it.
Can’t throw that caveat in there and not elaborate…who is the veteran?
Also, I don’t mind Bailey staying. He is one of very few reasons to watch the team with KO hurt.
I’m kinda bummed as an Isles and Canadian hockey fan that Josh won’t be there….I have tickets for two Team Canada games in Ottawa and was hoping to see him (but hopefully I will see other Isles prospects such as Hamonic and/or Spurgeon)….
It seems that GM’s want to keep their youngsters in their first contract year to maximize their investment…however, haven’t we heard the term “character” thrown around like crazy lately when talking about Isles prospects? What would build character more than leading a junior team in the most widely-respected hockey tournament in the world?
I guess it’s too late and perhaps (I’m gonna get flamed for this hehe) since Garth was raised in USA hockey he may not see this as big as a training tool that it can be…..after all it’s mainly been Canadian youngsters who have profited from this tourney in the past several decades (take away that own-goal by Fleury hehe)…
SAB
I thought the Isles made a mistake when they kept Bailey after the nine games. One more season of juniors and a WJC tourney would not have hurt this kid at all. He’s been okay on the ice, but six assists in 14 games is not demonstrative of a player ready to make a difference at the NHL level. He should have been returned to juniors for his own good and definitely should be given the chance of playing at the WJC.
I hope its not Guerin or weight, Let these guys build up there stats and then trade them for soemthing really good at the deadline when teams are desperate
The other vet? Maybe Sutton?
Chris do you have any info on the # of NHL’rs leaving their teams for the WJC? Just curious. BTW it would have been cool to watch Bailey there now that I can watch it on the NHL network.
If our issue with Bailey not going to the WJC is he is missing the experience, has anyone noticed who the Isles play in the next 3 weeks? Pitt (Malkin Crosby) & Wash (Ovechkin). What better experience can he get than playing against these guys? Plus, there are no guarentees on what icetime he will get in the WJC.
Do we know what the Leafs would have done with Schenn had he not gotten hurt? Very similar circumstances and you know that Burke appreciates the significance of the WJC.
i don’t think the move will be on d despite the extras ( Pock and Gervais being the 7 and 8 d-men). wish bailey went there. i am 0-2 on what i think snow should have done with bailey. scott we will be playing them later in the season. did pitt think that when they sent crosby. sam ewith the rest who left for it.
Why do you guys b=make a big deal out of everything. Let’s see. Somebody explain to me how playing against kids his own age would be better for his growth then playing against the best players in the world? You get better by playing against the best. Also to judge this kids on just his numbers since he has been here is wrong. He might only have 6 assists in 14 games put some real talent around him and it’s more then likely he would have 10 assists and a couple of goals by now. The kid has not looked out of place since he has arrived. If anything he is one o fthe few players then can actually make an accurate pass when he wants to.
With total sincerity, CB, you should be the isles GM, not the backup.
I agree, CB and fellow fans, it does seem like a selfish decision by Snow to keep Josh here. And personally I would think you are right about how Josh would handle it as well, both to his organization and to the press. But then again, I for one don’t for a minute think any of us has a clue of everything that is going on behind the scenes that may have led to this decision. Whatever the reasoning behind it is, both you and us fans will probably never know the whole truth. We just have to sit here and take it and have a little faith that things will all work out in the end. That’s how it goes. Anyway, there’s always something to bitch about, just as there will always be lessons for coaches and GMs to learn.
What’s this about rumblings? Tease.
I’m from Canada. Gotta disagree with you on this one Chris. World junior level hockey is not even in the same ballpark as NHL level hockey (Canada will have a couple tough games, but will also be playing a couple of 7-2 affairs). Careerwise, Bailey will benefit much more from staying with the Isles and playing with, and against, men. Winning character is not build through one hockey tournament. From the things I’ve read, this guy is a good kid. He’ll have to learn winning along with his Isles’ teammates, over the next three to five years. Just like the big boys did back in the mid to late seventies.
P.S. Who is the veteran rumoured to be moved?
I don’t remember Denis Potvin or Bryan Trottier being sent back for “junior ” tournaments when they were both 19.Unless a player looks completely lost or is really struggling, I don’t see the benefit of taking a step backin their competition.
enough already with how Bailey coulda woulda shoulda went to the WJC. it was obvious the whole time that he was not going anywhere. and just think if he had gone to the WJC and got hurt then what? yea you would be kickng yourself for begging to see him play against a bunch of kids. granted we aren’t a top team right now but this is the NHL and there is NO WAY that playing against a bunch of kids is better experience then playing against the best players IN THE WORLD!!!
Why is Josh here? Answer is simple, marketing and ticket sales. I’ve been sometimes alone in thinking he should have been sent back to junior with the small taste of the NHL so he can be in a winning environment and then enjoyed the chance of a Canadian boys lifetime by representing his country. Now he won’t do either. Way to go Garth, selfish. If he’s that mentally sound, then send him back so the physical aspect can be sound as well. An NHL season is very taxing but everyone bought into Josh mania from Snow.
I disagree with most here. I don’t see why we should sent Bailey to the WJC. That would be like sending him down. He is playing well and he deserves to be an NHL player, not a junior player. Glad he is staying.
Steve
I’m a bit torn on the decision. Part of me says give Bailey the opportunity to play at the juniors for the simple reason that it will be his only chance. The other parts of me says that by Bailey signing a contract, the Isles are doing what’s best for the Isles…it’s a business. How many people are paying to see the youth movement? Okposo and Frans already on the shelf, would sending Bailey hurt ticket sales? He is that little ray of sunshine breaking throught that big ugly cloud. So, the little angle on my shoulder dressed in a suit says, stay but the little angle on my other shoulder dressed in blue jeans says let him go.
I meant to say angel on my shoulders….oops….that what happens when your fingers out type your thoughts.
This isn’t as big an issue as it is being made to be. Gordon doesn’t want him going playing in a different system and then coming back and having to readjust. That can significantly hurt his development. NHL competition is better. They are looking beyond this year and having Bailey get as many NHL games in the system will make him even better in the years to come. Sure it would have been nice to see Bailey go to the WJC and pad his stats and get a confidence boost but I don’t think he needs one.
My guess on the vet to be moved Botta teased us about is it is Silly or Comrie.
I dont see why this is such a HUGE deal. And I dont see the big FAIL here. What I see is a lot of fans who arent even considering the possibility that Josh had a hand in this decision and is where he WANTS to be.
jfnisles, in fairness, Potvin and Trotts entered the NHL in ‘73 and ‘75 respectively. Although there was an unofficial WJC from ‘74-76, the first official WJC wasn’t until 1977. And even that one was pretty obscure, nothing like the showcase that it is today.
As for Bailey, would have been interesting. I can kinda see both sides here. Pressure packed environment (it’s in Ottawa and Canada treats this thing like Game 7 of the WS) against some world class prospects would have been a great experience for Josh. You also have to throw in that KO and Frans are out, delaying the youth movement a bit.
From the Isles point of view, I imagine there is some fear of a Hasek-injury (Olympics that year) since he’s already on the books for this season. Don’t think anyone can argue that he’s playing against better competition in the NHL, the problem is he’s doing with a team stuck in reverse and these are hardly pressure packed games, etc.
Interesting pts all around, bound to make people unhappy with the decision either way.
Maybe Bailey will have 13 assists and a few goals in his next 13 games. Hey, you never know!
would have been a perfect chance to have baley take notes on tavares.. not to mention what they could have done together on the pp or if they were together and on eof them were on wing. o boy. guess this means werre taking hedman.lol
Since I don’t want to do an entry on this subject again, please allow me to make a few points here.
If the argument is that you learn best by playing against the best, well then I guess the Islanders should get Joensuu, Ness and any other top prospects to the NHL today.
Missing out on 13 games of watching Doug Weight at work? And you think I stretch to make my points!
Missing out on playing against Crosby and Ovechkin? You think Go-Go’s matching Josh up against them?
Jax asking why y’all make a big deal about everything? Haven’t you commented on a few things over the last hundred days, bud? LOL
Fear of an injury at the WJC when the NHL is becoming a lawless territory and the NYI are not stocked up in toughness?
To the fans happy because they feel Josh is one of the only reasons to watch the next 13 games: Isn’t that the kind of short-term decision-making most of you have had reason to be critical of the last 15 years?
Hope I didn’t break any guidelines. On to the Bailey-free Pre-Game…CB
The only vets on this roster right now that are in jeopardy of losing there jobs would have to be:
Tambellini - that’s right I called him a vet… lol
Pock - Hasn’t been terrible… but does he fit?
Gervais - A bit disappointing I guess. I remember that they used to say that he had a cannon of a shot.
Comrie - Tough decision… still has talent… but again, does he fit?
Sutton - I can’t imagine that they would give up a big mobile body… even if he is a bit soft for his size.
DOC
BOTTA BINGo!
And here I thought I was alone in thinking Josh should have been sent back.
Great points and thank you.
Chris Botta: I just thought of this but can you give us a background on the behind the scenes when the Cairns, FLuery, Purinton, McCarthy thing was going on? Thank you!
Good points CB… I still think he should stay. But not for the reasons that you pointed out as examples. Joensuu and Ness aren’t ready and obviously you know that and are just being cynical… but Bailey IS ready to be a full time NHL’er.
DOC
I said it yesterday, and I’ll say it again. I wish they would have sent him to the WJC, but this was a win-win from the Islanders’ perspective. He would either participate in a major showcase or continue to grow his game at the NHL level. I fail to see the evil in either of those options.
Doc, it says someone may be “on the move”, it doesn’t say someone’s going to lose their job. To me that means someone who is currently playing. Hopefully that means a trade or other compensation for the Isles. Put on your thinking cap again and let’s see who qualifies.
(sorry to break the rule but CB did so I guess today is a free day lol)
CB - This is why I read your blog everyday. You’re not afraid to speak up against what you disagree with about your former employers.
I am against Bailey going to the WJC because I feel he’s shown he can play at this level and playing with the best will help you become your best. I like watching the kid play, I think he has a lot of hockey smarts and is going to be a good player in this league.
I don’t think it’s short term decision making. There’s a long term goal with this. That’s why this year doesn’t suck so much from this fan’s standpoint. In years past when we were busy sucking it up on the ice, there wasn’t a plan. At least Garth and Co. have a blueprint and seem rather intent on following it.
Yes CB, watching Weight play and learning from him (I do believe Weight has the ability to talk and could use that new skill to teach Bailey), would be far more constructive for Josh than playing in an over-hyped tournament with a bunch of teenagers. Sorry to disagree with you.
u no kevin, there are such uses as a cell phone so if weight watches the game on the tellie, he can inform him after the game so he knows next time. lets not use the weight card in this argument. there are a lot of games left even if you think weight might get the boot
That’s your comeback for that? Ok……. just think about that for a minute. And don’t jump on me because I don’t always agree with CB. Let’s not turn this into a site where no one can disagree with the blogger. I doubt his opinions are always right.
Agreed on all counts. Just where exactly is this urgent need to rush him to the NHL? Did I miss something? Are the Isles just one 19-year old center away from being Stanley Cup contenders this season?
**
Or is this just a headstrong administration steadfastly determined to justify its ninth overall selection?
**
I like Bailey and he looks to have a bright future here, but again, I don’t see any reason to rush him along.
CB is correct, sadly the NYI’s are not the only organisation with a short sighted vision on player development. Bailey will learn entagibles that he will not get for at least 3 years with the Islanders… He would have been put in a much bigger leadership position, he would have been a top 2 center (Tavares being the other); he would have played in high pressure situation with enormous media scrutny…He would have played for something tangible, winning worlds on home soil…He would have retured to the Isles, with a medal, around his neck, greater confidence, and would have been a better player for the team. But having said all this, there are more than the Islanders that could have done this with their first year players…so it is a moot point.
Graet big FAIL???
CB…
whats next??? LOL Cat captions over icegirl photos???
lol, keep up the fine work
one hour for jon sim. also, i dont agree with cb on everything. how is your comeback better though?
kevin of comment 36, I must disagree with you if you think the World Juniors is an over hyped event with teenagers, you need to take a better look at the tourney. It is a world class event, with the best 19 yrs olds (in general) playing against each other, for their country. The intensity of these games are not even matched by the olympics…pleaseee….
oh and I do not always agree with CB either, his blod last week about the Isles not being in the Hedman or Tavares sweepstakes was way off, and my opinion in the comments reflexed as such….k…enough verbage from me….I’m out!!!
Willis:
You’re right… I was in the “vets losing their job” mode… similar to Sim being put on waivers.
I wasn’t necessarily thinking “trade”… but you are right!
I guess that opens it up to more potential player movement.
Thanks.
Great article C.B, makes you scratch your head. I appalud the Islanders for making a smart decision on Sim only to do this to Bailey.
Islanders Organization = Fail!
Whatever, move on.
I see this Bailey decision, in terms of the fans, being a personal preference of how they like to see prospects brought along. I really do not see this decision having a MAJOR effect on his development, one way or the other.
There are many things to claim the Islanders organization have failed on…this is not one of them.
Lol Cats is my second favorite website. Hint, hint. Wink. Elbow. C’mon, CB, you don’t need that red note to advertisers…you need me.
I understand the disappointment with Bailey, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing keeping him here. I was mostly indifferent to the decision, to be honest. I can see arguments both ways. At first I thought it was odd to send a kid you just decided to keep in the pros to a junior tournament. But is that any different than sending veterans to the Olympics? Granted, they take off for that, but you understand my point. I am glad I will get to watch him when I go on NYE, but it would’ve been great for the kid to get a chance to play in WJC.
Side note: speaking of the Olympic break, how great was that Peca shorty in OT against Philly to beat the clock a few years back. It was the last game before the break if memory serves. The team was playing great at that point and I can only wonder what the locker room must’ve been like after that victory. Any insider info, CB?
CB - Good point but its a win-win situation, which ever way you look at the Bailey situation….I wouldn’t trade Sutton, he is a very underated defenseman. I would even consider signing him to a contract extention. Could Richard Park be traded? I like him as a player but he would be more valuable to a a winning team. Not on the Islanders roster that is already full of many 3rd & 4th line players. If you could get something of Value for him I guess I would have to trade him.
Matt comment 47. The best comment made so far about this subject.
For someone to say he shouldn’t go to the WJC because it’s just a tournament of teenagers is silly. Josh Bailey IS a teenager. He would be playing with his peers. I for one am not so sure he is ready for the NHL as some other have posted here. If he was he would have put the puck in the net by now. Barry Melrose made some good points this week about Stamkos and how he’s not ready to face some of the big d-men in this league because he’s not strong enough yet. Sometimes at 18-19 you are not ready to play against the best in the world. It’s called rushing a kid for the youth movement. Is it really better for Bailey to stick around and watch Malkin, Crosby and Ovechkin dominate a rebuilding team for the next 3 weeks? Garth should do the right thing here, bite the bullet and send Bailey back to junior. He can still do so.
I don’t get the big deal here. If Bailey really wanted to be involved in the Juniors I’m sure he could have made it clear to the team now and back when he was signed. He knew what he was getting into then.
If he was not getting ice time it would be one thing, but he is getting good ice time at a better level of hockey, and his team (the one that pays him) needs his talent here now, because there ain’t much talent on this team.
Would have been a nice experience? Yes. Would he come back a better player? Maybe.
Is this only a story because the team lost 5 in a row and has little talent on the ice right, or anything else to talk about for that matter? Yeppers.
I wonder if the Sim waving is part of a trade that Snow has worked-out. The other team would pick-up Sim on re-entry, so the Isles can pick-up half his salary while also shipping out another player (the veteran that CB alluded to) in exchange for…?
As much I wanted Bailey to play for team Canada, it could be a strong reason he is not going. Look at this from a business point of view. Isles organization not only loosing a lot of $ this season and couple seasons ahead, they also invested “some” money for these youngsters. Bailey already become one of the brightest spots on the team which brings in more fans ($) to the Colliseum, some PR and value of games. Would you(as a business owner) give your key employee a 3-week paid “vacation” if your business has already production problems and this guy(with salary) can more or less help? Maybe this was one of the reasons Josh didn’t go. Just a guess…
CB,
You need to change the name of this blog to Dead on Point.
Looking past my “you go girl” sarcastic remark yesterday I agree totally with what you said. and thus… have nothing else to add. What a great way to shut me up.
BTW: I set the over/under on responses to 113 for this one. Great job!!!
Consider this. Would they send Bailey to the AHL when the Soundtigers make the Calder cup? I sure hope not. Just because it is a pressure situation doesn’t mean he will benefit from playing on a lower level. Gordon talks a lot about his players playing with a level of desperation. I’m sure Bailey feels this desperation every single time he steps onto an NHL ice surface. That’s a pressure situation.
And the Isles are playing away at Pens. With last change to the home team it means Bailey easily could face off with either one of the top two centers of the opposition if the Pitt coach wants to. Meaning he will se either Crosby or Malkin a lot.
he cant go to the ahl anyway… 5 min to see if sim got picked up or not. this is my last post for this article
Doesn’t change much. It’s hypothetical. What if they could?
In addition:
If Baily had a chance to play for Team USA, the outcome of Isle’s decision could be different. Then it could become a patriotic issue. Dont you think?
Okay.. i will make one point…
Part of the “growth” aspect of any player in any sport is his/her ability to make a contribution.
Bailey cna make a contribution here for 13 games, no doubt… but not the type that fills your heart with confidence.
It’s why 330lb offensive linemen go to college with double digit IQ’s. It’s why guys with rap sheets longer than their favorite rap songs go to college for a year… sometimes.
When I read his bio I thought this kid had Ryan “Captain Canada” Smyth type potential. I think Snowy did also… so this decision throws me a little.
Josh would be a KEY contributer in Ottawa… and YES he might be a KEY guy in Bridgeport as well if the move was made early enough.
CB is right on with the development angle. I didn’t really feel like he was going to help a 22-1-1 team in Windsor, but playing for your national team…AT HOME… come on… if any of you have even played badmitton(sp?) you would understand what that might mean to a 19 year old.
Anyway… before I get kicked out. CB, maybe to point out the other side of the argument, when it’s available, you could print (or link to) the rosters and the key names that are missing.
I’m JPinVA, and I approve this message.
LOL. Couldn’t hold back could you?
He is ready for the nhl level and should not be sent to the wjc. He has earned a spot on the islanders and he will develop more in the nhl.
Just saw that there coming out with the 10 greatest islander games DVD., March 3rd 2009
It’s after noon… did Sim get picked up by any other team??
Chris, you spell it out even clearer for us old school faithful. The building of a prospect is something that few understand nowadays:
Mental makeup.
Experience.
Training.
Focus.
Skillsets.
Winning atmosphere.
These are just the basic few but things you desperately WANT to be ingrained in your prospects. You do NOT want him to be built according to Gordon’s flash-in-the-pan system……which is now the be-all-end-all (ridiculous) but you want a solid and BROAD foundation of hockey smarts and skill.
What, are we content in his skill to date being shaped for one purpose, to ADMINISTER COACH GORTON’S SYSTEM CORRECTLY?
Ya wonder why the last prospect we drafted and developed successfully was under Milstein and Milbury…..because we were patient and were not administering system and brilliant ideas and ordering junior clubs around.
Bailey should be winning and growing as a leader and captain and scoring threat in juniors and growing his overall game so when he was READY to make the leap to the pros, HE WOULD BRING A TON OF WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO THE PARENT CLUB!
Instead, we rob another kid of his growth and subject him to the Russian Roulette which is the New York Islanders failed development record.
How cool would it be having Bailey skate with tavares and achieve a lifetime milestone, bringing the confidence and elation so few achieve in their lifetimes to the Islanders NEXT YEAR?
Hey….instead, we get him a year of learning Gordon’s rookie system which will be history once he’s fired, though bailey will still be here underdeveloped, undernurtured as a key chip in our future plans.
Garth either can grow a hockey pearl or keep him up and grow yet another system executer. If it’s the latter, no pearl……just the stench of rotten oysters.
maybe it isnt the big bad Islanders at total fault here
Maybe they wanted him to stay, but left the ultimate decision up to him, and he felt he had nothing to gain there, so he agreed with them
(I am just purely speculating here)
I guess Sim cleared?
Did Sim Clear? ….I hope not..
If the Isles left the decision up to a rookie about his future, does it make it Bailey’s fault for not sending himself to junior?
Talk about bad parenting manifesting itself to bad GM’ing…..that spells a total lack of responsibility on Snow’s part.
If Snow thought it would be better for Bailey to be in juniors and thus better for the team and yet left the decision to Bailey……he absolutely should be fired right now if not sooner. A GM runs the club. A GM does not defer that judgement to a 19 year old draft pick. (unless he’s a goalie and fellow Chowderite?)
Enough about this non story about Bailey and the WJC. Let’s talk about something that matters. It is looking like we just might have a shot getting the first overll pick. Let’s say, for conversations sake, we get it. Who do you take? Taveres or Hedman? I say we take Hedman. I have been saying this ever since the lockout. The player this team misses most BY FAR has been Kenny Jonsson. He was easily the most underrated dman in the league.
DP,
I feel a certain fraternal warmth right now. Not in a creepy way… mind you.
May the force be with you!
…and I’m a vote for hedman right now as well.
Bailey realizing his potential instead of buring out like every other Islander draft pick doesn’t matter. I say we take Hedman and bring him up immediately and see if we can double our odds at having a prospect develop properly. Triple it! I forgot about Okposo…..one of the three guys might reach his potential when rushed in his development? Good call.
Definitely we rush Hedman!
JP, aside from being a bit creepy, but not in a bad way, I thank you
When one ignores the mistakes of the past, one is not doomed to repeat them…….but one is doomed to be kept on as GM and try yet another rebuild or coach.
1) The vet: Mike Comrie. Once cleared to play he will be trade bait!
Sadly, not much of a surprise given Snow’s erratic tenure as GM.
Snow traded down to get this kid plus he made the call to keep him in the NHL. Snow’s fragile ego could not withstand Bailey thriving under another system for a couple of weeks.
Snow believes players can only thrive under his care as per moves with Okposo, Comeau and now Bailey.
It is all about Snow and the Isles pay the price.
Let us pray…..oh heavenly Wanger, give us this morsel of satisfaction and yay, as the Snow hath fallen yet again on an uninspiring idea, be it wrong, I shall be delivered to greater hockey.
To the Wanger, the Snow and the Holy **** They Made Dey President, Amen.
Open up to Milburicus 16-2 and let us read about the rushed first rounder we sent to the wolves…..
I say lets put Tavares and Hedman back on the back burner for now and talk about the “rumblings”. Who could the Isles actaully GET something for?
I don’t get to follow other teams too much - time and circumstance prevent it. So I have no idea who would be looking for whom.
Brian G. mentioned Park and I agree he would be valuable to a winning team. But that got me thinking about another player we have who is a lot like Park in many ways. Good PK, gets in lanes, feeds linemates, speedy skater, blocks shots, etc. And this year he’s been ..well, blossoming under Gordon. Freakin HILBERT!!
Oh would I laugh if it turned out to be him!!!! (Personally I’d like to keep him, we need his goals and his PK). Anyway, other than Weight, who else is “worth” something? I’ve got nothing.
Jon, you start seeing Nolan not listening to Snow and he’s gone. You start seeing yes-man Gordon change his tune like a jukebox and he’s safe.
Snow has a chip on his shoulder since he’s hired to be the right choice as GM and he’s been quite controlling IMHO. He wants to be sure he doesn’t screw up.
I doubt Chris would like to get into this, but would it be too much to ask for a little color on the mindset of Garth Snow’s involvement and control of his team? I’m betting he has heavy hands and everyone under him feels the tugging.
He did trade for Smyth and not pick ASG Parise and did take Bailey after trading two first line quality players (Bailey was projected as a 2nd liner)? Maybe he’s in permanent damage control mode?
Willis……we have little of worth that we can move. Park - 2nd rounder or failed project. Hilbert? Not even as much. Witt? Pricy but worth something later in a Cup run or if a team is hurting on D. Weight or Guerin or Sillinger or Hunter one of our kids is it IMHO. DP is untradeable.
Last year we could have packages several players at the deadline for young talent but didn’t. We were going to make the playoffs despite injuries, remember? Garth said so.
Thought I’d weigh in on this debate.
I strongly feel that Josh should get the chance to play for his country. I don’t think it will necessarilly make him a better player for participating upon his return … but I think he’ll be richer for the experience .. and that will help him become a better player in the future.
A lot of posters made points that playing in the NHL will make him better because it’s the best league in the world. So that arguement should hold for Tambellini too then …. shouldn’t it? I don’t buy the arguement that Josh will suffer from losing 13 games of NHL experience. Yes .. playing against top talent usually hones your own game … but before Josh ever played a single NHL game he was a product of the Canadian development system. They made him the player he is today … all those teams he played on from the time he couldn’t tie his own skates to the day he was drafted. The Isles get ZERO credit for his development into the player he is today. Josh is his own man and his previous coaches get the assist on his development.
All this missing 13 games outside Gordo’s system will retard his development is BS. Gordo’s system didn’t make Josh an NHL player … so it will not retard his development if he plays against some of the most talented prospects in the World under the pressure packed Canadian spot light.
CB was right on point in his bolded (#28) post … I think that says it all.
All this said … I don’t think him not playing at the WJC will retard his development either … but he’ll be less rich in the experience he’d gain and maybe have to fall back on sometime in the future.
It’s funny …the organization gets called a joke for having a committee making the decisions then Wang gets rid of the committee and gives the GM control and people still complain …
just goes to show that you can’t please everyone all of the time …
Because now the GM isn’t making the decision…..he’s asking Bailey if he wants to go or stay in the NHL.
Either Wang tells Snow or Smith and it gets done or Bailey tells Snow and it gets done.
At least Smith made a decision and acted…..which was his downfall (being “useful”).
Hey Chris - Could you have a article about the decisions not to trade Satan and the other UFA’s at last years trading deadline - was it that hard to get Satan to Waive his NTC to go to a playoff team.I’m sure they could have got 5th or 6th Rd picks for Vasicek & Fedotenko
PS: For People doing their Holiday Shopping - Modell’s is giving away 2 FREE tickets to the Boston Game on 1/15/09 if you purchase $50 in Islander apparel (or any NHL Apparel) - I was buying an Islanders Jacket for my brother and they just gave me the voucher - Great Deal
——-
“Where would you rather be: in the NHL in New York making fantastic dough to go up against the best players in the world OR with the juggernaut Windsor Spitfires, quite possibly winning the Memorial Cup, and with Team Canada in Ottawa for the holidays, quite possibly winning a gold medal at the World Junior Championships?
Said Bailey in the locker room hallway at 5:10 tonight, “Here.”
——-
Would someone please read the one-question interview I just posted and then explain to me how the Islanders are not “letting” Josh go play at the WJC? Where is anyone getting this idea that the WJC is where Josh really wants to be when he specifically said, as quoted from this very site, how that is not the case?
84 DP’s Hips on Dec 11th, 2008 13:26:47 said:
“Because now the GM isn’t making the decision…..he’s asking Bailey if he wants to go or stay in the NHL.”
RIDICULOUS and baseless. This is the organizations decision, 100%. My point in bringing up what Josh wants is to point out that there is NO REASON to assume that Josh is not perfectly happy with the organizations decision and that it isnt hat he wants, anyway. His own words indicate that it is.
Being allowed to play in the WJC is not a demotion. Sure he isn’t playing against the best players in the world, but it offers a lot that December in the NHL doesn’t. There will probably be more pressure put on these kids in this tournament than they’ll ever experience in the NHL. To win the gold medal you have to perform every game. In the NHL playoffs you can have a couple of bad games, even in the same round and still recover. Not at the WJC. 2 bad games and you are in a LOT of trouble. Half your games are elimination games. Add that he’ll be playing for team Canada, in Canada, who are looking for their 5th straight title. Thats a lot of pressure. Add to that that Bailey would be a leader on the team, that another thing he isn’t getting up here. Its not a demotion at all. The best thing in real life I can think of to compare it to is my uncle. He has worked in a car plant for his whole life. A couple of years ago he agreed to go work for one of it’s suppliers for a year. The new plant he was in was way smaller, dirtier, worse in most every way. But when he came back he was promoted to plant manager because of the skills he gained at the other plant.
TMC-
WOW!
What conduluted logic.
So what is best for the long term health of the on ice product is that Bailey goes where he himself says he’d like to go?
OF COURSE HE SAYS THE NHL!
But is the Islander organization better served by his steady and continual development in a winning atmospehere where he can physically and mentally mature? Doesn’t matter. Bailey said NHL, so I guess Snow had no choice.
Ugh.
Ya wonder why we’re in last place yet again.
Priest: EXCELLENT example. Life’s experiences shape and mold us and lend themselves to our daily lives and build our makeup so we can deal, compete and excel in the future.
Which is irrelevant to many because they want to see our prospect erase the memories of all those prospects that failed to do what Bailey will succeed in: forgo developing into an NHLer and just become the matured player he needs to be at this level so we can watch and eat popcorn while he does it.
It’s no fun if he becomes great at college for us….we wanna see it happen. Live.
DP’s Hips- post 87 seems to have escapped you. You insist upon the existence of causality, and there is no logical reason to do so. But there is no objectivity when it comes to certain people… and you sir wouldnt know objectivity regarding this organizations decisions if it came over and knocked you into the boards.
To respond to CB’s prospects comment - there’s a big difference between Josh Bailey and guys like Ness, Joensuu, etc. Josh Bailey can play at a reasonable level in the NHL. Is he a top two liner at the moment? On a good team, no. But he’s not looking out of place either. If Ness or Joensuu could hold his own in the NHL (for more than a game or so), I have no doubt he would be in an Isles uniform tonight.
Guys like Crosby and Ovechkin didn’t make it to the NHL and then head to the WJC. Crosby was no longer in the WJC as a 19 year old. Ovechkin went as a 19 year old, but he had not stepped on NHL ice yet and was playing in an inferior RSL.
I can’t name one guy who went to the WJC while on an NHL roster - not saying that there isn’t one, but it’s not like this is the obvious move you are making it out to be.
One Big Fail? I didn’t realize you knew all…
Does objectivity mean being condescending and alynching anyone who disagrees with what the Islanders do?
Fine. I’m not objective, just observant of a team that seems to do everything wrong and you defend it vociferously.
Patience is a bad word to many. I wish it were treasured like it is in Detroit. Their prospects just show why we always fail our own development.
Chris TMC,
I’m not sure what TMC stands for, I missed the memo. In a rare moment of discretion, I will let my own opinions on THAT subject go unshared.
This is definitely a point where both sides can be argued. Most of us, with nothing to lose, have shared our opinions. One thing that nobody has pointed out is that Chris B. had the stones to call out the organization on the most recognized Blog by the subculture of Islander zealots.
I think he should be applauded for this.
Okay… that’s it for me being a
kiss (_!_) for now.
Whatever…… It would been nice for the kid to go, but he is a pro now.
Now it is time for Bailey to put some in the net!!!!!!!!!
He should be nurtured and allowed to grow into a pro, but whatever, he’s Chyzowski now.