OKPOSO OUT 4-6 WEEKS (FROM TODAY)
1:50 pm - Team identifies injury as “sprained wrist”
UPDATED 1:50 pm - Last Wednesday, Scott Gordon thought Kyle Okposo might be ready to play in 2-3 days. Now, Okposo - who had what the team termed a “hand injury” - is out 4-6 weeks with a sprained wrist.
To clarify, the clock on the 4-6 weeks starts ticking today, not from when Okposo was first injured.
“We wanted to build for all of our young players for next year,” said Scott Gordon, “and now for this to happen to Fransy (Nielsen) and Kyle, it’s really a shame. That’s lost time you can’t get at a young age.”
Looking for a positive, the coach added, “When they get back, they should be hungry and have lots of energy.”
Greg Logan asked Gordon if, with the loss of Nielsen and Okposo, the franchise would consider looks at a prospect or two in Bridgeport. Gordon said those are conversations he would have with general manager Garth Snow first before talking to the media.
(Hey, at least Go-Go didn’t say, “No frickin’ way, Logie”!)
Either way, big setback for Kyle, a talented kid making strides. Moderate setback to the rebuild. Assuming the team continues to be hesitant to recall Blake Comeau or Trevor Smith from Bridgeport, the Islanders are not getting younger.
Your reactions in Comments.
71 Responses to “OKPOSO OUT 4-6 WEEKS (FROM TODAY)
1:50 pm - Team identifies injury as “sprained wrist””
Please Wait
CB… 4 to 6 weeks from when? Retroactive to the original injury, or an ADDITIONAL 4 to 6 weeks from today? Not good news, either way, but big difference…
To your point how is this a rebuild?
Only Tambs and Bailey are young guys playing with the big club.
Maybe it will increase our chances for Tavares!
How are they going to plug in a younger player when the roster is full? Unless they send down Jackman, it’s not very likely. Maybe they can ship of Tambellini, and there is your opening.
This is getting absolutely ridiculous now!
I have never in my life seen a team go through so many injuries in one year.
They now need to start taking a serious look at some of the kids down in B-port.
I know it might be sooner then they wanted to but something has to happen.
This team is getting older not younger!!
How do you mis-diagnose a sprained wrist? from day-to-day to 4-6 weeks…someone has to be accountable for the medical incompetence of this franchise!
I thought the injury “policy” was improving, but this is mystifying. Why does it take 10 days to diagnose a sprained wrist, and what is to be gained by waiting a week to disclose it? As a fan, it is terribly frustrating to be told it is a minor “hand” injury (from which I surmised he was bruised by a nasty slash) only to learn over a week later that it’s a pretty serious injury. Can someone please explain the need for so much mystery?
The fact that Tambellini isnt gone is a disgrace, why is this guy still here? Now, Fritzys gone so well go to not scoring and not fighting or sticking up for each other.
chris, why do you have to spoil our weekend with a story like this? i think this is more of a monday story. just kidding. is the 4-6 weeks retro-active to when he originally went out?
Um, HUH? Were Kyle and the med staff keeping his sprained wrist a secret from Scott Gordon or what? How in the world does THIS happen?
7 Joe on Dec 5th, 2008 13:21:52 said:
“The fact that Tambellini isnt gone is a disgrace, why is this guy still here? Now, Fritzys gone so well go to not scoring and not fighting or sticking up for each other.”
Yes it is a disgrace that Tambs is still here. But as for the “not scoring and not fighting or sticking up for each other” part Fritz wasnt exactly doing any of those things, either. If Thompson and Jackman are both here- and it looks like they will be- thats some potential scoring and fighting and sticking up for each other right there.
FRITZ DOESN”T PLAY!!!!!!!! They don’t play him…so why is he here? How in the hell is Blake Comeau not on this team? To make room for a 37 year old with a bad hip? Ridculous!
Wow, this youth movement needs some youth right about now. Too bad Comeau isn’t a gordon-type-player.
correction…ridiculous
Tambellini has no problem hitting the net — in practice. but then again — neither did Ricky. His luck has to change.
Such shame, i hope this doesn’t set his development back….that is the real question here.
TMC, I do agree for the most part besides with Peters. The problem with Jackman and Thompson are that neither of the two are good fighters and neither will deter the other team from taking runs etc. Theres plenty of enforcers out there that would be good for this team, example Josh Gratton, whom is in the AHL right now.
This whole Tambellini thing is ridiculous though, the guy should be traded or put on waivers. Everyone has to stop babying him with the “maybe a conditioning stint will help his confidence”. Maybe he just isnt cut out to play in the NHL.
How upsetting! Man his this team been snakebitten with injuries since about the 60 game mark of last season. .
If this is a “rebuild”, why are there only 5 players on the active roster under the age of 25? and 8 players over the age of 30? Some rebuild. .
The team has to address the Comeau issue already! 17 points in 18 games at Bridgeport sure seems like he’s ready.
Bad news for KO and the Islanders. Blake deserves to be here, he played better in NHL then the AHL and that was proven last year.
As for Sili I love the guy and glad he is here, but he does not fit on this team no more, plz stay young and improve from there.
two words….Blake Comeau
Comeau!!! NOW!!! Your system is nothing without talent to supplement it…it’s a joke how our team lacking young talent as it is are burying this kid…frankly there is no excuse for it.
The “injury bug” started last season, if I’m not mistaken. Methinks someone has to disinfect IceWorks or somethin’.
Is there anything to be gained from starting a “revolving door” between Bridgeport and NVMC to bring up one of the kids at a time & give him NHL experience? Trevor Smith, Blake Comeau, etc. could see 3-5 games and learn what the NHL is all about first-hand, and the Islanders coaches could evaluate them at the NHL level for future reference. It could be an interesting experiment, no? This is the right time to do it, with points in the standings not being “important.”
Being a fan of this team takes the patience of a saint, that’s for sure.
On the Islanders Website - it says sprained Ankle in the preview for tomorrow’s game
How many “man games lost to injury” do the Isles have?
How do you plan on trading these older pieces at the dealine for anything if you don’t play them and build up their stats? Comeau is fine where he is at. And I think once Okposo comes back he should get a short stint in B-port for conditioning and confidence rebuilding. Smith, Comeau and others will get lots of time after the deadline. You hang on to Tambi also until the deadline as a sweetener to get a better pick or prospect back when you trade Weight, Guerin, Comrie and Sillinger. Tambi makes a deal look better to their fans, cause at least they keep one player when these guys sign elsewhere like Hossa did. Maybe even re-sign back on Long Island like Weight did in St. Louis after he won the cup in Carolina.
Tambs has no trade value, as a sweetener or otherwise. As for the fans, people off of LI probably have no idea who he is. Would anyone here be happy if we got some mid-20s, fourth liner/AHL lifer with no goals and few points on one of the worst teams in the league as a throw in on a trade? Despite his “potential,” that’s what Tambs is to everyone else in the league. If he flips a switch and starts tearing it up, then maybe he has a bit more value…to fans or to GMs.
This is bull****. The kid was SKATING at practice and then suddenly one day he was NOT skating. But still was only listed as day to day with hand. Doesn’t make sense. In a team where the big part of their play is skating and skating hard, why would he miss (more than one) practice with just a hand injury? Put a different color shirt on him, no stick, and keep him skating. Hand my ass. There is a “lower body issue” with Okposo. WTH is the big problem with admitting it? Because he needs surgury or something? Seriously, what reasons would there be to cover it up.
Willis, because other teams can take advantage of his injury while he’s, you know…not in the lineup.
I’d be happy to any of Edmonton’s second tier prospects after the Smyth deal. And now nothing to show for it. That’s why San Jose at least held out for a 7th rounder to come back in the Brian Campbell deal, to at least say we will have something left if he goes. What you want to trade him now for what? At least people feel they still a crumb if they don’t sign the big fish. It’s how these GM’s have been working lately. Dupius was the crumb in the Hossa deal. Remember. Minnisota didn’t want him so Atlanta grabbed him for nothing, and used him as a sweetener in the deal. To say see something.
I think that we are all getting jerked around BIG TIME with this injury crap.
That Ottawa newspaper said that Radek hurt his shoulder. The Isles say he is fine. Suddenly, he is out because of hitting into Sutton.
NOW we had Kyle Okposo days away from returning. Suddenly, he is out because POOF his hand is now sprained.
What is going ON here? I dont believe anything I read, I dont believe anything any of them say, nothing is ever what they say.
WHY have the Islanders sustained more injuries int he last 14 months than at any other time in franchise history? Why IS that? Why havent we seen even ONE GAME in the last 14 months when our players are healthy?
Remember, in the end of last season when 60% of the regular roster was on IR, Snow brought meny guys from AHL? Youngsters took it as an opportunity to become NHLers. Remember the energy and passion they were playing with? Isn’t it the time to do it again? What is the problem to try to evaluate different AHLers on NHL level? You have to fill those roster spots anyway. Not only the Club would benefit from this, but, I’m sure, most of your fans will love to see these kids and their talant live on NHL ice and not on Sound Tigers TV highlights. Even if they loose games. Guarentee - they WILL compete! Look at Jackman. He is not a pure goal scorer, but everyone loves him playing with the Big Club.
You can’t accomplish a real rebuild in one season though. The Islanders just started it by restocking their system via last summer’s draft. The rebuild is in its early stages. Comeau or no Comeau, as of yet the Islanders do not have the raw materials and talent to ice a team full of kids. Take a look at the Coyotes for example. They are icing 1st rounders in Mueller, Turris, Boedker, Hanzal, Tikhonov, and complementing them with other young players like Carcillo, Porter and Yandle. The Islanders just don’t have the young players to do that at the moment. You can’t force a rebuild at the NHL level, you’ve got to get the right pieces before you can put them all together.
Very sad news to see KO go. He was an exciting player to watch and is a big part of this teams future. I loved seeing the connection that he was forming with Bailey when they were on the ice together. This has to lead to a big promotion from Bport. Not one of these up for 2 games down for 2 games. Let Comeau come up and prove himself here. He is ready. The fact that guys like KO, Frans, and Comrie are all out, and we still haven’t seen a promotion for Blake into the NHL and on a top line is a disgrace.
FREE COMEAU
“You hang on to Tambi also until the deadline as a sweetener to get a better pick or prospect back when you trade Weight, Guerin, Comrie and Sillinger. Tambi makes a deal look better to their fans, cause at least they keep one player when these guys sign elsewhere like Hossa did.”
Those players will command nothing but mid round/mid level prospects at best and nobody wants Tambellini.
UIF - I’m not following you. How could anyone take advantage of his injury when he’s not in the lineup?
No they want Weight or Guerin, and Tambi becomes the “at least we still have”. what Weight’s worth will be in Feb. with 50-60 points none of us know. If it moves the deal from a 3rd rounder to a 2nd rounder it maybe worth it. Right now what’s waiving him gonna do. Hold out till the dealine when the price goess up.
I agree with most of you. It’s ridiculous that Comeau is not playing at this point. I’m just as annoyed about the injury deal with Okposo. This team finds more ways to screw with the fans every year.
I understand Dallas and honestly I don’t mind Tambi in the lineup but there has to be room for Comeau. He’s ready now…I don’t think it serves prospects NHL time when they are not ready either.
Snow showed Jeff confidence last year by giving him what amounts to $900k for 2yrs on a one way deal (That’s what I see on the internet, but that could be wrong).
So let’s just say that we’re stuck with him until Okposo gets back, or maybe somebody is willing to take a chance on him…LIKE HIS FATHER… for maybe a 2nd or 3rd rounder… All the bashing we do, It’s just as easy to keep him with all the injuries.
CB,
Is it in Weight’s contract that he has to play with Guerin? Last year when they played Washington, Guerin was “demoted” to play with Sillinger, and Hunter was “promoted” to the top line… Guerin got a hat trick… and was put back on the first line.
Weight has been much better than expected, and I really think Guerin wouldn’t be killed by playing with Silly, and it would give Tambellin one last gasp to make it work.
Hunter-Weight-Tambellini
Guerin-Sillinger-Bergenhiem
Park-Hilbert-Sim
Fritz-Thompson-Jackman
Tambellini might see a little more daylight in that mix, but sure as heck won’t contribute what Bergy did.
…and yes, i want to see Comeau as well… but as CB has point(blank)ed out before. tambellini is on a one way, and Comeau is on a two-way. Comeau will be an Islander when it matters… or they will trade him just to erase the Nolan era.
The Islanders need to find a way to get their best players on the Islanders no matter the contract. If Tambs has a one way, then suck it up and waive him, or trade him or do something. He does nothing that contributes to the success of this team. Not a thing, I don’t get how the heck he still plays.
Any update on Petrov for the WJC’s?
JPinVA….
Did you just cut Bailey, or have you simply given him an undisclosed guess which part of the body it is injury?
Folks, the injury bug is not endemic to the Isles. Take a look around the league and check out all of the players that are out. (i.e. Caps last night).
The NHL wanted a faster game and now they have it. Consequence is more and more injuries. Bigger and faster bodies, with no hooking allowed, means more serious injuries. Simple physics.
The NHL needs needs look at bigger rinks.
Before the league’s health insurance is cancelled.
Just my opinion, from two time zones away.
Well Gordon you weren’t too concerned when Frans and Kyle were cheap shoted. Let’s be real honest here folks these top two young prospects are out for long periods of time only because oppossing players felt safe enough to intentionally try to injure our young stars.
I really like Gordon and Snow but I am not sure they yet understand which is baffling and troubling.
So I saw Avery got 6 games and counseling for his off-ice comments. Those comments did embarass the NHL. It is boldy apparent now that the NHL cares more about their image then actually protecting players on the ice. Make a comment off the ice that hurts people’s feelings 6 games. Deliver a blow to someone head while leaving your feet and causing multiple leg injuries and thankfully not giving a head injury to by some miracle and get 2 games.
That some how doesn’t sit well.
I need a drink. *sigh* At least the economy is looking great!
Strummer, you are 100% correct. It’s the same reason Simon got 25 and 30 game suspensions. They were highly publicized incidents. Its a joke. Anger Management? Avery didnt attack someone. I dont get it.
Has anyone seen a resolution to the discrepancy re: KO’s injury - you know, the one where the Isles website says he has a sprained ankle and CB’s and Logan’s blogs say hand?
The Isles are lying. Or their webmaster is a moron.
Willis - Sorry, it was my lame attempt at humor. I’m agreeing with you completely. I don’t understand the policy at all.
505… DUH… slide the centers down from #2. Bailey #2, Silly #3, Hilbert #4, Thompson either takes Fritz’ spot or is in the AHL.
Like most things… it was right in my head… didn’t quite make it to the keyboard though.
thanks.
I can’t even read the Isles website these days so I haven’t seen it D-Money, but that makes a LOT more sense to me than a sprained wrist. If you have a hand/wrist injury you can still do some skating to stay in shape. If you have a leg/foot injury you can’t. That’s been my point for the last 2 weeks, why did they keep saying hand even after he stopped practicing? Why would he have needed to stop if it were just his hand? Why do they feel the need to COVER it up??
UIF - No problem!
Too many weird leg injuries in Gordon’s system??
I gotta laugh everytime I see all the writers here who think that bringing up Blake Comeau is the answer to all of the isles problems.
Comeau is a thrid or fourth line grinder who slows down the play by holding onto the puck way too long. That’s why he is not here. If you watched Comeau at all last year that is what you saw.
People here talk about Comeau like he was the next Gretzky. Get real. He’s a part time role player and that’s all he will ever be………….Sir William
Sir William you have got to be kidding me!!! Nobody is saying he is the next great one. But he deserves to be up here end of story. Saying he slows things up is comical. He is one of the few players on the team who can actually carry the puck from one end to another and can actually recieve and give a pass without hacking it up. Stick to newsday buddy.
Jax is telling the truth. Very rarely he turned the puck over. Plus he is the fans favorite.
SW,
The best player on almost all football teams is the backup QB. There are two guys that have made major strides in play this year, Nielsen and Jackman. Nielsen seemed to be on the cusp of becoming a presence at the #2 C position, and Jackman has played with a confidence he lacked last year… i wonder if he met Tony Robbins in an elevator or something.
I think Comeau was a player that fit well in a puck control offense that was trying to be defensively responsible.
You may be onto something, in that he lacked a little aggresiveness as a “free skater”, but he is, IMHO, about where Guerin and Hunter are in that regard, but instead of being in front of the net, he is a half board player. (I’m gonna choke a little on this) kinda like Yashin.
When he breaks out of that, he will be a productive member of this team as it is now configured. He’s not going to be Brett Hull or JR, but he will probably be a 15-20 goal guy, and I’d say 30-40 A’s…in the right situation. That’s one of the problems right now… lots of set up guys, not enough finishers.
Blake Comeau is no “great one” and I don’t think anyone thinks that, but he is a solid player with good hands. I don’t think he hurts the club.
He is not the answer, that designation belongs to #39, Ricky brings an element to this club that is sorely missed. Not to say Macdonald hasn’t done a serviceable job, but he is just no the same dynamic player that Ricky is. Without Ricky this club is what it is………
i agree wth SW, to a point.hes just a 3-4 liner that checks and skates hard and if you say he will get 15-20 goals and 30-40 assists, thats in his prime. and btw, how is david carr the giants best player… or pretty much every team that doesnt make sense. i think comeu is bergie with a little more skill and less agressiveness. i cant wait to see him next year. he’l prob go 16 and 25 for 41 pts total. 20 pts away from his prime IMHO. just let him develop though. he’ll be here next and get his shot
besides, its still reletively early in the season. lets sign the college players, get okposo and neilson back and then lets get the season started. CB, if those college players were in the draft, what round and overall would they get picked so we have an image of what were looking at here. im guessing 10-20? lemme know.
when do we FIRE the training staff. enough is enough already.
Who cares if comeau only gets 41 pts? That is a ridiculous comment. That is not bad point production on this team. Why wait till next year. That is not bad for a rookie. I don’t think anyone is saying he is the next great one. Stop the exaggerating. He is a decent young player that is doing ok in the AHL. Better than bringing up Colliton! The reason they don’t disclose injuries sometimes I think is to sell tickets. I would be a little more inclined to go to a game if Okposo was in the line up.
I agree ken we seem to lead the league in players lost to injury every year.
i said next year where he will be better. plus thats tops. and i never sad that the william guy did. colliton is a center which im pretty sure is what the team needed with frans and thomspon out
Great strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers and medical staffs prevent injuries by properly preparing players bodies. Last year was the first year for this training staff and thus far it has been two miserable years. I fully expected after last season the team would have replaced them.
This is a rebuilding year. Anytime a rookie goes down to injury, another should be brought up to gain NHL experience. Nobody knows how good any of the BPT can be at the NHL level. Winning for NYI is in the future NOT NOW!!!
is it me or is this the most unwatchable Islander team in history? I mean, I try to watch these games and there is absolutely not one exciting player or even one young player that is worth watching. And I mean in any area, goal scoring, playmaking, toughness, goaltending. There is nothing here.
That may be true from a front line player standpoint, but they are much more exciting to watch this year than last year.
No it was much worse a few years ago Mike.
The Goring years (not his fault)were the worst it ever was.
Honestly I thought last year was pretty horrific to watch, real boring hockey. The play was always along the boards. Nolan type hockey=boring hockey in my opinion. Colliton has played the wing when called up before, you are right that is why he was called up recently though. I know you said in a year he will be better just don’t understand why? He looked NHL ready to me. Why not call him up now. Because we are scared to send him back down? We don’t have a problem sending everyone else up and down. If Comeau is only a modest prospect then whats the problem? Enough of this system crap, he seems to be playing ok at the bridge.
R I D I C U L O U S !!! No Comeau is Absolutely R I D I C U L O U S !!!
DOC