BRENDAN WITT: IT’S ONLY BUSINESS
The dman is content to wait out trade deadline
Brendan Witt is not asking to be traded by the New York Islanders, nor is he pleading with the organization to keep him.
“It’s business,” the veteran defenseman said after practice at Iceworks today. “Everyone knows that. You just accept it and see what happens.”
Listening to Witt at his stall today, seems if he’s traded he’d be saddest about saying goodbye to Islanders fans. “I really like our fans,” he said. “They are so supportive through tough times, it’s amazing. They’ve been great to me and my family. And they crack me up. When they booed that poor man from the Town of Hempstead office on Saturday night, how could you not laugh”?
He’d also miss the region. “My wife (Salima) and I love it here,” Witt said. “I think that’s obvious. Let’s put it this way: if we didn’t love it here, I wouldn’t have signed a contract extension.” He laughed. “I guess if I hadn’t signed that extension, I probably would have been traded already.”
Possibly. There’s two ways of looking at it: with every team in the league concerned about the economy and their cap number, the $3 million owed Witt for each of the next two seasons could be an obstacle to acquiring him. On the other hand, a team can offer up a good pick or prospect knowing they have Brendan Witt locked up at a fair rate for two more seasons – instead of just six weeks plus playoffs.
“You can see both sides,” Witt said. “I’ll say it again – it’s business. It comes down to what teams want you, how badly they want you and what Garth (Snow) wants back. This is a rebuilding situation. I totally understand that. Give Snowy credit. He got a really good return for Campy and Mike Comrie.”
Witt is amused that the brouhaha he caused with his criticism of coach Scott Gordon’s aggressive system is still alive more than two months later. (“Can’t believe that s- – t’s still brought up”). But he also acknowledged that the kind of alterations he asked consideration for have since been instituted.
“For more than a month now I really like how our D has played and the way we’ve competed,” he said. “The coaches re-evaluated how we were playing. Other than that loss to Carolina last week, we’ve either won games or we’ve made life tough for our opponents. When you’ve struggled like we have and had the injuries we’ve had, you have to compete. We have, and I’m proud of that.”
As the March 4 deadline nears, Witt says there is no suspense, no worry over where he and his family will be on March 5. It’s just the hockey business, and he appreciates simply being in it.
“A bunch of us were sitting around the locker room the other day and it came up how, with everything going on in the world, we’re so lucky just to be working,” said the 34-year old defenseman. “I hope people don’t think we take that for granted. We’re lucky to have jobs, and then to have a job in something you love to do…well, we’re really fortunate.
“You’re not going to hear me complain. I’m not asking to leave. It’s out of my control. Whatever happens, I’ll make the best of it and I’m sure it will be for the best.”
ETC: No news from practice today. Scott Gordon was out and assistant coach John Chabot ran the show with the same line combinations and D pairings that ended the win over New Jersey.
Your thoughts on Brendan Witt and a possible deal? In Comments. Coming soon: some possible scenarios for a Witt trade.
120 Responses to BRENDAN WITT: IT’S ONLY BUSINESS
The dman is content to wait out trade deadline
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Matt Brosseau says:
Two months ago, I was saying “trade him, he doesn’t want to be here.” But the emergence of the younger guys seems to have energized Witt somewhat, and his toughness is vital on a team that lacks it.
As much as Witt would be a serious beast for any playoff-bound team that signs him, I think he needs to stick around another couple of years unless a real nice offer comes in from the Western conference. Otherwise it’s not worth it; he would be sorely missed on the blue line the rest of the season…and his absence would limit the development of the younger D-men (not like Jack Hillen will ever be Witt)–Witt has great positional skills that can and should be handed down to Hillen, Callahan, Bruno.
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guerin13 says:
gotta love witt. he tells it like it is and understands that garth’s gotta do what he has to do, even if that mean’s he’s dealt. if i’m snow, i set the return for witt high and don’t budge on it. he’s played much better since they tweaked the system.
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Alan says:
Brendan Witt just gets it. Amonst the players being rumored to leave town, he would be the last on my list to go. He genuinely loves the fans, and the fans love him. Nevertheless, if the Isles can peddle him off for a 2nd rounder and either a top 6 forward prospect or a top 4 defense prospect, you do it. You don’t trade Brendan Witt for nothing. He’s useful, Mike Comrie was useless.
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mt275 says:
Keep Witt unless someone made an offer we can’t refuse. The man is a true professional, and we need to stay competitive next year.
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Islander505 says:
Well said Braveheart….Can we put the “public displeasure with the system” references to bed?
Once and for all?
The fact that Gordon has been putting Witt on the PP (LOL…in front of the net), is a pretty clear indication THAT THERE IS GOOD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO.From my perpsective, two time zones away, I don’t think Witt is gonna go anywhere.
I just don’t see anyone offering at least a 1st round pick for him.Stay comfy Braveheart
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Tony F. says:
I don’t think Witt’s had a great year, and I think at the end of the season we’ll find out that he’s been playing hurt. This guy is a warrior and will be great to teacher for our youth movement. The offer better be great to trade him.
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thepolishprince says:
I said it in the last Witt thread and I’ll say it again – unless someone knocks your socks off with an offer you don’t move Witt. Well, maybe you move him off the power play…lol.
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Joey303 says:
Ive always loved Witt. If its another (geez) 2nd rounder, (Alan) keep him. If its for a legitimate prospect or potential 2nd liner, THINK about it. He still can bang, and is a warrior. If someone wants him so much that a 1st rounder is offered, Garth might have to do it. But I want him to stay!!
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JayK says:
I think we should keep him but demand that he change his number, since he chose it in honor of the #1 evil person in Islander history: Dale Hunter! And at the same time, require that he wear #77 the remainder of his Islander career.
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Wedregast says:
Yep, gotta agree with those above. Unless we get good value for Witt, he should stay.
I haven’t been too happy with his play this year, he looks like he lost a step. But he is still tough, plays his position sound, and is a good leader for the team.
I’m sure Snow isn’t trading him off for a 5th round pick. I’d say a late 1st rounder and either a player-or-prospect would be a good value if he’s traded.
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Michael from T.O. says:
I love the way Witt plays and competes every night. We need his experience and leadership for the young guys, but if Snow can get a good young player and/or 1st round pick now do it.
You can always find a guy that is a shut down defenceman. At 34, and play some good hockey is the time to do it. By waiting until next year, it may be too late to get a good return. -
Trade Brendan to Buffalo for a 2nd rounder and one of their many young forwards, then I’ll do it.
The Sabres are stocked with top 6 forwards.
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Macch says:
It all depends on what the return would be… I wouldnt mind having and him and Guerin around for the next two years to show some guidance, but if the isles get a good offer than like he said, its just business
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I’m with Coach B here. You can hold out for your price, and if nobody meets it, then hey, you have Brendan Witt on your team next season. It’s a no-lose proposition for the Islanders.
(Though if I were offered a top prospect or a 1st I’d jump immediately)
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John says:
I think Brendan Witt should stay. I think he’s part of the solution. As much as you like fast mobile guys to play the go go system, you also need stay at home shut down types to kill penalties and lock down the oppositions top scorers. Witt is a solid team guy and I think worthy of the C if Guerin goes. He re-upped when he didn’t have to, and plays the game hard. This guy can play on my team anytime.
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bossy4president says:
Witt, Tamby, SJ’s first rounder and 2 second rounders (one 09 and one 2010) for Vinny. We draft Tavares then look for a FA D-man in July. Lighthouse shovles in the ground this July and we’re set. What’s the problem here? Come on Garth make the call.
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TuxTax says:
Ask me a month and a half ago and I wanted him gone, but it shows that he adjusted his style to fit the system just as much as Gordon adjusted his system to fit Witter a little. Now, I say keep him we need a strong dman that can protect the front of the net, the only other similar dman that we have like that is Callahan and we have only seen a few games from him.(Sutton too, but he has been shelved)
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bcarey says:
i think Witt stays. i’m sure it goes without saying though that if snow can get a first round pick he should take it. the more the better, and it increases our chances of trading up.
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Dan from Westchester says:
Sounds like a class act that “gets it”.
Agree with most – unless the offer is out of this world – Witt should stay an Islander.
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islesfan999 says:
Gotta love witt but for a good return I would trade him. I would want a #2 and a prospect.
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Jimmy says:
I think we need witt unless we get a mid to early 1st rounder for him or a quality NHL ready prospect. (i know highly unlikely)Which is fine I certainly wouldn’t mind having Witt around for a few more years and add that toughness to the club which basically would be absent without him..
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Hock says:
Witt is ‘one of a kind.’ He can still play and he can be a good mentor. He has a lot of value, so I would think long and hard before letting him go. We’d have to get a ‘sweet’ offer to make a move. Like he said himself, in the end it’s a business.
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His play/system fit has been better lately, but if they get real value offered, make the deal. If not, I’d be happy to have the last month’s version of Witt around next season (’cause we’d still need size to replace him).
Whether staying or going, I’ll aways appreciate what he brings, and the kind of character he is. He’s given us quite a lot.
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Conor says:
The Isles cannot afford to lose the mean streak that Witter brings to the back line. Who takes Crosby or Ovy all game with that physical presence that the other Isles D-men lack? Unless your getting a legitimate 2nd line prospect or D-man or a first round pick you cant make a deal that jettisons Witter out of town. Keep the price up there snowy, we need Witt.
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Schultz39 says:
We’re in a no lose situation with him – he wants to be here but we could get a nice return at the deadline. This is a player that Snow can indeed play hardball.
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Isles Fanatic says:
I think the Isles should and will trade Witt, agreed the guy has heart and is a work horse, but he is no fit for Gordon’s system and will not be. He is slow and will only get slower. If the team can get a 2nd round or more realistically a 3rd round pick for him, he should be traded.
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Atari8bit says:
We all want want draft picks and good prospects to build the next Islander Dynasty.
And if a truly amazing offer came then I’d pull the trigger too. But for all the rebuilds, you need a certain amount of experience, leadership, teaching and intangibles that Witt brings. You can’t just throw all the kiddies to the wolves and let them learn by icetime alone. They need mentors like Witt on all facets of the game. Guerin and Weight fit that bill but they are on the offensive side. Witt epitomizes what players should aspire to. -
Healy says:
Have to disagree with one thing you said Mike (#12). You can’t always find a shut down defenseman (one that is good at least). Isles and Rangers have struggled for defensemen of this type for the last few years. Witt does the job, but it takes its toll. No one else on the Isles really fits this role. Sutton looked like he might for a while, but we’ll see when he gets back from injury.
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JC Frank says:
I’m not sure he fits the system, but Witt is a gamer, he’s honest, and he likes being on the Island, keep him unless there is an offer GS can’t refuse.
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The Express says:
I would only give up Witt for a kings ransom. Philly is tossed around as a possible destination. You want him? Fine. Give us Van Rymsdyk. Heck, we’ll throw in a pick to sweeten it. No? Then BFD. We’ll keep Witt.
I don’t want to see any of this “Witt for a third” garbage.
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redbull says:
he’s the type of player you win with, no doubt. this is why the isles need a player LIKE witt – but the same reason why a team closer to competing for the cup will come calling.
He’s worth more to them than us – this asymmetry means a trade should happen.
I’ll be sad to see him go.
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Cruicky says:
Pretty bad when a player being paid the money Witt is making and you are throwing around 2nd or 3rd rounders in return. Is this the price of a draft pick these days??
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Gary says:
I’ve gone back and forth on this and I really think we should keep him. Leadership doesn’t grow on trees and Witter is good at that kind of thing. I told him at the season subscriber autograph party the summer we signed him that I was glad that he was brought in and I hope to tell him that I’m glad we kept him and next fall’s event.
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Just shows you how difficult this business is. Gordon had some wonderful things to say about Witt during the Sat. morning press conference. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is here on 3/5. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t. Like he said, it’s just business.
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Matt says:
I think we are under estimating what Witt would be worth to a team in the playoff hunt or contending. I agree we should keep him unless we get a first or a second and decent prospect. If not we got a good dman if we make the playoffs in the next year.
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^^^^^^ hahahahahahaha
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JPinVA says:
The responders to this blog can be pretty fickle. Everybody wants to dump Bergy, he scores a few goals and they have him on the first line.
One month ago it was about 85% “dump Witt for a bag of pucks”… now he’s braveheart again.
I’m pretty proud to be an unwaivering supporter of both of those guys. Unless there’s a story linking him to kiddie porn I will always be a Brendan Witt fan. The guy just plays like I wish I could… and after all… isn’t that what it’s all about.
And there is nobody in the system that can bring what Witt brings to the table. Not last year, not this year and not next year. Garth, if you trade him, I hope you include yourself in the package… to a team that needs a solid shutdown “D”, and a really old backup goalie.
Other than that, Mr. Snow.. you have BEGUN to redeem yourself. -
Steve says:
Keep Witt. He’s a tough and rugged d-man with size and leadership qualties that the Isles will be looking for in a year. They are already undersized. They need someone to throw bodies out of the crease and such. Why give up on that? And he WANTS to be here!
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We’re about 3-4 years away from a playoff team. I do have faith that it will happen and it won’t be a first round exit either.
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blitz says:
Where’s the beef? What is lacking here is that beyond Witt saying he loves LI, the article does not provide a quote from Witter along the lines of “i want to stay an islander, i’m ok with the rebuild, onboard with the plan,” etc.
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Doug F. says:
How about Witt to Montreal for Higgins?
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How can you not like this guy. It took him a while to adjust to Go-Go “System” but through pain and sacrifices BW elevated his game and getting better every game. Plus he likes it here, he is a leader and a warrior. Keep Witt here and then let him retire as an Islander… He is true Braveheart on this team.
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admin says:
blitz (41) very perceptive. Brendan had nice things to say to me today, but he didn’t take it that far. He was his usual honest, candid self. But it’s fair for you to read into what he didn’t say. Sometimes that’s Brendan’s other way of being honest.
(38) I know I’ll hate myself for writing this, but JP is kinda right about the hot and cold nature of reader comments towards Witt and trading vets like him and Guerin. Guess that’s why GMs get paid to make tough decisions.
Instead of after a 4-0 win over NJ, if I wrote this story a month ago, or even after the disaster to Carolina last week, no offense but I have to believe the response might be more 50/50 instead of the 90/10 we have today in favor of keeping Brendan…CB
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Pat says:
I only trade him if someone truly wants to overpay to get him. i.e. a team that *has* to make the playoffs this year and has a # 1 pick to burn.
We have to have some vets to build around – and Witter is quite possibly one of them. Guerin could be the other.
I am into asset accumulation via a smart strategy.
Is Doug Weight going to be available in a trade ? Hate to lose him – but we can re-sign him next year.
Pat
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Bossy4president this is hockey so you never know stranger things have happened. I think we may be closer than 3-4 years if we had a GM that could make some decent UFA signings. The summer will pretty much be a tell all for next season. If we pick Taveras who knows maybe we can sign a few decent veterans and speed up this re-build. I think if we can some how keep the injurioes down and stay healthy and some kids show some growth we could be a playoff/bubble team. Three years of tanking will not bode well for this club. Two “good” drafts and continued smart drafting without tanking should be more than enough for this team. If not its time to ge a new GM and scouting staff.
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IslesFan13inFla says:
CB-Great article! Best damn Islanders coverage available, period.
This is the only way I trade Witt. What if Snow gets offered a Smyth type deal? For example a first round D man drafted in 07 another from 08 and the teams #1 this year in exchange for Witt. Do you do it?
If it’s nothing like that I don’t. MAYBE a #1 and a TOP D prospect. Other than that he’s too valuable.
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how long as richard avedon been shooting for the ders? seriously, CB, where are these photographs coming from?
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JKP in Halifax says:
I say keep Witt if everything is OK with him and Gordon. If we’re competitive next year and fighting for a PO spot, we’d want a guy like him.
f we are in the same boat next year in the standings, odds are he’d likely have more value at next year’s trading deadline if the economy recovers and another year would be burned off the contract.
He’s a warrior and there aren’t many of them on the team (or in the league, for that matter).
Our D is thin enough as it is.
I hope he stays.
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Yo JP!!!
You calling me out on the “fickle, but now Braveheart” thing?
Let me qualify my comment a tad.
I am NOT opposed to trading Witt (everyone except KO and Bailey is expendable).
I just don’t think that anyone in the NHL is gonna pony up for what Snow will be wanting for him.
Just like Streit, Witt is one of those guys that’s a “Snow Guy”, i.e. signed to a contract by, or picked up as a UFA guy.So let me qualify….Everyone is expendable, but I put Witt and Streit in a category of “people not being shopped around by Snow”.
With that said, regardless of what kind of overall season he is having (not very good), he will always be Braveheart.
and to repeat my point…I just don’t see anyone offering Snow what he will want for Witt.
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Marc from Troy says:
Hey, Matt (46)… This just in: our GM made THE BEST UFA signing of the past year in the entire league when he got Mark Streit. That not “decent” enough for you? I swear some of you aren’t happy unless you’re bitching about something – even in the midst of the best two or three day stretch (hopeful Lighthouse news, dumping Comrie, getting another #1, beating Devils 4-0) this team has seen in a while, the same whiners just keep singing the same tired tune.
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E_Godard says:
Witts got his game back, I say we ride out his contract. Ive always appreciated the type of game he brings to the table. We cant field an entire D corp of children. The Islanders need to figure out a way to move Sutton by next season.
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TRADE WITT, what are you keeping him around for? We all like the guy but he is not part of the long term puzzle.
Yes he can add wisdom and character but if you can get a 2nd round pick for him you do it.
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Blockness Monster says:
My favorite part of the article was when he said that Snow got good value for Campoli and Comrie.
You know Snow has a blueprint of what he feels the needs are makes you wonder if Snow even knows if he needs Witt and Witt is part of the future of the team.
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Gina 319 says:
That Quote from Witt saying how he is thankful to even have a job proved to me that he is a class act, and changed my mind about wanting him traded. Thank you Brendan Witt for not taking anything for granted and being a good guy off the ice.
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BC says:
Hey Alan(13), I’d do that. I’d love to take Nathan Gerbe off of their hands, regardless if we got anything else in return. What do you think CB, any chance Witt would warrant a return of a prospect with that much upside?
Also, a little bit off topic, but is their anyway for GM’s to gauge a pending free agent’s interest in the team? Are staff of teams allowed to speak with pending FA before July 1st, or are the barred until after July 1st?
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Gina 55
If you ran an office and you had a guy that was a great person but did not fit into the long term growth of the company. In the same breath you just interviewed a new person that fit that mould perfectly…. Here is the catch, if you hire someone you must fire someone….. what do you do?
Witt is a great guy, he is not the only great guy in the NHL…. most hockey players are character guys and truly thankful for being there.
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Angelica says:
I really wouldn’t want to see Brendan Witt traded. In the beginning of the season it really seemed as though he was frustrated and perhaps didn’t want to play here anymore, but now it looks like he’s getting more into the swing of things. And this article is really indicative of how he is just happy to be here and be playing hockey. To me, there would have to be a completely irresistible deal to make me say, “okay, let’s get rid of this guy.”
I’ve liked him since Day One and I want to see him remain an Islander, at least for the rest of his contract.
And JKP in Halifax (49) I agree… from a practical standpoint, we just traded a defenseman and got a center and a draft pick in return. We don’t have much depth on D. I say we shouldn’t trade any more defensemen… JMHO.
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505,
I wasn’t calling you out. I used “braveheart” only because when he is invisible in the slot he is “wittless”, and when he is tossing guys through the boards he is “braveheart”. the only thing linking my comment to yours was timing. Sorry. -
Tom says:
When Witt insulted Flash’s system. Made Flash look silly. Make Garth mad. Witt be traded.
I’m sad, but that’s the way it goes in Islanderland. Blood & guts gone, wins & losses don’t matter stays.
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To try to help answer the question in #53:
What is the “LONG TERM PUZZLE”. We are starting to get the warm fuzzies about Gord-o. But a sub 20 win season is not hockey’s answer to viagra.
Another one should be hockey’s answer to a high fiber diet.
It’s guys like Witt, maybe Guerin, maybe (bergy, park, hunter) and HOPEFULLY DP that you uses as a pivot to turn the organization around.
IMO, What has happened this year is Snow has thrown out an anchor to stop the mediocrity… but if it’s not going in the RIGHT direction next year there is no reason we need the same guy at the helm.
he has PROVEN NOTHING. He was untested before this season, and has done little to earn our respect so far…
Yes, it’s getting better… I agree that it is more entertaining than the Nolan or Lavy style, but this is NEW EFFIN YORK… not Columbus or Nashville… We need to hold the people that represent us (ok..so I’m “inVA”, but I got my 30 years in…) to a HIGHER standard. We need to lose the victim mentality… and start pressing for results NEXT year.
They will have almost $20M under the cap in july to play with. I don’t expect Chucky to dump it all on a team that is leaking money like 72 Pinto leaks oil… But make a damn effort.
(I’d have posted that one without your affirmation, so don’t hate yourself… and thanks)
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Ed J says:
Great article as always CB….
IMO anyone who plays with heart like B Witt cannot replaced and all others ( young & old ) can learn from him. Plus having him out there on the PP is greatest thing I have seen all season from this team & I love Billy’s & Howie’s tone when they see him out there. How can you not smile hearing them lol. ( and it is helping his +/- )
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Joe says:
Keem em, were too soft as it is.
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61
So you are telling me that in 3 years when we are ready to “compete” again a 37 year old Witt is going to help us?
OR after next season we are going to re-sign him?
That is the puzzle im talking about.
Bergie, Hunter, DP all young guys and part of the puzzle.
Witt, Guerrin, Weight, ….. all guys that wont be here when we start winning.
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one more thing 61
The pinto joke has been used so many different ways. Over it
The 72 pinto is our arena……. Probably the biggest piece of the puzzle i mention….. Wang is not going to dump money into this team until the new stadium is built and returning revenue.
If the three guys i mentioned above are still around when that is built we have bigger problems on our hand.
Sorry to break the news to you but we are not winning the cup next year or the year after that.
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Lawrence Teller says:
What would Witt look like on a defense with Streit and 2 other top flight NHL D-men? Say Bouwmeester and Komisarek as well as any two off the current roster! Since he has been here he has been asked to do so much outside of what I see as outside his natural role – to bring that into a more specific relief – I believe he would serve to truly enhance the team if it could build around him providing depth on D that we have not seen in a while.
Second, should we end up with Hedman, I believe he would be a very valuable on ice mentor.
If these team is to become competitive in the next two years – I don’t see it happening without a player like Witt – filling a specific role. I don’t see anything other than a high second round pick as coming close to replacing his value in the overall vision of the franchise – and I don’t think he is worth that in trade – meaning his value here is higher than it is to anyone else IMO.
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Coach B says:
Nick Classic (15)Nice that the Islanders have a decision which is good either way for a change.
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MikeF says:
It’s pretty obvious he’s a step behind, and honestly he’s one attempt away from taking a terrible kneeing penatly and seriously hurting someone.
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As I stated before I love the way Witt plays, and you can’t find many guys that play with their hearts on their sleeve like him. My only concern is that he is getting older and we know that the Isles won’t be competing for a few years. IF the package is right you have to do it now.
We have seen that he gets hurt and although he has played through it, who says next year a major injury doesn’t happen. If the Isles didn’t have Andy Sutton (who has played well in this system, although hurt) I’d say keep him, but lets start to look ahead at the big picture, and moving Witt for the right price could help with that. -
BC (56)
Did you go to BC? Because I saw Gerbe tear it up for the Eagles, and would love to see him do the same for the Isles.
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BR says:
Monster (54) – I kind of chuckled when I read the quote. Notice that Witt referred to Campoli as “Campy” and Comrie as “Mike Comrie.” I wonder which of the two he liked better…
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CB – thank you for the comment.
Based on your article, it seems Witt is happy to be financially secure, loves living on LI, but may not necessarily enjoy the direction his current employer is going.
PHO and MIN have scouted NYI for a better part of ’09…
UFA d-class this season is very thin, so NYI need to realize filling Witt’s spot may be an uphill battle.
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cusi says:
CB #44- you can not compare the comments on Witt a month and half ago to today. He is a complete different player out there. His heart (from what i can see) has only been in it for the last 6 weeks or so. Maybe he was hurt.
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Dan says:
Keep Witt!! He has alot to offer this team esp in the character dept. Hope he stays. These young guys can learn alot from him.
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BC (56) – Teams can’t talk to UFAs until July 1, otherwise it’s called tampering. Those are the rules, but I have a hard time believing that it doesn’t happen very quietly (through third parties, etc).
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Jimmy Mac says:
No more second round picks…lol.
Either a top prospect or a first round pick.
His contract is cheap, he is a great character guy.
He blocks shots, he’s physical, he does the things most player don’t want to do.
So either we get a good return or is a no go.
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streit02 says:
Players like Witt only come around every so often. Hes heart, sould, guts, lets keep him around for the glory (hopefully). He had a rough stretch, but hes back to his old self. Whats great about Gordon’ system that will play into Witts hands is the fact that the dmen step up alot. I hope hes around for some more years of bone crunching hits
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Jeff says:
At this point, unless the Isles can grab a lottery position first round pick, why trade Witt? He’s signed for two more years at a fair price and the Isles problem with the cap is to make the minimum. As a season ticket holder, I’ve found this year to be beyond painful. I have no desire to go to games and watch a team full of Josh Baileys that may one day develop into good players. At $120 per seat per game, the Isles need to put some real NHL players on the ice and Witt is a real NHLer.
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Jethro09 says:
I love my boy Witter. I know he can bring back a nice return, but I hope he’s not traded. I really like his attitude towards the Isles, the fans and the area. He oozes character and plays the game the right way. He’s also shown lately that he can play in this system. guys like Witter are important to have around for a rebuild, and without any guarantees on Guerin or Weight coming back next year, it will be nice to have Witt around to lead the young guys. If Guerin goes, Witter’s my next captain (honorable mention Mark Streit).
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Rich says:
How bout a 2nd rounder and Pominville for Witt
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I know I’ve been saying Witt is worth probably more than what people think I have my doubts buffalo would give up Pominville and a second, I would do it even though I love Witt but don’t hold your breath. I have a feeling Witt may be gone come the fourth though. I just hope the return is worth it!!!!
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CJCB says:
Keep Witt trade Gervais!!
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Chris wrote that Scott Gordon did not run the practice today. Could they be working on some other moves?
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& Martinek, sign Komasarik
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Nick Classic (81)
I root for DP, Meyer, I rooted for Poti (who had 2 strikes…Raggies AND BU), and I’ll root for Gilroy too if we sign him.
Sometimes you just have to look past the college affiliation.
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4195mary says:
How about Witt and MacDonald and a later pick to Buffalo (Ryan Miller is hurt) for their 1st rounder.
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4195mary, we’d probably have to take a salary off their hands as well. Otherwise I don’t know there goalie sit, and how much depth they have in there system to say if its good for them or not.
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Kenny Boudreau says:
Look,I know some of you might laugh at me. But Scott Gordon has been using Witt in front of the net on the power play in the past 2 games and its worked on 2 occasions! Keep Witt
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If you trade Witt for a draft pick or prospect, it will eliminate a tough physical presence on the team. Something the Isles are already lacking. So keep him because, I want this team to at least compete for a playoff spot this time next year!!!
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I think Witter is toooo important to the Isles … think about it … him opening his mouth had Gordo reconsider tweak his system to help the defense. The result is a more competitive team … even with the injuries and lower skill level. I like the progress … and love Witter’s leadership … He’ll be vital over the next few years… and I think he’s got lots of game left in him.
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I would only trade Witt if it involved a 1st round pick. But no way does Buffalo make the playoffs with Lalime starting everyday. Honestly, does anybody not believe that MacDonald is expendable at this point. If I’m Darcy Regier I do this trade. If I’m Garth Snow, I think I do it too.
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Islebethere4u says:
I agree with #2 and #18, 2 months ago I would not have objected to a REASONABLE Witt trade. but now after a tweak to Go-Go’s system he seems revived. I especially agree with #4 that “Witt gets it”. He is worth much more than he was 2 months ago, he wants to stay here and he genuinely like the area and the fans and knows first and foremost that this is a business. A TEAM player and a TEAMMATE like that is worth keeping at almost any price.
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After reading most of the posts. I would like to remind everyone that we shouldn’t trade Witt just for the purpose of making a trade. He’s more than servicable and we don’t need to trade him. I wouldn’t trade him unless it’s for more than what he’s worth. He’s worth a lot to me, he’s a huge shut down d-man and nobody in the Isles’ system close to being ready to bring his experience, mean streak, skill and size to the blue line. I say take a desperate offer: Mid 1st rounder + 2nd rounder (or tier 2 prospect) at minimum… crazy?
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C.J. says:
No one is untouchable on this team. I have to laugh however at some of the ridiculous trade scenarios that ppl post “Tambs/Witt/late 1st/2 2nds” for Lecavalier. That wouldn’t get you into the top 5 of this year’s draft, no less a superstar of the calibre of Vinny L.
I’ve clamored that the time to deal Witt is now (assuming teams will pay handsomely for a stay-at-home, playoff built dman). It’s all about the return. If someone dangles a 1st or a 1st +, GMG needs to take it. There’s no telling what another year of physical play will do to Witt going forward.
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Steve-O says:
A class act all the way. I wonder if he really wants to stay or if that is his media face? Garth should try to keep him happy either way as he is what all players should be.
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nyislanders93 says:
If an offer of a 1st round pick or more comes about for Witt, Snow has to accept. Witt will not be part of this team when they get back to being good eventually. He is 34 now and would really speed up the rebuild if he was traded for a good pick or prospect. It all depends on the offers that Snow receives though.
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Hey CB and #41. Doesn’t this quote basically say that Witt wanted to stay and Islander? “My wife (Salima) and I love it here,” Witt said. “I think that’s obvious. Let’s put it this way: if we didn’t love it here, I wouldn’t have signed a contract extension.”I mean sure any vet on this team would be hard pressed to say ” I love it here please don’t trade me” given 1. their record, 2. injuries, 3. NVMC, 4. questions about ownership, 5. Lighthouse Project, 6. attendance 7. coaching changes, ect…..
I could go on and on. But he chose to stay in spite of all or most of these things being on the table when he signed the extension. I’m sure he could have gotten just as much from another team in better shape than the Isles. Everyone seemed to get on him simply for saying he didn’t agree with the coach at the point where it was the worst part of the season. I give him credit for that, and guess what…the coach listened to him, tweaked the Go-Go system then they became competitive with Witt being the standout d-man during that time. So yes, I think he wants to stay. Your thoughts CB? -
beatlebailey says:
On a last place team everyone should be available for the right price including KO as part of a package for kovalchuk.
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I would trade anyone except ko, bailey, nielsen, comeau, bergenheim, hillen. Trade anyone else for good value.
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I would agree with beatlebailey. Even KO should be considered tradeable if it involved the likes of Kovalchuk.
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Dadi says:
Hedman-Streit
Komisarek-Gilroy
Witt-Martinek…and let’s play some real hockey…
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Strummer's Army says:
They finally get excellent players like Okposo and Streit and some people want to trade them? No. Two of them will win more games then any superstar will. Okposo can have 40 goal seasons and Streit is one of the highest scoring and best rounded d-men in the league. When you gain assets like that you do not trade them. Both are also signed for reasonable money and in the case of Okposo CBA controlled for years. You don’t give that and a d-man with 3 years left on a reasonable deal for a guy who is looking for a huge payday.
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Well said Strummer’s Army. I agree completely. Since were going through a rebuild there is no point of trading away some of our really important players to bring in a guy like Kovalchuk.
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dmen77 says:
Raise your hand if you ever complained about a Mike Milbury trade?
SO WHY ON EARTH ARE THERE POSTS ON HERE THAT WE SHOULD TRADE OKPOSO IF IT MEANT GETTING KOVALCHUK
that has MILBURY written all over it
some people really amaze me!
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Also glad to hear Witter is not asking for a trade.
I also truly think that he’s telling everyone that if Snow is offered a 1st Round pick, it’s ok to trade him and do what’s best for the franchise.
With the exception of a 1st Round pick, I think most of us can agree that Witt looks to be his old self again and none of us want to see him go.
My dream D for 09-10
Streit-Sutton
Witt-Martinek
Komisarek-Gilroy
Hillen
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Isles_Goal says:
Witt is a class act!! I would be very sad to see him leave. He would be a great Captain…and would do a great job with the kids. Please keep Witt!!!
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Nobody is suggesting KO should be traded. Absolutely not. I’m just saying should a Kovalchuk or Nash or whatever elite player become available, that option should not be automatically bypassed. To me, Milbury seemed to favor quantity over quality. That wouldn’t be the case if you went after Kovalchuk.
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mrlbem says:
Maybe Witt learned his lesson about saying anything from the last time he was in this position. Didn’t he tell Washington that he did not want to be part of their rebuild? That’s how they decided to part with him and trade him to Nashville. Think Witter wants a do-over on that one?
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who said KO AND streit – i wouldnt do that for kovalchuk but i would do KO and the SJ 1st and our 2nd for him
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Mike from Oceanside says:
How often is a head coach “OUT” at practice?
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Bob Bassen says:
Post # 106 now you’re talking! That scenario is actually almost doable. Throw in good goaltending (DP?!?) and some free agent signings and the Isles are in the play-off hunt. OK, I have had too much sugar tonight..anyway…if Garth doesn’t feel that he has an angle on a Komisarek or another tough D-man than don’t trade Witt unless it is a ridiculous deal. Rebuilding or not, this is the Isles *get-out-of-jail-free-card-we-are-the-laughing-stock-of -the NHL year. Team will need to show semblance of improvement next year…I am not saying that by trading Witt the Isles will suck worse but a trade will have to be in conjunction with a viable replacement, IMO.
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deweyfromnfld says:
Hey beatle and mary, you 2 must not watch any games. KO has stepped up his games the last month, even looks better the last 2 weeks. I don’t think I would trade him straight up for kovalcuk at the moment. I have only seen 1 russian who hasn’t dogged a game every couple of weeks in the last 15 years, and he ain’t leaving the caps ever. Getting kovalcuk would put the rebuild at square 1 again.
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Hey deweyfromnfld i love KO but my point is anybody on a last place team should be considered to be traded. I know there is a certain russian bias here on the island with yashin and kvasha debacles but kovalchuk is 25 and has 30 goals and 33 assist this year. you put a trade together for this guy that includes ko and sj first and a second and you have improved the islanders. Kovalchuk’s points for the last 6 years from 02 through present
67
87
98
76
87
63 this year to date.
KO goes in this deal IMO -
beatlebailey – I’m not talking down to you but I don’t think you understand what a rebuild truly is. A rebuild is in no way trading our homegrown draft pick in Okposo who is breaking out right before our eyes for a dynamic player, 5 years older and only ONE year left on his contract before he’s an unrestricted free agent.
Even with Kovalchuk, this team is not a serious playoff threat…so why not wait another year, evaluate the team and sign Kovalchuk as a UFA if he’s available?
I think the latter (or the like of as far as UFA’s go) sounds more like a rebuild to me.
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bonzo says:
Witt does not have many seasons left with the way he plays. His body is not 34- its more like 37…Now is the time to get what you can- a second rounder would be nice, and if I am Garth (I am not Garth) I jump at this. Sutton will be back, he does mean pretty well too.
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dmen77, I could live with that defence. That defence, with DP coming back. Also, if the Isles don’t get the first pick, you could probably add Hedman to that list. I would love to see Komisarek in this lineup. The back end would be huge.
Also, depending on what you would spend on Komi and Gilroy, you would have some money to spend up front next year and in the future. -
dmen77 well i wouldnt make that trade if we didnt get kovalchuk signed to an extension. KO a 1st and 2nd sounds right to me. KO looks like he could be really good. I will take the proven young dynamic player. Plus he adds instant credibility to the islanders. C’mon garth get kovalchuk to the island and signed to an extension!
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Agree with most of the people posting. Unless the Isles get a 1st rounder or a legit prospect they should keep Witter. He has played much better since Gorden tweeked the system and he was reunited with Martinek.
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berkshire geezer says:
Reading all of these replies makes me proud for having been an Isle fan since their second year. There has been a lot of b…ing and groaning, but at the core, there is strong fan support for the team. I have felt all along the team cannot afford to let BW go, unless an incredible offer comes along. He is BIG and TOUGH along with Sutton. The team lacks both of these qualities and NEEDS THEM BADLY. Garth was a goalie and knows what is needed in front of the net, so he won’t give him away unless the offer cannot be refused. My fear is there are so many teams on the brink of making the playoffs that such an offer will be made. If so, there should be a BW night next time he plays here! He has done a great job for the team and it is nice he has been appreciated, and his play has been improved greatly in the last month, along with that of the team!!!!
The Islanders are under no pressure to deal Witt. If the Islanders get the price they want and fits into the plan then do a deal. If not the Islanders can revisit trade or no trade at next year’s deadine. Garth is in a good position here.