Comments on: WEIGHT YEARNS TO BE BACK, AND HAS EARNED ITBelieves Islanders can make playoffs next season

By: jonw

jonw — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:27:52 +0000

#120 wow

By: Yes! Islanders

Yes! Islanders — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:45:02 +0000

Yes to that. Give him a couple million to stay another year and train the youngsters. If he has another good year and isn’t injured we could flip him at the deadline for a box of Cracker Jacks and give him a chance to win the cup again with someone else.

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:35:44 +0000

To me this is a no-brainer.

1) Wants to play here
2) Protege to Bailey
3) Still has good hockey left in him.

This is how you build goodwill with the players. Garth needs to seize as many opportunities like this as possible.

By: IslesPassion21

IslesPassion21 — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:24:15 +0000

It feels good to be wanted for once, lol…

I think most Isles fans are flattered because its been a while since a respected veteran high character/skilled guy like Weight wanted to actually resign here…As much as I loved Nolan he was unable to keep his players after their 1 year contracts expired…Most used us as a audition for other teams.

Sign Weight, not only because he wants to be here but because he earned it.

By: randy boyd

randy boyd — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:57:56 +0000

How silly it is for people to think that the decision to bring back an experienced, quality player like Weight should be predicated, in any part, on whether or not they draft Tavares.

If the organization has learned any lessons this year, they should be 1)not to rush a prospect to the NHL and 2) Injuries will greatly effect your daily roster.

Tavares (or whomever they draft) should be developed at the proper level irrespective of who is on the NHL roster. Even if they drafted Tavares and decided he belonged in the NHL next year, do you think maybe we could find some room for Weight at the expense of Nate Thompson?

In addition, even if they “take a chance” on Weight and have 5 or 6 centers, what are the odds on any given night that more than 4 will be healthy enough to play?

I would sign Weight without hesitation so long as a reasonable financial accomodation can be reached.

By: Jimmy Mac

Jimmy Mac — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:55:42 +0000

Hey Jethro…

I understand that, but the only way the free agents will come here is if we have a solid team that can compete to be in the playoffs.

We have a good core right now. If we can’t sign any good young free agents, then throw your money away. But at least try that’s all I ask…lol.

As for the post about Fantasy GM’s… We all want to be a GM. It is a great job. You get to mold your team your way.

I think some of us could probably do a better job than a few GM’s that come to mind…lol.

In the end it doesn’t matter if Dougie stays or goes… we we all be here next year cheering.

By: Vlad from Brooklyn

Vlad from Brooklyn — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:43:13 +0000

In my opinion: not signing Dougie is going to be a big mistake (unless we sign a UFA who’s much better then him). Becouse we still rebuilding we need veterans like Weight for the leadership and expirience. Look at the way the kids lookig up to the guy. His playmaking ability is huge. His presents on powerplay is unquestional. He is the only one who moves his feet and the puck on PPs to make things happen. And, trust me, he’s going to give everything he got to make the Team better on and off the ice. How you could not want the guy like Doug in your lineup?!

By: Jimmy Mac

Jimmy Mac — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:42:15 +0000

Doug Weight knows that if the Isles don’t resign him… then he has to retire.

I can’t see any other team signing him.

So as much as he is saying all the right things about the Isles… he has a good thing going right now. Good Pay, A home already here, kids going to school here. His best buddy is living here for now. I wouldn’t want to leave either.

I think Doug Weight is a great guy, great teammate, etc…etc…

But use the 4 million on someone who will play on the top line.

By: Jimmy Sparx

Jimmy Sparx — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:35:56 +0000

Anyone want to look up who the UFA are this season who would be worth the look?

By: stuart oppenheimer

stuart oppenheimer — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:32:58 +0000

is it only me, or did Weight look slow and quick to tire? Does’nt fit our team, IMO

By: Jethro09

Jethro09 — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:32:33 +0000

Jimmy (81): Wang would love to throw money at UFA’s, the problem is, none of the desirable ones want his money. Whether Isles’ fans like it or not, there is an obvious stigmatism about signing with the Islanders, whether its because of the building or the front office impressions. Nobody wants to sign here, and that was evident during the summer of ‘07, when the Isles struck out in free agency.

Hopefully, the signing of Streit will start to get UFA’s interested in Long Island, because the Isles are going to need a few to compliment the young players if the Isles are going to compete in the near future.

By: UIF

UIF — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Priest (113) and others - We can move centers to the wing, but which “kids” sit for that to happen? It’s not a matter of too many centers, imo, but a matter of too few roster spots. Yes, Weight is probably a better player than guys we have waiting in the wings, but why even have those guys in the system if they’re not going to play in deference to vets? Or maybe other vets get moved. But one way or another, roster spots will need to be cleared. If Weight is re-signed, who gets traded/not re-signed/stuck at the Bridge again?