ASSESSING THE FREE AGENT GOALIE MARKET
The Islanders need a 1-B and top-quality No. 3
Rick DiPietro, the only goaltender under contract for the Islanders in 2009-10, missed almost all of this season and has to be considered a question mark for the next one. The Islanders must sign a goalie who’s more than just a quality backup. For purposes of this discussion, let’s call this netminder a 1-B.
They also need goaltenders for Bridgeport. At least one must be ready for NHL action. Let’s call this goalie a 3-2, as in a No. 3 more than capable of being a No. 2. Nathan Lawson, who played so well in Bridgeport until a below-average postseason while battling an ailing shoulder, is a free agent and needs more time in the American Hockey League. Same goes for Peter Mannino.
Except for unsigned Swedish netminder Stefan Ridderwall - talented, but set back by an injury-plagued year - the Islanders do not have a goaltender in the system even remotely ready for prime time. Kevin Poulin will play another year in the Quebec League before the team has to decide whether to sign him.
A trade for an excellent, but “blocked” young goaltender like Vancouver’s Cory Schneider will likely be cost-prohibitive. The Islanders are not deep enough to give up the talent to make it worthwhile for the Canucks. Carey Price…not happening.
In other words, the Islanders have some shopping to do. Let’s look at the prospective unrestricted free agent goaltenders on July 1 and who might make a good 1-B and who could fill the role as the 3-2. This is one way the Islanders will easily reach the salary cap floor.
CONTENDERS
Craig Anderson - Looking for a chance to be No. 1. Probably won’t get it, which is why Anderson as a 1-B with the Islanders makes this a good fit.
Ty Conklin - American, out-going attitude, confident. I seem to recall he’s friends with DiPietro. Above all else, he’s a very solid goaltender looking to play more than 40 games. Biggest hurdle: Detroit will likely push hard to re-sign him.
Martin Gerber - Hasn’t been consistently good in a while, but many in the league believe even at age 35 he could re-gain his form in the right situation. Don’t rule him out. A possible Swiss buddy for Mark Streit.
Andrew Raycroft - Scott Gordon knows him, which immediately puts him in the mix because Gordon is loyal to his guys. What’s unclear is whether Raycroft is actually one of Gordo’s guys. Raycroft comes with questions about his work ethic.
Mikael Tellqvist - Always the odd man out, but has played well in a supporting role the last three seasons. Buffalo may not let him go to UFA.
POSSIBILITIES
Martin Biron - Insert your own joke here about how he’s at best a .500 goalie in games not against the Islanders. Terrific attitude, hard worker.
Yann Danis - Play faltered once contract talks started and bloggers raved. Highly doubtful he’ll get a one-way deal to be the 1-A now, but could be in the mix for the 3-2. Team likes him, Gordon was won over. Needs to consider whether Islanders are still his best chance to play in the NHL.
Wade Dubielewicz - Can never rule out the return of The Dubester, but it would have to be as the 3-2, no?
Manny Fernandez - Injury problems and known for being really, really wacky - even for a goalie. But when he’s on his game, he can play. Likely too risky for what he would cost.
Mathieu Garon - Not bad, although you’d hope the Islanders can do better for the 1-A gig.
Curtis McElhinney - Calgary backup who rarely played behind Mikka Kiprusoff, but talented and just 25 years old.
Drew McIntyre - Dominating in Milwaukee of the AHL. Just 25 years old. Could be a sleeper.
Scott Munroe - Coming off three solid seasons with Philadelphia of the AHL. A consideration for the 3-2.
Antero Niittymaki - Maybe the best in this grouping, but back problems should be a cause for concern. Still just 29 and worthy of a look.
Dwayne Roloson - 40 years old in October, but can still play. Good enough to start in 63 games for Edmonton this season, definitely worthy of being in the Islanders mix for the 1-B.
Dany Sabourin - Has the tools, hasn’t put it together. Might be wise for him to try and sign up as the 3-2 and take advantage of any opportunities that arise.
Curtis Sanford - Islanders passed him up on waivers to sign Dubielewicz. If he’s looking to play more, the Islanders have an opening again.
NOT GONNA HAPPEN
Jean-Sebastien Aubin
Scott Clemmensen - Love his personality, but a half-season behind the Devils at age 32 does not qualify him as a 1-B for the Islanders. With Kevin Weekes a UFA, likely to stay in New Jersey.
Marc Danis
Curtis Joseph
Nikolai Khabibulin - If he leaves Chicago, it will be to join a contender as its No. 1. Like the Flyers, for example.
Olaf Kolzig - No more hip problems needed.
Jason LaBarbera
Joey MacDonald - Reputation for giving up large rebounds sticks to him, unfortunately, unlike the pucks. Gave the Islanders a remarkable November.
Nolan Schaefer
Kevin Weekes
*
What We Would Do:
1-B: Sign Craig Anderson on July 1 with an aggressive approach that makes him feel wanted, just as the Islanders did in July 1, 2001 when they signed Garth Snow. Our Plan B is Tellqvist, then Gerber. If the Islanders want to win any time soon, they need NHL goalies - not “tries” like MacDonald and Danis.
2-3: Prior to free agency, give Yann Danis first crack at a two-way contract that makes him No. 1 in Bridgeport and first call-up. If Danis balks, we would work our way down our list: Drew McIntyre, Dany Sabourin, Wade Dubielewicz. Nathan Lawson should be signed as the Sound Tigers’ other goaltender.
What the Islanders May Do:
1-B: Go after Conklin first, then Anderson and Raycroft.
2-3: Danis, Dubie, McIntyre and down the line.
Share your selections and discuss this topic only in Comments.
133 Responses to “ASSESSING THE FREE AGENT GOALIE MARKET
The Islanders need a 1-B and top-quality No. 3”
Please Wait
Good piece CB. I agree with your analysis. I hope the Isles are taking this situation as seriously as we all are.
Well, all of this really depends on Ricky and almost everyone will be skeptical until he shows health and the same quality of play that made him an all star. I don’t know anything about the Milwaukee goalie, but if he can be had and he’s that good that may be the way to go. Anderson or Conklin would be fine as 1B solutions, but I wouldn’t touch Raycroft with a 10 foot pole.
Agreed on Anderson. He would make a fine 1-B. I believe he made about $500K last year so possibly a hefty tripling of his salary ot $1.5M or a 3 year $4M deal could do the trick. This kid is solid and is crying for a chance to play in a bunch of games. My personal preference for the next option would be Niittymaki, though.
Nice piece. I think this is a very fair assessment. How agressively they go after someone like Biron or Khabibulin may give an indication at how hurt they feel DP is. If they are 80 to 100% sure DP will be back by training camp and this is not a long term problem he will have, than I say someone like Anderson or Conklin is who they will go after. But if they feel DP won’t be ready again for next year and maybe he will never fully recover from the injuries, they will need to go hard after someone who can come in and be the true number one, such as Biron or Khabibulin.
Good morning ISLANDER FANS!!! Its been a while since Ive had the chance to post something..CB, great article..Ive couldnt read anymore about this upcoming draft with all the rumors about TAVARES slipping in the rankings because hes not a 2-way player…The kid is going to be great, end of story!!!
This offseason is going to be interesting. We need that 1A goalie no matter how DP feels in the offseason…He CAN NOT PLAY 60-70 games a season, he is not the BRODUER type of goalie, his body cant handle that type of load.. I dont know much about these goalies talked about in this article, but I do know that CONKLIN would be a very very nice fit here, and if not then def. ANDERSON…I like the idea of CONKLIN over ANDERSON, because CONKLIN knows what its like to WIN…hes a winner, his team is a winner..we need more winners on this team…The one thing that I like about Anderson though, is his wanting to be a number one goalie..This could drive him to be a very SOLID 1A goalie…
As the NHL has changed its ways, I believe that every team needs to have 1 and 1A goalie..Having the ability to rest your 1 Goalie at important times in the season and knowing that you have a very solid, dependable 1A goalie who can play at least 40 games a season will help keep your goalies fresh come playoff time…Lets find ourselves a good 1A goalie this offseason, pick up TAVARES, and one solid top 4 defensman and have a very exciting season next year!!!
Good lord, anyone but Raycroft. Please, I’d rather use a Shooter Tutor. Conklin and Danis would be preferable. No thanks on Gerber. I’d live with Tellqvist. Anderson would be OK. Carey Price, CB? I would think Halak would be available before Price would, and I’d offer up some good assets for him, personally.
But again…no more of this “[insert Islanders coach]-type player” who is horrible but friendly with the coach. That’s how we got people like Simon. No Raycroft. I can’t believe he’d even be in the discussion. Flashy save followed immediately by three soft goals? No thanks.
Garon is the guy. I watched this guy steal games for Edmonton last year. Suffered a tough year this year but he has talent.
What about possible European goaltenders like Jonas Gustavsson? I wonder if there are any over there that might be looking for a chance to play 30-50 games.
Interestingly, DPs contract is a huge hurdle to signing a good goalie. His health status makes up for the hurdle and then some. Danis was quoted as sayign he signed here in the first place because this was probably his best chance to play in the NHL. I think with the media and information out there, these goalies know that based on this year if they want a starting job, the isles are the place to look as DP even if healthy needs to play a maximum of 45-55 games. that leaves alot to be played. Similar to McDonald and Danis, maybe the way to go is sign a guy for one year and let him prove himself a starter to be signed to a multi year deal next off season, use the isles as contract years for goalies for the next couple of years. I see no problem in that. Have a goalie come in motivated to prove he is worth a longterm contract, if he leaves at the end of the year, there will be plenty more for that opportunity the next year.
UIF, don’t sugar coat it, tell us how you really feel about Raycroft
geduffer (2): I personally think this is a great and necessary plan, no matter what the heck is going on with Rick. Rick could be 100% perfect while doing cartwheels every 5 seconds and Id still think that the 1A-1B route is the right way to go at this point in time. Rick has only played a few games in well over a year! If tandem goaltending was good enough for Smith and Chico, then it is good enough for Ricky and (insert name). I dont even see a question about that, and I think that any objection Rick MAY have had to that situaiton in the past would now be null and void after missing more than a season on IR.
Anyway-
For the 1B: I absolutely agree with going after Conklin first, he is great. Ty has proved he can be a winner in that type of situation! Then Is say to try Anderson, Biron, maybe Raycroft.
For the 2B: I also agree with the mention of Danis and Dubie. Id say Sabourin and McIntyre and so on should also be possibilities.
Dubie? I think he is probably a free agent, and we know what he is about. I think with a better team 2 seasons ago with the Isles, his numbers would be even better than they were.
kevin fitz (8): I disagree with the idea that if they go after a proven guy that must somehow prove that Rick is hurt and cant do his job. IMO if the Isles are smart they will go after a proven guy regardless of whats going on with Rick- so that if/when Rick does come back, he does nto get hurt again by doing too much.
No Price. His confidence is too shaky (might have to do with playing in a stressful environment, though). I’d take Anderson, or Conklin. Danis as the Bridgeport tender. I think it’s interesting where CB placed Mac. Not that I disagree, though. His rebound control is awful, but he did win the fan vote for best save of the year.
I am hoping for Craig Anderson.
I would agressively pursue Anderson.
I think for our 1B we go after Conklin,he’s really good and it will almost guarantee a Winter Classic for us. If not him then I would give Anderson a 1 year contract to prove himself. For the 3-2 give it to Danis I think he deserves it.
Chris, Great Comment. I need not even write my thoughts. You read my mind.
I really hope DP is healthy and ready. Next year going to be alot more fun season as isles fan. but DP health is very important to how well we do.
I think Conklin is NOT the answer. I watched all of Pittsburgh games last year, living in State College, and his rebound control is not that great. Sure, he did okay playing for Detroit but so would I.
What about Niemi in Chicago? Harding will be traded from Minnie (probably too expensive).
I would probably go the Anderson or Garon on the free agent market.
ty conklin = winter classic
i would be fine with conklin, biron, or anderson. i want nothing to do with raycroft. imo, he is terrible.
I wouldnt mind Conklin. Washington and Anaheim have proven that you need a capable back up. No one really has any idea how DP will look when (if) he returns, so goaltending should be a priority. Along with scoring and defense
I agree with you’re recommendation, CB. The only thing I would change is the back up plan for anderson. My #2 if anderson isn’t interested is Curtis McElhinney.
I really want Anderson. He would be a good fit here.
Carey Price is not getting traded. Period. There would be a revolt in Canada if they traded Price. He’s Habs fans’ golden boy.
I say have some faith in DP coming back, sign a guy like Conklin or Anderson to share the load (50 games for a healthy DP, 30 games for 1-B) and give Danis a chance to start for the Bridge, if he wants it. He deserves that much after being a good soldier this season.
I still would draft a goalie with a late 2nd/3rd rounder
Chris, you do an amazing job here, and I almost always agree with your take. However, Ken Holland’s approach of not overpaying for average to above average goaltending is the best way to go in this situation. It’s funny you bring up Craig Anderson. But he was a nobody before this year, he was Florida’s version of Joey Mac/Yann Danis. The only difference was that the Panthers were a better team than the Isles. Who was Tim Thomas before he became a star? Mikka Kiprussof? Marty Turco? All of these guys emerged from seemingly out of nowhere. I would much rather the Isles find a 1B with great scouting than overspending on a guy who would be as good if not worse. Let’s face it, the Danis/Joey Mac tandem would have been just fine for Detroit. Even if we had Luongo, or have him next year, it wouldn’t make us a playoff team.
There are way too many above average goalies that are being overpaid. I don’t want the Isles to join the list of teams that go overboard with the goalies you listed.
Joe P.. what does it matter? We have millions upon millions of dollars to spend.. and we need a goaltender. The only way we’re going to convince 1B guys to sign here is with money. We ARE a 30th place team people.
How about Brent Johnson? Put up very good numbers with the Caps before injury.
Even with the return of DiPietro, I have always been a big believer in the 1A 1B system. Look at successful teams, such as the Bruins and Red Wings. They have two starters who compete with one another for playing time. Every night, regardless of who is in net, those teams know they dont need to worry about letting in soft goals. With a tandem like DP and Anderson, we could have a great tandem to carry us through the season, and we’d have a legitimate shot of winning every night.
I’ve been beating the Ty Conklin drum for a while, and not just because it would guarantee us this year’s outdoor game on New Year’s. However, if Detroit re-signs him I would look at Garon or McIntyre before Craig Anderson.
Many teams who go deep in the playoffs have a rested goalie who didn’t play over 70 games in the regular season - if it was good enough for Billy Smith it’s good enough for DP.
I can see Anaheim trading one of its goalies if they made a cup run because both could start.
Tommy Salo or Eric Fichaud for B-Port
TUUKO RASK BOSTON get him he’s stuck behind Thomas
Ty Conklin, if possible, please.
Josh Harding for San Jose’s 1st rounder. He is young and a lefty so he should be able to wear DPs gear.
I would make a trade with a team stuck with two goalies. Some examples…
1. Chicago - Khabibulin/Huet
2. Ducks - Giguere/Hiller
3. Caps - Theodore/Varlamov
…probably trying to pry Huet, JSG, or Theodore away from their teams. Isles have the cap space to handle those contracts, and those goaltenders I think would serve better as the “1B” goaltender than the above-mentioned career backups. Although these guys might be all on the decline, at least they have the experience to carry a heavy workload if/when DP is injured.
how long are we going to be signing this “1-B” goalie for? even with the recent injuries to DP, with these UFAs knowing DP is locked up as our franchise goalie for years will make a goaltender seeking to become a #1 goalie such Craig Anderson hesitant to sign a deal longer than 1 year here. He might not even want to sign
a 1 year deal with us if any good news about DP’s progress is released during the UFA signing period, because DiPietro is going to to come back and start 60-65 games again whether it be 09-10 or 10-11.
With it being said that I’m very confident in DP returning, I say the isles try to sign conklin or anderson to a 1 year deal.
Last year Anderson played the most games of his career(31) in a single season.before that his highest was 21 after that it was 17.Those numbers hardly warrant the term 1B goalie.I am not abour to guess what Garth and Co will do but I do not believe that Anderson is the answer.
OK, Anderson sounds good…A “ready” guy young enough to have a future. I thought I heard that Florida may shop Vocoun, which could mean they like Anderson. Mceillliney seems like a good option. I would be willing to part with a 2 for one of the “blocked guys” that were mentioned, but if it costs more than that, then FA’s are the way to go.
I do not like the idea of signing a stop gap 35 year olds at his point…..DP is not ever going to play 70 games, so we have a long term need here…not just a short term need.
I agree with 27. Some of the great teams of the past always had a 1a-1b goalie team, Fuhr-Moog, Roy-Hayward. I think with DiPietros fragile state, even if he is healthy, I think the Isles are best suited going into the season with a 51-31 systems, as in DP plays 51 games and our 1b plays 31. It would help DP stay fresh and healthy and if we had a good 1b, at least we know we’d be spelling him with a quality goalie. Its much better than DP going down for an extended period of time and being stuck in a situation like we did this year.
Plus I agree Danis deserves a shot at the 3/2. He proved theres talent there, he just may need a little more work and the starting job at Bridgeport may allow him to do that. Anytime I discuss the Islanders goalie situation I always say that both our head coach and GM were former NHL goalies, so I really can’t disagree with any decision they make on our netminder.
And for the guy who said Craig Anderson was a nobody like Danis/MacDonald before this year, the guy has played 109 NHL games and has a career 2.87 GAA and .911 Save Percentage. I think that puts him a class above either.
Not much there… I guess Conklin.
Maybe just resign Danis… and go for Hall.
Please no Denis - I have never seen a goalie look behind him as much as him. Not a good goalie.
I’ve been beating the Anderson drum for a few weeks now… he’s young, has gotten his feet wet and has put up solid numbers. Most importantly he’s begging for a bigger opportunity and wants the opp. Just like Streit last year, the Isles could be the launching pad to bigger things for the kid. If everything is OK with DIP, then maybe I guy like Roloson or Conklin would make more sense because they’d know their role with no more than 30 games started. But with an opp to play more than 50 + games with DiPi’s shaky injury status Anderson makes a great fit.
CB, I agree with you 100%. This article makes complete sense. However, this is assuming Ricky is going to be able to play atleast half a season and be ready for a possible playoff push and first rounder. I mean, so far, according to your article yesterday, if everything goes right, he’ll be ready. Which is good. But will he be really ready for taking basically a year off. Maybe signing Anderson and running him through the first 20 games sticking DP in here and there might be the best way to go. I guess only time will tell. Hopefully DP gets enough pre-season games in. Then we can make a decision which road to take.
CB do you think there is anyway washington tries to trade jose theodore after varlamov has clearly won over this team and should be the starter next year??
#6….that’s also how we got Shawn Bates and Nate Thompson
Why not offer Billy Smith a 10 year deal, tying him up until he starts collecting social security?
Seriously, this just shows how ridiculous that 15-year deal is.
Nathan Lawson has a 2-way contract for next year. Peter Mannino is a restricted free agent and I would expect to see him back in Bridgeport next season.
Tripp did you only watch the Danis games this year bc there was another goalie on this team who was looking behind him way more than Yann was.
Danis had a better save percentage than Kiprusoff, Price, Turco, Osgood, Conklin, and I can go on. If the Islanders cut down on there shots against Danis would be fine, although I still think another season at Bridgeport would be good for him
24 Joe P i disagree with you completely. Goalie is most important position period. Its the different between playoffs or not in playoffs.
For example, Columbus and St Louis made playoffs b/c their respective goalie (coincedentally both named Mason) came in and suprise. LA made huge late surge on good goaltending from Quick. Goalie is everything. that is why Healthy DP is the most important thing we can hope for next year. GOod backup to split games is key. no more Goalie Journeyman/washups.
Either get a guy that has shown some great play or just resign Danis.
Send McDonald Packing, If have to anymore more of his rebounds im going to throwup.
Maybe Burke will try to get the number one pick by offering Pogge.
Ha Ha.
That was for any of the Leaf Leftovers still hanging around the board.
Just glad Milbury isn’t around to deal the number 1 pick for a goalie.
Just PLEASE tell me Snow isn’t going to settle for another Garth Snow type goalie!
Snow, Doneham, Doobie, castaway Joey Mac, 4th strong Danis, etc……nothing like this, but a bona fide, can-start-on-any-other-NHL-team, Chico/Smitty type tandem that will protect Rick from injury and the Isles from overplaying/complacency with Rickety?
This news (if it is valid and one of Snow’s “plan’s”) is as good if not better than winning the draft lottery: it means we’re serious about winning games finally. Wonder if it’s because we will get Tavares? Build up a team to win like Pitt did after drafting Cindy?
This is why you never, ever waste a first overall pick on a reckless cowboy goaltender, nor do you ever, ever give that reckless cowboy goaltender a 15-year deal.
Put him in there, leave him in until his knees or hips or whatever grind into dust, backfill from the minors, and move on.
This team doesn’t need amazing, all-star, olympic goaltending to reach the next level, because the next level is only six inches above the floor.
Simple competence in net will do for now. Find some people that can score, so that if someone eventually does figure out how to stop the puck, you’ll win the game.
Worry about an amazing goaltender later.
#42, #45, #46 and those ringing praise for goalies who failed elsewhere:
When do we set higher standards for the team? Other fans would welcome Brodeurs and so on and we’re trying to get lucky with reclamation projects and known failures still? Set the standard for who we want as players as we would (or should) set the standard for who we would like as partners/spouses: the best we can do if not better.
(though some would prefer Rosie O’Donnell/Tom Arnold types I presume?)
Heavens no, don’t touch Gerber! Leave him be. I’d sooner have Danis carry the 1A load.
But I agree: Anderson with a Danis-type as #3 is ideal, given realistic constraints.
two words: ray emery. dude has something to prove alright
I’ll offer a no vote to the suggestions on trading for Theodore as well. Another unreliable, inconsistent goaltender, imo, and not worth giving up anything for.
Ray Emery does have something to prove and the Psychiatrist won’t cut down on his medication until he does prove it.
Question for the group … do we really want a 30-something goalie coming in during year two of the rebuild on a 3-year contract as opposed to a young 20-25 year old with lots of potential upside who can grow with the rest of the team and start achieving his potential in the ‘10-’11 season when the team is ready to return to the playoffs? Not sure which makes more sense but the latter should be someone who has been tearing it up in the AHL or has 1-2 years of NHL experience under his belt (starting or backup) and has displayed solid fundamentals. Thoughts?
Frei (49) Great Points.
Although I would trade one of our other picks for a young and close (harding, schneider, etc.)goaltender to grow with a young team.
Here’s a question: What happens if Rick is able to come back and only play ~50 games/season for the rest of his career? That is alot of money wrapped up on a goaltender who plays just over half a season. It this happens the Isles would be perpetually replacing their 1B goaltender, as a good 1B would eventually move on to a team looking for a number 1. Worse, DP becomes a $4.5mil back-up for the next 10-12 years.
It seems its either a complete recovery or career-ending. Otherwise, the Isles are @#$%, as buying him out would be for ~$1.5 mil/20yrs
None of the names sound super exciting to me in the vet category. I am sure several would more then do the job.
I love Rick Dipietro! He’s our goalie!
For the “blocked” youngsters I look at a guy like Ben Bishop and the other one in Stl’s system, several of the Kings and the guys in the Carolina system just to name a few I can recall had a glut of quality netminders .
Hi, Islander Fans Lets hope Mr.Snow and company pick the right ones and heads towards the “CUP”. Keep your heads up Islander fans this will be year we turn. “Watchout NHL the Islanders are back”.
Chris
I agree with everthing you are saying about Isles needing a 1A and 2-3 goalie but do you have any idea if Snow shares your opinion? I have this bad feeling that Snow thinks Isles are in good shape in the net (which is really a crazy thought!)
Of the two goalies Gordon knows (Raycroft and Fernandez), I hope he prefers the veteran performer over the one-hit wonder that has been absolute garbage since his rookie year.
Right now, Raycroft will be lucky to get anything more than 750k deal, let alone 500K.
Go with Roloson or Fernandez. Pay a little more for proven NHL contributors. Garon is just another glorified back-up that has nice stints, but overall his performance leaves a lot to be desired.
Danis for BST is fine.
I’ve been sold on Anderson since his 53 save shutout a couple years ago against our Isles. He doesnt face 15 shots a game like Devils goalies. Ive been watching Florida a lot this year and he really had to stand on his head most nights. Should be a solid choice.
I’d consider him too good though, I want another top 5 pick
50 - umm we have our spouse, his name is Rick DiPietro. Just bc we had a bad year with our spouse doesnt mean we’re getting a divorce and looking for a new one. We’re just looking for a pretty girl at work to flirt with “just in case”
So don’t say we’re setting our standrads too low and dont start bringing up Brodeur bc this team chose there number one goalie with their 15-year contract. That’s not who we’re looking for right now
The one thing that Ricky has not had since we traded Osgood is competition for the starting position. Now, I don’t know how you provide competition to a goalie whom you’ve signed for 15 years (don’t get me started), but is it a coincidence that all of his backups since 02-03 have been retreads and minor leaguers? Has that been the Organization’s call? Or does Ricky have some say in who his backup is? Because it’s almost as if the Organization doesn’t want to piss off its favorite son by bringing in someone who can actually win the starting goalie job.
CB, strong article….agree with you about what we should be doing and who we should target. call me a fool, but can someone tell me why conklin equals the winter classic?
Conklins been in both Winter Classics and was on the Oilers when they played the other outdoor game back in ‘03
Why not Nolan Schaefer? I think this guy is a hidden talent never given an opportunity. I think the 2-3 is a great shot for him.
CB - What about Steve Valiquette? Is he cost prohibitive? A UFA, former Islander, who has done a good job as Henrik’s backup in Manhattan…
Anyone but Raycroft please
61 - our “spouse” was just a good relationship turned sour and the “spouse” spent us into the poorhouse. Time to consider filing paperwork and looking into possibly being single again unless our “spouse” can help fix things.
Maybe in April 2010, we can see another “planning to be ready for training camp” headline for the third year straight…..and turn it into a Long Island tradition. Linus in the corn field telling yarns about “the great pumpkin jersey” and how Rick comes every Halloween to make two or three horrible starts before his hip (or knee or concussion) shuts him down for the year, Charlie Brown.
You make plans TO WIN, not to get one player back in the lineup. Rick…..even CB agrees we need someone who can win games just in case. A new “spouse” or close to it.
#46 said that “Goalie is most important position period. Its the different between playoffs or not in playoffs.”
Really? How many playoff games did Roberto Luongo play in during his first eight years in the league?
Don’t bother looking it up. The answer is “none!”
In fact, only this season has Luongo — who, according to disgruntled Islanders’ fans is the greatest goalie that ever lived –become a better-than-500 goalie. How does that play into what you just said?
McIntyre in Detroit has been blocked, and the knock on him is that he has been ready to come to the NHL for the last two years. He may be the diamond in the rough that some people here are looking for.
Raycroft is a good choice for a 25 game backup. If he’s going to get any more than that it would be to validate all the criticism that the Isles get as a laughing stock. Maybe five years ago he would have been an okay pickup. Now he’s not.
Anderson would be a good compromise. He’s young. He has been in the NHL. He’s ready for a step up in playing time. If I was going to sign him I would give him a three year deal. With no one really in the system behind him, Anderson could sit in that backup spot and play 25-35-40 games per season for a reasonable price, and by the end of his contract, maybe the Isles have a youngster that’s ready to play.
Lastly, the Isles could go for a veteran type. They could look at a Biron or a Fernandez. The only problem is that these guys are one year deal types and would walk at the end of next season. Probably the best choice out of this free agent crop would be a young goalie. The Islanders are trying to build a team that will have chemistry for years. Why not find someone who will be content with 35-40 games per year on an up and coming/winning team (or so we’ll tell him in July), who can grow with the team. To that end Anderson, McIntyre, or McElhinny may just be the best choices, rather than the 30 somethings that will simply use the Island as a holding place until something better opens up.
Ss it me or is that the same picture for Danis and Joey Mac?
I’m going to go on a limb here and disagree about the Scott Clemmenson comment.
I think he is by far the best option out there for us. If DP can’t go again (which is a real possibility), Clemmenson is the only one on that list that is a true 1-B goalie.
Yes, he played on a solid devils team but he stepped up big time in Broduer’s absence. Since Marty doesn’t get injured much and will play 80% or more of the devils games,this is where we have the upper hand in signing him.
If he signs here, he will want about $900k-$1million, which is about how much Garth has shown he is willing to spend on a backup. On the Island should have a much greater opportunity for playing time as DP can usually not hold up for half a season, let alone a full.
Clemmenson should be the Islander’s 1-B and Garth hopefully will make a hard push for him.
I, for one, am not excited about Craig Anderson running the show for us. Not one bit.
wade dubelewiecz is terrible. he serves no purpose here. Yea he won some big games for us. He also allowed 8 goalsa game on some other nights. He is the most unpositonally sound goaltender i have ever seen. He would be our worst option. I could really care less who else we bring in b/c without Dipietro it wont really matter one way or the other. No one is going to be a stopper back there other than Rick. How come Tuuka Raask from boston wasnt mentioned? Too much to have to give up? I knwo he hasnt proven anything, but with Ricks situation it might not be bad to have a guy like that in the system.
Streit # 71 - I agree!! no Dubie dubie doo part 2!!
#71 - Agreed about Dubie. He came up big for the Isles in a few spots and went on a role in 2006-07, but he is too small for my liking.
I would rather see guys like Brian Boucher or Matt Garon brought in if Clemmeson re-signs in NJ.
I still want Dubie back! I was very disappointed when Columbus snatched him off waivers…
#74 At the time, we could have used him. Going into to next year? Not so much.
74-If it were not for the Jackets picking him up from us…we would not have the 1st pick…..his play would have kept us out of the bottom 3
#33 - It would take WAY too much to get any one of those guys. And most of them have high salary.
Judging by what Snow has done in the past. A trade like that won’t happen.
Such a fickle position. Funny how most of these goalies on the *list * were at one time going to be *THE MAN*. One year a goalie is Magnificent the next toiling in the minors. With that said, we def need a solid goaltender. I would have no problem with Conklin. Might be alright (if the money is right)to take a *flyer* on Sabourin. Goaltending more than any other position seems like such a crap-shoot.
(71) - I think Rask would cost too much, if Boston is even willing to let him go. He’s a great talent and will be a number 1 but I’m betting that he will be #1 in Boston in about 2 years.
Cb, like always, great in-depth analysis.
I hate to say it, but after watching Joey and Yann play this season, I’m no longer sure that Ricky is much better than they are. RD Career Stats: .905 S% 2.79 GAA;
YD 2008-9 .910 S% 2.86 GAA; JM .901 S% 3.37 GAA. Oy.
If the Isles can get Dubie back it would be a welcomed edition, IMHO…Yoda is small but he can play and he can play in pressure situations…If Garth can bring him back, then by all means bring Master Yoda back…
I’m not sure about bringing Dubie back, but EVERY goalie has rough games where they give up a lot of goals. Dubie’s numbers, once again, for last season when he was supposedly so terrible:
20gp, .919 sv%, 2.70 GAA.
This on a not-so-good Isles team. Is he the answer for next year? Probably not, but it’s hardly fair to dwell on an early-season loss in Toronto when his numbers, which include that loss, clearly show he more than made up for it in other games last season. This year’s a different story, and if you want to kill him for his games in Columbus, then have at it.
Brian Boucher from the Sharks? Raycroft is AWFUL, Gerber is no better. If they can’t get Anderson or Boucher, sign Chico Resch.
Clemenson is a bust waiting to happen, he couldnt stop a beach ball while failing to beat out justin “I really stink” Pogge for the Toronto Marlies in 2007-2008 but he gets lucky that Brodeur gets hurt and puts up great numbers in a trapping defensive devils team and is so amazing that he gets sent down when brodeur comes back in order to save whatever was left on Kevin Weeks super expensive $687,500. If Lou Lamoriello didnt want him around what makes you think we should pick up this carreer minor leaguer over 30 yr old gem that until this year had managed to get into 9 games in the NHL since being drafted in 1997. God I want the Rangers to pick up this gem at a hefty price tag next year so he causes cap hell to them, no thanks!!!!!!
Come back next year and prove it again not on the devils or columbus ot the wild and then he may be a late bloomer
This should be the order, in which they should try…any guy on this list should only be signed for 1 year….no longer:
1.Rask
2.Emery
3.Anderson
4.McElhinney
Rask is not coming here, no way no how. Boston stole him from Toronto for nothing. He is their goalie of the future why would they give him to us. look for Rask to backup Thomas next year or get traded for a big piece next year for a cup run, not for a draft choice to the isles.
We ned Emery like we need a hole in the head, Hasnt he done enough to destroy ottawa to let you know hes a cancer in the locker room? If Ottawa with subpar goaltending didnt want him what do you think Snow will do let Emery come poison the young kids on this team??????
Realities Isles fans not fantasy, I want Crosby and Malking and Datsuyk here too but it aint happening.
For those proposing Ray Emery…Does he really fit into NYI’s character requirement?
Didn’t think so.
Great read everyone! I agree that emery and raycroft should be a non-starter. Also that mac/yann are just about as good as dp. Keep em coming.
Ray Emery… yikes. Heck Simon at least clocked a Ranger - Emery may well clock a teammate like that during a game.
i would love either anderson or Ty conklin. Both standup players and people from what i hear. Anderson will not even sniff a starters job. He may see the most time here being that, hopefully, the isles will try to ease DP back into things next year so he doesnt blow out another joint.
DP is done. Let’s try to trade him for a high pick this year before we lose him for nothing to retirement.
I say sign anderson for 3 yrs 4.5 mill total. I think that is very fair and he would be a good #1 if dp is out again.
How is Esche doing in Russia? I know he let in 6 goals today vs Sweeden, btw Kenny Johnson and Weinhandl both on the team, but he was good for Philly at some point…
Ugh. Who wants any of these guys?
Anderson, Conklin, Gerber, Roloson for 30 games? OK, I could begrudgingly accept that. I don’t see Rask in our future for the reasons cited above (and about 30 others).
However, my real fear is that Garth dials up his Philly roots and gets the USA’s No.1 goaltender in the IIHF World Championships - our buddy Robert Esche. It meets so many of the organization’s goals - he is a US player, strong in the community and, oh yeah, fairly cheap.
there were rumors that the panthers were shopping vokoun, so anderson would be the main guy. he should be given a chance to be the no. 1, not second fiddle to dp.
i would give raycroft one last shot.
a Rick Dipietro - Robert Esche 1-2 punch could be good. Not sure if Esche has the desire to come back into the NHL but Gordon is currently coaching him and could probably give Snow some feedback.
Is there a chance the Isles could use something like a waiver draft to get a goalie since that was the way the got Osgood in 2001
I think that even if DiPietro was had finished the regular season with 40 wins, and was on the eve of starting Game 1 of the Conference Semis that the Isles should be shopping for a 1-B goalie… My philosophy is that you shouldn’t have to ever look for a plan B … your plan A should have a contingency for worst case scenario … at worst a 1-B goalie will push your 1-A goalie and create a productive competitive drive that allows both goalies to excel and push one another. I think this works well in any career as it keeps your best people on their tones and doing their best in a competitive environment … The Isles shouldn’t just lay down for DP because Wang committed big time to him… Look how some great teams have a set of two more than capable goalies.
What would it take to get Schneider out of Vancouver? They can’t ask for that much, especially since he did not play well in his one stint in the majors this year. They would seriously want or expect to get more than a 2nd round pick? Really?
we should never have gotten rid of ozzie…what did we get for him..justin mapletoft? ugh
we got Justin Papineau or something like that from St. Louis, if i remember it correctly.
49 (spartiati) I never said I don’t think goaltending is important. What I said in my previous point is that the guys listed by CB aren’t that good. My point was that guys like Anderson would want too much money for what theyre worth along with the years. You cannot be fooled by what a goalie does in a short sample. Otherwise you’ll get a Theodore, Emery, Gerber, etc. Guys who were all prematurely signed because they were perceived to be better than they are.
And with Ken Holland I was referring to an article I read a while back which had him stating that he refuses to spend a lot of money for a goaltender unless they were the true elites (luongo/Lundqvist) because he feels that there is very little difference between most of the average-above average goalies in the league.
Chris A (104): Its pretty rare for a goalie of his caliber to be on waivers… I suppose something like that could havppen again, but you certainly cant plan for it. Heck, when the Isles picked him up back then, he wasnt the plan, the plan changed because he showed up on waivers where a goalie like that simply didnt belong!
(107): I liked Ozzie too but aside from the stint when he first got here (11-1-1 I believe it was) Ozzie was a 500 goalie for the Isles- even WITH the likes of Kenny and Aucoin and Hamrlik in front of him. I dont see anything to really lament over in him being gone. But even if I tought there was, its water under the bridge at this point.
I really do hope that the Isles are doing exactly what CB said here. Next season would look so much brighter!
Nice discussion. We need to find a young guy that can develop and give DP something to think about. In the mean time I like Anderson and Nitty.
Another excellent article, C.B., and I think pretty much right in your analysis.
The Islanders need to find a legit #1 tender. It is obvious that DiPietro’s health cannot be counted on, and he is no longer the Islanders franchise player because of that fact. Even when he has been healthy, he has not shown to be a consistent Top 10 goalie in the NHL. It is time for this Franchise to start moving on.
If Ricky is healthy next season, great. Then he plays (until he pops another groin muscle). Otherwise, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
No on Raycroft and Tellqvist (because I don’t think Buf will let Mikael go). I would go Biron, Conklin, Anderson and Gerber in that order. I would be happy with any of them.
I think Danis has shown to be a legit #2/#3 NHL goaltender and deserves the starting role in Bridgeport. I have really liked McIntyre for a while now. He would be a steal, if the Isles can pick him up.
I am a big Anderson fan. I could remember him dominating the Isles two seasons ago (07-08). Just to be sure, I looked up his stats that year. Made 53 saves in a 1-0 win and made over 40 in another win. In his last two seasons, his save percentages were .935 and .924, fantastic numbers. He is used to facing a lot of shots, that will be good when brendan witt is letting guys pass him left and right.
Also, I saw a lot of people praising Conklin saying he’s a “winner.” Forgive me if I am remembering this wrong, but wasn’t he given all of the blame for edmonton losing in the finals a couple of years back. I mean Detroit’s D made Chris Osgood back into an All-Star (an average goalie at best), in no way would I take a chance on Conklin.
#109 (Joe P), “Guys who were all prematurely signed because they were perceived to be better than they are.”
You mean like DiPietro?
Isles need a legitimate #1 goaltender on the team next season. Whether or not DiPietro is ready to start the season. If the Isles have to slightly overpay, fine. DP has had more injured seasons than full seasons as a NHL goalie. It is illogical to assume he can be counted on to be healthy or to play a full season (or to play out his entire contract).
I think we should stay the coarse with Danis…..he was a very highly touted goalie coming thru the ranks and has yet to fully mature. He showed signs of brilliance this seasons, we just have to give him more time. Hopefully down the road(2yrs at most) he will be able to compete w/ DP….
Emery…….headcase
Raycroft……cheese….as in swiss
Eshe…..playing in russia 4 a reason….
Conklyn….probobly not going anywhere
Anderson…….eh…maybe
JHT$L!!!!!
Just Happy Those $tranger$ Lost!
Good times r a coming…….
+1 on giving Danis a shot. He definitely showed he can play at the nhl level. We had a beat up defense.
Love the MacIntyre idea CB…great suggestion….Nashville is superb at drafting and bringing good Goalies and D-Men into their system. I’d take any blueliner or Goalie from their depth chart…MacIntyre and Koistinen, the puck moving d-man with a solid shot, are both UFA’s…would be nice to get them both
It’s good to see we have different opinions on this one! I’m not sold in us being able to attract quality, proven goalies with DP’s contract term, so…
Sign Danis to a 1 or 2 year deal and be done with it; he earned it, and he can push DP to be better. If we lose Danis to UFA, then Dubie and Joey Mac come into play. We know these guys, and they have all stepped up for us when we asked, let’s give them that much and reward loyalty. This is going to be year 2 in what is likely to be a 3-4 year rebuild, so this is not a burning issue for us right now. Sign Danis, he could be the real deal (the number 1A we are looking for).
It’s also quite possible that veteran goalies will be available on the wire due to contract/salary issues as teams prepare for the lower cap in 2010-11, so we could still end up with one of the Osgood moments in the late summer. My preference is still for Danis, though…we aren’t headed for the playoffs next year, and if we happen to make a run for them against all odds, we can address the goalie situation then (but probably won’t have to).
I hope the blog keeps going, CB…
You forgot Jose Theodore. He’d be a 1-B since Washington has abandoned him.
So CB what is your thoughts on the Isles drafing a goalie in the third round? Danis will most likely be signed to a one way contract. Anderson would be a good call but why would he play for the Isles? Attracting decent free agents in the state of uncertainty will be problematic.
I watched every Panther game and Anderson is the best choice. He faced a ton of shots
#120 i completley agree. I watch lots of panthers games he is a very good goalie.
118——-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
If nothing else, at least we can see there are plenty of other goalies out there.
NIce article CB.
I hope we can get either conklin or Anderson. Still think we should trade Dipietro.
I just have a gut feeling about Ricky’s condition in the future. I hope I’m wrong!
what about JS Giguire?
Post 126.. Good point about Giggy. Chances are Anaheim will garner a decent return.. a draft pick + a prospect. Too much for a team that has a capable No. 1 with a chance to return.
I’ve always liked Robert Esche…felt he got a bad rap in Philly. If you can go into next season with a 2 headed monster of DP and Esche with MacIntyre as our 3-2, that’s a huge upgrade for us.
Well, the Isles have one great prospect to dangle for a top goalie in a trade - the #1 draft pick. I think the ‘nucks might take that for Schneider.
Not the wisest move, but they can’t count on DiPietro that is for certain.
Nice analysis though - I think Anderson is a great option too.
I’ve linked to this over at inGoalMag.com
1-B should be Anderson then Gerber. No way to Raycroft, too soft.
I have zero faith in DP. Even when he’s healthy he still makes dumb passes that get picked off, lets in too many softees and is a primadonna. But as long as we’re stuck with the contract then 1-B is a must because DP is always hurt and probably has the swine flu now. Sorry to be so harsh but I’m just not OK with DP - especially for 15 years!
Please!! No Raycroft!! The guy is soft
I get the feeling Wang is just going to sign whoever is the cheapest option. I really wouldn’t be surprised to see him just sign 1 of Danis/McDonald depending on who demands less money.
Let’s go for free agent, Jonas Gustavsson of Farjestad, Sweden. His game vs the Czechs today really stood out. He’s a lot better than many of the names mentioned earlier in this thread.