MOVING FORWARD: A look to 2009-10
Part I: The depth chart at center and wing
Are the Islanders a playoff team next season? There’s still plenty of roster-building to be done over the next five months, but teams generally don’t go from 30th overall to the playoffs in one year. If you believe Garth Snow’s contention that in Rebuild Year 2 the roster will not be dramatically different, the Islanders could be in the playoff hunt in March but will likely fall short. (See Buffalo and Florida – both with more talent than the Islanders - falling short this season).
Tomorrow, we’ll analyze the defense. The is the first part of our three-day look at who may and who may not be back on the Islanders’ roster next season.
Skill Forwards
To clarify, this is not a list of the Islanders’ top-6 forwards for next season. Consider it a group of players deserving of consideration to play on the top 3 lines. And oh by the way, they happen to all be under contract for next season. In alphabetical order:
Josh Bailey: Eligible to play in the minors next season. Won’t play in the minors next season. Not sure he’ll ever be a goal scorer, but has the potential to be a wonderful playmaker.
Sean Bergenheim: 15 goals this season despite missing more than 20 games. Reasonable to pencil him in for at least 20 goals next season. And still, when on his game, Bergenheim brings a lot more than goal scoring.
Trent Hunter: When healthy, should be at minimum a 20-goal, 20-assist player for the remaining four years of his Islanders contract.
Frans Nielsen: Time will tell if he can become a No. 2 center, but Nielsen’s production this season proves he’s at least a No. 3 and a lock for a regular shift in the lineup for ’09-10.
Kyle Okposo: The Islanders’ best forward in the second half, counted on to be the team’s best forward all of next season. Growing up in a hurry.
Doug Weight: One more year on the Island was the right move for him, the right move for the franchise. With Weight and Mark Streit navigating, the power play almost always looks like it has a clue.
Also: (pick one) John Tavares, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson
Grinders
Blake Comeau: Scott Gordon has utilized him everywhere, so consider Comeau a grinder-plus.
Tim Jackman: Under no deadline, the Islanders reached out and signed Jackman to a one-year, one-way contract extension. A fourth-line fixture next year, or for maybe more to come.
Richard Park: Team player who you hope is rewarded eventually with the enjoyment of team success.
Nate Thompson: Restricted free agent with little leverage but plays for a coach who (for good reason) likes him centering the fourth line. Will likely get a two-way contract, giving the Islanders roster flexibility, but expect Thompson on the Islanders next season.
Major Question Mark
Jeff Tambellini: Better in the second half, but not a successful season no matter how you look at it. A skill player with 7-8-15 in 64 games. In today’s game, the names of 7 Islanders forwards were called to kill penalties. Tambellini’s was not one of them.
One year left on his one-way contract, one more year to prove he’s an everyday NHL player for the Islanders.
Challengers
Jeremy Colliton: Restricted free agent with the same leverage as Thompson – none. Worthy of a look.
Jesse Joensuu: Best served by at least another half-season in the American Hockey League, but a star AHL postseason and strong showing in Saskatoon camp could give him a shot at a top-9 forward spot on the Islanders.
Joel Rechlicz: Needs more time on the farm learning the game, but he’s such a Rocky-like underdog it’s impossible to count him out. Gordon loves Rechlicz’s constant involvement in the opponent’s face even when he’s on the bench.
Trevor Smith: Ahead of Joensuu in development, big 2009 AHL playoff vital for the former New Hampshire left wing to make his case to management.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Andy Hilbert, Dean McAmmond: Good soldiers worthy of consideration, but not front-burner decisions.
Mike Sillinger: We’d love to be wrong, but with Sillinger coming off two major hip surgeries, the end of a terrific NHL career seems very near.
*Forward Job Openings
Franchise center
Goal-scoring wing
Heavyweight who could play at least 8 minutes
*Likely won’t all be filled by next season
Comments.
102 Responses to MOVING FORWARD: A look to 2009-10
Part I: The depth chart at center and wing
-
Matt says:
enough with the 4th liners already. we have 2/3 of our 4th line already in Richard Park and Tim Jackman locked up. sign one more guy to fill that role and end it. I am sick and tired of 4th line players or other teams castoffs getting minutes on this team. the losing culture has to change.
-
beatlebailey says:
and they gave away 10 weeks of free milk at the coliseum. how about that?
-
Joe says:
Rechlicz deserves the fourth line enforcer spot. If we have Tavares, Jackman wont be able to handle the Donald Brashear’s of the league that will be gunning for guys like KO and JT. Not to mention, Rechlicz can skate and hit, good spark plug type guy to keep around. Tambellini and Pock absolutely have to go.
-
Jim says:
Bailey is a nice enough little player, but could someone tell me AGAIN, why we chose to skip Colin Wilson with the number 7? Kid has been everything we want/need. He will be a Doug Gilmour type player. He’l never score you 40 goals, but he’ll make the plays, get the BIG gaols, play in the high traffic areas and give and take the big hit to make the play. As A BU season ticket holder I have watched him enough over te last two years to justify my opinions.
I thought it was a HUGE mistake to pass on him and feel that he will come back to bite us the same way Parise, of the NJ Devs, always does…
Again, nothing against Bailey, he’s just no Colin Wilson
-
Jim, to be honest who cares right now. Bailey is a nice player and looks like he can be a solid number 2 center. I just hope Garth goes into this years draft and takes our future franchise center in John Tavares.
-
JoeRiverside says:
CB: I see Comeau as more of a skilled forward and Hunter more of a Grinder. Comeau has great puck handling and skating skills and excellent with checks. He will only get better. Hunter will never be a great skater, but gives you 100%. Also, I’m not a Hilbert or Thompson fan. As someone previously posted, we have too many 4th liners. Keep Park, Jackman and a bridgeport prospect. Don’t sign the rest. IMHO
-
Bob Bassen says:
Terrific summary, CB. Well done!
I will say this about what appears to be an abundance of *undesirable* players. Hilbert, Park, Thompson, etc. etc. were players that we needed all season long…for different reasons…like it or not. Glad we had ‘em. Very coachable and none of *them* very rarely *mailed-it-in*. If Hilbert isn’t back, I’ll understand. The guy has, though, always put heart and effort into every shift for several different coaches and during some turbulent years. Thank you, Andy. -
AZS says:
Would love to see Joensuu up full time next year …he’s got a big frame and – unlike Hunter – doesn’t seem afraid to go to the net …
Joensuu-Tavares-Okposo …
-
Matt, no offense intended, but I care and I care A LOT. Why, you may ask? Beacuse Colin Wilson makes this a BETTER TEAM than Josh Bailey does. That’s why it is so infuriating. We would be a better team if we sawpped those two kids. I know we don’t have a way back machine to get a do over, but this will HAUNT us, the way Parise does…Mark my words…
-
the1gwiz says:
Jim, I like Wilson as a player too, but the reason I feel the Parise Effect comparisons are WAY off base is that I feel Bailey will be a very productive Islander. The man decided on over Parise? Robert Nilsson. Getting some production out of “the pick that could have been” goes a long way towards easing the pain, and I think Bailey will provide that.
-
good point Jim. I should have not pushed the topic away like I did. I have not seen Colin Wilson outside of the WJC where he obviously stood out. anyways, I guess I am pretty happy with Bailey since he has shown some flashes of being a good player but I guess we will never know how Wilson would have done if he were in Bailey’s position this season on Long Island.
-
Islesphan25 says:
Wilson does and has a bad attitude. glad they didn’t pick him. Bailey’s a leader and better character as a person.
-
Joey303 says:
We really need to sign a player or 2, or trade for a player or 2. We have picks, use them to get players!! Garth was on the pre-game, CJ asked him about getting to the cap floor. Good question -of course, he beat around the bush. I feel the Islanders CAN make the playoffs next year, with some legit NHL players being traded for, or signed (see 2006 flyers).
CB – One question that I have….Could the Isles next year possibly go the waiver route ala Osgood, and get a decent backup goalie capable of playing 35-40 games if necessary. They would have first option with the worst record. -
Steve-O says:
Great insight, Chris, as always. Too bad there is no mention of Fritz as a possibility for next year. He seems to be the only real heavyweight in the system. With an investment in him to help his skating and positional play, he could be a real force to be reckoned with!
-
Coach B says:
There is a 24 year old free agent goalie in the Swedish Elite League, Jonas Gustavssson. He set all kinds of league records and is leaving Sweden. Wonder if the Islnders have any interest.
-
mrlbem says:
Agree with Joe Riverside (7). I like Trent Hunter, but I can’t consider him a “skill” forward. He’s a grinder.
-
Dave says:
#16:
I just looked him up and I liked what I saw. If the Islanders don’t lock up Danis or Joey as our backup for next year, I’d be fine with seeing this kid instead. -
Marc says:
CB, not sure I understand the PICK ONE OF “John Tavares, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson.” Are you suggesting that they might not pick Taveras or Hedman (trade down?) since they’ll have the opportunity to, or that they have enough chips to trade up to get Taveras or Hedman AND one of the other players you mentioned?
-
Dan says:
maybe Wilson will be an better overall player but let’s not forget that we got a few extra picks by moving down so the comparison should not just be about which player is better but all the draft picks that came with him and how they turn out.
-
rob says:
I love Kane in this year draft.
It would be a dream to see Garth draft Tavares and then trade up and get Kane at like #4.
HE Scores,hits,fights . He looks real good
-
john says:
CB, I agree with your list of forwards; if you want to call them “skill fowards” or just the best the Isles have. If the Isles get 10 more wins next year their still not a playoff team. More than likely the only players this team has that worth buiding around are Streit, Okposo and DP and hopefully Tavares. Year 2 Rebuild is going to be as tough as year one. I think the 2009-10 Sound Tigers (and other prospects) will be more interesting, Joensuu, Figren, MacDonald, Katic, Kohn, Lee, DiBenedetto; Martin, and the 2009 draft. I can’t wait for Oct, 2010.
-
With the uncertainty on this teams future, it would be difficult to land any topfree agents that is why CB noted those wish list positions will not be filled. Need to continue to develop our young players quickly!!!
-
jaf10 says:
What do you guys think about this
Okposo-(Tavares)/No idea- No idea
Bergenheim-Nielsen-weight
Hunter-Bailey-Comeau
Park-Thompson-Jackman
Rechlicz
(Hedman)/ no idea – Witt
Streit- Gervais
Hillen-Sutton/Martinek
Meyer
I think that D needs too shape up a little bit.
-
TONYSAC says:
CB, I cant see COMEAU as being a “grinder” type player..He has alot more skill then a grinder or potential skill, very good skater, good hands, great shot when used and knows how to throw his body around, in my books hes a possible “skilled” forward…
#15…Fritz has a LOOOONG road ahead of him to ever become a regular NHL player..As you said, if he can DRASTICALLY, and i mean DRASTICALLY improve his skating and positional play, then its worth giving him more of a NHL role, but its hard to imagine him pulling that off..I hope im wrong because we do need a heavyweight and he is one tough SOB!!
One of the most impressive prospects who have recently been called up, hands down goes to JOSENUU..He I think has the ability to be a tru Power Forward in this league..He has a nose for the net and has no problem getting there, and for a kid his age to have that confidence already, is only gonna help improve his game as he matures..
For anyone who believes we should sign and throw alot of money at one of the top free agents, I completely disagree with you 110%…..This team doesnt need a money hungry, selfish allstar on this team, it will only ruin the teams chemistry that we have built this season…We need to keep stockpiling our prospects and build our team from within the organization…PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE..
Cant wait for Tuesdays Lottery…Tavares or Hedman, we are a better team..My preference, TAVARES….Dont know much about either, only from what I read on this blog, but this team needs TAVARES to continue this rebuild in the right direction…
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
-
What i want to know is how are we going to hit the cap floor with about 8 mil to spend. Who would we spend that money on?
-
The team that gets Evander Kane is going to be very happy. He attacks the puck like Okposo and Zach Parise.
-
Dan says:
Colin Wilson will not haunt us like Parise. Parise is with the Devils and we play them 6 times a year. We only play the preds Once a year.
-
Sad to say jaf10 has the 2009-10 Isles line up. Who plays with who up front doesn’t matter. Add Tambellini (he’s under contract)- plus Joensuu, Smith and Colliton and MacDonald for injury replacement and you have the 2009-10 Isles and a top 5 pick in the 2010 draft.
-
Pat says:
First off this has been one very long year. Looking forward to the lottery on Tues. night. First off lets get the 1st pick and draft Tavares. Second we have so many 4th line players it’s crazy. I’ve seen enough of Thompson that I don’t want to see any more. I’d rather give that spot to a kid like Joensuu. I’d also like to see what Trevor Smith is all about. Let’s face it, were not the 30th ranked team for nothing. If this team looks anything like this year’s were going to suck again. Make some changes Garth, I’m tired of being a last place team.
-
see i dont know if there going to be that bad beacuse if they are getting better then they should be at least better then this year. When a young team gets better they go up and I dont think they will go down no other team will get better beacuse of the cap.
-
admin says:
Some excellent Comments so far. Thanks for playing. (22) Yes, I tried to make clear this is the best the NYI have so far. (25) I practically set up a petition for Comeau early in the season, but he never scored more than 24 goals in junior. I see him as a grinder-plus. (7) Trent Hunter has scored more goals in one NHL season than I believe Blake ever will in one of his.
One more time, reaching the cap floor isn’t anything to worry about. And finally, please be mindful of the Comment Guidelines so everyone who wants to gets their voice heard can. Happy Easter and Passover…CB
-
We dont really have that many 4th line players. All of these guys potentional is better then that. I put what line player they would be.
okposo- 1-2
Bailey- 1-2
Neilson- 2-3
Comeau- 3
Bergy- 1-2-3
Hunter- 2-3
Jackman- 4
Park- 3-4
Rechlicz- 4
Tambellini- 3
Thompson- 4
Weight- 2-3 -
Patience; Joensuu, Smith etc. will get their chance. Look at the way this year went. Just because the team jaf10 outlined is likely to start the season doesn’t mean its the same one after the All-star break or trade deadline. The Isles have a lot of 4th liners because they don’t have a lot of top 6 forwards. Therefore your 4th line becomes your third line and so on. The Isles have maybe one top six forward, Okposo. Hopefully after Tuesday they’ll have two (Tavares).
-
Fritz and his 25 seconds of playing time today.
He cant fight if he is not on the ice haha
I was at the game today and they ( the islanders) had some odd giveaways. like free milk and free haircuts for certain period of time. it was interesting
Cant wait for Tuesday.
If we dont get # 1 hopefully Tampa does
-
2009/2010 should be very interesting !!! Way to many SOFT goals allowed by both goaltenders this year and at this point Ricky D cannot be counted on to carry the goaltending full time or maybe at all. Hopefully Snowy addresses this goaltending problem in the June Draft.
-
they have 3 top 6 forwards-
Okposo
Bailey
Bergy -
A side note on Gilroy….A report is saying that the Flyers are the top choice of where he wants to go.
-
Jim says:
I agree with CB, Comeau is a grinder.
The #1 or #2 pick is going to use up $3.725m or $3.475m in cap space. Provided, they receive the same deal that Stamkos and Doughty got this year.
-
Trivino got run over on his first shift and I don’t think he’s been out since.
-
Lets leave Trivino alone. He is a Young Freshman playing in the NCAA Championship game. Great Experience for him. Lets let him play a year before we say he is getting steam rolled by seniors playing in a championship game
-
Jimmy Mac says:
I think people will think Tavarses looks alot like Yashin when they see him play.
Great hands…. but slow, not physical.
I hope I’m wrong… but sure looks that way right now.
-
what channel is the NCAA game on ?
-
never mind .
-
greg says:
I loved the free milk, haha. It was a fun game, would have liked to see it go to OT.
-
jeff tambellini is a 4th line player. until he can show he can produce on a consistant basis i don’t think you can say otherwise. and please don’t talk about he just needs another chance.
-
I think Tambo has realized he is not going to be that big time scorer. He uses his body more often now.
I still love Tambo and hopefully he finally comes around.
-
eric says:
42 god i hope your wrong.
-
jonw says:
where does that leave Jon Sim?
-
CB, Id like to make friendly bet with you….If given a FULL season, with at least 1st or 2nd line mins. and power play time, COMEAU has his first 20+ goal season next year!!!! In my opinion, he hasnt been given a TRUE opportunity to succeed just yet, especially with being out of the lineup for majority of the first half of the season, and when he finally got the call, he wasnt used properly. I feel in the 2nd part of the season he became more of a role player, gained more ice time and power play time and was playing alot better….I do see your point though in caterogizing him as a grinder+, at least at this point in his career, i do believe though he has the potential to be more of a skilled forward…
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
-
Tavares is nothing like Yashin. Tavares will be a thousand times the player yashin was.
-
Staten Islander says:
Next year is make or brake for Tamby. Baily has to spend time in the weight room over the spring and summer. Get the wrecker boxing lessons
-
What playoff team would take any Isles forward right now. Some may take Okposo or Weight to play on their third line.
-
#52… a thousand times better…lol.
He is a poor skater… can’t take a hit.
Shys away from physical play.
But has great hands…
-
Mike Rupp is a ufa and could be a good fit for this team.He is a proven enforcer and can play 6-9 minutes a game.Other available enforcer types that can log 6-9 are May and Orr.
-
55 so why is everyone have him at #1
-
i like orr as a enforcer , he’s just sick.
-
he’s just sick
lol
-
Ben says:
I am surprised that Gilroy is 24! What happened to graduating when your 22? Defending against 18 and 19 year olds must seem pretty easy.
If we need to spend money to meet cap, be aggressive for JBOW. He would fit in and imagine him with the likes of Streit.
What happened to Wang’s idea of taking a huge Sumo wrestler and plopping himin the goal. He’d play more games than Ricky!
-
Ben – College hockey is a lot different now. It’s actually pretty rare to be an 18 year old freshman now, especially at big time programs. A lot of kids after graduating high school, go to prep school and repeat their senior year. Or they go and play two years of junior and then go to college.
-
Justin says:
Everyone is vsstly underrating Tavares. I’ve read the scouting reports of what he can and can’t do, but he is rated way better than Stamkos and Stamkos is going to be an excellent player in this league. Better than Stamkos…good enough for me.
-
Where has Dean McAmmond been? Is he actually even remotely in the picture for next season? Thanks.
-
drivefor5 says:
me and my row were bored during intermision here are our lines
Affenganov/Josenau, Tavares, Kyle O
Weight, Bailey, Bergie
Hunter, Franz, Blake
Park, Thompson, JackmanWitt/ Martie
Bruno/ Streit
Gilroy/ Hillenor sign big time dman
-
bruce says:
Justin Dibenedetto won the OHL overage player of the year. Anyone know what overage player means?
-
All I’m saying is his game is alot like Yashin’s game.
I didn’t realize you hated Yash so much.
It’s not an insult. Yashin is very talented.
Just not a great skater, and not very physical.
That is the same as Tavarses.
He will be very good… but not a Franchise Player…
-
Will OC says:
Afinogenov is dead weight. He’s going back to russia. Any NHL team would be foolish to sign him. Rather give a young guy a chance on 1st line
-
Rob76 says:
anyone watching BU-MIami-OH- Boston down 3-1 less than a minute to play – and they tie it – with Gilroy getting the primary assist on the tying goal w/ less than 20 seconds left – headed to OT
-
BillyIsle says:
Everyone on hockey night live says to go with Hedman. Man I hope we somehow get an answer on tuesday.
-
Rich says:
good god i hope they dont resign Thompson…he’s so useless and something I’ve noticed: everytime hes come back from injury or just been in the lineup in general…we’ve started losing again
-
Alex Kinkead says:
id much rather have Colliton than Thompson on the team
-
Trivino on the ice for the winning goal. His hustle to get the puck led to the winning goal. His play is exactly what the Islanders are doing now. And he is fast.
-
TIM says:
WOW,gotta feel bad for Miami(ohio) they had the game in the bag and blew it
-
Madchef says:
Man not sure what my opinion is good for but watching gilroy on the ice tonight and he looked awfully good, Captain also…oh well guess we’ll get to see him come to our rink and dominate. Throw some money at him…i mean it only money and it sure isn’t mine so go get him
-
lovin lethbridge says:
Bruce (66) – the overage players are players who are 20. In The CHL you are allowed 2 or 3 ( i do not recall exactly).
As for top six forwards… The Islanders team next year, most of the guys would be hard pressed to dress in the NHL for most teams the way the roster looks now. By the time I see them in Saskatoon that could be different. Of the forwards listed for next year by CB, only Okposo, Hunter, and Weight would see time in the NHL on most teams. the rest would be in the minors or 4th line players with spot duty. The luxury the Islanders afforded themselves with is an abundance of youth and very few veterans, so the kids can learn on the fly. -
Excellent article CB. The 09-10 roster looks very much like the roster you see know plus Tavares(hopefully). How did thsi season turn out? I watched every game this year and have my doubts whether Comeau,Nielsen and yes Bailey will ever be big-time NHL players. I think they will be serviceable players but a team of serviceable players and a goalie that has had 4 surgeries still worries me! The Isles need another forward who is a sniper and that player is not in the system.
Let’s hope that ball bounces our way Tuesday 8pm and we can create some excitement in Uniondale. -
steveO says:
Witt is gone next year that SJ or the OTT pick will be higher in the draft… this past season wen witt is on the ice he cant play defense and his not hitting anyone.. i feel bad for Martty
next yr getting JT with a JBOW type defense man for striet and also a true 30 goal scorer will get this team into a playoff spot
-
doc says:
Lovin Lethbridge:
No offense, but thank god you aren’t a talent evaluator for an NHL team.Bergenheim, Bailey, Neilsen, Comeau wouldn’t see any ice time on most NHL teams??? Give me a break.
SteveO??? Hello??? What???
DOC
-
7th (64) McAmmond is listing as being ill, which means we don’t have chance in hell about finding out what is wrong with him. That being said, he was a pleasant surprise after the trade.
-
Dlr says:
As long as Tamby is NOT on this team, I can handle any of the others.
-
Pat says:
Hockey NIght in Canada had a piece on “The Hotstove” where it said Rick DiPietro settled a contract dispute with the Orr Agency – Chris – what is this all about ?
-
Gilroy did look good tonight, but of course he is a couple years older then the others. I hope we give him an offer.
-
If San Jose gets knocked out in the first or second round the Isles are in Business at the draft. They can select a player somewhere in the middle to go along with Tavares/Hedman.
It would be like getting two years worth of solid 1st round picks in one draft.
I think next year the team should be in contention for a spot. How well they contend for it us up in there as is how long they remain in contention. I imagine they should stick in post season picture till at least mid March.
Still, I have a feeling we are gonna wind up with another top ten pick next year. At least in the area of 6-10.
-
RAmen says:
Wait – playoff team picks are determined my how far they go in the playoffs, not regular season record? I thought that our San Jose pick was now the 30th pick? That would be great news if we moved upa half a dozen slots.
-
I hear Gilroy to Philadelphia, Chicago, Toronto, Columbus. Just about everywhere but the Islanders. I would be shocked if he landed here.
-
Draft picks are based upon the regular season. It does not matter what San Jose does in the playoffs, we pick 30th. (And hopefully 1st!)
-
please tell me there is no comparison between yashin and tavares. it is really buming me out. god no emotion, no feeling,
and no english. we need a winer. i know one guy dosn’t make a team, but we need a something good here. go isles, my team,
my pride, my dream. happy holidays everyone. -
scatchard38(Mike) says:
HOW THE DRAFT ORDER IS SELECTED
From NHL.com:
The order of selection among the Member Clubs in each season shall be determined in the following manner: (amended in 2007 to provide for points iv and v below)
A composite of all Member Clubs shall be prepared by placing:
First the Clubs which failed to qualify for the next preceding playoffs in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest points total and followed by the Club having the next lowest points total, and so forth.
The Clubs which participated in the next preceding playoffs (but had not been ranked first in their respective Divisions and did not make the Conference Finals) in order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the next preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points, and so forth.
The Clubs which had been ranked first in their Divisions during the next preceding season (but had not made the Conference Finals ) in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the next preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points, and so forth.
The Clubs who lose in the Conference Finals in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the next preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points.
The Club which loses in the Finals shall select next to last.
The Stanley Cup winner shall select last, thus, positioning all Clubs on the list.
-
save of the season joey mac good on you. all this is good s!#t.
let’s kick some f’en a$$ next year. under dog for life. too much
jack after band pactice tonight. just want them to rep.
go fish!!! -
deweyfromnfld says:
Not true Steve, playoffs definitely affect draft position. The teams that missed the playoffs get the 1st 14 picks, 1st rd, losers next 8, 2nd rd. losers next 4, conference losers next 2, then the stanley cup loser and finally the winner. I would have to think that if San Jose lost in the 1st rd., they would get the 22nd pick then because of there regular season record. However it turns out, our team will get a good prospect with it.
-
i guess i’m alone but…
just wanted to say .
hockey tonight on sat. kicks butt on all us networks.
they just do hockey right. hay us take note.
hockey best game on earth.good night all.
-
Brian says:
CB… What teams do you think would take Hedman if they had the #1 pick? Tampa I am guessing…anyone else?
-
Jim Clark says: No, the 2009-10 Islander are not a playoff team, even if DiPietro makes a complete recovery. Too many holes.Time takes Time.
-
Fred Boz - says:
I would post but CB refused to reply -
-FB
-
#69 yea right the crew at hockey night in Canada would be singing a different tune if toronto or the Sens had the first pick! They would be touting the boy from Canada, Taveres!!
-
PAT #81…the dispute between DP and the Orr agency was that, the Orr agency supposedly did all the work for negotiating DP’s 15yr. contract and writing it out and in the end, DP signed the contract himself without either the approval of the Orr agency or the presence of the Orr Agency so the Orr agency was claiming they were never paid out for the contract..I believe that was the jist of the dispute, im not 100% positive on the exact details though, so dont quote me…
-
isles72 says:
some tough decisions up ahead for Snowy and Flash
have to walk away from the redundant older players who’s roles can be filled by the younger guys .As an example , Bergy makes Thompson/Hilbert expendable
sorry Andy
-
kabbage says:
Mike #88. So what does this mean for the San Jose #1 pick that we own? For example, what does it mean (what are the possibilities) if the Sharks lose in the first or second round?
-
jethro09 says:
I think Rechlicz can be a legit heavyweight with a little more seasoning. He’s a solid fighter, and he has some size. He can also skate somewhat well. If his skating and his fighting improve, he can be the heavyweight and eliminate the need to sign one as a UFA. Although, if the Rags let Orr go, I’d love to see the Isles grab him.
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
CB ~ Pretty good classification of players. I’d even classify Comeau as a Skill/Grinder hybrid.
Next year’s team isn’t going to sniff the playoffs. I personally feel that DP is going to need time to get back to where he was. He’s not going to steal as many games off the bat. The kids will improve, but the Isles play in the strongest division in the NHL, and are not going to find any easy points.
My next post will illustrate with our “signed/anticipated draftee” what I think October’s forward corps will be. Note: This will assume with or without Tavares.
-
I think with existing signed or RFA team depth we can expect to see something like this come October. I didn’t assemble lines. I just put players by position and their line range based on Islander’s talent depth. Not based on typical NHL talent.
Left Wing~
Bergy (1st or 2nd)
Comeau (1st, 2nd or 3rd)
Tamby (2nd, 3rd or 4th)
Joensuu (3rd or 4th)Center~
Weight (1st or 2nd)
Bailey (2nd or 3rd)
Fransy (3rd)
Thompson (4th)
*Wild Card* Tavares (Top 3?)RW ~
KO (1st)
Jackman (2nd, 3rd or 4th)
Hunter (2nd or 3rd)
Park (3rd or 4th)Depth ~
Mclean
Smith
RechliczPP-
1- Bergy-Bailey-KO … forward @ the point Weight
2- Comeau-Fransy-Jackman (Tavares?) -
dk7937 says:
idk bout everyone else but i see little correlation between yashin nd tavares. every goal i see tavares score is in high traffic areas battling through hits around the net.. half the time he gets laid out after scoring..Yash never did that although he did have a wicked shot. only similar thing i see is that they both have good hands. hopefully we get tavares mayb could be our first pure goal scorer since palffy
Bergenheim – Nielsen – Joensuu…