REBUILD YEAR 2, PART II: The Blueline
Six incumbents and a few major questions
A week ago we reviewed the forwards who may or may not be Islanders next season. Today, we look at the defense.
The Incumbents
All are under contract for next season. All will be back.
Mark Streit and Bruno Gervais: The Islanders’ best player this season and the Islanders’ most improved player this season. If you subscribe to the theory that great players make those around them better, Streit’s impact on Gervais has been substantial. Said Scott Gordon: “When I started this job the consensus was Bruno was a 6th or 7th defenseman, but he’s definitely elevated himself. I’ve really been impressed by him. He worked so hard this year to become a better all-around player.”
The key for Streit: as the Islanders improve with each season, can he maintain – or elevate – the high standard of play he set in ’08-09?
Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek: Witt, the shootout specialist, couldn’t believe his skepticism in November over the system lingered in the press and on the blogs for months. Okay, we’re past it. Still, next season Witt has to be more effective, physical and consistent. Martinek has to be more healthy and consistent.
Andy Sutton and Freddy Meyer: Sutton came into this season in the best shape of his life and ended up playing only 23 games. He brings size and intimidation around the goal crease that the Islanders sorely lacked. Meyer only played 27 games but was a good fit for the uptempo system and scored 4 goals. He told us last week that he could have played some games at the end of the season but the team chose to be cautious. “Everything’s going in the right direction for our team and I want to be a part of it next season,” Meyer said. He will.
The Richard Pilon Factor
As veteran Islanders fans know, the gritty defenseman – Bill Mazer on Channel 5 thought he was French and called him Ree-SHARD Pee-LAHN – was injured all the time. I once asked an Islanders hockey operations man how could he ever put Richie on the pre-season depth chart. Perhaps it would have been a better approach to consider any game Pilon played as gravy.
So call it the Rich Pilon Factor (RPF). With Martinek missing a large chunk of games in four of his last five seasons, and with Meyer and Sutton coming off injury-filled years, the Islanders must enter training camp with at least 8 NHL defensemen. They need health and depth – and, oh yeah, more talent would not hurt.
The Grand If
Since they have not declared otherwise – even Ken Morrow after the Lottery victory made it sound like a two-horse race – we cannot completely rule out the Islanders using the first overall pick to draft Victor Hedman. If they do, it’s fair to say Vic will be in the Islanders’ top 6 next season.
(I feel another round of comments coming. It’s really not necessary. By now we all know how each and every one of the tens of thousands of daily PB readers feels about the subject).
With their second first round pick in June – either San Jose’s at 26-30 or closer to the middle of the round if they broker a trade – the NYI could grab an A-calibre defenseman. But barring hitting the jackpot, the youngster will be at least a year away, and more likely two or three, from NHL effectiveness.
Challengers
Jack Hillen: A restricted free agent and likely looking at another two-way contract which gives the Islanders’ roster flexibility. Hillen has made a solid case for time in New York next season.
Andrew MacDonald: Has the opportunity to stake his claim with a big-time performance in the AHL playoffs, and was strong in the comeback last night in Pennysylvania. Needs to keep it up.
Prospects
Our ranking of the franchise’s top defense prospects currently not in the pros:
1. Aaron Ness - University of Minnesota…turns 19 next month…at least two seasons away from the NHL.
2. Travis Hamonic - Moose Jaw (WHL)…19 in August…at least two seasons away.
3. Mark Katic - Signed last week to entry level deal and will play for Bridgeport next season…turns 20 next month…(you got it) at least two seasons away.
This is a solid trio of blueline prospects, with Ness possessing the most upside and Hamonic more of a “sure thing” to someday take a regular shift in the NHL. Besides Hillen, maybe MacDonald and some depth call-ups from Bridgeport of veterans (such as Joe Callahan) or draft picks not quite there yet (Dustin Kohn), the Islanders will not receive immediate help from the prospect pool.
Free Agent
Thomas Pock: Picked off the waiver wire from the Rangers at the start of the season, Pock will not be back.
July 1 UFAgency
After striking gold with Streit, will the Islanders go after another major free agent for the blueline? Especially if they don’t draft Hedman, they could make some calls. With the team rebuilding – and with 6 dmen on one-way contracts – I don’t see them attempting a serious recruiting effort until the summer of 2010.
But it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try. Although the Islanders will have little difficulty reaching the salary cap floor, they do have some dough to spend. It’s possible the acquisition of a franchise player like John Tavares could spur management to try to step up the rebuilding program with a big signing.
Potential unrestricted free agent defensemen on July 1 include Francois Beauchemin, Jay Bouwmeester and Johnny Oduya.
Once said to be worth more than $6 million a year, Long Island’s own Mike Komisarek had a poor free agent walk year with the Canadiens. The Islanders will not get a hometown discount, but perhaps the 6-4, 240-pound Komisarek is now in the salary range that makes sense for Year 2 of the Islanders’ rebuild.
Despite his step-back season, he is a terrific, battle-ready defenseman. He is the kind of heart-and-soul performer the Islanders could use more of and would be an immediate fan favorite. A deal similar to Brendan Witt’s and a shade under Streit’s is not unreasonable and could be a win-win for Komisarek and the Islanders. Keep in mind, this is the final year of Andy Sutton’s deal and the NYI will need to replace his size if he is not signed to an extension.
More likely, the Islanders only make a depth signing in the summer of 2009. For this discussion, “depth” is defined as an experienced player who could be a 4-7 defenseman on the Islanders. Potential UFAs in this category: Adrian Aucoin, Brett Hedican, Steve Montador, Mattias Ohlund.
The Final Forecast
When camp opens in Saskatoon, the Islanders’ blueline will include their 6 returning defensemen, one veteran UFA in the depth category and Hillen, who will be signed to a new, multi-year two-way contract.
Comments on this story only. Comment Guidelines.
83 Responses to REBUILD YEAR 2, PART II: The Blueline
Six incumbents and a few major questions
-
YEAH! Pock won’t be returning. And the Komisarek situation will be interesting, especially if the Habs get swept out of the playoffs…
-
Joey303 says:
This is the reason why I an contemplating not renewing this year. We need help on the blueline (help up front, help in goal, heck , WE NEED HELP!) I dont understand why Garth and Co. cant look into trades and signings. Depth signing? Are you kidding? Even if we draft Taveras, this team is way off for a playoff spot next year. Sign a few guys, actually make trades for PLAYERS, and maybe we will have a shot. Right now, L.A. ATL and yes even Tampa are better next year. The Isles need a guy like Komiserek, not only for Sutton, but for Witt as well.
-
Spartiarti - RVC says:
Im suprised we did not make a play of gilroy. Does that mean we are leaning toward Hedman?
I think the will definately be a solid Free Agent signing in office season by Snow a well.
-
RAmen says:
Great job. Th Isles are pretty solid and balanced at the blue line, but they need more skill. Not sure how you can improve the blue line without hitting the free agent pool or trading someone. Komisaerek would be a good start.
-
Iactuially like montoador a lot. I think he is a good 4/5 dmen who is tough and has a little bit of offense. I wouldnt mind signing him and Komisarek or Oduya and then trading sutton for a power forward or pick.
-
Jon says:
I would literally throw tons of money to have Audrian Aucion back.
-
kevin fitz says:
They need to blow Bouwmeester (sp) away with a deal. He is a franchise player that is worth overpaying for. You build your team around him.
Draft JT
Sign Bouwmeester
Sign one more decent scoring winger
GET DP HEALTHYThat would be a successful off season. It may not make us a playoff team next year, but it will put us well on our way.
-
Gloobenberg says:
kevin fitz, you said it man! Throw the checkbook at JayBo!
-
Lane says:
If the Sharks lose in the first round (let’s hope), wouldn’t their draft pick in the first round be at 22? 14 teams missed the playoffs and they would have the best record of first round losers. 14 + 8 = 22?
-
Cary says:
I’d like to see our defense corps get younger sooner rather than later so they can grow with the forwards and peak along with them.
I’d give up Martinek, Meyer or Witt and a second round pick for a decent prospect.
CB, I’d appreciate any thoughts on this…
-
No Lane, its 26. You have to include the next set of 4 teams who will not make it any farther in the playoffs as well, and San Jose will have a better record than all 4 of them. This ‘pick at 22′ thing is so prevalent that youve probably read people say it all over the place, but it is not the case.
-
Dan from Westchester says:
Thought Hillen showed some positive signs in the 2nd half – definitely would like to see him back next year. Played with a lot more confidence. . skates well, good passer and didn’t look out of place being aggressive and taking the puck to the net a few times, either.
Won’t miss Thomas Pock for a minute.
With all that cap room, would it kill Garth to get involved in Bouwmeester or Komisarek discussions?
-
2277 says:
Komisarek must be signed, end of story. We will be MUCH improved with Tavares up front and need a solid banger on the back line and Mike K is the man!
-
thepolishprince says:
I’d love to see the Isles sign Komisarek. Jay B. is not coming to the Island even if we match or exceed any offer. Why would he want to be part of a rebuild that is at least a year or two behind the one he’ll be leaving? How has Adrian Aucoin played since he left the Island? Hasn’t he been injured an awful lot? Actually, he’d be a perfect fit here then!
-
WM says:
Enough about Komisarek already. He’s terrible. Do we want him b/c he’s from LI? Take Higgins, too, then. And ask Richie Hansen if he wants to lace up the skates again. Good grief.
-
Hale says:
the last guy you want is aucoin i just don’t think his knees and back can hold up…and if you have to blow away Komisarek..you will hate that deal in 2 years…montador or Beauchemin i think would be better fits
-
WHEN the Isles draft John Tavares. That should be enough of a lure to attract a scoring winger. Especially when we have some money to toss around. Now although I don’t think we should just spend because we got it, that wont help the long run. Especially if the cap goes down in two years. Drafting Tavares, landing a steady D-man, “NoT KOMISAREK”, and maybe a decent 1a goalie, will maybe put the Islanders fighting for 8th next year. But hey, from last to eight is a hell of an improvement. I think the message will be sent around the league, that the rebuilding plan is working and its just a matter of time. San Jose is a great example, as is the Flyers and Chicago. Year 2, might be slightly better, but in order to make something worthy to talk about, we need to dip in the FA pool this summer. End O Story.
-
bergie20 says:
i think that it would do komisarek some good to get out of the high pressure situation in montreal. i think he’d do better here and nyi could use a big physical d-man. i hope we sign him.
-
How do we know that Komisarek is going to be any better next year then he was this year?? answer is we “DON’T”. I think we should sign a UFA veteran that has been a consistent contender year after year, sign him to a 2/3 year contact, then hopefully some of the young D-man will be ready.
-
UIF says:
I don’t think the Isles will spend money, even if good, relatively young players are available to them for a price. My personal opinion is Wang will not want to spend significant $$ until the Lighthouse stuff is taken care of one way or the other. That’s why we’ll have a few “depth signings” of journeymen and not much else. I think that may be why they weren’t players for Gilroy. Just an opinion based on observation.
-
jonw says:
#14 the first 2 years in chicago yes but the last 2 in calgary Aucoin played 76 and 81.
#10 I too would like to see the d get younger aswell,altough I would hold on to Meyer and see what he can do in this system.He has improved his play every year.
Witt is a keeper but i am surprised he is wanting to see this rebuild through since he wanted no part of it in washington.CB i hope you are wrong about Marty and Sutton.Martinek is a decent defenseman and a number 4 on his best day and a year older next year.Sutton is a dime a dozen at 3 million per. -
John says:
Matthias Ohlund would be a good pick up… a guy to run the 2nd pp unit, has a good shot and has played on some goods teams in Vancouver.
-
AK says:
Unfortunately, the Islanders need at least two scoring forwards to add to their roster even if they do draft Tavares. They need at least two good defenseman and they need a starting goalie. Sure it is great to build through the draft but in this day and age of sports, you need to be able to sign some decent free agents and not a bunch of has beens or never beens. No team that has won the cup in the last decade, did it only through the draft. Cup winning teams were able to trade and sign free agents along with their draft picks.
-
Thanks for the info Jonw. Wow I had no idea it had been that long since AA left. Time flies!
-
Michael says:
Mattias Ohlund is more than a depth defenseman Chris. He’s still got some flash and he’s reliable.. I imagine he’s not coming to Long Island.
-
Komisarek has thrown some hits and been at the front line for Montreal leading the eye gouging, facerub tactics but what’s stood out most is how many times the Bruins forwards catch him out of position. He’s a much better skater than what he’s shown thus far.
The more I think of it…the more he seems as a more expensive version of Brendan Witt, only younger with better legs and a shot.
I’d rather see Garth pursue 2 guys like Oduya and Minny’s big young Kurtis Foster who collectively can be had for under what Komisarek would command. -
Eric says:
I like komasarik but not for more than 4 million a season. He is a stay at home dmen and they aren’t worth more than 4 mill at most. I would give him 5 years 20 million and if he says no too bad. The guy I really want is Francois Beauchemin. You dont hear much about this guy but he was a key factor on ahaheim when they won a cup. He is coming off an injury this season. He is 28 and has size. He is definitely a good fit for the islanders. I really hope we sign him to a 4 year 12-13 million dollar contract.
-
Francois Beauchemin.
-
Giaco says:
People who are crying for the Isles to sign FA and make a big splash… one thing
THE FA HAVE TO WANT TO PLAY HERE – IE RYAN SMITH – Smith got offered more money to stay here and he took less to go to the Avs
Some guys don’t like to be a part of a rebuild – Garth just has to go cherry picking ala Mark Streit
This is when we will see if Garth is a good GM
-
dose says:
just one thought on ‘the pilon factor.’ true that pilon played 60+ only 4 times for the islanders (& once for the rags)but it’s safe to say his injuries were chiefly the result of how he played, ie. all out effort and toughness. i love martinek’s game but i have bit of a hard time grouping him (and sutton/meyer) with pilon in that respect. i know you’re point is somewhat tongue in cheek but pilon is one of my favorite all time islanders, precisely because of how he played the game. i had to sieze the opportunity to talk him up. (i just wish he hadn’t gone to the rags.)
-
Tom says:
Is Hedman staying in Europe for one more year? I’m not sold he comes to Isles next year if he’s drafted. The Isles may have to way until 2010.
-
30 – I remember Pilon having a heck of a lot of groin pulls…like more than people on the team today even.
-
eye on the island says:
tmc can you explain that?
if the sharks are eliminated in the first round why do they get seeded after teams that moved onto to the 2nd round?
are you getting the info from anywhere specifically?
-
Andreas the Badger says:
I didn’t get that argument about the 4 other teams that won’t go deeper in the play offs than San Jose. It’s still 8 teams left after the first round right? Which means 8 teams will go farther. Or am I missing the point here.
Hedman said on TSN that he was looking forward to playing in the NHL next season. -
Moose says:
If we got AA Back, I’d be ecstatic.
I love Double A. Though I did just give away my Aucoin sweater. :/
ANYHOW, A decent 2nd pairing defenseman would be fine, along with AA as a veteran presence.
Then add a winger, get Kirill to BPT and call it an offseason.
-
Alex says:
I would love to see Aucoin back on LI at a reasonable price. Oduya would be a nice pickup as well. How about the Isles make a 4-5 year pitch for both Sedin twins, who are both in their prime at the age of 28. If they are willing to leave Vancouver (not sure if I see that happening though), the Isles would be one of the few teams who could afford to sign both of them. With the 2 of them plus Tavares, our defense corp and DiPi should be good enough to ensure us wins with the number of goals we’d be able to put up.
-
Mikey says:
It’s hard to believe that after the summer 2007 free agent debacle some Isles fans still think we can land top tier free agents. The Boumeesters and Hossas of the world are not signing here. John Tavares will not change that. Our best hope is to overpay for a reclamation project (Weight, Fedotenko), sign an over the hill vet (Guerin), or find a diamond in the rough who has been buried on his team’s depth chart (Streit). After his pitiful season, Komi is no longer a top tier guy. But I would never give him more than 3.5 mill a year. He has only had 1 and a half good seasons, and he has regressed badly this year. It would be a big risk to tie up big money/years in him. Our best hope at rebuilding the D is to draft Hedman, throw him in the lineup next year, and hope Streit does wonders for his development. If we go the Tavares route, we will have to wait 2-3 more seasons for the youngsters to step in and our D corps to improve. This rebuild is going to be a long (3-4 year) process. There are no quick fixes.
-
the1gwiz says:
Some clarification on the draft order: division winners who are eliminated early still get slotted below other playoff teams, no matter when they’re eliminated. From the bottom up, the order is:
30- Cup winner
29- Cup runner up
27, 28- Conference Finals losers (lower regular season point winner gets higher slot)
26- Division winner with most regular season points that was not in conference finals… which is where SJ would slot in no matter who else does what if they lose in rounds 1 or 2.
-
36, the problem is, with re-signing Weight and assuming they draft Tavares, I don’t know if there’s even a center spot open for a #1 like H. Sedin. Weight, Nielson, Tavares, and Bailey…unless one gets moved to the wing, but I don’t know if they’d do that with the young, developing players…or if they put Bailey at the Bridge, which isn’t going to happen. That’s why I was sort of hoping they’d test the market to see who’s available before extending Weight.
-
the bomber says:
martinek plays pretty tough for a guy not so big. the rangers could use that guy big time.
-
weight could move to the wing
-
EAF says:
39, don’t worry about the available spots – our players will start getting injured as season progresses
-
38- where did you get that info?
and secondly are people serious w/ this double a talk? he’s on the wrong side of 30 and isnt a puck moving defenseman… how does he fit into this equation?
-
mLem says:
I believe he scored the other night…if not he was involved heavily in a play resulting in a goal, so he has something left. plus when bodies start falling I’d prefer him to another Pock.
-
Adam M. says:
Any time a team comes in last place, it becomes easy to speculate that there is a need at almost any position – Usually starting with replacements for the top of the depth chart.
Whether Snow drafts Hedman or not, I feel that this team needs more reliability at the defensive position.
As CB stated, there have been BIG questions with injuries and consistency along the blueline. If we fall out of bidding for a game-changer like Komisarek, look for him to add a sturdy puck moving d-man, hopefully over 6′ tall as the team could use more size and physicality.
Will Sutton’s skating be affected by the newly-placed metal plate in his foot?
Will Witt return to form in year two of this system?
Will Bruno bring it again next season?
With that many questions along the blueline, it would be irresponsible not to plan ahead and pick up another veteran d-man go into the 2009-2010 season.
-
Mark P says:
1) Most of the guys Islanders have not re-signed over the past 5-6 years have been good decisions: Aucoin, Scatchard etc. Colorado is stuck with Smyth’s big contract….The money he wanted was #1 front line center money…..the guy is a nice Power foward winger if playing with 2 other studs….Isles got lucky….lucky that Nillson and O’Marra have been horrible. Now Nillson is in the bad contract category too.
2)Komisarek’s name will always come up, as you would think he would not be adverse to playing on LI…most stars are…FOR NOW. If he is under 4M we should sign him and then trade our defense surplus to move up in the draft. How valuable would Brendan Witt or Sutton be to Montreal if they lose Komi?
3)Not sure Mattias Ohland see’s himself as a depth defender, he may command a pretty penny.
4)Isles have already hinted to us that they do not plan on shooting for the playoffs next year…..so unless a great opportunity presents itself, I don’t see a major move. Keep the Cap space open….Grab one more top 7-8 pick in 2010 draft……come to a conclusion with regards to Lighthouse THEN
When Wang feels better about comitting cash, Isles are starting to show real promise, and few teams have money under decreasing CAP….the Islanders will be the prime FA destination in July 2010. -
Coach B says:
On the top six by Chris,the only 2 who look to be Islanders for the next few years are Streit and Gervais. Sounds like the plan is develop their own and they might take Hedman. The trouble with Komisarek is how can you pay him more the Streit since Mark is the better player. It does not look like the Islanders will do much with free agent D but we can have a better idea after the draft.
-
JKP in Halifax says:
re: Sharks picking at 26 not 22
Check wikipedia under “NHL Entry Draft” and it explains the seeding process.
-
StevieL says:
I’m with #20 and #37. I don’t know where anyone is getting the impression that the Isles are going anywhere near the deep end of the pool when it come’s to UFA’s. First off , as has been stated, no one wants to play here right now! We are the worst team in the league, We have a crappy facility, unproven management, and no one even know’s if the Isles will exist past next year! Our owner is losing millions every year with a rock bottom payroll. Do you think he is just going to start throwing millions around to sign UFA’s?. We will inch up to the cap floor with as CB pointed out, a depth D-man and don’t forget we will need some kind of Goaltender for next year. That’s it! They are comitted to building in the draft! Sorry to burst anybody’s bubble but Komi and Beau and Gaborik just aren’t coming here!
-
45 – Couldn’t find the specifics on the NHL site directly, but here’s a link to the info via NHLSCAP.com: http://www.nhlscap.com/draft.htm
-
Another question: Is Wang willing to spend money on FA’s before the Lighthouse goes through?
He didn’t last year, aside from locking up Streit.
We’ve been dumping salary for two years now.
-
Valentino says:
Drafting anyone but JOHN TAVARES would be a HUGE MISTAKE for the franchise. Then again, it would be par for the course to pass on ANOTHER superstar. I am sure we will question his “skating” or “character” much like we did with Parise and Heatley.
Cant wait to see JT light up the league for another team and wonder what could have been….
I am sure Hedman will help. I mean he could shut out the entire league cant he? We have plenty of gifted offensemen dont we? Maybe he can even contribute a goal or 2.
We need TAVARES. Nothing less
-
bob l says:
@33, victor hedman said he wants to play in the nhl next year, he’s been playing vs adults in the elite league and the transition wont be too difficult to make (he’s a fast skating d-man who moves the puck well with good vision)
the islanders can’t do wrong here… i want jt because i want someone to put up 30+ goals, but i cant say they’d be wrong to want to build a D around him, he should fit in fine with their system should they go that route, i would prefer to see them get jt and trade up for ellis though -
54, i thought we passed on parise because mad mike said he was too small to succeed in the nhl no? and yeah, anyone questioning his character hasnt read up on him, he’s got a very good backround and it was after i read up on him that i went from 50/50 didnt care who they took, to wow, we need this kid here
-
Steve K. says:
if the isles sign jay bo (6-7 mil?) and/or aucoin (3-4 mil?)/komisarek (5-6mil ?), we will have:
Streit-Jay Bo
Komisarek(or Aucoin)- Sutton
Witt- MartinekAll I have to say is wow. It wont ever happen though, but its a nice thought.
-
Frank says:
I think you all need to take off the rose (or blue and orange) colored glasses for this D-iscussion. I look at this as one very good (Streit) and 5 spare parts on defense. We need more help on defense in my opinion and while I think they will take Tavares, the Isles CLEARLY need help on defense.
-
Bob @ 57 – Milbury just recently reiterated that questions regarding Parise’s skating were what turned him off.
WRT Komisarik I’m curious if he’s on the Isles radar for this offseason. Just reading through the posts here it seems like there are several opinions about his worth. Some seem to say he’s almost a waste of a roster spot while others think he’s a top 2 dman. I think the Isles could use him for more snarl and size on the backline. The fact that he’s homegrown is an added bonus. Maybe after a lousy season he could be had at a reasonable price? -
#54 , I fail to see how anyone can state that drafting Hedman would be a “HUGE MISTAKE”. Tavares is the sexy pick and would absolutely help but Hedman is a one in every 6-7 years type talent. Tavares is another in a long line of high scoring forwards and I am NOT knocking him, it would not be a mistake to draft either Tavares or Hedman.
-
Will OC says:
thanks for giving Oduya some shine CB, seems like all the talk is of Komisarek but Oduya is having a far superior defensive season and has some offensive skills that Komi lacks, furthermore he’d probably get around the same or an even cheaper contract, and oh yeah they’re the same age.
Bouwmeester is not coming here and the Isles won’t pursue him anyway. If Campbell got 7 a year in Chicago I think Bouwmeester could command around the same or more and he’s only averaged about 40 points his last 4 seasons while playing every game. I’d draft Hedman before giving JBo that money
-
Here is a list of all UFA’s by position and shows their current salary and age:
http://www.sportscity.com/nhl/2009-nhl-unrestricted-free-agents-by-position/
-
the more i think of it the more i realize jbo never would sign here. Because, he was with a team rebuilding (like the Isles) plus they have a nice arena. hes been down that road before. He is going to either go to a cup contender (flyers or rangers) or go home to a canadien team.
-
UNH Steve says:
This is why we don’t need Hedman, and we need to take Tavares. We have depth at D right now and there are fewer spots to fill back there. Filling in our holes for a top offensive line should be most important this offseason.
-
Alex O says:
Lets stop looking at free agents with orange and blue colored glasses. JBo is not coming here, Komi most likely wont come here either. We were the worse team in the league, you would have to way overpay for a big name to come to a last place team with the worse arena in the league. Rome wasnt built in a day and you may be better in the long term to just miss the playoffs next year and get a top 10 pick. And for those that are sick of loosing and sick of rebuilding, so am I but asking any big time free agents to come here is delusional. Also people, those of you who keep on spending Mr Wangs $ for him so he can field a “competative” team…. I say do you want me to spend your $……. The goal here is not to become a playoff team, the goal is to become a contender. If we get close and the Isles dont spend $ then by all means call Wang cheap. but at this time its a waste of $
-
streit02 says:
why cant people get it through their heads that FA’s dont want to come here. Most FA’s become FA’s in their prime and therefore do not want to go to a franchise who is rebuilding. They need to show something on the ice 1st b4 someone is going to make a commitment to come here. Snow does make calls to these guys, but there is only so much he can do at this point. We need another year on the ice w/ improvements to start attracting players
-
BR says:
Steve K – That and the fact that JBo’s camp is looking to double his salary, which means $8M and change. A rebuilding team isn’t going to spend that kind of coin.
-
#61 – I think HEDMAN is going to be a great player in this league BUT when you consider the circumstances the ISLES face, TAVARES would be a much better addition to the roster. I am not questioning what HEDMAN would bring to the ISLES. TAVARES just makes more sense. HE will contribute to more wins both in the short term and long term more than HEDMAN. He is also what the fans want most. Fans will buy more tickets and more merchandise with TAVARES. Also, people need to consider that CANADA loves this kid. CANADIANS will follow his progress, buy her jersey etc. That is money the ISLES need. No one can deny that.
-
Im all for tavares, but i have been reading alot of postive comments on Hedman. Fact that he plays on Swedish elite, fact he hits, passes and has nasty shot. IF that is all so true is anyone a perplexed as i am that he has 7 goals and 14 assists. Now i understand he a damn. but should he has bunch of Assist if he shot is so lethal as his foward pounce on his rebounds?
Taveres might be play in juniors but he is scoring at will. Tavares will not disappoint in isles jersey.
-
isles72 says:
nice article chris
this should temper some of the unrealistic expectations some islander fans have .
I’d love to add Komisarek -but whats too much and whats not enough with regards to a fair shake salary wise+1 for me too regarding Beauchemin as a nice fit for us
-
art says:
I think Meyer and Hillen are gritty players but both lack size, The Isles need abig greatly skilled D, acouple of 1st and 2nd line forwards and if DP is healthy a big IF areal backup who can be a winner if hes gone. Someone like Scott C who won’t break the bank.
-
blitz says:
NYI have to bring in about 8-10 million in salary via the teams RFA signings, #1 overall pick on the roster, trades or UFA.
NYI will add to the roster. Is it better to overpay a komisarek vs. bringing in maybe Mara, Leipold, Beuchemin and possibly Top 6 forward?
Komisarek is a very good player. However, there is NO reason NYI should feel compelled to sign this UFA other than his hockey ability. His birthplace should be a non-factor in the signing.
-
Isles4cups says:
Mikey (39) I tend to agree with your comments about the rebuilding process. It seems that many fans are already looking for the Islanders to make a splash on July 1 and make a push for a playoff position next year. I don’t see that happening.
Adam M (47) You’re questioning the health of 3 current Islanders defense, but at the same time feel it would be irresponsible if they don’t pick another one up via free agency. Who’s to say that such a player isn’t going to get injured or for that matter not work out they way the organization planned.
I agree with CB, I don’t think the Isles will be very active during the off-season.
-
isles316 says:
The Isles are in decent shape for a rebuild team assuming they pick up a free agent defensemen.
-
john says:
The Isles only have one defenseman worth keeping on the roster long term (Streit).
Witt, Sutton and Martinek all must go. And should go before their present contracts expire, I hope.
Martinek hasn’t improved at all over the last few years. He can’t get out of the way of a hit and makes poor decisions with the puck. Witt and Sutton can’t skate and can’t handle the puck. They are good at keeping the other teams players to the outside within the offensive zone but they can’t get the puck and make a breakout pass. The game has changed you defenseman who can skate and handle the puck.
I would look at them as holding down the roster spots until the propects are ready and as possible trade bait.
I would trade them all at either this years draft (along with a draft pick to move up) or the March 2010 trade deadline.
Before the Lighthouse Project gets approved there will be no major UFA signings. Be patient the Rebuild will take 2 or 3 more years.
-
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
My solution for clearing up the log jam of 5-6 defensemen.
Trade Martinek while he’s got value … he’s usually out 1/3 of the season anyway, so why not make the space now and get something for him?
Maybe Isles can move up in the draft with SJ’s 1st rounder & another draft pick … or just trade Marty with SJ’s 1st rounder to get closer to the top 10.
Look … by the time the Isles make a run … A) Marty’s contract will expire … or B) He’ll be done. This will give the Isles’ young D a chance to develop together.
-
Ray since 1974 says:
Just in general has, management addressed the training/medical staff. Over 600 man-games lost is just ridiculous. Add to that DiPietro’s and Sillinger’s issues, plus Comrie had hip problems. Something just seems a bit off there. Or is it just bad luck. I’d hate to see Okposo, Bailey and (God forbid) Tavares have injury issues.
-
NYI FAN says:
CB, you are giving Rich Pilon an unfair rap. He was a power plug on ice, giving everything he had into every shift, there is no one on this Islander team, maybe since that played as hard as him. He also was a very visible player during his stay on long Island, giving valuable (unsung)time to charities & doing Community service. The Rich Pilon Factor is more than just getting injured. Freddy Meyer is out almost as much.
-
Josh says:
I would love to have Komi and his gritty game here, but I agree, we can’t overpay for a d-man with a limited offensive side. Look at McCabe when he was in Toronto and the contract he had. Very good d-man, but not 5-6 mil per year worth. And most everybody in Toronto hated the contract after a year or two. PS–I would love to have #3 back on the blueline again. AA even 1/2 the player he was is still pretty good.
-
Spinner9 says:
John(#76): You didn’t mention Gervais. Are you still not sold on him? I think he showed us the second half of the year that he’s starting to “get it.”
-
Strummer's Army says:
test
-
OK, now that this is working my quick version of this.
Geravis will never be a top 2 d-man yet the only decent hockey he plays is on our top pairing. That can happen in a season of disaster but never again. He went from being one of the worst d-men in the NHL to alright. I’d trade him while his value is high.Witt improved slightly but was still subpar. I trade him.
Meyer can stay as a 7th or 8th.
Martinek is soft, always hurt, always otu of position and has scored more goals into his own net then he has for the Isles in his entire career. Trade him.
Keep Streit, Sutton, and Hillen. Try to sign Bouwmeester or Komisarik. Either should pay attention to the Isles if they look at how Gordon helped get Streit’s max potential something Bouwmeester still has not done.
Go after d-men in the mold of Kevin Bieksa and Shea Weber. Big, tough, hard hitting, good fightes, pp guys etc.
Get one young big, mean skilled d-man via trade. That should be the defense.
I hope CB is wrong. If the Isles plan on using the same defense corps as they did this year it is gonna be another ugly year. They aren’t skilled enough, tough enough, posses enough character, and are always injured.
The Isles have plenty of young forwards who’ll only get better but the defense is a disaster. The goalies need more help.
Great job CB, I would not be surprised to see the Islanders (if they grab Tavares) to try to jump start the rebuild by adding a top flight UFA Defensemen as well.