PANTHERS CUT TIES WITH DENIS POTVIN
Legendary NYI captain out as Florida TV analyst
Denis Potvin doesn’t, but losing your job this way certainly sucks.
The legendary Islanders defenseman was told yesterday by the Florida Panthers that his services as color commentator on their television broadcasts were no longer needed. Potvin was with the Panthers for 16 years, since their first season in the NHL. Reasons given by the franchise were economics, wanting to put Bill Lindsay into the position and their desire to have Potvin live year-round in Florida so he could do appearances for the team.
Denis has yet to return a voicemail I left him this morning. I’m told he’s likely out fishing, trying to clear his head.
To be clear, Denis Potvin is not going to become the Islanders’ television analyst on MSG Network. Billy Jaffe has the job and is one of the best in the league. As I’m certain both Howie Rose and Jiggs McDonald will attest, there are few if any commentators more dialed in to the league, its players and the current state of the game than Jaffe. There are none who know more about the Islanders or are as passionate about the team. Despite Denny’s iconic connection to the franchise, side-by-side viewings of Jaffe’s work and Potvin’s work in the booth would illustrate that MSG and the Islanders have the best person in the position. Should Jaffe ever depart, four-time Cup winner Butch Goring – outstanding in the studio – seems to be next in line.
That said, strong families are there when one of its members takes a hit. Denis Potvin, like millions in this economic climate, got his heart ripped out yesterday. Denis is right at the top of this family’s tree.
Perhaps they have already reached out. Denis has homes in Ottawa and Florida and, I don’t believe, is yearning to move his family to New York. But just as the Islanders have found a home for Bryan Trottier (player development, time split between here, the road and his home in Pittsburgh) and Mike Bossy (corporate development, here and Quebec), there could be a role for the captain of the Islanders dynasty. He has a close connection to the team’s current management, made even stronger when he took part in meetings and attended the events for the 25th anniversary of the dynasty.
Most obviously, Denis can teach. For all of his remarkable skills, it is said that his greatness came from his ability to read the game like no other defenseman of his era. Around his schedule, in a situation the Islanders are comfortable with, Denis Potvin could show Aaron Ness, Jack Hillen, Travis Hamonic, Bruno Gervais (in two languages) and the rest of the organization’s defensemen a thing or 5.
Comments.
101 Responses to PANTHERS CUT TIES WITH DENIS POTVIN
Legendary NYI captain out as Florida TV analyst
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Wildcat Chris says:
Reach out to him, I’m sure he’d consider it greatly.
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matt says:
would be very very silly to not have denis on board in some capability next season. for many reasons, this is a NO BRAINER!
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bergie20 says:
sorry to hear the panthers let him go. probably not their brightest move. i’d love for him to act as a defensive coach for us, even if it’s only part time. it would be great having denis back in the organization.
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Matt says:
I would love to see Denis come back to Long Island and do something with the Islanders.
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Dan from Westchester says:
Couldn’t agree more with your comments on Billy Jaffe – one of the best. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on Howie Rose. . maybe a piece for the long offseason. . assuming PB still exists over the summer!
As for Potvin – gotta believe he’s going to be welcomed back to the NYI family in some capacity if this is what he wants.
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Doug says:
I hope something can be worked out that fits both the Isles and Denis. The captain should return home!
GO ISLES!!!!
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Noomz says:
would MSG consider using him as a Goring fill-in/rotation for Hockey Night Live – which is now on Sundays at 7:30pm.
The Rangers rotate Duguay and Maloney. I wouldn’t mind hearing/seeing what Denis is like in a hockey roundtable discussion/Q&A with Daneyko, Duguay/Maloney and Trautwig.
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NYISLES83 says:
Maybe he can replace Garth Snow.
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25yearfan says:
Maybe he can lead a covert operation to get Petrov on US soil & acclimated….
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michael says:
we need denis potvin back in the fold.. i’m thinking more of a role that doens’t involve the broadcast booth. front office or scout player development. similar to a trottier stye role i guess.
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AF says:
Wouln’d mind him coming back, but NOT on TV or Radio, He is AWFUL at color. Might be a good roving coach for d-men.
Jaffe is awesome and I hope we never lose him. Was upset initially when we lost Joe Micheletti, but Jaffe is FAR superior.
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This was a surprising move, especially considering how popular he is there with fans. Denis Potvin deserves to be treated far better than this.
I would be absolutely THRILLED if Denis worked with our players as a defensive coach- in any capacity. What could be better than learning from the best???
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UIF says:
I thought Potvin did an admirable job illustrating plays on the “Denistrator” during the Florida broadcasts. Hopefully the Isles bring him back in some role, including maybe even some kind of analyst role on the broadcast…maybe on the pre-game or something.
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Mikey says:
Most teams have hockey people in a VP role to oversee hockey operations and serve as the GM’s boss. (E.g., Jimmy Devellano and Steve Yzerman in Detroit.) Unfortunately, our franchise chooses to use a different model with an uninformed owner meddling in hockey decisions. I would like to see Wang step back a little bit and make Denis a Senior VP in charge of hockey operations. (If he had someone in that position from the get-go, I believe Mad Mike would have been fired years earlier.) Unfortunately, this will never happen because Wang is a micro-manager.
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Alternatively, maybe we can convince him to come out of retirement and lace up the skates again. Who needs Hedman?
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB … I love the way that you think … the very micro second I read the headline … my very first thought was … OMG … he’s falling into our lap … and it wasn’t for TV color analyst … The Isles are in dire need of a defensive coach … whether it be behind the bench or to help run defensive clincs for current players and prospects.
This will allow Trotts to work with and focus on the forwards in player development … and Potsy to take the reins of the stable of defensive prospects.
Potvin’s hockey mind is wayyyy to valuable for the TV booth … he’s needed on the ice …. The Boss, Trotts, Potsy and Morrow … what a good team to get this franchise on track.
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thepolishprince says:
I think it would be great to have Potvin in the fold in some capacity. I also agree 100% with CB and a lot of other posters here, Jaffe is the man. He’s far superior to Micheletti (who I also liked). There’s a reason Jaffe does national NHL coverage, he’s the best.
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Just in time to mentor Hedman
FYI, there is a decent amount of coverage and Potvin reaction quotes in the Florida papers. The “spends part of his summer in Canada” is a rather poor excuse. They should just admit they wanted a change or to connect with younger fans, etc. and not reach for blame.
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Pat says:
I hope that they can use Denis in an “all purpose” capacity. Since he lives in Ottawa – he can go watch some young players for us. He can instruct Dmen in camp (with support of Gordon and co) he can fill in on tv at times and he can show up at NVMC and help entertain customers and perhaps help Morrow with Pro Scouting – buy him a season tix to the Sens games……
Just be affiliated with the NYI.
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I hope national fans seeing Jaffe on Versus appreciate how great he is — but not so much that some other employer steals him away.
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doc says:
Assistant coach???
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BTW- it is nice to see people being so positive about Billy Jaffe. I think he is great and has improved VASTLY since he first got here. I think the turning point with him was once he realized that he could get more in depth on our broadcasts as opposed to constantly explaining what icing is and things like that.
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mw147 says:
I like Jaffe a lot. He does an excellent job. I would not want to replace him.
After 16 years, maybe Denis is ready for something different. I am sure the Isles could come up with some arrangement that works for him and his family. Something like a roving instructor who spends time at Salt Lake City, Bridgeport, and with the Isles.
I would really LOVE to have him back in the organization with Bossy and Trottier.
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Justin Marques says:
We are in great need of a defensive coach, aren’t we? I believe a situation where both Denis Potvin and Ken Morrow look over the defensive aspect of the game, in respect to Gordon’s system, would truly benefit this team. Both of those legendary players are very familiar with today’s game, and it would truly be an honor for both of them to be part of the organization in an official capacity. Go get ‘em Garth.
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PS – Maybe Bossy and Potvin could teach number 91 John Tavares a thing or two about defense…you know, when hes an Islander!
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Steve S says:
Potvin is having as HARD of a day as Manny Ramirex.
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HilbertSnipe says:
Bring him in, Wang!
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Darren says:
Sign him up!
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Jaffe is great, but sometimes he has too much to say, talking over the play-by-play or when play has already continued on the ice, usually on mutli-angle replays.
Steve Cangialosi and Chico make a good pair when Doc’s not around.
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I would love to see Mr. Wang bring Denis Potvin back to the NY Islander’s. To me, he is the greatest defenceman, the NHL has ever had. His impact on the NY Islander’s franchise, has be Paramount. The three greatest pictures taken of the NY Islander’s in their history were, Bobby Nystrom scoring the overtime goal to Win! the first Cup, Denis Potvin holding the Stanley Cup, after the NY Islander’s won their first Cup, and Mike Bossy’s picture on the cover of Sports Illistrated, when they wrote the article, The Drive For Five. Denis was one of the greatest Captains, in the History of Professional sports. Class, is Denis’s middle name. Deffensive Coach would be great, just bring him back. Nice article Chris, Mark N/J Go Islander’s!
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Mark P says:
Surprising…..I listen to Denis a few times a week on XM….he watches alot of games so he can handle is morning segments…..He is certainly not out of touch.
He finally had a decent team to watch and now they kick him to the curb.
I just heard my son’s Mite B Coach may be leaving town….We could use a coach-I am sure there is room for the Captain if he wants to get involved on Long Island. -
Frank James says:
One of the all time best ever.
Seems to always be left out of the discussion when they mention best defenseman.It’s as if the NHL jumped from Orr to Coffey to Stevens to Lidstrom with no mention of Denis.
Hardly ever see his highlights when they show the all time defensemen.
He could hit and score.
Hopefully they can come together and have him help with the defenseman along with Ken Morrow.
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John says:
hah! thats ironic – Potvin and MSG. Bring Big Bear home – in any capacity!
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Jaffe is the best and I also agree about Butch Goring as he does a great job. I love Denny and if any of you guys have watched some Panthers games on centre ice I’m sure you’ve enjoyed his candid nature as well as his analysis. He never holds back calling out a guy who dives or turtles and the officials who make peculiar calls.
Especially down the playoff stretch. I also agree…hope he comes back to the Isles in some capacity. Panthers signed a 3 year deal with Fox and I read that they may want someone who lives there year round, guess he wasn’t part of the plans? Hope their loss is our gain in terms of an assistant coach? -
Valentino says:
Hire him as a defense coach. No Brainer. Morrow was filling in here and there, maybe now morrow can focus on his scouting priorities.
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NYI FAN says:
A perfect ime to get him to run against Kate Murray!!
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Jim (GFIC) says:
Having this guy come back to our organization in any capacity would strengthen the credibility of this franchise. He’s a living legend and deserves a strong presence in NY hockey.
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streit02 says:
Its great to get as many guys as possible around the team from the dynasty years. It gives the players that are here now a real perspective on what this francise is all about. And who better to take advice from than the guys who were the core of one of the greatest franchise’s in professional sports.
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Jim Clark says: He’s better than Jaffe. He’s probsbly better than Snow or Gordon.
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Mike from Philly says:
Maybe Potvin and Bossy together can help our need kids live Tavares (hopefully) understand what it means to be an Islander and bring the pride back!
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Baby Bear 5 says:
IMO greatest and most important Islander ever. True leader, pure clutch and arguably the greatest defenseman to play the game.
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KO21 says:
I wish when I lost my job I couldve celebrated with a fishing trip in my own boat…It must be nice
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Chris says:
I was glad to see joe m go…. Billy Jaffe is way better
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I agree, Jaffe is a very good analyst and a good color commentator…
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I live in Fl and met him again last year @ an Isles/Cats game. Could not have been nicer to my son and myself. Spoke to us for 20 minutes about everything and nothing. I went to get my retro Isles 5 jersey signed by him and he was great. Also signed my son’s jersey.
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Jaffe is soooo much better than Micheletti. As for Potvin, bring him aboard. His experience being coached by Arbour and his all around greatness have to be useful to this team. I remember the story of how Arbour would take out a bad loss on Potvin singularly and then set him loose on the team LOL. Here go in the courner and get that puck, Deni will play defense! Classic.
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Ray since 1974 says:
Bring him home!
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G. HOWITT says:
That’s great how about it Wang new GM Denis Potvin.
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Staten Islander says:
3 words..Bring Dennis home.
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Monsoon says:
Even at his advanced age, he’s better then everyone else we have on defense.
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Paul in Canada says:
#16 Mikey, this is a little unfair to Wang. He came in not knowing alot about hockey and our “hockey person” was Mike Milbury – a former player, took the Bruins to the Finals in ’92 as a coach and probably told Wang he could have success with the Islanders if he had his hands untied. Yes, Wang should have listened to what many of the fans were saying about that at the time but…regardless, because Detroit has success, do we give as much credit to Yzerman as we do Devellano? Gretzky was a pretty good player, can we say he’s a great coach? Maybe Snow does have good hockey sense as a manager. Personally, I think on-ice success has little to do with what it takes to be a quality manager. It just so happens that a lot of former players get into those rolls because it can be a natural move for a guy who, in most cases, suddenly has to shift direction in the prime of his life and also because the NHL remains an old boys club. That said, would like to see Potvin find a roll with the Islanders.
#34 funny how that works eh? I think Orr would be snubbed too if Cherry didn’t constantly name drop him every chance he gets on HNIC. Its the Canadian media. Imagine if the Leafs had accomplished what the Islanders did in the ’80s. Believe me, there would be no apologies that it was 25 years ago.
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bob l says:
jaffe’s awesome, and he’s great when i hear him on xm radio every now and again, him and howie have a good thing going…
that said, the man’s a legend and should be courted by lots of teams and/or networks, hopefully he wants to come back in some form the the isles as much as we fans want him back, but we’ll have to see how the chips fall…if nothing else having him show his face on msg again, should instill extra ferver in those ranger chants (all those years gone by and the man still has his name etched into ranger fans’ memories) -
bring em back…about 2 minutes after the 1st round draft pick is selected,just so Hedman has a mentor…
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geezette says:
Sorry Mr. Potvin got let go, but I can’t see the Isles spending money on having him around. Could he bring in more than he would cost?
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gary9-19-22 says:
Could you have any two better mentors for D-Men then Kenny Morrow and Dennis Potvin.
Its bothered me for years that #5 was not part of the organization in some capacity.
Bring the dude in a let him work with the kids at B-Port or with the big club.
Welcome home #5… Let’s hope
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Michelletti is annoying
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ko21…couldn’t agree more about michelletti, although his crying about penalties (for and against avery) in the caps series was putting a smile on my face, showing just how much of a whiny B he is
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Jaffe, is better than Micheletti, “ISNT HE”???
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isles72 says:
Potvin has the gift to gab so he’d be good for public relations alongside Bossy .
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kabbage19 says:
I say bring him in! You can’t have enough winners around, enough legends around especially when you are rebuilding with young players. I would like to see him involve directly in the hockey operations as a scout, coach, and mentor.
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16 Mikey, great post, wouldnt that be ideal???
Potvin as the GM’s supervisor…
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Bob Bassen says:
Yeah, it would be very cool to have Potvin in the *mix* somewhere with the team.Maybe consulting at first…coaching at Camp…etc.
Jaffe is terrific. Quite frankly I am not sure how the Isles keep him…who is better at *coloring* than Jaffee? Brinkley up in Boston? -
JPinVA says:
5 has always been and will always be my favorite Islander. But I don’t see him in any role here.
There is a reason that snow kept the hand maidens behind the bench. He doesn’t need a bigger ego in the kingdom…especially behind the bench.
Jaffe is good, but even if he was to leave the thought of listening to Howie and the Nasal Captain has me wondering if I can put Center Ice on permanent SAP Mandarin Chinese.
Pots in the studio is my favorite idea. New format though. At the beginning of each show Daneko chants “Potvin Sucks” while Pots and Duguay fight for a mike. The rest of the show can be Daneko and Pots talking about hockey.
I actually LOVE the idea proposed earlier where 5 comes back as the VP in charge of Hockey Ops.
Snow has done a good job, but there is no way we would have had Scott Gordon (the blind) leading a bunch of misfit kids (the blind) into last place this year had there been somebody who cared about the crest in charge.
I wish he’d put together an ownership group and move the team to Queens. -
jon says:
The only Islander that should be untouchable is Billy Jaffe. He’s awesome.
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TIM says:
i was at the “core of the four”celabration and they had a breakfast with the core players and you got to ask the players questions i asked POTVIN if he would ever come back to the organization in some capacity all i got out of him was “i’m currently under contract with the florida panthers and can’t comment on that at this time” well denis it’s that time now i’d love to have him back here even though he’s kind of a goof when you talk to him i still respect what he did for this organization even though he didn’t treat me all that nice
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Warren says:
Hey Hockey fans maybe the Islanders will score on this one a coach for Hedman this might work and remember this coming year is the march towards the”CUP”
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Mario says:
Please stop saying hes going to mentor Hedman. Taveres will be an Islander. Potvin can teach Taveres everything he knows and thats winning cups.
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Blizzard says: Mentioning Hedman in the same sentence as Denis Potvin is bogus IMO. I watched the Anehiem detroit game and reveld in Prongers nastyness. That remided me of Potvin. I dont know much about Hedmen, but I am biased towards North American players…Ovechkin aside, Canadien players dream of having their name on the Stanley Cup. European players eventually want to go home. Hello Kenny Johnson? I wouldnt waste my first round pick on a Swede D guy. Not with Taveres on the board. If Hedmen was wrecking guys in the world juniors maybe I would think about it. But if you want Hedmen over JT I understand the logic, but it is flawed in this circumstance.
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admin says:
Even a Denis Potvin story turns into Tavares vs. Hedman, lol. On a serious note, don’t see the point of bringing in Denis as a GM’s supervisor. Interesting how people rip on Garth Snow’s path from player to GM. Denis was an amazing player, but he’s 55, played his last game more than 20 years ago and has not worked one day in the front office of an NHL team. He’s a Hall of Famer, an Islanders legend, but the calls from fans for him to get a top management position seem a little contradictory…CB
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TIM:
With all due respect… Denis Potvin not answering your question isn’t exactly “not treating you well”.You just didn’t get the answer that YOU WANTED!!!
If Mike Bossy was asked by a Montreal Canadiens fan if he wants to work for the Canadiens… I would hope that he would answer the same way… “I’m currently working for the New York Islanders… and under contract with them”
DOC
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Frei says:
Trottier mentoring Tavares is the only mentoring going to happen here.
Why do people assume that because someone won a stanley cup they can do ANYTHING and excel at it?
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I’m not wripping on Garth…I just think Potvin would be a tremendous Vice Pres.
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We need someone to keep Wang OUT of the GM business and a VP whop knows hockey like Denis would be allot better than having Wang make hockey decisions…
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Priest says:
well written article. Hopefully Potvin will be able to get another job that he is happy with, whether it is with the Islanders, Panthers, another NHL franchise, or even completely unrelated to hockey. Best of luck to him.
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I’m not so sure that Denis Potvin is an after thought as an elite defenseman … Where ever I’ve been around other hockey fans Denis is always brought up … especially in Canada … One guy in Cornwall, Ont. once told me … at the risk of sounding sacrilegious … Denis Potvin was an all around better defenseman than Orr … his friends standing around also agreed, but added … “But you can’t say that out loud in Canada.”
I’ve never ever seen Orr play live … I saw him play only once on TV when he wasn’t his old self for the Black Hawks so I couldn’t weigh in. Maybe some fans that saw both in their primes can weigh in.
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Hmmm,, Does Eric Carins have any experience in anything,accept as a player and he is employed by the Islander’s. Mr Potvin is older and wiser man “class act”. He would be a great addition to the islanders family of fans…May even help market the project
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DRIVE45 says:
I spent $312 on the retro jersey with number 5 and Potvin on the back. Bring him back in any capacity. Would love to see him in the booth or as an assistant to Garth Snow.
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I think it would be amazing if the Islanders could find some job for Potvin with the organization, even if it was a seasonal thing like training camp. I’m sure our young defense men could learn a lot from someone with such an impressive resume. I think it would help Garth’s image with fans if he could bring Denis Potvin back to the Island (even if he split time).
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i’m on Disc 6 of the Isles DVD Boxset. The only intros (with Jaffe) to feature ex-Isles had Bobby Nystrom (rehashing mostly the same stories from other dvd’s) and Clark Gillies. None of which lasted more than 3-4 minutes. Where’s Potvin, Bossy, Tonelli, Morrow, Smith?
Way more could have been done to enhance the DVD material from what i’ve watched so far. I was 7-11 during the Cup Years so it’s great to view these games as an adult and appreciate what the Captain #5 did for this team.
fantasy June 26th draft day:
Tavares drafted next to Wang, Snow and the Isles 1973 1st overall draft pick Potvin (like Tavares also from Ottawa).NHL bad broadcasting: why are the 2 Eastern Conf games played on the same days at the same times? does NESN block Bruin playoff games in the NY area? i’ve only seen 1 on VS and 2 on weekend NBC so far. Wouldn’t it make sense timewise for VS to air a 7pm Eastern Conf game and a 10pm Western Conf game?
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CB ~ I have to agree … But not because I don’t think that Potvin would make a great VP … I just don’t think he should become a VP or a President of Hockey Ops just because he’s Denis Potvin … However, to play devil’s advocate, I’ll point out the John Davidson went from the broadcast booth after 23 years to President of the Blues … and made some positive changes after only 3 seasons. Hymmm… what other former NHL goaltender just finished his 3rd season in an NHL front office? LOL … sorry … not bashing Garth .. just comparing time lines.
I think Denis would make a positive impact instructing players … and trying to get the most out of prospects based on his playing experience … but I have no clue what kind of front office skills he’d have.
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CB- My suggestion to have Potvin in a VP role was not meant to be a criticism of Snow. I actually think Snow has learned very quickly on the job and has made some really good moves (Campoli trade, Streit signing, etc.). I am very supportive of his rebuilding plan. However, my suggestion to have Potvin in a VP role comes from my desire to add more credibility to the upper ranks of the franchise and diminish Wang’s unwise meddling in hockey decisions. I think it would send a strong message across the league that Charles has learned from his mistakes and is determined to build a consistent winner. I would rather have Denis traveling with Garth on scouting trips than Charles. Also, look at John Davidson for evidence that this can work.
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Mikey (84) … I have to agree with ya on your premis … I just don’t know if Potvin is capable of filling that position … or if he’d end up undermining Snow’s re-building plan … I agree 100000% that have a VP or President of Hockey Ops with the resume of Denis Potvin would lend credibility to the Isles’ front office … I’m just not ready to annoint Denis the head of the Isles because he’s Denis Potvin.
On the other hand seeing what John Davidson did for St. Louis in 3 years is pretty impressive … and can anyone name the GM of St. Louis off the top of their head? Make no mistake .. J.D. is the boss there … and I think if Potsy took control of the Isles’ front office … Snow would become a reluctant 2nd fiddle … but then again … maybe that is just what he needs … a buffer between him and Wang so he can get some work done… Wang should just put more time in the Light House … and let hockey people make hockey decisions.
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Dan says:
sign him up for anything. This would be a great thing.
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Pete M says:
I’m curious where all this ‘Wang is meddling in hockey operations’ talk comes from. Aside from the DiPietro contract 3 years ago what evidence is there that that is going on? Snow has gotten high marks for most of his moves the last few years. If there was all this meddling going on would he have improved the way he has?
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TimQ says:
Please don’t even consider replacing Jaffe with Potvin. Denny is a brutal listen while Jaffe has been a godsend. I remember the days of cringing while listening to Eddie Westfall and don’t feel like stepping backwards again.
Give him a job as a part time adviser and talent scout for the organization. This way he can be around the Coliseum more and not have to move to the area.
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geduffer says:
19 Isle (#77) – I don’t believe that Denis Potvin is an afterthought as an elite defenseman. He is really an elite, Hall of Fame defenseman, but better than Bobby Orr? No way. Bobby Orr was a transcendent player, sort of the Gretzky of defense. He controlled the game back there and his end to end rushes were breathtaking. It’s not an insult to anyone to say that Orr was better, he was that great. His numbers suffer by comparison because his time was cut short
by injury. That said, I would love to see Denis have a role with the Islanders. -
hathead68 says:
Denis Potvin back home with the Islanders in any capacity would be awesome!
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TM says:
I’ve heard Potvin do Panther games and he’s a great analyst. NYI could use an identity in the booth again. Give Potvin the job. I like Jaffe but he’ll probably leave soon anyway like Micheletti did. Butch talks too fast and gets too excited and stumbles over his words.
Brother Jean Potvin was fun with Barry Landers but Denis is a respected color guy.
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CJCB says:
I’m NOT a huge Jaffe fan, i think he makes odd phrases up that make little sense and often sound child like. Bring back Potvin!!
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Shoe says:
Sorry to hear it, as Denis will always have a place in islander lore, but, to be honest, I never enjoyed listening to him. If he wants to work with dmen, hey, the more islander greats in the fold the better.
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Swan says:
Bring him home. Giving Potvin a Team role (e.g., defensive coach) makes a lot of sense on many different levels.
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Frank D says:
Islanders should do what the Yankees do in spring training, bring the icons in to work with the team in pre-season camp. We have a young team that would be thrilled atlearning from Stanley Cup legends. Hire Potsy as defensive instructor for the camp.
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Tim says:
Enough with the Jaffe loving. The guy’s a clown. The reason he’s on national TV is because the NHL’s national coverage is a joke. Are you going to tell me Joe Beninati is the best play-by-play man too? And those lame ass baffoons in the Versusss studio are the best analysts? Give me a break. You people are delusional. Bring back Potvin, PLEASE.
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Mike from Oceanside says:
I could care less about the Panther’s dismissal of their color-commentator…and I hope the Islander organization cares even less than me. Yes, Denis was the captain during the championships teams and has been accorded the honors and respect that brings with it over and over again…by the organization and the fans alike.
Why did CB have to IMMEDIATELY have to bring Jaffe in on this rather non-news worthy story??? Because as soon as ANY Isles player from those championship teams needs a job, the fan base wants them brought here. We, as fans, need to let go. Go pop in “Dinner and a Dynasty” or even “Pride of the Island” if you want to re-live those memories. Is having Potvin in our booth going to win a game for us?
As for bringing Potvin in as some sort of mentor or coach of the d-men on this team, please remember that all of the “clean” clutching and grabbing that was prominant back then has been outlawed and enforced very strictly. The game has morphed from what it was back then and the techniques that Denis used masterfully back then are minor penalties today…regardless of how many languages it is spoken in.
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jeff says:
The Canadiens have been the best in keeping their hall of fame players in the family, carrying on the winning tradition. I can’t imagine the Isles not benefiting from having the Captain available to teach the young D. I don’t know if Potvin would be open to this, but the Isles should inquire.
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mike says:
Give him a pair of skates he would still be on our #1 D pairing with streit.
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Ugly Roe From Massapequa says:
Loved Potvin the player.
Couldn’t stand Potvin the person.
Probably for the same reasons, too. Surly, mean, nasty…
By the way, those of you who use the term “no brainer” all the time: Could you BE more obnoxious?
By saying something like, “Making Potvin the Islanders’ defensive coach is a no brainer,” is like saying, “this is my opinion, and if you disagree, you have no brains.”
Saying, “I’m ugly” is a no brainer. Nobody would argue with that.
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Tim (96), many of us disagree with your “clown” deduction about Billy Jaffe. But it is not all of us being “delusional” it is simply our opinion. Most of us dont agree with you, but thats OK. Fair enough?
Well, we’re certainly in need of a defensive coach.