BEN WALTER FOR TONY ROMANO OF SMITHTOWN
NYI and NJD swap playmaking centers
UPDATED at 5:50 pm - The Islanders have not, but Rich Chere reports a swap between the Islanders and Devils: Ben Walter to New Jersey for the rights to Tony Romano, a Devils’ 178th overall pick from 2006. Tony is a 5-11 center from Smithtown. The run of Long Islanders coming to Long Island begins!
Romano was 36-33-69 in 65 games with Peterborough. Walter wasn’t being brought back by the Islanders. Lou Lamoriello doesn’t have much of a history of trading young players who turn into NHLers. Even swap.
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4:00 pm - First off, a note about today’s UFA Prep stories. I want to be clear: I haven’t written, nor will I waste anyone’s time, about what I would do. The stories on the Ds and the Fs and the next one on the goalies, they are about what the Islanders are thinking, what the Islanders likely will and will not do. I’m well aware that just because the Islanders have 12 and 7 under contract, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try to get better forwards and defensemen. I’m well aware that Jay Bouwmeester is better than The Fantastic IVth, that Marian Hossa might help the Islanders win more games than Tamby.
More than unrestricted free agency, the Islanders might be in position to make themselves much better in the short and long-term by utilizing their tremendous salary cap space in deals. That’s on Garth Snow to figure it out over the next few weeks. My hunch is he has been strategizing for it.
And finally, a word about UFA scoops. Like the actual day of the trade deadline, I strongly recommend you rely on TSN (simulcast on the NHL Network), Sportsnet, Greg Logan and the message boards on July 1 and 2. To be blunt, I’m not interested in being the first to type “Islanders Sign Zanon”! a minute or two before everyone else. You guys are the hunters tomorrow. I’ll probably learn about who the Islanders have signed first by reading about it in my own Comments section. No problem with that. And by the way, I still think the Islanders are taking Tavares.
72 Responses to BEN WALTER FOR TONY ROMANO OF SMITHTOWN
NYI and NJD swap playmaking centers
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corey says: ok, looking forward to tomorrow and then the start of the season
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TC says:
I hope you are right about Tavares.
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islesfan999 says:
CB- How many ufas do you expect we sign?
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Lafars says:
If they don’t take Tavares I am done with this franchise.
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Strummer's Army says:
Isles sign small puck moving d-man (insert name here).
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bossy4president says:
Who’s Tavares?…….Is he good?……He’ll never want to sign with the Isles.
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joey303 says:
Is Zanon a forward or defenseman?
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Pez says:
we traded with the devils walter for another goddamn center
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BUT HE’S FROM SMITHTOWN WOOOO
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Jonathan says:
How can the Isles not sign 1 top 5 FA Defenseman/Forward when they are $8.5 million under the salary cap floor and only have 1-2 spots to fill?
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BringtheReign says:
Well I guess Vinny isn’t headed to MTL. looks like we’re back in the running
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James says:
Devils and Isles traded prospects
Tony Romano goes to the Isles, looking at his stats he seems like a good young player
Ben Walter and a conditional pick goes to the Devils.
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Lets make a few trades…
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Matt says:
off topic but glen sather is one lucky man getting rid of that contract AND getting a very good player in higgins in return.
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We traded a center for a center
Romano is a hometown kid, he is from Smithtown and is more offensive than Walter
I dont mind the deal
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Vinny to the Isles is a pipedream that is fueled by the media. I just dont think that Snow is going to mess with the formula and bring in a guy like LeCavelier
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felix says:
i hope the urge to do something stipd like the rangers is resisted. how many times have the rangers gone for the big ticket item and doen nothing we are on a good path here. and in the drivers seat take on that salary as long as the player is good and young. Hockey should be more like football can waive a player whenever and have them off the roster. wait check that it is more fun to watch stupid teams accept the consequences of their mistakes.
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The only thing that would really upset me is if the Isles traded something of value for a Heatley/Vinny type. I’ll consider taking on a bad contract if it also nets picks in return, but no more Yashin/Peca/Linden moves. This team is on the right track.
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bergie20 says:
if we sign zanon i will the happiest man alive, lol. i don’t see komisarek happening. he didn’t have a good year and i don’t think he’s worth what he will get. i think we sign a goalie (anderson is my guess) and i have my expectations low after that. i could also see garth using his cap advantage in trades this summer.
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big trade we get tony romano for walter and a conditional pick…
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NYI9090 says:
Priority #1 Goalie (Anderson/Conklin)
Priority #2 EnforcerWouldn’t mind signing Beauchemin or a Sniper (Havlat/Cami) to add alittle more depth up front.
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Un Beaver says:
Gomez for Higgins? Rangers got the better end of that deal. Wow. What are thinking in MTL?
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DPS says:
There is no reason to make any trades. We are way under the cap and have nothing to give. We need to sign 1 or 2 scorers, 1 dman, 1 goalie and 1 enforcer. all free agents
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Jim says:
According to his OHL page, Romano played RW up there.
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Again I think the D is fine, its just a health issue, but look at last season
When you have injuries to DP, Meyer, Sutton and Witt; that hurts your D, but to me what hurt them even more was the lack of offense to help out.
I would feel like puking every time they had to play D for the entire 3rd period, that happen many many times this past season. You add some offense to that team and that D isnt under as much pressure.
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Brian says:
I actually played with Tony for Suffolk PAL in mites and squirts.
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so how is he?
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He was always fast and small then.. haven’t seen him played since I was about 11 years old.
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*He was fast and small then.. haven’t seen him play since I was about 11 years old
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The New Isles GM says:
I watched Romano grow up here on Long Island. I watched his last junior year here where he scored about 100 points in the MJ. Is he good? Yea, he’s good. But one theme that all his coaches have said is that he has to get bigger. His skating is good…but he needs to fill out. Might be acouple of years before this kid steps on the barns ice. Or should I say…Lighthouse.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB … McKenzie still has the Isles taking Hedman … LOL!!
Well … to bad for Walter … when the Isles first acquired him from Boston I had thought he brought some promise … I never heard of Romano … but I guess it’s just a swap of players who are about to go to FA?
Oh … I’d like to congratulate Kyle on the Summer Camp invite … we are honored to have him represent the Isles and our Country…
Oh … CB … has Bryan Trottier ever shared how he dealt with the criticism of playing for Team USA instead of Canada in the 84 Canada Cup? That may be an interesting story to share sometime this summer.
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Lawrence Teller says:
My thoughts on the goaltender situation are this: I think that Garth and Co. are painted into a corner by Ricky, and will not sign a player looking to be a starter (my choice would be Craig Anderson) and here is the shame of it. Instead of erring on the side of aggressiveness and a desire to be the best he can be at every position, and making the position an open competition between Ricky and WHOEVER – Garth will be happy to patch together whatever is capfriendly or goltender fraternity relationship friendly. He will be content to wait until the UFA pool of goalies is driven down by the glut in the market and he gets a deal – there will be little to think that this crucial position will be treated with the importance of investing in the best possible player to stop the puck.
To sum it up – despite the fans lather for progress towards a playoff caliber team – we are still being told in actions and words that we are in contention for the 2010 No. 1 draft pick – and the goaltending situation will remain fluid, just like the junk floating around in Ricky’s knee.
Let me be more direct – I like Anderson and think he could be a starter worthy of a 2 or 3 year contract at a reasonable price. I have ABSOLUTELY NO belief that Rick will be healthy on a regular basis and I believe that the Islanders should address that position with that as their outlook.
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KLann says:
Dear CB,
YOUR THE MAN!! -
G. HOWITT says:
we need size? not a smerf?
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Dan L says:
I have friends that played with Romano on the Bobcats for Alexei. The Devils drafted him right off of that team, then he went to Cornell for a year and is now in the ‘O. I would love to see a hometown kid like that blossom into a solid player.
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nystrom23 says:
Played against Romano a few years, lots of talent and speed, needs bulk up though, could be a nice 3rd line speedster.
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Merrick says:
Garth Snow on 9/11/07
“Ben Walter is a strong addition to our roster and immediately becomes one of our top prospects,” said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. “Our staff loves his two-way play, work ethic and knack for scoring big goals. Ben is a young player who will battle for a position in training camp and gives us excellent depth at an important position.”
This is but one reason why I remain skeptical of everything the Isles (including Snow) said about the draft outside of JT.
For all the carping about Kate Murray the politician, I contend that she’s got nothing on Garth when it comes to spin.
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John says:
Avalanche say Isles are gonna take Duchene. Tony Romano? Didn’t that used to be a rib joint? CB got it right, HOFer Lou Lamoriello don’t give kids away.
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tond24 says:
dude this guy is only gonna see nhl ice if he buys a partial plan
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Dank516 says:
YOUTH MOVEMENT!!! Don’t expect anything major people. Everyone calm down and be excited for Taveres Rookie season.
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Blizzard says: Im not convinced the Islanders will not make a significant signing. Being below the cap floor and taking in to consideration the Islanders are one of the few teams in that catagory I tink its totally possible. Maybe even probable. There is a lot of excitment surrounding the Islanders now. Im sure Snow is looking at al kinds of options.
But just to really be ridiculous, how many teams can afford to sign the Sedin twins?
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SCLI says:
Another small forward who is questionable because of a recent shoulder surgery. Typical Islander move. Cover a gaping wound with a band aid and hope the band aid heals. I dont expect any appreciable FA signings tomorrow for Isles. Seems like the Isle want to have a shot at Taylor Hall.
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cb,
you say we may go for an enforcer, what about chris neil? He turned down an offer from Ottawa. Is he a possibility? -
I dont understand all the hoopla on the board over this. We traded one questionable prospect for another. Big deal. This wasn’t a roster move, we picked up a local guy to put in the system that is no better or worse than the guy we gave up. Be happy we didn’t trade the farm for trash like the Habs.
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SS says:
Agree with Dan L… this move is most likely inconsequential. The Isles weren’t going to keep Walter who had little chance of fitting in a now deep C position and got another guy who can remain in the system for a while.
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Joe says:
Chris Neil turned down Ottawa’s offer, lets hope he comes to LI.
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Crackhead Theo says:
Tony Romo’s was the place for ribs, not Tony Romanos. I used to love their onion loaf!
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isles72 says:
too bad about callahan
I actually thought he was nice depth for ‘size’ when witty/sutton go down to injury -
TimQ says:
Wasn’t Tony Romano the guy from Saturday Night Fever?
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#33 LT I couldn’t agree with U more, This is the “let’s not upset Ricky” mode we are in for 12 more years. Andersen is one hell of a goalie, He is classic text book (forget the fads)
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TIM says:
some of you guy’s are setting yourselves up for a big fall tomorrow nothing major will happen and thats a fact jack!
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tony romano, isn’the the guy who plays quaterback for the dallas cowboys?
seriosuly though, who cares? neither of these guys would have seen time with the islanders anyway.
ill say it again, some people complain about everything.
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doc says:
I thought they traded for Tony Romo.
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303Joe says:
Get me a goalie Anderson or Clemmenson, then Orr up front and Mara or Alberts on d. You would have a reliable 1b goalie an enforcer and a nice sized d man that brings you a physical presence.
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Daniel says:
Nice move getting Romano. This kid is a local product of some local teams. He tore up the AJHL with the Bobcats and then played a season at Cornell where he was quite impressive as a rookie before moving to the OHL to play for the London Knights. I am guessing he had a hard time adjusting to the play his rookie season in the OHL because his stats greatly improved his second season playing for Peterborough. This kid has a ton of upside potential and I am excited he has the shot to join the Islanders.
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Justin says:
I wouldnt expect anything from Romano, he’ll gives us as much as Walter did. Lamoriello just doesn’t make mistakes on talent evaluation.
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forget romano this guys a dud he may see the bridge but never the big show
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Ketch says:
Tony Romano…come get the Stanley Cup!
Sounds about right.
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Hubie McDonough says:
> And by the way, I still think the Islanders are taking Tavares. > Your sarcasm never fails Chris.
> Lou Lamoriello doesn’t have much of a history of trading young players who turn into NHLers. > Excellent point.
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Don’t worry guys…Romano won’t get a shot with Nate Thompson holding a roster spot down.
Sorry, I’d love to be proven wrong about Nate I really would. -
coral springs isle fan says:
If I were Snow, I would put in an offer to Higgins and drive up the price on the Rangers. Do NOT allow them the cap room to go get Heatly. Garth has to look at what the competition is doing and be a you know what sometimes. Higgins would look good on the Island and would help our goal scoring issues. If we do not get him, then at the least we drove up the price on the Rangers and possibly prohibit an additional move on their part. This is classic Yanks/Sox. Do not let your biggest rival get the best of you. The Rangers are desperate; put the screws to them Garth!
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jthope says:
i want the islanders to stay with what they’re doing and try to get taylor hall instead of going crazy with ufa’s
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(61): You have a different definition of “staying with what theyre doing” than the Islanders do. If the Isles stay with what they are doing they are trying to get better, not plan in flippin June to have another miserable injury-plagued season and draft some kid in 2010. Please, please, dont go there.
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The PolishPrince says:
Anyone who’s saying the Isles made this move as a roster addition is seriously overestimating both Walter and Romano. Depth move of little consequence fellas; nothing to see here.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Tony Romano’s, isn’t that a restaurant? Or isn’t it Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
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Brother Rat says:
You know, I thought this Romano/Walter trade was going to be inconsequential when reading about it, but I looked up TR’s recent history and this may not be that bad. Walter’s 25 and couldn’t crack the NHL lineup of the Bs or the Isles. Safe to say his ship has sailed as a potential NHL difference-maker. I can’t see what use Lou would have for him…maybe the River Rats need a center?
Romano is 21, and while he played in the OHL against prospects that are largely a bit younger, he seems to have recaptured his scoring flair this year (as mentioned by Daniel, # 57). Romano bombed at London (22 pts in 66 games), and was probably mentally and physically affected by pre-season shoulder surgery. Last season at Peterborough, he led the Petes in scoring (36-33-69 in 65 games), which means he even had more points than the much-loved Zach Kassian. Romano led the team in both Gs, PPGs, and SHGs, and was second in PMs. Late bloomer or not, he just had that one derailed year, and now seems to have his mojo back. He is still kinda small and needs to fill out, but at least he still has a bit of upside. Let’s see if he makes it to the AHL this year. Shrewd move so far, Garth…
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318-J-1 says:
so far, if all players are healthy, it may look something like this in 0910:
Okposo Bailey Tavares
Bergenheim Nielsen Comeau
Tambellini Weight Hunter
Park Thompson JackmanGervais Streit
Witt Martinek
Sutton MeyerDiPietro
?im definitly excited to see what moves Garth Snow will make tomorrow!
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Andrew Ryan says:
I know the Romano family.
Hockey tradition between theres and mine. Kid grew up coached by my grandfather and was a great prospect that was much overlooked because of the studs that came out of his era and due to his size.Give him another season in Juniors and he’ll be signed
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Nikkolainen (sp) for Walter
Walter for RomanoConclusion:
A 1st round pick for grating cheese!
Logan says Duchene is a lock.