Comments on: UFA PREP, Part II: DefensemanSorry, folks…the lowering of hopes continues

By: Chris G in SC

Chris G in SC — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:42:12 +0000

The Isles need to sign either Montador or Bouchemin. Both will be cheaper than what Komisarek or Scuderi will get. If Hillen is the best BPST has to send up, we’re screwed. Marty is a great d-man, but is now better suited as a 6th or 7th depth guy on a more skilled team. He’s not durable enough for the minutes needed on the Islanders. Witt and Sutton are physical guys and will get hurt at some point no matter what. If the Isles could spend more time on offense, they wouldn’t have to block as many shots which also lessens their durability. Andy’s injury was a fluke. He showed up last year in the best physical shape of his career.

By: Brother Rat

Brother Rat — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:19:11 +0000

I agree with the Irish Isle that DP does not belong on the Olympic roster. If DP wants to make it to Vancouver, he’ll have to paint his face (and crutches?) and wave a flag in the stands like the rest of us.

As for Ds, we cannot throw out the same lot as last year and expect things to change. The old folks are a year older and Sutton, Martinek, and Witt still remain injury prone. Adding 1-2 D men would not cut down playing time for Hillen or Bruno, so why are people worried that this will somehow hijack the rebuilding process? The rebuilding process seems focused on Fs anyway. We have the cap space and need to protect our fragile franchise goalie.

By: Steven

Steven — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:00:36 +0000

I agree 53. I think we need to be a little more patient and continue the rebuild this year. I think next year we will be more active in free agency. With JT on board and if the Lighthouses passes combined with a ton of cap space, the Isles will be in the drivers seat. The Isles are going to have to turn away Free Agents soon enough.

By: The PolishPrince

The PolishPrince — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:56:24 +0000

I would love the Isles to sign Scuderi but as CB already pointed out he’ll have plenty of other offers. He’s already won a cup so maybe he gives us a hometown discount (no chance in hell I know but I can dream). I’ll probably be flamed for this but when healthy is our “D” really THAT bad?

By: Irish Isle

Irish Isle — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:44:53 +0000

To Alex @14

There is NO WAY DP should play in the Olympics. DP owes it to the organization and the fans to be commited to the team and to stay healthy. In all likelyhood, under best conditions actually, DP will be playing half the season. Much lower than his usual work schedule. He cannot go play in an international tournament during midseason and risk getting hurt.

By: jonw

jonw — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:29:19 +0000

John Boychuck with a 2 way for depth

By: Chris TMC

Chris TMC — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:16:07 +0000

Carmine (45): You say our defense was horrible this past year, but they were all injured- ALL of them! The Islanders didnt play even one single game with their team together on the ice.

By: 19 ISLE in NJ 22

19 ISLE in NJ 22 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:58:28 +0000

I see our current contract commitment to (7)NHL level defensmen … OK … some may still consider Hillen on the cusp … I’ll conceed that … but it still doesn’t change the fact that the Isles are already committed to some contracts … Unless Snow can get an above average mobile but rugged defender for favorable terms I still can’t see anything BIG happening on the blue line this summer.

We have some good BPST’s to fall back on coming into their own… and this may be the last year to get a good look at some of them should callups be required.

Once again I agree with ya CB … I think the Isle’s stand pat on defense…. for now.

By: John from ATL

John from ATL — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:52:09 +0000

The D needs to be overhauled just like the forwards. Witt, Martinek, Sutton, and Meyers all need to go. Problem is how? It will be difficult to deal them because of their salaries and injury history. They may be able to trade one or two at the trade deadline if they show they can remain healthy this year. I would agee with keeping these players in place up to the trade dealine and then try to trade them for more 2010 draft picks. Plus having the above players on the roster till then will increase the Isles chance at being a lottery team again in 2010. This will help the rebuild.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:26:03 +0000

I agree with CB on our defensive situation. We have 7 guys. Its difficult to picture another d-man being brought in unless we move one of the others.

By: TimQ

TimQ — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:23:30 +0000

Gervais, Martinek, Meyer, Streit, Sutton Witt, and Hillen. WHEN Witt and Sutton get hurt who are you going to put up against the big guys on the other team? I went to a game against Washington last year and the size differential was ridiculous. If they bring in anyone, size and toughness matter. I like Scuderi’s game but the price will be too high. Otherwise, Montador or Bouchemin would look good. How about Paul Mara on the cheap?

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:16:37 +0000

11, I don’t think the Islanders are allowed to bring Scuderi in to play golf, that would probably be considered tampering…