UFA PREP, PART III: GOALTENDERS
Here’s where they’ll definitely sign someone
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Garth is really taking this deception thing to a new level. The PR staff just sent out a media advisory for an Introduction to John Tavares, which will be, um, in a week. Thanks for the notice!
The lead story on the official team website is on the drafting of Tavares, which if you haven’t heard happened more than 100 hours ago. The No. 2 story on the team site is about Jeff Tambellini signing autographs at the Team Store in Sunrise Mall on Wednesday.
That seals it: the Sedins, Scott Niedermayer and the Bulin Wall are on their way to Long Island!
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Scott Clemmensen…really? Besides watching him back-stop the cautious Devils in a pinch for a few months last season on MSG Plus, has anyone really looked at what the 32-year old has done in his career? Give a look and let me know if this is the man for the Islanders.
Clemmensen, who played in only 28 NHL games before his 31st birthday? Clemmensen, who was average-at-best for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL in 2007-08?
But know this: Scott is No. 2 on Greg Logan’s Top Candidates list, which is probably not by accident. It’s true - Clemmensen does have his supporters on the Islanders’ staff. Doesn’t seem to be the way to go, but it could happen.
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If the Islanders do not acquire first-rate goaltending to ride tandem or take over for Rick DiPietro, all the joy in Tavaresville will quickly fade away by the end of October. No one knows this better than Scott Gordon, who spoke fairly passionately and candidly all last season about the importance of reliable puck-stopping.
It’s okay if the Islanders want to commit to their program and their younger, mostly home-grown players. But if the team does not have confidence in its backstop, there can be a demoralizing effect from the defense to the forwards to the coaching staff and all the way through the fanbase.
Which is why this is indeed a very important week for the Islanders.
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That said, you have to wonder if Craig Anderson is a realistic target. Oh sure, they will call Anderson’s agent - count on it - but there are other issues at play here besides mutual admiration between team and goaltender.
Anderson is going to get the best contract of his career, likely somewhere between 3-5 years. The Islanders just used the first pick in the second round of the draft to select a 6-7 goaltender from Finland who turns 21 in a few weeks. If we are to take the Islanders’ statements at face value, DiPietro is going to play hockey this season.
So when you analyze how the Islanders have approached this rebuild, can we expect them to give a long-term contract to a 1-B goaltender like Anderson?
That would surprise me. Not that I nor most anyone would complain.
I think the Islanders should try to sign the best NHL goaltender they can to the shortest contract they can. The dollars for 2009-10, considering the Islanders are currently below the floor and way below the cap, are not the issue.
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Goalies in play for possible short-term deals: Dwayne Roloson (at age 40 and with his experience he could join the Snowy-Gordo-Dunny-Sudsie goalie think tank), Martin Gerber (he’s Swiss and knows Streit!), Scott Clemmensen.
Longer-term goalies: Craig Anderson, Ty Conklin (wants to settle down with this deal), Martin Biron.
“Tries”: Drew McIntyre (can’t be the only signing), Andrew Raycroft (Gordo likey), Mathieu Garon, the oft-injured and off-center Manny Fernandez.
Intriguing: Antero Niittymaki.
Yawns: Waiver wire veterans Brian Boucher, Dany Sabourin, Yann Danis, Jason LaBarbera, Curtis Sandford, Wade Dubielewicz.
Heavens, No: Manny Legace. Also, the aforementioned Clemmensen, LaBarbera and Raycroft.
Best goaltender available if they want to push for a playoff spot: Nikolai Khabibulin. Probably won’t happen, but if the Islanders want to play meaningful games in March and April…
Comments.
83 Responses to “UFA PREP, PART III: GOALTENDERS
Here’s where they’ll definitely sign someone”
Please Wait
YEa i agree cb, hoping dp can get back on his feet - literally
The Sedins would b a nice addition
No matter how you break it down, there isn’t much to choose from in the UFA goalie department. Let’s hope Rick is healthy enough to play come October.
I’m hoping they can get Conklin. Would a two year deal get it done?
I too am hoping DP gets back to 100%. Either way if he is playing this year his work load needs to be kept between 40-50 games.
Anderson seems best on the list but it is worth noting how fast the Isles expect Mikko to be NHL ready “1/2 season-to-a-year in Bridgeport”. If that is the case then a longterm deal to another goalie (if Ricky is healthy) doesn’t make too much sense.
I’d prefer the Isles make a couple deals. 12 hours to go.
No matter who we sign as goalie, we still won’t make the playoffs or play any meaningful games in March or April, and even February. Bottom line is that you need more than just a good goalie to make things happen in the NHL. In fact, Danis and Mcdonald were not the reasons we were bad last year, and whoever we have in goal this year won’t be the difference either. We have an incomplete and flawed team without talent. The talent is coming via the draft and homegrown players. The Isles have to be realistic and not give any goalie more than 2/3 year deals.
I’d prefer Anderson, Conklin, or Biron over the rest.
Why not.
Offer Khabibulin one year at big dollars.
Still need a defenseman or two though.
craig anderson is not a reality….why would he sign as a backup in the future knowing dp’s contract….the reality of this situation is the islanders could use another very high pick, like 1st overall again…can’t we just wait one more year till we have great homegrown talent and dp is healthy?
Until DP shows me he can play at a high level without getting injured for an entire year, the Isles need a number 1 goalie.
Boy Botta you sure have been negative since the draft.
Need a solid 2-3 year guy who is willing to sit if DP is healthy until the giants arrive.
this will definitley get interesting and i wonder if the type of deal/ goalie will have to do with DP’s health. im guessing not but..
For what it is or isn’t worth, since the olympics, I’ve been a big Antero Niittymaki fan.
No love for Marty Biron? All he does is dominate the Islanders.
Why no Brent Johnson? He seems like a perfect 1A guy.
Marty Biron vs. the Islanders = Ken Dryden
Marty Biron vs. the rest of the NHL = Yann Danis
please god get ty conklin. Good, dependable, solid goalie that can be had at a decent price as long as you sign him for longer than his usual one-two year deals. Give the guy a break. I think that 1.25-1.5 for three or four years would be a solid and, if need be, very tradeable contract. If not conklin then I would rather just bring up someone from the Sound tigers. Everyone else is either too old or going to cost too much money.
Eh, FA goalie decisions look like the problems with baseball middle relievers: they’re a crapshoot. Doing well one year is little guarantee they’ll do well the next year, and so it’s impossible to tell who’s going to excel, fade, or require surgery on both knees and a hip, especially with way different D situations and if they haven’t started in a while. I have my favorites (Conklin, Biron, Anderson, Nittymaki), and I think the better the goalie the Isles sign the more it’ll motivate DP, but I’d rather have DP in net for 60+ games. I’d rather more $$ put to 2 D men.
I hear what you’re saying Doc, but Biron has a career 2.59 GAA, a .911 save percentage and 199 wins. That’s not too bad.
Money is not an issue so lets bring someone in who can help this team with the “rebuild process” over hte next few years. Make the Offers and they will come!
Justin:
Re: Biron
You’re right… those are pretty impressive numbers. He has played on some pretty good Buffalo and Philly teams… but nonetheless… pretty impressive numbers.
Chris - 100% agree with you that the Isles should target the best goalie willing to take the shortest term deal. Roloson would be tremendous, he was voted the Oilers’ MVP this season so the guy can still play. I know its a year away, but keep in mind that next summer Luongo, Turco, Nabokov, Hiller, and Rinne will all be free agents. If they have already decided to go with the best “1B” guy, then Anderson or Niittymaki would be good choices.
Tavares #1 (11): I dont think CB has been negative at all. I think he is being realistic and not posting pipe dreams. Maybe realistic statements are not what people want to hear, but I believe he warned people about that as well.
Conklin, please. Otherwise, Anderson or Khabibulin. I agree with you CB that Clemmensen isnt the one. He is better than nothing but I cant help but think that the only reason he looked good is because he had the Devils in front of him.
BTW- the title of Logans goaltending article said the Isles MIGHT go for a FA goaltender… maybe is not an option IMO. If they dont do this, the Isles are crazy. Please Garth… learn from the 77 games that Rick did not play last season. Please!
Uh Mr. Botta??
Nice to see you’ve come around, somewhat, on Clemmensen.
Many months agos, just before you banned me from this blog, I took some fairly pointed ridicule from you for suggesting that Clemmensen would be on the Isles radar after DP played his last game in Phoenix (I have a ticket stub from that game, is it too early to put it on E-bay?).
I still maintain that Clemmensen will be signed by the Isles tomorrow.
Biggest reason is he can be signed CHEAPLY and be a 40-50 game goalie right now.
And Wang is all about cheap these days.
Gotta keep that payroll down and the franchise marketable in case the LH doesn’t get okayed.
Of course, I will freely admit, that I could be wrong.
Higgins? Gilroy?
Anyone wonder why Dolan turning his team into the pseudo-Islanders?
#6, cant agree with u. im as pissed off as the next isles fan about dp injuries, but he was the major reason we made the playoffs in 07 and he was leading the team in 08 before he got hurt in the all star game. not trying to make this about dp, but when u have a great goalie he can carry mediocre teams to the playoffs
u dont have to look no further than lundqvist with the rags, even marty some yrs with nj
Did anyone sign Johan Gustavsson? He’s young and can push Koskinen since he has no competition on the Sound Tigers anyway. If Koskinen makes it to the Island, Johan would still be a great backup plan in the AHL. Hey, the Caps dressed their 6′7 website guy as a backup last year. Why not offer him a deal? Even at the league min. he’d be getting a good raise. Anderson, Conklin, or Clemmensen would be fine. Why would they be skeptical about being a starter? Their competition is DP (who may never regain form) and a guy who has never laced them up in a NHL game before.
I agree that signing a goalie long term would be a mistake. Also, none of those UFA goalies inspire a whole lot of confidence. Hate to say it, but the best bet might be a guy like Dubie, who would probably take a short term contract (maybe they could actually offer him a one-way contract this time) and not complain if he ends up backing up DP for most of the year. I’d rather see them save money and plan for the future than take on some albatross of a contract.
Another great write-up, C.B.
I agree with Cbris TMC (yet again) and others. Conklin, although I love your suggestion of Niittymaki.
Please no Clemmensen. Not only did he barely play until the age of 31, but after he did have a solid first half of the season, after Brodeur came back Jersey sent him to the minors instead of having him as Brodeurs backup. If hes not better than Kevin Weekes hes not worth having as a potential #1 fill in.
i think the only reason he was sent down #30 is because weekes had a one way contract right? maybe i’m wrong but that’s what i thought
#9….Anderson would sign because DP is far from a sure thing.
Come on CB, be optimistic! John Tavares is an Islander so anything can happen…
jocelyn thibault and marty biron. Thibault spent some time off, and would be inexpensive, and biron is a starter.
Ed Belfour had decent numbers over seas last season and told his agent to ask around the NHL…
I think above all else , the goalie they sign shouldnt have a history of injuries
John G - Jocelyn Thibault, by his own admission, cannot move side-to-side effectively anymore because of his double hip surgeries. I’d probably take a pass on him.
No thanks to guys like Gerber and LaBarbara.
But ANYONE other than Raycroft.
Conklin seems like he was born to back up/push struggling or oft injured starters, so that’s probably the best option.
I really have no idea what the Isles are looking for in a goaltender. Logic would dictate that you broke down the situation pretty accurately CB.
I think since the Isles committed their first pick in the 2nd round to a 21 year old goaltender that they would expect to see him in 2 to 3 years … so their commitment in contract length to a 1-B goalie probably wouldn’t go beyond 3 years … that is assuming they truely believe that DiP is going to reassume his role as “The Man” on a regular basis this season.
This is a head scratcher to me … I really don’t have much to go on regarding the complexity of the goaltending situation.
If I could just pick one of them based purely on hockey and regardless of $ or term of deal … I’d have to go with Anderson and Conklin as a close second.
i understand the logic of just holding down the fort and having a year which nets us another top pick…but that is never fun and can send the wrong message. you should always be as competetive as possible. you don’t want the kids getting shelled on a nightly basis……or beat up!!!!
I think Conklin would be the first choice, followed closely by Nittymaki.
Sign ABR. Anyone but Raycroft. That guy is utterly horrible.
Raycroft would be a disaster! They might as well resign Danis instead of bringing in someone like him. I guess they’ll sign someone on a two year deal to make sure Koskinen is ready for the NHL.
If we go for Dubie again all respect will be lost for Garth.
CHRIS MC - #30
Kevin Weeks had a one way contract, Scott Clem didnt, so if they would have sent Weeks to AHL which they wanted to, he would have to go through waiver and he would have been picked up. Scott Clem was allowed to go back and forth without waivers.
ah, good ole’ july 1st. the day that the rangers win the cup on paper every year! lol sorry i could not resist!
to be honest, i really don’t care the islanders sign anyone. this team is rebuilding right now. one more year of being bad can takae us a long way. i would not be shocked to see this team in the playoffs during the 2010 - 2011 sason.
remember, it is about down the road. garth snow is doing something that should have been done 10 years ago.
The drafting of goalies means nothing now. With out offers to Danis, and Mcdonald the 21 year old goalie we drafted has no bearing on a potential long term deal for someone like Anderson. It is of my opinion thst DP will not play again. I think this years draft is a very good indicator of how secretive the Islanders brass can be.
Mark my words DP is done. Erase my post if you want to Chris. If you do it just confirms my suspicions.
we all like to have that garth is signing
a couple of big-time free agents.would this really help our team. i would be satisfied if we sign a good back-up golie,
one defensman, and two quality wingers,
which should both ad some size to our team
Kommisarek would make sense. The defense is still very shaky, and Sutton will be
gone next year
#45, No way garth makes 4 signings. Ill bet one maybe two signing. there is no smokescreen here, and he will in no way get in a bidding war for a big name, although, I think he should.
Seeing as how the team doesn’t seem to be reluctant to play their young players, one might safely assume that they wouldn’t be adverse to playing Koskinen at some point this season, either. Why not? Nobody will be expecting the Islanders to win anything this season anyway, so why not give the team’s future goalie the opportunity to grow up in the NHL the way that they gave Okposo and Bailey that same opportunity? I would rather the team did that than to go out and overpay for a free agent goalie who might help in the short term (when we’re not going to win anyway), but would stunt the development of Koskinen in the future (when the team is ready to make their move).
Ty Conklin!!!! or Nikolai Khabibulin ohhhhhhhhhh nice.
I never realized how bad Scotti C’s save percentage numbers were. Almost every year his NHL stats have him below a .900 save percentage. That’s terrible. And that was while playing behind a very defensively sound Devils’ team. I would hate to see what his numbers would be playing behind our D…
My son is a big Devils fan and I was merciless in my critique of Clemmenson last year after watching many games. HE IS SO SLOW!!! Please don not go in that direction. I’d rather stick with Danis
Throw big 1 year deal at BULIN WALL.
If DP has health problems again this year, we’ve got a situated #1 goalie who we could then extend the contract to cover us in net. Koskinen could then be his backup when he’s ready
Ed Belfour??? heck you could probably squeeze a few years out of him. He was the man BITD.
CB: Koskinen needs a few years to be ready for the NHL. Clemmensen is 32 years old and will come at a cheap price (LHP ???). I’m thinking Clemmensen is the right choice for this time and place in the rebuild/LHP process.
I don’t know about you guys but I love this Koskinen signing. What is there not to like about a 6′7″ goalie? Also, When this FA goalie is signed, whomever it may be, we will also know the status of DP - the longer the deal we give, the more likley DPs career is in jeopardy.
c’mon dman and a goalie, dman and a goalie, dman and a goalie. let’s make it happen!
Oh how you tease with naming Nikolai Khabibulin. That would be my dream choice, but I’d be happy with Conklin or Anderson. DiPietro always being injured proves that we were never set in goal, despite the 15 year contract and the idea of never having to worry about who’s in net. I don’t care where this team is in its rebuilding development, a quality goaltender is needed - EVEN IF DP is healthy. He needs to realize that he can’t play as many games as he’d like - here’s to the Bulin-wall in Orange and Blue!
TOP CANDIDATES & what should be offered:
1. Ty Conklin, 2 years - 1.6 per year
2. Craig Anderson, 2 years - 1.3 per year
3.Nikolai Khabibulin, Chi, 1 Year - 3.6 Mil
4.Roloson = 1 yr - 3.2
5.Martin Biron, Phi, 1 Year - 2.8 Mil
6.Scott Clemmensen, NJ, 1 year - 975,000
7.Martin Gerber, 1 year - 625, 000
DON”T SIGN ANY OF THESE GUYS:
Mikael Tellqvist SIGNED TO PLAY IN EUROPE
Brian Boucher, NO
Manny Legace, NO
How about this trade option for Goal:
To Isles: G - Alex Auld (1 Mil salary - only signed for 1 year)
for
To Ottawa: LW- Jon Sim (1 Mil salary) & a 7th round pick
we need a one year goalie, plain and simple. Only isles know health of DP, if he is done, get Bulin for one year or sing Biron for 3 yr deal.
If DP is healthy, Get a Clemmonson, Roloson, or someone to split mins with him.
I will repeat this again. Without DP or a top goalie, isles have no chance at playoffs and might even been in the tyler hall sweepstakes.
Andersen or Nittymaki.
Can we refer to the Snowy-Gordo-Dunny-Sudsie goalie think tank as Snogodusu?
There are four immediate needs to be filled by trades or ufas. #1 goal Anderson #2 enforcer Orr #3 D Kammi # 4 scoring forward Cammi Sign them and we make the playoffs! Cost about 13 million per year well below the cap.
bring back the GUMPER!
Didn’t Bulin play poorly when he first came to Chicago via free agency? I think he only started to pick up his play after Kane and Toews started playing well and the Hawks signed Huet.
Best signings we can have..
Anderson
Orr
Eminger
Mara
Tanguay
Afiniganov
Antropov
Nitymakki
Beauchemin
We need to sign an enforcer and another top 6 forward. We need 1 dmen and 1 goalie.
Nikolai Khabibulin is by far the best available goalie, but I think he is going to sign a 1 year deal with Chicago. Antero Niittymaki is our best option. Ricky is not coming back this year.
I believe we have to spend a couple of million just to get to the cap floor. The Islanders are going to have to overpay for someone.
Stick SNOW back in goal. If he can play more than DP then he is better.
Something interesting that has been brought up. Snow said he isnt going crazy in free agency this summer and to not expect much, but they do need to add salary to this team to reach the cap floor
Doesnt that almost force Snow to be a bit more active in free agency than he said he would?
Hey #68 i am the only Pablo!
For those who think CB is being Negative, is wrong. CB is just stating the obvious and his Critique is dead on.
As for Clemmensen, it makes sense from a management standpoint. I dont think it makes much hockey sense.
However Garth Snow has been like a magician lately and who knows what Rabbit he will pull out of his hat.
One thing to consider for any goalie we sign…if DP comes back healthy, DP likely still won’t be allowed to play as many games as he had in the past or may desire to. That makes for a good proving ground if a backup will have a shot at 20-35 games.
Oops, hit enter too early. Anyway, assuming our goalie coaches can work on a project, they may be able to manufacture some value out of a backup that we can trade out when Koskinnen is ready.
Sign Orr to protect JT. Sign a goalie because we cant depend on DP. DP will make an attempt but realistically I doubt he plays 30 games.
#70, I was just thinking that, which is why I think we will get both an top-notch enforcer and goalie. I would love for Garth to add Komi, but it just seems too good to be true. Adding Komi would make sense because sutton is gone next year and who knows how long we will have Witt for. Witter may even be moved with Weight at the trade deadline for some prospects.
We can spend a bundle, but the problem is most of the guys seeking big paydays are also looking for term. It doesn’t make sense for the Isles to offer a ton of years when they’ll have Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, and the rest of the future to lock up down the road. If they can find good talent that will take a two-year deal or so, then they can over-pay to get that guy.
What’s wrong CB - you seem sort of down? Maybe time for a holiday?
Biron on the Islanders = 6 more wins per season ’cause he always shuts the Islanders down when he plays against them.
Personally, I think that a goalie with a long last name (more than 5 letters) would be great for the Islanders!
Anyone who watched the Devils last year should know that Clemmensen is the real deal. I would be thrilled if the Islanders inked this guy to back up Rick. Clemmer is the sole reason that the Devils stayed in it last year with their injury problems.
so, for Clemenson’s NHL carrer he has a 32-18 record, I think that’s a tiny bit better than McDonald and Dani.
I’m still on the Anderson bandwagon. I don’t see a problem with signing him to a 3 year contract. Koskinen seems to have potential, but he’s still very rough around the edges from what I’ve read. He should work on his technique in the AHL for the next two years instead of coming to the big time and getting lit up.
CB, You mention that the Isles are sticking with DP playing this year, but for how many games? Even if he’s able, I don’t think it would be wise to play him more than 45-55 games this season. Anderson seems to be a great option for 30-40 games. God forbid, what about worst-case scenario…!
Sign Doobie as our #3 so when Rick reinjured his knee/hip, we have a solid backup who is a GREAT team guy.
Anderson would be great and I’d gamble on Clemmonson as well. But first and foremost I’d like to bid on Europe’s best netminder-soon-to-be-NHL-starter. Sign Gustavsson!
Helloooo Dwayne Roloson! 2 yrs @ $2.5M/per. He will be the Isles #1 sooner or later.