Comments on: UFA PREP, PART I: FORWARDSDon’t expect a second star forward in one week

By: mikeD

mikeD — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:39:16 +0000

There is no chance we will pay Komiserek more than 2.5 per year which means we won’t get him.

By: Abe Bean

Abe Bean — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:01:37 +0000

realistic -we sign Chris Neil(2 mill for 1 year), Komiserik (2 year 4 mill a season), and take a chance on Gaborik… i know hes injury prone but why not offer him a safe multi year deal at a discount and get a top skater/goal scorer… we shouldve taken him over DP in the 1st place an kept Luongo but thats another story

By: Chris G in SC

Chris G in SC — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:47:53 +0000

First off, the Isles need scoring more than they need a real heavyweight enforcer. Orr is an excellent fighter, but that is about it. Seems a lot of people here dislike Nate Thompson and say he’s a waste of a roster spot. At least he can win a draw and be a responsible penalty killer. For a team loaded with 3rd and 4th liners already, why get a player who will sit in the box more than skate? I am very much a fan of getting the Sedin twins. They are young enough to be a part of the rebuild. Their immaturity in demanding to be on the same team will only dwindle their options down to low payroll teams like us. So be it and good for us. The 12yr contract? I’d give them 6-8 years at a guaranteed rate and leave the remaining 6 or 4 heavily incentive laden dependent on previous seasons performance. I doubt it will happen and believe we will get Max Afinogenov. Like many Russian players, he can be great or lazy as hell. Maybe Gordo can whip his work ethic into shape. Plus, he’s a lefty shot on the right wing. As far as toughness, sure it would be great. But, after watching towards the end of last year, these guys showed a glimpse of team toughness. Guys like Weight, Tamby, Gervais and Comeau showing some grit to their game. It didn’t matter who was on the ice at the time, it was a team scrum. Guys sticking up for one another regardless of the opposition. That is a sign of good team unity and fighting spirit, especially when there was nothing to play for but their own pride as hockey players. Anyone who says Park is trade bait are nuts. He’s one of the best penalty killers in the game. NHL.com had a PK story last season on the top 5 PK guys in the league. Yes, he was on that list. I’m willing to bet Snow was hearing offers for him by playoff bound teams this past season. I am betting on Joensuu to be the dark horse for our lineup this year. CB – Sorry for such a long post!!!

By: jcapisles

jcapisles — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:53:58 +0000

Sure, we need a wing but I don’t see Garth going after anyone here. These are names, all worth at least $3.5-$4 million per. I mean if you’re really serious about free agency you have to go hard after the ones you want, not pray someone falls through the cracks. If Garth Vader can do it through trades, that would be an intriguing notion.

Goalie, enforcer … be happy if we get either.

Also, I think if Bergenheim was ever to have the true NHL breakout season it will be this upcoming season. He showed flashes last year before getting hurt.

By: ExtraButterRVC

ExtraButterRVC — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:38:20 +0000

Oddly enough I agree with #140. Maxin Afinogenov is someone I watched a lot when I was in school in Buffalo. I like him a lot for the Isles system, although he is frustrating and maybe our system is similar to Sabres now? Not sure. I think a change of scenery would do just the trick.

By: Jmont6

Jmont6 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:50:48 +0000

I just want to thank Mike Sillinger for his contribution to the Isles the last few years. I think he was a great influenece on our young talent. I am not sure what Scott Gordon thought of him but I would LOVE to see him remian in the organization in some aspect. I think he would make a great assistant coach.

By: jonw

jonw — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:37:28 +0000

Marcel Goc has never reached his potential for what ever reason in SJ.he is still young enough(25)aswell as being very gifted in the skating aspect of the game.He can play any foward position and contrary to his career numbers has ability.
Lukas Kaspar is even younger(23)then Goc and proabliiy as gifted if not more.Altough he doesn’t play all 3 FW positions he gan go on either side of center and make plays.
If the Isles are looking for reclamtion project/s then i would’t mind seeing either one of these guys given a 1 or 2 yr deal.

By: jonsson3

jonsson3 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:03 +0000

I love that you mentioned his name!!!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again….
MAXIM AFINOGENOV!!!!!!!!
Please Garth do me a favor and sign him, I think you could get a real steal here!
If it happens remember where you heard it first…jonsson3 at PB

By: John from ATL

John from ATL — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:02:18 +0000

I would agree that the Isles are set up front. And that the one addition may be an enforcer to help protect JT. Considering that there will be injuries this will give, Jounssu, T. Smith, R. Figren and other players from Bridgeport games to file in and develop. Unlike most who comment here, I am still in favor of giving Tambellini plenty of ice time. He’s under contract so play him. Winning this year is not a priority. Play Tavares with Doug Weight. Play Thompson and Jackman to find out if its worth offering them a contract for 2010/11. Buy out Sim. But, I guess this can wait as long as possbile. Injuries happen even before opening night.

By: GD

GD — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:50:27 +0000

The New Jersey Devils today acquired center Ben Walter, and a cond 2012 draft pick, from the New York Islanders in exchange for the rights to center Tony Romano .

By: 19 ISLE in NJ 22

19 ISLE in NJ 22 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:48:02 +0000

Agreed CB … I can’t see Snow in this situation making a big splash for a forward in free agency … with the limit on signed players and a few kids knocking on the door it’s time to stay pat and look for an enforcer.

I think next year’s the time to top off with a star free agent.

However … what say you in the unlikely event that a Marion Hossa or as you mentioned Cammalleri knock on the door? With the positive press and talk of the Isles doing the right thing they may be looking to get in while the going’s good and look for a team on the rise with cap room.

By: John G.

John G. — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:24:52 +0000

Boo, suitcase is packing up.