SCOOP / VIEW / FORECAST
What’s the deal with Alex Tanguay? Here ya go
In this Misinformation Age, in L’Affaire Tanguay we’re now in the misinformation stage. Let’s try to weave our way through the merde.
SCOOP: Point Blank has learned that Alex Tanguay has spoken with the Islanders. Notice I didn’t say the Islanders have spoken to Tanguay’s agent, Robert Sauve. The Islanders have talked with Tanguay, whom our impeccable source says has started personally calling teams over the last few days.
VIEW: Our source did not want to speculate why team and player talked directly, as opposed to the traditional communication via agent. However, two weeks after the opening of the July 1 UFA market, Tanguay is the lone top-six forward with offensive potential available. It is fair to surmise that Alex is now at the stage where he is not being heavily recruited, so instead he is selling his significant talents in search of the best contract. No shame in that.
But to be clear, the Islanders have never been a “finalist” for Tanguay. That would imply the Islanders have been a top bidder for his services. The Islanders have not even bid for his services. Few teams have, which is why Tanguay and his agent have taken a more pro-active approach. Both Tanguay and his agent have been working the phones, working the media, even calling back BD!
Bad information is flying all over the place, some of it undoubtedly on purpose. A report in South Florida yesterday said the Panthers have offered Tanguay a contract. I can tell you that report is categorically false. Do not confuse misinformation with misdirection. Everyone in hockey tries that (see: Snowman, the Abominable).
FORECAST: While Tanguay is this year’s best slip-through-the-cracks free agent, some team will offer him a reasonable contract (let’s say $8-10 million over three years). Tanguay and Sauve would be wrong to lose patience now. There’s always going to be one team that won’t be able to resist bringing in Alex Tanguay. This is a world where Brian Gionta gets $25 mill for 5 years – the same per annum Martin Havlat got. A team will crack and offer Tanguay a generous multi-year deal.
But that one team will not be the Islanders. Alex’s production and his reputation (“soft”! cry his critics) have dipped. Garth Snow would no doubt love to add Tanguay’s name to the dry-erase board in his GM’s office at the Coliseum, but only as a one-year experiment.
TANGUAY – TAVARES – HUNTER
BERGENHEIM - BAILEY – OKPOSO
and then something like Weight – Nielsen – Comeau – Park and yadda yadda yadda a whole bunch of fourth liners
There is no argument: Alex Tanguay would make the Islanders a much better team. For all the knocks against him, this is a man with recent seasons of 78 points in 71 games (2005-06 with Colorado) and 81 points in 81 games (2006-07 with Calgary). Last season, in supposedly an awful one for him, he was 16-25-41 in 50 games. Despite missing a third of the season, Tanguay’s totals would have ranked him second in points and tied for second in goals on your 2008-09 Islanders. He’s only 29 years old.
The benefits of a Tanguay signing for the Islanders would be far greater than any of the recent UFA quartet of Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedotenko and Jon Sim. Combined.
This is how the Islanders experiment might work: Tanguay comes here for the opportunity to rehab his reputation on a rebuilding club, on what many will predict will be a 12-15th place team in the East. He puts the puck where John Tavares needs it. He picks up the garbage and approaches his career-best 29 goals.
If the Islanders and Tanguay turn out to be a match, shoot, maybe he signs long-term. If it’s not a love affair but merely a relationship of mutual respect and need, the Islanders trade Tanguay in February for a second round pick.
But know this. If Tanguay wants to come to the Islanders for career resuscitation, the door is open for a modest short-term deal that will still earn him more income than most citizens of New York. Not in dough but for perspective, think along the lines of the one-year deal Snow gave Viktor Kozlov on the way to big Vik scoring a career-high 25 goals.
If Tanguay is looking to cash out, there’s no way he’ll be an Islander.
Comments.
116 Responses to SCOOP / VIEW / FORECAST
What’s the deal with Alex Tanguay? Here ya go
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Jon Mac says:
Great analysis CB. I think Snow is playing this smart. I would love to see Alex get a short term deal with the Islanders. No sense in overpaying for a player that may be on the decline. There are so many teams that are in serious cap trouble. The Islanders cap space may be the most valuable trade asset they have in the cupboard right now. The Flyers of the NHL are going to have to shed some contracts and the Islanders are in a good position to pick up some talent by waiting.
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corey says: hope we can get him, but what about maxim Afinogenov? hes a pretty good payer who is 6 feet and has a lot of speed. his play has dropped the last two seasons, but I’ve heard a change in scenery might help him.
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James says:
I really think these last 2 stories could tie into each other. Say what you want about Blake Comeau, but we were using him as a top 2 line type of guy on this team. If he doesnt sign, it could leave a spot in the top 6 that could be used to sign a guy like Tanguay. We have decent depth at forward, but many are still developing and that may pose a need for us to get Tanguay.
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Mike from Oceanside says:
Nothing more than a one year deal from the Islanders stand point is correct. We’ll end up in 12th-15th place in the conference with or without him.
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Gary9-19-22 says:
sign the guy… trade him if it adds valus at the trade deadline.
He can only help the young giys as it is one extra scorer our opponants will have to contend with.
IF… a big IF.. Tanguay is a head case, bad influence, not good to have arond a young team then pass on him.
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bruce says:
why not give him a nice one year contract. we need to reach the cap floor anyways.
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beatlebailey says:
I agree 1 year at $5 million Next!
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big dally mac says:
I’d throw him a nice one-year deal at 5 million dollars with 2 million of it paid in signing bonus. The reason for the signing bonus, would be to eat up a lot of the contract so at the deadline only a little bit of salary is left and easy to trade under the cap. I believe only 690,000 would count against a contenders cap in that case. Easy to trade at that cap hit. And/or like CB said if you like him, sign him.
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robby d says:
Absolutely correct. Too many teams overpay in years and dollars. Im glad that Garth is more like Lou in Jersey. You don’t see Lou in NJ or Ken in Detroit overspending. Those are the 2 best GM’s in the game. Be the opposite of our pal Slats at MSG who has to patchwork his team every 2 years from his GM blunders, ala Isiah Thomas. MSG is famous for that and Islander Country wants no part of it. I like the Youth movement and Id rather see Jesse Joensuu play than Tanguay. Least I know Joensuu will bust his ass every shift, unlike Tanguay. Tanguay is the Canadian version of Satan. No thanks!
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Rob says:
Great post CB. I wish you would post more often on topics like this. Any news on Afinogenov?
Thanks and keep up the great work.
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streit02 says:
Im up in the air regarding Tanguay. Theres no doubt he will improve the offense, but you also have to look long term. I guess it makes sense if we can dumb him at the deadline if it doesnt work. Theres a lot of possibilities out there for Garth to make a move right now. You have the Chicago, San Jose and Flyers situation where all would prob like to shed some payroll. I would def explore a Hartnell, Cheechoo, Keith situation and listen to any other players that a team will be looking to move simply based on salary restrictions. If the contract isnt a huge burden the Isles will get themselves a good player and give up far less talent in return. I also want to see how the Nikolai Zherdev situation plays out. Id much rather have him than Tanguay at this point. However, id be hesitant to give Zherdev anything more than 2 years as he needs to show what kind of player he wants to be. Will he be Yashin or can he break out of his mold and start dominating. Hes only 24 years old and with his talent level hes def worth a shot.
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I’d love to see Tanguay, if he came in a little below that market value. If the 3 years is critical that hurts him a bit (I wouldn’t mind the team paying more per year on a 1 r 2 year deal), but if they front-load it for a cheap buyout, then it really isn’t that big of a deal. I don’t expect Tanguay to sign here unless we overpay (which we shouldn’t do right now), but I’d like it.
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bergie20 says:
signing tanguay for a year would be nice. he would make a nice combo with tavares. it would be a fun watch. it things work out great – try to re-sign him. if they don’t, no biggie, deal him at the deadline.
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Brian G says:
Tanguay is not worth 5 mil a year…right now he looks to be on the downside….no one will sign him to a 3 year deal he is too much of a risk. At most I would sign him to a 1 year deal for 2.5 with incentives that could bring it up to 4 mil. Also isn’t this guy injury prone??
CB – are the islanders looking to sign any defenseman – Seidenberg? (would be an underated pick up)
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Frank D says:
Give him a Bill Guerin type offer, if he accepts great, if not someone else will get a bargain. He’s a scorer.
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Dennis says:
God,another person who thinks Hunter should be on a line other then the 3rd.The perfect guy for Tavares.Cant pass,cant skate and cant hit the side of a barn with his shot.If this team puts the number 1 pick in the draft with Trent Hunter i’m throwing my season tickets in the Garbage!!!!!!!!.
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Mike L says:
I hope fans dont get mad when he signs somewhere for a few years instead of here for one. We dont need help reaching the cap floor.
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felix says:
absolutely a one year deal maybe two but certainly no more than 2. i would give him anywhere from 3.5-4.5. by the time the trade deadline roles around you can ship him for a pick. he wins by getting a sizeable paycheck and if he has a rejuvenation year as in 30 goals 60 points, the way the nhl is, he can parlay a good season with the isles into a 4 year deal averaging 4 mil + from some other teams. also having him for a year or two would be a stop gap for the figrens and joensuus if they ar enot ready.
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JKP in Halifax says:
Loved him here in Jr. when he played for Halifax. He’s one of only three Mooseheads that have their number hanging from the rafters now.
Would love to see him in an Isles uniform.
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Brother Rat says:
Again, for this youth movement, Garth needs to bring in skilled vets to help the kids develop and carry some of the load. We all seem to forget that nobody wants to sign with our team straightaway, and so until we really turn it around, every veteran will require some premium in terms of years or money to entice them. If it takes $5 mill, it takes $5 mill. Our prospects work hard but are inexperienced, and–let’s face it–not all will develop into superstars worthy of big contracts. We still need vets for them to talk shop. It’s not a waste of money, and every signing can’t be a bargain surprise like Streit. One scoring FA–is that too hard to ask? Do we have to be led in scoring again by a D man? I think this is just irresponsible of Garth to think our kids will all blossom with our unproven development leadership…Tanguay has much higher point totals than Comrie, Fedotenko, or Guerin over the last few years and much more consistent totals. For an extra million or so, I don’t understand our reluctance here considering our offense remains young, anemic, and soft anyway. And for all the griping about Satan, he still averaged 55 pts for us over 3 years.
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admin says:
Thanks for all the great feedback the last few days. A few thoughts:
1. The NYI are not adding another dman.
2. There are no signing bonuses in the NHL.
3. You don’t have to pay Tanguay $5 mill a year. Or at least you shouldn’t. Would be surprised at this point if he gets $4 mill per.
4. Cheechoo not happening. Never was. Can’t picture Maxim A. either.
5. Some of these trade packages – like Sutton and Comeau – what exactly do you think that’s gonna get you? Exactly.
6. I’ve never said Trent Hunter is a first-line player. That’s just where you are right now. On this team as currently constituted, he’s a top-6 forward.
7. And finally, the Islanders do not have to add another decent contract to reach the cap floor. It is a non-issue.
Thanks again, everyone. Hope everyone’s enjoying the summer. CB
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ShardZ says:
I think 5 Mil for a player who seems desperate for any contract, right now is a bit silly.
Considering our apparent strategy for the future (grow from within, then use our cap space to take on talent from PHI, SJS, etc who have cap trouble, I think if Snow were to make an offer to Tanguay, it would be for no more than 1yr, 4 mil max (that’s including all the bonuses). Depending on how desperate Tanguay is, Snow has the opportunity to really make a bargain. Why overpay for someone who is apparently getting desperate for whatever is offered to him? -
And what is with the dissing of Trent Hunter anyway? There are tons of teams out there that would love a gritty guy like him. He gives 100% every time he goes out there, to me that makes up for whatever shortcomings he may have.
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islesfan999 says:
I would have no problem giving Tanguay 3 yrs 10-11 million. I think that would be an excellent signing. He has got to be better than most players making 3-3.5 million.. He is a good player just not worth more than 4 million. We could definitly use him and he would become one of our best players.
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ME says:
So if what Botta says is true in post #22. The Islanders are a last place team again and will breeze through to another 30th overall finish in 2010. Taylor Hall talk in November here we come. Can’t wait for that.
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Matt says:
tanguay sure could put the puck in the net for this team. if the price is right, why not!
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Mikey says:
Thanks for the detective work CB. I really like what Garth is doing here. Tanguay is a huge risk given his shoulder surgery and declining production. It would be foolish to offer a lucrative multi-year deal. Let’s give him the best money offer out there ($4-4.5M) on a one-year deal. I am not sure if Alex will bite, but it is the most prudent course of action for our club.
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mtrico says:
I doubt that Tanguay will take a one year deal, but if Garth can pull that off, kudos to him. it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
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Staten Islander says:
no more than 2 years, get ‘er done
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Blizzard says: I think Snow should sign Tanguay. Seems like a perfect fit on our top line of JT and KO. Distributes the puck well, just what we need to get JT some confidence and some success.
Id like to see some prospective line combinations CB.
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C$ says:
I doubt the isles will go over 4.5 mil a season. I don’t think they’ll pay anyone more than DP’s salary for a while.
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Kevin27nyi says:
I’d give him 1year for 3.5 and bonuses based on production up to 5 million.maybe less actually.if he fits then resign him but like you said , if he doesn’t then trade him. A could see it turning into a package and getting another first.I’m thinking too far ahead.thanks for the insight.
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Maydog says:
I’m so sick of the loser talk of “This is a 12th-15th seed team” in the middle of July. You losers got your precious tanking year, now go back to rooting the team to win.
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Zach Teller says:
I agree with 33. Like most of the pros say, the goal every year is to win the stanely cup and if you don’t go in with that kind of mentality what is the purpose of playing?
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Nice to have things put into perspective so eloquently.
But you always did have a way with words. -
JC Frank says:
Spot on there CB, if he want to use the Isles to get back on track lets do it and see where it goes. The guy can score.
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Tond says:
sign tangy(yeah u can use that cb)and let JT play with a top six player..everone always talks about this guy or that guy will be good for the locker…what about a guy thats good for the ice..we need 2 fowards ASAP..a top 6 to aid in JT’s development and an enforcer who protects all the young guns (u can use that too) from cheap shots.
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Dan says:
give him 2 years 7m. frontload the contract so he gets 5m this year and 2 in the second year. yes 5 is alot for him for this year, but let this seasons trade deadline pass and let him stay around for a year. he will put up solid points with top line minutes as an islander. if he continues solid production into next season throw him out there at the deadline for some desperate team, you never know what well get back in return from a team that thinks they are 1 piece short of a stanley cup run.
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Irish Isle says:
I was speaking w/ a bunch of fans on Sunday at the Scrimmage. I really feel that we have one more bad year ahead of us. I see Tanguay as a Reggie Sanders type player. In that sign him with the Isles, for one year with the understanding that come trade deadline he will be traded to a playoff contention.
Tanguauy wins, as he will get paid, and it will keep him motivated for a team to trade for him.
Islanders win, they have someone to pair up w/ JT, who can set JT up on the powerplay, take some of the defensive focus off of him. Then they can turn him into a decent prospect/draftpick. -
#10 is it ur money..the money has no effect on us..we want to put a good team on the ice..thats y we are fans..det is 8 mill from cap..nj is 11 mill from cap..we would have to spend another 10 mill a year just to be 10 mill from cap so whats your point..no we dont want to tie ourselves into crazy contracts but up to 3 years is no biggie when ur 21 mill from the cap(rough numbers) everyone here is always lookin for the cheap..well thats why we dont buy playoff ticket
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cgs878 says:
I guess there’s a recession in free agency after all. He should take a modest salary and be thankful that someone wants him.
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db says:
cb i think we could knock off 2 birds with one stone by signing todd bertuzzi for 1.5 mill per year 2 year deal. i think he stil is a top 6 forward and he always can protect tavares. cb what do you think about that one.
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uBETTAno says:
Bring him in 2 years 8 to 9 mill..he is worth it…plus we can trade him at the deadline if we are not in it…..
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mLem says:
I don’t get the hunter hate. He’s put up decent numbers in 5 seasons…25, 16, 20, 12, and last year he was at 14 in 55 games. He’s no 40 goal scorer, but he certainly isnt as awful as some ppl say
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Schultz39 says:
Problem is some of the ridiculous signings in the FA period (Gionta, Redden, Gaborik – 7.5m???) make it hard for guys like Tanguay to come back down to reality.
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Ultimate game of chess is being played right now. Tanguay is not getting the love and teams due to money concerns or overall standing are not interested in him. I say let this play itself out. The Islanders are in a very good position here. Very good.
No one has said it yet so I will. With Tanguay in the fold you are looking at a potential top 5 power play unit, what with JT, Okposo, Weight, Streit, etc. And we all know this team’s problems forever had been goal-scoring. Considering the Islanders lose more 1-goal games than seemingly anyone to add a guy like Tanguay, a proven special teams player to boot, could give us that extra 1 or 2 goals a game that would put us on the winning side of some of the 1-goal games. Our D will be good enough, given that it’s another year learning the Gordon system. You get enough of these flips on tight games and you move closer to .500. Hence, closer to where we all want to be.
Give Tanguay 2 years at around $7.5 to $8 million. I don’t think his motivation is length of contract (He’s only 29). He can stil get paid handsomely at least one more time in his career.
As for the Hunter bashing, sure, he does all the little things and is one of the few big bodies who actually uses it that we have, but Hunter is a player who would be more appreciated if the team won. When you don’t score a lot of goals, a guy like him falls through the cracks in the praise category because big scoring is not his game. But with a lead, a guy like Hunter could be invaluable due to how hard he works along the boards and in his own end.
If and when the Isles get good, Hunter will begin to shine. You watch.
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Saratoga Sam says:
Lets face it – this is the Islanders that we are talking about. I am sure that after Roloson, a “moratorium” has been put on Garth by CW to not sign anyone except the 15 or so “depth” players for the Bridge. If the Lighthouse becomes approved – Watch how the tide changes.
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Jethro09 says:
The Isles should definitely commit to Tanguay. He’s a proven scorer and he’s not old. Three years, $10.5 Million. One veteran scorer won’t disturb this rebuilding process. The Isles don’t even have enough kids in the system right now to merit the number of open spots on the roster as it is.
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Sal says:
sign tanguay, trade for a proven enforcer and stay healthy and the isles will be an 8th seed contender at least.
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Yeah like the reading says its best if we only get him on our terms, I am def against anything more than a year. I’m more curious about the other teams looking to cut payroll. Would love to know what’s bubbling there but don’t think we’ll get that info. Then again CB seems to have some surprises in store each day.
Summer is going awesome, I need to remember to enjoy it sometimes because I’m so excited for the season to begin. -
JPinVA says:
Great info CB. If I may add this point though. Ted Nolan made Kozlov a 25 goal guy the same way he made Blake a 40 goal guy. He used them to perfection.
I don’t know if I’d want to resurect my rep under Scott Gordon.
I don’t want to knock Mr. Gordon, but that aspect of his resume didn’t come shining through with Jon Sim or Bill Guerin.
…and I think it takes two to Tanguay! -
RHL Vin says:
The Islanders are not making the playoffs this year – Tanguay or not.
I think they should push to sign Tanguay if only so Tavares as a proven playmaker on his wing that is not 38 years old. Who cares if Tanguay is soft….as long as he can get JT the puck.
Now that the Isles have this elite player in Tavares dont leave the 19 year old kid to do it on his own. Make the effort and get him a good winger. Dont leave him by himself and put all the pressure on him.
And if Tanguay signs a one or two year deal and doesnt fit into the budget….u have a chip at the deadline to move.Hey CB….What kind of interest do you think the Isles would have in Zherdev if he indeed does become a FA?
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mt275 says:
We should get Tanguay for the following reasons:
1. We don’t have a good, proven left winger.
2. Provide more offensive pairing options for Tavares .
3. Send a signal to the unsigned (Comeau, Thompson, Hillen) that we can always go after UFAs. -
Strummer's Army says:
Cb,why are the Isles not adding another d-man? Their defense sucks!
Are the Isles over the quota on small soft players like Tanquay? I’ll pass. Get some damn size and toughness Snow.
I’d rather then just go young.
Joensuu Tavares Okposo
Bergenheim Bailey Hunter
Comeau Neilsen Bitz (from Bos)
Park/Tambelleni Weight ReichleczSutton Streit
Witt or upgrade Bieksa or similar
Hillen O’Bryne (Mont)DiPietro
RolosonThere talent, size, skating, hitting, toughness, pk, pp all addressed without having to do anything crazy or mess up the rebuild. It will be so much better to watch my roster then Snow’s soft serve.
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how about finally cutting ties with Jeff Tambellini and see if Joensuu can steal a roster spot in camp? and signing Tanguay to take Comeau’s spot on the roster.
Tanguay Tavares Hunter
Bergenheim Bailey Okposo
Joensuu Nielsen Weight
Wrecker Park Jackman -
I like the idea of getting O’Bryne. He’s the only D that anybody has mentioned that has already proven he can score FOR US!
The fact that you [CB] ID Hunter as a first line RW and fans see Joensuu as a first line LW speaks volumes about the roster Snow has put together.
It looks like we are three years away from even having 4 top 6 forwards.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that DiBo, Joensuu and deHaan pan out… otherwise our host will be hosting to college graduation parties before he’s writing about winning a playoff series. -
Spartiarti - RVC says:
I dont get the Hunter Hating either. He was on pace for 30 goals last year. Was it really his fault he got checked throw a open door and got hurt. I agree Hunter not the best skater and could shed of few lbs but he is one of the most well rounded players out there. He hits, scores, and stays out of penalty box. Expect a good rebound year from him.
I woudl be all for Tanguay in line up tavares’s wing.
Only way isles have shot at playoffs is DP Is healthy, you have 5 guys with over 20 goals. Hunter, tavares, Okposo, Bergie, and/or Bailey/Nielson.
JP nice one on O’Byrne, I was thinking the same thing. Joensuu is knocking on the doorstep. I really hope he makes team.
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Jon says:
great points cb…. i’m sold. i don’t know much about tanguay but hell it sounds like its would be a one year contact for the isles… give him 1 yr 4 mil !!!
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Scott S. from Long Beach says:
I think it’s important to bring in an NHL caliber player right now simply as an investment. Tanguay is ideal, or Maxim, so that you can throw there picture in an ad with JT and call it “The New Islanders”. There is more buzz surrounding the Islanders now then there has been in the last 5 years. If they can add now to build some momentum and keep this “buzz” going, it will work wonders for the franchise and what they’re trying to accomplish.
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jimmy mac says:
Basically… it looks like Sim will be back playing with the big club taking Hilbert spot.
We will have Sim, Bergy, Tambs,Comeau as our LW’s.
Down the middle your looking @ Weight, Bailey, Franz, and Park.
RW’s are Hunter, Tavares, KO, Jackman.
And your call ups being Wrecker, Jesse, amd Figren.
On D… Streit, Witt, Sutton, Bruno, Marty, Meyer, Hillen.
Call up is MacDonald.
And that is your 2009,10 New York Islanders.
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SCLI says:
jimmy mac on Jul 16th, 2009 15:10:13 #61
Wonderful line up. The rebuild is progressing along very nicely isnt it? What a freaken joke! What is it anyway a 20 year rebuilding program? The Islanders are dead, Long live the Islanders, hip hip woo ray. -
hubie39 says:
He will not sign for one year.
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Pat says:
I would rather the Islanders make an offer to Phil Kessel. If were going to spend 4-5 million on someone, why not Kessel who is only 21 years old and is a star in the making. Boston has some cap issues and it’s possible they won’t be able to match. It would cost us a first, second and possibly a third round pick next year, but how often are guys like him available. And Garth might be able to get some of those picks back at this years trade deadline. This would be a great addition to the team and I believe a great move to make.
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SCLI:
No this is year 2 of the rebuilding the right way, the last few years was the team trying to get into the playoffs, not a rebuild. The previous 15 was us just sucking up the NHL
It is hard to have patience, but dont lump the actual rebuild as a 20 year program; that is the joke. We are only going into year 2 of the rebuild.
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Eric says:
OUR DEFENSE STINKS!! Bottom 5 in the league EASY. How do you not sign another dmen. They need another dmen more than another forward. Ok you have sutton, witt, streit, hillen, martinek, gervais, and meyer as a #7. You know atleast 2 of these players will get hurt at the same time. Then what? More kids that arent ready from bport?
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on hockeyfights.com and on islandermania, people siad that trevor smith signed to a
1 year 660,000 contract based on capgeek.comchris, can you confirm this?
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Tanguay to panthers done. signed
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cahoward says:
I’m having as difficult a time as any with the patience, but I strongly believe we have to deal with this for 11-12 more months. IF the Lighthouse is approved, 11 months from now you are looking at another top 5 pick, PLUS the most cap space in the league to sign free agents AND most importantly, to take advantage of teams in desperate cap situations. I strongly believe that on 7/16/10, one year from today, we are going to be a lot happier with the shape of the roster and will be looking forward to a team that we all believe can push for a playoff spot in 2010/2011. But the next 11 months are going to be very difficult. I do wish that they would sign veterans that they could trade at the deadline for prospects or more picks. Don’t understand why they wouldn’t.
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I guess Tanguay got his multi-year deal, with the Panthers.
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KO21 says:
ENOUGH 1 YEAR CONTRACTS!!!
TIA
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Doug says:
The Islanders are going to be a joke this year. After Tavares, Bailey and Okpuso that’s it…last place again…we need NHL caliber players…wake up Snowie…
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Smitty says:
This just:
Islanders are rebuilding!
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Big Van Vader says:
Unless he got ridiculous money, another guy let go somewhere else that could have helped us.
And i know all the bs answers i’ll get:
Cap going down next year, we’ll be in great position, Lighthouse approved,we’re not a “great destination”, blah,blah,blah.To quote Darth Helmet from Spaceballs,
“When will THEN be NOW?”Soon?
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Hockey says:
I definatley didn’t think we would lose Tangy to Florida, a low-rate team like ourselves. If they got him at a reasonable price [5-6 mil], then Snowy is either (a) dumb, (b) tanking another season, or the highly unlikely -(c)he has something bigger up his sleeve.
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Soon was the answer to question. Colonel Sanders said it best. Soon is the answer.
Now the question is that is soon another year or another two years.There my friend, you must consult your magic 8 ball.
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Even Phoenix, a team that is bankrupt is signing players…we haven’t signed anyone…at least make a trade…they really frustrate me…
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Jason says:
Chris, can you please explain how you said earlier this morning that it is “categorically false” that the Panthers have offered Tanguay a contract and now we are hearing a few hours later that a deal is done between the two sides?
Is there any one legit source of information any more? It is so frustrating
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this team is not spending any more money that they have to until the arena situation is resolved. i think that’s obvious. if the lighthouse is approved this year i expect the isles to be very active on 7/1/10. the 10/11 isles should be a very interesting team to watch.
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Is this Tanguay signing a rumor? where is this
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The Florida Panthers have signed forward Alex Tanguay to a contract. I have heard 3-5 years worth between 3.5 and 5 million a year.
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TIM says:
can some other team just sign this floater so we can stop talking about him god
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asher says:
If the numbers rumored in 82 are right, then he was out of our price range.
Alex Tanguay may look worth it right now, when he’s literally the only credible top 6 forward left on the market. But really, what makes more sense: tying up that money long-term on a middling, possibly declining talent like Tanguay, or having all of it to spend when adding parts can actually put the Isles over the top?
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If that is true they can have him. He’s a 30 year old with a not so great attitude and to be honest, if we were going to spend that kind of money, we could’ve gotten better and will get better next year. Again, patience is beyond difficult to have, but 12 months from now, you’ll be happy Garth had it even though most of us don’t.
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somebody confirm this so i never have to talk about tanguay ever again
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Dave says:
Heard he’s failed physicals with the Rangers and Red Wings … shoulder hasn’t quite recovered yet.
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Mike says:
How many times did Garth have to say that the Islanders would not be major players in the Free Agent pool? Tanguay, Komisarek, The Sedins, Hossa. All of these names have been tossed around by Islander fans on blogs and comment sections all over the web. Why can’t we just realize that the only moves that will be made by this team is the low cost high reward variety. Garth’s not looking for a quick fix. We’re not the Rangers (thank God), whos front office throws money at questionable free agents, only to have them barely reach the playoffs and then do nothing when there. We should be grateful that this team is going in the direction it is going. This is how championship caliber teams are built.
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Asher you’re 100% right but they need to either trade or some NHL caliber players…
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Ed from Philly says:
100% right asher.
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until TSN or SPORTSNET has this confirmed it’s not a deal …..period
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Glen S says:
Guy’s I agree with most of you but like CB said let’s be PATIENT. If Tangauy signed with FLA well taht’s OK could he have helped us (MAYBE)but if he’s a soft player and a problem in the locker room then he’s not needed here.Like one of the other guy’s said threr are team’s with CAP problem’s so we may P/U a player or two later this summer.Let’s rush the true rebuild is only going into year two the PEN’S took three or four year’s and what are they today the STANLEY CUP CHAMP’S that’s all.
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tond24 says:
why as Islander fans do we put up with this..jet and giant fans dont, ranger fans dont, mets fans wont and god knows Yankee fans would burn the bronx down..why cant we sign anyone, not one guy to help improve our team..we sign a bunch of left over nobodys and this site is cralling with..”sounds like a good guy” and ” way to add dept garth” its a joke…and the best is the fans that say “we have to let the young guys play” yeah thats great but 1 or 2 guys will only help..trust me como is at best a 3rd liner, if hes on the bench so TANGY gets ice time with J.T. id be ok with that..and if tang really went to FLA garth should quit..he wasnt looking for the cup by going to fla so what was it..garth couldnt sell this guy ice time with J.T. whatever..what a joke
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isles72 says:
Tanguay has a bum shoulder and he disappears when the game gets physical
move on
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MickeyBoy7 says:
As usual …we talk about all free agents…but only for bargain basement rates will we ever sign one. Let the bottom feeding begin.
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Blizzard says:
Cant find Tanguay to Panthers anywhere, have found an article saying the rumor is not true however.
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sorry for the link here CB but a blog in the sun sentinel in florida is calling the tanguay rumors false. says the panthers assistant gm denies it.
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Kristie says:
Yea, I have yet to find anything realiable that says Tanguay has in fact signed with Florida.
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Pete M says:
The Panthers blogger on the Florida Sun Sentinel Newspaper website posted that a Panthers team spokesman has said that the Tanguay rumor is false.
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jay says:
on the hockey bums site, it says the florida GM is reporting the deal as false
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This is a really great blog, and it saddens me when fellow commenters post rumors from that garbage site that shall not be named.
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islesbl says:
This team never signs top talent, and if it’s going to come from homegrown, see you in 4-5 years (AGAIN) !!! What don’t they understand, they want us fans to pay NHL ticket prices to watch AHL players.. Don’t get me wrong, I love this team, but when does Charles and Garth give back to the fans… We lost a lot of games last year, and when you don’t improve the team, expect the same next year.. I myself as a season ticket holder is getting very frustrated with the same on ice product for years… We have not won one single round of playoff hockey since 1993… We have won only six playoff games since 1994…. That’s not good !!!
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JTorBUST says:
Who wants him ? He is soft , we need to rid ourselves of the players who are scared to get hit or have never thrown a check in their career. Garth take a page out of Reg Dunlops playbook , lets toughen this squad up. Their should be another mini camp hosted by Clark Gillies and Eric Cairns, with on ice instruction from Steve Webb and Bobby Ny -
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yes 104 refer to a movie for our team, good idea…tang is soft cause u watched so many games, lets say he does have a bum shoulder, think its hard to lay a check with a bum shoulder..and lets be honest we arnt trying to get tough, we are trying to give jt a linemate who has more then 1 year under his belt but less then 14…ps i luv when posters add names from days past..i love the dyn years to but bossy isnt coming back, get over it
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Heineken says:
The only thing i worry about is when we actually get decent and make a splash in the playoffs our top guys Okposo, bailey, tavares will be on there way out because this franchise wont be able to afford the talent. Then we will be right back in the “rebuild” phase.
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Have fun on the Florida Pussycats, Alex! We won’t miss you and your “soft” play. There is no room for softies on the New York Islanders. The days of the Kvasha’s, Kozlov’s and Satan’s playing for the Islander’s are over! That is what the KHL is for, “softies”! One dimensional Euro trash is what has ruined the NHL. I hope all the Czech and Russian softies stay over there and play in the KHL. At least the Finns and Swedes add something to this league.
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Wow. I didn’t realize the Islanders are $21 million under the cap (counting Yashin buyout). I mean, no one is even close (Phoenix is $13 million under). They have to add four players. But there’s no way I’d give Tanguay $5 million per. No way. If this is a Wang edict to not spend money, it’s nice to know that if this team somehow greatly overachieves, they have plenty of room to do something later in the unlikely event they have a shot at the No. 8 seed.
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Frank D says:
Forget Tanguay. Go back 15 or 20 years. Some of the best Islander players were acquired through the draft or trades. We’re not the Rangers.(Gaborik $7.5 mil?)Get serious,if he plays 40-45 games without getting hurt they’ll consider it a good deal. Let’s see where the chips fall and give GS a chance.
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sincityhockeyfan says:
i think the islanders are sticking to their original 3 to 5 year plan to turn it around. i dont think snow will add anything other then an enforcer, another last place finish is in order, to acquire even more talent, before making their move for the bigger free agency names, by this time next year, the islanders will know where they stand much better as a franchise, (arena issues, just how good and close these kids are to their potential) I think the islanders are going to be very good but that’s not for another 2 seasons, so what if they do sing tanguay to a 1 year deal, and he has a carear year with the islanders and they make the last playoff spot, what good does it do them to squeak in, get killed in 4 by the best team, instead of building the right way, with a chance to win it all, as opposed to being the 15th or 16th seed every year and just be the sacrificial lamb for the tam with the best record. i hope the islanders dont make any tanguay signings until next summer. I want to see a dominate elite islanders team, and am willing to wait, we’ve had our share of mediocre teams that when they did squeak in got eliminated in the 1st round. sorry for rambling. How are the islanders going to be able to sing all these kids.. in a few years when all their contracts expire at the same time. I think the islanders are going to have a very short window to win, after the team is assembled
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Frustrated Voter says:
Trust in Garth (for now). CB, great blog! It’s the first one I check every morning.
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JS says:
Why can’t rebuilding through the draft mean choosing players with great value year after after as Detroit does to build a dynasty? Too many people on this site are hoping for for another dreadful season and already talking about Taylor Hall…WTF…It’s July, as a fan you should be hoping that we finish first! I know it won’t happen, but who would root for their team to lose before the season even starts???
Strike while the iron is hot Garth. There hasn’t been this much buzz about the Isles in years..Make a splash..sign Tanguay and take SOME of the pressure off of Tavares! -
rc28 says:
We should be patient and wait for a team in cap trouble to unload a good young player like Phil Kessel, Blake Wheeler, Kris Versteeg, Jonathan Toews, Cam Barker, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards,… They would be a lot better fit for the Islanders than Tanguay.
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What about Radim Vrbata? TB does not seem ready to take him back, and I do like the guy. Think maybe the Isles could pick him up off waivers or something? The Isles could use a winger.
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Rob says:
Why exactly are we so against giving this guy a three year deal?? He is only 29 and a proven point a game player… Even if his numbers slip a little to say 60 points in 80 games, that is great..
What this team lacks is 3 players for the top 2 lines… We have Bailey, Okposo, and Tavares as the only true top 2 line guys.. That leaves three open spots… Slide Tangualy in at one of those spots and we have something like
Tanguay-Tavares-Weight
Hunter-Bailey-OkposoWe have really good talent coming through the system, but let me ask two questions that affect signing Tanguay to a 3 year deal..
1. How much of our talent coming through the system is top two line talent?
2. How much of that talent will be ready before 3 years from now?Corey Trinino might need three more years at Boston College as he just finished his freshman year.
Kiril Petrov has 3 years left on his KHL contract.
David Ullstrom is at least 2 years away..So why would signing a 29 year old proven point a game player to a 3 year deal be such a bad thing??
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Battfist says:
This is a 8th-10th place team if healthy
anything less is a disappointment.
Sign Him! 1 year 5 mill and like CB said you can trade him at the deadline. Other option: 2 years 9 Mill.