COMEAU, HILLEN OPT TO NOT SIGN QOs
Remain VERY restricted free agents
10:45 pm - Blake Comeau and Jack Hillen decided to let tonight’s deadline pass without signing their Qualifying Offers from the Islanders. This means the 23-year old right wing and 23-year old defenseman are now restricted free agents with little leverage. Short of receiving a rare offer sheet from another NHL team, they realistically only have the option of playing in Europe if they do not like their contract offers from the Islanders.
Comeau tonight insisted his focus is only on the Islanders.
“I’m optimistic my agent and the Islanders will get a contract done. This is the only team I want to play for,” Comeau said over the phone from Kelowna, British Columbia. “I’m very excited about our team. We have a great future and we took another big step today with John Tavares on board.”
Hillen confirmed to Point Blank that he also did not sign his Q.O. In a very gentlemanly text, Jack said he’d talk to me about anything other than contract talks and referred me to his agent.
It’s a bit of a surprise Comeau did not sign the Qualifying Offer from the Islanders, which called for a CBA-mandated 5% raise on his 2008-09 NHL salary of $735,000. Perhaps like Nate Thompson’s decision to file for arbitration, Comeau’s move is to push for a one-way contract. Comeau may also be attempting to acquire a multi-year deal.
The same may be the case for Hillen, who split last season between the Sound Tigers and Islanders and received some praise from head coach Scott Gordon. The dman was 1-5-6 in 40 games with the Islanders.
After spending the first quarter of last season in Bridgeport, Comeau was with the Islanders for the remainder of the year and went 7-18-25 in 53 games.
It’s now on Garth Snow to decide if he wants to play hardball with a third-line forward and third-pair defenseman who are part of the team’s accent on youth. Relations between club and Comeau are clearly solid, as are the Islanders’ expectations for him; Comeau and Kyle Okposo are being brought to Long Island at the end of this month for a series of charity and promotional appearances.
Hillen’s development has been a point of pride for the scouting staff, which pushed for his signing as an undrafted free agent after four years at Colorado College.
QOs 411
as borrowed from Andrew’s Dallas Stars page:
Teams are required to extend a one-year “qualifying offer” to any current restricted free agent by June 25 in order to receive the right of first refusal or draft choice compensation should that respective player sign an offer sheet with another NHL club. The qualifying offers will expire at 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) on July 15.
Qualifying offers fall into three categories:
1. A player whose prior year salary was equal or less than $660,000 must receive a qualifying offer of 110% of their prior year’s salary.
2. A player whose prior year salary was more than $660,000 and up to $1 million must receive a qualifying offer of 105% of their prior year’s salary (but in no event shall such qualifying offer exceed $1 million).
3. A player whose prior year salary was more than $1 million must receive a qualifying offer at 100% of their prior year’s salary.
If a team does not give a qualifying offer to a restricted free agent, he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and can sign with any team with no compensation required to the player’s former club.
Comments. That promised free agent analysis is now likely to be posted tomorrow.
91 Responses to COMEAU, HILLEN OPT TO NOT SIGN QOs
Remain VERY restricted free agents
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orngfan says:
hopefully comeau only wants a multi year deal and thats why he turned his QO down.. maybe he wants a 2 year deal, i have no problem with a 2 yr 2 way contract, even a 3 yr 2 way contract wouldn’t be terrible because you can just send him down if its not working out. i like his potential.
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Neil says:
We’re NEGOTIATING, Jerry!!
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Wow. Just freken sign the QO Blake – I don’t understand the agents getting fancy with these type of players on this type of team – just be happy and grateful that you are even apart of an NHL team and work hard to prove that you are more than a 3rd line player – I actually like Blake as a player, and think he has a lot to offer, but be happy with the paycheck the Isles are offering Blake, b/c there are a lot of other people out there that can barely keep their jobs, let alone get new ones.
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Never been that high on Comeau. If I’m Garth I offer him the same thing as the qualifying offer and if he doesn’t like it, have fun playin in Europe Blakey!
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joedayisback says:
Never been a big Comeau fan to begin with. He is rude with the fans. I guess that big 7 goal season has gotten to his head. I say let Thompson and Comeau see the door.
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IslesFanInBkNY says:
I sau trade Blake away and sign Matt Martin instead…
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steve says:
i like him and hope he signs….wasn’t afraid to through around his body and that’s what this team needs since they didn’t address the enforcer issue
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nystrom23 says:
Whats up with Thompson and Comeau thinking they have alot of leverage in negotiating with Snow?
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Just another agent trying to use leverage against the unrestricted by CAP issues Islanders’ payroll.
Frankly the agents work for the players … if the player truely thinks it’s a fair deal and truely desires playin for the Islanders … He signs that QO … I like Combs … but the fact that he was brought up two years in a row due to injury problems only solidifies his status as an AHL / NHL tweener … Love the kid’s hustle and spirit … but he’s a 3rd liner on the Islanders … he’s an AHL shuttle rider on most other teams. Unless he takes a huge step forward.
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James says:
The kid wants to fight for a one-way contract and/or multi-year deal? I’ve got no problem with that. But he better be on the bus when it leaves for Saskatoon…
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Jeff in Oyster Bay says:
Who does this guy think he is? I’m sorry, but did I miss something outstanding last year from Blake. We were the worst team in the league with him, he didn’t help us win crap, without him maybe we will be better. Enough Garth, show him the door already, and concentrate on bigger and BETTER players.
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admin says:
story updated: Jack Hillen just confirmed to me that he also did not sign his QO…CB
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Kevin says:
They all haven’t proven anything. Hillen can definitely go. I would like Blake to stay but I won’t cry if he leaves. Hillen and Thompson aren’t NHL players.
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KLann says:
keep him!
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dan from va beach says:
yeah,,,,,everyone REALLY wants to be a part of the isles:(:(
it’ll be hard rebuilding when all of our youth doesn’t want to stay here!
get the damn lighthouse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Jon says:
16- This has zero to do with the fact that it’s the Isles. Every team deals with this garbage.
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Matt says:
I like Blake and hope he sticks around. What is Comeau projected as though? a third line winger? should be interesting to follow. Jack Hillen on the other hand, eh.
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303Joe says:
Sign Comeau and Martin you need their size up front. Bye bye to Thompson and Hillen both are easily replaceable.
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Mikey says:
I like what Blake can bring to our lineup: size, a little grit, and some playmaking ability off the wing. However, he is still a youngster and has not established himself in the league. I am a little surprised that he did not take the arbitration route in order to get his one-way deal. I do not know his particular contract demands, but I hope the one-way issue is the main hold up. If he thinks he can get 1M, then he better have fun playing in Siberia all winter after missing the flight to Saskatoon.
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you’re probably right,
i’m just paranoid that when some of these young guys develop and they need to be resigned they’ll go elsewhere—-
that’s how i’ve been conditioned for the past 16 years, since the 80′s and 93′ -
Seems to me this is not about them NOT wanting to play here, its about these guys wanting to play here longer. They may want more than 1y deals, or contracts like Joey Mac got from us where it was 2-way then turned 1-way the following year.
I cant really get mad that guys want to lock themselves to the team for longer amounts of time, really. I hope things work out, I like them both a lot.
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Wow, just refreshed the page. Hillen too!? The kid played a handful of games in the NHL, and now he thinks he is an NHL player? I’m starting to think that the Tamby/Nielsen contracts may have led to this. Garth caved last summer and gave Frans and Jeff multi-year, one-way deals because he did not think they had anything left to prove at the Bridge. Obviously, everything is working out well with Frans, but Tamby has not lived up to expectations. Unfortunately, Garth may have set a precedent here, and other young players are trying to take advantage. This is what happens when you give young players icetime, rather than require them to earn a roster spot.
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Irish Isle says:
I just think that Comeau’s agent, like Thompson’s sees a young team, and are trying to get one-way deals to ensure their clients stay in the nhl.
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Maybe it is just me, but as far as I am concerned, Thompson (I still laugh at that), Comeau, and Hillen can all go. They have proven nothing. They have NO leverage. I don’t even know if there would be interest from Europe.
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Adam M says:
Totally agree with Irish Isle on this one. These guys are looking for one-way deals. I doubt they are even worried about the terms at this point in their careers.
I dunno what games you guys have been watching, but Comeau played pretty well the past 2 seasons – he makes some big hits and puts in his share of goals. I see absolutely no reason to write this kid off because he’d rather stay in the NHL than have the possibility of going to bridgeport (which wouldn’t benefit his career at this point). Put yourselves in his shoes. Why go backwards?
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22
another good point!
that’s it for me,
until tomorrow,
peace -
Ryan says:
It’s astonishing that people come at this with the perspective that the players should shut up and accept what the organization gives them. These kids fight day in and out during the season for their place in the lineup. Why shouldn’t that fight extend into the offseason? This org (and all NHL franchises) make some personnel decisions based on contract status. Having a 1-way contract gives them an edge. Why shouldn’t they pursue that, if they’re advised by their agent that they have a little bit of leverage?
Think of it this way. You get your foot in the door at a firm in NYC. Would you accept the possibility of being relocated to Buffalo lying down? Or would you fight to make sure your contract says there’s no chance you get moved to a less desirable place?
So long as these things are handled professionally by the org and the player’s agent, the likelihood of long term damage is slight. The Isles like these kids, they want them to be Islanders for the forseeable future, and they’ll do what they have to do to keep them happy and in the org.
It’s when you get unreasonable negotiators that the business model falls apart.
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AZS says:
So, just to review …Thompson, Comeau (Nolan’s boy), and Jack Hillen all refused the offers? That’s so comical. Comeau is the only one out of that group I can actually stand, and he’s even getting tiresome. He really hasn’t put up any numbers at all …Thompson is a joke and Hillen is a nobody …2 of the 3 of them wouldn’t make any other NHL club …what a joke …I would let all three go somewhere else …
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moose says:
Later blake open up a spot for uncle jesse or bob figren..he couldn’t crack that awful lineup outta camp last year who needs him
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JPinVA says:
There’s nothing like Islander Fan Loyalty…
It’s a story about two guys who are trying to negotiate the right to stay an Islander rather than have to be on a shuttle all year.
If I read the situation correctly, any team can offer them under $994K w/o compensation. the Isles will then have to match that or lose them for squadoosh.
Comeau may not be anybody’s favorite, but a one way deal seems reasonable for somebody who at the beginning of last year worked his tail off (go back and read CB’s Blog) to be an ISLANDER.
Hillen is a good hockey player. He makes good passes… but his game has holes like the rest of the defense… and Snow has made sure that there is no shortage of undersized puck handling defensemen.
I’m not certain that if they can pick up an NHL Vet that Jack makes the squad in october. Even a healthy Freddy Three might push him to Conn.
But we might as well just sit back and watch this unfold. And whatever happens, SUPPORT THESE GUYS! -
Islesin2010 says:
I was furious with Gordon for not having Blake in the lineup the first 30 games of the year. After his brief display the year before I thought he had definitely earned his spot on the team. However, after watching his performance on a nightly basis the shine kind of wore off for me. It seemed his effort was not always consistent. With that being said, when the effort was there, he was a joy to watch. He could rise to a 20-goal 2nd line winger with the right guys around him, I say give him a 2 year, $2 mil deal and put Nielsen as his center.
I like Hillen too, but he still has a lot to prove.
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Isles_Goal says:
I don’t blame Comeau. We are rebuilding with young kids…he deserves a one-way contract. I would understand if we were signing free agents and there was no room for him…but WTF???
Please show me the free agents!!!
This organization makes no sense.
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Strummer's Army says:
I like Blake and Jack. I believe this is all business and will be easily resolved. I’m still trying to figure out who Comeau the player is (Hillen too to an extent). Is Blake the big time scorer and talented guy Guerin described after leaving the Isles? A consistent impact player who can net 25+ consistently and be a big time set up man, who hit hard and play with an edge or is he going to continue to disapear for stretches and end up being a 3rd liner? It’s up to Blake.
What I do know is the Isles have enough talent Joensuu, Figern, Trevino, Petrov, Martin, Rahshanski, DiBiento and more nipping at these guys heels. Who ever doesn’t perform will find themselves replaced in a year or two. That for the Isles and their fans is great news!
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Mitch says:
This is not even remotely close to a big deal. Just because they would like to negotiate a multi-year deal or get slightly more than a 10% raise I wouldn’t get upset. Judging by the salary structure of the team though and the production of guys like Park and Nielsen there really isn’t much leverage for Comeau and there’s just as little leverage for Hillen. I’m sure they’ll sign at reasonable prices.
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Mitch -
Staten Islander says:
I want Blake back, hillen can be shown the door, he’s replaceable
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isles99 says:
hillen is a nobody and comeou is VERY replacable (jesse joenssu)….like thompson, see ya late blake and jack
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Neologizer says:
This isn’t about the money Only 3 guys (Weight, hunter and Jon Sim make 1 million or more)
Blake had $735k and Hillen $875k base salary last year and can’t be offered less.
This years base salaries
KO – $850k
JB – $875
Bergie $925
Tamby – 625
Nielsen 533
Park – 800
Wrecker – 525
Jackman -550
Thompson -500Its most likely about one way two way
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Opps forgot the defense
Streit 4.1 mil
Sutton 3.5
Witt 3.0
Martinek 1.4
Gervais 800k
Meyer 600 -
CB, I was thinking… maybe it is that we arent used to this kind of in-depth coverage of the team. Can you maybe give us some relative perspective on these kinds of things? I mean, this kind of thing sounds like the kind of thing that happens with many players at various times… and the players were not crucified for it, because many or most fans likely didnt even know about it. So, what other players have been in this kind of situation before? The only recent one I know of is Bergie.
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DM says:
Ryan #28: Well said!
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kevin27nyi says:
without knowing the full details (whats being negotiated) its hard for me to judge what the problem is but id like to have comeua,hillen and thomspon back and hopefully on 2-way contracts. it just gives the team more options.
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dirk says:
I get a kick out of these ungrateful punks saying “talk to my agent” and “it’s between them and my agent” the freaking agents work FOR the players not the other way around. Comeau has proved nothing in terms of him being an NHL regular,except that he’s easily replaced. Get rid of these bad apples before their delusions of grandeur start to rub off on the rest of the team.
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Jim Clark says: Since Wang feels that a back up goalie can be a GM and that GM feels a goaltender is worth a 15 year contract, I can understand why a third line player on the worst team can feel he’s worth more than he is. When he isn’t. I expect this to be resolved soon enough.
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KO21 says:
I can’t blame Blake for wanting a one way multi year deal…The Isles are in the habit of making 1 year contracts and its annoying to be frank…
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On the other hand, Comeau hasn’t even played a full season in the NHL yet, so he should be looking to have a great year, so he could be rewarded with a better deal..
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beatlebailey says:
i forgot comeau was on the team to be honest..that’s the impact he made last year…leverage? leverage? what leverage does blake comeau have? buh-bye…maybe he can go play for Nolan again – another guy who seemed to think he was big time and again is on the outside looking in at the nhl
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oh and #28 when you are a lowly intern at that NYC firm you eat $hi! and pay your dues before you make demands…there are 20 people looking to take your job.
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Ryan #28 – Comeau should absolutely just shut up and take what’s offered to him. What has he proven? NOTHING. He scored all of 7 goals last year and now wants a raise and a multi year one way deal? You need to earn that and he has not earned that yet. He is going to get a 5% raise to about $760,000 in an recession where most people who are working their butts off are getting laid off or fired. This guy gets zero sympathy from me.
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Blockness Monster says:
Were Hillen, Comeau and Sutton rumored to being the three components of a package that Garth is shopping around the league?
If its true, I don’t blame those 2 for not signing. Let them get traded and let them negotiate with the club that coveted them.
My 2 cents on this….
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Sal says:
whatever…now sign tanguay and/or afinogenov.
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Battfist says:
Neither player has shown they are keepers.
As said by others we did see flashes of skills from both players during last season-however both players have holes in their game.
I can understand Blake wanting a one-way contract….but Hillen?! -
Jimmy Mac says:
I have no problem giving Comeau a one way contract.
Sign him for 3 years giving him his 5% raise for the next 3 years.
Hillen I’m not sure about. He is more on the fringe.
You don’t want to lose him, but I expect this defence corp to look alot different next year.
You have to figure out where he fits in.
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Mike in Bohemia says:
It’ just business. We shouldn’t write these guys off for trying to get what they (or their agents) think is fair, even if we disagree. Let the business end of things take care of itself. If they make the team and blossom, we’ll all love them. If they ever wind up on the rags or toronto, we’ll hate them.
If we knew about the negotiations with guys like Bossy, Trots, etc. (before we knew how good they would be) we might have thought them (and their agents) to be greedy, or not loyal to the Islander organization.
Just let this play out, and support these guys as long as they are Islanders.
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jbranny says:
Right on, Mike in Bohemia (49). These players aren’t going anywhere. They may just want to negotiate a one-way or multi-year vs. the standard QO they’ve been given. Standard stuff.
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Dan says:
I say let them all go, Comeau, Hillen and Thompson and use that money to sign Tanguay. Now you have a spot in the line up for your 29 yr old winger who has proven himself in the past to put up some pretty respectable numbers.
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Alex says:
Comeau’s situation is understandable. I think the Isles really low-balled him with a 2-way deal. Comeau has proven himself way more than Tambellini has these past two years. He has great hockey sense, slows the game down well, and a good shot. He should definitely be part of this team’s future as a producer on the second/third line. Last year he had to deal with starting in the Bridge because the team got a new coach, and he still earned himself a full time job on the big club.
I don’t know what Hillen is thinking. He hasn’t earned himself a one-way contract in this league yet, regardless of what team’s system he’s in. One more year of solid play on either level should earn him that.
I still can’t believe the team is only paying Nielson 533k. Barring injury, I think this will be his breakout year and that he will open many eyes around the league with his finesse and skill.
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Brian in VA says:
Comeau has done SQUAT!
Hillen has done… Wait who the he11 is Jack Hillen…Look these two are beyond stupid not to sign QO’s… So good riddance, have fun living in Obscurity with no job… At least the Isles made them obscure with an NHL paycheck (good for groupie’s)…
Snow don’t bring these arrogant “Point Blanks (pun)” back. -
OK … None of us … not even these players’ agents know how much these players are worth more than Garth and Scott.
None of us know what these players (agents) are looking for as far as contract terms. Thompson should just be left out to dry on the vine. Nobody wants him.
Comeau may want to be an Islander, but he hasn’t proven that he’s even a solid 3rd line NHL player yet. The smart thing for him is to take a one year, two way and light it up this year to earn more $$$ and longer terms next year.
Hillen??? He has more holes in his game then the asphalt on the BQE and LIE put together. Now that he’s an RFA … give him till start of camp to find new place to play or else take less money on a 2 way for a ticket to Sask.
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BST18 says:
Let Hillen walk, They can find another AVERAGE d-man to take his roster spot. If he’s holding out for a one way deal then please go and dont let the door hit you on the way out…
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MDB says:
It’s business people. It’s amazing to see people getting all upset at these kids as if they were Dany Heatly demanding a trade. Get a grip.
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UIF says:
I don’t know…I think Comeau’s earned a one way contract just as much as Nielson has, and certainly more than Tambellini has. Is his AGENT’S request really that outlandish given that context? Nielson had 33 pts in 59 games last year. Comeau had 25 pts in 53 games. For everyone saying Comeau fell off so much compared to the year before, he had 15 pts in 51 games in 07-08. He put up better numbers; he has not gotten worse…and that’s after he had to change his entire game since Gordon had a problem with him pulling up at the blue line and feathering passes, which was really his bread and butter the year before. Good passer with speed, some size, and a decent shot that just needs to develop more…there’s no reason to show him the door.
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bossy4president says:
show the boldheaded 20+ y/o the door garth, go lock up MM…..I also can’t stand why the kids helmet always looks like it’s not on straight. Does anyone know why that is? Is it a fashion statement or is his head a weird shape or something?
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Angry Bill says:
I think Blake has a lot of potential. I think he can be a 20 goal man under the right circumstances. He even started playing with a bit of an edge later in the year which we desperately need more of. They better get this contract done.
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Brian G says:
Let’s make this easy – these guys have proved nothing at the NHL Level:
Comeau – 2 years – 775 (2way) & 800 (1way)
Hillen – 2 years – 800 (2way) & 825 (1way)
Thompson – 2 years – 500(2way) & 525(1way) -
Lafontaine16 says:
I don’t understand all the negative talk about Comeau. I think he has a ton of potential and agree with post #64 he can easily be a 20-25 goal man. He holds the puck well, has patientce and ALWAYS, ALWAYS finishes his checks. He has the potential to play on his off wing because he skates so well and can definetely be a top 2 line player. In fact i would like to see him given a chance with Tavares to see what they can do. His ability to finishes his checks creates a lot of space for his linemates. Comeau is a keeper, because he brings a lot to the table. A nice long term contract like the one Nielsen signed would be awesome.
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vukota says:
Who cares really. Two fringe players that really doesn’t affect this team one way or another. I love how somebody earlier poster Comeau DESERVES a 1 way contract??? Can you explain to me why he deserves it?
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Ajax says:
bye!
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Hale says:
he holds the puck well??? he hold the puck wayyyyyyyyyy to long and needs to shoot way more..hillen well thats just a joke
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I like Comeau, wanted him to be a full timer last year. But I think we’ve seen close to his best. Definitely inconsistent but I loved his grit and effort when it was there. I don’t think he’ll ever be that 25 goal scorer. I’d love for this kid to prove me wrong too but truthfully I wouldn’t mind seeing him go if it meant upgrading.
Hillen, I don’t believe earned a 1-way spot. All I saw was decent passing and skating but I think the position requires a bit more.If we decide to move Comeau or he goes somewhere else, who is his likely replacement?
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Pablo says:
All I see when I look at this Roster is a team that will finish at the bottom of the league,with our youth becoming a rotating door.
Remember just 2 years ago Garth Snow was speaking the world of these guys. And now they are getting there luggage ready. -
put that money toward Martin, why not?
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I don’t see how this decision helps either of them, but I’m interested in finding out.
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islesfan999 says:
Comeau is 22 yrs old. I see him as a future 2nd liner with 20 goal potential. He could become a solid 2 way player. I would prefer to keep him for another 2-3 yrs and watch him develop.
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Pete DeBenedetto says:
What’s Wang’s deadline????
See Chara.
See Bergy. -
Spartiarti - RVC says:
i like comeau and he wants to stay with isles. I dont htink he looking for big money, just a long term one way deal. that is understood.
Hillen on other hand, who does he think he is. Did he accomplish anything that makes him deserve a good contract. give me a break. Send him walking. Ness will be better than him after this year anyway.
Streit, Martinek, Witt, Sutton, Grevais and Meyer suits me fine. Sorry Hillen.
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Will C says:
Everyone needs to relax. THese kids are just trying to get one way deals. Let the 2 ways go to jesse, and other prospects. Nothing wrong with that, will probably be the same money, just a different term. Good for them trying to stick with the big club.
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Well, if I’m Blake’s agent, I say Comeau deserves a one way b/c he’s put up better NHL numbers than Tambs and comparable numbers to Nielson, who both got their one way contracts (and Blake is several years younger!). And clearly playing at BP is not going further his career any…it will probably hurt it if he gets buried in the AHL, actually. Maybe he doesn’t make the grade, ultimately, but like Tambs, it’s success in the NHL or bust this season for Blake at this stage of his career. Why did Tambellini get the support and vote of confidence from mgmt to show his stuff and prove himself with a one way, but Blake does not? That’s the question I’d be asking if I was the agent.
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guru says:
who cares, this team is the last place team anyway the way it is right now. you can’t rebuild without adding quality UFAs. I understand that Tanguay is a wishful thinking, but Afinogenov is a possibility. he is a very good, speedy player who just need a fresh start (like Samsonov in Carolina)
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Why not give them one ways… it’s not like we have anybody to take their spots.
Plus what do you guys care if they get a one way or two way… it doesn’t affect your day to day life…lol.
If they want one ways, then just lock them up longer for less money.
I like Comeau as a player, I think he is gaining confidence. These are young players learning the ropes.
Plus they are just listening to their agents.
It’s really not a big deal.
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Angelos says:
IMO, I would give Comeau the one-way. He’s somewhere in the middle of our depth chart.
Hillen, OTOH, is behind Marty, Sutton, Streit, Witt, Gervais, and Meyer and hasn’t done enough to leap frog any of them. He needs to realize that, take the 2way/1year and work his butt off this season to show he’s better than at least one of them.
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comeau seemed to have good chemistry when he was paired with KO and Baily, I’m ok with giving him a 2 year one way deal. hillen can go
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Let’s cash in some of these nickles and see if we can at least get a quarter. In other words: how many players do we have on the level of KO, Bailey, JT, Streit, Weight, etc. If these guys don’t want to prove themeselves before asking for $$, hasta la vista, we’ll get another Johnny no name AHL-NHL gamble. Let’s get real here.
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Wow. It’s amazing how vitriolic people get on this subject. For the record, I’m not sure either Comeau or Hillen have earned more than their qualifying offers, but they certainly have the right to dispute whatever they’ve been offered and negotiate the best deal possible. The difference between AHL and NHL salaries is an entire order of magnitude. They need to look out for their own future as well as their family’s. It’s their responsibility to get as good as they can when they have the chance.
It’s also Snow et al.’s responsibility to get the best value they can. That’s the purpose of a negotiation.
By the way, what if the impetus behind not signing the qualifying offer is that the player wants to play on Long Island for the long term? A QO only covers one season. What if these guys are so dedicated that they want to wear the Island on their chest for the next four years instead? Does it make sense vilifying them now?
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Willis says:
UIF #78 – Great points, didn’t think of that. I have to agree. Hope they all get things worked out soon. Can’t wait to see them play!
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Eric says:
People need to relax. It seems to be less about the money and more about getting a one way deal. The only reason people are upset is that these guys already make more than 99% of us in a year. Comeau is only 23. He has 20+ goal potential. Right now he’s too inconsistent. To those who want to just cut him loose, you’ll be the same people who’ll be complaining on here if he develops elsewhere. People say he needs to prove himself first but we just signed JT to a 3 year deal that will pay him a few million and he has yet to play a minute in the NHL. What has he proven? Don’t get me wrong I am pumped about JT but people need to back off of these guys. He only scored 7 goals…he just turned 23 in Feb., he has good size(6’1″, 207 lbs) which people say we need, he can be physical, he has a bit of an edge in his game, he has skills with the puck and a good shot when he actually shoots. Like most young guys he just has to be consistent night to night. Give him a 2 year one way deal and let him sink or swim. I think that was the thinking with Tamby. Great AHL #’s but was always in and out of the NHL lineup and only getting 4th line minutes. They gave him a 2 year one way deal and said prove yourself. He hasn’t. He needs a fast start this year or he’ll be gone. I have no problems doing that with Comeau. Better him than wasting 2 years and a roster spot on some middling, aging UFA that nobody else wanted.
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Smokey says:
Giving up on Comeau and Hillen at this juncture is complete and utter lunacy.
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West Coast Fan says:
There are a lot of people making far too much about agents looking to actually negotiate contracts for their players. It’s rare in any business when a contract is simply accepted, in its original draft form, without any type of edit/ negotiation. This is not a big deal.
Comeau’s a keeper.
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Swan says:
Hillen has far more potential than Comeau, imo. It was obvious in their play last season.
Comeau wouldn’t start on any line for more than 75% of the teams in the NHL. He came off a career season and scored 7 goals. 7. Accept a two-way or go to Europe. I don’t get how people see him as a 25+ goals, 2nd winger. His upside is Aaron Voros, a big skating winger who can chip in around 8-10 goals a season. Not worth crying about.
Hillen, otoh, performed well considering it was his rookie year. 3rd/4th line wingers that can score 9 goals can be readily found. Smooth skating, offensive defenseman are a much more desired commodity. Hillen should be signed way before Comeau. Heck, give Hillen Comeau’s $.
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Moses says:
Keep Comeau. Potential second liner and 20+ Goal scorer. Good work ethic and I believe knows he is lucky to play in the NHL, just wants to stay there!
lame. hope blakey stays around i like him. he better not pull the stuff that no-name kid reddox from edmonton did and go play in europe now