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Since the team is off on Friday, I’ll write a recap post with some of the best of your Qs and worst of my answers.
Thanks for participating…CB
Identity Theft Protection
click here
Who is the Isles player rep for the PA? I keep reading throughout the league of other reps, but I guess everything is a secret in Islander Country
Do you think Matt Moulson will be more than just a one year wonder? Could he actually be a long-term 20 goal plus scorer?
do you think the isles will be going into the trade deadline as buyers or sellers?
CB, I know its a long time before JT can be a unrestricted FA, but do you think he would seriously consider staying or bolt first chance he got? To say his home town Leafs?
Chris, I’m seeing the same signs of problems as previous seasons: lack of depth on defense, lack of scoring punch, awful special teams..So, as presently constructed, do you think the Islanders can grab a playoff spot?
Any updates on the uniform change over for next season?
this one is very hypothetical…The Islanders add a top goal scorer via trade or free agency sometime between this trade deadline and trade deadline 2012. Keeping it realistic(obviously no Ovie, Sid, Gino) who do you think they add or look to add?
What is Jeff Tambellini doing wrong that Scott Gordon has kept him in the doghouse? When he gets on the ice again, what does he have to do to stay there?
MT: Last I knew, Rick DiPietro was the Islanders’ player rep. He has been a very active member of the players’ association…CB
Have any good Rich Pilon stories? Always loved good old rugged Rich. I know so many of the tough guys on the ice tend to be the nicest guys off the ice. Was he that way?
Thanks CB!
Why has Jeff Tambellini been scratched? I mean the guy is developing into a great goal scorer. They don’t even give him a chance. Why don’t they scratch Hunter or Park instead?
Excluding DeHaan and Hamonic - which 2 players in the Islanders system do you see having a legitimate chance at making the Islanders line up as a regular next year?
And at the expense of which current players?
Thanks so much CB-
Be completely honest–do you think top tier Free Agents won’t come to Long Island? Is it really about money, or about coming to a contender? In other words, is there even a 1% chance of us adding a huge piece (like Kovalchuk) in Free Agency?
Will Park, Witt, Gervais, and Meyer not be on the team when the 2010-2011 season starts in October?
Alex: Since you were reasonable enough to set the bar at 20 goals, yes, I do think Matt Moulson can be a 20-goal scorer for this team for the next few years. It’s a good sign that he continues to get chances and some goals no matter what line he’s on.
Crap. I thought tonight would start the proceedings slowly. Don’t people sleep? CB
Does Garth Snow and the Isles really thing Matt Martin is the future answer as a “Tavares Protector” for this team, or will they be looking elsewhere this offseason/trade deadline?
chris, over the summer(if my memory serves me right) you may have made comments stating that streit was the leading candidate to lead the islanders as their captain, also noting okposo and weight as worthy candidates. in the last few weeks you have said okposo is the future captain. we can see his leadership on the ice, but what can you tell us about his leadership off the ice in the locker room?
What type of player do you think the Islanders will draft in June? What do you think we need looking at our prospects? As of right now, a top 10 pick looks like a real possibility.
CB- I know the Isles need lots of help in all positions… But … If you could be GM for one transaction on UFA day … Which position and player would you sign first if you were allowed access to the Isles’ checkbook? What do you think that player’s worth is on the open market?
A question for you CB? Why do you love doing this so much?
Just to let you know…..we are soooooooooo
happy you do!!!!!
Pattyb94: Technically, they will not be buyers or sellers. In less than two weeks, they’ll know where they are in the playoff race on March 1. They will still be in it. (Hey, look at that: the Bruins lost again). They will not be pro-active in search of a major impact player. They will consider offers for the few available players they have of value - Andy Sutton leads that list. Garth Snow will decide in the hours leading up to the March 3 deadline whether it’s worth accepting a good offer for Sutton…CB
CB, Great job as always. If the Isles drop out of it why wouldn’t you trade Roloson? A 40 year old goaltender who would appear to have some value. Then just resign Biron for another year. For a developing team what is wrong with having Biron and 2nd round pick instead of Roloson and a 4th round pick going forward?
I remember you saying the Islanders were 1 good forward and 1 good defenseman away from being a playoff team this year. I agreed with you then, and I still don’t think we’re a playoff team. What do you think is best for the organization? Sell, sell, sell or stick with what we’ve got and maybe sneak into the 8th spot?
Asuming isles miss the playoffs this year, come back with lowest payroll next season n miss the playoffs will Wang be holding snow n gordan accountable by firing them or will Wang just focus on his city n china hockey dreams rather then be concerned with wins n losses?
What are the odds Sutton gets traded should they fall out of contention, and what is his draft value?
No rest on the West coast CB…Any word on Okposo’s chances to make Team USA as an alternate? Do you think he’s the next guy in if someone were to get hurt? Do they have alternates in Vancouver during tourney play? And finally, what type of backlash have you been hearing, if any, around the league about Okposo’s snub? Thanks CB…GO USA!
What specifically led to Campoli (and Comrie) being traded and subsequently being referred to as “bad apples”??
NickyL: I’ve spoken at length about this subject with Tavares. Just haven’t gotten around to writing about it, so I’ll just blow the story here and others can write it.
I have absolutely no concern whatsoever that Tavares will be with any team other than the Islanders during his restricted free agent days. He’s very on board with Long Island and the team. You won’t have to sweat it out when he gets to his “Kessel” year. It’s just a matter of whether he signs for another 3 or 13 years.
Good thing is, it’s a real long shot this blog will be around for a long time. If I’m wrong about this, maybe you can hunt me down on Twitter…CB
will the islanders be bigger players in free agency now that wang has increased his revenue streams from the coliseum?
What are your recollections of Olli Jokinen with Isles. He seems to have developed a reputation as a bad team guy the past few years despite his talent.
If you had to predict right now, in what order will the next few prospects arrive?
Including possible top pick this year?
Even though Islanders Country clearly believes he’s messing everything up, can we expect to see Scott Gordon extended, say over the summer, or is the last year of his contract where he really gets to earn the big bucks?
Training camp in China: good idea or bad? Having been to China and back more than a few times and having seen how long it can take to recover from jet lag… Uh, I have an opinion on the matter. Yours?
CB….With the Rangers showing that even Kotalik can find a new home, any way Garth can work some magic and deal Witt? I’m not talking for anything of note. Even just a 5th or a 6th round pick? Would be nice to be clear of that $3 mil for next season.
In your opinion how much longer do you think Wang will be willing to wait for the Lighthouse project? Futhermore, if it doesn’t get approved would he be more likely to sell the team or move them somewhere else in NY (Brooklyn, Queens, or Suffolk)?
Do you think the Isles will buy out the last year of Witt’s or Martinek’s contact?
Hey Chris, I love your website and all that you do for the fans- it’s truly remarkable…So my favorite player growing up, of who i donned his jersey number for my entire hockey career was Steve Thomas.. Any good stories about stumpy?
Hi CB, will the Isles re- sign any of their RFA before the end of this season, like Moulson. Bergie, Hillen, etc?
Mike Olivo: The Islanders are one of seven mediocre teams going for two, maybe three spots. (You have to think Lavi’s Flyers could join the present pack in the top six). If they get their act together, play well at home and make a roster adjustment or two, why can’t they compete? CB
Hey CB- I have 2 simple questions.
1.Does Tambellini ever get a legitimate shot with the Isles or does he get moved in the near future?
2.Dario’s or D’Ugo?
Andrew: the Islanders will wear their classic royal blues at home next season and are working on matching whites for 2010-11…CB
I still don’t understand why the entire Lighthouse Project is needed and not just a new rink. Is a (overdue-to-be)-winning team in a new rink not profitable in of itself?
mLem: You’re asking me to predict what goal scorer the Islanders add to their roster by March 2012? Sorry, bud. That’s just too mind-blowing for me. Let me see if I still have one of my Yes or Emerson, Lake & Palmer LPs from the old Titus Oaks in Hicksville…CB
Josh B: The last game Tambellini played, he was soft on a particular play, was scratched the next game and you know the rest. The whole way the Islanders have handled this - you know, playing him twice in two months - would be funny if Jeff wasn’t such a solid young man. Scott will never answer your question specifically, which is understandable. Jeff will get in a game soon, he will score and everyone will talk about how hard he worked in practice. We’re still waiting for Tambellini’s trade value to be cashed in, I guess. Strange one, indeed…CB
Other than Travis Hamonic, are there any other prospects the Islanders currently own rights to that need to be signed before the 2010 Entry Draft?
Chris, out of the upcoming crop of Islanders free agents (Sutton, Sim, Park, etc.), who do you think stays, and who do you think goes? Thanks!
Kevin Fitz: For some reason, Rich Pilon and I hit it off well. I think he was shy at big charity events and would seek me out (not that I’m Mr. social).
When the NYI and his agent agreed on his last contract extension with the team, it took me a long time one night in Vancouver to track Rich down and tell him to come back to the team hotel to sign his contract. When he finally returned my calls he said in his high voice, “Botts, have I been traded”?
ExtraButterRVC: Excluding, in your words, de Haan and Hamonic (who should not be on the Islanders out of camp), you’d hope Jesse Jonesuu has progressed enough to push for a spot. Maybe they’ll give Matt Martin a long look. Who would they replace? See my response at Comment 43…CB
Do you feel Bergenheim has reached his potential and this is what he is, or is there still room for improvement?
Devon: If pitched effectively and offered the best contract, sure, there is a chance a top free agent would come to the Islanders eventually. A more secure arena situation would certainly help. It is probably a moot point because the Islanders have not wooed any major FAs since 2007 and I don’t think they will in 2010…CB
Great job, CB. After about 1 month of playing, do you have any idea how DP’s body is holding up? Is he 100% recovered, or are there any lingering issues of note?
Will Pierre Turgeon make the hall of fame? He gets my vote.
CB,
So if C-Wang has the $$ to ship the team to a communist nation for 10 days and offer them a once in a lifetime experience, which I think is a great thing to do as an owner, does it make him seem silly talking about losing money with the Lighthouse negotiations ongoing?
And what is going on with that too!>!>???
Great read on Andrew MacDonald CB. That was gold. Unsung hero award is all his so far.
Assuming the Isles dont rise in the standings, will there be a FowGudGorm watch?
Folks: I’m incapable and not interested in predicting with 100% certainty the futures of fourth-line forwards and third-pair defensemen. I hope you understand. If they are under contract, there’s a great chance they’ll be here…CB
If Bailey is out for Thursday’s game, would Tambellini be the player to get into the line-up ??
If you had to grade the job of Garth Snow and company since the beginning of the rebuilding project (2008 Draft more specifically), what would that grade be?
By the way, shocked no Collin Campbell questions yet.
Craigers: I doubt Snow has Matt Martin on his dry-erase board as future John Tavares protector. He likely has him pegged as a potential third-liner with some muscle who might be able to score 15 goals in a season. I doubt Martin’s job is locked in for the NHL next season. Not at all…CB
In 03-04 the Islanders really seemed to miss Jason Wiemer. Is the official explanation (salary dumb) kosher or was there something else that popped up during the season (the timing seemed weird)?
Larry 3039: I thought last summer that Streit would be the best choice for captain. Weight is good, but my opinion has not changed. No matter how close a reporter may be to a team, they could not give you specific behind-the-scenes examples of leadership.
Kyle Okposo will be the captain in the next year or two, deservedly so. I think the press and the fans have both seen enough of Kyle to know the reasons why…CB
If we can’t have Rock N’ Roll pt 2, how about the last 44 seconds of “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for a new goal song?
It’s better than Nickelback and Pennywise!
Any chance the Islanders can get Marleau out of San Jose as a UFA or trade for a real quality restricted free agent forward or defenseman with a team who has cap issues? BTW this team needs another lottery pick to take the next step in rebuild process
19 Isle in NJ 22: The Islanders should find the best under-30 defenseman they can find on the open market and give him what he wants for five years…
Hi CB, thanks for taking the time to do this. Do you know if Rolli & DP get along? Is there enough of a competition type of relationship there to push each other?
If the season ended today, the Islanders are in the bottom five, with a chance for the #1 pick. Who would you pick?
Thanks, beachchica. I cover professional ice hockey. I have season credentials for 3 NHL rinks within an hour of my home. In my brief time away from the Islanders, I worked the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, the Winter Classic at Fenway and wrote about the drafting of John Tavares for months (!). And the best is yet to come. I’ve been blessed with great contacts and even better friends. I still get to hang with my three sons. There’s nothing not to love…CB
Do you feel that because Martin Biron has been sent to Bridgeport on conditioning it’s sign that no trade is close to happening? And, at this point, can we expect anything more than a 3rd rounder?
DeHaamonic: I don’t think you can rule out the Islanders doing something like that, but that sure seems like a whole lot of nothing just to get a second round pick for Dwayne Roloson. The Martin Biron signing did not turn out to be the wonderful thing the Islanders thought it would be. Not sure why they’d want to cash out on Roloson, unless they were blown away. And I doubt they’ll be blown away…CB
With all the positive things that have occured, (Schremp, Hillen, MacDonald, Sutton…), great games under “the system” and bright prospects emerging. Do you think this has been a successful season already?
Stephen: I think Garth should just make the smart, small move or two to give the current squad a better chance. If he gets a knee-weakening offer for Sutton, he has to consider it. And then Garth should just ride it out and see where Gordon and the boys take it…CB
Friends: As I wrote in the intro, please read the thread and do not repeat questions. Thank you…CB
Thanks for doing this CB! I feel like you must have an amazing Benoit Hogue story waiting to be shared. The vague impression I have of him off the ice is that he may have been the greatest Isles prankster ever. Am I mistaken?
You’re a beaut, eastonhockey. To answer your question, Charles Wang is not going to fire Garth Snow under any circumstances for a very long time. Snow will determine Gordon’s future. I expect Scott will be back next season no matter what. As a close observer of this team, you probably knew the answer to your question…CB
CB- Who is a person in the front office/organization who is under the radar, but a major contributor? Thanks!
Nick: I could be mistaken at this late hour, but I’m not aware of a USA forward right now in jeopardy of missing the Olympics. I would hope Okposo would be somewhere in the top 5 on Burke’s list of replacements, but I wouldn’t make plans to watch the Islander in Vancouver at the Games…CB
Cb, can u tell me what’s up with m cherkawkski this days?
CB, which prospect in the islanders system do you think is the next andy macdonald? In other words, who has a chance to be a very good late draft pick from the last 3-4 years?
bergie20: If the Islanders are ever big players in free agency in the next year or two, it won’t be because the Islanders are making some extra dough on parking and concessions. It will be because they decided to spend on a quality player to make the team better…CB
Rob: Chris Campoli was not happy with his “role” (as they say) with the Islanders. He asked for a trade. As for Mike Comrie, since you watched the games, let’s just say it didn’t work out. It was really no deeper than that…CB
Hey CB, great job as always. Interested to know your most memorable sporting event moments ever that you have been to. Mine are hands down 01′-02′ Game 4 Sean Bates penalty shot and Game 4 2001 World Series Derek Jeter walkoff(as a diehard D’backs fan)
Jokinen has a rep as a bad team guy because his teams did not make the playoffs. What he really was is a bad TEAMS guy. If he was from Canada, you wouldn’t hear that garbage…CB
CB- first let me thank you. This is a great idea and shows how dedicated you are to your fans and followers. Here’s my question: Recently, the Islanders have had laundry lists of players with bad games, it seems every game there is a player or two that just looks awful out there. Why does Gordon not take the opportunity in-game to sit a player for a shift or two and let them know that they need to cut down on their mistakes, or give more of an effort, or they will be getting more of the bench? Some of the best coaches do it, and the young players on this team are perfect for a little tough-love when the team is flat.
MJS: Scott Gordon will be the coach when camp opens in China. If his contract is extended before the season, it will probably be done quietly. If I’m Scott’s agent, I’m not pushing for it or waiting by the phone for an extension. Not the NYI way…CB
Hey Chris do U think they are marketing Tavares correctly & do u think Tavares will be as good as advertised?. Ziggy Palffy or better?.
James: two thoughts on training camp in China. I’ve said since I was a teenager that if I ever owned a sports team, I would be involved and do whatever I wanted. Charles Wang does not have to explain himself for this.
As for the tiredness factor, what, will it cause them to start next season winless in ten games? CB
Mr. Botta Bing,
I do not believe Isles will win anything until Comeau, Hunter, Park, Weight, Sim, Jackman, Witt, Martinek, Geravis, and Meyer are on the team. I don’t understand why in all his years Snow has not added toughness. I don’t want to hear he needs guys who can play because they NHL has plenty of them that can play and are good fighters. There are even some heavy weights who can skate and fight but he refuses to toughen up the softest team in the history of hockey WHY?
kurvers28: I suspect that if the Islanders trade Brendan between now and September, they would be taking salary back. It would not be for a draft pick…CB
Danbury: I don’t think Charles Wang is waiting for the Lighthouse Project. While he’ll continue to have his people listen to Nassau County and the ToH, he’s considering his other local options…CB
Hey CB, how do you think the goaltender situation in BP will wind-up for next season? Koskinen and Poulin (whom I believe has to be signed this summer) and perhaps one of Lawson or Munroe? Is Ridderwall back on the radar (as far as coming over to North America) after his improved play this season?
Knowing that what they probably need is defense, do you think the Isles go the other direction instead and draft Kabanov in June if he is still availible? Kid is in the QMJHL so he already is playing in north america (no need to worry about him like Kiril Petrov). What do you think of him/know of him CB?
John: I do not think the Islanders will buy out the last year of Witt or Martinek’s contract…CB
Hey CB, Rob Schremp has done pretty well in his limited time here. Hes an RFA this season, do you think the Isles will bring him back and could he be our #2 center the franchise has been looking for? Thanks
Steve Thomas was one of the best. Loved hockey. Always had a smile. Always worked his tail off. Old-school, too. There aren’t many like him anymore…CB
With the Albany River Rats future in doubt (’Canes want their farm team closer to their home), any chance one of the three NY area teams would want to relocate their AHL partner to the capital city? The Albany Sound Tigers just doesn’t sound right…
Isles in Oceanside: Tambellini has had legit shots, even if this year has been bizarro. Dario…it’s not even close…CB
(Sim)ple: Hamonic is still without a contract. There is no one worth losing any sleep over…CB
Brian: Sean Bergenheim will play on other teams in the NHL before his career is through. His upside is not as a star, of course, but he’s capable of more…CB
Lenny: although all it takes is one play to have a major setback, so far DiPietro’s health has held up extremely well. When he sticks with one glove, he should start catching the puck more cleanly…CB
Ryan: Pierre Turgeon clearly has the numbers to make the Hall of Fame. I believe he will have enough support from the committee - not in his first year of eligibility, but a year or two after…CB
Who can be blamed for the Fisherman logo fiasco?
Will C: No, but I do think that’s a very silly question, and I know you know comparing the finances on a trek to China to a decade of owning the team is silly…CB
Mike L: I won’t be talking about the 2010 draft on this site until after the trade deadline, at the earliest. It’s too wide open right now where the Islanders could end up in the first round…CB
Bruce: As far as I know, they have not called up a player yet from Bridgeport. Unless they play Witt and Kohn and go with seven dmen - doubtful - Tambellini it will be on Thursday…CB
Examiner: As I wrote a week or so ago, Garth Snow has had a good year. Many of his decisions have worked out really nicely. But let’s hold off on a grade for his work on the rebuild until the end of this season. If the Islanders tail off this year, would be awkward giving a good grade to the GM of a team that finished 30th last season and ? this season…CB
Chris.Is it just me or does K.O. have a lot of the attributes of John Tonelli? Can’t help but think about him when I see this Kid play? Thoughts?
Peter: Jason Wiemer was a fourth line player who played less than 100 games in his career after he was gone from the Islanders. No biggie there, as far as I can remember…CB
Mike: the goal song discussion is over. The Islanders had their poll and the song is the song. Next! CB
Andre: To be blunt, Patrick Marleau is an example of a Grade A UFA who’d I’d have a hard time envisioning signing a contract with the Islanders this summer…CB
Fred: As far as I can tell, DP and Roloson get alone fine. But that and the “we push each other” stuff has always been incredibly over-analyzed. Two goalies. One goal. Stop the puck. The guy who wins gets to play more…CB
Squarejaw: let me throw it back at you. If you were a GM, would you give up more than a third round pick for a goalie who struggled for a half-season to win, didn’t play for a month and now is in the minors? Would you trade a fourth round pick? CB
JPinVA: You can make the case that if the team is playing meaningful games in March - they only have a week and a half to go - the franchise will look at it as a successful season no matter how it ends up. They sold some tickets, got the fans interested, earned more points in the first half than many expected, saw some young players improve, got Moulson and Schremp for free, saw some prospects have a good year of development. And no bad apples! CB
Isles2010: From what I’ve seen, Gordon at times has done what you’re asking for. Could he do it more and stop rewarding unproductive players with power play time? You bet…CB
Ted S: The Islanders have had the perfect balance in their marketing of Tavares. I don’t know your view of how he came advertised, but in my view he’ll eventually be the 40-goal scorer we thought before the draft…CB
Bennie: I would go with Bonnie the receptionist. It’s unreal, some of the calls she has to handle. In addition, GM assistant Joanne Holewa is a Hall of Famer. The scouting staffers overseeing the psychological testing also play a major role, since the team puts a lot of stock in the tests before the draft…CB
I wonder why the Islanders rarely make moves that shake up the teams line up. I take the rangers for example Sather always seems to make a roster alternating move via trade at some point during the year (granted he usually has to do this to get rid of the obscene contracts he gives to bad players) but the Isles rarely make a trade with to much meaning..ever see Garth making trades that shakes up the line up and not only add picks?
I love the annual Strummer list of the players the Islanders will never win with. As for your question about toughness, Snow has told Newsday he doesn’t want a 3-minute enforcer. Remember? I guess he hasn’t been able to sign or acquire a 10-minute one he likes yet…CB
nystrom23: Poulin continues to impress…CB
BR: Koskinen and Poulin sounds good, but that may be a lot to entrust the AHL goaltending to two players of almost no pro experience…CB
Macch: As an RFA, Schremp will be back next season…CB
Rob Mc: I’ve been under the impression for a while that the Sound Tigers have a long and strong lease that keeps them in Bridgeport…CB
islebwatchingyou: Please put “fisherman” in the Search at the top of the blog and you’ll find a 1,000 word answer to your question. Thanks…CB
Ted S: I’m a big fan of Okposo’s, but I have a real hard time comparing any young player to someone who was a huge part of 19 consecutive playoff series victories. Tonelli was my favorite Islander. Okposo does have his work ethic, indeed…CB
CB - With Andy Sutton playing the way he has been playing, do you think he has won an extension on his contract? I am a big fan of having his hard-hitting presence back there. Thank you.
djmc: Sutton has won over the coach. He has the mobility to fit in this system. He has the size the Islanders lack. The team should, and I’m sure will, consider bringing Sutton back. Since they still have a long way to go, they will also have to listen to rental offers for him before March 3…CB
READERS:
For those joining during the graveyard shift, and for those who missed it, please read the brief instructions at the top of the blog post. Thank you…CB
NOBODY REALLY EXPECTS STANLEY TO VISIT ISLES YET?? So
the isles will be sellers for most part Snow will continue to stockpile picks
and may add a body back from witt or pickup a guy like Ward or Schnider.
witt to chicago for player or 2nd
biron to buff or oilers 3rd rounder
tambs for 3rd rounder
maybe even Gervais or weight???
will hold Sutton and reup
logical??
Matt Schneider on Re-entery, anychance?
CB, impressive that you’ve stayed up so late to answer questions tonight - appreciate your dedication to the fans!
To build off of a prior question, do you see the Islanders buying out the final year of Bruno Gervais’ contract after the season? It’s quite obvious to the fans (and I have to think Gordon and Snow) that Bruno’s time has come and gone and aside from being a nice person and chef off the ice, he’s not an NHL-caliber defensemen even on a rebuilding team (despite his cheap price of $741k next season). I prefer they re-sign Sutton and Meyer and give Kohn a shot at a full-time spot on the roster next season.
CB,
Cant even believe you are up right now, your wife must think you are nuts. Are you holed up in the garage with the laptop?
Here is a question, right now you are writing for “fanhouse” and “PB” (and as you can tell your fans love it). If the opportunity came along to work for the Islanders or a hockey organization in the future would you return to the PR world or are you having more fun doing this?
CB- Who will you chose in the draft now if you were the GM having seen Tavares and Duchene play and please give you honest answer and why?Also who will be the better player in 3 - 4 years if you had to guess ?
One more thing, great shout out to “Titus Oaks” I grew up around the corner from that dump, but what a place it was. Lets just say records were not the only thing being sold there.
Is it wrong of the Islanders to think DiPietro is the goaltender of the future? He’s never been great, only good. Can they be really good with him and do you think he’ll ever be completely healthy again? I think they won’t be as good the rest of this year if he starts the majority of games remaining over Roloson.
Chris - If Brooklyn is a real option for the Islanders and it seems that there will need to be some modification to the current planned design of the Barclay Center to accomodate NHL Hockey, is there point when the Islanders would have to commit? If so, do we have any idea when that will be?
CB, it’s too early to know for certain whether or not the Islander prospects in tow will have grand impacts at the NHL level. But it at least appears for the first time in a while that there are impressive prospects in the system. Do you know specifically how the Islander scouting staff has changed their approach since Feltrin left and Jankowski, et al., took over?
Chris (see I didn’t call ya Botta),
Why does NYI marketing ignore everyone west of Nassau and will games ever be heard on a decent free radio station again in your opinion?
(It’s not like people are on waiting lists to get tix to Coliseum games.)
Bob Bourne once said, “history…is our seventh man.” (He said it after we crawled back to beat the Caps in the ‘85 playoffs.) Are we going to see any more Islander HOF inductees? 18’s not getting any younger, and many would like to see him honored.
Good morning Chris. You have some great stories about the players and Al Arbour during the dynasty years. I was wondering if you had much contact with Bill Torrey and what kind of success he may have had in this free agent salary cap environment today. Thanks.
CB, Barring a major FA signing and considering the talent in the minors, etc., what does the roster for the 2011-2012 Isles look like?
Hey Chris. I’ve read that Peter Mueller might be available in PHX but they would like a young roster player in return. Would it make sense to trade Bailey for him? On another note, according to TSN, Waddell was in attendance for the Isles/Phi game last week doing some scouting…..was it the Isles or the Flyers that he was scouting??????
Hey CB,
Did you hear anything about Garth making a play for Phaneuf? It just seems to me he could have been a huge piece of the puzzle and been the all around presence on the blue line that this franchise really hasn’t had in one package since Denny P. I look at what Burke gave up and I am a little jealous.
Hey CB as a pretty young Islanders fan (I am 25yrs old) I only know losing and a dysfunctional hockey team. I am very curious as to what it was like to be a fan during the cup days? Was the barn packed night in and night out? Did they get attention from the papers and media? Thanks.
Any trade rumores yet?
Thanks for your work,CB!
All of the recent talk surrounding prospects at defense starts with Hamonic and de Haan; where do Katic and Kohn stand in the teams plans for the future?
Doug H: I don’t see why a team would give up a third round pick for Jeff Tambellini. I would be very surprised if a team gives up a second for Witt…CB
John: Garth Snow is a friend and fan of Mathieu Schneider’s. If the Islanders were very much in the playoff hunt and had more injuries to their D, you could not rule Matt out as a short-term fix…CB
Jerky: I see very little chance of the Islanders buying out the last year of Gervais’ contract…CB
Hey Chris! We all know that hockey players on the whole are pretty down-to-earth. Who do you see as the friendliest/most accessible Islanders these days? Thanks!
Matt NYC: I love what I’m doing. However, whether it be a smart career/financial move or just because I love what I used to do, too, sure - there’s a chance I could be with a sports team again…CB
Eric R: I don’t know how many times that’s been asked, just because Tavares is in a bad slump. Any team with the first pick could not have gone wrong taking any of the Tavheduch guys. The Islanders made the right choice for them…CB
I love DP and he is still our future but… When is Go-Go going to play Roli 3 of 4 or 4 of 5. This Isles slide has a direct correlation to DP’s return and Roli limited action. If we are serious about making the playoffs then it must be on Roli’s back. At this point DP’s his rehab he looks like a mid-teir NHL backup not capable of winning a game on his own.
Scott: Because of his serious health problems, I don’t think the Islanders see Rick DiPietro as their goalie of the future. Until he puts together a long run of health and success, it’s a day–to-day thing. That’s why the team drafted all those goalies. DiPietro just happens to be signed waaaay into the future and he’s not going on waivers and no team is going to acquire him. The “goalie of the future” thing is just something to talk about. Doesn’t mean a thing if he’s not healthy…CB
Izzo: starting with the draft in 2006, the draft Neil Smith was GM for, they have put a lot of weight into the psychological testing…CB
TM: I haven’t been with the organization for close to two years now, so I’m not privvy to why they market where. Sorry. As for a better radio station and a separate radio broadcast crew, you would hope that would be fixed in the near future. Whereas many things are not tied to the Lighthouse project or a deal in Queens and Brooklyn, an improved radio deal - heck, ANY radio deal - is probably linked to a stable arena situation…CB
CB-After noticing so many empty seats at NHL (& NBA) games and some Isles games (lol) do you foresee the Isles lowering ticket prices?
Lets give the “C” to KO now!
Thanks CB
GO Isles!
I still think about the old days at the NVMC. What ever happened to the air horns people would bring and cow bells leading the ‘Lets go Islanders” chant?
Dr. Generosity: the Islanders appear to have ditched the team Hall of Fame concept. There was only one inductee, Bob Bourne, and that was so long ago, Justin was still in college. I do not know their reasons why. My speculation is the decision, like everything, comes from Charles Wang. My speculation is also that, knowing the team would struggle in this rebuild, he put talking about the past on hold. That’s only a semi-educated guess…CB
Dan in Dubai: The Islanders have plenty of time before they would need to commit to Brooklyn. Figure on a year or two. Construction has not started yet…CB
Bill Scanlon: I’m fortunate enough to speak with Bill Torrey regularly. A brilliant man, obsessive worker and class act like Mr. Torrey would have success in any era. Okay, maybe not four in a row, but you know what I mean…CB
CB, in my opinion, the fact that Mr. Wang is taking this team to China for training camp is a sign that things will eventually work themselves out in terms of the Lighthouse. I mean, why would the PA or the NHL approve such a move if the team was to be shopped?
Thoughts, comments, ridicule.
” …Titus Oaks in Hicksville…CB”
WHOA! that building was originally a WETSON’S.
unbelievable CB.
i’m wondering about the snow/gordon relationship, ie. do they meet everyday? how much input does gordon have in callups etc? was jettisoning thompson a problem?
Isles in VA: I could not even tell you what next season’s roster will look like, let alone 2011-12. I’m reasonably sure the roster in two season will include the following: Bailey, Tavares, Okposo, Streit, Hamonic, de Haan, Nielsen, Hillen and the first round pick from 2010. That’s about all I know. Beyond that would either be guesswork or a stretch…CB
bossy22: There’s still hope for Mueller to have a good career, but it would make little sense to trade Bailey for him. Waddell followed the Flyers for a few games…CB
seabass: I have no knowledge of Snow making a serious run at Dion Phaneuf. My impression is that Burke and Sutter were dialed in on that trade for a few weeks…CB
Frank: when I was a wee lad - okay, a teenager - all the way back in the early 80s, the Coliseum was packed every night with about 80% being season ticketholders. The team was covered every day by something they used to call newspapers - Newsday, Post, Times and Daily News. It was fun…CB
I have a question for you though regaurding the isles brass’s desire to keep all thing’s shiny & new these last few seasons. And I realize you were in the thick of this but, it seemed for a while that every little goof the team made became another big story for Newsday.( pre-Garth, it seems ) Things that I would think have happened to any team became a big deal & just more bad press for this team.
Was this a desire for the team to be honest with the fans? or the press looking to jump on the team, or run with a story Or was it really that bad?
See, no one else in the world could answer that question.
Nick: I know of no hot trade rumors involving the NYI. Besides, when’s the last time they ever came true? Did anyone nail the 4-for-3 swap on Sunday until TSN said it was done? Did anyone a week ago see Blakey going to Anaheim, Olli to the Rangers? The answer is, of course not…
Hello Chris and thanks for doing this yet again. Do you think that Garth is looking to add muscle through the draft, free agency or simply acquire it over trades/waivers? I know in the past you have said that Garth will probably not trade for it or target any big names in the offseason but do you see him possibly targeting anyone in the offseason? The D could sure use it right about now.
Jay: Mark Katic is a B prospect. He should play for the Islanders someday. For Dustin to have a regular role, he’s going to have to find his niche. Right now, he’s a bit of a tweener - not a bruiser, not a great puck-mover. He’s got some time…CB
Jersey Steve: I find just about every player on the current Islanders squad to be very pleasant and accessible. I think most reporters covering the league over the last 15 years would tell you Doug Weight is one of the all-time greats. As I’ve written, the three key youngsters - Okposo, Tavares and Bailey - are outstanding. For veteran insight, unique insight, Park and Witt are very good…CB
Gary: I agree that the team has been too quick to give DiPietro a share of the No. 1 job. At this point, I’m sure Gordon will just play the first guy to help the team win a game or two…CB
CB, love what you do on a daily basis, love these Q&A’s even more.
Snow was known for being a chippy, aggressive, team player (with big shoulder pads), at times a hot head, even. What happened to that guy? Has the suit made him soft? Why hasn’t he come out and defended his team against Colin Campbell and the disciplinarians of the NHL. There have been several occasions where he should’ve stood up for his team. Is he looking not to ruffle any feathers, is he doing it behind closed doors, is he doing anything at all to show that he’s a leader of this team? Lou Lamoriello recently defended Patrice Cormier for that cowardly elbow. Snow has to do the same for his players that are taking that type of abuse. Can you shed any light on this CB. (Sorry, this has been on my nerves for a couple years now)
In his book “Future greats and heartbreaks” Gare Joyce claims that the team psychologist actually made the Isles picks at the 2006 draft and that scouts were set aside and had no say. Personally I find this hard to believe but I’d be interested to know whether this is true or not.
battfist: Unless it’s a minor tweak in a few sections, I do not see the Islanders lowering ticket prices. They often remind me that they are in the bottom third (for pricing) in the NHL…CB
Tony F: I don’t know about the airhorns, but I think the cowbells of the 80s went the way of Blue Oyster Cult.
On New Year’s Eve a long time ago, I helped my brother - then an intern at WBAB - give out bumper stickers in the Coliseum lot before a BOC and Foghat show. In return, we got seats on the floor. I was about 15 and nearly got run over a dozen times. I almost didn’t make it to write about John and Josh on a daily basis…CB
Josh: Charles taking the team to China in September is merely a sign he’ll be owning the team next season. And that was never in doubt anyway. Other than that, it doesn’t mean diddly…CB
Prediction on Kovalchuk? Signed, Traded, or kept till UFA?
Will he be the biggest name moved this year?
Dose: Snow and Gordon have a very strong working relationship. They talk several times a day and make most decisions in tandem. I would be surprised if they don’t stick together for a few more years…CB
jimfromstjames: I don’t think there is any science to it. When your team is bought by someone who doesn’t have any money, it makes news. Signing Rick for 15 years and him unfortunately suffering serious injuries is news. Trading Roberto Luongo for not much is news. Hiring and firing a GM after 40 offseason days is news. It’s not about the team keeping things close to the vest these days. Mercifully, they just haven’t made any really-really bad goofs in a few years. They just haven’t won…CB
Thanks CB, that’s more points for Garth, Huh?
Wow CB, you are a stud. Talk about shut down d-man minutes… Hope you got some sleep. My question revolves around the broadcasts, and is twofold. One, is it in the Isles long term plans to keep Howie and the Jaff together? I love Jaffe, I repect the heck out of Mr. Rose, but I know Jaffe’s coveted as an analyst actoss the NHL.
Two, has there been any feedback from the isles on their radio “simulcast?” The reception on 94.3 is terrible in and of itself, but then I have to listen to Howie and Billy chit chat without knowing where the puck is. Midway through an anecdote you’ll hear, “and the Flyers score!” without knowing where the puck was. Chris King rocks, and deserves a chance on a station with some wattage. Thanks for all this, Chris!
Derek: If you look at Garth’s management record the last three years, he has done little to make waves at any level. No big trades, no big signings, no media rants. He rarely goes on the TV game broadcasts. I can’t remember the last time he was quoted in a newspaper article saying anything of substance.
Personally, I am not surprised. He wants to lay low during the challenging times and build slowly. If the team ever gets really good, I’m sure he’ll drop his guard once in a while and either push back on a league matter or say something worth quoting in the press.
It looks like he has wisely positioned himself as the anti-Mike Milbury. When you consider Garth’s team came in last in the league in ‘08-09 and is now two games under .500, and yet most fans seem overjoyed with his performance and “vision,” I’d say he’s done quite well for himself…CB
CB - Any worries that Hamonic and Poulin will not be signed and lost back into the draft? With their stock rising, what is their motivation for being signed by the NYI instead of having an opportunity to be drafted much higher in 2010 than they were in 2008.
What if any backlash has the organization heard since they decided to get rid of their radio crew and simulcast the tv audio feed on radio. It is absolutly terrible and can not be even closely followed on the radio. Do you think they will go back to a radio team next season.
Tell us another amusing Bill Stewart era story… The Islanders were such a mess at that time, and he seemed a little quirky. There has to be some more cringe worthy stories about that time
Chris - Any reason why the Islanders have NOT had any promotional dates/give aways this year? every year they usually give away hats, bobble heads etc.
The team doesn’t pay for that, its the sponsor correct?
Kai: Ever since I started this blog, I have made it clear there were some things I was privvy to as an employee that I would not reveal in my new life. Gare is a highly respected writer, so his report comes with a lot of credibility.
I will look for a copy of his book, read that section and write about it now that it is in the public domain. As I mentioned in my story on Andrew MacDonald yesterday, if Gare is right, I’m not sure how the psychological testing worked out. Beyond 7th overall pick Kyle Okposo, MacDonald may be the best player from that draft and he was selected solely on the recommendation of Ted Nolan. Still too early to tell if Joensuu and Rakhshani will have any significant impact, so I guess we’ll see…CB
Moose: The Thrashers are actively considering offers for Kovalchuk. I have no prediction on how it will turn out, other than he won’t be an Islander…CB
CB - Do you have a favorite “behind-the-scenes” story from your time with the Islanders (like the story you told about Zdeno and the stationary bike)?
I miss Billy Guerin. What did we get for him anyway? I know he’s playing with a lot of skill around him, and very successful because of it. Was there more to him leaving other than the offer made? Was it because he wasn’t buying the rebuilding program and wanted to be on a competitive squad? The guy’s a stud.
Bri on LI: Howie Rose will continue to be the NYI play-by-play man for MSG for a while. As I’ve written, The Jaff’s deal is up at the end of this season. I would think MSG would want to keep him around. If not, The Jaff would not be without work for long…CB
CB: I posted a comment during the second intermission of NYI-CAR last week arguing that Andy Sutton’s hit on Pascal Dupuis had effectively killed the team’s mojo, for it was and still is obvious, to me anyway, that the team hasn’t been the same ever since. My comment did not make it past moderation. Was it simply a violation of the guidelines, or do you think I hit the nail on the head and deleted it out of fear that the wrong person or people may read it? Thank you.
MN: Hamonic and Poulin will be signed. As good as Travis may be, going back into the draft has rarely worked for anyone. It may not always been a harmonious negotiation, but he’ll be with in the NYI organization next season. He’s too good…CB
During John Tavares’ slowdown in production the last several weeks, it seems like you never see him around the net like he was early in the season. He rarely gets the tap-ins or the get-your-nose-dirty goals when the goaltender is scrambling to find rebounds. Any ideas why his shadow is so far away from the blue paint these days?
don’t you think this is the perfect season. They have stayed relevant and competitive until at least feb. we have seen great strides in KO, Bailey, Hillen to name a few. JT appears to be the real deal. DP is back. Now we are in a position for a lottery pick and a shot at 1st overall. I think this could be the perfect season before we take off.
Hey Chris, any chance the Islanders sign Derek Boogaard? Besides being the best fighter in the game, he hits like a freight train! He is a guy that brings excitement to the team. For a goon, he is not a bad skater. Watch him, he gets to where he needs to go and he gets there with an attitude. I think he would change the personality of the team.
BiggyPete2: I don’t get the sense the Islanders have been beaten up badly by their lack of any real radio presence. The simulcast has been a farce. Anyone that follows the team closely and has tried to listen knows that. The Islanders cannot deny it.
Still, since any backlash has been minimal, they may be proving their own point that radio is an investment for the back-burner when the team is losing money. Having said all that, I hope they’ll figure something out for next season. They would even be served well by having Chris King be the sole radio voice.The Capitals did it that way for years. Kinger is capable and deserves the shot…CB
CB… Have you ever get to take the Stanley Cup home?
Mike: The great one about Bill Stewart was the night the NYI lost in the Garden. After the game, after one too many questions about his team’s effort, Bill looked down the hallway at the Rangers’ big name lineup and said, “Guys, did you see OUR lineup.”? Five minutes later he came up to me and said, “Yeah, I know I F’ed up. Help me make it right.” I tried, I really did. Bill hasn’t coached in the NHL since…CB
I like Blake Comeau, but I can’t help but notice that he never stands up for himself. Now I understand that his role is not as a fighter. With that being said he is supposed to be a power forward. I would say just to generalize in life when somebody punches you in the face, you punch back. His lack of retaliation makes the whole team come off as push overs. Do you think somebody should talk to him about fighting back once in a while?
Chris, while we are on the story front - what was your opinion and the organizations reaction to Alan Hahn’s book Fish Sticks a few years back?
Scott: When the team hit rock bottom last December, Billy Guerin was the wrong guy in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s no deeper than that. Terrific person, still a pretty good player. I hope he has earned another year with Pitt. By helping lead them to a Stanley Cup, Bill brought back a third round pick for the Islanders in a conditional trade…CB
Hi Chris, when the Islanders were first coming into the league, where there any other choices for the team name floating around besides the Islanders?
Brian G: I’m sorry, but your question about why the Islanders do not have any giveaways this season can only be answered by the Islanders. Since I’m told sponsorship is doing well, it doesn’t appear to be an economic decision. Yes, usually, a sponsor offsets all or most of the cost of a giveaway…CB
Hi Chris, when I attended the Isles practice at Iceworks over the summer I was pretty impressed with Casey Cizikas raw talent. Been following his progress this season and he seems to be having a solid year. Any update on his development and if we can expect him in the system anytime soon? What is his upside ptential?
Bob Beers: No, it was just that your comment had nothing to do with anything at the time. It was then and still is a major reach…CB
CB,
When can we expect your next prospect ranking? Thanks again for the hard/excellent work!
CB,
Do you think Bailey will stick as a wing and do you agree that Schremp and Nielsen behind JT at center is too soft of a trio to be effective consistently?
Thanks.
Captain Crunch: I do not know why John is not crashing the net like he was earlier in the season, other than to speculate (as I have) that he is banged up…CB
Chris,
Love the site. Out of all the numbers the Islanders have retired, which ceremony was your favorite? Which one was your least favorite and why? Any good stories from the ceremonies? Thanks Chris.
Ken: As I wrote in reponse to another question above, you are right - this could turn out to be an ideal season for the team. Move more tickets, win new fans, build for the future, play meaningful games in March AND either make the playoffs or get a top pick. A real estate deal would be the topper. I think we can all agree that ending up with pick 8-14 is not ideal, but there is a lot of merit to what you said. Just too early to tell how this is going to shake out by April…CB
CB. Do you think that there is a possibility that Doug Weight could be traded at the deadline for a 6th round pick?
Sheppy: I would think if Boogaard turned UFA on July 1, the Islanders would make a call. If Shawn Thornton is a UFA on July 1, I’d bet big money the Islanders will make a call…CB
Hey CB,
The debate is still there about an enforcer or whatever but my problem comes from the current players not doing enough to stand up for each other. We all saw Jackman get assaulted basically, Pronger rubbing out JT, and some other examples.
Why can’t Trent Hunter do more to protect the younger players? He is a solid forward who has the size, hits people but in my opinion hasn’t done enough protecting of the young players. The Isles are paying him $10 mill over 5 years, that should be enough to get your hands dirty at times no?
mt275: Yes, I took the Stanley Cup home. Once. In the early-90s, the NYI hosted “Stanley Cup weekend.” This was before the days of the Cup needing an escort from Toronto everywhere it went.
True story. I went to Laguardia to pick up not my mom or my brother, but the friggin Stanley Cup. There it was, on the Air Canada luggage thing, just like everyone else’s bags.
I wheeled it to my car and put it in the hatch. As I’m driving back to the Coliseum, I started thinking, “Why do I need to lock this up in the Coliseum storage closet? Isn’t in safer, like, in my own bedroom”? So I drove to my folks’ house in Hicksville and called my friends and some co-workers, and we had one helluva party…CB
CB, !st thanks for all your hard work, 2nd, I noticed that Cal Clutterbuck is an RFA this year, is there any way, if he hits the market that Garth would make a run at him?
Hey CB, Who is responsible for giving up John Erskine? It was during the summer of the Neil Smith hiring and firing. He’s exactly the player we’ve needed the last few years. Great in his own end, hits, fights well.
CB-
Was there ever a time when the GM had you prepare a press release for a trade that was then pulled for one reason or another?
mm30
Chris, are you at all concerned with Aaron Ness’s development? I had high hopes for him, but he seems to be struggling this year. Thanks for your time
Paul C: I don’t see Blake Comeau’s lack of fighting majors as a reason why the Islanders may be considered pushovers. Blake can take care of himself, but if the Islanders are counting on him to fight to improve team toughness, there’s a problem. They are not. They just need Comeau to play the body more effectively and consistently…CB
Adam: I had no problem with Alan Hahn and Peter Botte’s work on “Fish Sticks.” From what I remember of the book, it was all true. They probably could have produced a second volume…CB
Sean, I don’t know of any other names proposed in 1972 besides the Islanders. If someone else does, please post in the feedback section at the top of the blog. Sean, your question is making me feel old. That was something best asked of Stan Fischler. I’m not THAT old, dude. LOL…CB
concanky: Casey Cizikas’ upside is of a third-line forward. He’s having a good, not eye-popping year in the OHL. Words hard, been through something hardly any of us can relate to, and he wants to play in the NHL badly. Plenty of time to improve…CB
RAMen: next prospect rankings likely in March. Maybe over Olympic break, although I’m considering shutting down for a few days to refresh for the homestretch…CB
Cary: Over time, the Islanders will take a longer look at Josh Bailey over center. I agree with you: the team needs a bigger, tougher and defensively reliable presence at center to add to the Nielsen-Tavares-Bailey mix…CB
CB, when do you think we can see Kevin Poulin in Bridgeport? If the Islanders were to trade any of their goalie prospects he should NOT be one of them. I saw him last year in the QMJHL and this summer at the prospects camp. If this kid develops properly watch out!
Bob K: My favorite number retirement ceremony were Clark Gillies’ and Bob Nystrom’s. I know those nights meant a lot to all of them, but they seemed to mean even more to Clark and Bob. From what I recall, both were choreographed by my colleagues spectacularly, too. I’m extremely proud to have played a small role in all of those events. Of course, it would have been cool to be with the team when they won (or someday win) a Stanley Cup. But for someone who grew up watching those players, it was a privilege to get know those gentlemen and to be part of their ceremonies…CB
Chris R: At this point, I do not see any teams making a pitch for Doug Weight, nor the Islanders giving him up just for a late-round draft pick…CB
Hi Chris,
My favorite Islander is Kyle Okposo. I feel we’re lucky to have a guy like that on our team but obviously he hasn’t been scoring as many goals as he’s capable, IMHO. My question is what kind of player will KO ultimatly become? How many goals do you believe he’s good for? Do you think he’s gonna be more of a playmaker, racking up more assists than goals? How many points do you think this guy can put up when he reaches his potential?
Chris, of the players currently with the team, who do you think won’t be here next year?
isles316: Trent Hunter has been blessed with many talents, but one of them is not fist-fighting. You cannot make a player what he is not. You have seen Trent fight, I presume. Not sure what good him trying to fight would do to help the team…CB
Chris, with John Tonelli being your favorite player, is Bruce Hood’s quick whistle in Game 3 of the ‘83 playoffs vs. the Rangers one of your most frustrating moments as an Islander fan?
For those who don’t know, the Islanders were down 7-2 in the 3rd. The Islanders scored four unanswered goals within the last 18 minutes of regulation. With just 7 seconds left in regulation, John Tonelli’s hard work behind the net led to Mike Bossy poking a loose puck into the net, which would have tied it at 7, but Bruce Hood (the ref of that game) blew the whistle quicker than most people can process a single thought. Frustrating for me, and surely any Islander fan who remembers it.
Staten Islander: Since he is an RFA, Cal Clutterbuck is not going to be made available by the Wild…CB
Tom D37: John Erskine has turned out to be a good fit for the Capitals. But if you recall in the summer of 2006, he was not exactly a prized asset. You are correct, however. He fell through the cracks in the transition of three GMs that offseason. (Funny how I can say that without a trace of bewilderment)…CB
mm30: There’s one un-needed press release I remember best, because it wasn’t so long ago. A few hours before Garth made the deal for Ryan Smyth, I completed a first draft for a release with the headline, “Islanders Stand Pat.” I brought down a copy for him. He and Kenny Morrow told me about the deal he was close to completing and I threw the release in the garbage and said, “Okay, keep me posted”! CB
Chris, Besides Potvin; who was the best islanders captain of all time? I am partial to Peca, but does his short time here change opinions?
How do the players feel about the shootout? How about 3 points for a regulation win? I find it crazy that the Islanders have won 23 out of 56 games and are considered 2 games under .500.
Chris- Where is Denny Potvin these days. I know you’v e made it clear that he is not in the cards as a future Islanders color guy - siting his lack of desire to relocate etc. My question is for mainly for you speculation or opinion - not hard fact. Why hasn’t Potvin been invited to the Island for some alumni guest honors or appearances? He is a face that would be welcomed at the old barn. I mean, they still CHEER his name at the garden! LOL
Chris,
In regards to the Yashin buyout.. what’s your take on how much of the decision was based on financial versus hockey reason versus fan pressure?
I’m sure it was a little bit of everything, but what was the main motivator for the team to make the buyout decision?
CB,
Through all your years with the Islanders do you know of any big time players that the Islanders ALMOST acquired via trade or free agency?
Thanks
Chris, what do you think Garth’s reasoning was in passing up Boynton? I thought he’d be a nice cheap addition to the back end and he seemed like the type of player we could have used right about now. Just curious, thanks.
What will be the plan of action now that Phaneuf is in our conference?
Hey Chris,
Are there any underachieving/overpaid players who might benefit from a change of scenery? Players that may be made available as a salary dump w/a high-ish pick or quality prospect thrown in for taking on their salary? Guys like Horcoff & Vanek come to mind. Any thoughts?
Did you play hockey growing up? What position? How did you get into the greatest game on Earth?
CB, any plans for a Point Blank road trip for the West Coast Islander fans? March 19th at the Ducks and March 20th at the Kings sounds like a good start. I did grow up in Rockville Centre where many Point Blank events are, but, hard to get there from across the country.
Rob C: Kyle Okposo looks like he can be a 30-goal, 40-assist player and captain in my opinion…CB
CB… Thanks for sharing that Stanley Cup story… If you do this today, the chance is that the cup would be lost somewhere in mexico.
Anyway, I know many ex-Islanders have settled down in Long Island after their careers are over. And why not… it’s a beautiful place, especially if you got money. Besides the ones we all know about, didn’t Kasparaitis have a home in L.I.? Anyone else we might not know about?
CB, what is your opinion on Schremp? Is he a keeper or a tradable asset?
Sheppy, of all the players which one do I think will NOT be here next year? I don’t love that question, but I’ll go with Martin Biron…CB
JZimm: Since the Islanders beat the Rangers in 1983 on their way to their fourth straight Stanley Cup, I wouldn’t consider a controversial call in that series as one of the top 2,000 frustrating moments as an Islander fan…CB
Schnip: After Denis Potvin, the franchise’s best all-time captain is Ed Westfall. I don’t think that can even be argued…CB
Arbour Day: I would hope the current Islanders players love the shootout. Without it, they’d be further out of the playoffs. Which reminds me: because the Islanders have managed to stay in the playoff hunt with only 12 regulation wins and, the Country has lost its right to bemoan any 3-point games played by their competitors the rest of the way…CB
Iron Islander: Denis Potvin is working on the radio and on “On The Fly” for the NHL Network. I cannot answer why the team has not offered him paying gigs yet…CB
Jeff K: The Yashin buyout had nothing to do with financial pressure and everything to do with Charles Wang listening to the fans and his hockey staff and doing what he thought was best for his team and his very close friend…CB
CB your a LEGEND!! I wanted to see how you would Grade the upcoming draft. The last two have been pretty deep, can this year be compared, better, or is it not so good??? I have heard rumors that its not as deep and I HOPE I am wrong!!!
You mentioned that Yashin was (or still is) a very close friend of Yashin. Do you see the owners relationships with the players to be a potential problem? Could lead to some unwise choices (see Ricky’s contract).
Jersey Steve: My guess is Snow didn’t pick Boynton on waivers for the same reason none of his 28 colleagues did - Boynton isn’t very good…CB
Adeclane: What is the Islanders’ plan of action now that Phaneuf is in their conference?
I don’t know what to tell you. You think they are having meetings about it? CB
do you feel jon sim is valuable enough in the line up to be inserted into it every night? i understand being a pest and doing the dirty work, but on a team that has no pure talent type player, i think i would rather give more time to a guy like tambellini to see if he can develop into the 30 goal scorer he has the potential to be.
CB… Thanks for this great blog. A treat everytime i read it! With the latest move of putting Witt on waivers, do you think there is a trade brewing with Chicago for a player like Cam Barker ?
CB,
While the farm team was in Troy, NY one of my favorite players was Dennis Vaske. Do you have any updates on Dennis? I’m just wondering if he still works in hockey at some capacity.
Alex: Ice hockey was the only sport I didn’t play growing up. I did everything else - mostly basketball, baseball and tennis, and long days of street hockey. Got my start in the business through two college internships in Philadelphia: one with WIP radio and one with the Flyers…CB
Okposo=God: The 2010 draft may not be the motherlode, but is plenty deep enough. Boston GM Peter Chiarelli said the other day that Tavares might go 4th or later if he was in this draft. Reminds of the nasty emails I got when I wrote a few months ago “1. Stamkos 2. Hall 3. Tavares” in ranking the last three top picks…CB
Kevin Lynch: No, I do not see any friendships that Wang may have with a few players being a mjor detriment. If anything, they could help the very young core here for a while…CB
Bill: I hope you know that by now, there isn’t anything of value I have left to conribute to the Sim-Tambellini augument…CB
Nyles: I think it’s way too early to categorize Rob Schremp as (your words) a “keeper” or “tradable asset.” He’s been fun to watch the last few weeks, but he has so much more to prove at this point in his development…CB
with Chris Chelios being in the Detroit farmn system, is there any chance the Isles could deal for him to get a strong verteran defense presence on this team where it seems that one is lacking in letter up alot of leads late in games?
Hunter’s “hits” have dropped off considerabley this year is he playing hurt or has his role changed?
Best pizza in RVC?
Cb
Were the islanders one of the 27 developers to submit a bid for willets point? Don’t u think wang owes it to the fans to break this wall of silence?
CB u are awesome dude …thanks for this and ALL u do for us …. quick question: Any chance the NHL goes back to home whites ??? it just feels wierd seeing the home team in blue.
thanks buddy again for all of this. PB 4 ever !!
Hey Chris! Great job as always.
In the time you were working for the Isles, did you keep any momentos or memorabilia? Any prized Islanders possessions?
Are you actually able to read all these questions on your own or does your son’s allowance include filtering out the bad questions?
Chris, are you at all concerned with Aaron Ness’s development? I had high hopes for him, but he seems to be struggling this year. Thanks for your time
I think Andy Sutton deserves some time on the top PP unit. He has good hands and a good shot. The only thing I see holding him back is his left handedness and that it will increase his minutes every night, when they are already so high. Whats up?
Do you think it’s possibly that Tavares can improve/change his skating style from open legged to more close legged…from what I can see, that is his major weakness, which I’m sure we all knew.
Once he gets that fixed, then he can go ahead and score 40 goals a yr.
John: It would not make much sense, considering their actions over the last year or so, to pick up Chris Chelios and add an old defenseman and very strong personality to this mix. Doubt very much the NYI would be high on his list either…CB
Jeff Speight: My take on Hunter not hitting as much is the team thought it would help increase his offensive production if he backed up a bit from going out of his way to throw the big hits. After a good start, it has not…CB
JT: for best pizza in RVC, I would go with Nick’s. For best pasta at a fair price, Blue Moon…CB
Rengi: As far as I know, there is not a trade brewing for Cam Barker. Please see my story on FanHouse with Chi’s asst GM for more detail…CB
ny711: I do not know if Wang and Rechler made a proposal on Willets Point. I do think it’s reasonable for Charles to provide an update on the latest arena issues for his team’s fans. Nothing major that could hurt negotiations, but something. The fans continue to support his team in a big way…CB
Uncle Jr: Yes, I can see the NHL going back to home whites at some point this decade…CB
CB….can you educate me as to the origin & purpose of the Isles’ affiliation with the Odessa Jackalopes of the CHL? Not too many teams have CHL affiliations…and I’m not aware of Odessa housing any prospects - or that they even act as a feeder team for Utah or Bridgeport. Thanks!
Hey CB, hope all is well on your end. This may NOT be the right space to ask, but here goes: can you see yourself being back with the Isles (again) in an “upstairs” role, say Team President or GM. I know you would fill either role with great passion and success!
I still owe you a steak dinner..
bionicman99: I did not want much in terms of memorabilia when I worked for the team, so I did not hord stuff and I have no regrets about it. There was only one time I asked. When my first son was about to be born, and I knew the roster and payroll were being purged, I asked a few friends like Chara, Berard, Linden and Reichel to sign one of their sticks for him. The Chara stick is pretty cool and is in the kids’ room.
I have a few of the team/staff photos through the years. Charles would give them to each staffer as a gift, which was very kind.
My favorite team photo is when I sat in for Sanjay Kumar, in the front row next to Charles and Peca and Osgood and Laviolette and Milbury and the rest. When people see it, they don’t think I was a replacement. They just think I was a big shot with the team. I do not rush to correct them.
The few other prized posessions I have mean a lot because I did not ask for them. Bob Bourne went out of his way to sign a large replica of his HoF banner for me. Bryan Trottier, Al Arbour and Torrey also gave me nice gifts. Bob Nystrom and his wife Michelle wrote me a note after his ceremony that I’ll always keep.
Oh yeah, I also have a copy of the Islanders history book I co-wrote with Stan Fischler. It was signed by everyone on the Cup teams. And I still have the engraved Rolex the team gave me during my 20th and final season, which was also extremely generous…CB
Chris, can you shed any light on the circumstances of Don Maloney’s ascendance to the GM position? Did the Islanders braintrust really think this guy was right for the position? I find it hard to believe that one of the most respected hockey minds in the game (Torrey) would put his stamp of approval on that move. Was it a case of you can pay him on the cheap because of his rookie status? or were the other motivating factors?
Hi Chris. Would you please describe the team’s typical game day and off day rituals while on the road? Do they differ much depending on the coach?
Do you believe it’s feasible for the Isles to challenge the likes of Pittsburgh and Washington in three or four years without, at least, one more top-5 pick. When you look at Pitt and Wash, you see rosters loaded with top-5 draft talent. With the Islanders doing well this year, a top-5 pick seems implausible and I imagine that they will only get better next year, making a top-5 pick a pipe-dream. Thanks for doing this Chris!
In your opinion do you think there are eniough veteran players on this team? it seems as if Okposo has become the leader of the younger group but do you think getting a veteran who is a good player(Weight is good leader but not the same player anymore) is important to the growth of this team.
CB, any good stories about Pat LaFontaine? I met him once while he was practicing at Bryan Trottier’s Skating Academy, after he was traded to Buffalo but before he went up there, and he was really just the nicest guy.
Why does the clock run during the Shootout?
any chance the isles do something for ed westfall.like what they did for bob bourne?
CB,
Any thoughts on all of this Kovy trade talk within the last few hours?
TSN has a report that he’ll be traded soon and the Post said Waddell was scouting the Isles last week…
Is the team really more committed to Freddy Meyer and Dustin Kohn than to Brendan Witt? I could understand that if the team was not on the doorstep of a playoff spot…
Any good Laviolette stories?
Vito: I’m not concerned about Aaron Ness’ development, but I’m sure the Islanders are. He could be in the minors next season…CB
Jeff K: I do not know the origins of the Islanders’ affiliation with Odessa of the CHL. When you see an odd one like that, it often means somebody is doing someone a favor…CB
Matt Scordato: A lot of people have a laugh about Don Maloney’s rise to Islanders GM. However, Bill Torrey’s roll in the move is always forgotten. Consider this: of all the Islanders that Torrey could have taken under his wing over the years, he chose Maloney. Don was the GM-in-waiting. He did a bad job after the run in ‘93, but Don is no dummy. He proved that with the Rangers and is doing it again now as GM under trying circumstances in Phoenix…CB
RickyRed: Ilya Kovalchuk will be traded, but Garth Snow has already made it rather clear that it won’t be to the Islanders. It would be so tempting for me to milk another day off Larry’s stuff, but I’d rather not…CB
I can’t believe that you’re answering all these questions, all the power to you, and thank you.
CB,with regards to signing an under 30 d-man as a UFA.IMHO Anton Volchenkov if he is not resigned by Ottawa would provide a lot of what has been missing from Brendan Witt’s game since injuries have taken their toll.Also while not many will agree with me,I think Marc Andre-Bergeron is just what the isles need on the PP to work with Mark Streit.
Are there players out there that the Isles can get that can drop the gloves and be decent hockey players too? If so, who?
What are some potential trade targets for the Islanders at the deadline, I know they won’t make a big splash, but any mid level guys that you can see fitting?
Any chance if the Flames don’t resign Higgins that the Isles could give him a minor-league deal this summer?
CB,
Before Jankowski, what was your relationship like with previous amateur scouting directors? Tony Feltrin, etc.?
The marathon continues …
The games vs the Rangers always mean a lot to the fans. Do the Islander players approach those games any differently than other games on the schedule?
Hey CB- I have heard the name Howard Saffan mentioned before, but I’m not really sure what his role is. Is he a front office guy?
MHoward: Impossible to predict 3-4 years out what the Islanders will be, but with any well-executed rebuild, a team can be a contender in 3-4 years. This is already year 2 for the Islanders, isn’t it? CB
Mike P: I’ve said since the beginning of the year that the Islanders leaned too heavily on unproven forwards for offense to make the playoffs this season. I predicted them to finish 8 games below NHL .500. Maybe I will be wrong again…CB
SS: Freddy Meyer and Dustin Kohn are two apples compared to Brendan Witt’s orange. Age, contract, dollars, everything…CB
John: Volchenkov would be great, but he will be very highly sought after if Ottawa can’t re-sign him. I would not be optimistic…CB
Muhlenberger: Chris Higgins may not be producing much this season, but he will get an NHL deal in the summer for one year. He hasn’t sunk that low…CB
islesfan88: What’s special about Pat LaFontaine is that there are no good stories about Pat LaFontaine. He’s the real deal as a citizen of Long Island…CB
Irish Isle: Here’s something not known about Laviolette. Before the Flyers job opened up, he was considering a short-term coaching gig in Europe…CB
CB
So next year you predict that the Islanders will not go after Kovalchuk. So if they don’t attempt to try and sign a dynamic superstar like him what exactly are they saving their cap space for? I understand that Mr Wang loses money every year but acquiring an established superstar Like Kovy might be the jolt this team needs to fill the barn and have the Lighthouse built. And I also don’t see ho attempting to sign a player like Kovy will hurt Garth’s course. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks. Big V
AJ: the scouts are the best. They love their jobs so much and appreciate getting to work in hockey. My friendships with those guys are among my most cherished in the game. Having a seat at their draft table for so long was a privilege…CB
TimQ: the Islanders do not do anything differently in their preparation for games against the Rangers. The games at the Garden are treated like a typical road game. The go to the city the night before, stay in a midtown hotel and have a morning skate. It’s fair to say the games, however, mean a lot to the players…CB
Islesguy9000: Howard Saffan is the President of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He also runs Iceworks. Prior to this season, he was brought in by Charles Wang to get more involved in Islanders business…CB
CB ,can we put coach Gordon on waivers ? Can an AHL team pick him ?
Assuming the Lighthouse Project ever gets approved, how does the Coliseum itself change? Do they increase the leg room for tall people like myself who are cramped for three periods?
Speaking of Iceworks, Will they ever open it agian to the public do you think ? Even if its not this year what about next or the following? Was there a reason to it closing this year, cause i loved to take my kids it was great!
How much longer are we gonna have to watch this team as it stands now, when will Mr Snow get rid of some of the dead weight on this team???
Did you actually sleep at all?
Jim Clark: The legroom in an updated Coliseum will be pretty much the same in the rows. The concourses will be a lot wider…CB
Moot: if the Islanders closed practices to fans this year, I don’t see why they would change their policy for next year. You would have to ask them why they did…CB
Hey CB,
I haven’t been able to post a comment lately, just became a father 9 days ago. So far my daughter has not brought the Isles any luck! Thanks for doing this q&a marathon.
I could ask your odds of us making a deal in the day or two but I’m sure you’ve had enough of that question for the past 24 hours….so I’ll ask this…
Colts or Saints?
CB, what rule changes do you think are needed to remove the worthless “enforcer” (a by-product of the “Gretzkyfication” of the game in the mid-80’s - bringing us Dave “Cementhead” Semenko & Marty “McStupid” McSorley) and return to the tough hockey players, who could actually play the game (Dave Schultz, Terry O’Reilly, Clark Gillies, Tiger Williams, etc.) and protect their teammates? I hate the Colton Orr & Mitch Fritz’s of the world - they are useless!
If the LH is approved, will the rebuild of the NVMC be the first order of business?
The Ice Man: the only rule change the league has to make is lose the instigator penalty…CB
if the islanders are going younger by placing witt on waivers then does this mean we will trade Weight?
Art: yes, the renovation of the arena comes first. Plan was for three or four offseasons, with the Islanders playing first games of October on the road…CB
Robbie: Snow spoke today of how sometimes tough decisions have to be made. I’m curious to see if he does the same with Doug. He’s the captain and management loves him. I would be surprised to see another team trade for him, though…CB
Chris, if you were the GM of the Isles, what single thing would encourage you most of this season to date?
Hi CB
Reading this blog the last year+ has been instrumental in drumming up my interest in the Isles and I can honestly say I’ve been to more games this year then the past 10 mostly due to this renewed interest - thanks
Was wondering how the team handles health issues like surgeries (ie the DP saga) Is up to the player to pick a doc does the team do it for them is there a designated “team” doctor?
Viper: I don’t think there’s one single thing that’s so grand, it’s worth pointing out. But there are plenty. Short list: Jack Hillen, Travis Hamonic, Josh Bailey in January, Moulson and Schremp for free, Petrov possibly coming in the summer, Poulin in juniors, the thought of Okposo if the rest of the team gets better with him…CB
That’s very nice of you to say, Neologizer. For the most part, the team medical staff takes control. In some cases, as is their right, a player and his camp might ask for a second opinion. In rare cases, the player may even push for someone else to do the surgery. 90% of procedures are performed by the Islanders doctors, many whom are also associated with the Jets…CB
The Marathon is over . Since the team is off on Friday, I’ll do a recap as a main story with highlights from the Q & A then.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Considering the breaking Witt news, this was a very good turnout.
This thread is now closed. I’ll see you tomorrow with a pre-game report…CB