INTEREST INTENSIFIES IN SUTTON, ROLOSON
NYI could benefit from bidding war before deadline
***Matt Martin and Jesse Joensuu have been returned to Bridgeport. I suspect this is a “paper transaction” for AHL roster, salary and salary cap purposes with the Islanders not playing until Saturday. For now, this is not a story.***
*
10:30 am - Should Garth Snow decide to cash in his team’s two biggest veteran trading chips, he won’t be without options. Point Blank has learned that several teams are preparing offers to the Islanders for Andy Sutton and Dwayne Roloson.
Sutton, a potential unrestricted free agent on July 1, is one of the best defensemen available in the trade market. If the Islanders do not re-sign him between now and the March 3 trade deadline, the 6-6 defenseman could net a strong haul for the rebuilding franchise.
Many teams are interested in Sutton, including…
New Jersey Pittsburgh Philadelphia Ottawa
Washington Chicago Colorado Calgary
San Jose expressed interest before opting to trade a second round pick to Carolina for Niclas Wallin and a fifth round pick, but will stay in play for Sutton. The Capitals, Senators, Blackhawks and Penguins are among many teams that have been monitoring Sutton closely at the Coliseum and at Islanders road games.
If there is enough competition for the 34-year-old Sutton, Snow may be able to bring back a prospect and/or a high draft pick from a contender like Washington.
“If a team really wants a player, history shows they will pay the price,” said one NHL director of pro scouting. “There’s a lot of interest in Sutton as a big-time rental. For a team like Washington, Sutton could help them beat Pittsburgh and get to the Cup Final. For an impact defenseman, you make the deal and don’t look back.”
At the trade deadline in 2008, Pittsburgh acquired Hal Gill from Toronto for a second round pick and a fifth-rounder, and the large consensus in the scouting section of the Coliseum press box on Tuesday night was Sutton - playing the best hockey of his career - is more valuable today than Gill was then.
The Islanders have a decision to make on the 40-year-old Roloson, but some contending teams may make it an easy one. Although there appear to be more goaltenders available (the splendid Tim Thomas, the not-so-much Marty Turco) than teams in need, Roloson is arguably the best combination of ability, playoff game experience and value.
Roloson, at this date the player most responsible for the Islanders being on the cusp of the playoff picture, is signed for just one more season at a very manageable $2.5 million.
Among the teams considering deals for Roloson…
Philadelphia Ottawa Washington
Chicago Colorado
Blackhawks scouts, including former NHL tough guy Dennis Bonvie, have been following Sutton and Roloson regularly. One NHL source reported that Chicago will make a pitch for Roloson, who led Edmonton to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006.
Of course, the Islanders could take the safer route and move Martin Biron for a third or fourth round pick. As good as Roloson has been, the Islanders have to decide how important a 40-year-old goalie is to a franchise still rebuilding to one day become a consistent contender.
A month ago, it would have been inconceivable to consider trading Roloson. Now the Islanders have lost eight of their last nine games (all in regulation) and - with Rick DiPietro back - Roloson is only getting 50% of the starts. Would the Islanders rather have a 41-year-old goalie playing, at best, 40 games next season? Or would they rather have a young asset or two?
Beyond Roloson and Sutton, the Islanders do not have any veteran Grade A or B assets. None.
As demonstrated in recent deals executed by GMs like Lou Lamoriello, Brian Burke and Darryl Sutter, many teams want their acquisitions settled in during the two-week Olympic break. With so much interest in Sutton and Roloson, do not rule out an Islanders trade before the roster freeze at 3:00 pm EST on Friday.
Comments. Please review the Comment Guidelines today.
Trade them both dont look back… resign Sutton in the offseason (he says he really wants to stay, if he does he’ll sign)
Hoping Garth empties the cupboards of UFA’s and redundant parts.
Send Sutton to the Caps… They have some young talent…
Package deal?
The Isles are a sad state of affairs. We suck, were having a fire sale and the future is as dim as a 16watt cfl.
Chicago has $1.1 million in cap space. They want Roloson? No problem. Dustin Byfuglien to Long Island. He’s a restricted free agent this summer, anyway. No way the Hawks can re-sign him.
Trade anyone over 25 as long as we get a good pick or prospect back
A lot of people laughed at me at the time, but I would have traded Streit at the deadline last year, while he was having a career year and is like 32 years old. We could have got quite a bit for him, and by the time this team is ready to really compete, he will be over the hill. If they get good value for him, I would move him too, as he is not long for this team
No, they should not trade either. But if they do, I guess, the Isles will get two more prospects for the fans to overrate.
Package Sutton and Rollie to Chicago, along with maybe a 2nd rounder, Gervais, or Comeau/Bergenheim or Tambellini, and get a nice prospect in return. Then try to re-sign Sutton in offseason.
Big question though: What if Dicky D is not fully healthy or never will be the same ‘tender? What happens in net-Poulin or that Miko kid? And Biron becomes No. 1? How funny would that be?
#1 - The temptation is to say “…and then they could resign Sutton in the offseason.” What’s always surprising is how very rarely that happens. Sitting here, I really can’t come up with any off the top of my head. It really can only happen if a) the team wants him back in the first place b) the team that trades for him makes no attempt to sign him; he truly is a rental c) the player finds a free agent market price for him significantly less than the Isles would be willing to pay for him right now to extend him. Figure that Sutton, if traded, is gone for good.
trade sutton as a rental and then sign him in offseason.
works out for both sides, he brings in a playoff hunger for us next year and lets us get some prospects in the meantime. But only make the trade if he will come back next year
rollie deserves another playoff run.
I really rather we resign Sutton. If we’re not getting a first round pick in return, I really don’t see the point in making your team weaker going into next season. And I would like to think this team will be a playoff team next year.
We need PLAYERS not 3rd, 4th and 5th round draft picks.
Roloson im fine with dealing. If thats the case then the Isles should lock up Biron next year as a capable backup to DP.
If Sutton truly wants to remain an Islander, then resign him in the offseason after we rent him to a contender.
Trade both of them and get legitimate assets. Their loss should also help the lottery chances. How about trading BOTH Roloson AND Biron, and get back assets as well as a 3rd string goalie to split time with DP?
Sutton, Roloson, Streit should all be traded to support the rebuild. I’ll go so far as to say Streit would bring us a 1st rounder.
I would deal both players for the best deal possible. Deal Roloson and we have a solid backup with Biron with more playing time will be better.
I think they should deal Roloson AND Biron. I don’t see why Lawson or Munroe couldn’t serve as the backup for 20 games.
If we move Sutton I really hope Garth would make a move to bring him back in the offseason.
This team was never really built to compete. I say trade them…remember, whatever garth gets he can always turn into something else. Speaking of getting, CB if you were the GM of one of those teams how much would you be willing to give up?
Washington would be a perfect trading partner for both Sutton and Rolli. Minimal return would be a 1st round pick (likely 25-30), prospects or John Carlson, a second, + a roster player .
Stay away from Jersey, nothing to see there, except maybe Fraser.
If there’s a chance a team wants Streit and are willing to give up a first this year or a recent 1st round prospect, I’d definitely listen.
The next 26 hours should be fun.
Excellent news. I hope we trade both of them for a nice return. Make it happen SNOW!
do it garth , just do it
even though these two have been positive assets this year but this is a rebuild
roli is 40 and sutts is 34
get the right pieces for next year thats all - just do it already
also thanks for sitting sim last nite
start setting this team for what it will really look like in the near future
i can deal with kids learning thru their mistakes - PENS , BLACKHAWAKS ,
COYOTES AND AVS FANS HAVE
also i would like to see derek boogard in a isles uni next year as well as give travis hamonic an early start and garth
bring kirill petrov here next season
our current roster of kids are playing good hockey- just help by fortifying the group thats all
Deal Em’ Both to Washington! Get Leposito and a pick. Roly has been average since “The GREAT RICKY” has returned.
Ill be sad to see either of them go.
Roloson and Sutton both to Ottawa to lead that team far into the playoffs in exchange for Jared Cowen. We immediately get our future big-time defenseman, and Ottawa immediately becomes a much tougher team to play against in this year’s playoffs. With Sutton, they immediately add a top-four defenseman who is playing phenomenal hockey, and with Roloson, he could easily jump into the number one spot up there and make some noise. Will it happen? Most likely not, but its a nice dream!
Great players and people. Both very useful here as well. I hope there is as much interest as we anticipate. go Garth!
Do it!
I shiver at the thought of DP no longer having any
*competition* around but, oh well….
The only people we KNOW are not going anywhere are Snow, Gordon, DP and Wang.
Go Isles!
Trade Roloson? Make Biron the “backup”? Lawson or Munroe for 20 games? WAY too many people making the assumption that Ricks already a top starter in this league again. Last I looked, he isnt there yet… and if he DOES get back there it is going to take time- more time that most fans want to acknowledge.
I personally think trading Roloson is a bad, BAD idea… unless the payment for him was insanely high. In that case, I can understand the Isles pulling the trigger. If that is what goes down, Biron would be kept and re-signed as a tandem goalie with Rick- NOT Ricks backup. And the idea of going with Lawson or Munroe “for 20 games” is a big NO in my opinion. I do not want to see a repeat of the Big Mac/Danis duo if Rick gets hurt again. IMO this organization cannot go with a backup like that until Rick has proven he can stay healthy again.
I’d actually would like them to re-sign Sutton so we could have some size & experience on the backline. If they can’t get a 1st rounder, I say re-sign
I really hope we can get a nice package for both. Trade Sutton for a #2 and big Forward prospect. Trade Roloson for #2 and D prospect also.
.. Being realistic it looks like the Isles will be sellers + not buyers, just being honest!
.. I like Sutton and his size/skill and physical presence as well as his desire to stay in NY. I would “like” to keep himon the Isles == BUT if you can get a nice *bidding war* going and get a LEGIT package for Sutton you should do it.
.. I dont mean a 3rd 4th round pick and a so-so prospect, im talking a REAL package for Sutton then you have to REALLY consider it! The Isles need skill, size and speed, again i like Sutton and him wanting 2 be a Islander but if you get a LEGIT package (at least a #1 round pick + prospect) then i understand if they trade him..
.. Same goes for Rollie, i like him and hes been very solid/steady but if you can get another LEGIT trade package for the guy you have to consider it!
.. CMON GARTH, DONT JUST SETTLE!!! GO 4 THE GUSTO AND GET SOME MORE TOOLS FOR THE SHED!!!
Sutton and Roloson have both been great for this team so far this season. They should both be moved for the best package possible. By resigning Sutton and Roloson, it doesn’t help the team in the future. Sutton is 34 and Roloson is 40. They are clearly not pieces of the rebuild.
I was mad when we didnt ship out Satan on his last year when it was clear that he wouldnt be returning. Your telling me we couldnt atleast grab a 4th rounder for him back then? Ship out all ur UFA’s n worry about the summer when the time comes.
There is a reason this story is not about Mark Streit. Good player, but he is making $4 million a year for the next three years. A good team is not absorbing that cap hit. Not now…CB
Trade both of them IF there are players coming back as well as picks. If the trade is made for just picks alone, I feel like that would be taking a step backwards. We’ve seen what this young team can do with some Veteran talent.
#9 - or d) the player simply feels like coming back to the place where he owns a house, his kids go to school, etc. that’s what happened with Keith Tkachuk.
At this point I’d take the decent return and swap them both at what seems to be close to the height of their respective values. The absolute dream deal would be something like Sutton, Roloson, and a second for Karl Alzner and a fourth. Too bad that would never happen. Either way, while I would rather the Islanders try to make the playoffs, coming up is the unofficial trade deadline and there are teams that seem willing to pony up some kind of value, and right now the Islanders are a lottery team. You never know, though, the return for Sutton and/or Roloson wouldn’t be amazing, but depending on who comes back the trade(s) could serve as a kick in the butt and we could see another January type streak which would have the team right back in the playoff hunt in the last 20 games. They are, after all, only seven points out right now. Also, if Roloson is traded I’d offer Biron an extension, maybe for two years or so. Roloson has the potential to become an unhappy backup detrimental to the team, whereas Biron is seemingly always upbeat which is good for team morale and is a teacher type, both of which are good for a young team.
Trade away Garth! Trade away!
I think the Isles at this point must be sellers. It is tough and painful to lose but this is what must happen during a ground-up rebuild.
Based on CB’s team’s of interest…players coming back (rather then picks), I would hope for…
From Buf: Kassian or Weber
From Chi: Beech or Barker
From Col: Shattenkirk
From NJD: Tedenby or Corrente
From Phi: Nothing in the way of prospects.
From Pit: Simon Despres
From Was: Nothing in the way of prospect.
In the case of Phi and was, I think we would be better off with a high draft pick in return for a trade—because I doubt that the Caps would deal us Alzner or the Flyers would send us van Reimsdyk. If either of Sutton or Roloson nets us a 1st round pick—it is a no brainer—snow must make that deal—even if it means adding a sweetener back—such as a Comeau, Gervais, or later round pick. Could you image how great it would be going into the draft with 3 first rounders—if that were possible?
I was SO happy to see this story this morning CB. Don’t get me wrong, I love both Sutts and Roli but if we can get a nice haul…you have to do it. Especially with their respective ages..someone else even said it, they are clearly not part of the rebuild.
I have a feeling we’ll get some nice returns.
Trading either player for a draft pick who won’t adapt to NHL level hockey for 3 or 4 years from now is not ideal in my opinion. Isles keep giving fans reasons to spend money elsewhere rather then islander games. Sutton should be resigned. If not it’s the equivilant of Montreal expos n pittsburgh pirates not being able to afford average players never mind all stars.
Trade both if you can get a first or second round pick. However, try to get a defenseman that has NHL experience if you’re going to trade Sutton…I guess we could bring back Witt to take his place.
Looking at the recent draft picks/prospects for the Caps, does anyone realize that they were a lottery team in 06-07 and drafter Alzner in ‘07.
Trade them ONLY if there is a good deal on the table. Not 3rd rounders, conditional picks, etc. Get players in return. I do find it interesting, that many people who didnt want to trade for Kovy because it was a “rental”, want to trade Sutton for the same reason and expect that we sign him. Yes he has said he wants to stay, however if he goes to Washington or NJ, and they go far and maybe win a cup, do you really think he will come back? NO WAY!! Trade Sutton and hes gone!!
I just dont see Rollie being traded..Biron has moved out of his house and back into the hotel so i’m assuming he’s going somewhere soon.
How about Vesteeg and a 2nd round pick for Rollie…
I agree with Joey 303. He won’t want to come back if he wins a cup. I’m sure if he keeps up his level of play that the team he is traded to puts a good offer on the table (although we will offer him more.) Regardless, I say trade him and roloson for prospects and not picks, unless you can grab a first or second.
Trade them both. I hate to say it but its the best business decision. It is also the best thing to do for the long term plans. The Isles will gain more by trading them for prospects/draft picks.
Go for it Snow! And while you’re at it trade or waive Park and Sim. (Then resign Sutton in July)
trade - Sutton, Roloson, Biron, Weight, Park, Meyer, Sim
I would hate to say goodbye to Rollie, but he’s the one that will be the most valuable…let’s be realistic, The Isles are not making the playoffs. If we were right there, then we’d HAVE to keep him - but we’re not.
This team made some strides, but Sutton and Roloson wouldn’t be part of the team by then. They have to be traded, especially if they are in demand. We’ll get a top 5 pick, get a shot at Cam Fowler or whomever and keep the rebuilding process moving forward. That is the big picture, that is the right thing to do - stay the course.
If the Blackhawks really want Rollie, they should give us Antii Niemi, a 1st Round Pick, and Kyle Beach. I think that would be a good package for Rollie. Also, if the Capitals want Sutton, Garth should try to get Karl Alzner and a pick.
If Philly is interested in both of them, I would tell them to put James Van Riemsdyk on the table. That kid would look mighty nice on JT’s left side.
Please, no more draft picks as the cornerstone in any deals. We need top prospects or young NHL players, with SIZE. Please Garth, beef up this team.
trade all 3 and hope for best let’s go mr.snow.
This is a no brainer. We have plenty to throw in (Sim, Park, Witt, Bruno) if that means getting a higher pick. And we should still trade Biron for whatever they can get. Bring up Munroe. The more picks the better!
Anzer or Carlson for Sutton seems right.
With Poulin playing well, the Islanders can go with DP and an NHL veteren backup next year….Lawson with the Tigers and Kostitsten and Poulin jockying between BP and the Grizzlies.
Getting a #1 or A prospect or Barker for a 40+ Goaltender is darn good.
If Snow decides to to trade them I hope it would include players that could be on the roster next year
I have no problem with Biron staying here and being a backup or starter (depends on DP).
This team will not make the playoffs this year so do what is right for this rebuild.
Trade Rolie to Chicago for Jack Skille. Talented young winger they keep calling up and sending down because they have way too much talent as it is. Chicago has so much talent they have no idea what to do with it. Forget the picks. Get a kid who is 22 or 23 and ready to play in the NHL for us this weekend. Enough prospects already. Maybe we can get that big kid Beach they drafted last year or 2 years ago.
Same goes for Sutton. Deal him to Washington. They are loaded with talent too. Get a young NHL ready kid in the 22 to 23 range.
Hawks and Caps are desperate for a run at the Cup. Hawks have not won since 1961 and the Caps have never won. Even Garth can pull a coup with these teams.
Jerry (post 49), as good as these guys are, I dont think Philly is giving us a 3rd overall pick for a 40 year old goalie and 35 year old dman. I would settle for Giroux and some prospects. That seems more fair
I wouldn’t mind seeing what Roli and Sutton will fetch because the playoffs hopes are bleak despite their position in the standings. If the Isles make the playoffs, we’re looking at a first round exit in 5 games at most. The only thing about losing Sutton would be to lose his size. The Isles need to get bigger in the off season. We’re locked on small, puck-moving defensemen (Hillen, AMac, IV, etc.). Time to add size and skill. I’d miss Roli, but I’m plenty happy with keeping Biron.
CB, question: can we trade the coach, too?
Hey CB, what are the chances we can net either Byfuglien or Barker in a deal with Chicago? Why is everyone ready to throw away Streit? You would think the guy is awful and that we’re loaded with puck moving defensemen the way people are talking. “Beyond Roloson and Sutton, the Islanders do not have any veteran Grade A or B assets. None.” Please pay attention to CB when he states this people. Throwing in Bergie/Comeau or Tamby plus a second rounder isn’t going to net us a nice haul. Weight, Park and Sim have no value.
Chicago and Washington are two teams I would definitely target!!!
CB: Who could we get from either team in a package
Cam Barker, we need d and chicago needs cap space
As much as I like both guys, if the right deal is out there, I think you need to trade both of them. However, a second round pick for Sutton really doesn’t do anything for me. I’d rather sign him to an extension if that’s the price. I’d want at least what the Isles got for Campoli or a very good prospect who is on the cusp of being NHL ready. As for Rollie, I would rather he get 80% of the starts this year and next, but we all know that isn’t happening. So, why keep an asset like him around when he is only going to get 50% of the starts? So, as much as it pains me to say it, I would deal him and extend Biron for another year.
Rent Sutton for the remainder of the season and re-sign him in July. The key to a rebuild is to have depth, a good mix of talent, and veterans. Sutton is the glue holding the defense core together and he will drop the mittens if needed.
Rolli can get us some young talent and a draft pick I say pull the trigger. Give him another chance at a cup, it’s the least we can do to say Thank You. Snow can package them and get this re-build done alot faster
Easternhockey (#40) & IslesRock (#51)…Amen! We’ve amassed more picks than the coal miners’ union! It is time to add some young PLAYERS, who have proven something at the NHL level. The days of trading for “prospects” like Dmitiri Nabakov (remember him?) Justin and Papineau and this board’s favorite whipping boy, Tamby should end.
Good point by Derek (#2) about avoiding NJ. No need for us to get fleeced by Sweet Lou.
Most of us realize trading one or both guys is a good move, but only if it can bring back a tough defenseman a forward who has size strength and abilty to score. With the teams we would trade with, their first round pick would be way down the ladder. We need to support the players we have with players who have abilities in areas we currently lack.
CALM DOWN PEOPLE!!
You guys keep talking about top prospects for a rental. No team in their right mind would make that trade unless it’s for a legit star (like the Niedermayer rumors). The only reason we got a first rounder for Campoli was because he wasn’t a rental and Ottawa thought they were acquiring a highly-skilled PP QB.
Keep your expectations in check, people. A 2nd rounder for Sutton or Roloson is the most I would anticipate. A 2nd tier prospect may also be in the cards.
James Van Riemsdyk…are you serious???
Acquire assets over draft picks unless somehow there are #1 picks being offered for either.
DOC
i believe chicago will be dealing with mr.snow and he will amaze us i have a feeling we gotta get some good luck
Chicago is not trading Barker at the deadline for Sutton. They get a defenseman in Sutton who is older, slower, and no where near as talented. Chicago may trade him this off season when their cap crunch really hits, but again not for an Andy Sutton. No disrespect Mr Sutton
I would hate to see Sutton go, but since the Isles aren’t there yet you have to trade him and get something back. I would love for it to be a rental but that usually doesn’t happen. I think I would keep Roli unless the deal is crazy. It’s still out on DP, and you have Roli for another year to figure out whats up with DP.
trade rolo and biron, trade for turco.. the perfect fit for DP.. i can see it happening..
If we can fetch a 2nd rounder for Sutton, that would be great, CB, is it possible??
Very much so, at the very least…CB
I love Sutton and Rollie … but at this time there is nothing they can do to boost the long term stability of the franchise as UFA’s.
Short term I really believe the Isles don’t have a prayer to make the playoffs … forget about even getting to the second round.
In this day of Free Agency players come and go … we can hope to land Andy back in July … if Garth really wants him.
The Isles were only 11 seconds away from a 9 game losing streak. Let the kids take over the team now for experiece. I predict the Isles lose 14 of the next 22 in regulation at this pace.
RD 55…
youre right that JVR wont be the return for sutton or roloson, but giroux+ ? that kid is an absolute stud and will be untouchable for a return of sutton or rolosn. since we wont get either, hopefully it could be pat maroon. kids 6′4” 225 and has an unbelievable pair of hands.
I would love to get John Carlson from Washington even if it means expanding the deal to include Sutton+? CB, do you think that is realistic?
FYI: ***Matt Martin and Jesse Joensuu have been returned to Bridgeport. I suspect this is a “paper transaction” for salary and salary cap purposes with the Islanders not playing until Saturday. For now, this is not a story.***
In other words, NEXT! CB
As much as I’d hate to see Rollie go, I say do it. I would try and swing a deal with the Hawks. They are in desparate need of cap room and we could benefit here. I say trade both Sutton and Rollie to the Hawks for say a Byfuglien, Sharp, Seabrook, and/or Barker. You’d possibly be able to get 2 out of the 4 here or perhaps throw in a future draft pick here.
#67, if all we can get for Sutton is a #2, then I extend him. If teams really want him, then Garth should seek more than a #2.
Forget about any prospects or good young players being acquired by Snow. He will settle for draft picks because that is all he seems to know how to trade for these last 2 and a half years. It would not surprise me if he receives a 2nd and 4th for Sutton and a late 1st round pick for Roloson. Then he and Jankowski can do what they did last year. Trade all of their assets for an early 1st rounder.
The only problem I have with moving Roloson is that the team is right back to where they were this past summer: DP and no reliable back-up/1-A goaltender to split time with him. If they do move Roloson, is there any chance the team extends Biron? Does Biron have any desire to sign an extension and split time with DP if Roloson is traded? I think those questions need to be answered before trading Roloson away.
We make this deal we concede we are perpetual losers. You are adding at least another year to any rebuild.
Sutton or someone of his ilk needs to stay. As soon as we messed with ROli the whole team tanked.
Hey #38 Washington has nothing to deal? The Hershey Bears are like 40 - 9…They have 20 yr old,.6-3 defensemen John Carlson who is going to be a 1 or 2.
But I dont think Washington will deal him. Dealing Roli would be lousy, mainly because we are conceding that we are committed to an oft injured goaltender (DP) who plain blows INMHO. And that we don’t value any tutelage for our young d-men. (AINt NO WAY SUTTON SIGNS WITH US IN THE OFFSEASON)
I would rather Snow make some decisions on guys who have had enough time to prove themselves but have fallen short. I don’t care how young you are, if the players dont have enough talent or drive you won’t win. And if you don’t surround your young guys with talented vets they will not develop.
In my opinion, aside from the core, I don’t see a lot of upside for this crew. Comeau has been especially disappointing. Did you realize Nielsen is 25? This was his year to bust out.
Bergs frustrates the s+_T out of me.
Tambellini is only a distraction. Kohn is probably at best a 7th d-man. Hunter might be the worst skater in the league. Gervais is a turnover waiting to happen. Radek will be back next year (see money) only to probably get a serious injury in November. None of the d-men we have drafted over the past three years are close to ready and 3 of them are rehabbing which may add a year to development. At the Bridge DIBennedetto has done nothing, our top scorer is a 28 yr old AHL’er. So for all you fans who say lets deal, get ready for 2-3 more years of hell with very little light at the end of the tunnel. Thats not a rebuild. Thats keeping a franchise barely afloat.
I could see Rollie going (just based on age) but sending Sutton away is going to be a tough pill to swallow. As others have said once he is gone that is it. So many people on here think that if he signs as a rental we can bring him back in the offseason. I believe that you have a better chance of signing Lacalvier than you do Sutton. If he goes to a team like Washington or Philly you can bet that he will sign with them in the offseason. Why would he choose to come back to a team that did not make the playoffs again when he is with a team that is competing for the Stanley Cup. On top of that you have to look at the money. Yes Wang has the cash to dole out for him but will he do it? That is highly doubtful that we will outbid another team for his services. Even if we do you still have to think that the chance of winning a Cup has to be included with that bet and right now we are nowhere close to that goal. Washington and Philly on the other hand…
Rollie, on the other hand, could bring us something that we desparately need other than limited-time, spectacular goal tending. Of course he will be missed but if you can get a 2nd rounder/prospects for him why wouldn’t you pull the trigger? Now is the perfect time to cash in on his success. We have a stable of goalies waiting to come up. Biron can probably be signed for cheap after this season where we can groom him for our next trade bait option. In that time we can get one of the goalies from last year’s draft to make an appearance or two and see what we have for backups/prospects.
if they are serious about trading Sutton then do it by 3 pm tommorrow otherwise every game he plays increases his chances of getting injured which = Zippo for a return
Ugh I wish martin was up here much much earlier. He is exactly what this team needs.
Could Joensuu and Martin going down mean the Islanders are going to be acquiring a player or two in a trade, so they cleared the room until they can decide what to do?
If Martin and Joensuu are playing this weekend, wouldn’t it be beneficial to practice with the big club?
CB will garth do something like this
sutton and rollie
for
barker, huet, beach and #1
taking back salary and getting a great return helps both teams big time
huet and dp next year
I would hate to see Sutts leave, he really has played out of his mind. If we could get a good package for him, then it’s worth it. My only hope would be that he comes back during the offseason.
Rollie, Sutton and our 2nd rounder for Barker & Byfuglien…
I’d hate to see either of them leave the way they played this year, but if it needs to be done, and we can get real value for them, then go for it.
R you guys serious??? The flyers wouldn’t even move Van Reimsdyk and Giroux for Kovy and now everyone thinks the Islanders can get one of them for Sutton?
Trade both Sutton and Rolosson, but NOT TO NEW JERSEY. (We should NOT help them get a 4th Cup under any circumstances.) And if Garth wants to trade Hunter and Bergenheim I’m okay with that too. Hunter has maxed out, and Bergy proves every day that he’s a modern day Claude Lapointe. (Great effort, great smarts, NO HANDS.)
I really like the way Sutton and Rolosson have played and competed this year and I wish them well. Heck, I hope they go on to win a Cup after we trade ‘em. But get assets.
chicage..new jersey and washington are loaded with legimate players that could help us now
Sutton: I would really hope that Snow learned his lesson in 2007. SIGN Sutton. Why roll the dice when you DO NOT HAVE ANY DEPTH ON D.
Perpetual mediocrity is bad, but perpetual outright failure is worse.
Rolly: MVP so far, but if he can fetch more than Biron then that’s a no brainer. There are 9 goalies in the organization.
if sutton doesnt sign an extension 2yrs at the same money he makes now then you have to move him…would be great if we could package sutton and roli for a 1st rounder and young defensemen.
Snow would be CRAZY to not try and sign Sutton! Trading him would be a mistake. No way we trade him and he signs with us in the offseason.
Before I head out for the afternoon, and with the Olympic break thankfully almost here, I want to thank everyone for checking out the blog.
The Islanders could definitely bring back excellent value for a 40-year-old goalie and almost 35-year-old defenseman. But some offers mentioned over the last two hours have come from Dreamland.
The Chicago Blackhawks are not going to break up their current team to add Roloson and Sutton. They may trade a high pick and a quality young player, but not regular-shift players from a current lineup that is dominating. Especially really good ones. That includes Ted Nolan favorite Dustin Byfuglien.
A trade for a Capitals’ top prospect is possible.
And I’ve been meaning to say this for a while, but when did Cam Barker become the NHL’s next stud defenseman? Although he’s playing behind three excellent ones, Barker is still getting just 13 minutes a game from Coach Q. Barker has talent, no doubt, but it seems many are more in love with his 3rd overall pick pedigree than what he actually is as an NHL player.
You know what they say about how an NFL team’s most loved player is the backup quarterback? In the NHL, it’s often other teams’ good-not-great young players.
Be safe and enjoy the day…CB
Chris TMC- My assumption has absolutely nothing to do with DP being back to form.
What exactly does this team stand to lose by letting Lawson/Munroe backup the last 20 games of the year?
Why do you assume Biron would re-sign here if we kept him? At the same time, how can you assume that he wouldn’t come back if he were traded?
I agree that Roloson is a quality goalie, but it looks like the lack of playing time may be effecting his perfomance. If anything, he’d play even less next year. Why not sell high?
Before all write off Biron look at his stats with a good team in front of him…He has a winning record…
Both should be traded as they are deemed chips needed for a cup contender, which we are not, at least not yet. Roli did better than anyone thought and the fact remains that he was only signed to fill in some holes, because of his age, he is not part of the future. I think that Sutton owes us big time. How many years was he hurt, he never lived up to the contract we first signed him to. He should resign we with for at least 2 more years.
CB _ Excellent last 2 paragraphs….Everyone seems to love every other teams young high draft picks. I wonder if other teams boards have people saying that about Tambs and Kohn
The Isles are 3-4 years away from serious cup contention. Rollie & Suttom won’t be around then. If you can get a 1st round or existing prospect, make the trade. I would add Hunter to that list (but he has I believe 3 yrs left on his contract). Keep to the plan Snow!
Ill take prospects or picks. If we can get a late first rounder or 2nd rounder plus a prospect that will give us some options on draft day. Another 1st round pick plus ours can definitely help us move up the ladder on draft day.
I don’t get the recent love fest with Sutton. Yes, he is having a great year and has been very valuable to the team, but its no new phenomenon in sports to see a guy overachieve in a contract year. If this was last year I guarantee 3/4 of the people on here saying “dont trade him!” would have said “who cares its Sutton let him go”. Sutton’s play has been passable at best, when he was healthy, in all his time with the Isles previous to this year. I don’t want to see him walk for nothing, but he should be traded because this year is the highest his value is ever going to be.
Buy Low, Sell High.
As much as i would love to see Sutton and Roloson in Isles uniform, CB you hit it right on the head. THEY ARE OUR BEST TRADEABLE ASSET. Chi, Wash, and Pitt have guys in AHL that cant crack their lineup that would be 1st and 2nd liners on the isles roster.
If price is right you take it. Dont settle. Alot of cup contending teams could really benefit from either. IF they give you alot you take it. Just dont settle. Keep your core - JT, KO, JB, F Nielsen, Schremp, Streit, McDonald.
CB, Thanks for dismissing the Streit Talk. You dont trade healty 31 dman that is ironman.
it was not long ago that the Tavares bashers were Sutton Basher when he was hurt.
35 year rebuilding process. we should be good by 2030.
Rollie and Sutton have been a huge part of getting the Isles where they are now (in a positive light, peanut gallery.) With that said, Rollie basically signed on for the sake of a contract and, given the cupboard, I’m fine with trading him away for assets.
On the other hand, Sutton is still relatively young and brings a lot to the table for the Isles. We could sell high, sure, but what would we really be getting for him? Another D-man or pick who will take a few years to possibly mature? Or maybe a forward that might crack the #2 line? 6 of one, half-dozen of another. Unless there’s a really stupid-good offer for Sutton, I say keep him.
Sending players back on off days to save $$ tells me as a islander fan the penny pinching is in full efect n isles will have lowest payroll next season as well.
If we send Sutton to the Caps…I want John Carlson back
Great Topic CB!
After watching the Isles put up a tough effort against the Stanley Cup Champions last night…the rebuild is moving along nicely (although it would be nice to see toughness form from within this group). But there is some dead weight on this team. Our current roster cnt hang with the good teams in the East. And Rolo and Sutton arent bringing this team down. With that said-if there is legit value in Rolo and Sutton…especially from the list of teams CB has shared…as an Isles fan…I say trade them Snow!!!
As a group-fans should bring signs to the next game- “Nice guys finish last!”
Come on young guys-start sticking up for each other!!!!!!
Go Isles!!!!
The Isles with their first pick in the 2nd and 3rd round last year picked goalies. Also have Munroe and Poulin in the system. So what, if they trade Rolo for a 2nd rounder. Hes played great - but get the pick. I love picks!! Trade Sutton for a 2nd and 4th and a prospect, Tambellini for a 7th, Witt for a 7th this year and a 6th in 2011, Weight for a 7th this and next, Sim for a prospect, Hunter for a 5th in 2011, 4th in 2012, conditional 3rd in 2013. Then swap 6th rounders in 2011 with San Jose, trade the 2 7ths in 2011 + the 5th in 2012 + a prospect to the Rangers for their 3rd rounder in 2013. See how ridiculous this all is. ENOUGH OF THE PROSPECTS< PICKS ETC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET PEOPLE WHO CAN PLAY THE GAME OF HOCKEY!!!
Mike (100)
They stand to lose 20 games…
I’m cool with trading Rolli anywhere as long as it nets a 2nd rounder or higher or a good prospect.
Sutton, the same, although I DO NOT want to trade him within the division if at all possible. All we need to do is give NJ, PIT, and PHI more of a chance at demolishing us in their buildings and ours.
CB - thanks for the comment re Barker. I am always baffled by Isles fans who think this guy has the potential to be a top-pairing Dman. I lived in Chicago last year and watched Barker regularly - he is a terrible skater and looks like MAB in his own zone.
Although Sutton has played well this year, I think he has been playing over his head. If the Isles are getting good offers (e.g. top prospect or first rounder), it would be foolish not to take a serious look. Also, I would be open to trading Roloson for the very simple reason that he may not be suited for a 1A or backup role. The guy’s play has serious dropped since DP returned. If he’s the type of guy who needs 65 games to be effective, then I’m not sure he will work in a tandem with DP.
If the caps are interested and desperate for the cup, then Garth should try to package Sutton and Roli for Carlsson or Alzner.
Not afraid of getting rid of Rollie or Sutton. Both have been great but if able to be moved for right price so be it. Is a 40yr old goalie really worth passing up a late 1st or prospect that can jump in and start next year. Sutton would hurt but he is a 35 yr old expiring contract. is their no big checking d man in this years free agent market. if nothing else he will be.
i don’t understand #8 and #110, why so negative? this is great news, Isles not making the playoffs this yr and will not be cup contender next year. why not get good value out of 40 and 35 yr olds???
I thought he was a mistake at first but I am drunk on the Garth kool-aid. I trust the man.
CB-
In a proposed trade with Chicago for our only 2 assets what is a fair expectation?
Meaning who do you actually think we could/should get back?
Without living in “Dreamland” or Us Getting Shafted in the Deal.
The Islanders had 10 picks in the 2006 draft AFTER the 3rd round. They are all still under 22.
Rhett Rakishani
Thomas Marcinko, Stephan Ridderwall, Shane Sims, Troy Mattila, Brian Day, Kim Johannson, Andrew MAcdonald, Doug Rogers, Jase Weslowsky. Mcdonald here, proof that you can never have enough draft picks. Eventually something will stay. Isnt that called staying the course? UGH!!!!!
I have watched Bergie, comeau, tambellini and Nielson for just about 3 seasons now. They are 3rd and 4th liners playing top 6 forward minutes and positons. They are who they are. Tambellini is not going to be a scorer in this league. Plain and simple. but he can skate has skill and can become a very good 3rd 4th line checker and penalty killer. Once he and the organization comes to this realization he will be a very good asset for us. Right now he is useless. Same situation for bergie and blake C. Bottom 6 forwards who can bring energy and physical play. Nielson on the other hand is a wild card. I dont know if he can be a 2nd line center who can develop a scoring touch and become a top 2 way player or is he a solid depth center playing on the 3rd line. I am leaning towards the latter. IMO the 2nd line 2 way center will be Bailey. When the team went 9-2-2 and won 6 straight home games I was ecstatic got too high so I wont get too low. Try to finish these last two games before the break strong and see if there is a run there. I think Garth will continue with the rebuilding and if they make the playoffs or come close so be it part of the maturation process. If I am Garth realistically you have to trade sutton and roloson if the price is right. You can always parlay those prospects into better deals with more experienced players not necessarily draft picks. Let go Islanders!
The wanting to keep Sutton argument makes no sense to me. The Isles have to think long term, 5 years from now. They aren’t going to make huge strides next year most likely either. Trading Roloson who is 40, and Sutton who is 35 makes so much sense. They won’t be around when this team hopes to be good. People might think I’m nuts but if they get blown away for Streit they should move him too.
would hunter have value to a contending team? reasonable contract,just does not fit gordons system.
If Sutton is traded then you can bet that teams are going to walk ALL OVER the Islanders until Snow gets some sizeable players. He is one of the only players that other teams look out for when they dump and chase. If he leaves we can bet that the other team’s offensive zone time will go up considerably not to mention their goal production.
Our owner sucks
Our GM sucks
Our coach sucks
JT sucks
This farce will continue until CW gets lost. I have supported this team since ‘75, and after watching CW’s true colors on that embarrasing interview with Howie, well I and all of us should be DONE.
We have had 2 (two) succesful teams this past dcade under tow different coaches, and where are they now? CW has employed the current staff as to what they are, low salaried, inexperienced puppets. Hey CW, how’s Neil Smith and Pat LaFontaine doing? Or Peter Laviolette/Ted Nolan?
I never, ever thought I could think this, never mind type it, but the TOH is doing us a favor. Since the Spano fiasco, it’s been one after another and it will continue under CW. Man, this sucks!
CB, for President, GM, or..
cb,
does snow owe a courtesy to sutton and roloson,especially roloson to ask if they want to stay, or a preference where they would/would not want to be traded? would trading roloson without his consent send a bad message to other veteran free agents?
Chicago’s prospect Dylan Olsen was a predraft fav on this blog.
Washington Karl Alzner and John Carlson on defense and big LW Osla. Carlson would be my favorite and a great fit for the Isles.
Ott has Cowen who played behind Hamonic and De Haan on team Can but was drafted ahead of De Haan.
Philly tougher to analyze but if they want Roli and Sutton maybe we get Van Riemsdyk? I’m sure they have plenty of big physical players.
Cal no one is jumping out at me and I know the Isles don’t need another 4th line player even if his name is Nystrom. Sure Snow can find good assets there.
SJ: Big physical talented d-men Petricki and Doherty.
COl: Not sure.
Anyway this is exciting news and could help out. While Botta indicates these are the only two older vets who can pull any real value, I’d still like to see them move Park, Witt, Sim, Jackman, Hunter for whatever they can get.
On the youngsters lets see Tambs and Comeau traded. Botta indicated in an article a few months ago Comeau might have value.
If the Islanders are not going to sign Sutton by March 3 then they have to trade him and maximize their return. 3o games of being run over with Sutton out of the lineup is not going to matter in the long run. My preference is to re-sign him, but he is worth a first rounder at least if that was the going rate for Campoli and Wallin is a second. Preferebaly a prsopect like Clarkson from the Caps.
.. #117 metal - They ALREADY bascially walk over the Isles even with Sutton in the lineup, sad but true
.. We REALLY REALLY have to look at the big picture, if the Isles can get into a mini ‘bidding war’ from other teams for Sutton & Rollie then the price will only go uppppp!
.. Again i say NOOOOOO to a 3rd round pick and a so-so prospect for them - we have to get some REALLY GOOD young talent and draft pixx, if they give us a NHL ready 22 yr old, we have to do the trade!
.. Big picture Isles fans - Rollie & Sutton are 40 and 35 yrs old players and its not like we are 1 yr away, so if we get *REAL VALUE* (no cheapies lol) we have to do it, think about the big picture!!
ny711ot(#111)- A backup isn’t going to play 20 games (knock on wood), but even if we lost all 20 games, what does that really matter?
I’m an Oakland Raiders fan and there was alot of hope at the end of 2008. They won the last two games and knocked the Bucs out of the playoffs. Jamarcus Russell was slinging touchdowns.
That obviously had no bearing on 2009 other than the fact that they may not have drafted DHB in the 1st round if they lost those two games and picked 3rd in the draft.
#38 and those who question any Capitals prospects,you evidently aren’t very familiar with their riches. I reside in Hershey Pa and am an avid Hershey Bears and Islanders fan. That team has mirrored their Parent clubs achievements almost to a tee. They are currently 39-9-2,have just finished a 12 game winning streak and now are in the midst of a new 10 game streak. This isn’t being done soley with AHL vet superstars such as Alexander Giroux and Keith Aucoin. Aside form the aforementioned John Carlson and Karl Alzner,young NHL ready players such as fowards, Andrew Gordon,Kyle Wilson,Matthew Perreault,Andrew Joudrey. Quite frankly I don’t understand The Caps any need for goaltending. Both young Michal Neuwvith and Simeon Varlomov are better than Jose Theodore. As a matter of fact the Bears current goalie,Braden Holtby may be better than all of them. I have mixed emotions here. Under other circumstances I would love to see the Isles’capitalize’(pardon the pun). Considering the history The Bears are making this season(By the way they are the defending Calder Cup Champions)however,,I’d hate to see this group be stripped of their core personnel.
I dont get some fans. Now I want to win, but I am also realistic. I am realist that Sutton is having his best year and gets hurt a lot so the smart thing is to get a lot for him now-1st round pick. Rolli im 50/50 on. I dont trust Dp to play 55-60 games next year so I want a viable other option and I dont see why rolli cant play the same as he did this year for us. Im not big on Biron, doesnt seem to make big saves, although he hasnt gotten the opportunities either. As for some of you who want to trade Streit?? Now way Jose!! Our PP already stinks, why would you get rid of your only threat from the point, one of the few bright spots on the team. What you want to finish dead last next season? Streit is not old, he has a bunch of good years ahead of him. Maybe he wont be a #2 dmen in 3-4 years like he is no, but he can still be a top 4 dmen and help this team tremendously as long as he stays healty. No way do I trade Streit and it wont happen.
Let the Taylor Hall sweepstakes begin.
Lets not let Edmonton get to cozy in the basement. They are planning for a 1-2 punch of Eberle and Hall next year. Id rather see a Hall-Tavares-Bailey-Okposo 1-2-3-4 combination.
Lets be honest, folks, this team was fun to watch for a while but we aren’t even close to being a playoff team. I hate to miss a good pick so we just make or just miss the playoffs. We must continue to think of 2 years from now. Time to take some more lumps. Getting another franchise type player is well worth it. More important that a 4 games sweep at the hands of the Caps! That is what awaits the #8 seed. Id rather be 15th than 9th. Think about it.
I we trade Sutton, I doubt he comes back.
only for the players. we have enough people who are 2-3-4-5 years away
CB…as you mentioned plenty of times before, the Isles cannot know for sure if DP is going to remain healthy and he still is a big question mark. This is something they obviously have to consider when thinking about trading roloson. However, the Isles have some pretty good goaltending prospects(Poulin, Ridderwall, the two they drafted this year). My question is, how do the Isles feel about these goalies and do they play a factor into their decison making come trade deadline? I would think they are still far away from being factors, but Isles have shown they are not shy about pushing their prospects. Thoughts?
As a followup,I would love to see 6′5″ 215 lb ex-Bears Center Dave Steckel(Great defensive foward and face off man),who has already found a place in Washington and tough young D man,Tyler Sloan in an Isles unifrom. Considering the riches they have in Hershey,perhaps the Caps would be amenable to opening up spots for some of them confidently determining there wouldn’t be any disturbance in their quest for The Cup.
If we trade Sutton we’ll be looking for someone exactly like him next year. Our D is pathetic with him, let alone without him. Plus, every team needs SOME vets.
I’d trade Roloson for a big young D man who could join the team now.
DP-Biron will suffice for this year, and maybe even next if we can resign Biron.
Sutton has been excellent this year and is a valuable part of the current team. That said, he is doing all of this in a contract year and has spent an awful lot of time injured in the past few seasons. Hate to see him go, but he is not likely to be a part of this team when our young core platers hit their stride. If he has high value now, the team would be well served to capitalize on that.
So much for the huge trade deadline before the real trade deadline across the NHL….Unless something goes down before 3, I guess we’ll wait until March
CB…I thought the roster freeze was exactly that…meaning…I thought JJ and MM had to be sent to BP by tomorrow in order to be eligibile to play in the AHL over the Olympic break.
no, No and NO! Since “contender teams” want Sutton, why wouldn’t we keep him. We are up to our eyeballs in “prospects”. We have someone who plays now, is a big part of the defense and seems to want to stay here. Come on -enough already. We always trade away and then they come back on other teams to “bite us. Or become super stars elsewhere. If we’re not contenders, let us keep our assets to ourselves.
Words of wisdom Pedro! Better to trade a year early and get value than a year late and get squat.
I get a feeling Washington won’t part with Carlson for Sutton and Roloson. I wonder what type of prospects we can get for these guys.
Karl Alzner and/or jeff schultz and a pick for Sutton and/or Rollie.
I’m going to go out on a limb here, and say that the Isles probably aren’t going to win the Stanley Cup this year. With that in mind, Rolie and Sutton (as much as I like them both) should be available for the right price. I can’t say what the right price is, because I don’t know what’s being offered by other teams. But if Garth gets an offer that can make the team better in the future, he should go for it. I will say that the Isles should not count on DP as a bona fide No. 1 goalie next year. Given his injury history, it would be insane to try to play him in more than about 45 games next year. Whatever the plan is, it had better include a solid “1B” goaltender.
Sorry, but I just don’t see the logic in trading away our most effective D-man this season and the only player of any size. Sign Sutton, don’t trade him away. As for Rolie, he clearly our best goalie right now. I know we’re stuck with DP, but his health is such that we need a goalie that can play everyday.
If you can get John Carlson from Washington… it is a no brainer… the guy is going to be a stud… if Roloson and Sutton won’t get him maybe a 3rd round pick added in would help. Heck… we really don’t need to draft another goalie in the 3rd round this year do we?
I feel like people don’t understand the rebuild. Biron can play everyday, he’s done it before. Rick is our goalie for the future, and needs to get back in shape. Rollie is 40! his value is apparently high, so why not trade him. We are still rebuilding.
I will say it again. Rebuild does not mean getting rid of your better players every march 3rd. It means drafting well and adding players to help guide and teach the young ones. I love this team and always will, but my gosh–can we please stop taking one step forward and two steps back? Garth–winning is contagious. It’s amazing how many problems the isles can solve by just winning.(new arena, attendance,confidence level of the young players, etc.,) Unless it is an unbelievable offer, keep Sutton. Biron is terrible on this team. He needs a fresh start somewhere else. We need Rollie just to keep us in the game half the time.
I would like to see the Islanders make the best deal possible, obviously. However if trades are made to NJ or Phi I think you have to get way more because they are in the division. That said, I have no problem picking up pieces that will be mainstays in 3 years when this team is real good. By that time both Roloson & Sutton will be retired.
What’s the point in dealing Sutton and Roloson for draft picks? We know the Islanders will draft somebody who will separate his shoulder signing a contract.
I like Despres from Pittsburgh. He is a big bodied defense-man prospect who was a late first round pick. If Sutton is worth a late first round selection, we might be able to get Despres for him.
Here is a question for those of you that support re-signing Sutton instead of trading him:
How is that Witt deal looking right about now?
I remember thinking that was a great deal too, but these older big d-men decline in their mid-thirties. Even if it’s just a 2nd round pick, it’s a no-brainer.
…as much as I hate to admit it, I am of the feeling you get what ever you can for these two vets at this point.
trade them they are not part of this rebuild. remember that they have to suck before they are good in a rebuild
i hope sutton brings back more than a 2nd…the one thing garth cant do is let sutton walk away for nothing..if he isnt traded then he as to be extended NOW..otherwise it is a total waste.
I follow the Caps closely here in DC and I’ve thought for awhile that Sutton would be a great match here. He would be by far their biggest d-man, and one element the Caps sorely lack is a big, crease-clearing body like Sutton.
He’d be perfect for them.
And the Caps aren’t just loaded on the big club — they have a bevy of excellent young talent in their system.
If Snow could pry a Karl Alzner or John Carlson, the deal would (or should) be done in 60 seconds.
McPhee is a shrewd GM though, and isn’t going to sell the farm for Sutton. More likely is a high draft pick and more marginal prospect, like Josh Godfrey, going back to the Isles.
The Caps are one of the teams the Isles are now emulating in their attempt to rebuild. A deal between the two teams would be interesting.
Mike (119)
What would 20 losses mean to the psyche of your young players; some of whom have never won a thing? For the team to grow they need positive takeaways…believe me I would like the first pick too but not necesarily at the expense of developing the guys we want to keep.
Parise missed last night with an ‘upper body injury’. First off, that would cost US any chance at a gold or silver medal at all. But secondly, possible second chance for KO?
Carlson is Washington’s top prospect. They’re not parting with him for guys that can help, but aren’t necessarily the “over-the-top” additions.
For sure though, Roloson and Sutton must have some value that can improve this team in the long run.
Sutton could always be resigned in the summer, if Snow should wish to bring him back.
Sell off whatever vets we can. We need to focus on a lottery pick and definite top 3. If not Hall, we want Fowler. The Leafs are doing whatever they can to get out of the lottery, so hopefully they pass us by and Carolina is gaining steam. We would look good nestled right behind the Oil at seasons end. Go Garth go, and I hope the boys can lose and still have fun.
I would remind Mr. McPhee that Ray Shero is on the other line asking about Sutton…..
Roli, Sutton and a draft pick ( not our 1st rd. pick 2010) for Carlson.
Both of these will be tough sells because you have to find guys from other teams WILLING to be dealt to the rebuilding Isles. Itll be interesting to see what happens…or doesnt.
Listen to #142,he knows what he is talking about. Take it from me! I know him quite well! Unless a man child,who is unsually gifted, every wet behind the ears youngster needs a tour guide or mentor to show him the way. Should Snow be able to pry away John Carlson or Karl Alzner,who are more than NHL ready and have stardom written all over them,then yes,I could see him pulling the trigger. Having seen these kids first hand,numerous times,I can almost assure you George McPhee will not part with them. I also have to believe they don’t think the chasm between their own John Erskine and Andy Sutton is wide enough to mortgage some of their important future gems. Someone proposed the Caps may surrender a high draft pick(which would be more of a quasi second round pick,if their 1st)along with Josh Godfrey,who shuttles between the ECHL South Carolina Stingrays and the Hershey Bears. Consider that for all intents and purposes simply a draft pick coming our way. Godfrey is LESS than marginal. That said,it is probably along the lines of what the Caps would offer the Isles in return for Sutton.
Chris in DC (141),
You don’t think that McPhee regrets passing on Guerin last year and letting him go to the one team they had to beat? I think Guerin would have made the difference last year as the Caps were not tough up front. Now he has a chance to get a physical shut down defenseman, who can skate and plays with siome snarl, to put out against Crosby and Malkin. That’s not worth Carlson?
I’ll be upset if we don’t keep Sutton (a known quantity and only Dman on the team with size, great attitude) rather than get a prospect that probably never becomes an impact player. He was dinged up in each of his first 2 seasons on the Isle and has been consistently good since being healthy. That said, I bet he ends up in Jersey.
Why won’t Sutton drop the gloves ? Its embarassing and sumes up the team. Garth is trying to put together a finesse team that would only work if the nhl changed the rules to no contact and everyone had to be under 6 feet.
Mike #137! You keep on stressing your fear of Andy Sutton falling off of the cliff in a steep decline using Witt as the model. Again,they are the same age and two different players. Brendan in his hay day,was simply a bruiser,with marginal skating ability and little to offer offensively. Sutton is considerably more mobile with plenty left in his tank.Will he suffer an injury should he be kept and resigned? Possibly,yes! That however is no reason to turn your back on a deal. It could happen to anyone. If retained and extended,Andy isn’t going to be more than a two or three year bridge and mentor. That intangible is invaluable toward an up and coming young D man and Sutton is the perfect man for the job.
First round draft picks and B+ prospects is what we are looking at. Trade them both, even though I really like them both. It is i the best interest of the franchise. We could have a team Stacked with very good to great prospects including the ones we already have on the roster. Plus we will have another high first rounder this year.
Is everyone dillusional? Sutton, while having a nice year, did NOTHING his first two years with us. I understand it was due to injury but what makes anyone want to resign a guy at his age with injruy history?! There are younger guys with the same skills out there. If I’m Snow, I offer Bergie (who needs a scenary change or is just not a true 1st round pick) with Rolo and Sutton to get some more depth value along with a pick.
Sutton would fight if he was allowed to. He has been told to stay out of it, so he stays healthy. Imagine if we lost Andy to a broken hand.
To me, you trade Sutton only if your bowled over by a deal. No marginal prospects or mid level picks. The Isles sorely need his size and will just have to try and replace it over the summer if they deal him. If the return is marginal I would look to extend him.
#150! If you are belly aching about Sutton not throwing off the gloves last night,you evidently have a thing or two to learn about the importance of poise and discipline. Not doing so conserved a PP. He wisely picks his spots and can beat the crud out of most players in the League.
JTorBust- Sutton doesn’t fight because he is our best defensive defenseman. Taking him off the ice for 5 minutes seriously hinders this team and forces guys like Bruno Gervais to log even more minutes. Is that something you want?
If anything, it shows me and hopefully numerous GMs around the league that his not jsut physical, but smart too.
#151- 2 or 3 year bridge? I thought that was what Witt would be, but now it’s not looking so good in year 2.
There is nothing wrong with going after Sutton in UFA (after we trade him), but a 2 or 3 year deal could be a really bad thing. There are plenty of other veteren d-men that will be available. Sutton is very replaceable.
Why does everyone compare Sutton to Witt? They are 2 totally different players with 2 totally different playing styles. If Witt isn’t hitting someone or playing the body he has no use. Sutton can do so much more than just that.
Hey I love sutton. but every fan on this site including myself was calling him mandy sutton because he was soft at the beginning of this year. match that with the oft injured precursor to his name and I say if someone wants to give a 1st and a prospect they’ve got a solid citizen playing for a contract.
same with roloson…hell of a season great player for us if someone wants to give us a 2nd that turns into a 1st if he gets to the finals and a player to be named or a prospeect I’ll take that action
Mark striet if someone wants to give us a one and a prospect they will boost there powerplay and get one hell of a top 2 D man.
I am in this for the long haul. I have been a fan since 76′ and if the internet was around in 73 fans would be screaming you can’t trade Neil Nicholson, Gerry dejardins or Ralph stewart what about the future and who is this Al Arbour guy coming in Can we get a coach whose done something, Geez as if last season wasn’t embarrassing enough.
One thing to consider in looking at trades is if the other team believes what your giving them is enough to help them win a cup. They’ll give up some excellent prospects in that case. Last year Ana gave Tangradi to Pit (Big LW the Isles would like). In the case of Washington and Philly getting Sutton and Roloson would make them the clear favorites to win the cup and that means everything to a franchise (as we all remember from so long ago).
Look for something good but don’t look down Milbury st
Sutton won’t come back if they trade him. As far as a replacement, with all that cap space, Dan Hamhuis makes a ton of sense.
I agree with #179 - If Sutton is traded we wont be able to re-sign him over the summer. It just wont happen. At that point the Isles will have to over pay and if he has success else where why comeback?
I have no problem moving Roloson. While he has been the reason for this decent season. He will be 41 and DP will be healthier. You want a guy with a positive attitude behind him. That is Biron.
Garth……MAKE THE DEAL!!!
I would be in favor of trading Sutton, Roloson and/or Biron for prospects rather than draft picks. Players taken in the ‘08 or ‘09 drafts.
John Karlson for sutton, would love for that to happen, but do not see the CAPs doing that deal. Karlson is going to be a star in two years, just needs playing time. He will porbably replace an aging Poti….
We must trade Sutton. The Isles will not resign him. Trade Roloson too. The two together in a package should net a number one pick and a prospect or a number two pick and a few NHL ready prospects. Garth, the fan base is begging for bigger and stronger players. We have been a small team for years. Rebuilding is hard enough to take, but getting pushed around makes your product even harder to watch. I think some teams take pity on us in the phyisical play, and that’s sad.
I would 100% trade sutton. There are tons of defensmen who hit. The isladers only have sutton lol.. we will be able to replace him this summer
165 — No, you don’t. You trade for players without no-movement clauses, and they don’t have a choice.
If Dominic Moore can garner a Habs 2nd rounder, certainly sutton and or rollie can get more.
dominic moore just went from fla to montreal for a 2nd rounder in 11. if we can not get a 2nd rounder for both sutton and roloson then garth has issues.
Camp opens in 7 months for next season. The Isles need sutton because to get a similar player they will have to pay significantly more $$ due to the fact they will have to “bribe” that player..like the mets failed to do with Molina.
This better turn out better than the Billy Guerin situation last year. I want something better than a conditional 3rd round pick. I am pro for moving sutton (he is older and we need to get younger) and am on the fence about Roli.
I have no problem trading Sutton or Rolo. Especially Rolo being 40 years old. The Isles should be able to get a nice return for both. I hope more players get moved as well.
Let’s see what kind of GM we have though i already believe we do not have a top NHL caliber GM. We should be able to get a pretty good return for Rolo and Sutton with the teams mentioned being interested.
Do something smart Garth and move the rebuild along.
….party on Garth!!!!!
After seeing Dominic Moore get traded for a second round pick, we’ve got to believe Sutton and Roloson are worth at least a first round pick. Moore is 29, has 8 goals and 9 assists so far this season, and is an impending free agent. Niclas Wallin was also traded for a second round pick. Sutton and Roloson have a ton more value than both Moore and Wallin. Garth should be able to move Sutton and Roloson for a really nice return.
Hopefully Snow can pull off at least a second rounder for Sutton. However, last year I thought Guerin would get us a second round draft pick and he was initially traded for a 5th!!! Thank god it at least turned into a third rounder but to most hockey enthusiasts that was an absolute steal for someone of Guerin’s leadership and offensive ability. I wouldnt be surprised if most Islanders fans are disappointed with the return we get for Sutton IF is ends up being traded away at the deadline.
Sutton is worth way more than a late second round pick. I would want a late first AND fifth round pick for him. Adding Sutton to a team like Washington or Chicago is the difference between competing for the cup, and winning it. First round picks are not nearly as important to a team like Chicago or Washington as they are to us. They won’t lose a night of sleep over the 30th and 150th overall picks.
Roloson has shown he can hold any team in games when he plays enough. He can be another playoff difference maker. I think he’s worth a late 2nd rounder at least.
Trent Hunter is worth nothing to any team?
I say keep Sutton. I understand this is a “rebuild” (seems like it’s been for the last 10 years) but you need to have some type of that “grizzled vet” on the team. I don’t think Weight’s doing it. Neither is Hunter or Park.
All these young players are great, but they need guidance. The coaches can only do so much from the bench. They need someone right there on the ice, in the middle of the plays and action to help them out.
Look at most Cup winning teams, they always have a good mix of young players and vets on the team (I’m not saying we’re going for the cup right now, but in general).
Buuuut….if Sutton was just going to leave anyway (I know he said he wants to remain an Islander) then yeah, of course you try to get something for him. Something is better than nothing, no?
Suit up.
no more picks pleeeeeze - can we get some players in here?
Joey303 - Picks are great because instead of just getting one prospect, you can choose a number of people from any position, that best suits your team. Or, you can use that pick to trade even higher in the draft. It’s how we got De Haan.
#192 raises a good point. Just what veteran D man who can do what Sutton does can we expect to convince to sign next July? With the virtual irrelevance this Franchise has had in the League for the past decade and shakiness regarding its future,LI and the Nassau Coliseum isn’t on the list of most desired venues to relocate to.
If florida can get a #2 for a scrub I get the feeling we will get nice returns for roloson and sutton.
I agree 200. A 2nd of moore seems very high. Sutton and Rolo can make a big impact for a playoff team.
how different of players are Richard Park and Dominic Moore? i see park to nashville for a 4th
For all those thinking it sucha great idea to trade Sutton away and (wink, wink) get him back in the summer, let’s remember what the League thought of it when St Louis traded, I think it was Weight, away for picks and then resigned him in the summer. Brian Burke is familiar with the concept — it’s called tampering and the League frowns upon it.
I also agree with CB that, no matter how much we’d love some NHL roster youth, no team who’s contending and dealing with chemistry issues is likely to trasde away any significant roster names. I’d love Byfuglien (sp?), but I think it’s a pipe dream.
Sutton and Rolo are our main tradabloe assets. Go get em Garth
Montreal gave up a 2011 2nd round pick. THN is saying the 2011 draft is supposed to be very weak, it’s probably the equivalent of a 3rd or 4th round pick in a normal draft. A lot of teams will probably try to trade 2011 picks.
Washington let up 6 goals tonite….
Snow was that your phone ringing?
CB makes a really good point regarding what kind of goalie would you rather have help in the rebuild. Rollie is going to be 41 next year splitting games with another goalie, thats definately not where he’ll thrive. However I would not trust having DP back as a starter. I don’t like saying this considering the remainder of his deal, but I just don’t think he’ll ever be a 30 game winner again with the way the game is played today, and with how he plays the game at times. I like Biron a lot as a player and person, but he’s best fit alternating with a really good goalie, a solid #1. Without rollie, we won’t have that. Its a tough spot, but a good spot I suppose considering the picks we may get in return. If you acquire 2 potential 2nd round draft picks for sutton/roloson, you can package one of those with another pick for a first rounder, snow has a knack for that stuff. Good luck to all of us.
Chris, you were right about the paper transaction regarding Martin and Joensuu. We were at the Booster Club meeting with Doug Weight as the guest (one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met), and all of a sudden he announced the special guests, Matt Martin and Jesse Joensuu. They stepped into the room for a second to a nice round of applause from the boosters, then Doug said, “yeah I do this every night, go get some sleep…the beers are on the way up.” Nice moment.
battfist, I totally agree. There is NO way the Capitals get to the finals without MUCH improved defense and goaltending. You just can’t give 6 goals a night and expect to win. There is no question Roloson and Sutton will really help them. The question is how desperate are they to give up one of their top prospects (Alzner or Carlson) to help them get over the top.
Semyon Varlamov was doing amazingly for the Caps in net until he got hurt. And when you score 5 goals every game, giving up 3 or 4 doesn’t matter much anyway, does it?
Trade Rolo for who??? He is the only thing keeping this team in a playoff hunt. Who will mind the net then? Dp isn’t anyway near being ready, and although Biron maybe a sweet guy he cant stop the puck.
The playoff hunt, we aren’t making the playoffs. Sell what you can and hope we get some prospects.
Rolli is the best goalie we have had in a while. When and I do mean when D.P. is totally healthy he will be decent, I doubt he will ever be great. Without Rollie we are probably in last place again. Addition by subtraction does not work if you are subtracting your better players for prospects that might or might not even ever play in the N.H.L. Sign Sutton, keep rollie. Get rid of dead wood I like Tamby, but Gordon obviously does not. Just unfair. How can you say you are rebuilding playing sim, park, an injured weight, Witt until recently? Get Weight the surgery he needs, then we will see about playing him next year. I see him as a good assistant coach if he can’t get over his injury.
Caps just called up Alzner and Chris Borque…hmmmmmmm. Doubt we have the goods but stranger things have happened.
Just finished reviewing the TSN power rankings and the Isles haved slipped to 28, a solid lottery pick at this pace.
We need to worry about the youth, wThe Isles need to continue the formular used by the Pens, Caps and Hawks. Steve Stamkos had a rough year but really came on strong this year. Even Josh Bailey is a far cry from last year. JT seems to have hit the wall, but expect big things next year. Right now, the Caps and Hawks are offensive juggernauts, but need that defensive touch. The Isles are in the position to make that happen for them now while solidifying our future. The Islanders have also had a great history of drafting d-men and picking them up in the open market. Time to let Sutton and Rolo go for the right price and keep our eyes on the future.
I think us fans have to be realistic here, there will be no playoffs for our Isles this year. Look at the way this team is playing. They aren’t just losing, they are being thoroughly dominated, especially up until these last two games. They’ve won 24 games this year, 13 in OT or SO!!
Garth needs to trade whoever he can and try to make the right FA signings during the summer, and when I say right I don’t mean with a budget. He should do some spending and bring in one or two impact players that are near their prime.
Get a lottery pick this year, let the kids bulk up another summer, reflect on the season, and have a good draft and July 1 and this team may be ready to compete for a 4-6 spot next year…hopefully
According to Detroit News, we had a pro scout checking out Sharks-Wings at Joe Louis Arena.
Hey CB, how many times has a player been traded in his walk year (as a so called rental) and actually come back to his old team as a free agent after the season ended? Not too many times I would think.
I’m so anxious now. I hate the idea of Sutton and Roloson not being Islanders but it really does make sense if the return is healthy.
I wish Byfuglien wasn’t dreamland. I do hope we get players that can contribute NOW or very soon though…
I wonder how many times I’ll be refreshing this website and CB’s twitter tomorrow.
I wouldn’t trade Sutton. I would do my best to sign him. Face it, with what we could trade who r we going to get. We already have a team of 3rd and 4th line players. Rolli is different.
Keith Tkachuk is one guy that kept getting traded from St. Louis and ended up being back in St. Louis a few times.
our GM has abad habit of making good deals. if he makes a move, the team will prosper. itsbeen his ability to avoid bad moves thats been under appreciated. wallin for a 2 and 5 pick. if thats the market level, sutton should fetch abig haul, as hes played real real well.
love rollie.. trade him too. lotsa net minders available in the offseason. the trick is signing the right one.
nice job by the GM last offseason with his signiings.
6″6″ 240 lb. mobile defenseman do not grow on trees. For a team lacking in size it just doesn’t make sense. Who replaces Sutton? We need to sign Sutton for two more years until some of our prospects are ready for NHL action.
Buy Low, Sell High
Lets see what Garth can get
Like others have mentioned Sutton could be the difference for the Caps winning the Cup and losing to the Penguins again. Dont you think Carlson or Alzner is worth the Cup NOW. On the same token wouldnt Despres be worth keeping Sutton away from the Caps, and the chance for back-to-back?
The Blackhawks have a ton of prospects, dont you think to shore up their goaltending the would send us Dylan Olsen?
These teams are worried about winning the Cup this year. We need to get there, and the more assets we have now, will get us there down the road.
.. BIG picture Isles fans, BIG picture!!!
.. If CB is correct (and he is alot lol) and there is alot of teams/scouts interested in these 2 players then theres a chance there can be a semi *bidding war* & the price will go UPPP and thats good news!
.. We have to look in the mirror and be REAL honest, we really do - There still a couple yrs away from competiting. YES YES the Isles are getting better (they have improved a lil this yr) but its small steps guys - lets keep moving in the right direction, keep adding young talent and add a free agent or 2 (AS WELL AS SOME DAMN SIZE!!!!) over the summer! Thats the way to go..
.. Garth CANT DROP the ball here - he has to get some young impact type players!! CMON GARTH GO GET EM!!!!
given how well he’s played and fit in, if sutton was 30 keeping and extending would be no brainers. but he’s almost 35 and maybe on borrowed time given his injury history. i was wrong about him, he’s better and tougher than i thought he was. the shame is if this team was ready to contend he’d be a character guy and leader that would be a big part of it, but the right choice now is to move him for a good prospect or pick if you can.
Hopefully something Happens before the break. What we need is a bonafide NHL player to compliment our core of young talent as it matures.
It amazes me, that so many people want to trade all the vets to tank this season. Thats a real good example to set for these kids. Yea lets dump everyone and lose and be losers. Hell no…Keep the team the way it is and ride out the season. Th team is young enough, we do not need anymore draft picks. Keep the team in tact, yes they still wont make the playoffs, and will stil get a lottery pick. But dont trade away the team , and make these kids thing the team is all about losing. Lets get a grip guys relax
229 pj on Feb 12th, 2010 11:17:02 said:
It amazes me, that so many people want to trade all the vets to tank this season. Thats a real good example to set for these kids.
it’s not a matter of wanting to “tank” and “dump.” it’s about rebuilding. that’s what they’re doing right? sometimes you have to give up a short term asset for long term benefit. with a guy like sutton it really is a shame because he’s become a fixture now. and if the g.m. can’t get what he wants for him then he shouldn’t move him. but for the right return, he needs to do it. that’s sports.
.. pj #229 who said dump the season? Again lets be real the Isles only have about 13 REAL wins (not OT/shootouts) lets be honest about the team, the team still needs talent and it needs alot of it!
.. Rollie is 40 and Sutton is almost 35 yrs old and having a GREAT season but he has been hurt/inconsistent in the past, his value IS REALLY HIGH right now! What good is it to just ‘ride out the season with him and Rollie? REALLY? there both free agents in 4 months what does that do for the team? SRSLY?
.. Im not trading them for a middle round pick but maybe a 21-22 yr old whos on the NHL level and can REALLY contribute, if the Isles were close to playoffs i wouldnt trade but again lets look in the mirror and be real honest!! — If we have 7-8 teams REALLY REALLY interested in Sutton, (thus the bidding war and trade value is going upppp!) you have to be crazy to NOT trade him!
Well then you guys need to reword, all you on here seem like you want to tank and dump. you need some veteran leadership. All i am saying is we dont need to trade everyone. It will not look good in the eyes of the teams youth. thats my point. the team has made some decent strides, if we trade all the vets, and keep adding youth, the team will take steps backwards, when the team has made some decent strides forwards. I agree, about trading sutton, there will be a bidding war, they should be all over it. But leave it that trade. dont make these kids think they are starting all over again, thats not rebuilding…either way this team is getting a lottery pick most likely a top 10 pick.
Caps fan here, would love 2 have big Andy. you may get Alzner but no way they r gonna let Carlson go! he’s gonna be a Beast very soon as i think he has alredy passed Alzner in development! just my .2cts. any how good luck 2 the Isles on the rebuild and to the fans! hang in there as i sure can remeber those days at the Cap Center against the Isles, Pitt ,Philly,Detroit when the Caps fans were the minority!!!!
Thanks BigBin
How desperate do you think Ovechkin is for the cup, so he can put that on his resume?