Monthly Archives: April 2010
If you haven’t already, John Z’s Yes! Islanders site is a good one to bookmark to read some of the best of the Islanders’ blogs out there. Check it out.
The deadline for questions was Friday night. No more, please. You’re invited to respond to this segment, one Comment per reader. Thank you.
Hello CB. If Niederreiter were North American would he be the #1 Draft Prospect ? At 6′ 2″ 210 lbs and only 17, it is safe to say I have a man-crush on “El Nino” !
27Tonelli: Isles fan since ‘82 from Bayside,N.Y.! Keep up the great work !
I think the love for Nino in some quarters needs to settle down a bit. To answer your question, if his name was Matt Moore he would still be the 8-15th overall pick in the draft – he just wouldn’t be a cult hero and have people pining for him. And aren’t you going to be crushed if Gordie Clark takes him at No. 10 for the Rangers? Time to go to Nino Anonymous, people!
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Chris: I should have listened to you about not getting my hopes up on Bridgeport prospects 2 years ago. How do you project the center positions next year. JT is #1 but with Baily, Frans, and Schremp who do you think plays where? All the depth is great but we can only play so many people and I don’t think Schremp is a great defender.
Phil, Syracuse: Fan since grade school when I spent my summers on Long Island playing NHL94 with my Uncle.
Hi Phil. When you consider that Frans is a pure center, and Tavares and Schremp are centers – plus add in the fact that the Islanders “could use some size,” to quote Coach Gordon – I believe we could be looking at young Joshua seeing a lot of time on the wing next season. He played well there, so this is not a bad thing.
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As a fan who feels our team has too many role player types, is it really so outrageous to offer someone like a Kovalchuk a contract this summer to get a legitimate goal scorer on the team to give the younger studs more room to potentially get open and score?
Greg – Been a fan since I was 6 and came to my first game with my dad…Islanders Cup Night presented by Michelin. Turgeon scored a hat trick and became my all-time favorite. All the cups ended up on the ice, while mine still gets used every morning before heading to work for a nice glass of chocolate milk.
To Greg and everyone else who asked about this subject: The only way that happens is if Kovalchuk doesn’t get a significant offer from a playoff team and instead has to sign a shorter deal to prove himself all over again. The main reason why I don’t see Kovalchuk signing with the Islanders is because he turned down $101 million from Atlanta because he wanted to be on a winner. He was sincere about that, which is rare these days. So sincere that I doubt he’s going to see a $101 million offer again. Although the Islanders have an excellent chance of developing into a winner in the next few years, I doubt Ilya is projecting. He does love New York, I can tell you that.
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Hi CB. I know you had talked about a potential trade partner and I gather with Philly or Chicago being on the top of that list due to their cap issues. Would the trade be more of a draft pick, a prospect or a player on the current team for the Isles to give up? What player would you think we can back in return?
Dan – Stony Brook, NY. Not sure how or why I became a fan since my Dad was not a hockey guy. But have been one since 75. Worked at the Coliseum for a many years back in the late 80s and the scary thing is that the building has not changed much. Remember having to stay late while a cleaning crew was steam cleaning the suites especially Picket’s fancy wood one. You could hear a lot of noise coming from his suite from inside the arena since it was empty. Well let’s just say that the cleaning guys cleaned out his fridge of beers instead of the rugs.
Good stuff, Dan. If the Islanders ever use their immense cap space to “help” a team lose some of their’s, the Islanders would acquire a good player in his prime making good money. In this scenario, the Islanders would win the trade big on paper. They would not have to give up a top-five prospect from their roster or a first round pick. If anything, they would get a pick back as a sweetener. To find the players who could be available is simple. Just go to any NHL salaries website, look at the teams up against the cap and see the players fitting my description.
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Do you think the Isles have to draft Brett Connolly if he is there at 5 because the Isles just can’t draw the big time free agent goal scorer?
Steve K – I have been a fan since Trottier would come come into my father’s business at the start of the dynasty. I have pictures of me holding the cup when I was 5 (with help, of course).
Steve, the answer to your question is absolutely not. They should only take Connolly at 5 (or wherever they end up picking) if their scouts and tests tell them he is the best player available. When you’re picking 18-year-olds – unless you can grab a Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin or John Tavares with the top pick – you cannot worry about what you might be able to do down the road in free agency.
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Hey Chris: I just wanted to ask that since the Isles are having training camp in China, do you think the Isles will be playing overseas to open their season anytime soon?
Jim from Scotland – Isles fan from 1979. Originally from Philly. I used to make it to 5 or so games a year before moving here. I still live and die everything Isles.
There is a good chance the Islanders will be one of the teams starting the regular season in Europe in 2011 or 2012. I’m a sucker for that “When Helsinki Freezes Over” slogan.
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Since all the Isles questions concievable are probably going to be asked, I have a general NHL question: Do you think after the Devils flame-out in the first round, that we are seeing that the trapping (and most say boring) style of Lemaire and the Devils won’t work against these high-octane offenses in today’s NHL especially in a playoff series?
AM – Big Isles fan since the age of 6, now living in NYC
I really don’t think so, AM. I covered that series. The Devils didn’t lose because of their system, they lost because in every key period they were out-worked by the Flyers. The Devils’ Way will stay as long as Lou Lamoriello is there, but they’ll come back next year with at least a half-dozen new players.
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Please explain something to me about shootouts. There are no longer ties anymore, meaning that every game is either won or lost. The logical assumption then is that every game should have a game-winning goal, but if the game is won in a shootout the player who scores that goal does not get credit for the GWG. At the end of the year, if a team won 40 games, they should therefore have 40 GWG.
IslesYanks: Love Point Blank, moved to NJ over 10 years ago and this site reminds me that I’m not the only islander fan in the world. Thanks CB.
Stop being so darn logical! Let me explain it to you this way. The NHL thinks the shootout is the greatest thing in the world. Although the league is okay with deciding games by having one guy skate in alone on a goalie, it does not believe that guy should get credit for anything. Got it?
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Hey Chris, where is Stefan Ridderwall on the Islanders goalie depth chart. Is he still in their future?
Bob – Commack, NY – A fan from the beginning
Hi Bob. He’s not necessarily anywhere on the depth chart, but I don’t mean that in a bad way. He has had an outstanding season in the Sweden Elite League and the Islanders like him.
In terms of goalie prospects, the Islanders have a good problem. Mikko Koskinen is a lock to hold down one of the two spots in Bridgeport next season. With his amazing play in the Quebec League, Kevin Poulin has earned a contract (not completed yet) and should get a spot in the AHL – although you cannot rule out him playing some games in the East Coast Hockey League. If he fulfills his potential, 2009 third round pick Anders Nilsson could be in North America by the 2012-13 season.
Ridderwall just turned 22, has great size and ability and is very much an option for the Islanders down the road. Like everything, it’s going to come down to money – how much they end up paying Poulin, how much Ridderwall will cost.
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I love the blog. It’s my Islander fix in a void of anything regarding Islanders. If Newsday offered you a job as the Islanders beat writer would you take it? Because if they did I would subscribe to the rag.
Blizzard – Long Islander and Islander fan for life. 42 years old.
Hey, Blizz. I appreciate the sentiment, but I don’t see it ever happening. Among the countless reasons why, Newsday already has an outstanding young writer and tireless professional, Katie Strang, in the position. She is a rising star in the business. My hope is that Katie is on the beat for as long as she wants to.
On my end, I don’t think I could have possibly landed in a better spot than with AOL and FanHouse. They have given me the opportunity to cover the entire NHL and they have supported my little Islanders obsession. My goal was to cover the sport, and I just got back from a Game 6 in Boston and Game 7 in Washington. Hopefully, I can keep fooling them for a while in both gigs.
You’re invited to respond to this segment, one Comment per reader. Thank you.
The deadline for questions was Friday night. No more, please. You’re invited to respond to this segment, one Comment per reader. Thank you.
CB: Great articles the past 2 weeks. Way to keep it interesting! Do you foresee any of the 3 likely available players (Fowler, Gudbrandson, Connolly) projecting as NHL ready or will they need a year at BP?
Mike, Freeport
Thanks for the note, Mike. Just to clarify something, I personally do not project draft prospects and Islanders prospects. My information is based on what NHL scouts tell me. For two years now, their input has been solid. What I’m told about Fowler, Gudbranson and Connolly is that all of them could play for the Islanders next season if the team wanted to go that route.
Of the three – and if healthy – Connolly is the one who could play in the NHL without much risk of setting back his development. As you know, playing 18-year-old defensemen is rarely the best idea. You’ve seen what St. Louis has done with Pietrangelo now, and it appears to have paid off in the long run.
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With Chris Dey stepping down as a full-time executive with the team, what changes, if any, can we expect to see from the front office regarding public relations, marketing, and the on-ice product? Although I respect the slow and steady rebuilding process, one of the most frustrating developments for me this season has been the occasionally tone-deaf approach the Isles brass has taken with its loyal fan base.
Phil – Originally from Huntington, currently residing in Washington, D.C., and living with a diehard Penguins fan. Have been following the Isles since 1993. My first professional sporting event was a game at the Coliseum and I’ve been addicted ever since. CB, I am sincerely grateful for your passionate, informative, and professional coverage of this team.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Phil. Dey’s departure as a full-timer has no effect on the on-ice product and will likely have minimal effect on the front office. Charles Wang runs the Islanders. Policies, programs and decisions you may like or not like ultimately come from him. In ten years, he has never handed over the reins to an outsider – an experienced, successful major league sports team executive, and I doubt he ever will. He likes to keep it in the family with people he knows and trusts. The only time he went outside the zone was Neil Smith, and that didn’t last very long.
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CB: With all the questions surrounding the Lighthouse and where the Islanders will be playing come 2016, do you think this may make players like Tavares and Okposo question whether or not to sign long term with the team?
Alex G- Originally from Los Angeles but moved to Massapequa in ‘94. L.A not being a big hockey town, I didn’t even know what hockey was until my family stayed with my aunt and uncle. My cousins were Isles fans, so I became one and have been bleeding blue and orange ever since.
Thanks, Alex. No, I do not think it’s at the stage where Kyle will hesitate to strongly consider the three-, six-and eight-year deals he may be offered by the Islanders over the next year starting on July 1, 2010. Tavares still has two years left on his entry level deal. I know the players hope the arena situation gets settled and I know they love playing here. They are not losing sleep over the team’s future…yet. If there is still uncertainty in two years, then it would be reasonable for them to begin to consider their options.
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Chris, the night of the Bailey Draft… what was the reaction from the other teams when the saw the isles keep dropping back in the draft, and then drafted the unexpected pick of Bailey? I know this could be a conflict of interest, but what was your reaction, was it what you expected?
Sean – Hicksville (down the block from Titus Oaks), fan since the Hogue days
Sean: I get these kinds of questions a lot, and frankly, I do not understand them. Half the franchises in the league haven’t accomplished anything, so who cares what they thought of the move down to get Bailey? No one was shocked, no one was critical, no one cared. The Islanders did what they thought was best. We’re about two-three more years from having a better idea of how it worked out. Otherwise, teams only care about how moves impact them.
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CB: If Snow could add Hamhuis, Seidenberg, and Adam Burish it would be a huge upgrade for our team. These players combined, at this years salary, would be a cap hit of less than 5 mil. Assuming they would all want at least a slight raise, especially Burish, do you think this is a realistic hope?
Dan from West Islip, Isles fan all 23 years of my life
Thanks for the question, Dan. Those three players will cost a lot more than a combined $5 million next year. But if those were the players Garth targeted, he could absolutely go out and sign them. I just doubt they are all at the top of his plan.
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My Question is, what do you see as the most pressing need for the team? Is it a top 6 forward or a top four defenceman. In this year’s draft, we can land one or the other (potentially).
Steve – Islander fan since 1978 Leafs Islanders game 7 OT. lived outside of TO, and Dad was a Leafs fan, so had to cheer against Dad and the home team. We lost, but the Love Affair began.
Hi Steve. There is simply no reason to pick one, nor is this a cop-out. You know where the Islanders finished the last three seasons. They need help everywhere, and a lot of it. In the draft, they need to take the player they feel is clearly the best one available. As anyone watching these playoffs know, the Islanders aren’t that close where they need just one chip.
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Which prospect currently not playing for the Islanders do you see making the biggest impact in the 2010-2011 season, and how large of an impact do you think it will be from that specific player?
Thanks – Doug. I’m a 23 year old Islander fan living in Baltimore, MD. I emerged from the womb with an Islanders jersey on and have an “M” on my forehead from Mike Milbury.
Hi, Doug. It should not be considered an insult to any of the Islanders prospects when I say this: I don’t see any of them making a major impact on the Islanders’ 2010-11 season. If you define major impact as a 25-goal scoring forward or 23-minute defenseman, then – pre-draft – I would have to say none. This certainly doesn’t mean that the No. 5 pick (or wherever they end up selecting) or Matt Martin or Jesse Joensuu or one of the teenage defensemen (although I wouldn’t like it) won’t contribute. But major impact? Tough to say right now.
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Other than getting some tough guys on both teams, what has to be done to get the intensity back into Isles vs Rangers games? I long for the days were Webb/Cairns would bump into McCarthy/Fleury during the pregame skate and brawls almost began before the anthem carpet was even rolled out.
Bill: Been a fan since grandma let me stay up late to watch Ray Ferraro and Dave Volek do some magic against the Pens.
Hi Bill. It has nothing to do with fighting or tough guys. The remedy is simple. The teams need to be good again.
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New Springsteen DVD coming out June 22nd. Had to throw it out there, Mr. Point Blank. My question is what do you think of the value of guys like Gervais, Bergenheim, Tambellini, Martinek and even Witt. Either single or paired up. Can the trading of these bodies move us up at all in the draft order or garner us some some addtional picks?
Dallas MacDonald – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia fan since early eighties loved Tonelli, Lafontaine, and Peca.
You know the answer to that question, Dallas. In the current climate, individually or collectively, their value in the trade market is the same. Not much. If anyone of the group has any value, it would be Sean Bergenheim and that would be for a third round draft pick. Otherwise, you cannot take two or three injured or struggling players – healthy scratches even – and expect to get anything for them. Brendan’s value has already been tested.
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I love your stories about the good ole’ days (and not so good ones). Can you tell us about Kelly Hrudey? I’m 32 years old and some of me earliest memories happened at our barn, but Kelly was my first real hero. I’ll never forget the easter epic. I met him when I was 9 and he gave me an autographed stick that I still have. I cried the day he was traded and became a Kings/Islanders fan that day. Was he as great as I remember?
Steve from Commack
For the more than twenty years that I’ve known him, Kelly has been one of the classiest people in the game. I think you’ll agree his generosity of spirit comes through in his studio work. He was a very good goalie and, as you expereinced, he is a great person. The day he was traded to LA, Kelly walked through the halls of the Islanders offices and thanked and said goodbye to everyone. I’ll never forget that.
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A million thanks for PB. Any update on Miriam from Forest Hills? Could you post the story or the link for the fans who may not have read it? Always wanted to thank you for what you did for her. Classy move Mr. Botta!
Keith, Medford LI – Isles fan for 28 years
Thank you for saying that, Keith and thanks for asking about Miriam. Here is Rick Reilly’s column from Sports Illustrated that you referenced. A few years ago, another best-of Reilly book was published. Miriam was really proud that her story made the book.
She is doing great. Miriam says there have been so many advances in digital technology assistance for the blind, and that makes her very happy. She still follows the Islanders closely and loves the young core.
She told me a great story. When the Islanders dropped their radio broadcasts, she called the NHL office to express her disappointment and ask if there was anything the league could do to help the team. She spoke with Gregg Baldinger of NHL Radio (he’s the exec producer of “NHL Live” you often see in the NHL Store studio), who is a heck of a nice guy. About a week later she received in the mail, compliments of Gary Bettman, a satellite radio. She listens to NHL Home Ice all day.
You’re invited to respond to answers in this segment, one Comment per reader. Thank you.
Sure, let’s dismiss eight years of planning and millions spent. As reported in Newsday (subscription needed), Ed Mangano is talking to the Shinnecock tribe about a casino on the Coliseum site. A new arena would go next to it. Long Island is not getting the “iconic destination” Charles Wang insisted we and he needed, but what will Garden City think? What will the NHL think? Hey, whatever keeps the Islanders on Long Island, right? One Comment per, please.
The Questions portion of the Q & A ended Friday night. The first ran Saturday. Part 2 ran Sunday. You’re welcome to respond to my answers – one per reader, please – in Comments.
Chris: So many questions but the most important one to me is one you may not be able to answer. Is it your gut feeling that the team remains in NY whether that be in Uniondale or elsewhere?
Paul – Isles fan since the dark days of the ‘97-’98 season
My feelings on this subject have never changed, Paul. Whether it’s in Uniondale or somewhere else in the vicinity, the team will remain the New York Islanders. This will be the logo.
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Thanks for all the hard work, this site is a godsend. Given that Witt, Gervais and Martinek are all signed for next year, and add to them J-Mac, Hillen and Streit, with Meyer being a UFA, how do you think the Isles are going to reshape the blueline for next year? Thanks
Don, crossed over from the darkside when Zach’s dad lit the lamp in o/t in ’75
Seems a longshot that Brendan Witt will be on the Islanders next season, Don. Radek’s spot in the lineup has to be written in soft pencil. Any games he plays should be considered a bonus, a la Richie Pilon 15 years ago. Bruno Gervais played poorly for long stretches in 2009-10. With or without Meyer, the Islanders need to add at least a No. 2 and a No. 5 defenseman. Both need to have some experience – age 26-30 sounds about right – size and willingness to play physically.
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Hey CB: What do you think the fan favorite Matt Martin’s chances are of making the big club come the start of next season?
Tyler Young, Sayville – Islander fan from birth
40/60. Matt’s going to have to earn it. He does not enter training camp in China as a lock, or even someone they’re counting on to make it. It’s also worth noting that he didn’t get a ton of icetime in Bridgeport’s first round playoff loss to Hershey. That said, Scott Gordon seems to like him and Matt has the offseason to get in even better shape, improve his skating and impress at the prospect camp.
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Before I ask my question, I just want to thank AOL and Fanhouse for their very important part in producing Islanders Point Blank. My question is simple. Do you know if Gillies’ 1-year deal is a one way or two way deal? Thanks.
My name is Jeff Kuntz, live in Ohio, Isles fan since I was 5.
Thank you, Jeff. The Islanders didn’t announce whether Trevor’s deal was a one-way or not. In fact, they barely announced his contract at all. My strong hunch is that it’s a two-way deal. Keep in mind that Gillies didn’t have a two-way last season. He was originally signed by Bridgeport to an AHL contract only. Trevor was probably very happy to have an NHL-AHL offer…and in April. (UPDATE: as you’ll see in Comments, it’s a two-way deal).
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CB. In talking to your Islander contacts, do you get any feeling as to where SnoJanks are leaning in this years draft, D-man or sniper?
Frank – Parsippany, NJ Islander fan for 30 years.
Thank you for the Q, Frank. Right now, two months away, they are not leaning in any direction. The Draft Combine late next month is going to be huge in their fact-finding. With their first pick – whenever they make it – they will take the defenseman or forward who is highest on their list. Best player available.
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Chris: What’s the word on Anders Lee?
Thanks. Tony in CT, fan since ‘78
Hi Tony. Lee was named rookie of the year in the United States Hockey League. He will play for former Islanders assistant coach Jeff Jackson next season at Notre Dame. He is a solid prospect and a terrific young man who can also be a ringer in your flag football games. The Islanders will not have to make a determination on him for at least 2-3 years. Anders has a lot to improve, but he couldn’t have a better teacher than Jackson.
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Being that the Nordiques left for Colorado due to a building that was crumbling and a government that was not approving a new building, How much time do the Islanders realisticly have on Long Island? The Lighthouse is like a dirty secret that no one talks about anymore.
James Webler – Mamaroneck, NY. I still hate Dale Hunter and the London Knights. Long live Pierre Turgeon.
Well, what we know for sure is they are bound to a lease to play at the Coliseum until 2015. In case you missed it, the Lighthouse official website shut down last week. That wasn’t really news, because the LDC hadn’t done much with the site and its Twitter feed since October. Whenever the entire charade ends, it will do so with the team playing in the New York metropoiltan area. The team is not moving to Kansas City, Quebec City, Hamilton or anywhere else far away.
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Any rumblings from the team about the new away jersey coming out next year? I imagine it would be pretty similar to the one Bridgeport wears now. Great work CB, thanks for keeping this thing going!
Ari M. from Long Island (unbelievably there is another Ari from Long Island on here). Fan since my dad took me to games at 5 yrs old in the late 80s.
Thanks, Ari, and to everyone else who inquired about the uniform. The royal blue, vintage jerseys the team wore the last few years will be the permanent home jersey in 2010-11. There will be a matching white one that they will wear on the road. It will be unveiled by John Tavares at the Draft Party. And that’s that!
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Has Jesse Joensuu developed over the past season and will he see significant time in the NHL this season?
Lee Forman. Raised in Melville, reside in Astoria. Too young to remember cups but old enough to remember Ken Baumgartner mugging some Rangers in the 90′ playoffs.
Hi Lee. Although Jesse is a more high-end skill player than Matt Martin and is one year ahead of him in development, my answer is similar to what I wrote about Martin above. Joensuu has not shown so much improvement that he is a favorite to make the team out of training camp. He has 34 goals in 142 minor league games over two seasons. To make the Islanders, Joensuu has to show he’s capable of playing on one of the top three lines. As the good-natured Jesse has joked himself, he is a three-year project entering his third year.
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Obviously the team needs to be upgraded at nearly every position, but do you think the team would be wise to focus on one area (maybe defense) and make it a goal to improve in that area. Obviously you can’t turn away a good player at any postion, is it better to be very good in one area than OK everywhere?
Mike Priest – Ontario. Born a Leafs fan, I saw the light when my favorite player (KJ) was traded to the Isles when I was 10. I’ve been a diehard Isles fan ever since.
You know I like you, Mike, but you’re really over-thinking this. Garth Snow and his staff are perfectly capable of improving the roster at both forward and defense. They have the resources.
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Chris, do you think the Isles may take a run at Chris Higgins in free agency?
Tim F., Brewster, NY (via Northport, LI). Isles fan since the mid-70’s.
I do think Garth Snow will make a call and see if he is available inexpensively (he will be), but the drop-off in Higgins’ game the last two years has been alarming. The Smithtown kid looked like he was on his way to becoming a second-line forward as he scored 23, 22 and 27 his first three years.
From Montreal to New York to Calgary, Chris has lost his game. I don’t see why the Islanders would make him a priority unless they are certain he can rebound as a 25-goal scorer. He’s not gritty enough to be a bottom-six forward for them. There are many other, better options for the third line. It’s too bad because he is a terrific young man who would represent the Islanders and our region very well.
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CB: What are the odds that Snow packages the 5th pick and then some for an established player? The pick and cap space could get them something, no?
Jim from St. James – Lifelong LI’er, Fan since my Dek hockey team got those beautiful White, Blue and Orange jerseys.
Jim: I would be very surprised if Garth makes that kind of deal. It would be uncharacteristic of a general manager who has not made a major deal for an NHL player since the Ryan Smyth trade. It would be inconsistent with his very steady approach to the rebuild. I’m not saying there could not be some merit to such a deal, just that I highly doubt it will happen.
You’re welcome to respond to my answers – one per reader, please – in Comments.
12:30 pm: The NVMC doors will open at 5:30 pm. Friday’s first round will start a little after 7:00. Tavares will model the road white version of the team’s vintage former third jersey, which is now their No. 1. Like last year, the team will be distributing tickets. Check the official team site as more details are released down the road.
PB Q & A Round 2: Coli money, prospect camps, Kirill Kabanov, NYI villains, J.P. Dumont and The Jaff
The Questions portion of the Q & A ended Friday night. Here are the second batch of my responses. The first ran Saturday. You’re welcome to respond to my answers – one per reader, please – in Comments.
Now that Charles Wang takes in the money from the concessions and parking, does that indirectly translate to investing more money into the team and putting a winning product on the ice? It always seemed that Wang would use the lease agreement as a scapegoat to him losing money but now that part of it seems to be a bit smoother.
Joe in Massapequa – Islanders fan since the Easter Epic. That was my first memory of a game. My father was in the basement watching the game and I kept waking up thinking the Easter Bunny was in the house. Instead it was dad watching the Islanders. And go figure – he is a Rangers fan!
Thanks for the note, Joe. I think the best way, the only way, I can answer that is to say
1. I would hope so
2. We’re going to find out in July
If “Islanders Entertainment” is determined to bring the most popular musical acts to the Coliseum, I would suppose the Islanders will venture – while being fiscally responsible – to put the best hockey team on the ice that they can.
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If we are all about “development,” why do we not participate in one of the prospect tournaments? Even my high school team traveled to tournaments so it can’t only be about money.
Brian – Fernandina Beach, Florida. I started at Islander Youth Hockey camps in 1975. Played at Raquet and Rink for the Islanders Youth travel teams before we became Green Machine. The first game I ever saw was the 14 second OT game. I am a lifelong and much devoted fan.
Thanks for the question, Brian. I doubt it’s about a lack of financial investment on the Islanders’ part. The tournaments in Michigan and Ontario that you refer to sound like ideal events Charles Wang and Garth Snow would want their prospects to be a part of. It is possible that they simply have been on the outside looking in when it comes to the tourneys. In other words, now that they are in the prospect-development game, the Islanders haven’t been given one of the invitations when there have been openings. I wouldn’t be surprised if they get involved with one soon. They also have the prospect camp on Long Island. Not every NHL team hosts one to the level the Islanders do.
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Chris, this perception we have here in Quebec goes back to the battle he had with the Lafleur and Tremblay in his Bruins time. Do you think Mike Milbury had something “against” french canadian players? The fact that he chose to trade Dumont and Luongo before they had an honest chance to prove themselves certainly does not help his case. BTW, no problem if the answer is yes. We all have the rights to prefer Canadian, American, French Canadian, Russian, etc players… Thanks
Andre Legault from L’Assomption, Quebec.
Hi Andre. This seems like a stretch. I think both trades you referenced were so horrendous, they stand alone without bringing nationality into it. (It should be noted that, like everything in the 90s, Dumont was traded because former ownership wouldn’t pay for a third overall pick. That said, Milbury got nothing in return). If he had something against French Canadians, I doubt Milbury would have drafted Roberto and J.P. and Gervais and signed Claude Lapointe in the first place. Let’s just agree that those were really bad trades. In fact, I know some of Milbury’s best friends – including Raymond Jean Bourque – are French Canadian!
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CB: Out of all the Islanders villains throughout the years, who is your most hated? I know some of mine are Dale Hunter, Tie Domi, Darcy Tucker, Messier, Graves, Mallete, Lemieux, Belfour, etc. When I say “hated,” obviously not on a personal level.
David. I grew up in North Bellmore. Have been a fan since I was 5, which puts me at 1979, (perfect timing). A few games of note that I’ve been to: Bates game penalty shot, Potvin’s 300, (had great seats), Trots’ last, Bossy night, just to name a few. Used to go and get $10 seats with student ID in the early 90’s. Thanks CB.
Thank you, David. Dale Hunter’s actions were over-the-top, and he, the Islanders and Pierre Turgeon paid the price for them. Besides that extreme case, I never got too caught up in the hate for opposing players. These are just roles they play. Most players that we see as villains, we would love to have on our own favorite teams. In my time around the Islanders, there was only one man who truly deserved the title of villain – Kirk Muller.
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Can you speak briefly about Kirill Kabanov’s draft status particularly as it may possibly pertain to the Isles? Will he really drop to the 2nd Round? Would/could the Isles try to nab him with one of their 2nd Round Picks – their pick or the later one Via (SJ)? Will the positive Petrov news sway NYI to attempt? Could it sway KK to come here?
Thanks. Isles22Isles from Bethpage. Diehard Fan since I was 7 yrs-old (1982).
I like and have known E.J. McGuire for a long time, but I thought Central Scouting’s “penalty” of moving Kabanov to the second round on their draft list based on the kid returning to Russia was odd. Isn’t Central Scouting supposed to be grading draft-eligible prospects on their ability? To answer your question, if Kabanov slips to Saturday and Round 2 and beyond, every team will be looking at him. It’s on the teams to do their homework. Unlike Petrov, Kabanov is not under a long-term contract with the KHL. Finally, I can tell you with certainty that Kabanov is a player the Islanders have watched closely and are very familar with.
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Always appreciate the time you take in answering our questions. I believe Billy Jaffe’s contract is up, one would think MSG would extend him for a few more years. Can you please confirm that? Thank you.
Lorne Myers, Wantagh, New York, fan since 1987, use to share season ticket holders for a few seasons. Attend games regularly.
Congratulations to Billy and his wife, Victoria, on the birth last week of their second child – a son named Jake. A few things I know for sure: despite having a few options, The Jaff wants to stay here, raise his family here and be here for the rebuild. He also has the hearty endorsement of the Islanders. One thing I’m fairly certain of: MSG Network will finalize a new deal with him this offseason.
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How is the training camp in China being received by the players and the rest of the league?
Doug from Rockville Centre, fan for life. 25 year old season ticket holder since the first Yashin and Peca year.
As a non-issue. No one is envious of the Islanders going. No one has a problem with it. The team is Charles Wang’s toy; he can do with it as he wishes. He has certainly invested enough of his own money in it over the last decade. If bringing one of his pride and joys back to his homeland makes him happy, then he should do it. If I owned the Islanders, we’d do five days in Donegal and five in Venice and the boys would come back fat and hung-over.
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