TREVOR GILLIES DOES HIS HOMEWORK
With help of his stepson, enforcer studies the NHL
FanHouse: Islanders Crash Canadiens’ Clinch Party
9:15 am: He was a Sound Tigers roster player, not property of the New York Islanders, on New Year’s Eve when Matt Carkner seriously injured Tim Jackman with a series of premature punches in a game in Ottawa, but Trevor Gillies knew the score.
“Just because I wasn’t signed by the Islanders at the time doesn’t mean I wasn’t paying attention to what was going on with other guys in the organization,” said Gillies. “I keep an eye on everything. I love the game, and it’s my job.”
When the 31-year-old didn’t have Sound Tigers games on his schedule, he tried to never miss an Islanders game on the Centre Ice package.
“I have a stepson named Phoenix…he knows even more about the NHL than I do,” said Gillies. “Phoenix is nine years old, but he’s been a big part of my life since he was a year and a half. From watching the games on TV or playing the video games, he knows every player and their strengths and weaknesses. We watch the games together. I saw the tape of what happened with Jacks.”
However, when the Ottawa heavyweight asked Gillies to drop the gloves in the third period on Saturday, the 6-3, 210-pound Islanders left wing pondered the invitation for a few seconds. “We were up 3-0,” said Gillies. “By then, I thought it was a little late to be settling scores and you never want to risk giving the other team some momentum. Then I thought about Tim Jackman, decided the lead was big enough and figured, ‘Let’s do this.’”
Carkner and Gillies both connected on a few punches, but only Carkner was bleeding when it was over.
Said Gillies: “After the fight I said to Jacks, ‘That was for you, buddy.’”
From his decade in the pros at every level, Gillies knows all about the irony of having former foes as teammates.
“The funny thing with Tim Jackman is, I absolutely hated that guy when we played against him in the minors,” said Gillies. “Hated him. But from the moment I was called up to the Islanders, Jacks made me feel comfortable and has given me advice. He’s my teammate. He’s become a good friend.”
Saturday’s win over Ottawa was special to Gillies for another reason.
“My mom and dad came down from Cambridge, Ontario for the weekend,” he said with a big smile. “First time they’ve had the chance to see me play in the National Hockey League. That was special. This whole stretch has been special and I cannot thank Garth Snow, Scott Gordon and everyone enough for giving me the chance.”
The Islanders are 6-2-1 in their last nine games with No. 14 in the lineup. Over his eleven games this season, Gillies has one assist and 45 penalty minutes and – despite two unnecessary roughing penalties he’d probably like to take back - has kept his plus-minus at even. In the victory last night over Montreal, he kept the puck moving to linemates Jackman and Richard Park and put a big hit early on Sergei Kostitsyn – all in his allotted 3:19 of icetime.
End-of-season coincidence or not, the Islanders have looked like a tougher, more confident team with Gillies as cop, jury and executioner. “I find the more I get in the other team’s face and talk it up on the bench,” he said, “the more the rest of our team gets involved in the game.”
That was most noticeable on Saturday afternoon, when every player with the Senators knew his name by the end of the game. Later that night on “Hockey Night Live,” Ken Daneyko – in this blogger’s opinion, one of the best warriors and winners of the last twenty years – paid the ultimate compliment to Gillies. “Gillies has made a big difference in their lineup,” said Daneyko, the former Devils defenseman and sometimes pugilist. “The Islanders should look at bringing him back. They haven’t had that kind of presence in a while. They could use Trevor Gillies.”
The killer from Cambridge was humbled by the praise and the man delivering it. “Wow,” said Gillies. “That’s awesome to hear. Scott Stevens was one of my favorite players and I loved watching him and Ken Daneyko. Stuff like that makes you feel good, especially coming from a man who knows what it takes to win.
“I hope I’ve given the Islanders something to think about,” continued Gillies, who is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. “Either way, I’m very appreciative of the opportunity. If Garth and Scott decide it’s for the best of the franchise that I come back in my role, I would be proud to wear the Islanders crest.”
This is a one-post-per reader Comments thread and we’re done with the lottery stuff. Hope you enjoy this story. Your comments on Trevor Gillies and this post are encouraged. Thank you…CB
114 Responses to TREVOR GILLIES DOES HIS HOMEWORK
With help of his stepson, enforcer studies the NHL
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Chicken Dinner says:
I was at the game on Saturday and I must say Gillies was an absolute animal full of energy I’ve never seen under an Isles jersey this season. He beat the piss out of Carkner and served the remainder of the 3rd period in the Penalty Box. He was taunting his opponents when they skated by the box, he was banging the glass to pump up the fans and he looked like he wanted to get out on that ice for more. This guy has heart, he has brought something to the team that they have been lacking, and I would be absolutely flabbergasted if Garth and company don’t give Gillies a shot at cracking the roster next season. He certainly deserves it at this point.
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Frank nyc says:
Hmm is it a coincidence that some of the younger guys have been playing better of late? especially JT. Maybe it is because he is not being thrown around like a rag doll all game. I think having Gillies in the lineup helps. The guy is a heavy weight and can brawl. I dont remember him losing one fight since he has been up. It is probably the “STACHE”.
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Schultz39 says:
Sign this guy now.
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potvin rocks says:
Agreed Gillies is a much better skater than Fritz and Wrecker. And has anyone noticed how Tavares has more time and space recently. A tough guy in the line-up will do that. He is a quality tough guy. Another one off the scrap hep by Garth Snow.
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Cyclones15 says:
Awesome writing! As I was not a fan of Gillies when he came up he is growing on me and we definitely need his toughness and he hasn’t hurt offensively or defensively when out there…KEEP HIM!!
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John says:
This is what the fans on this site have been clamoring for all year – an enforcer to make the kids play big. Who cares if he only plays 4 minutes a game… as long as the other team knows he’s there… and he’s yapping away all game long… the fear for the opposition that if you take liberties the tap on the shoulder is coming and Gillies will do something about it. I think the team needs an enforcer next year whether its Gillies or someone else. The need has been demonstrated I think… unless of course everyone thinks this last string of wins is a coincidence and is really the team playing loose because the pressure to make the playoffs has waned.
What I’d like to know is what do Gillies teammates think of him and his presence.
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Doug says:
Gillies is exactly what these guys need going forward. He isn’t a complete waste out there like most nhl fighters. I’ve been to a couple games and really keyed in on watching him. He moves the puck, keeps it deep, and parks himself in front of the net. Can’t ask much more than that for a 4th line winger. Finally we have a little bit of toughness and grit with him in the lineup. Gillies is an added spark.
As mentioned before, it definitely seems the boys play bigger and a hell of a lot better when Trevor is in the lineup. As a hockey player myself… I would step my game up knowing a guy on my squad will make the other team think twice about pulling some bull****. Sign this guy for another year, it won’t hurt.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Sold. This guy seems to get it. He may have seemed a little out of control against the Rangers but if Avery manned up it would have looked a lot better. Gillies has picked his spots well and is nowhere near being a liability on the ice. If his presence makes the rest of the team play more physical then he needs to be back next year.
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isles71 says:
Gillies is so much a better player than the “Wrecker” or Fritz was. I have been suprised to see he is actually a decent skater and for the most part, plays his position well. Probably means the end of Jackmans’ stint with us, sad because I think he is real good at what he does. Love to see Trevor Gillies as the heavyweight and Matt Martin as the light heavyeight next season, would give us alot of credibility in the toughness department. Go Isles!!!! 1940
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Dan from Westchester says:
Great writeup, CB.
Been a long time since we’ve seen this team play for each other like that and it’s awesome.
If this is what Gillies will bring to the table for the team every night – he should be signed for next season.
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Dr. Drew says:
In the Flyers game last Thursday night, there were about five minutes left in the game and there was a delay for a video review of a play that was ultimately called a Flyers goal. Game had been getting chippy and Laviolette put Cote out on the ice before the review started. Gordon then put Gillies out on the ice, and for the whole lengthy video review, Gillies stretched himself and kept staring down that pansy Cote. Cote got whipped earlier in the game by Gillies, so after he was getting stared down, during the review, he actually went to the end of his bench where his trainer had vaseline. He put the vaseline all over his face like a little girl to try to get any advantage he could before facing Gillies again. Fortunately for Cote, the review resulted in a Flyers goal, which caused Laviolette to decide to put his skill players on the ice. Would have been nice to see Gillies bloody up Cote. Let’s sign Gillies. The Islanders record with him in the lineup says enough for me.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
a) We need his attitude on the team. He gets under the other teams skin, and fires up our guys. Sign him- money well spent.
b) How nice is it is to have a Gillies policing the ice for the Isles. Now let’s sign Eric Nystrom. That would bring Bobby Ny around too, and stop Eric from scoring on us! -
Sheppy says:
John (#7), check the interview with Matt Martin where Martin credits Gillies for taking him under his wing and showing him the ropes with fighting at the pro level. Check the interview with Bergenheim where he suggests that maybe he will talk to Gillies to get tips on fighting. From what I can tell, he is a popular teammate. Watch the other guys when he skates off after a fight. They look like they support him.
I would love for them to bring Gillies back. He definitely makes the whole team play tougher. I hope he gets another shot with the Islanders.
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Gillies is doing his job and-imprtantly-is showing himself NOT to be a liability during his limited minutes. He also seems like a really good guy. Id be fine with keeping him around. Then again Id also be fine with keeping Tim and Sim around as well. I like having guys who can fight, instigate, and/or irritate who are not liabilities.
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Helene says:
OMG! Don’t remember when we last had a guy ready, willing and able to let the other team know they can’t skate all over us. It seems he makes the other team aware that he’s here and watching out for his guys. I know Snow, Gordon and Wang don’t tend to read your blog, but isn’t there some way to listen to all us converted-to-Gilles-fans. We desperately need him. Even tho he’s not related to our Gilles, nor his skating skills (?), he certainly can fill the bill.
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This is an awesome Q&A with Gillies. Yes, let’s please have him return to the Islanders next season so my husband will shut up. Thank you.
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
This guy is a keeper…for the 5 minutes a game let him stay…and on top of it…he can actually skate as compared to fritz and wrecker
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Staten Islander says:
WOW! I LOVE having Gillies around. He can play a little, and he makes other team think before they start their nonsense. I’ve noticed since he’s been up, that JT hasn’t been looking over his shoulder as much. They absolutly should bring him in next fall and let him try to win a spot. Couple him with Matt Martin at some point next year and we’d have 2 guys that can put on the foil and drop’em, and actually win a fight. I wouldn’t be apposed to them bringing Jackman back either.
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The Islanders could use Gillies but I feel like there is somewhere out there that can play more minutes and have a similar role. Maybe Shawn Thornton?
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NYICHAMP39 says:
Sign him and make him our Eric Godard. The guy is built of heart-and-soul. I say keep him around for two years or so and give JT and our young guns some room to work. Great article CB.
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Brian G says:
Gilles = bridgeport
…not the NHL…maybe a few games per year at the most
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Gary9-19-22 says:
Like it or not the relaity is that in the NHL you have to have a guy that makes the other team think.
The Islanders, for their size, play an extremely physical in your face game. Its the only way to keep the pressure up and overcome a lack of talent. The problem is that when the other team is frustrated they can take it out on us and we have no one to give it back.
GO-GO needs to have one heavy weight and a few middle weights to survive in this league.
Gillies is perfect fit for this team. The problem is ice time. For the GO-GO system to be effective they need to roll four lines. Its just too much a burden physically over a long season. For Gillies to be successful, IMO, he needs to be able to play 6-7 min a night. That means being able to stay away from taking stupid penalties and fight when its appropriate.
I would also like to add one more coach/scout next year, Phoenix Gillies!!!
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Blizzard says: …its no coincidence. This is the NHL. Just about everyone cried for some beef to make other players think twice before taking liberties with our skilled players. If Gillies can fill the role great. If not they absolutely need to add some beef to the lineup. Its a no brainer.
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Teller says:
I love guy too but I or one has to wonder whether there will be room on this team for him when matt Martin is ready to make this team.
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Hock says:
As some have mentioned, Gillies and Martin next year would be a step up in the muscle dept. Although, I wouldn’t necessarily stop there, especially on defense.
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EAF says:
we need Carsillo/Avery type of player – the one who can fight and actually play hockey.
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I like Gillies, he’s a player that I wouldn’t mind having around the next few yrs. You know have him around for the Philly, Rangers & Leafs games. But at this point in the season, shouldn’t we be calling up Matt Martin? He can be a part time Enforcer & part time Power Forward. We need to let our young guys get a look.
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Frankie D says:
I hope Garth realizes this guy is a keeper. Great attitude. Now we need to get a D-man with the same grit and spirit.
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Otter says:
BRING HIM BACK!
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It’s articles like this that make you stand out over anyone else covering the Islanders, be they intern-promoted-to Isles beat writer (Strang) or the various Isles Bloggers who just regurgitate alot of the same stuff. I wish you were the “beat” writer. No matter which fans like or dislike you, everyone reads IPB. As for Gillies, I don’t want him on the lsles next year. He cannot give you many minutes. Best case scenario is that Matt Martin wins a roster spot in training camp while the team also signs an experienced NHL free agent enforcer (Boogaard?) to take pressure off Martin having to drop em since the kid can also play the game. Maybe then, with added muscle and guys who know the tendencies of fighters and agitators around the league we create more ice for our guys so the efforts of these last 2 weeks become the efforts of the first few months. Great read CB. Thanks.
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Schnip says:
Amazing how us fans seem to know more about what this team needs then the owner or GM. I would really like to see Botta be GM, and where this team would end up
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LIMBAUGH2012 says:
SIGN HIM NOW !
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Isles Revamped says:
I think you have the development of a player who can do both in Martin and a flat out enforcer in Gillies.
I think if given an opportunity to play you may see more production out of Gillies. Regardless he bring the engery that this team needs. He provides the hits and backs up his words.
Concerning the record of the team I think it is not directly related to Gillies entering the line-up. I think it is combination of having his presence there and the goaltending having a definative direction. The allows the defense to concentrate on defense and the offense to conctrate on offense. It is building chemistry.
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Reese in Chelsea says:
I was sitting a few feet away from the opponent’s penalty box during the game against the Flyers last Thursday. Cote was seriously pissed off after getting his clock cleaned by Gilles. He was also clearly rattled. Gilles plays with real fire in his eyes.
I, too think that his presence has given the Isles a big confidence boost. They’re hockey players, they’re the toughest athletes on the planet and they can all stand up for themselves but something intangible seemed to happen that evening when Gilles appeared on the ice after each Islander goal. Sure there was the usual garbage like Pronger hacking at ankles behind the play but I didn’t see much of the vaunted Flyer “Bully”ing.
Commenter #4 said it more succinctly: Sign this guy now. -
NewtownJack says:
I’d like to see all 3 – Jackman, Martin, and Gillies with the organization next season. Put Martin and Gillies on 2-way contracts. Call’em up as needed and let’em have “fun” in B’port.
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Pete says:
#23, that would be Matt Martin. It remains to be seen if he’ll be up with the Isles next season or if he’ll spend another year at Bridgeport.
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Make note to one thing concerning Matt Martin, yes he can scrap, yes he can make plays and chip in with the points. Yes he is a pain out front of the opposing teams net. What is more important is his physical presence, no body in the show or the ahl hits like this kid. Gillies and Jackman are good stuff too at what they do, but i will say it again keep your head up when Martin is on the ice, he has the ability to make you turn over pucks.
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Gillies has been a breath of fresh air for this club. He instills confidence in his teammates which goes a long way on the ice.
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the bomber says:
gotta root for the good guys… hope he sticks around…. hard to argue with the results with him in the lineup… cant believe this team is a game from 500….
truly shows how bad this league is. we can make the playoffs next year, no doubt. one big FA wing, and one on D, and we are right there…. -
Cary says:
I think our record with Gillies is part Gillies, part no pressure (c’mon, were they really thinking “playoffs” when the good run began?).
I haven’t seen enough of his non-fighting play to know if he’d be a good addition and think he should get more ice time these last few games.
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thepolishprince says:
If Garth and Charles aren’t going to spend the money to bring in an enforcer who can actually play then why not give Gilles a shot at cracking the lineup? Coincidence or not the team has a different feel to it when he is there. I also don’t see him and Martin as mutually exclusive as Matt’s ceiling is higher and he’ll eventually play a bigger role on this team than 4th line fighter.
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JtorBust says:
Do you think that the front office will actually recognize the fact that an enforcer gives these kids room to play and not worry about getting body slammed? News flash this is hockey the typical fan enjoys this , it is part of the game, and it sells tickets.
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Shremp Co 13 says:
I remember right before a tv timeout against the sens when bergie was fighting foligno and they showed gillies face on the bench, my god that scared the crap out of me. i like how he and martin use the term “family”. thats the kind of mentality we need on this team.
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Pete says:
It’s articles like these why Chris should have his own Islanders magazine. Great story..
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lenny says:
I see Matt Martin replacing Jackman. Think there is room for both MM and a Gillies.
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Tim F. says:
I was among the folks rolling their eyes when the Isles called Trevor up, but I’ve grown to like the guy. I think the team’s record since he arrived is no coincidence. The Isles should sign him to an AHL deal for next year, bring him to camp (he’ll be a big hit in Chinawith that Fu Manchu!), and give him a chance to make the roster. If he’s the best guy for that role on October 1, let him skate with the big club.
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orngfan says:
There is no denying how well the islanders have played since trevor joined the big club. The team finally has a player who will get their backs other than trent hunter’s often feeble attempts and punching bag tim jackman. Plus the guy has a grade-A mustache!! That shache alone should get him a 1 year 2-way deal for next season!!
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4theisles says:
In the span of 9 years in the NHL, AHL, ECHL, and OHL, Gillies has scored a total of 7 goals and 15 assists in 156 games. His size and grit are an example of what a younger enforcer type with more scoring potential could do for this team. He is a Bridgeport keeper.
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Ethan K says:
An enforcer clearly makes a huge difference. However, it might not be Gillies that has that role on next year’s team. Other possibilities could include Derek Boogaard, Shawn Thornton, Jody Shelley, and many other more experienced NHL fighters. Gillies has been quite effective in his role, but I would like a player who can also play a little more hockey.
I hope Matt Martin is in the NHL next year as a middleweight as well. Just one tough player on a team of kids isn’t intimidating.
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DJMC93 says:
I agree with those that say to SIGN HIM…I know Gillies isnt the answer to everything but we need a tough guy like this, we will have Martin up next year who can Hit and play the game and also throw the gloves off, with him…and Gillies … and if you guys don;t mind me going off on a long shot , bringin sutts back…theres some size we havent had in a while, right
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Vas says:
I think he is a 2 way contract type of player. But he is a decent skater and if he can hold himself back from taking thise bad penalties I would bring him back! If he can give us 6 to 7 minutes a night that’s all you need. Plus those handle bars are sick!
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RD says:
Think we should keep Gillies around and try and draft a WHL kid for the future who is tough yet can also fight. If I were a GM, I’d be looking for the next Colton Orr in the later rounds.
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Le Dude says:
I like him. He brings energy that this team needs. I think he casts a protective shadow as well. Makes the other team think twice about pushing the Isle’s around. And I’m pretty sure he’s insane. Keep him. Gillies + Martin + Nystrom in 2010-2011 and you’ve got a helluva physical team. Sign me up!
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dose says:
gillies’s value to this team is clear. he’s the guy they needed. i wish he was a few years younger, but with BOTH him and matt martin on the roster next year opponents will see this team very differently. goonery aside, the threat- factor guys like them provide DOES make a difference. and because those 2 in particular seem to fit so well with this group, as opposed to some rent-a-goons, the team will bond even better. a benefit of rebuilding more with draft picks and in-house development than with free agents and big trades is that you end up with a more closely knit, cohesive group. that’s huge in hockey. and that’s what snow is doing. by necessity in large part, but it’s going to pay off big time.
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Where were some of the players that all of a sudden found their games? Where were they when it really mattered early on? Is it due to contracts? Light at the end of the tunnel with a few games left? Careful its a long season you need guys that will play when THE TOUGHS ON. If not it will always be a roller coaster season.
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Mike from Oceanside says:
Best line from the entire story: Said Gillies, “After the fight I said to Jacks, ‘That was for you, buddy.’”
Yzerman had Probert…Gretzky had Semenko…Orr had Sanderson…Bossy had Jethro…
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Jeff Kuntz says:
I have a feeling Trevor is going to be reading these comments.. So if you are, Trevor, I just want to thank you.
You’ve allowed our players to do their thing KNOWING you’ve got their back.
You’be been a difference maker for us.
It would be an ABSOLUTE SHAME if you were not given a contract offer before you become a free agent..
Either way, you have a lot of Islanders fans who are now Trevor Gillies fans.
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How can the Isles NOT re-up what has so far been a quality enforcer named Gillies?
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mikef says:
Gillies has been a plus, but he has a HUGE target on his back by all the refs, how do you get away from that? Granted some of it falls on his shoulders but some of these misconducts/roughing penalties have been ridiculous. Hopefully he brings a little more to his game next year, look how far Jackman has come.
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So long as he keeps the porn stache, I say sign him on a two way. Use him when needed and send to bridgeport otherwise.
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CT Isles Fan says:
He would be great on our team on our REAL 4th line. Just as long as we have REAL 1 thru 3 lines.
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John says:
I hope the Isles give serious consideration to signing Gillies for next season.Having someone around like Trevor reminds me of what Gordie Lane told Bryan Trottier when he was traded to the Islanders.Just go out there and play hockey and don’t worry about the rest of it,if anything happens out there I’ve got your back.As was mentioned in some earlier posts,I would like to see him get a little more icetime in these last few games to see how he handles a little bit more responsibility.
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terry says:
It is odd to see guys on here who now want to keep gillies on the team next year not long ago they were saying he was a waste and took bad penalties. I said all along you need someone who is willing and can fight on the team to protect the young guys.I hope they keep gillies and sign boogaard for next year. Toughness is not always a liability look at the ducks they won the cup and led in fighting majors,we also need they rest of the team start to stick up for them selfs then maybe they can take the next step.
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ars9x says:
I love Gillies attitude.Love what he brings to the ice, we need a guy like this, willing and ABLE to throw down and knowing how important that is. Work on his skills over the summer and sign for another yr while the kids(hopefully) bulk/toughen up a bit.
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OJK says:
Seems like a No Brainer
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Josh says:
Sign him, with a clause that he’s gotta shave that awful handle-bar moustache.
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Mike L says:
Gillies played decent since his callup, but he does try a little too hard sometimes which causes him to take stupid penalties which have led to game winning goals. I wouldn’t mind Gillies in B-port, but if we need a heavyweight then I’d prefer Boogaard, Shelley or Konopka.
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Martin should replace Jackman. Gillies should stay on the big time as a 12th forward in the exact role he’s playing now. Now we just need to add some size and toughness to the blueline….
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Hmmm, the ultimate NHL enforcer was Clark Gilles and the current Isles enforcer is Trevor Gilles, has to be something special about the Isles and the name Gilles. Nice to see the Isles not being intimidated by other teams bully’s.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. Gillies has done a VERY nice job since his callup, he really has! Are u watching Garth??
.. Played a decent shift, not 2 many dumb penalties and provided a much needed “lift” for the team, I REMEMBER this team SLEEPWALKING for 2 months, who else remembers that?
.. He has helped lite a fire/spark for the team and does a good honest job, keep him around for sure next year.. Its no coincidence that the team has played better since his return! NICE JOB TREVOR, KEEP PLAING HARD/TOUGH!!
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Keep the ‘stache and keep this guy. Jackman may never be the “fighter” he used to be, and Gillies brings a goonish quality that the Isles could use. He’s also not as big a liability as Fritz was and can fight far superior than the “Wrecker.” If Martin cracks the lineup, these two could provide a lot of wiggle room for the scorers.
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Mario says:
From the minute they signed him I told everyone on here to watch for him and I think he has done a great job. I saw him in Bridgeport and knew he was a good enforcer. Please bring him back and give him a CHANCE. He cannot do any harm if he gets smarter and teams notice that he is there.
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Healy says:
Islanders505 (#58):
They can not sign him the same way they didn’t draft a scorer named Parise! Sorry I couldn’t resist!
I am a fan of what Gillies has brought in his limited time here. I think he’s earned another look.
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James says:
There’s no question the Isles have played better and perhaps with more confidence since he’s been in the lineup.
Gordon seems to be more comfortable putting him out there, and he’s done his just well. One criticism is I would like to see him stop taking overly aggressive and unnecessary penalties (his slash to the back of Cote’s leg late in the Philly game comes to mind).
All in all, I’d say he merits serious consideration for a contract for next season.
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dave says:
@ kevin 28… the soundtigers are in the playoff hunt, let martin stay there and help them win.
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jakebrake says:
I think the Islanders by not having a legit heavy the last year and a half made the kids learn to play big and tougher, which I think will translate to an overall tougher team. Now with the strides the team has made, having a legit enforcer allows the kids to just play. I like the way the Isles have handled this so long as they have a heavy on the roster next season whether it is Gillies(preferably) or someone else.
There is no denying he has made a positive impact on the team, their record speaks volume as does their overall play. Trever just may be playing his way into a contract and if he does I am happy for him.
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Brian From Jersey says:
Sign him now and work with him over the summer… maybe send him to Laura Stamm like they did with Nystrom and have the summer to work with our coaches … I think he would be a perfect fit
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Viper says:
Great post and great guy. An excellent addition to the lineup, I hope he becomes a regular.
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ton loc says:
Sign him, we need him next year. This guy fits right in, and Garth needs to make him keep the handlebar mustache. It fits perfect with his “cop” role on the ice.
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Please Garth & Wang. Keep those Handlebars with us !! We finally have a little identity to look forward to over the Summer slowly building
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willy says:
gotta keep that stash!
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On Edge says:
Yea – these types of guys are not a dime a dozen – he has showed real value as fourth line deterent type guy. Believe me, other players know when a guy like that is on a bench or ice and will think twice before taking a head shot to a key player just because of the presence of a guy like Gillies.
Sign him to two way deal 100-200k over minimum. We can use him.
Caveat – he must keep the fu-manchu.
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Jerky says:
Bravo to Gillies for making the most of his opportunity and opening the eyes of the fans and hopefully management as well. He is but one piece to the larger picture … Martin is another. Those two should replace Sim and Jackman next season and Snow should bring in additional size/toughness on offense (Thornton or Boogaard) and defense (Sutton) in place of Tamby and Gervais. Those changes alone will make this a better rounded team before taking into account our draft selection.
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JayK says:
If Matt Martin fills this role next year, he’s going to get a lot more than 3:19 of ice time. That’s the problem with a guy like Gillies; you’re just not going to give him anything more than minor minutes.
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Jethro09 says:
Gillies should be on this team next year. I can think of four or five guys he that shouldn’t be and Gillies should get one of those spots. Gillies has acted as a deterrent to the opponents from taking runs at the young guys while giving his teammates confidence to play with clear heads. Most importantly, Gillies has done all this without being a liability on the ice.
I say give Jackman, Sim, Tambellini and Park their walking papers. Send Weight off with some class, but send him off nonetheless. One of those spots can go to Gillies, with the remaining available spots going to guys like Matt Martin and possibe UFA upgrades for the top six forwards.
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Strummer's Army says:
Gillies should be signed to another 2 way deal. ALL TEAMS play better and tougher when they know they have guys that can protect them. It is not secret to most of us fans but apparently Snow/Gordon are just finding it out.
Riechlecz should continue to develop and Martin is very good at his job, so a good set moving forward.
However, the opportunity presents itself to add way more size, skill, toughness on defense. How nice would it be to see a guy like O’Bryne throwing huge checks and very good fighter for the Isles? Matt Carnker is a good fighter and capable player and a UFA. If John Scott from Minn can skate well enough for the system (and I think he can) he should be signed.
Now that Carker got dealt with Trevor the next guys on the list include Ruttu, Mottau, and Pronger.
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I was originally against signing him, but after a few games, where he actually stared down an opponent with his old school cave-man approach, I gotta say, I’m loving his heart. You can’t argue with the fact that our guys are playing with much more confidence. It must feel great for Tavares & Co, to just concentrate on playing their game rather than looking over their shoulder to see who is ready to pummel them. Thanks Trevor, you made me a believer.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Kudos to Trevor for making the most of this opportunity. He suffered a pretty nasty concussion for Albany last year when he hit his head on the ice. Very happy to see him fully recovered and in the NHL. And thank you to the Islanders for finally adding some toughness to the lineup. It’s hard to believe sometimes but this is a team that dressed Cairns, Godard, Asham, Scatchard and Webb just a few seasons ago. Whether it’s Gillies or someone else I hope Garth has learned that an element of toughness is needed and helps.
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doc says:
I’m not the biggest fan of having a heavyweight use up wasting minutes of a prospect… but i have to admit, I’m beginning to think this guy has made a noticeable difference in the team and how it approaches the game.
DOC
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ant says:
Sign Gillies even if he plays 4 minutes it helps the kids play without being scared or guys taken runs at them.Also bring up Martin next yr and sign a physcal defenseman and we are set in that dept and a free agent wing who can score and we are moving in the right direction.
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izzo says:
If Martin is ready next year, I would think he replaces Gillies. But I think Gillies has done a number on improving this team’s cohesiveness and attitude, and I think the Ottawa game was evidence.
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isles14 says:
i like the fact that he sounds like a great team player.
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Ken nyc says:
Sold, sign him for next season. He’s a team player and it seems some of the guys are playing with more confidence because of his presence. And ya gotta love the stash!
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Zeike says:
I like Gillies well enough but I am not in favor of having someone the coach won’t trust for a regular shift. Until you find an enforcer that can also play a sound 4th line role then I’ll have to pass. Wouldn’t mind having him in the bridge for an occassional call up however.
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Bob says:
He seems like a decent fit. I wouldn’t mind having him around next season in Bridgeport and being called up to face conference rivals.
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Kascycki's Krew says:
Sign him to a two way deal and bring him to camp. I would just need to know who sits or goes as a result of giving Trevor Gillies a roster spot…..or … what other players can we bring in who have more skill and can handle that role.
He has been impressive and he does put fear in the other teams. I also like how he hangs out by the goalie when the team skates on the ice – sort of how McCabe used to when he was here…..and how he and Trent Hunter fight to be the last guy off the ice after warmups. He has earned a good look for next year and here is hoping that he can make the most of it.
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Nobody says:
Giving crdit for this winning streak to the presence of Gillies is utter nonsense! First, I thought these were meaningless wins? Now they have a ‘take hone’ meaning. Second, then how do you explain the mid-year winning ways with ho ‘toughness’? When the games ‘meant something.’ can’t have it both ways… Old logical fallacy–post hoc ergo hoc…an outcome follows an event is mistakenly assumed to be because of that event….
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Peter says:
Trevor is a great and necessary addition to the team. The guy is class…check out his community work. As for those asking for a more experienced enforcer, get serious. The man has over 2000 penalty minutes in pro hockey. He’ll start schooling some of the guys in the league when the opportunity presents itself. The man is legit.
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To succeed in the NHL you need to have a role like this, and somebody capable in that role.
Trevor Gillies seems more than capable, and eager to boot-
Why overthink this one?
SIGN HIM UP FOR NEXT YEAR
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Matt S. says:
i met Gillies after a game. really cool guy. the Islanders have to sign him again. the team plays a lot better with him in the line up.
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Chris in DC says:
Great article, CB. I liked it when the Isles first signed Gillies and he’s shown management they made a smart move. What I like most about Trevor is he does not seem intimated one iota — by anybody. He has that glare that looks like it could burn holes right through you. His pummeling of Cote was a highlight of the year. I agree with the other comments that the younger guys, JT especially, seem looser. Hope Gillies sticks around for a spell.
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Joe says:
For the love of God, please re-sign this guy. There is absolutely no reason to not have him around.
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Vrinqueens says:
The fans love the guy, the players love the guy and our opponents fear him, so you just know there is no way Snow will sign him, It just makes to much sense.
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jon says:
I liked the fact that he did NOT drop his gloves in his first call up against Philly. It would have been too cliche for him to fight his first shift. The guy wants to play. Sign him.
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steven says:
I really wanted Nystrom on the team but with Martin and Gillies, do we need a third tough player?
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Isles 420 says:
imagine him and matt martin
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Islebethere4u says:
Garth must sign him just as he had to Draft/sign Tavares in the draft last year. It makes sense. They need him. He’s a great teammate. The top lines skate wit a little more room when the other team knows they will have Gillies to deal with if they take too many liberties with the Isles skill players like they did when he wasn’t around earlier. Its no coincidence that they are not getting pushed around anymore. Sign Him Now.
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SCLI says:
Keep the stash
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Darren says:
I agree signing Gillies isn’t a bad thing but there’s only so much 1 tough guy can do.The current players need to toughen up themselves and stand up to a fight every now and then.Through an entire season Gillies will not survive fighting the entire league.Draft some skilled toughness.
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george says:
Keep him in the line up. He is feirce. He scares the other team and is cheap. Don’t waste a D position for an enforcer. Get him a skating coach in the off season and get him time with the coaches. Colton Orr got how much last yr????????? The STACHE, is 2011 Steve Webb. Remeber when we chated “Steve Webb”?!!?!?!? He hit everything. I miss that part of the game. No one, I mean no one, on any team would screw with us again. Our answer for Avery, Caccilo and Pronger et all in our divison. It takes away their antgionsism, and bullish behavior toward our undersized team. He has the eye of the tiger!!!!
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Bryan says:
I say give him 1 year 1 way at the league minimum. If nothing else he can be next season’s Jeff Tambellini.
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admin says:
Comments thread closed.
I like Trevor. Nice guy. Not the best hockey player, but not the worst either. I’ll take him over Fritz and the Wrecker anyday.