TREVOR GILLIES RE-SIGNED FOR ONE YEAR
Islanders decide they like legit heavyweights
For more on Gillies, here’s our recent profile.
111 Responses to TREVOR GILLIES RE-SIGNED FOR ONE YEAR
Islanders decide they like legit heavyweights
-
bergie20 says:
very good move. the team played much better with gillies. he’s the enforcer they need that also has some hockey skills.
-
Alex says:
this is a good move by the isles… even though he is not the best player out there, the guy showed a lot of heart and a lot of willingness to sacrifice himself for his teammates!
-
Nyles says:
awesome
-
Mike from Oceanside says:
GREAT News. His contributions often times do not find their way on the score sheet. Johnny and the boys now have their protection.
-
Hotstick12 says:
Its better than not having an enforcer but i wouldnt go out and say hes a top/legit heavyweight in the nhl by any means !
-
Joe says:
#6, that shows you don’t follow enforcers. He beat Matt Carkner, by far one of the best new fighters in the league. Great move by Garth.
-
James says:
A line of him, Michael Haley, and Matt Martin next season– while it wouldn’t score often– would be pretty darn entertaining…
-
Knight of Cups says:
I dont care how old he is. The team plays better with him. He is a good character guy. Sort of like the effect Jason Wiemer had on the team.
-
Boss15 says:
Love it, he’s a team oriented guy who knows his role and actually shows some fire on the bench, unlike the rest of the team. While he isn’t a top NHL enforcer he is far better than anyone since Goddard, and is clearly willing to help the kids learn how to throw down.
-
Seth says:
welcome back, Trevor. hopefully you continue to bring some toughness to our club next year while we hopefully make a run to the playoffs.
-
geduffer says:
Good move by Garth.
-
Jonah says:
CB, was it a two-way deal????
-
Waz says:
DEFINITE great move! He injected a lot of heart into this team!
-
Staten Islander says:
Good move. I’d rather a skill guy that can put up points and still drop’em, but having a guy like this around really helps. Question, is it too early to give him a hit list for next season, starting with Avery, Carcillo, Pony…
-
Bob says:
I’d prefer a proven enforcer, but the few games Gillies played in, he didn’t look out classed in the heavyweight division. He seems like a great team guy who know when to take care of business. And the stache just adds to the whole personna.
-
Glen S says:
Post # 14 don’t worry about Pony KO will take care of him NOT, but on serious note not a bad signing the guy add’s a Steve Webb type present’s. not to much talent but will stand up (KO) for his teammate’s. I just hope that this isn’t a sign that CW/GS will spend just enogh to get to the CAP floor. This season was a good step forward now we got to keep mving in that direction FORWARD.
LETS GO ISLANDERS….. -
dose says:
great move. his value is obvious.
and – for the first time in a long while this team will have a real identity again. -
AngryPete says:
SHAME ON THE ISLANDERS if they don’t capitalize on a TREVOR GILLIES MUSTACHE NIGHT next season.
-
Love the Trevor Gillies Mustache Night idea … Glad they signed him and FINALLY realized the need for some thug/grit … I hope he cold cocks Pronger and as he skates to the sin-bin winks at Johnny T.
-
E_Godard (JD) says:
AngryPete, you couldnt be more right.
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
WOW!! The Point Blank Hatrick … 3 articles in one day.
I like Trevor Gillies … I think he ads another dimension to the team … toughness.
I think the Isles can’t stop there … they need to upgrade pretty much every aspect of the team … whether they get those guys from within the organization or pick up a few U(R)FA’s it’s something that has to be done in order to take the next step.
With a solid Boston getting Hall or Seguin they vault themselves from a bottom 4 playoff team to joining the Cap, Devil and Penguin parade to the top of the Conference. Leaving less room for the rest of the East Conference paupers to squeeze into the final four spots. Flyers and Ottawa have the personel to lock themselves in for two of ‘em even with the struggles they had this season.
So having a good team isn’t enough to be perpetual contenders to qualify for the playoffs in the East … The Isles have to join the powerhouse ranks … and their far from that in every way. Just a reality check.
-
Brian from Massapequa says:
If anyone watched the game versus the Devils last Saturday, the snarl he exhibited on the bench is enough to justify this signing. Alright just kidding there, but his presence definitely was a help at the end of the season and this does preclude the Islanders from signing or Thornton or someone similar to him. I’m happy about this news!
-
Ethan K says:
I was hoping for someone that could give a good 8-10 minutes of ice time and put up some points or play a solid fourth line game, which I don’t know if Gillies can really do yet. However, he’s a great fighter who plays with a ton of passion. He can probably fight just about anyone in the league, and I guess the team likes him enough to keep him around. Hopefully he can put up a few extra points and at least pass the puck half decent.
-
IsleFan73 says:
Good move by Garth. Lets hope this is the start of something “big”.
-
Brother Rat says:
YES. Love this move. Some may doubt his skills or lack of NHL experience, but I like Snow’s collection of young bloods that are hungry to help this team and who aren’t merely looking at the Isles as a paycheck or a stepping stone to a better team. The team played better with him in the lineup, he’s a difference-maker, he plays hungry, and he gets the team mentality. And he’s grateful to Garth/Gordon for giving him the chance. Let’s hope the stache returns in October.
-
Marc says:
When I was watching him on the tube and he had that real snarly growly expression, I thought to myself WE NEED HIM!!!! I hope he flattens Sid the kid next year!!!!
-
303Joe says:
Nice move by the Isles bringing Gilles back. Guy knows his role and is effective when in the line up. Now bring is Shawn Thornton for our 3 rd line and they’ll have plenty of toughness up front.
-
Nobody says:
Hopefully it’s a two-way contract cause he can’t play hockey…
-
RagsSuck says:
27, neither can most of the players on the team. For his role, hes more effective than most guys on this team. Great news….CB, why was Martin not called up again near end of season?
-
Sheppy says:
News flash! Many of the best fighters are not even in the NHL. Sure Boogaard is probably the best professional fighter anywhere in hockey, but many of the best fighters don’t even make it to the NHL. Gillies has fought a lot of the AHL heavies like Yablonski, Gratton, Mirasty, etc. and he has held his own and won the vast majority of his fights. He is a true heavy weight enforcer. This team needed some heart and toughness. This one player inspired the team to play tougher in my opinion. Great signing.
-
MickeyBoy7 says:
Another CHEAP signing that excites the fan base. When are we gonna spend some of that money we keep hearing about on major league talent?
-
Booten326 says:
Great news! His passion for the game and what he does is enough to seal a spot on the 4th line in my eyes…I have confidence he won’t be taking dumb penalties as much. I’m sure that was something addressed to him because they did become more scarce the more games he played.
oh…and he’s got a handlebars mustache! BONUS!
-
FourCupsin4Yearsnot60 says:
Gillies a legit heavyweight fighter. The problem is he is not a legit NHL skater/player. Its only a good signing if Gordon plays him more then 3 minutes a night. With our team we have to roll 4 lines. Having an anchor dragging the team down is not a great option. He must improve his skating and defense in the off season so he can play 7-9 minutes a game. We do neeed an enforcer though, so I am encouraged by this signing.
-
Frank James says:
Good for him.
He seems like a good guy.
We’ve wasted roster spots on lesser people.
Here’s hoping it works out for both the Isles and him. -
Pedro says:
Good move. And, to be honest, I was pretty impressed with his relative overall ability in the games be played late this season. He was no more a liability in his 3-5 minutes on the ice than other fight-focused players on other teams.
-
Lighthousemylasthope says:
I like it. I’m really starting to get that feel to its our Team again, players we can get to know, and look forward to root for. I even stopped in the NHL Store today (with the intention of buying some Isle stuff, couldn’t decide, have to sleep on it and go back:)
-
Dan says:
CB is it a two way contract?
-
TurgeonFan77132 (Matt) says:
@ James #8- That would be an interesting line of Haley, Martin, and Gillies. Imagine something like a Vukota, Howatt, and Brian Curran/Jethro line, with Kasparaitis and Pilon on D. lol
-
bryan says:
Love this guy.
-
Jerky says:
I like the signing and am hopeful this is only the BEGINNING of Snow’s offseason work to make us bigger and meaner. Jackman’s role has now been rendered unnecessary in my opinion. Spend some money Garth!!
-
StevieL says:
Agree with jerky #43. I think this is the end for Jackman. Most of the rebuild will be on the 3rd and 4th lines.
-
Jim Clark says: Another aging low priced mediocrity. I am rummaging through my wallet now to renew my 2010-11 season tickets.
-
ant says:
Great sign for Snow,now with him and Martin in the lineup we finally will have some toughness.Now we just need to add a big tough dmen.
-
Tom Demko says:
Geez, remember its Trevor not Clark.
-
Blizzard says: …anyone who watched the Islanders after Gillies was called up would notice how much better the Islanders played with his presence in the lineup. For another year of that snear from the bench I say good signing.
-
i’m fine with this., i assume he’ll be up and down or in and out of the lineup. i hope not TOO inconsistently though.
i still want martin to make the team and #1 on my free agent wish list – ANTON VOLCHENKOV! Add Petrov too..
-
Examiner says:
eh, to those actually finding something negtive to say about this you: do realize its April 15th and not July 1st? Great signing just to ensure we have at least 1 protector out there. Whether they look into Thornton remains to be seen but Matt Martin has the talent to be that guy you all are talking about: fight and play hockey. Therefore, I say spend the money elsewhere. Like a scoring winger or 6’4″ d-man.
-
The New Isles GM says:
So this puts up still about 8 million under the cap floor….hmmm…
-
Madchef says:
like the signing no doubt he gives the team an enforcer and it seemed as though the team played better with a policeman on the team. I mean plus the stache, snarl, and we have no guys who throw the lumber. would u rather it have been sim, park, jackman, etc. yeah I thought so too
-
Schultz39 says:
Awesome – this guy is what this team and organization needs. Someone who sticks up for his teammates, who cherishes him time in the NHL, and who actually knows how to fight and an beat the cr*p out of other players…..
-
Viper says:
Great news! Love having him aboard. He adds 2 inches and 10 pounds to everyone on the ice for the Isles!
-
or how about a 6-4 d man and a scoring winger(kovalchuk) this team can go over the cap or they shouldn’t expect us to fill the seats they raise the prices they should sped more money then they literally have to. y cant they sign and big d man a scorer and trade for another winger. is it that impossible that we cant go 5 mill over cap and spend 13 mill this season?
-
Eastonhockey says:
I hope they give him a 1 way contract n not try n be cheap n pay him ahl salary of 80 grand a year n bring him up every ten days to play a game. Isles seem to be signing players who have low salarys like gillies Andy macdonald but won’t pay the better player like Andy sutton.
-
Eric says:
It amazes me. For months people screamed for a heavyweight. They didn’t care if he only played 3 minutes a game. “It would be worth it” was the mantra. We bring this guy up and he’s not a total liability hockeywise and he’s a pretty good fighter. His contract is likely a two way deal and if it isn’t so what. Boogard played 57 games was a minus 12 and had no goals and 4 assists while averaging 6 minutes a game. Thornton would be nice but he’s even older than Gillies and it’s not like he can score any. He had 1 goal in 74 games. Everybody wants a “legit heavyweight who can score”. How many of those guys even exist?
-
Eh, not a huge fan of this move. I like Gillies heart but the Isles need to roll 4 lines to be successful and Gillies doesn’t seem like he can play more than 6 shifts without being exposed.
-
MAD FAN says:
Now we have a goon to fight other goons. so what does that do ?????? He takes stupid penalties and he’s not getting under the skin of gaborik or any other superstar.
-
True #57. We can’t have Clark Gillies back, so I’ll be happy to settle for Trevor.
They should sell fake handlebar moustaches in the team store!!!
-
JerseyIslander says:
a 1 year contract extension?? Not a big risk at all. If he doesn’t pan out, its not a big deal, but if he can spark the team to play better, than he’s definitely worth it. They probably spent more on lighthouse draft proposals than Gillies, so overall I like this move. Handle bar mustache is also a huge plus!!
-
Grandpa Ray says:
Great Move!…lets hope it doesnt turn out to be the best move of the off season???
-
can we now get rid of jackman jello legs
-
Les Beaver says:
I support this move. 8.5 / 10.
-
Ajax says:
I have mixed feelings on this …
On one hand, I appreciate that the mgt FINALLY sees the need for this type of player.
On the OTHER hand, I see they took the cheap way out, they did not wait to see who else would be available and put out an offer to the BEST AVAILABLE role player.
I like Gillies, however, I may be wondering in a few months “what could have been”.
I hope I’m wrong -
Isles 420 says:
i say great move!! gillies is a scary man and we need that on this team. hopefully matt martin makes the roster.
-
Frank nyc says:
This guy either won or tied ever fight he had this season.
Overall the team played looser when he was in the lineup.
He is a true heavyweight. Good move by the Isles. -
if matt martin is not on this roster opening night but sim-jackman or even park are i may puke
-
The Pork Chop Express says:
Get Gillies into skating camp!!!! We need 4th liners who can skate,check and drop the gloves when needed. Gillies can only do the third option. Thorton would have been nice. What is wrong with Jackman? Granted he is not a super heavy weight but he can hold is own. He actually, skates, checks, plays PK and every so often scores a goal.
-
Mike L says:
I’m not a fan of Gillies. He took too many stupid penalties for a guy with little playing time. But then again I’m not a fan of enforcers. But this is a minor move where Gillies will probably end up in Bridgeport anyways like Reich. If you want an enforcer too intimidate opponents, why not go after Derek Boogaard, the man players voted on as the most intimidating?
-
jonsson3 says:
His name is Gillies, its gotta be a good thing!!
-
Good! Love his mean face against opponents. Hey, why don’t we nab that free agent kid from the rags, parentau. He was the only bright spot for them toward the end.
-
Matt S. says:
AWESOME!!!!! trevor rocks. great fighter, great team guy on the bench, and i met the guy and he is super cool. Grats!
-
James says:
Good move here by Garth and even better that he did it quickly
Now re-sign Schremp and Moulson please and get those 2 back on the team for next season.
Those complaining about spending major money to pick up a free agent, the playoffs just started lol, not like Garth could do that now anyway lol
-
Darren Ingersoll says:
Great signing. He understood his role at the end. As a 4th liner and 2-5 min a game and a few sit outs he can given the situation be a real positive.
Maybe a dreamer, but I beleive this is the year that with internal talent, draft picks that we go and get some real FA help. Now really is the time. Please. -
Will C. says:
CB- Is it a two-way or one way deal? That is this difference between this being a newsmaker or not???????
-
CJCB says:
Yes!!! This is the start of what i hope is a very good offseason for this team. In reguards to my taste in style of hockey this was the best 1st move this team could make to hold onto the fans that like toughness on our team!!
-
Spartiarti RVC says:
Love the move. He gets a full year to earn extension. martin, haley and Gillies is nice 4th line.
Does Gillies have Perfect Record in Isles Uniform?
-
jimfromstjames says:
I’ll bet he has already circled the next Pens game on him calender to make an appt. with Ponikorovski, That’s an old time hockey attitude.
matches the stash perfectly. -
MorDraftPicks says:
Whats wrong with the move? So he cant skate, score 20 or kill penalties. What he does do, is keep the opposition honest. And since he was up, save for the 2 Rags games, the Islanders played much better and Taveras scored more goals…..coincidence? I Think not – Good move
-
Joe in Massapequa says:
I think this move is just fine. If it is a one way deal he might be a health scratch every few games when he isn’t ‘needed’ but it did seem that the team played bigger and looser when he was in the lineup. I just hope this isn’t a sign of the types of moves we will see all summer from Snow/Wang.
-
4theisles says:
Stupid move that takes away one spot on the roster. What we get is a 31 year old pro who has scored 15 total goals in 8 years mostly in the minors. This is sad when this causes so much rejoicing among the faithful – ludicrous and pathetic!
-
cjzimm says:
Sweet
-
Kascycki's Krew says:
I think its a good use of one of the 50 contracts. Lots are probably expiring and we can weed out those who have turned from Prospects to Suspects. If its a two way agreement – then its a very good signing. One way – a little less so…..but I think the team played bigger with him on the bench and in the line up – and am a sucker for a uniformed player on our team with the surname “Gillies”
Agree with the sentiment that “is that all there is” – but way too early to have that sentiment either.
-
Peter says:
Sheppy comments are on the money. Gillies is a true heavyweight who’ll make his mark once he gets an extended opportunity. He’ll be mentioned with Boogaard, Orr and Godard for toughest in the league. If he hooks up with Thorton, my money would be on Trevor.
Teams will take notice, the man knows a little bit about intimadation. Way to go Trevor!!! -
Lorne says:
Solid signing, nice to have an enforcer on the team for next season.
-
Steven says:
I love that Gillies can’t sit still on the bench and does all kinds of stretching, even during the national anthem. I love his squats, which I first thought was some kind of insult directed at Avery. I could have sworn I saw him doing pushups in front of the Islander goalie before the game started. So he took a couple of bad penalties at the end of the year; for the most part, he was very under control.
-
Chicken Dinner says:
I’m really happy with this signing. I hope Gillies continues to be a positive influence on and off the ice for this young squad. I met Trevor this past Tuesday while he was out with a bunch of other Islanders (Streit, Jackman, Bruno, Jackman, Hunter) and he was just a genuinely nice guy with a positive head on his shoulders. Bruno was very optimistic about next season too saying that the Isles are going to be in the playoffs and good things are going to happen so I should be getting excited.
-
potvin rocks says:
So I’m guessing Scott Gordon can’t convince grath to go after Shawn Thorton, or maybe he has and Gillies is going to be there if Thorton gets hurt. Love to see our fourth line be Thorton-Park-Nystrom
-
battfist says:
If the captain isnt getting the team fired up next year…we can count on Gillies. Like other Isles fans-truly enjoyed his desire to fire up the bench and defending teammates. He is one tough SOB.
Trevor-keep up the intensity next year!!
-
SCLI says:
The guys on the team seem to like and respect Gillies. He more than held his own while with the Isles. He made a believer out of me. I’d rather have him than some mercenary only here for the money or because no one else wants him.
-
Brian G says:
this better be a 2-way deal…this guy is a minor leaguer….I hope this isn’t Snow’s 1st big move.
-
Otter says:
growing my stache out as we speak. this is a positive step.
-
Never easy being an Isles Fan says:
This is an important signing…Trevor is the definition of enforcer…The Wrecker wasn’t gonna cut it…He sucked as a player and lost most of his fights…Matt Martin would also be a good enforcer but he can also be a pretty good player…It would be nice to have Gillies and Martin on the 4th line but Martin can even be useful on offense with his willingness to pay the price in front of the opposing goalies…He reminded me of Ryan Smyth the way he just stand up with his back to the goalie, not that hes as good as Smyth but he does those things every team needs…
-
kevo says:
I love this signing. Gillies is the man and will fight anyone. Thats a true enforcer. Now guys will think twice going in hard on our future players. All these “islander fans” in here who just think negatively on the isles are a joke. But when this team starts doing well and makes the playoffs, they are going to be all happy..you gotta stick by your team through good times and bad
-
Chris in DC says:
Great move. This guy is a killer in the rink. In less than a quarter a season in the NHL, I think Gillies gets the award for iciest stare — he is not afraid of anyone. Too early? You kidding? Great move by Garth right out of the gate. Already giving fans some good news looking forward to next year. Gillies creates room on the ice, offers protection for the younger players and makes them feel at ease, and is a legit fighter.
Plus, he’s just plain mean. Look at the clip of Clarkson on the Devils backing down to Gillies before that other dude, LeBlonde or whatever, stepped in. Clarkson wanted no part. Gillies has a nasty temperament, which is something this team sorely needs. -
jaypot23 says:
Give me a break. This guy is a goon who has no business being in the NHL. I agree the Islanders definitely need to add toughness, but the player needs to possess at least a little bit of skill.
-
#99, Matt Martin is NOT “an enforcer”. I dont understand why people use that term for anyone who is tough or willing to push guys around or fight. Its like calling a D-man who blocks shots a goalie!
-
Jeff Kuntz says:
GOOD!
Best guess is it’s a 1-way deal.. because if we were going to sign him to a 2-way deal, why just do 1 year? Why not do 2 years?
This team needed this player. I’m thrilled. Congrats to Trevor and to Isles fans.
-
Cary says:
Good comment 58. The difference between Thornton and Gillies will not a contender make.
Kill ‘em Trevor!
-
Brian W says:
jeez, Absolutely shocked at the number of comments saying “Great Signing”. A fourth liner (at best) should NEVER be considered a “Great Signing”. I’m not angry that they signed Gillies, but I mean really who cares? This won’t impact in the W/L column one bit. Yes the team needs to get bigger/tougher/stronger. More importantly Isles need to get better and more talent. On a talent basis, this is a zero add. NEXT!
-
Dan says:
Well next season when JT gets knocked on his but and Gillies comes over to beat the snot out of who did it all those knocking this signing will be speaking differently….
-
Chances are, whoever knocks “JT on his butt” will be a goon themselves and the thought of an encounter with Gillies wont be a deterrent. The Goons fight the goons, if anything it improves their own value to the team, it’s not a deterrent…in some cases it’s an incentive.
-
isles08025 says:
Great signing. He skates better than Fritz and fights as well. He has the same intensity as Mitch which I think is great. He will be a deterrent, because “goons” aren’t the ones who smashed our yougsters to the boards. The average player who took some liberties with the kids will be looking over their shoulders, which is good. I’m sick of waiting all game for retribution and most times it isn’t delivered. Things will be different with Trevor in the line-up, and I’m happy about it.
-
Teams that win are balanced with scoring, defence and toughness. Gillies is a role player who brings an element of toughness. He’ll do his job it will be up to the others to do theirs. If that happens, it’ll be a good year.
-
Gillies is afraid of nobody, but that doesn’t mean everyone is afraid of Gillies. Players finish checks. They’re not going to pull up thinking if they hit a player, Gillies will hurt them. Just ask Ponikarovsky how scared he is. Hits and dirty hits happen
-
admin says:
Thread closed.
31 year old career minor leaguer. Why cant we get a real fighter/enforcer like a shawn thornton?