ASHAM WELCOMES ISLANDERS’ ENCORE
Would “stand up for all those great young players”
5:35 pm: Arron Asham would be honored if the Islanders considered him for a second stint in New York.
“Are you kidding? If they were interested in me, it would be really flattering and I’d have a lot to think about,” Asham told Point Blank this afternoon before boarding a plane for a vacation – and keeping an eye on the free agent frenzy.
“The Islanders have come a long way in the three years since I’ve been gone. They’ve added so much young talent. I’m 32 now and I’ve grown up myself a lot over the years. If I had the chance to be a leader and stand up for those great young players, I’m confident I could help out.”
Asham will be an unrestricted free agent on Thursday, but not because the Philadelphia Flyers do not want him. The Stanley Cup Finalists have no room under the salary cap. “There are no hard feelings,” said Asham. “I wanted to be there and I know they would like to keep me. Things are too tight.” To be sure, when I covered the Flyers’ opening round victory over New Jersey and the Cup Final loss to Chicago, Philadelphia head coach Peter Laviolette raved to me about Asham’s improvement as a player and leader. In 72 games last season, Asham had 10 goals, 14 assists and 126 penalty minutes.
The 5-11, 205-pound right wing – one of the best middleweight punchers in the game and the owner of a blazing slap shot he doesn’t use enough - has several Long Island connections. He still has his home in Point Lookout. His longtime girlfriend lives in New York. He spends most of the offseason here. Asham maintains a good relationship with general manager Garth Snow and the handful of teammates that remain from his first stint with the team. In the summer, he skates with several Islanders and Long Island NHLers at Iceworks in Syosset.
“The Islanders are the team I’m closest to, the team I’ve spent the most time with,” said Asham, who played four seasons here from 2002-2007. “You never know what’s going to happen in free agency, but maybe the Islanders are a possibility. I’m confident I’m going to be with some NHL team. I just won’t know who for a few days. No matter what happens, I can tell you I have nothing but great feelings about the organization, the fans and all of the people on Long Island.”
Comments on Arron Asham are welcomed. Details later tonight on the PB plan for the opening of UFA.
155 Responses to ASHAM WELCOMES ISLANDERS’ ENCORE
Would “stand up for all those great young players”
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poland says:
ill take him adds size
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Metalcoconut says:
Wow I didn’t event think of him. It is great to hear positive stories from players that have actually been a part of the organization. He could help add some of the grit that the team desparately lacks. Perhaps he could add a little to the PK as well.
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Chris in DC says:
I’d love to have Asham back and would rather have him than Nystrom
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dose says:
if they get this guy back here that’s more than fine with me. i still don’t get why they let him go in the first place. the devils too. i started to wonder if there was some problem. he’s not just a fighter. maybe he didn’t score a ton in the playoffs for philly, but in the games i watched he was real involved and was a factor in the offensive end. not to mention that the guy was a fan favorite here. i say get him back here if they can.
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Ethan K says:
I wouldn’t mind it. He’s a great middleweight guy and would be a great bottom-6 guy for this club.
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Glenn says:
I’d be conflicted, as I wasn’t the biggest fan of Asham as a player during his first stint. However, 3 years can mean alot of improvement & I have to imagine he’s got a better slapshot than Nystrom. I’d give him a shot in a return engagement.
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Summer is Awesome says:
Asham always one of my Favorite players the last 10 years. And the reason I was secretly rooting for the Flyers in the Finals.
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Pritchett54 says:
Would love to have him back. would LOVE it.
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PotvinsCupsx4 says:
I’ll take him over Nystrom any day!
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kabbage19 says:
I’m thinking him and Mystrom on a line with Dougie Weight!!!
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Al S. says:
I say bring him back, he would add some much needed grit and toughness, good offense for a 3rd/4th line guy, plus he’s an agitator that doesn’t mind dropping the gloves.
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Examiner says:
I’d welcome an Asham encore. Love that grit, snarl, and surprisingly hard shot. Just hope they don’t pass on Nystrom because of it.
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isles93 says:
Upgrade over Sim
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Nick says:
I agree with 10…Asham would fit in perfect while addressing the never-ending size and toughness void.
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Nick says:
I would welcome back Aaron with open arms! I loved this guy his entire career I was so upset when he left, I hope Garth gets him back he really is a great player!
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Brian G says:
Sign Nystrom & Asham and I will be happy
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matt says:
anyone is better then nystrom but id still pass
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(Sim)ple says:
Always was one of my favorites. Would roll out the carpet for him myself if I could. Those fights he had with Barnaby in 2004 were great to watch. A 4th line of Asham-Weight-Gillies would be fine by me.
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27Tonelli says:
I met Aaron Asham at The Grand Luxe cafe right before Playoff sereies vs. Buffalo, he was the nicest athlete I ever met took pics and I even asked him if there were any young up and coming prospects and he told me watch for this kid Blake Comeau ! I could not believe how good of a fighter he was in NHL because I had a good 2 inches on him ! Asham is the man !
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Steve says:
If he wore a “Sim” jersey I don’t think anyone would know the difference.
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bossjones1 says:
Asham or Nystrom would be fine additions to the roster but neither are exciting and neither would make me buy any more tickets than I normally would. I view these guys as place fillers for the kids who are coming up and/or the eventual big free agents once the Islanders are close enough to warrant spending big $ on them. If it’s a contest I would much rather they sign Nystrom, I don’t want any ex-islanders here be it Asham, Torres or whoever even if its just symbolic we have to move on from those dark days. Once Hunter and DP are gone I can finally forget about the mad mike years…
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peter says:
I noticed Asham on the list of “free agents to be” several weeks ago and thought what a great fit it would be if the Islanders brought him back. He’s tough, a good fighter who won’t take crap from anyone, and has legitamte 3rd/4th line hockey talent as well. He’s a perfect Rx to stick up for his younger teammates…I never thought th Islanders would actually consider him, but if they do, let’s bring him back!
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battfist says:
Great to hear CB!
I say sign Asham back up. Notice how Asham was never benched during the Flyers playoff run. Carcillo and Van Ryms were. His experience will payoff during the Isles playoff run next season!Why cnt we sign Nystrom up too?!! Beggars cnt be choosers.
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kevin27nyi says:
id love for him to return
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Steve (15), are you kidding? Asham and Sim are two completely different players. Asham is a deadly fighter. Just ask Tim Jackman and check out some of his clips. He has a cannon for a shot and will chip in productive points from the lower lines, and could even ride shotgun with Tavares from time to time. He’d be a great sign.
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IslesinOside says:
Hell ya! That boy can throw a hell of a punch and always liked him on this team.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Asham is one of the few former players I’d welcome the Isles to go back to the future for.
I’ve noticed his improvement also.
Asham right side grit … Nystrom left side grit … they are great replacement / upgrade over Sim and Park.
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NoMoreDraftPicks says:
I do like Asham but I remember he frequently took bad or unnecessary penalties. It drove me nuts.
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hathead68 says:
It’s always nice to hear from former players who say good things about the Isles organization and Long Island itself.
I’ve always liked Asham and his style of play… but I would probably pass. I’d rather go “back to the future” and sign Eric Nystrom. Still untapped potential there and fills a 3rd/4th line
role for the Isles perfectly. -
john says:
If you guys had to pick one guy that the isles sign on the first day of free agency who do you think it is?
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
If Garth wants him back – no worries from me. Provides a person to make sure that there is retaliation in the event someone takes liberties with our skill players.
Depends on price and terms……
good player…..would be a good character fit here….just like anyone else – whose icetime is he taking. If its Sim’s/Bergies/Tamby’s then OK not ok if its Matt Martin’s for example.
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orngfan says:
If asham were to come back the coliseum would go CRAZY for him when his name was called october 9th!!
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Warren says:
Hey Islander fans I would welcome back he gives an enforcer that scores and cares about his teammates. Any way fans this could be an interesting summer so keep watching CB with breaking news. Also this will be our year to chase the “CUP”
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islesfan999 says:
Asham would be a great signing. I would give him 2 yrs 2- 2.5 million total. He would be great on a line with Gillies and Weight as our 4th line.. Then we just need 1 top 9 forward and 2 dmen..
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thepolishprince says:
Loved Ash when he was here and would take him back in a second – great bottom six guy.
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nyislanders93 says:
No need for Asham. We have Gillies as our main enforcer. We also gave Joel Rechlicz the time to develop in Bridgeport so he should be ready this year to step in and be an enforcer alongside Gillies. Asham no longer would fill a role on this team.
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ralf says:
All this Eric Nystrom talk is just nonsense, he’s not his dad and playing on Long Island isn’t going to magically make him better. There’s no question that Asham’s the better player in all areas of the game and It’s really a no-brainer to give him an offer.
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Isle Be Damned says:
Asham or Nystrom (preferably Asham) makes all the sense in the world now that Bergenheim is gone.
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dalybone says:
No thank you.
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Lav says:
YES!!!!! Bring him back!!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how many nights I watched this team come out flat with no emotion a few years back. Any given night, Asham was noticeably the hardest worker out there and never gave up. He shows up every night and would be great example for some of the young guys.
Let’s get him! -
The Work Guy says:
I’ll pass on the little piglet.
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If he fits with the team, and garth wants him back..then he’ll be here. I would take him and nystrom..who knows, maybe asham can get paul martin to sign over here..
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Asham is the type of gritty player we need, that will also drop the gloves rather than just a punk agitator like that little wussy avery. Plus he put in almost as many goals in one season as nystrom did in the past two seasons. I used to work at a restaurant that the players would frequently come to for lunch before night time home games, and all the players really seemed to like him. So I think he would be a great locker room presence as well.
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Lance says:
@#28….This team is very soft, he would automatically toughen up the team.
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terry says:
I would love asham back he fights and can score some goals if given a regular shift. Wrecker is not ready yet 1 more year in ahl.sign asham for 3rd line duty. I would also like them to sigh john scott from minn to be our 6 dman would add all the size we need and is a top enforcer which we need if you watched JT get cheap shot after cheap shot last year.
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However I would rather give the burn time to martin…he seems like the same type of player, but hey is younger and most likely a big part of the core rebuild where as asham might be around for a season or two
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IronIslander77 says:
Great thing with Asham is that he knows his role and his place on a team. Not the type of guy who somehow manages to score a highlight reel goal and suddenly thinks he’s the next Mike Bossy and forgets how to hit and back check.
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Joe says:
I’d like to see Garth land Asham and Nystrom. With Gillies on board, I don’t think you’ll see teams take liberties with our players. and if we add a tough D-man, then we might have a chance at becoming a team other teams hate to play against. When’s the last time you could say that about an Islanders team? 30 years ago.
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Blizzard says: ….Yes, I would welcome Asham back to the Island. Pound for pound one of the toughest fighters around and can play.
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#28 – the role Asham serves is far more than just a middleweight fighter. Even if that is the only role he was being brought in for, he is about 50 times better than Reiclich or Gillies are in terms of actual hockey ability. Asham can skate on the 2nd line. You can’t say that about the 2 goons who would only dress on nights against big teams anyway.
Now that Bergenheim, Park & Sim are gone the Isles need a guy like Asham to step in and serve as an agitator. Plus like it’s been mentioned already, the guy can actually play some hockey and score some goals. He’s a perfect signing for this team & he absolutely fills a big role here.
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Darren says:
WHAT?!Bring him back.No way.The only improvement would be size and the occassional fight.Been there, done that.The FA’s that Garth signs must be able to impact the scoresheet either by offense or defense on a “regular” basis and this guy does niether.Good guy,liked him when he was an Isle but those days have come and gone.Turn the page Garth and pass on this one.
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Donna says:
I would love to see Asham back as an Islander!
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David Volek says:
I’d rather have Raffi Torres
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mark p says:
He looked good for Philly….contributed offensively.
Guy can play on 4th line….and play a little with JT when teams are roughing him up…..Short term…small money…..bring him back. -
Liked him as a player, but always seemed to have an attitude–then again, that is just what we need!
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Tim F. says:
If I want to see an Islander under 6’0″ fight, I’ll look up old clips of Gary Howatt on YouTube. Just say no to Asham.
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JD says:
Bottom line is we need toughness. We all complained last year we were too soft and I think Asham is the perfect tough guy who can fight and score goals. In this era of the NHL, this is the type of tough guy you need.
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Strummer's Army says:
I liked Asham but I think I’ll pass. I’d prefer to have Matt Martin if he is ready, if he isn’t I’ll consider Asham for one year but too much talent coming in the next year or two to tie up roster spots.
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Some of you guys are confusing the situation. Asham would be signed as a 3rd/4th line player and that is the role he’d serve. You aren’t going to find many better bottom 6 guys in the NHL than Asham.
Of course the Isles need a legit top 6 forward (preferably top 3), but they also need a bottom 6 guy (or 2) as well. Don’t think for a second that if Asham was brought here he’d be counted on to score 30 goals or something. He’s a role player & a good one at that. Every team in the NHL would be happy to have Asham.
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B-ri says:
He hits… he scores… he’s better than jon sim… give the man a contract and lets bring him back where he belongs
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akeem says:
i trust lavie. If he says he’s grown as a player and person, sign him up. He’s just the kind of not so high priced veteran leader with size that this team needs.
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Trent says:
Yeah, I’d sign him in a second. Awesome roll player and would be another respected veteran voice in the young locker room.
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billy says:
well slap me silly, maybe bringing asham back wouldnt be such a bad thing, i’d rather have him play 5-10 minutes a game then gillies 30 seconds per game.
but……the condition of him coming back is that he has to set a personal record for shots on goal, since its true that he does have an absolute howitzer of a slapper. haha
i’d take him in a heartbeat over gillies, seriously, what are they thinking holding a roster spot for someone who plays less than a minute per game? (literally or figuratively) Who actually thinks all of a sudden this year gillies can play an actual role?
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role
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IsleFan73 says:
Sign him!!
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This much is undisputable — Asham is a feared man around the league. That, and he’s light years ahead of where Gillies and Rechlicz are in terms of skill. He gives other teams something to think about, which right there is worth signing him up.
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John Scott size and toughness good 6th d man
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John says:
The Isles can do better than this guy, a lot better.
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ledzep121212 says:
Would absolutely love to see Asham make a return to the Coliseum in an Isles jersey. Hopefully Snow signs him and avoids both Higgins and Nystrom.
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2Bit says:
Always like Asham. Definitely an improvement over Bergenheim and for about the same money. And by improvement I mean same scoring ability, except Asham brings the grit this team truly needs. I’d take him back for sure.
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beatlebailey says:
add Asham ASAP..always loved this guy and he is a perfect bottom 6 forward. With him Gilles and Martin no one will take liberties with our young guns! get er done Garth!!
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Eric says:
I said it in yesterdays post that the Islanders should Asham AND Nystrom to get more tough, physical and they are both 3rd/4th line players depending on the team. It be good replacements for Park and Bergenheim. Cant really say Sim because Sim is nothing like those 2 guys, neither is park but atleast he is a player you would like to have and was good on the pk. Sim just got the occasional goal but his lack of size hurt an already small Islanders team. Nystrom and Asham replacing Bergenheim and Park is just fine by my book. THen get a speedy 4th liner.
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Schultz39 says:
Would take him in an instant…..this way you can have some room to keep Martin in the AHL if needed.
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rpchief says:
this is a great option. He could play a 3/4 line wing who hits, fights and can chip in 10 goals. who have we had on the 3/4 line the last couple of years? I have the answer,,, No body. The entire 3/4 line needs to be replaced. There is room for ash, martin and if need be gillies
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IslesFanInTN says:
Asham kicking the snot out of Barnaby (which in turn made Barnaby cry in the penalty box) is enough to make me want him back.
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joe says:
bring ASHAM back!!!!!!!
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#54 Terry, AMEN I SAY! John Scott would be an excellent fit here and so would Matt Carnker.
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MJS says:
He would probably be a good add. The the team’s going to need 3rd and 4th liners since they are letting so many of them walk. I would give him a short deal and let him help keep some of the tougher customers in the league off of Tavarez et. al. I’m not pining for him, but Asahm would make some sense.
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Frank says:
NO BRAINER!!! Bring him back, def better than Nystrom. Experience, wants to be here and was tireless in his dirty work for the Flyers during the playoffs – AND someone that won’t stand for goons taking runs at the kids.
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# 55, whom would you rather have that fits the Islanders organizational mindset & budget?
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Mario says:
I still remember the goal against the RAGS from outside the blue line. Hell of a shot, Put him with Nystrom and Martin and theres your 4th line.
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Dmoney says:
BRING BACK ASHAM!! I loved seeing him play for us and he brings size and i would love to have him and Gilles both on the same team. No more picking on our players.
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Anthony Yampol says:
This would be a nice fit. The Isles need toughness, and not only can Asham fight for his mates, but he has a hell of a slap shot as well. He is good for 15+ fights and 15+ goals a year. That’s perfect for a player of his type in my opinion. His biggest downside used to be discipline, but I watched a lot of Flyers last season and it seemed he has matured a lot in that area.
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JTonelli says:
i have noticed Asham EVERY time that I watch the Flyers play. Sign him….and Andy Sutton too!
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Will C. says:
Certainly NOT a fan of bringing him back. Stupid penalties, not enough speed, holds the puck way too long. Didn’t like him the first go round, didn’t like him as a Flyer. I will say he has matured and the dumb penalties are fewer, but why step back. Go with Nystrom, Martin, and Gillies on the 4th. Energy, size, and grit.
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Doubting Thomas says:
OH YES BRING BACK THE HANDS OF CLAY
P.S WARN THE WAITRESSES/BARMAIDS AT CHAMPIONS -
I would LOVE it. I always thought Asham was a good player beside being a tough guy…Sign him up.
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Barry says:
I like Asham’s toughness and grittiness but damn I wish he’d shoot the puck more and get it on net. Boy, he missed the net an awful lot! I was frustrated with with him back then but think he can be valuable as as a 3rd liner perhaps now.Maybe we can wait him out while trying to pursue other free agents AKA Stempniak, Frolov etc.
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Julie says:
I would love to have Asham back! I like a player who will stick up for his teammates and also get more than 20 seconds of ice time a game.
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Ryan T says:
Tough, strong 3rd line player, with reasonable playing skills, probably the top middleweight in the East, can chip in offensively, probably won’t cost much, AND he would look forward to returning to the island. Seems like a good fit.
I mean, aside from Nystrom, who else is out there for that role?
I liked Jackman, he showed a lot of heart, but anytime he dropped the gloves, more often than not he would get smacked around.
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NYISLANDERS restore the Pride-N-Passion says:
would be a no brainer!
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Nick Pezzotti says:
I’d take him
over jackman, nystrom and gillies -
bCarey says:
In a heartbeat.
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Rombough says:
A few years ago I ran a knockout football pool. The guy who won bought me a NYI Asham #45 jersey. I got half a season’s worth out of it before Ash left for NJ. Unless someone wants to buy me an Eric Nystrom or Manny Malhotra jersey, I’m all in for A.A.!
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sean says:
Yeah bring him back!!!
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jmo16 says:
Only if he wears the WIG from Halloween!
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I loved him as an Islander and if there is an opening on the 4th line he’d be a nice fit.
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Manny Malhotra made 700,000 last year. Pay him 800,000 this year. Asham made 600,000 last year. Pay him 650,000 this year. HAMHUIS made 2.5 million last year. You have to pay him 5 million to get him here and you are still under the cap. It’s possible and beneficial to sign Torres and get under the cap. Also, trade Martinek and bring up Hamonic to play with Hamhuis. This is why it is essential to sign Hamhuis for his mentoring and development of Hamonic. This way you don’t have to be too worried about rushing him and ruining him.
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Mark in Ottawa says:
Good player. I think we miss him.
Garth – If you please …..
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ars9x says:
One of my fave ex-Islanders. Asham has been consistent through his career with what he does well. He’s tough, he moves well, can score and will defend our kids out on the ice.
Dear Hockey Gods, Please make this happen. Love, ars9x -
SneakyPete77 says:
Asham does stand up for players and he is quite handy when comes to dropping the gloves. Id take him back.
Bring in Nystrom to play with him. It beats having Sim, Tambellini, Bergenheim, and Jackman. Im not going to knock Park but because he did help this team out during his service here. I think his tank is empty and that is the reason I think we should replace him.
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shlo says:
Would love to see him back. The “experts” said that Sim will make us forget Asham.
Hardly. ….Sim who? -
Mike from Oceanside says:
Double A is one of the rare guys that gave an effort EVERY night while wearing our sweater during those years, and I’ll always appreciate that. However, please remember, that he did turn his back on our franchise when he voluntarily left us on August 7, 2007, when he signed as a free agent with the Devils. It says “Welcome” on the mat out front, not “Welcome Back”.
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Bruce says:
Interesting idea. When I have seen him play he seems like a faster, more complete player than when he was with us.
I think that Garth will address the “toughness” issue as he has the size issue already. I would be surprised if he did NOT bring in at least one guy who can fight. One for the O and one for the D would be ideal.
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The Real JD says:
LOVE what Asham brings to the Isles.
GS please SIGN ASHAM!!!
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Staten Islander says:
Liked what he did in his stint on the Flyers, an improvement over who is leaving, I have no objections.
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Brother Rat says:
Wow, that would be great if we got him back. AA and the other AA (Adrian Aucoin) are two recent ex-Isles I’ve always wanted back. Gillies is a one-dimensional fighter, but AA is a gritty pest that fights and also scores. I’d like to see Gillies AND Asham AND Martin on the squad; that’s plenty of grit to spread around. Plus AA’s got LI connections and a good working relationship–how many UFAs would even consider taking Wang’s money?
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isles08025 says:
Add me to the list to take him back
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Rich says:
I would pass. I have seen want Asham can do and I was not impressed. In fact as a fan I found watching him frustrating – such a good shot and no points. I would rather see what Matt Martin can do.
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john says:
Signing Asham should be an afterthought!! If this team could justify raising their ticket prices – a top 4 Dman (Michalek) and a top 6 forward (Lombardi or Stempniak) must be Islanders tomorrow.
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Asham, Nystrom, Torres, Sutton….1 top 6 forward and top 4 d-man..bring in these 6 guys..and get rid of hunter pleeze
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Everyone keeps saying “I’d rather see Matt Martin”. Why can’t we have both? Plenty of room. One on the 3rd line and one on the 4th. Simple as that. Besides, since when is it a problem to have too many viable options? Asham and Martin would add significant toughness to this team. If you can then add a top 6 guy, awesome. If not, Joensuu it is and shift focus to D.
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JoeConte says:
As long as they only sign him to a one year deal I’m on board
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pete debenedetto says:
in a heart beat
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miket239 says:
YES!!! Bring A-dub back! If you want grit, toughness, a top middle-weight policeman/fighter and a great shot as well…Arron Asham has it all. ANd he seems more mature as well. For reasonable money of course. After all he’s just a 3rd liner. And also I cant stand seeing him on the Flyers.
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Mike says:
I don’t mind Asham but would rather add two guys who can put the puck in the net. Gillies filled the role nicely plus his ‘stach is awesome!
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Steve says:
Love to have Asham back with the Islanders. They need a legitimate enforcer.
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4theisles says:
YES YES YES!!!
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steve says:
the guy plays tough, plays responsible, has playoff experience, WANTS TO BE HERE.
ASHAM is a third liner. if martin, the kid whos got all of a handful of nhl experience to his name, needs more time to develop, he can have it. at worst, he can watch asham work, and learn something.
if the numbers are good, seems like a good fit. asham might be guy worth spending an extra couple of bucks to sign( not crazy money, hes not a big salary guy anyway). he plays bigger then his size. -
Ari From Long Island says:
On a short term deal, for instance, 2 years, I would sign him.
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alex says:
Give him Sim’s old spot!
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Seth says:
I would welcome him in but how many 4th liners do we really need?
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JTorBust says:
Bring him back , solid veteran fan favorite, and he can teach some of these guys how to stand up for each other.
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mtrico says:
I have neen saying for the past two seasons that he is exactly the type of player this team is severely lacking. He can play a regular shift and drop the gloves when needed.
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NYI IN 10 says:
Put him on the FIRST line as a wing with JT and KO… Open up the ice.
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Jerky says:
Asham was not himself in his last season with the Isles – he hardly contributed offensively or physically (could he have been injured?). I enjoyed watching him perform otherwise and wouldn’t be upset if they signed him although he doesn’t fit in the team’s long-term strategy.
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Jim Clark says: Too old. Just say no.
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WM says:
Arron Asham…Raffi Torres…Andy Sutton. Why do we want to bring back retreads? Can we please move on to 2010?!!
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misterpink says:
Look, anyone that can make Barnaby cry in the penalty box after tossing him a beating has a place on my team any time, any day.
One of the best clips ever. I so miss those isle/rag years.
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Starscream says:
Sign him.
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Bob says:
Can we stop already with the Eric Nystrom bandwagon? Other than his dad being one of the all time Islander greats, the guy sucks, plain and simple. He can’t score, he can’t fight and is average in stature. We need size, scoring and someone who can drop the gloves and actually win. Asham would be a good fit, Torres would be even better. No offense Bobby Ny.
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Steven says:
Sign all the tough guys. Give the team a personality this year.
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km says:
I LOVED Asham when he was here, awesome veteran presence. Do it Garth! Can’t hurt, and can only help.
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Mark says:
SIGN HIM UP. Forget Gilles, Asham can play and throw.
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gillies says:
Love it. Get him please
Right on 76, I was there and it is one of my favorite all time Islander moments
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IslesFaminFlorida says:
DO IT GARTH< DO IT!!
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
i always liked asham and hated to see im go. he is another player just like comeau. if he could just shoot more.
but love his toughness.
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Michael Delman says:
#138 he does need to shoot more…has a great shot. I remember Laviolette stressing that back in the day too.
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Alex says:
Asham fights like a gentleman. True class. I’d welcome him back with open arms.
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LOVE Asham. No past tense. Even as a Devil and Flyer, I love this guy,I thought he was a great fit and really would be even more now.
Someone said if Asham had on a Sim jersey he wouldn’t know the difference. That person must be blind…CB is right on in the article when he mentions Asham’s sizzling slapper. Not to mention…Asham drops his gloves and actually fights. Sim hopes he can get you to drop while he runs away.
My biggest question is whether or not he fits into the system, but I would be very happy with his character back on this team.
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CT Isles Fan says:
I always liked him.
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Hoser14 says:
I have always liked Aaron Asham, the Isles have too many smurfs and need more grit and his shot.
And big plus, HE LIKES/WANTS TO PLAY ON THE ISLAND (unlike a lot players)!
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Tond says:
asham is a must..should have never let him go..real gamer, n look who he played for after us..think those teams know hockey.
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Todd @ 145 above…we didn’t let him go, he left the Islanders on his own. There was no loyalty from him.
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I wouldn’t take him over Nystrom, but I wouldn’t complain if he returned. Nystrom, Weight, Asham and Gillies would make excellent 4th line combinations.
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MorDraftPicks says:
#129 totally agree – I’ll pass on Asham – move on
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I bet most of you Eric Nystrom advocates have never even seen the dude play, he’s not as effective a player as Sim. He’s just a 10 min a game guy, he’s small, can’t fight or score.
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He’s the dumb penalty king. He’s a frustrating player to watch. If he hasn’t developed and used his skills (speed and slapper) yet then he won’t. No thanks. He’ll occupy a roster spot that you could give to Martin (who will stick up for players and fight and has much more skill) and other young players.
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Malholtra should be signed for a 3 year deal, make him part of the team.Very good all around player, smart.
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Niteislander says:
Anyone comparing Sims to Asham is a fool. Aaron fights the toughest guys in the league. Sims is a pest.. nothing more.
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Honnold says:
Always liked Asham. When Isles were short on talent, they experimented with him on the 1st line with mixed results. A superior middleweight. Might distract me from the waste of releasing Bergie.
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MikeD says:
I have always liked Asham but everyone keeps talking about bringing in 10 goal middleweights AND playing Gillies and Martin. I’d rather see Niederreiter, Joensuu and Martin in the lineup with Gillies inserted as needed. Spend money on D-Men so we can finally cut ties with Martinek and/or Gervais.
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admin says:
Thread closed. See you in a bit.
I still like Asham and his style of play but I think that they will try Eric Nystrom before they go to the well with Asham.