DOUG WEIGHT BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Captain played just 92 games last two seasons
USA Today had the news from Doug’s agent yesterday, Islanders tell Newsday today. A one-year deal plus bonuses for the captain and FanHouse correspondent, who turns 40 in January and scored 11 goals in his two seasons as an Islander. He was injured most of last year. Thread closed.
137 Responses to DOUG WEIGHT BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Captain played just 92 games last two seasons
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tom says:
ugh
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Staten Islander says:
Good leader, I just hope this isn’t the beginning of them bringing back EVERYONE
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orngfan says:
i’ll be the first one to say it, big mistake.
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RAMen says:
Is he poker/golf buddies with Marleau and Volchenkov? Because then this move is brilliant….
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Eric says:
Not a big mistake because he wont play more than 30 games, but a mistake. Hunter and Weight seem so old on the Islanders. Islanders should try and Trade Hunter. The team played better without Hunter and/or Weight in the lineup.
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Knight of Cups says:
I am grateful for all he has done for the team in the rebuild and although I do not hate the move, I would have rather seen a more productive veteran brought in. I agree we need to change some of the more stagnant culture or same old guard.
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paulyp says:
I honestly don’t really see a spot for him on this team, if he was a winger yea ok but hes not which will push either schremp or nilson aside right?
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Otter says:
Congrats to the captain. Hopefully if the team can get into the playoffs this year Doug can show why he’s the best man for the job.
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Potvinwas better than Orr says:
Class act, good mentor but a true waste of cap space.
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JP91 says:
@ Potvinwas better than Orr
It’s not a waste of cap space when we are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy under the cap lol…This is a good move. Doug is a great guy to have in the locker room and is one of the better veteran leaders in the NHL. Can’t go wrong with a 1-year deal for a guy who loves to be here.
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Chris in DC says:
I’m ambivalent on this. It’s a complete shocker, first off. With some of the young talent we have at forward and given Weight’s injury history, it seems like an odd decision to bring him back and take up a roster spot. Then again, maybe the team feels it has a good read on his health and that he is finally past his injuries. A productive Doug Weight would be very good for the team. But last year’s Weight, the Isles really don’t need… Hope it pans out for him and for us.
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Lorne says:
I am on the fence about this, but the young players love him, and I guess one more year of him mentoring should work. I see terms of deal are not disclosed yet.
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4theisles says:
jp91 You miss the point – its not the cap space Its the space period. Another player with potential for the future is not on the team or on the ice! Sure he loves to be here, is this a pro sport or some kind of a “Happy family TV show”?
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Spartiarti RVC says:
Dougie Weight at low contact incentive based is fine by me. Lets hope he can stay healthy, hard to ask for. Im hoping they can bring in more talent.
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Jamie says:
Total waste of a spot! I guess snow/wang are going to do very little come July 1!
okposo-tavares-bailey
moulson-schremp-comeau
hunter-neilson-bergenheim
UFA?-Weight-UFA? -
isles66 says:
Classy guy and his career speaks for itself, but i really would have liked to se KO get “C” or even Streit for a year or two before handing it over to KO. I’m guessing his mentoring of Tavares is factoring in to the overall decision.
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With 11 goals in 2 seasons, I hope its a league minimum deal. Perhaps he can help influence UFA’s to come by “selling the dream” as the captain. A good mentor for our young players, but why not as an assistant coach?
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@ 4theisles…
I didn’t miss any point. The point that was brought up that I commented on was specifically in regards to cap space, not roster space.
On that topic, teams full of rookies and 2nd year players do not win championships. You need some kind of veteran presence and leadership on the ice and in the locker room to help the team grow. Weight fits this role perfectly. Other veterans like Sim and Jackman will likely not be back, and given that option I’d rather have Weight than Sim or Jackman any day…
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
Everyone has to stop with the its a waste, doug is a leader and has been a good mentor to JT, its probably a bonus laden contract anyways and he most likely will be a forth line guy and he knows that…everyone needs to get it out of their heads that either marleau or kovie are coming here…this time is not at the point yet
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BIG BOY says:
L E A D E R S H I P
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Josh says:
Wrong. Kyle was supposed to be the captain this week.
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LOL @ Isles fans pinching pennies, talking about wasted cap space and how you hope he signed for league minimum. You have to stop talking like the rest of the league, looking to save a dime here and there. Our particular team is working on making the cap FLOOR, not on getting down from above the ceiling!
Weight is a good guy… if our Isles rookies and young players continue to learn from him, they will ALL benefit from that. Dougs influence will do nothing but make them into better hockey players. Will he be able to play? We will see… but if he is injured, it gives another kid a chance to come up and shine- so I dont see negatives to this decision in any way.
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pritchett54 says:
Weight might give up the captaincy, either way, it is a good move. We cant have a team of all young guys. We need some veterans. Not to mention, Tavares would be homeless.
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Keith says:
Good move to help with the young ones. Gotta have Tavares’ landlord on the team! This doesnt hurt the team in any way.
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First off the Islanders played better without Weight and/or Hunter in the lineup last season. They looked quicker and they were. How it helps the Islanders:
1)Maybe he helps land a quality free agent being that Weight is a future hall of famer that is respected around the league. 2)I think he gets in management with the Islanders after he retires. Would not mind him in the organization one bit. 3)One more year of him being captain but with Streit being the biggest leader when Weight is out; you can give the Captaincy to TAVARES for his third season, which I think will happen. -
kevin fitz says:
You need veteran leaders on every team people. You can’t have all young guys. I know Martin, Joensuu, Rhakinski (sp) are all the next Wayne Gretzky, but this is a no brainer move.
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I’m torn on this move. If anything I guess he can be a solid 3rd/4th line center and PP guy this year as well as a positive influence in the locker room.
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Anthony says:
YUCK… though I guess it can’t hurt to have him for the 20 games he plays…
For that matter, I’d rather them have signed Sim – like him or not, he brought it every night…
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mtrico says:
I really like Doug Weight, but this may have been someone to pass on. Well, now that he’s back, let’s hope he contributes.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
Only concern is – whose ice time is he cutting into?
Otherwise – I like it. Figuring that he will not be healthy for 80 games – and will be transitioning into a 4th line player – excepting for crunch time when we have a lead…..its a good hire. We have the cap space – and he does provide both leadership and talent….and adds as an “on-ice” assistant coach. Also, can recruit players to come here…..I am ok with it – subject to my first concern.
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isles73 says:
You have got to be kididng me. Strike one in the offseason at bat!
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ISLESFAN999 says:
Terrible news hes washed up and sucks. Complete waste of a spot…
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Brother Rat says:
Snooze! Was he the best use of funds and a roster spot? Will he score 20+ goals or add grit and muscle?! No, no, and no. Now Wang’s hiring cheerleaders just to make it to the salary cap basement? I like Weight the guy, and maybe he’ll continue to mentor JT and add some leadership, but we can’t count on more than 20 games and 5 goals. Time to add new, younger folks in/near their prime to this squad, not a guy who was drafted before JT was born.
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Doug says:
love Dougie Weight, great leader and locker-toom guy… but I don’t know about this. I think we need to give the kids a chance to lead. Kyle is ready to be a captain, and I could name a few of the core who would be great Assistants. Hey as long as there’s a roster spot for Matty Martin, I’m ok with it.
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Brad says:
The guys in the room respect him….tremendously. I hope he can stay healthy and contribute…I have no problem with this signing.
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mrlbem says:
No, no, no!!!! We want young veterans, not guys who are old enough to be the young players’ fathers. This takes up a roster space and a contract that could go to a more productive player.
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geduffer says:
Guys, lighten up. This is about a classy veteran leader who will allow these kids their own space to grow and will keep the heat off the kids while they learn. Just because Jonanthan Toews is a captain at 21 and won the Cup doesn’t mean that KO is ready for the pressure. This move is for the present, and Doug is a good guy to have around. I like the move.
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Mike says:
i think its a good move. if doug stays healthy and can play 70% of the games, i think he will contribute on the power play. he still has great hands. We all know he isnt going to score 20 goals but he is still a playmaker and he is a great figure-head for the franchise.
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SCLI says:
Just plain DUMB!
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Brian G says:
Why- what is the point he has no role on this team, let the team grow on their own…he was on the 4th line last year….he couldn’t even go into a corner…I’m sorry but he should not play every game…didn’t we already have too many centers and he was bad on the wing…doesn’t make sense
What’s next the return of Jon Sim
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Steven says:
He just took Matt Martin’s spot. Or Nystrom’s. Or Gillies. Or Petrov’s. Or a great free agent. Doug had a great career but we’re trying to move forward. Obviously Snow disagrees so let’s bring back Park and Sim and extend Hunters contract another five years.
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I don’t get the clamoring for KO to be captain. Maybe when he gets older and can handle some pressure. It’s obvious he can’t deal with it yet as it was evident by not being able to elevate his game to make the Olympic squad but played brilliantly after learning he didn’t make the team.
Mark Streit should be the next captain and IMO I’d go with JT before KO. -
John T. - Halifax, NS says:
The intangibles this guy brings to the table for this club is worth every penny. This signing is more significant than some think.
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yes he will lead the team for 60 games from the press box, and score 1 goal in the other 22 games…and then…lottery again!!!
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Blizzard says: …I say good. leadeship, class, mentor and he can have Sims spot
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eye on the island says:
hey u know what teaches young players, ice time, someething doug will be cutting into, bad move
this leadership, chemistry talk is nonsense-when teams are winning no one cares about leadership or chemistry
and why sign him now? why not pick him up end of july if u have the roster space-he wasnt in demand
if they f up this summer, its gonna be hard to swallow and they arent off to a good start
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handlanger says:
Oh please….. what about “we’re in rebuild mode, we want to make room for our young players” Garth?!? I don’t like it…
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I thought ticket prices were going to be higher this year as well as parking. Now after this signing, the question is, Why?
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Manhattan Mike says:
How is this a “big” mistake? Nobody on this chain knows how significant the guy is in the locker room. Plus, the bulk of his salary will be in bonuses. He’s a great 3rd/4th line guy with tremendous experience when we MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. He’ll take the edge off these young kids who are sure to be a bit nervous.
Not to mention – im sure Tavares is happy he doesnt have to move out of this guys house. One year deal. Good move. -
Think of Dougy as a “Reg Dunlop” – player/coach
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This signing sucks.. Waste of a roster spot. Hang it up dude. Let the kids play so they can grow!! We need to DUMP vets and bring in 1 or 2 B+ vets. Not one that scores BARELY double digits in goals during 2 years. Mehhh… there better be some signings this summer, or i wont be excited one bit to watch this team.
Johnny also needs someone to pass him the puck so he can score like he used to, and did in the World Championships…. not a landlord.
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Madchef says:
Listen I understand the mentor thing I get it. But if the team does not sign a coule good players on July 1 it will just be another disapointment. Weight only works if we bring in the UFA Wing and D-man. I am holding my breath.
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Whoever said Jackman is a veteran…? No. He is not.
Good signing. Great leader. If healthy can put up 1/2 a point a game at least. Quarterback the PP with Streit so KO can get off the point.
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World Championships is junior hockey dude…its a joke tournament and JT’s goals were in games they won by 8 or 9 anyway. JT is fine and needs to just get stronger.
Yes we need some UFA signings. The Weight signing has no
impact on what Snow has in mind for the free agent pool. -
a REAL hockey fan says:
… Im on the *Fence* about this move, hmmmm
.. You DO NEED some veteran leadership and he is a good team guy (got that part) but i hope its NOT at a younger guys spot. It probably wont be, Dougie will play maybe 40-50 games IMO
.. Lets stay calm people, the Islanders are still WAYYY UNDER THE CAP!! (Its also only a 1 year deal!) They do need more help, if they get another FA or 2, then im ok with this move, but they do need more help! – Draft day is coming as well
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marc says:
It will be interesting to see who loses a roster spot and/or playing time to Weight.
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German Islesfan says:
Good move.
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Irish Isle says:
He has helped with the development of Tavares, Moulson, Shremp, and Bailey.
As long as he is not being penciled in for first line situatons or minutes, gets some powerplay time. He should hopefully stay injury free and help the team as it develops.
If his decline is from more than just injuries, I could see him be classy, and put the team first.
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Mike L says:
It was pretty obvious Snow wasn’t going to get Marleau. Weight is a good veteran presence and if you can’t sign Cullen, Kariya or Whitney then I guess you at least have Weight.
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bryan says:
Get rid of him so we can name Okposo our captain already! Waste of space.
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The Simtuation says:
The prelude to the arrival of Ilya
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Eastonhockey says:
This guys so washed up n useless it’s no suprise the islanders want him. Anyone who gets on wangs good side gets to stay forever and ever
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Joe G. says:
Clueless Snow at it already. Its going to be another long year. Dont be surprised to see a name none of us expected to see with the 5th pick in the draft. just watch, the clueless one will not dissappoint.
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Nick Pezzotti says:
Okposo is the farthest thing ive ever seen in a captain. The pure evidence is when Ponikoravosky almost decapatated bailey, kyle simply looked at him and touched his shoulder not pushed, touched. That was one of the most cowardly things i have ever seen from a teammate especially in a meaningless game in which who cares if he would have gotten a penalty? A real captain would have took matters into his own hands and sent a message that our team wont be pushed around see Langenbrunner, Lecavalier, Rivet, just to name a few.
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Chicken Dinner says:
I don’t understand why people complain of this move for cap reasons as we’re already at the cap floor and nowhere near the ceiling. Doug loves the Island, is a great mentor to the young guys and is great for the locker room. Anything else he brings to the table this season is a plus. I have no issues with this move. Welcome Back Doug!!!
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IslesRock says:
Nice guy, good leader. It’s a stupid signing if he takes ice time away from some of the kids and we do not have a slot for some big talented UFAs. I think it’s fair to wait until after the draft and free agent period before we evaluate Snow’s body of work this off season.
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Joyce says:
Moving up to the front office in 2011? That wouldn’t be so bad.
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Grandpa Ray says:
C’mon…u got to be kidding me-so much for the rebuild..he has got absolutely nothing left in the tank..worst news off offseason so far
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Awful says:
Ugh! Will this never end? Another retread taking ice time and money away from a real free agent. Oh wait, no top flight free agent will ever be signed by Miser Charles and Co.
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Jaymz27 says:
Waste of a roster spot that could be occupied by a young player or a veteran free agent who can play.
Mr. Wang and Garth Snow – Get Ilya Kovalchuk here. His salary will be paid for by revenue you get from making the PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!! Enough of 40 year old players who are always injured. Enough of the 4th line role players. Make this team relevant again. Make a big splash this off-season. Sign Kolvalchuk and Anton Volchenkov and make a deal for a good player from a team that needs cap space. (Patrick Sharp or Scott Hartnell or both.) All these players are 27 – 29 year old veterans that will help all of the young core players develop and will make this team a contender.
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
How is his shoulder doing? Hope he has enough health for one more season.
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pete debenedetto says:
1. Could move into the front office at some point after the season.
2. Tavares is still living with him, and that is important to the development of John.
3. A well-respected individual that can “SELL” possible free-agents on this franchise.
4. Okposo is just not ready to be the captain.
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OJK says:
Why ? Did Snow not just see the YOUNG Hawks win the Cup ?!
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I know sports are a business, but sometimes a little loyalty goes a long way. Look whats happening to the Jets. Like Weight, Alan Faneca was considered too old. They cast him aside, & now the whole team is pissed off. Weight is well respected throughout the LEAGUE, not just the Isles, and is vocal about liking LI. I agree with the move(now get Gudbranson).
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James in MB says:
I wonder if the Isles have good food in the pressbox? Hopefully thats where he spends most of the season as a healthy scratch
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Jethro09 says:
I don’t understand why they would re-sign him now as opposed to seeing what they can get on July 1. Bringing back the same group of tired re-tread veterans isn’t going to get this team into the playoffs. They need to upgrade the talent around the core of young kids on the roster in order to take the next step.
I wouldn’t have a problem with Weight coming back if the Isles would have struck out in free agency after July 1 before re-signing him. I also don’t mind if he is re-signed now, so long as other useless vets such as Park, Sim, Jackman, Martinek (the Isles will never rid themselves of him), Hunter, etc. are cleared out so that young guys/B+ UFA’s can take their spots and improve the roster.
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The new isles gm says:
After digesting this signing for the past 2 hours…I feel I can clearly state my opinion. Douggy will be nothing more then a C/LW on the 4th line this year. His role will be very distinct, clear, and purposeful. He will not only serve as the voice in the lockeroom, ice an gym…he will keep the team’s composure during a one goal game. Let’s be real….we’re talking about one of the best American born players on our team. We’re not talking about plumbers like Sim and Jackman.
If he has a spot on the power-play, that’s fine too. In fact, that’s probably where he will produce most and hopefully earn those incentive based bonus’. Regardless of this signing, Garth still has plenty of work to do leading up to the draft, draft day and this summers UFA frenzy. In Islander Country, the only thing you can do is believe. ” In Garth We Trust “
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symbol says:
its the same old story with this team
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billy says:
love doug weight but i dont see this as a good move. We need a captain that you can count on all year to be on the ice.
i’ve said before streit has earned it (imo), but if doug plays the whole year or at least 70 games then i’m not against it, but nobody can promise that will happen.
i’d say im kinda shocked to hear this today -
I guess this is a sign of things to come in Free Agency….or should I say NOT to come
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bobice says:
im not saying that doug is gonna be a superstar this year but people forget the year before this he had like 30 points in 50 games and if it wasnt for streit he woulda been our all star reprsentetive. good leader. money’s not a problem and it gives kyle o another year b4 he gets the c
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B-ri says:
Why? What did he do for us last season besides not much and take an spot on IR next to Ricky. Great leader, great career, but i think it’s time for dougie to hang em up
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Hollywood says:
I don’t like this at all. What can this guy do for us. It’s over for him. I don’t get it! Not a good start.
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I don’t think KO is ready for Captaincy, but I do hope he is one day. I like Weight a lot, but don’t see the need to have him back. I don’t see where he fits in, and actually never have. Hunter as well and not just because of age.
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Examiner says:
Not quite sure how this is a “waste of a roster spot” or how most of you “cannot see where he fits in”. You can’t have 12 forwards younger than 26 with no more than 3 full years of NHL experience. The players love him and he puts up a point every other game when healthy. And if he’s not healthy, then you get to call up another one of those kids you’re all so up in arms about losing a ‘spot’.
This team is not, was not, and will not sign Marleau or Kovie. Get over it. He will be a 3rd/4th liner that will get 10-12 minutes per game and help out on the power play. Who would you rather QB’ing the 2nd unit? Him or Gervais/Martinek?
Stop assuming FAs are lined up around the Meadowbrook waiting to sign with this team. You know what they say about when you “assume” things…
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Matt says:
WHY? This team is a joke
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Jimfromstjames says:
To all of the Pessimists here, Snow was not going to find 12 Perfect fowards, so instead of giving the spot to a bubble guy, or a prospect that is not ready yet. why not give it to a guy who can probably help more from the bench/locker room anyway?
good move by snow, he is well liked & respected by the players, he is the kind of guy who could actually convince a UFA to come.
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joey bagodonuts says:
surprised by many of the negative comments. you need some veteran leadership on any team, and for one more year, doug weight will be just that for the nyi. and the talk about free agents. let’s take frolov as an example of a strong UFA possibility this year. he had 51 points this past season. in 53 games in 08-09, weight had 38 points, which is a greater point production than frolov from this season. the other difference? frolov will command 3 or 4 million. weight? probably just 1 mil. welcome back doug.
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surprised by many of the negative comments. you need some veteran leadership on any team, and for one more year, doug weight will be just that for the nyi. and the talk about free agents. let’s take frolov as an example of a strong UFA possibility this year. he had 51 points this past season. in 53 games in 08-09, weight had 38 points, which is a greater point production than frolov from this season. the other difference? frolov will command 3 or 4 million. weight? probably just 1 mil. welcome back doug.
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isle in nyc says:
The should’ve dumped him and given the C to Okposo. They are stunting his developement as a captain. Weight will be on the bench for at least half the year with an injury which we all know will happen. Streit will have the A but doing C work when everyone knows Okposo is going to wear the C. Can we just make something official on this team and dump Weight and give Okposo the C. We are spinning our wheels here. We are in a rebuild with a 40 year old captain how does that make any sense? Don’t tell me he’s not ready was Toewes ready when he got the C in Chicago?
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27Tonelli says:
Why? He’s been done for 4 years now ! Terrible move.
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Tom says:
Great points for #73, deal works for me
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dose says:
there’s a lot to like about okposo, but let the guy figure out how to put the puck in the net more often before giving him the added weight of the C on his sweater.
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NYIChooch says:
I like Weight, but curious about the thought process behind this. I am not objected to this move, and is it a pre-cursor to more moves? No more Bergie perhaps?
Also, I guess this means we are drafting a defensman with the 5th pick? I was hoping we could land Versteeg from the Hawks. I wonder what this means for that possibility
Who knows what Snow is thinking these days. 9 more days until draft and 15 more days until Christmas in July…
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Nyslefan says:
How much of a leader can he be if he stays on IR for as long as he probably will again this season?
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Mike P says:
If Garth and Wang have the balls and grab Volchenkov and Marleau with offers they can`t refuse on july 1st I can handle another 20 or so games that Weight will be healthy enough to play.
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jim says:
I like Doug Weight but I would not have gone for this deal. Class act but way past his prime I am not sure he can make the team better. Maybe it is as a locker room presence.
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Bob says:
With 40 year old Doug Weight in the fold, the Isles should really should make a solid run for a playoff berth. Unbelievable!!
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Strummer's Army says:
I guess there are some pretty good players in the top 5 of next years draft because bringing back Doug Weight is a move that tells you Snow doesn’t care about winning. The guy is always hurt, doesn’t play well when he is playing, there is no gas in the tank, and though he is a class guy it isn’t like the team rallied around him and his leadership. The Isles have fallen to new low’s in toughness and sticking up for each other under his leadership.
Where is he going to play 4th line center? I would have rather they brough in a younger, more hungry player.
This is a bad indication on what Snow is going to be up to the rest of the summer. Expect more signings of scrubs for cheap money where he hopes they have a miracle season and then is shocked when they don’t. Weight isn’t going to help the young guys develop. He would have been better as an assistant to Trottier in player development.
GEEZ, what ya going to do next Snow? You going to give Freddy Meyer a 5 year 4 mil a year contract?
Is Martinek going to be back? (You really want to lose if that is the case).
You could have signed an Eric Nystrom type for that spot. You could have traded for a big, physical, fighting, talented center in the mold of Gaustaud.
This is disgraceful and the same old crap that year after year doesn’t work. Snow and Wang keep bringing back the same crap players that have never won anything, that have finished in the bottom of the league year after year but some how all of a sudden these losers they keep bringing back are all of a sudden going to turn into winners? It won’t happen and it hasn’t happened in all the years Snow has been GM.
Worse, Weight takes up a roster spot and you have to find someone willing to trade for a 40 year old, out of gas, always injured player in order to add another player. Though Snow has stated he’s going to trade Weight for value at the deadline going on two years now it hasn’t and won’t happen. This is like his big bold statements on how he was going to trade Biron for a sizeble return last year. Ya you really got that done Garth.
Very bad news.
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Quez says:
Who exactely is Doug Weight taking ice time from? Martin?,Joensuu?,Rakshani? (not NHL ready,yet),Petrov?(not even signed yet)Tambellini?(please!)His experience and leadership is invaluble.In fact, I would try and sign another greybeard like Owen Nolan to show the young pups the ropes. Kyle is NOT ready for the “C”,and other than Streit, Weight is our best option @ Powerplay QB. Also, Weight is classy enough to know that if he is shot, and can no longer handle the grind,he will graciously step aside. Good signing, welcome back Dougie!
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Frank says:
There is no downside to this move. Most of the Islanders prospects aren’t ready to join the team yet so he’s not taking anyone’s spot. A healthy Doug Weight is a good forechecker and good on the power play. If he’s not healthy, he’s still good to have around the team. This signing will not make or break the Islanders off season plans.
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Right now, there’s not enough info out there to assess this signing, but my gut says if it’s simply about reaching the cap floor, it stinks.
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Chris R says:
NOOOOO. Why would they resign him? Bad move.
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StevieL says:
Ridiculous move! Leadership?? A 22 year old Captain just lifted the Cup in Chicago! Age doesn’t mean leadership!!!
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doc says:
Good move. Power play specialist, assistant captain, 3rd/4th line center, penalty kill etc.
I disagree with some that say the Islanders played better without him. I seem to remember the team was winning more when he was on the ice.
He has a positive effect overall.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
I’m very surprised, but I’ll reserve judgement until I see what they do in July and where Weight fits.
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Dadi says:
A lot of respect for Dougie Weight, but…don’t like the deal.
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JJ says:
huh? I was pretty certain Doug Weight’s career was over. I’m not really sure what this brings to the team.
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David Volek says:
Everyone is acting so surprised???? I thought it was as obvious as can be that Weight would be resigned. Tavares still lives with him and yes he can still play. Granted he was hurt last year, but the guy still has worth…….even if its just to attract other players.
Lets also not forget that the isles are WELL BELOW the cap minimum. After seeing the last few summers, lets not start thinking that UFAs are going to be knocking down the doors. They had to make that cap minimum and Weight is familiar with this team. He CERTAINLY was not the prob last year.
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Nick Pezzotti : I have to agree 100%. That was a real half hearted maneuver by KO and did little to inspire confidence in his leadership capabilities. Young Captains like Richards, OV and even Sidney would have been right there face to face and causing some commotion. But if memory serves me NO ONE on the ISLES did a damn thing either. There was very little leadership on this team for most of the year. Doug Weight sure as heck aint the answer.
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I like Weight and glad to see him back. We really need his leadership & I don’t think Okposo is ready for the ‘C’. Though w/ Tavares, Bailey, Nielson, Park, Schremp & maybe our 5th overall pick at Center, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of room at Center, but I guess they’ll figure it all out.
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Ryan says:
As per Kevin Allen one year 800-900K plus bonuses wow he’s taking up a lot of cap space…Welcome back Dougie!!!!
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Listen for cheap signing. great leader, great mentor. When Dougie is healthy he is a almsot a point a game player.
in STL in 2006 he was 0.94points per game. in 06-07 he was 0.74ppg. On isles in 08-09 he was 0.72ppg before getting hurt. He is a good asset to have. Unfortually he does get hurt pretty much every year. We dont have many playmakers. -
Steve C says:
Dead Weight…
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potvin rocks says:
So the Islanders are paying for Tavares housing for his second season.
This should really help some of the younger talent learn the game at Bridgeport. But I give Weight 40 games at the most and hopefully he won’t take away to many PP minutes from Hamonic, deHaan, or the 5th overall pick. -
Lance says:
What a waste of a roster space.
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Ridiculous says:
Way to take away a roster spot from a younger player for a 1 goal scoring, 40 yr old slug. What a waste
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Hockey1919 says:
A good way to hire an assistant coach and help them reach the salary cap floor. I would have waited to see if Guerin were available since I feel he can still produce more on the ice and provides the equivalent leadership.
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Jerry says:
It isn’t just that he is well past his prime or that he hasn’t had a healthy season in about 4 years, he plays center where we have Taveras, Baily, Nielsen and Schremp. Not smart.
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Jeff says:
Can you say deja vu all over again?
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Spud 31 says:
I don’t know if someone already said this or if Doug would agree, but why not some sort of off-ice coaching position. Nothing against him, he’s a legend, but how could this team not take that next step forward naming a younger captain to lead this team?
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Priest says:
This is great for Doug… he is a classy guy. That said, I’m not 100% sold on it being great for the team. Even when he was healthy enough to play last year he was, for the most part, a non-factor. I wish the team could’ve found a way to keep him in some sort of coaching role. There are certainly positives to having him around… he has seen it all and is a good “lockeroom guy”. As long as he is willing to accept reality if it really isn’t working, it should be a good thing having him around.
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Bri On LI says:
great for Doug, but is it for the best for the Isles? Does he remain captain? What if he’s injured again? I just feel liek he’s a big question mark. CAn’t say I’m terribly disappointed, though…
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This is a good sign for one year. Veteran leadership and Weight will not command ice time. Weight on the fourth line is fine and he can still contribute a little bit offensively the odd time on the power play if asked to. I do not believe this signing means all the other Islander UFA will be signed back.
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What do Toews, Crosby, Parise and Okposo have in common? They all went to Shattuck – St. Mary’s school. That school does a pretty good job of grooming leaders. He may not be perfect, but for 50 or so games last year, he was the hardest working player on the ice. They should have given the captaincy to Kyle.
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Isles81 says:
I’m sure Doug is a great guy but he hasn’t been a “great” hockey player while wearing an Isles uniform. IMO this is a message to all of us, no money will be spent on improving this team – period. We will go to war with the same team as last year plus or minus one or two grade c UFA’s.
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What people are not getting is that Doug Weight is basically playing hockey for FREE for us. If he scores 20 goals im sure there are bonuses – which would be surely deserved. But c’mon,
he’s a mental asset for these young players. Hes the type of guy that would pull himself from the lineup to make the team better and if a younger guy has stepped up. THIS HAS NO EFFECT ON THE CAP OR A ROSTER SPACE. People just dont get it.
Most of the fans that dont appreciate this signing are probably the ones yelling “SHOOT THE PUCK” on the power play! And most have never played the game themselves.
I love the Isles – but some fans are just out to lunch.
And another thing – we’re not getting Marleau – he’s a premadonna who is overrated and over payed and plays a west coast la la la game. -
Paul says:
first off, what’s with all this ‘doug is a nice guy’ stuff? how many of us really know him? let’s see…..the isles pr department pitches a story to newsday about papa weight mentoring JT, they run the piece with a couple of pix of ‘father and son’ playing video games and all of a sudden weight is a fan favorite? or is it that he is affable during tv interviews or youtube clips that makes him such a fit for this current team? doug weight may be a saint, a bonafide good human being. but what that has to do with his on-ice performance over the past two season is zilch. anyone who plays sports knows that even the most gifted athletes, in their prime, are usually on the outside looking in when they’re unable to play. look at garnett with the celtics last year. or posada with the bombers the year before. leadership works as a moment in time, particularly when you’re the old guy surrounded by a bunch of kids who know nothing about you other than what they’ve read or been told. this signing makes no sense. #63 has it right. get on charles’ good side, play the role of company man, and you get to collect a paycheck without any regard for meritocracy. just look back at his record running CA. or the length of time he gave to milbury. or the fact that snow with all his inexperience is GM. the owner has always been okay with being an also-ran if what he’s working on is entertaining. this signing is another indication of what will be a vanilla offseason of signings. the owner is happy running a franchise that competes but doesn’t have the inherent desire to take it to the next level. just like his CA was a solid profit machine while always being a distant second to companies like microsoft and oracle and sap, so too will he settle with the isles strolling through a season of mediocrity with little risk taken and little regard for what really matters in the world of professional sports: winning. i really hope the dude sells the team. the people of long island deserve a more competitive owner.
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JD (e_godard) says:
Hoping this is a precursor to Doug working with the Islanders post retirement. Perhaps in a coaching position or some other player dev related role.
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(Sim)ple says:
Don’t talk like there’s no room for him on this team. Isles now have 4 NHL centers: Tavares, Nielsen, Schremp, and Weight. Bailey played exponentially better on the wing last year anyway. Park doesn’t have a contract and no center is ready in the Bridge. If we draft a center they won’t be ready to play the position in the NHL and Gordon’s system. So, someone please tell me who he is taking time away from?
Stop saying that the team should’ve made him an assistant, obviously he still wants to play. He is a proven leader, captain, ambassador, and dedicated player. All of which this team lacks.
And I don’t understand the comparisons to the Blackhawks. Tavares, Okposo, and Bailey are NOT Toews, Kane, Versteeg.
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JD (131) I Think youre right and Id even say this already is a coach/player type of role. They dont want Doug for his amazing scoring prowess, they want him as another coach who is right there with the kids, helping them become better hockey players.
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Brian in VA says:
Awesome Signing Garth… lol… Please sign Roenick and Chelios too! lol…
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Peter says:
I don’t care if he plays for free…he should be able to contribute on the ice, furthering the effort towards winning. For the last two years he’s done very little towards that goal.
As for teaching that what’s the coaching staff is for.
Can’t the Islanders pick up someone with character who has more to offer and isn’t 40 years old? I wonder how many other teams are interested in Weight?
Streit should be the Captain. -
admin says:
Thread closed.
I like it. Good leader, locker room guy, and some sense of leadership stability. Always good to have a well-respected veteran on the squad to help the young guys an argue with refs over bad calls.
He brings more to the table than Park, Sim, Jackman, and others that will be departing.