FATHER WANTS BEST
Bob Nystrom on the free agency of his son, Eric
A few weeks after Bobby Nystrom scored the overtime goal to give the Islanders’ their first Stanley Cup in 1980, his first offer from general manager William A. Torrey included a $5,000 reduction in pay. Those were different times. Nystrom never gave much thought to free agency.
“None of that stuff would have mattered,” Nystrom said in a phone conversation late Monday night. “I wouldn’t have left the Islanders anyway.”
I decided to have a father-to-father chat with Mr. Islander – also known as the son of Eric of the Calgary Flames – when the news broke that the Islanders did not give a qualifying offer to Sean Bergenheim. Just like that, Bob Nystrom’s old team had even more money under the salary cap floor to sign unrestricted free agents beginning Thursday. At the ripe young age of 27, fiery forward Eric Nystrom will be available to any NHL team for the cost of a contract.
Of course, I did not expect Bob to specifically discuss whether his son would be comfortable playing at home. The call was more to learn about his role as advisor, NHL veteran of 900 games, and very proud papa.
“As a father, you just want to see your son go to a place where he’ll be happy and have an opportunity,” said Bob Nystrom, a Long Island resident for almost 30 years now. “Money is always going to be part of it, but let’s face it: just about all of these players do well nowadays. If Eric is a free agent on July 1 and is fortunate enough to garner some interest, I suspect he’s going to look more at the franchise’s reputation and the state of the team. He’ll want to look at who is on the team and if there is a good role for him. He’ll want to try and figure out where he fits best.”
That’s when I mentioned to Bob about the Islanders’ decision to not extend a Q.O. to Sean Bergenheim.
“Hmm…that’s interesting,” said Nystrom. “I didn’t know that. I…well, I guess that maybe opens up some space on the roster. I guess that could open up a door. I don’t know. Eric and I haven’t spoken much about it yet. He has an agent (Wade Arnott) and I’m sure they’ll talk things through.”
After his freshman season in Michigan, Eric Nystrom was drafted tenth overall in 2002 by the Calgary Flames. Scouts did not project him as a big scorer, but a supreme role player who could bang in 20 goals a season after gaining some experience. After some time shuffling back and forth from the minors, Eric was with the Flames for the entirety of the last two seasons. Playing almost exclusively on the third and fourth lines, he had only 16 goals and 29 points over 158 games.
If the Islanders extend a contract offer later this week, it won’t be with expectations of Eric becoming something he is not. This would be a major signing in name, intangibles and one big newspaper headline only; no one is saying Eric Nystrom would put the Islanders over the top.
But with role players such as Jon Sim and Richard Park all but gone, the Islanders could do a heckuva lot worse than signing a 6-1, 200-pound, hard-hitting wing with Long Island roots and the ultimate Islanders bloodlines. He’ll stick up for teammates with the occasional middleweight scrap. His presence would make a segment of the fanbase feel even better about the Islanders. No doubt Scott Gordon, who coached Nystrom at the World Championships in Germany in May, will be asked for his opinion. The cost per year would be less than half the average salary of an NHL player.
While he and his wife Michelle would be ecstatic if their son returned home to play hockey, all Bob Nystrom wants is the best for Eric.
“I’ll admit this: if he leaves Calgary, which is pretty far away, the Eastern Conference would not be so bad,” the four-time Stanley Cup winner said with a laugh. “I’m just so proud of the player and the man Eric has become. The NHL TV season pass has been a godsend, but I would go anywhere to see him play. Above everything else, if Eric has the opportunity to consider a few teams, my biggest wish is that he ends up where he’ll be the happiest.”
Comments on this story.
130 Responses to FATHER WANTS BEST
Bob Nystrom on the free agency of his son, Eric
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Dan says:
id love him for the right price. i dont see garth overpaying simply because of the name though.
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Joe says:
A team with no Tamby/Sim/Park but with Nystrom, Martin and Gillies? That’s the entertaining lineup I wanna watch.
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SneakyPete77 says:
Tambellini gone! Bergenheim gone! Park gone! Sim gone! Jackman?? That is a lot of roster spots at forward. It would be great to see Eric Nystrom come here. He plays every shift hard like his dad. He is 27 and has a lot of experience. Sign em, Garth!
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Al L says:
He’s big, tough,with decent skill, relatively young,Long Island bred and the son of the most popular Islander in their entire history,not to mention a Cap necessity,but cost efficient. Any other questions regarding why Eric belongs here?? Without visually witnessing the exchange CB had with dad,Bobby,you could still see the excitement and strong possibility of his son coming home to play!!!!
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Another excellent article CB. This site is totally worth visiting 100 times a day.
This would make me really happy. I just think he sounds like an Islander – not just the last name. Change of scenery could work wonders…but best of luck wherever he goes…definitely hope he’s happy and gets a chance to shine more.
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imetbossy says:
get er done …!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Since these are the days Islander fans are getting what they want, anything is possible. What great news it would be!
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rb says:
I’d rather the Isles not go there. Too many fans, not matter what they say initially, would have unreasonable expectations of what Eric could contribute and it would be unfair to subject him to that. Isles also have Matt Martin to plug into that role.
This team couldn’t kill penalties at all last year, and — if possible, and it might not be — I’d rather see them use roster and cap space on a couple of forwards who can really fill that role.
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Calgary Isles Fan says:
I put up a post on HF BOARDS about Eric. Being a Calgary resident I get to see a lot of Eric’s play. He is by far the hardest working player on their team from game #1 to game #82. This wouldn’t just be about adding the name Nystrom. This kid is awesome to watch. He’s not a big scorer but his 2 way play and hard work are second to none.
I’ve said for a while now that if Eric is the only FA we sign, I’ll be happy. Guy rocks!!! -
Starscream says:
Things may be falling into place…
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Madchef says:
Im pretty sure if Nystrom came home to the island he could do no wrong. cult hero automatic. Can he take the helmet off dye his hair and grow it out. We can sure use a big smasher on our 4th line with all the FA’s we are letting go. I think it is a no brainer that will be very positive press for the ISLES faithful that have held on for a long line of bad teams and depressing finishes.
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Lance says:
I am with #4 here. This is a no brainer.
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Sidd Finch says:
rb you are spot on. Eric would be living in a fishbowl with his Dad’s Stanley Cup winning goal hanging over his head everyday. This is not like Ken Griffey or Brett Hull. His father’s daily tenacity topped with a franchise first (OT) Stanley cup winning goal is almost too much for him too have to live up to every night. JP Parise’s goal was important at the time but not seminal like Nystrom’s goal and the Isles passed on Zach. Much as I admire him, I think the Islanders need to focus on the best way to meet their goals of winning the Stanley Cup in the next 3-5 years. I think Eric’s signing would be more of a distraction than a positive move. Let Eric create his own legacy. If it is here, so be it, but it might be best served somewhere else. (Frankly, it would be stupid of the Sutter’s, players who shared Nystrom’s grit and tenacity (as well as their ability to deliver a Stanley Cup through strong play in the 82 finals) to let him go.).
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Mike in Bohemia says:
I remember one of my first Islanders games in the early 70s. I didn’t know much about hockey, but this one guy stood out. He was banging everything in site, finishing every check. The fans loved it. He wasn’t much of a scorer (although he would eventually score the biggest goal in franchise history), but he was the most fun to watch.
To me, his legacy is much more than the OT goal in game 6, it’s the way he played the game his whole career.
If it works out, I would be proud to have his son on our team.
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Tyler says:
Its simple…u want to put more fans in the stands- you sign Nystrom. It’s not like your just signing a legendary Islander’s random son for the name, you get the game that comes along with it too. Would make a great headline in all local papers and in hockey papers around North America. It’s a feel good story that anyone would appreciate and would excite fans to come out to the Coliseum to see. Sign him……unless we cant pull off both that and Versteeg for some reason – in the case screw the headlines- but otherwise DO IT
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Eric says:
I like Eric Nystrom. Hes a tough player you want come playoff time that can score a goal or two. I believe he had a two goal game in the playoffs in 09. He would be the perfect replacement for Bergenheim and would add some toughness to the islanders whether he plays on the 3rd or 4th line he will help this team. I also thing his point production could increase. Hes really not a bad player and the Islanders should give him a 3 year deal. Lets say SIm, Park, Bergenheim are all gone. Thats three 3rd-4th liners that need to be replaced. One of them might be Matt Martin(maybe not out of camp) but one of them should be Eric Nystrom. Get it Done Garth!
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Michael Delman says:
Most importantly, this would be an improvement over any of the aforementioned role players we had last season and would energize our fan base.
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Jzimm says:
There is very little doubt in my mind that he signs here.
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Jerky says:
If Eric has a great attitude and can fire up his teammates with his hard work on the ice and his passion for the game, it’s a low risk addition to a team that needs additional toughness. The name definitely carries weight with the fanbase as mentioned by others. If he can skate well enough to kill penalties, he’d definitely have a role on this team.
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Ethan K says:
He had 11 goals and 8 assists in a full season last year with the Flames, and had an even +/-, and 54 PIMs. He’s 6’1, 200 pounds, and is a left winger. I don’t see any spot for him on the team, with Gillies on the LW on the fourth line. Sounds like Sean Bergenheim, but 2 inches taller and less offensive power. Everyone might like him because he’s the son of a legend, but the name won’t bring fans. WINNING GAMES WILL. Matt Martin can surely play that role, and he’s bigger, and can put up more points. If you wanna wait on Martin, then how about someone like Raffi Torres? Other bottom six players available are Shawn Thornton, Craig Conroy, Manny Malhotra, Eric Belanger,Jere Lehtinen, Jody Shelley, Fredrik Modin, or Kyle Wellwood.
We had one of the worst offenses AND defenses last season. We need to improve both at the same time.
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Jerry says:
This is a one day headline that would not represent any type of upgrade. Eric is a real hustler, who can’t score. We’ve had plenty of them. Sean Bergenheim is a real hustler (with more speed) who has scored more than Eric. I’m hoping the Isles will resign Sean at a lower figure (say $700M-$800M), if he doesn’t get the offer he is looking for. I also agree with others who feel the Nystrom name would be a burden for him to carry on LI.
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IslesUlster1992 says:
I think Eric’s name would be a burden heaped upon him by fans who cling too much to the past. I’d love to see Eric Nystom as an Islander. The legacy aspect is cool, but he’s a hard-hitting checking line player who can fight if need be. He would add some toughness coupled with decent skill.
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Bryan says:
To me Eric Nystrom is a downgrade from Bergenheim. They are equally feisty but Bergenheim is faster a better penalty killer and scores more.
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JT says:
I would love to see this happen.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
CB — Wiser words could not have been said by Bobby Ny.
I think it’s important for Eric to go where he feels most happy … because that in itself will make him more productive in his role.
If he plays that role with the Islanders … I’d be very happy for both him and the Islanders … Not to mention proud papa Bobby.
I think if that does happen … We really need to manage our expectations… and not turn Eric into someone he is not. We need a grinder middle weight. We haven’t had an effective one since Asham … who not only was hard hitting, and could fight … but had the ability to pot a dozen goals a season.
Eric … go where you’re most happy … Hope it’s on LI.
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eric nystrom says:
You all know how I have felt since last year.. Please get this done..
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Isles Fan says:
Would be great, but probably too much pressure on the guy. As long as he does not sign with our friends on the other side of the east river.
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Pritchett54 says:
I would love to see him as an islander but I don’t wish it on him. I see how isles fans react when things go bad and it wouldn’t be fair to him. He is best off heading elsewhere in the eastern conference.
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he would be a good fit for the Panthers
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Bob Bassen says:
No brainer. Sign him. Considering his type of game and related role on the team, I just don’t see where he is going to be feeling this *Pressure* to play on Long Island.
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I’ll also add … Obviously some Islander fans may put undo pressure on Eric because of his pedigree … BUT!! Can you compare the pressure of playing on Long Island with playing in a hockey meca like Calgary?? I think not … I think the pressure would be only self induced by Eric wanting to meet his own expectations… no matter what team he plays for.
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With those stats he could really be on our second line.
I have to admit I haven’t seen him play or done any research on him, the name plate on the jersey would look great though.
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LIMBAUGH2012 says:
Bring him home!!!!!
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ken says:
im not too worried about living up to the legacy. its not like Bobby was a 50 goal scorer. the family also plays a very simliar game. all he would have to do is give 100% every night, which is what his game is all about anyway.
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viccolo says:
Let’s just hope he doesn’t sign with the rags…
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Keith says:
A “Nystrom” on that new away jersey (wish it was the home)would look pretty cool huh? But seriously who would put this pressure and expectations on him? From what I saw of this kid on center ice I’d give him a shot.
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Doug says:
suit him up Garth!!!!!! He could def take Bergy’s spot. He may not have the high end skill Sean has (is supposed to have?) but he’s a banger and can pop in 15-18 goals on a good year. He would be a great addition to the island. Throw him on the third line with schremp and another winger. With all the roster spots opening up, I’m hoping Matty Martin gets his shot on a wing. He can be a factor in front of the net. Exicted for next season!
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Did anyone see how stoked this kid was to play at the Coli. The excitement he showed in playing here then going out and performing like he did was a treat. I’m all for signing him.
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DAN says:
I never thought of Bobby N as the guy I wanted to come down on a breakaway. It was all about his hard work, leadership and do whatever he needed to do for the team to have success. Did he score the biggest goal in team history of course he did. Eric knows who he is as a player and all I want from that player is to leave everything out there on the ice. If you do that I will support and cheer you every shift and game.
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MikeD says:
As much as I love Jackman and Park’s heart I only agree with signing Nystrom if Sim, Jackman and Park are all gone. Then that opens up room for Gillies, Martin and Nystrom in the same lineup. I can’t stand it though when the Isles load up the roster with 4th line talent.
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pete debenedetto says:
Garth must go after Eric and Higgins….MUST. You want character, home grown talent….sign them both. This would really energize the fan base…..and the team for that matter.
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RJT says:
Did anyone watch the same games I have been watching the past few seasons? I don’t think I saw Tambellini go in the corners or crash the net once. Richard Park’s stone hands soft puck carrying could only get us out of PK’s and Bergenheim was supposed to be the next big thing since Teemu Selanne from Finland (Even Teemu said this!). And don’t get me start with Sim. We could pick up a guy from a long island men’s league team. To make a long story short, we need more depth. I wish we traded all of these guys last season for draft picks. I did think Bergenheim was a solid role player, but I guess Snow feels he just doesn’t fit. I say with all the cap room we have we throw an offer on the table to Labron and see what happens…Maybe Nike will throw a 100 mill in the pot to fix the coliseum…
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…..I would also buy a away white jersey tomorrow….32 Nystrom….come on…can’t have 23 Eric.
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Pete says:
I was going to say, I can see Sather giving him a $3.5M/year contract just to stiff the Isles. They always do stuff like that..
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matt says:
I dont want him i think hes not even an avg NHL player and just cause thats his name he is considerd one. There are better player we can get in the same price range
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Staten Islander says:
To me he’s a 3rd and 4th line guy, though he did score a couple of big goals for the Flames in the playoffs 2 years ago. If he comes here, there will be alot of pressure on him because of the family name.
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JP91 says:
I think that by the Isles not offering Bergenheim a contract, it’s pretty much a given that Eric Ny will be calling Long Island home this season. I hope the two sides can come to a contract agreement on Thursday. Eric would be an absolutely perfect 3rd or 4th line guy for this team.
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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PotvinwasbetterthanOrr says:
Enough with the “Islanders bloodline” BS. This kid would be a useless pick up. This team doesn’t need another 4th line guy. WOW, he’s Bobby Nystrom’s kid…so what?
They need goals not nostalgia.
A lot of good nostalgia did for the Isles when they took Rocky Trottier.
Pass on this kid. -
Scott VanVoorhees says:
46, Pressure can be good. Maybe step up his game. We need cap room to grab some good D men, so if he fills the need, why not?
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4theisles says:
Nystrom is the type of player Lammorello signs remember the Devils and later the flyers signed Ashem.
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dose says:
loved reading this. it would be cool to see eric come “home” and super poignant for it to happen as the team starts to coalesce into contender status, just as when #23 got here.
does garry howatt have a son that plays? -
potvin rocks says:
Just like you said, he is great player for what he is. I hope that there are no expectation that he is more than a 3rd line banger that can pop in 10-15 goals. I think that any Islander fan would trade Nystrom for Bergenheim at any point durning last season.
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Jamie says:
I would be very happy to see Eric Nystrom sign with the Islanders! Good 3-4 line guy that can score 10-15 goals a year, drop the gloves and crash the net!
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Hockey1919 says:
Bergenheim was 40-40-80 193 PIMS in 246 NHL games at 26 years old. Nystrtom us 19-20-39 195 PIMS in 204 games at 27 years old. It seems like an upgrade in name recognition and ticket sales only. I lived through the glory years, but lets stop living in the past. Let’s not inflate Nystrom into a 15 to 20 goal scorer because he was excited to play in the Coliseum.
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Brian G says:
Everyone needs to remember he is a role player/checker …but they do need an upgrade with their PK unit
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goislesgo105 says:
If his last name wasn’t “Nystrom”, would you still want Garth to sign him so badly??? Why did we sign Weight and let Bergy go? Don’t quite get that decision.My guess is that it has to do with the “intangibles” that Weight brings and that Bergy doesn’t. Excited for this year though.Go ISLES!
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JT says:
This would be a great addition to the team. Grit and Leadership!
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gary9-19-22 says:
I like Nystrom as a player but he is a slight downgrade from Sean Bergenheim. Bergenheim has a much better scoring touch, Nystrom is tougher and will fight, they both hit and agatate. We know what were getting with Sean and he knows the system…..
IMO – Overall… Bergenheim is a asset that I would rather have than Nystrom.
Now if you want to replace Sim with Nystrom then I’m better with it….
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StevieL says:
Listen. as far as I am concerned, no one on our 3rd and 4th lines should be guaranteed any positions! If we replaced both lines, what would we lose/ I am all about changing the look and character of this team!Nystrom 11 goals last year and a banger at a reasonable price, plus name recognition and a legacy is a perfect move! Being a Nystrom a burden?? I think it would make it more likely that Ercic would be willing to run thru a wall with an Islander jersey on! To me, an absolute no-brainer!
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drive45 says:
CB, from a PR perspective how do you break ties or trade Nystrom later on if things don’t work out. It would be a PR nightmare and many in the fanbase and his Dad may be upset. Just like Afghanistan there needs to be an exit strategy if things don’t work out as planned. This is the biggest problem with signing Eric. Otherwise it sure would be cool.
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All of bergys PIM’s were minor penalties late in the 3rd period. Nystrom has 23 fights in the last 3 seasons.
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What scoring touch did Bergenheim have. He needs to discover some kind of scoring touch if he wants to be in the nhl at the ver least a 3rd liner. He also needs to stay out of the box.
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UIF says:
Cue the hyped reaction over a role player. If his last name was “Henderson,” people would be calling for Garth’s head if he was a July 1 signing.
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Steven says:
I can see it now. Eric Nystrom wins the Bobby Nystrom award.
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Scott S. from Long Beach says:
Of course it would be cool…and why not if it’s cheap. But the reality is that Bergenheim is a better hockey player.
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Nyslefan says:
I guess I’m not ready to lose Park – who has at times been the only player skating hard each game.
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JtorBust says:
Come on home Eric and play in the house your father helped build. In comparison to Bergie I would take Eric anyday of the week, not just b/c of his pedigree. He gives it 100% every time he is on the ice and won’t back down from anyone. What this team missed most of all last year was that toughness. Bergie could have delivered more hits if he wasn’t scared of retaliation, you can t play with that kind of restraint. The fact that his last name is Nystrom only helps. He is young , hungry , and plays with an edge , exactly what this team needs. A lot of people have called for KO to be given the C , doesn t go to a guy who stands around while one of his teammates is being assaulted. We need the guys who won’t let that happen without being a hockey liability.
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Cary says:
Filling up 3 roster spots between Gillies, Martin, and Nystrom is verging on overkill because none of the 3 are that good and we need offense.
I’m not sold yet.
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Tim F. says:
I wouldn’t have any problem with signing Nystrom, but don’t think that’s where they should start their shopping. I think they will look into signing Bergenheim at a salary commensurate with his role as a checking line winger/penalty killer. Does the union agreement allow them to include a financial disincentive for taking stupid penalties? A few times last year I thought Coach Gordon was going to strangle Bergy!
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gary9-19-22 on Jun 29th, 2010 09:51:34 said: “I like Nystrom … Bergenheim has a much better scoring touch,”
with all due respect, this is the problem with bergy. we thought he had a better scoring touch but he just hasn’t showed it. if he had, 20 or so a year – there would be no issue. his overall contribution would then make him a key piece to hold onto. it’s very disappointing.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
im going to agree with side that Eric Nystrom is not upgrade over Bergie. Bergie has way more offensive talent and brings same type of game otherwise.
If we think only signing Nystrom would help us, we are going to be look at another bottom 5 finish this year.
July 1st is going to be important for Snow. Our youth is great but we need to add some Seasoning in there to compete.
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LBred says:
THe fact that so many of you are upset that we let the great sean bergenheim go shows how far this team still has to go. Why are all so upset that a 3rd liner was not QO’d. If he didn’t score that one amazing breakaway goal his first year you’d all see him for what he is: a bad penalty taking underacachiever. With that said, i do like him too, but it certainly is no big loss
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Alex says:
sign him up!
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. OVERRATED OVERRATED OVERRATED!!
.. Lets take EMOTION out of the equation for a second and think rationally. Hes a decent player but hes not THAT physical or a PRESENCE and doesnt have that good a scroring touch!
.. We have Matt Martin to fill this role – Hes younger, cheaper (with FAs needed) is MORE physical than Eric Nystrom, has a bigger upside!! Save the $$$ and get someone else!
.. I love his dad and NOBODY on this site likes physical players more than i do, but Eric Nystrom is slightly overrated by alot of Islander fans connection! Hes a nice player but Matt Martin is a better option with a bigger upside IMO :-0
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John says:
This kid has the willingness to drop the gloves and stick up for his mates, sign him.
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Hollywood says:
SIGN HIM! Would be great for the Islander family!
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Darren says:
This would be a waste of time!
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Schultz39 says:
Would be a good replacement for Sim
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False Rumor says:
Looking at both of their statistics, Bergenheim is clearly the more offensively productive player. However, we may be adding offense through other free agents and can use that roster spot to replace “small inconsistent offense” with “bigger, tougher, checker.” Also, imagine having Gillies and Nystrom on a line and donning the retro threads . . . I like it.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Agree with some of the names that Ethan K (#22) points out. Torres would be on top of my list, followed by Belanger and Wellwood. Pass on Modin and Lehtinen… Not enough $$$ in the budget for Geritol!
That being said, I get the feeling that Eric Ny will be an Isle. -
jeff says:
Maybe Dad will let him wear his retired #23.
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sean says:
Sign him, and bergy was always overrated anyway I had enough of him and tamby. Wish DP would retire already trade Bruno also waste of space he is.
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Adam B says:
This is crazy. Eric has averaged .183 points per game in Calgary, while Bergie had .325 points per game his time with the Isles. How is this an improvement?
Oh, just sign him because of the last name? Remember how well that worked out with Tambellini?
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ledzep121212 says:
Please for the love of god Snow. Do not go after this kid he is absolutely awful.
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admin says:
Comparing Nystrom to Bergenheim is silly. It was only brought up because the Islanders have even more money to spend after not QOing Sean, and they will need an inexpensive bottom-six forward or two…CB
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Donna says:
Thanks for the continued excellent coverage during the off-season. So nice to read about hockey on a hot summer day. I’m excited to see what the team does after July 1st. Don’t know about signing Nystrom, don’t know if he’d be the right fit. . .I’d love them to sign Hartnell, but I don’t think he’d really fit with the Islanders either, I just love his hair.
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mario says:
Im glad you added that to the column CB. I dont think this was meant to be a comparison to Bergie. Nystrom is a tough player that would fit perfect on our bottom 2 lines.
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Manhattan Mike says:
I would give Eric a 3 year deal. With Park and Sim leaving – Nystrom would be an upgrade in a 3rd line capacity.
I think he would click right away with this young group of guys on and off the ice. Lets be honest – Snow isnt going after big salaries and high profile names. He wants guys that are hungry and fit the mold. -
CB exactly!! Bergie was picked to be an offensive top 6 forward. He is an under achieving 2nd line player! Eric Ny would be a character , role player for 3rd or 4th line! You would think we were trying to find room for him on the Blackhawks!! Also consider, a grand total of 7 Islanders scored more goals than Nystrom last year!!1 was a defenseman!! Gillies was unknown till the last 3 weeks of the season last year! For 3rd or 4th line value, he would be a positive move!!
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John T. - Halifax, NS says:
Is it me or are too many fans here wrapped up in the hockey bloodlines or “hometown” player (Higgins, Komisarek) thing?? Or is it just the nostalgic “Nystrom” name?? Lets throw the name out of this equation and tell it like it is people…. Eric is a gritty 3rd\4th line grinder\role player. End of story. Some of you make it sound like he is the 2nd coming of Mario Lemieux.
Not too long ago we had Isles fans saying we have too many role players, now everyone wants to pick them up again?? Its time we add highly skilled players who can put the puck in the net, maybe 1 more tough-as-nails guy to bring the grit, toughness and intimidation. We need guys who can play and fill voids that we have, not Eric Nystrom.
As CB pointed out, Bob Ny said he wishes the best for his son and that he just wants him to be happy. I have to agree… doesnt matter if its the Isles or somewhere else. Right now, I think this club needs to make a bigger splash than Eric Nystrom. Just sayin’
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battfist says:
Im all for signing Eric Nystrom!
(Pressure?? Boy there has been a ton of pressure lately playing on the Island…lol.)
As an Islander fan…how could you not be happy if the Snow was able to land Eric Nystrom?!!! Nystrom actually sticks up for his teamamtes.
Eric N-please come to the Island. PLEASE!!!
Lets Go Islanders!
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If Nystrom’s production is comparable to most of our players last year, that should be a reason to avoid, rather than sign him. Virtually the entire team is 3rd/4th line players, and I’ll go so far as to guarantee that the Isles didn’t miss the playoffs last year because of a lack of 3rd liners and role players. The overabundance of such players and lack of real scorers is exactly why we end up screaming about players like Park being on the first line and the PP.
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CT Isles Fan says:
Great read CB. He would be a nice addition, but certainly not the answer. I want him though.
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mht says:
I agree with the majority Eric Nystrom brings pride,grit,hard work and character back to this franchise.Garth get it done.
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Nyichamp39 says:
I thought this was the reason we were so excited about Matt Martin? I love Eric but his role is filled and then some by Martin. If Martin is still three years off by all means sign Eric to fill the void. But if matt is even a year away save the money and put it toward signing a defenseman.
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Someone has to play on the fourth line. If Eric Ny were to sign here, it could only mean that he wants to play in his hometown and for his Dad’s old team. All are pluses. Now, if we could only lure JP’s kid away from NJ…
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
I would certainly get his agent on the phone and arrange a chat between Eric – his agent and Snow. The legacy aside – he was an important player for the Flames last year and can add some energy and score the occasional goal and help protect his team…(middleweight division)
In fact – I would not be surprised if he gets offers from several teams…..
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kallur says:
It is absoluetly ridiculous that the Islanders couldn’t find a way to make Bergenheim an effective player. Ridiculous. He could have and should have been a valuable third-line center, a poor man’s Butch Goring. If they can’t make Bergenheim effective, then how on earth can the Isles organization be expected to get anywhere near the full potential of John Tavares, a much tougher talent to work with?
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This is a team where at one time or another Jon Sim has been on our first line…..need I repeat? Jon Friggin Sim. If we’re going to have role players on the team, at least Nystrom brings something to the team. I see nothing wrong with having Martin, Gillies and Nystrom on the team, it is far better than Tamby, Bergy, Sim and Park.
Plus, what pressure? He plays to a sold out arena every night, I doubt the 8,000 people at the coliseum will bother him.
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boss15 says:
If spending money is going to be an issue at all for Wang I would rather they use the million or whatever it would cost to have Nystrom on someone better and/or fish for more Moulson type prospects. Matt Martin is basically going to provide that role in the future anyway. If money isn’t an issue then go for it, with Sim, Park and Bergie gone then there is plenty of space.
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or Finland, who can tell the difference anyway
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potvinwasbetterthanorr: I think you meant Monty Trottier. Rocky was drafted by apnd only played for the Devils. On the jersey point, if Nystrom let Malakhov where number 23, why wouldn’t he let his own flesh and bllod wear it. Although I don’t know about Michigan, he is wearing 23 in Calgary. Just think about the boom in value of all those old school Nystrom jersey’s!!! As for value and complaints about payoff, Bergy has better stats over his career but Nystrom was drafted higher, clearly a case of drafting on bloodlines. I don’t think Bergy has been a bad player, just a role player, which is what Nystrom will be. The problem is, despite his role, there will be a prevailing expectation of more due to this legacy. So which is more likely, Nystrom signing with the Isles or Tambo signing with the Oilers? I think the risk/reward is pretty similar in both places. CB – At what point does drafting a legacy become relatively risk free ie Toews & Kessel vs the Lindros boner (Calgary screwed Toronto, but we screwed ourselves), which probably explained not drafting the gum-chewer Connolly.
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Why the perception that Eric would be replacing Bergenheim or anything more is expected of him. Conversely,Bobby’s son would add something missing here. That being size,strength and toughness,something the pesky,hard working Park and Sim couldn’t provide. This prodigal son returns home crap causing distraction is anal retentive assumption and has nothing to do with the benefit of his addition and primary reason for acquiring him. Eric Nystrom is a “Bang for your Buck” type player and would be most welcomed to a group deficient in size,reasonable skill and tough demeanor.
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Kallur, not bad points at all. I’m just saying it’s not all the organization. Sometimes the player has to take responsiblity for not reaching expectations and that will in no way be a problem with John from what i’ve seen so far. And yes Tavares is a terrible skater but i think you’re forgetting that we still have Trent Hunter in our lineup.
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we gave bergenheim and tamby ever chance to succeed as Islanders and it didn’t work out.Why are people so upset? He will be missed but more for his could have been’s insted of his accomplishments. I agree with above post in if we are going to sign someone like NYstrom why not sign him. I dont see unfair expectations being placed on him as he has never put up numbers that suggest anything. Plus is you are a Isles fan you would love to see him here banging on the 4th line.
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If his name wasnt his name we wouldnt even talk about him. Im sick of these sim, hilbert type players that work hard and get 15 points a year. there are players out there that work hard n get paid the same amount that have a chance to score 15 to 20 goals. i have played with and against higgins,nystrom and komi alot in my lifetime and nystrom is not half as good as higgins. so i say we go for higgins who is just as good of a leader and has a shot to get 20 goals. Im just sick of these sideways moves we keep making we had a good draft lets stop signing these AHL players to play on our third and fourth lines.
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Swan says:
Eh. Non-issue. Islanders are not in the position to be primarily concerned about 3rd/4th line role players. We are not looking for a piece to the final puzzle.
If Nystrom arrives, great. If he doesn’t, great.
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Potvin5 says:
Hey Kallur, I agree with the questions regarding the Isles success in developing Bergenheim. After an early career appearance against Detroit, Sean had none other than Scotty Bowman asking where the Isles found this guy. From that moment on I was expecting some special things. Never really materialized though.
But I’m not sure it’s fair to look at Sean as a lesser Butch Goring. This guy pushed us over the edge to our 1st cup. He had .802 pts per game production over 1100 plus games. Sean… less than half that at .325 in 246 games. I’d say that’s more of a “flat ass broke man’s” version.
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People here are hoping so much from Matt Martin. I don’t hate Martin nor do I love him, but people need to realize that Gordon’s system is most effective when he has players that can skate. This is why letting Bergenheim go didn’t make sense to me. If you don’t want to pay him 1.1 million or thereabout then you better not sign Nystrom to that amount. Bergenheim had more points every year and skates a lot better than Nystrom. Yes, he does take dumb penalties sometimes but he is a hard worker. The only intangible Nystrom has over Bergenheim is the odd fight. Martin is not ready for the NHL. His skating needs to improve to play in any NHL system. You would think the Islanders would try to trade or waive Hunter. His skating is awful. He is a great guy but does not fit into the system and has been hurt a lot the last couple of years. I hope that letting Bergenheim go is a sign that Snow will be signing at least one big free agent. Hamhuis is the best player for the Islanders on the market and Snow should do everything to sign him.
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doc says:
If his name was something other than Nystrom we would want him cut from the team for his lack of production. Bobby Ny was one of my all time favorites but that doesn’t make me want his son to be on the team just for name recognition…
We’ve had guys like hilbert Sim park jackman and others. I would pass…
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BR says:
You can’t build a fourth line on Matt Martin alone. Neither can you with Gillies who, despite his great character and energy, is not a regular NHL player (which is why he was signed to a one-yr/two-way deal).
I would not be surprised to see a fourth line of Nystrom/Weight/Martin. Would be entertaining and able to roll consistently.
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Goran says:
Why is everybody automatically penciling Gillies into the line-up? That dude is not going to be playing everyday.
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If we can bring Eric home on the cheap, that’s great, but come july 1st, we really could use a hard hitting defense-man who has a cannon of a shot from the blue line. We are so under the cap space, there is no reason why we can’t get 2 talented players with some attitude. I still am greaving over Dustin Byfuglien—would have been soooo perfect for this team!
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Michael says:
Eric Nystrom brings alot more then Park, Sim,Bergy and Tambs.Not that it should be done for his Dad but Bobby Nystrom has been the Islanders for along time. The Classy move would be to sign his son.
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rpchief says:
Enough with Bergie. Nystrom is tougher and more physical. It should not be hard to duplicate Bergies 8-12 goals. As for his penalty killing the isles had an aweful unit. I think we fall in love with the guys on the team. We need toughness. Bergie brings nothng to the table in that department. Nystrom can take on Carcillo, Avery and the rest of the middle weights. We got pushed around a lot last season. Nystrom could create space for other guys by dropping the glove and not backing down from a challenge. Even if he scored 5 goals he would be more valuable then Bergie. Keep it going Garth. keep bringing in the pieces. The comments about 3/4 lines guys on the team. These are the players who hve to have the occassional scrap. No body except for Jackman fought, not counting Gillies should be in the Bridge mst of the year.
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isles72 says:
The timing seems right.
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I disagree with people saying Bergenheim is a better hockey player. Bergenheim has more skill, but Nystrom will fight and do things that no forward on the team besides Gillies was willing to do, drop the gloves and stand up for a team mate.
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bionicman99 says:
Sign Nystrom, bring back Tambellini, go after the Canes Sutter, coax Justin Bourne away from his laptop to play along side Gillies and we can ice our own version of the 1980 Islanders!
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David Volek says:
Not sure if having Bobby Nystroms son in the organization wouldnt be a distraction, but man would it ever sell jerseys (and tickets).
Two more days till the UFA market opens. I just hope this year we arent dissapointed as fans.
CB as always, thanks for the write up……it was my morning read with my coffee…!
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How in the hell would that be a distraction?????!!!!?????!!!??!?!? Yea, ith all the media coverage the islanders get.
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ny711ot says:
He is a serviceable player who would be a great ambassador for the team. He is an upgrade to the Hilbert’s Park’s Sim’s and even Jackman’s of the world. Nice addition, but other than for nostalgic purposes doesn’t get me that fired up.
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Les Beaver says:
I think it’d be cool to have him. He’s a solid player, seems likable as well. Local Long Island boy, gotta like that. Last year lots of people were hoping for Komi or Higgins or Gilroy. Funny, this year, no one seems to want any of them.
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.. Cmon guys lets be HONEST for a second
.. If his name wasnt Nystrom, how many of you would REALLY want him? Be honest now!
.. Hes a ok player, hes ‘kinda gritty’ and kinda physical, etc but i dont see the big hurry to sign him. There are other gritty type players who can fill that role and do it cheaper!
.. I say save the $$, let Matt Martin develop that role and use the $$ for another position fill! I want a BIGGER NASTIER and FASTER team but cmon guys Eric Nystrom is NOT THAT BIG/BAD OR PHYSICAL, hes a ok player but some of ya make it sound like hes the next coming of his dad
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jmo16 says:
This is a tough one. I haven’t seen him play enough to say Yea or Nay for sure but let’s try and upgrade at the “holes” we have on this team. And if this youth movement is truly in effect, why, at $2Mil/per is Trent Hunter not put on waivers or bought out. His production has all but vanished & it seems each year he becomes more injury plagued. Also, it looks like we’re gonna bury in the AHL/buyout Brendan Witt, let Park, Sim & Jackman explore FA, so why not just pull the band-aid off all at once and get it over with and let our prospects show their stuff?
Jeez- how hard of a job would Garth have to get to the Salary Floor if not for this-coming-years’ highest paid Islander, Alexi Yashin ($4.755M)! I mean, he’d HAVE to go out and throw some silly money around, just to get to the floor! I say offer Kovalchuk $9-10Mil/per for 2 yrs or $26M over 3yrs or $32M over 4yrs would make him strongly consider the Isles…
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hathead68 says:
This is such a no-brainer it’s not even funny. A perfect match. Would definitely be a feel good signing. If Eric wants to play here, make it happen Garth.
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Jimbo says:
Come on Garth -DO IT! -The fan base needs some love from you. A Nystrom back in uniform at the NVMC.
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DM says:
CB: It’s not at all silly to compare Bergenheim and Nystrom. For one, you yourself brought up the fact that the Isles didn’t make an offer to Bergenheim when you spoke with Bobby. If you didn’t see a role player leaving and opening up a role for a similar player, why even bring up his name? Of course the comparison could be made and it rightfully should be made. Bobby Nystrom himself saw the possibility of his son signing here as more likely with the prospect of Bergenheim leaving. You didn’t bring up Tambellini’s name because Bergenheim played more of the role that Eric would play.
I’m not sold on Nystrom playing for the Isles. Sure it’s a story, etc. but he’s not a real upgrade. MikeD summed it up well in post #42. If Sim, Park and Jackman are ALL gone then getting Nystrom isn’t so bad as it doesn’t detract from the ability to add the likes of Martin, Joensuu or someone who surprises right out of camp, to the lineup.
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Thread closed.
To sign any bottom 6 guy for a reasonable contract and not go after Nystrom would be Garth Snow giving a giant middle finger to the fanbase. GET IT DONE GMG