VERSTEEG A PERFECT TARGET FOR THE NYI
Skill, youth, Gordon link, ring well worth the price
9:45 am: Kris Versteeg, all of 24 years old, is already the player the Islanders and their fans hope (and pray) just one of their small forward prospects turns out to be in the next 2-3 years. He may be what they hope their prospects of any size develop into. In his first two NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, the 5-10, 180-pound Versteeg has averaged 21 goals and 49 points. Rarely a member of the first unit, Versteeg posted only slightly over a quarter of his 97 points in those two years on the power play.
The right wing reiterated to me during the Western Conference Final, during one of my many recent visits to Chicago, that he owes a huge debt of gratitude to Scott Gordon for making him an NHL player. “Nobody seemed to know what to do with me, and I wasn’t making it any easier,” said Versteeg, as honest a person as he is a hockey player. “With Scott in Providence, I got a role and confidence.” Now Versteeg will get a Stanley Cup ring.
A reliable league source tells Point Blank that Versteeg is the most likely Blackhawk forward to be moved before July 15. As has been well-documented, the Blackhawks will shed salary over the next month.
Before the Cup Final began, players like Versteeg, Patrick Sharp and Andrew Ladd had a good sense of humor when asked about the franchise’s impending cap crunch. Better yet, the players embraced a win-now, win-together attitude, knowing there would not be a full-scale team reunion when training camp started in September.
From what I witnessed for a week in March and at the Conference Final and Cup Final, I don’t see how Chicago GM Stan Bowman can trade Sharp. The 28-year-old forward was the glue in a very young locker room. Captain Jonathan Toews repeatedly spoke of leaning on Sharp for counsel. Whenever the Hawks wanted to hide Toews and Patrick Kane from the media, they trotted out the willing and quotable Sharp. And oh by the way, he had 25 goals and 66 points in the regular season and was 11-11-22 and +10 in 22 playoff games. At $3.9 million for each of the next two years, Sharp is not a salary cap solution – he is a bargain.
Dustin Byfuglien? I don’t think the Blackhawks will move him after his playoff heroics. If I’m the Islanders, Big Buff wouldn’t be my guy for this team at this time.
Dave Bolland at $3.37 million for each of the next four years? In a heartbeat, but I have to believe the Blackhawks will waive big contracts like Cristobal Huet’s before they lose the versatile Bolland.
Versteeg to the Islanders makes all the sense in the world, even if he wouldn’t solve the Islanders’ size problem. He may be small, but he’s gritty, chippy, lippy and would go a long way towards solving their lack-of-skill problem. He’s also a big-time leader with a championship pedigree, just a few years older than the Islanders’ top kids. For perspective, Versteeg is two years younger than the very solid Frans Nielsen.
Thanks in large part to a paperwork snafu that cost former Chicago GM Dale Tallon his job, Versteeg will make $3 million each of the next two years. Even at that rate, he is a better investment than a majority of the quality forwards the Islanders could hope to woo in the unrestricted free agent market. (Did I mention he’s just 24?) He also knows the head coach and his style of play. Heck, he loves the head coach and his style of play. Before the Bruins gave him away, Versteeg had 49 points in 43 games in 2005-06 as a 20-year-old for Gordon in Providence. How many Islanders draft picks have produced at that level recently in Bridgeport?
The cost? Probably in the vicinity of a second round draft pick. Maybe a second and a fourth. Since the rest of the league knows Bowman is in a bind, even Blackhawks management concedes the team getting Versteeg is winning the trade.
Versteeg is a righty shot who can play on one of the Islanders’ top two lines, on either wing. When coach Joel Quenneville wanted to assemble a shut-down unit, he enlisted Bolland, Ladd and Versteeg for a “third” line. They were dynamite. The 24-year-old Ladd is a restricted free agent who made $1.6 million last year. He’ll also be available for the right deal. He is 6-2, 200 pounds and has averaged 16 goals and 44 points the last two seasons.
After acquiring Versteeg, certainly GM Garth Snow can address his team’s biggest void - “We could use some size,” said Coach Gordon – with one of his many other offseason acquisitions. There is plenty of space on the roster and below the cap.
The next month cannot be only about adding the fifth overall pick and a few other hopefuls to the prospect camp and the delusional he’s-bound-to-be-awesome pool. First, it was the 2006 draft, where there’s still a little time but the successes are limited to the seventh overall pick (Kyle Okposo) and Ted Nolan’s selection in the sixth round (Andrew MacDonald). Not so long ago, the Islanders and many of their fans thought they were getting a lot more high-end talent. Now everyone’s convinced the 2008 crop is franchise-defining. That’s the way it works with the draft; teams (and their die-hard followers) always think their recent ones are epic. It’s important to wait until a few of the kids actually play an NHL game first.
If the Islanders want to reach Snow’s stated goal of making the playoffs next season – and not hurt the slow and steady rebuild by giving up a top prospect – Versteeg should be presented with a royal blue jersey in the next two weeks.
85 Responses to VERSTEEG A PERFECT TARGET FOR THE NYI
Skill, youth, Gordon link, ring well worth the price
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Justin Marques says:
I wouldn’t be completely opposed to Garth sending Chicago a 2nd and a 4th for Versteeg. If I was Snow, however, I’d try to send next year’s second round pick and not this one, because I do believe the Islanders will try and take Kabanov with one of their two second round picks. And yes, I do believe he will fall into the second round, possibly even one of the later picks in the 2nd.
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RAMen says:
Excellent suggestion. It’s always great to haqve a ring in the room, and this kid hasn’t hit his prime yet. we have to fill/upgrade 4-5 slots this off season, and I would think trading for KV would be an immediate plus.
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Isles fan says:
Versteeg would be great on the Isles. Garth get er done !
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BTBoss says:
Love to see it happen CB. They have the cap space for both Versteeg and Ladd. But I’m a bit worried that Snow will not have the guts to take a smart-simple-no brain move like that into consideration. We can just hope…
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Tim F. says:
Reminds me of another smallish forward the Isles acquired from Chicago in the early ’90′s – - and Steve Thomas worked out pretty well. Go get Versteeg, Garth!
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Cain says:
What about Bergenheim for Versteeg? I seem to recall that Scott Bowman liked him – it would be a salary move, but not inconsistent with the organizational goals. From the Islanders’ perspective they still leave roster space to increase size while also upgrading a position.
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orngfan says:
its versteeg’s lack of size that makes him the ideal candidate to join the islanders!! he fits garth snow’s mold of what an NHL player should look like perfectly!
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Pete says:
Versteeg will be better than anything we could hope our 2nd and 4th rounders could amount to.
Snow has to close on this deal. This is a no-brainer.
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Mike L says:
I totally agree CB. I dont care if we have to eat a contract like Sopel, Versteeg would be one of the most skilled players on this team. And it’s also very nice to hear someone talk about skill before size.
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James says:
If the price was right, I would take not only Versteeg, but Cristobal Huet and his absurd salary. Under contract for two more seasons, Huet would provide some Roloson/DP insurance, and the Isles–with more than enough room–would absorb his salary only this coming season and next.
That would give Chicago almost $9MM in cap space, and that has to be worth something.
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Madchef says:
if both of them can be had then Snow had to pull the trigger. If that is all they do in FA this season besides sign one D-man then it is a success. The fact they probably only need to part with picks and it is a no brainer. I might go streaking down the street if they can pull that off Friday and add a Gubranson or Fowler. Crossing fingers, saying prayers and eating my vitamins.
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Nick Pezzotti says:
I pray to god we can get him but snow just makes me so hesitant to get excited with anything . He’ll end up in nashville or st.Louis
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27Tonelli says:
Versteeg will be had for a 2nd round pick but Sopel is not the D-man they r looking to dump its Campbell ! At $7 million a year, I don’t know ?
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Alice Cooper says:
this would be a tremendous boost going into the summer if they can make it happen. here’s hoping!
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This seems like a no brainer, yet I’m still skeptical as to whether the Isles can get this done, or how hard they will even attempt to get it done.
They really should be looking to pluck one or two young players from the Hawks.
Versteeg seems like the ideal perfect fit.
We’ll have to wait and see……….
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MJS says:
I would take this deal. On the other hand, since the Panthers are being totally retooled, then a guy like Nathan Horton could be had. He would be a step toward solving both the size and skill problems. The next week and a half could be pretty interesting.
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joey bagodonuts says:
great article, but in reality i don’t see a 2nd round pick being enough. there’s going to be a bidding war for versteeg. almost all nhl teams that arent just under the cap would be willing to offer a 2nd for the guy. i think you have to throw in a solid, nhl caliber prospect with that 2nd rounder in order to get him.
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JtorBust says:
I think everyone is giving Garth way too much credit, he is not capable of pulling off a trade of this caliber. The asking price would be higher from us just because of others perception of our front office as a 3 ring circus. I really think this is the year that will make or break the franchise in terms of keeping the team in NY. I am at the end of the rope as far as giving them the benefit of the doubt with rebuilding. If Chuck W doesn t spend a dollar neither will the fans.
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Gary says:
How about Versteeg AND Ladd for our 2nd, 4th and another player on the isles
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post #13 realize that we have a LOW 2nd rounder available
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I wouldn’t mind seeing the Isles and Hawks make a package deal for a couple of their players such as Versteeg and Ladd. We should have the assets to pull off such a move without disrupting the core of either team.
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4theisles says:
Yea I know the Habs went deep into the playoffs with small players, but they had a big defence to back them. If Versteeg is the only “catch of the day” on the menu, I’d rather see the Isls order a bigger fish or to stretch the analogy – We are going to have an empty plate at playoff time.
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Upstate Islander says:
I think picking up Versteeg would be great and I hope they make the playoffs but I am not sure that should be the way we judge next season. Staying in the playoff hunt all season would be a achievement but I still don’t think we have enough yet to be a cup contender.
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bigdally mac says:
Heck I’d take on both Huet and Sopel to get Verteeg and Andrew Ladd. If they were offering up their first and we could trade Tambi and Gervais.
Ladd, Verteeg, Huet,Sopel, 30th pickFor 58th, 65, 2011 second, Tambi and gervais and Bergie.
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Sal says:
Versteeg is a perfect for this team on multiple levels. If they allow him to go elsewhere, then we know that this rebuild is a smoke screen. He fits the bill on salary, cost to get him, age, character, knows the coach – they need to get this done.
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Examiner says:
You’re preaching to the choir CB. Let’s just hope Snow is as jumps on this. Getting excited for Friday and Saturday. Just hoping I don’t get let-down.
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bcarroll25 says:
cb,
how does byfuglien not fit? he’s only 1 year older than versteeg and fills another glaring need, size and physical play. last three years he averages around 16-17 goals. that puts him in our top six.and if rumors are correct, the team obtaining versteeg has to take sopel also,then i don’t give up more than a third.chicago should have to feel some pain to get out of cap trouble.please gm’s don’t do any favors like montreal did for sather, make em pay for foolish contracts. -
Mike says:
@15: Not sure which prospect you would include, but I think the Hawks would like to hold onto Ladd. But as to the original deal, regarding the Versteeg tax, I would do that deal in a heartbeat. I’d prefer it to be San Jose’s 2nd, even we had to add a player. As someone stated earlier, maybe Bergenheim?
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nobody says:
Really, nobody knows what Chicago will want, there will be be bidding war so the stated “price” to get this done is likely to understated, and if we DON’T land him in doesn’t mean we didn’t try…we’re not the only team out there…
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Jerry Had a Little Lamb says:
Would be nice, but the Rag$ will probably get him.. you know how that whole thing works..
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Chris R says:
If were going to take Sopel also, maybe we can add Doug Weight.
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BD Hendo says:
Don’t Toews me, Sno, sign Versteeg! Good story, CB.
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gary9-19-22 says:
I like the idea (Cain #7). However, I think that we may be able to expand on that since we are eating cap space… Chicago has some good youg talent that we may be able to grab and take advantage of Chocago’s problem…
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pat says:
This is a perfect deal for the Isles. Think about it. He is 24 amd a skilled second line player for the Isles. He will reach his peak when this rebuild project should be finished in about 4-6 years. So having a great leader set up in his prime for the Isles prime also he has a ring and the experience that goes with it. Think Snow just think.
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Nyles says:
Versteeeegggg
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teller says:
makes too much sense… thats why it wont happen… were always thinking outside the box!
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Brian says:
Completely agree about Versteeg and also the draft point. Everyone assumes the new guys are going to be the best but we should wait until they actually play for awhile in the NHL before really judging a draft.
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Drafting a Stud DMAN and trading Bergenheim and a 2nd round pick for Versteeg would be epic.
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Mike says:
i agree with you CB, Versteeg would be great but I don’t want to trade away too much to get him, & 2nd and 4th round picks wont be enough. Another team will make a better offer than the Islanders. I don’t think trading Bergy and a prospect Dman is the answer, and I dont know what is. Thats Snows decision.
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The new isles gm says:
Would love this signing. Just another piece of the puzzle though. Would definitely be an upgrade from Jon Sim on the wing and replace Park on the PK. He’s filling two voids which creates another roster spot for a guy like Matt Martin to show what he can do or a valuable UFA. I really hope the Gordon link works out and Chicago doesn’t hold a grudge from last years trade deadline.
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Otter says:
Realistically, how many other teams do you think will be bidding on this guy? If he gets traded, he has much less of a say than if he were a FA. I can’t imagine his relationship with Gordon will make a difference.
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cmoney says:
bergenheim for versteeg
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JR says:
It’s funny. When the Isles don’t land a big free agent or cannot get the good end of a trade, everyone assumes Garth didn’t want or consider making the deal. Alot happens behind the scenes that we will never know about. I hope we can land a Versteeg. If we don’t, don’t assume Garth didn’t try.
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JD (e_godard) says:
As long as sopel isnt coming back.
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Church of Jankowski says:
You’re jumping the gun on the ’06 draft. First things first: if Okposo and MacDonald are the two regular NHL contributors to come out of that draft, it’s still a success.
Second, you are glossing over other prospects who have a good chance at notching a regular NHL shift. Jesse Joensuu, between his size, two-way play, and net front presence, will find his way onto an NHL roster as a regular before all is said and done. Shane Sims, who currently toils in obscurity at Ohio State, has NHL skills; you even featured him in a blurb a couple months back saying something to that effect. While Rakhshani has some issues with his physical capabilities, there’s no reason to believe he can’t matriculate into the bigs at some point if he seasons himself for a couple years in the AHL. Stefan Ridderwall received a bona fide offer and simply chose to turn it down in favor of the more attractive free agent route (and with the Isles’ logjam at goalie, who could blame him?). So just because the immortal Robin Figren appears to have flamed out doesn’t mean the draft was by any means unsuccessful.
This is before we address the ’08 Draft, which, for the record, I still believe will actually be franchise-defining. Too many good players.
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potvinrocks says:
This makes sense on the Islanders side, but the market for Big Buf couldn’t be higher. I could see Chicago getting a high Est rounder for Buf. That would keep Versteeg in Chicago.
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Gabe says:
KO, Bailey, Tavares, Moulson, Nielsen, and now Versteeg.
So our top 6 will average out to be 5 foot 10 inches and 185 pounds? That’s just not a way to build a team. I’m hoping Petrov, Martin, Joensuu, and perhaps a free agent can penetrate this top 6 and balance out the lines because the status quo does not translate into a playoff caliber team.
Don’t get me wrong. I am fine with Versteeg playing as a second line winger. However, this team will get pushed around and have a difficult time opening up space without some larger, skilled players balancing them out.
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Lorne says:
Let’s go Garth, get it done.
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MorDraftPicks says:
Skill certainly makes up for size – do it!!
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IslesRock says:
Nice young player, but the Isles need size.
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Sandy says:
Versteeg and Sopel for the late 2nd and a 4th – in a heartbeat!!! Sopel brings some stability to the defense and means we don’t have to draft Gudbranson. Chicago won’t be that stupid to accept the 2011 2nd round pick – they know as well that 2011 will be a weak draft year.
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islesfan999 says:
I love LADD and Versteeg.
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Frank nyc says:
Do it! we have two 2nd rounders. if its the high second u give away then maybe they dont have to include the 4th rounder. Garth should get this done.
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Brother Rat says:
Hm, why the overconfidence that we’ll land Versteeg? It makes a ton of sense for the Isles, but it also makes a ton of sense for 20+ other NHL squads to dish out a second and fourth or a second and a prospect for such a player… Perhaps CB knows something about Garth’s plan (although that’s unlikely at this point), but now’s as good a time as any for a deal to be pulled and nothing’s been done. Pull the trigger, Garth!
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Isles81 says:
This isn’t going to happen if it pushes us too far over the cap floor. Garth says he can spend but his actions prove otherwise. Don’t get too excited, we’re just setting oursleves up to be disappointed again.
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Jethro09 says:
Versteeg for our second and fourth? Done deal. Sign me up. He’d be a first liner on the Islanders.
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Staten Islander says:
I’d love to see it happen. I spent all weekend in a funk after the Flyers got Hamhuis. I’d give them a 2nd and their choice of either Bergenheim or Jonesseu, just to sweeten the pot
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Jerky says:
Versteeg would obviously be a big upgrade to the existing roster despite his size. His connection to Scott Gordon is irrelevant in this discussion though as Chicago is not going to trade him to the Isles for a 2nd and 4th just to make Versteeg and Gordon happy. Most teams in the league have more to offer and probably will and Snow will not want to part with too much out of concern he will hurt his rebuild strategy (and rightfully so). Snow will be involved but I’m doubtful he will ultimately succeed.
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Versteeg and Ladd for a #2, Bergenheim #4 deal.
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Michael Delman says:
I’m sold….sign him!
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isles72 says:
I wonder if david toews could be used as part of the pkg to aquire Versteeg.
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jeff says:
Makes perfect sense and, therefore, will not happen.
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thepolishprince says:
I’ll believe the Isles are ready to spend money when I see it. The move makes a lot of sense but I’m not getting my hopes up.
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Bob says:
It makes a ton of sense Chris, but I think Garth will be up against a lot of other teams. I think it’ll cost more than a 2nd rounder.
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A good, young cup winner who likes Gordon. Sign him. Also, Byfuglien is a RFA. Show him the money. He would be the most perfect fit for this team!
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Joe G. says:
I really dont have any confidence in Snow making a good trade especially in picking up a quality guy in Versteeg. I couldnt believe Snow didnt go out and get leino from Detroit last year. hes young and look at the playoffs he had for Philly. We need an experienced GM to get this team to the next level. Im so nervous thinking about our 1st round pick in Fridays draft. I really feel Snow has no clue and he will either trade down or draft some guy off the board. So thinking about trading for a guy like Versteeg, i dont see the clueless one doing that.
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Grandpa Ray says:
agree with #37–it wont happen-to good to be true-c’mon people we r the islanders
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anthony c says:
Our late 2nd rounder and a 4th rounder for versteeg. I’d make that trade in a heart beat if I’m snow. Plus if Gudbranson falls into our lap at #5 then it will be a great day at the draft for us.
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My wish list this summer:
Ladd
HortonIf we could get those 2 big power forwards I would be thrilled. I would trade the pick we got for sutton for Ladd. Then trade #35 and hunter and bergenheim for horton.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
for 2nd rounder sure. he would be great addition. versteeg could probably score 25 for us.
Only expendable foward we have that has trade value is Bergie.
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Jim says:
Not happening. Simply because it’s the Islanders. The Rags will probably get him.
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Seth says:
anyway you cut it, this organization is so far away from making the playoffs. one player like kris versteeg does not give charles wang the right to raise ticket prices year after year. versteeg would be a nice piece but he will not push this team into the playoffs by himself. one of many reasons why I did not renew my season ticket package for 2010-2011.
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Irish Isle says:
The Isles definetelly need to add a “veteran” to their kid corps, and Versteeg would be a great fit with his history with Gordo and has the experience of the tplayoffs these last 2 seasons.
Hopefully Garth can make the deal with Bowman.
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Al L says:
What must be considered here is the enormous Cap space the Isles have. Probably the greatest asset we can offer Chicago is intangible. That being giving the Hawks Cap relief. Few teams if any can absorb the contracts of Campbell and or Huet. It wouldn’t be beyond the realgm of possibility under these circumstances we could net Ladd,Huet,Campbell and Versteeg only surrendering a 3rd rounder and Bergy, while still maintaining considerable Cap space. Their fans might not be too happy about Salary dumping,but they must understand how they built their team in the first place. Of course this scenario would require the go ahead from Charles. Therein lies the hitch. Using his cap space and executing a move of this sought would indeed signal Wang is once again committed to his franchise with the ultimate goal of winning.
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billy says:
i’m a little confused CB, the isles need size and “buff” is gigantic, is young, and is clearly a threat offensively. He would be the perfect acquisition for this team, especially since no one would touch tavs with “buff” on the ice.
Could u elaborate why he shouldnt be our main priority?
That being said, i have no qualms with adding versteeg haha -
miket239 says:
why do you tease us this way CB?! i agree with all you say. alas, i find it sooo hard to fathom Versteeg in an Isles sweater. prove me worong! prove me wrong!
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hyedray says:
It has already been stated, and I concur, and have to agree that the two players the Isles should look at seriously from the Hawks is Versteeg/Sharp and Huet or Campbell.
I think you are right, and of the two, Sharp stays in Chicago. But Versteeg is an obvious choice for the Isles with the Gordon link. Further, I feel DiPietro is done, and adding Huet for the two years left on his deal—bad as it might be, makes sense for the Isles to give the troika of Poulin, Nilsson and Koskinen more time to develop their games. By doing the Hawks a HUGE favor of taking Huet off of their hands, my guess is that the Sharks 2nd rounder plus a project prospect perhaps like either Jonathans brother David gets us a very top 6 forward and a big insurance piece in Huet who can come in as the #1 in 2011-12 for one season before he is dealt for picks at the deadline.
Bottom line—the Isles could end up with two upgrades to their current squad by giving up very little and giving the rebuild a big injection.
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Darren says:
I would not worry about size w/ Versteeg.His skill offsets that.However to say Buff would not be a good fit @ this time for this team is wrong.When would be a good time?When JT gets sent thru the glass!!These are kids playing in the most talented league in the world against grown men and the Isles have only 1 guy that’ll stand up.That is not enough.Plus Buff can score some.I say Hunter,Gervais,Bergy for Versteeg,Buff,Cambell.That becomes an immediate improvement to the current team and then throws a whole new perspective on who Isles would draft.Cambell could be unloaded come playoff time if his contract is a little too rich for Wang.This also creates some roster spots for Jesse,Martin,Haley.Garth do something.Nothing is not the answer.In case no ones looking the rest of the league is drafting players too.Heck throw in Frans for Ladd(big size improvement there).Hey don’t think Hawks would want to trade entire line combos do ya?
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Mario says:
CB, you must know something else because you cant write this story just on a whim. I hope your right but i also thing Buff would be a perfect fit at this time.
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vigs says:
I took what CB said about Buff is that no way the Haawks deal him unless you plan to pay for it. The Hawks want to dump Huet, Campbell, Sopel and likely Versteeg to create cap space. Sharp, Toews, Buff and probably Bolland aren’t going anywhere. The Isles should definitely take on Huet’s contract with Versteeg to sweeten the pot for the Hawks, and maybe take Sopel as well. Few teams, if any, can offer the Hawks that kind of cap relief. The Hawks might want a center in return, because they are pretty strong on the wings, so Schremp would likely be their target along with the late 2nd and 4th round picks. Garth knows players won’t come here as FA’s, so deals like this have to be at the top of his to do list right now.
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C.J. says:
Forget Versteeg…. Ryan Malone.
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Mike P says:
As much as I love this idea I feel that Garth will do nothing this offseason. This organization gives me no feelings of making any splash at all and just they`ll spend to the cap floor. No big name FA`s, no trades, just signing this years 3rd or 4th line players and drafting kids. After getting burned by Ryan Smith, Snow may be gun shy. Prove me wrong Garth and go after Marleau and Volchencov, Versteeg would be nice for a 2nd rounder. Ahhhh per chance to dream…..
I agree with you CB, and from what I have been seeing on the web…he could be had for a second rounder if we take on brent sopel with him also