ISLANDERS MAKE IT LOOK MEAN
Sign AHL heavyweight Jeremy Yablonski
FanHouse: The Day the Devils told the NHL, “Circumvent This”
9:10 pm: It was just a year ago that Islanders management laughed at the idea of having frequent fighters in the organization, hinting at the phrase “one-dimensional” in a newspaper report. Many fans jumped on board, saying they had no use for fighters around here.
Since then, the Islanders have signed Trevor Gillies, who at 30 years of age had played one NHL game before playing 14 for the Islanders last season and Zenon Konopka, who had 2 goals, 3 assists and the most fighting majors in the NHL last season (yes, he’s good at faceoffs, but he’s not Adam Oates).
Tonight they signed Gillies’ best man at his wedding – Jeremy Yablonski, who at age 30 has played one NHL game in his career and had too many fights in the minor leagues to count (although I know someone will). Last year in Binghamton, the 6-1, 235-pound forward had one assist and 127 penalty minutes in 27 games. Click here to see the center-ice brawl between best pals Yablonski and Gillies.
That’s quite a change in philosophy in one year. Wonder what brought it on – when Chris Pronger nailed John Tavares face-first into the glass with an unpenalized cheap-shot elbow to the back of the head?
To be clear, like a year ago, I’m all for it. The kids at both Bridgeport and New York need someone to have their backs. (The great Mike Fornabaio of the CT Post tweeted that the lack of toughness was “no laughing matter” in Bridgeport. If the Islanders are not ready to contend on the ice, it doesn’t hurt to win the occasional fight (“this guy throws bombs” tweeted Jeff Marek of the CBC about Yablonski). Whatever small wage the Islanders are paying Yablonski, he’s worth it.
And if the Islanders and Rangers in 2010-11 are not going to remind anyone of Tonelli and Morrow and Hedberg and Pavelich in 1984, might as well give us lots of T. Gillies, Yablonski, Konopka and every Boogaard brother the Rangers can find in Saskatoon.
You know you want to go. Comments.
136 Responses to ISLANDERS MAKE IT LOOK MEAN
Sign AHL heavyweight Jeremy Yablonski
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chrism says:
well after the talk about our horrible d-core this makes me feel a whole lot better..maybe we wont win but we will lose with pride
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27Tonelli says:
Former MMA fighter, I have only seen him lose 1 fight (ko) by McIntyre ! He is an absolute animal !
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Steven says:
My idea of toughness is Clark Gillies though guys like Clark are very hard to find. Hopefully Matt Martin adds some skill and toughness. The Isles do need toughness for the kids as CB said. I’m fine with this signing.
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ny711ot says:
This makes much more sense then making kovalchuk an offer, doesn’t it?
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Brother Rat says:
Awesome. What’s not to love about throwing Yablonski with Gillies and Konopka and Rechlicz (who’s still under contract)? We’ll have fists at both the NHL and AHL levels. Some casual internet searching uncovers that Yablonski is a 6-time Golden Gloves champ in Canada, PLUS (at least) two wins in MMA bouts (and in two fights, he knocked his guy out in under 20 seconds). NICE. One-dimensional, but one of the many dimensions the Isles have lacked. Nice job, Garth…unless Wang wants to promote MMA events at the Coliseum alongside Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, etc.
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Oye Comeau Va, formerly (Sim)ple says:
If you can’t beat them, beat them up.
Maybe he dresses occasionally versus Rangers and Flyers, but not much more than that. Watch out Boogaard, Cote and others.
Best mohawk ever.
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pdebenedetto says:
All we need is a player with an “X” in his name and we can send out the XYZ line.
(_________-Yablonski-Zenon Konopka
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Madchef says:
you know what all we heard about by the fans was this team is soft, yes it was you and you and you. Well know we have 3 guys who will smack the heck out of you and Martin who does it with some skill. I like it, now if we could sign a scoring winger, I may feel better.
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Mofunky77 says:
Love it. Nobody touches Tavares, NOBODY!!
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Jon in Chicago says:
Sure would rather have Frolov or Stempniak but at least the Isles will be more entertaining in 2010-11.
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Maydog says:
I couldn’t be less excited for the season
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rb says:
Beefing up could mean they plan to go young with Nino and Petrov (if they can somehow get him released) along with DeHaan and maybe Hamonic. Like Semenko carrying water for Gretzky in his early days.
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mbk says:
we have not had this much fire power since the Vukota / Baumgartner heyday. We may need to bring back “Bomber” as a theme song
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Manhattan Mike says:
If this guy keeps that Mohawk, Im all for it. As my old coach used to say: If you cant put the puck in the net, put somebody on their ass.
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jim says:
now we just need someone to sign/bring up Jon Mirasty so these two can continue their epic rivalry in the NHL. their fights are always ridiculously amazing.
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just watched the gillies yablonski fight….this guy looks like a linebacker on skates, he is HUGE!
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It’s good to have someone to protet the kids at Bridgeport, but whatever warm fuzzies I got from the Orange and Blue night are gone. I guess Gillies has replaced Jankowski as talent scout.
There may be light at the end of the tunnel (a freight train?), but at the moment this organization remains a sorry joke.
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Jim Clark says: Sign Oglithorpe!
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RV says:
if they cant score goals they might as well kick some a$$.
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Dadi says:
Can we sign somebody who can actually play the game of hockey ?
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NYIChooch says:
Lol, this guy is a lunatic, check out the Jon Mirasty vs Jeremy Yablonski fight on Youtube. Hysterical.
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Yablonski -571 pim in last 3 seasons, including 128 in 27 games last year.
he’s been in 58 fights in the last 3 years.Zenon btw led NHL with 33 fights last season.
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Joe says:
This is arguably the toughest guy in the AHL in years, an absolute beast. So good.
Hey, if you can’t beat em on the scoreboard, beat em on the ice.
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LES says:
between yabo and konopka its going to be a bloodbath . yabo is a sick ufc figher as well as a very talented hockey player . awesome pickup
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Brian says:
Wasn’t kip brennan the toughest guy in the AHL at one point…well really contriubted to the big club
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rick says:
not too happy with this signing, he’s a goon of all goons. can he fight, yes, but he also CAN’T play hockey. I think we need to sign someone that will help us win a few games. We already have gilles to bring up against tough teams, we dont need yablonski. hopefully i will be proven wrong and he will do something for the team to help us win.
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barry from L.I. says:
Will compete with Frans Nielsen for the Lady Byng.
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sean says:
Keep signing the ass kickers at least we have some good fighting entertainment.
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Why does everyone think that he is going to play just b/c he is a tough guy? Mitch Fritz sat on the bench 2 years ago even in a meaningless Rangers/Isles game so why would this guy be any different?
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
If ya can’t beat ‘em … beat the … uh crap outta ‘em.
Never heard of him … Welcome to the family Jeremy.
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I’m excited for entertainment yes, but I’m more happy the younger guys have protection. I’m also very concerned with them playing our system and not being total liabilities. I also don’t want there to be any classless stuff, that’s for other teams. But with the mustache, mohawk, and Zenon…this is going to be fun.
I still want Frolov or someone that can put the puck in the net! -
Kbulger22 says:
Jeez, we’re the friggin’ Chiefs now. Give Gillies, Konopka and Yablonski some thick rimmed glasses and they’ll be dead ringers for the Hanson brothers. I can safely predict we won’t be contenders for the cup anytime soon, but this season will certainly be interesting.
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Bob says:
Fritz, The Wrecker, Sugden, Reich, Gillies, Konopka, Yablonski… what’s the difference. Team toughness starts with guys that can play physical AND play the game. None of these guys can do both. Give me a guy like Asham, Torres, Avery, or better yet Lucic, Clarkson or Hartnell, then I’ll get excited. Garth keeps missing the point.
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Embarrassing! I’ve been a fan for almost 20yrs and I’m almost as ashamed to admit it as I was with the Spano fiasco. I was a big Wang and Snow supporter. I was on board with the slow and steady rebuild. But now I see things for what they really are. Wang is nothing but a businessman who had an elaborate real estate venture in mind and the minute he realized it wasn’t going to happen he has been cutting his loses ever since. He will never put money into this team and we will never be able to sign the big name players that a team needs to compete. JT and KO are sure to leave when their time comes and rightfully so. Garth Snow is just his puppet. He has gotten rid of anyone with any hockey sense and went with people that feel lucky to have a job in the NHL. At least Spano wouldve spent money…lol
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Doug says:
what is Garth doing? I can understand toughness.. but how about we sign Matty Moulson first before he gets pissed off and that starts to trickle down to our CORE. Scoring 30 goals and going to arbitration doesn’t exactly look good, especially when your a 19 year old stud like JT who is expected to score that much. How can Johnny be content with knowing a 30 goal season won’t earn at least a HALF decent contract?
It’s embarassing driving home after work, and hearing NHL on sirius completely rip Garth Snow for not signing Moulson yet. -
VA Isles says:
I give up. I don’t get any of this. Totally agree with #32. Gotta have tough guys who can play too.
CB, you canNOT be in favor of all of these meathead signings, can you?
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anthony c says:
what a joke. hey garth while your at it why don’t you offer me a contract to play on the blueline
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Adam B says:
#33- Embarrassing is the perfect word. there is no other franchise in all of sports that so often takes the laughable road. Five years ago I would’ve been shocked and outraged at signing a 41 yr old who scored one goal to reach the cap floor, or suddenly rolling with 3 fighters. Now, nothing fazes me. All I can do is laugh, like the rest of the NHL does to us New York Islanders.
OUR MASCOT (bad enough that we even HAVE one) IS A NAVY BLUE DRAGON! If that does not speak to our organization…. And we make fun of the Rangers.
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Chris in DC says:
I’ve would’ve been much more excited about signing Asham for obvious reasons. But I believe Garth may be done signing forwards for the big club, unless it’s a scoring winger like Frolov. Yablonski will obviously serve as AHL muscle with the occasional call up when we play the Flyers, Rangers and Leafs.
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Mike P says:
C’mon guy’s, last year we were all bitching about how much the isles lacked toughness to protect JT and others. Now with Hamonic and other of our younger guys going to play in bridgeport I think it’s a good idea that we finally have some protection for the kids we are betting the future on. I do agree that we need more help but I can’t be against the moves to add toughness.
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Staten Islander says:
Putting on the foil, I LOVE it. But, no more of these guys now. Garth PLEASE sign a couple of skill forwards.
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mike says:
Everyone relax, it’s a two way deal. Did you ever think we need some toughness in Bridgeport to protect all the young kids they plan on developing there. Maybe the plan is to keep Nino and Hamonic, etc down there and develop them, but yet need them protected. Then if the big club needs his fists for a Philly game or others he is an hours drive away.
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Chris W says:
Garth should give me a contract….and I’m in a wheelchair! I could improve our defence.
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I say enough with the punching bags on skates!! We NEED scoring! It’s hockey, not boxing! I say offer Kovalchuck a 6 year deal, $12 mil per year, + a $3 mil up front signing bonus and see what he says. C’mon Garth, at least act like you’re trying to improve the team and get into the playoffs.
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Jeff says:
Ugh!
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#38 agreed… the dragon mascot has killed me for years lol. The dragons aren’t even there anymore! I’d rather see that George Washington mascot thing with an Isles jersey on it haha
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Isles Fan in FL says:
I have a lot of mixed feelings nowadays. I dont blame Garth for not overpaying any of the FA d that were available. And they did all get overpaid. Thankfully, that has not been Snow’s M.O. and this could only help us out one day. However, the marginal $ he did spend on Eaton, Jurcina does that make us better? Perhaps they have some higher upside I’m not sure. I do’t think you r going to see these 3 tough guys together at anytime, but again I’m not sure. Perhaps, Garth still has his sights on signing someone like Frolov or Poni, Maxim (maybe even Sutton or Mitchell) but again, I’m not sure. And my biggest concern is I hope at least he had a call in for Gagne. Seems like we could have made a better offer than a 4th and a scrub defenseman (heck we gotta a bunch of them) I hope t least he tried, but again I’m not so sure. Anyone as confused as I am?
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Matt says:
Garth left NMVC feeling like he put in a good days work.
“Hey honey how was your day” “Great, i just signed a goon that needs to skate with training wheels” -
Mike says:
I know they need a fighter, but this is a total yawn. This team is going to stink this season.
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IronIslander77 says:
Interesting pick up. AHL depth signing to play with his buddy Gillies. He’ll rarely see NVMC ice. This in no way changes our pathetic cap issues.
Relax doomsayers. RELAX!
You will appreciate it when Yabs gets called up for a NYI vs NYR game. Everyone wants blood. And Wang/Snow are saying it just like AC/DC once said: If you want blood, you got it! -
brooklyn george says:
Stop complaining please. Just route for another team will you, never satisfied. You wanted toughness to protect our youth here it is. You guys knew we were not going to be a stanley cup team overnight when we did not jump all over Chicago’s scorers and others. I’m happy w/ this signing, we need toughness. You complained about the rangers and boogard well here is your answer. Good move Garth. And I truly believe he is not done yet. It’s only july, he will still surprise us. If we can’t get big time scorers to come here atleast lets protect what we have and thats our rebuilding youth. One thing though- I’m afraid w/ all these tough guys(goons), that we do not become the target of the NHL again and get treated unfairly. He has a 2 way contract he’s just a call up. and relax w/ all of you who will say he will take up a roster spot. Everyone has a role on the team and we all know we need toughness. Now bring up the players we have all been waiting for these years cause that’s all that is going to happen. Time will tell and at least it has not been a boring summer for us Islander fans. Could it have been better, absolutely, but prove me wrong after the season starts, not now my fellow tortured fans.
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Ari hanpaa says:
Funny how botta mentions fans ” jumped on board”. It couldn’t be more true. Most fans still wanted milbury to stay as gm the day they fired him. I read the forums back then. Basically most fans trust Wang and Kevin connelly more then they trust their own opnion.
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Paul says:
ZZZZZZzzzzzzzz…..
someone wake me when next june when it’s time to see who we take with our lottery pick.
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I think too much is being made of this. We needed to be tougher and Yablonski will protect our good young talent in the minors. Yes, I would love to see a scoring winger signed, or something of a bigger impact, but to parlay the Yablonski signing into a “woe is me being an Islanders fan” mantra doesn’t jibe for me. And we can surely make fun of the Rangers as long as they dole out ridiculous contracts; the Boogaard signing being the latest bit of awful from Sather. 4 years for that guy? I heard he’s a concussion case anyways…
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I’d love to see this animal square off against Boogard
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John says:
I can’t imagine the boogey man is a much better hockey player than this yablonski. Great move by the islanders. I would pay a ton of money to see yablonski and boogey drop the gloves.
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Ethan K says:
Yablonski will NOT be on the Islanders… he’ll be in Bridgeport. I’m pretty sure Rechlicz is gone, and so Yablonski is a veteran upgrade for that spot. There’s going to be some actual talent in Bridgeport soon, gotta protect it. If Konopka or Gillies get hurt, then Yablonski could probably fill in for one of them for a bit. Everyone says we need guys who can fight AND play good hockey. Well, they’re a rare breed.
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
watching his fights on youtube….this guy is an absolute beasttttt
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Matt 85 says:
I’m getting a little tired of hearing about how we NEED toughness from guys who are skilled players, or how we NEED a scoring winger, or how we NEED a top defensemen… EVERY TEAM NEEDS ALL THESE THINGS. Here’s the problem, they’re really tough to find, and they’re even tougher to get when you’re a franchise with an uncertain future, a bad reputation, and almost two decades of losing seasons. Garth and Wang tried for Hamhuis, they tried for Martin, and they even tried for Kovalchuk. They went elsewhere. MAYBE our record has to start trending upward a little bit before these top guys want to come. MAYBE okposo, JT and Bailey have to put up 60-70 point seasons so other players actually believe that these guys can be stars and get excited about playing with them. MAYBE that’s how you attract the talent we want, and MAYBE that has to come first.
As for the grit signings, I’m all for it. This organization is betting a lot on JT, Bailey, Nielsen, De Haan, Hamonic etc. They need to be protected, even the protection comes in the form of guys who can’t skate very well. Like it or not, Clark Gillies is not walking through that door…
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I know it won’t be a regular thing, but a 4th line of Gillies and Yablonski between Z.K. has to be THE scariest line in hockey!! At least we will be the best at something, I definately want to see them take on the Flyers or better yet, beat the Boogie out of those rags!!!
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Al L says:
Geez!!! I’d better get mov’n and buy my season tickets pronto. If I have to I’ll crawl in from Central Pa!! After all,building a Cup Contender doesn’t happen every season. Now that we have added Yablonski,we have a terrific young team. If you don’t believe me,just ask Charlie!!! I appreciate the wonderful investment he has personally made. Just to think,all it took was a chicken salad sandwich,a ‘Ring Ding’ and coffee to go. That should get the payroll abit closer toward the ceiling of the bomb shelter and nearer to the basement Floor!!! You can’t make this up! Now that we have hired a Gorilla on skates,you can only imagine whats next! Bring on the Clowns! The Circus is com’n to town!!!
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Jerky says:
I love the signing. For those who think the signings of Gillies, Konopka and Yablonski are a joke, I respect your opinion but you have to understand there’s a need for the team to do something about being smurfs the past several years and lacking the size and strength to do anything about it when someone took a cheap shot at our players (Okposo, Tavares, Neilson, Bailey incidents come to mind). Yes, Shawn Thornton would’ve been nice but in the grand scheme, I’m just happy Snow is finally doing something about the toughness issue. Lets not forget that a physical style of play is a much more entertaining brand of hockey to watch and after all, this is about entertaining the fans.
Signing Frolov and adding Sutton would make me content watching this team play next season.
For those who are not aware, Rechlicz was placed on waivers last week and is no longer with the organization.
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Handlanger says:
I have a very strong feeling that Nino, Petrov, Kabanov, and maybe De Haan and Hamonic will be on the team! That is why Garth is bringing in so many tough guys, to protect our skilled youth!!!
Or he is just stockpiling tough guys to trade….
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Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
Love this signing.
Yabo is a real beast, his fights with Mirasty are ledgendary. He will provide protection for our young developing kids in the Port, and we can call him up when we have to face teams like the Carcillo/Shelly/Cote laden Flybags.
Just imagine going into the Wachovia with T. Gillies/Konopka/Yabo. Good on us. -
bossy22 says:
I’ll state this right now…..Boogard is going to be put in his place against Yablonski. If you watch his fights on youtube, you’ll notive how powerful his punches are and how they break right through someones guard. The power is unreal. This guy is one tough sob
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terry b says:
if you dont sign ($$$) a legit nhl caliber tough guy (orr/boogard/mcgratton)sign some 30 year old ahl tough guys,at least pre season will be fun to watch.
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savvy says:
Wow, this will definitely make other bits in the league think twice before laying out one of our young guns! And even if someone does get laid out, I doubt they’d test our bits again. Word will get out around the league fast. I don’t know if they can play in Gordon’s so called “system” (still just looks like hockey to me), but they gotta be able to skate a little bit. GO ISLES!!
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Peter says:
Intimadation is very much a part of the game. Good signing. It’s good having some muscle in the line up. Keep the other teams on edge.
Last year the in the AHL it was pretty much Fritz, MacIntyre, Yablonski and Gillies as the top heavyweights. -
hale78 says:
this is purely a bridgeport signing..they have holes in their roster space as well…everyone relax
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dose says:
gotta give snow big time credit here. this team will be looked at very differently now. when going good, they’ve already been a pain to play against for 2 years, but now they can actually be scary. and if the coach handles these tough guys right and they stay under control, this can only help the young guns develop even faster. good g.m’ing by snow, and without spending any big dough too.
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john says:
I’m curious how these goons, who can’t play a lick, will help us challenge for a playoff spot. We have a poor D and no true winger to play alongside JT. Please get me a goal scorer, preferably Bobby Ryan. Enough with these two-way contracts.
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orngfan says:
Well its good to see garth snow woke up and finally is getting some players to match up against the goons that have been signing not only in the atlantic division but the eastern conf as well instead of sticking his head in the sand like the last 2 yrs in terms of toughness. Maybe next year we can finally have a solid d unit that doesn’t include gervais who would be a 5th or 6th defenseman in the AHL!
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a REAL hockey fan says:
Cmon its a 2 way contract people, its not that big a deal
BTW did you guys watch the Isles last year? Taveres (our future + face of Isles) was bullied and pummelled for a good part of the year — That would have NEVER happened with Mike Bossy or Pat Lafointane!
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Frankie D says:
I agree with #44. You need to protect the kids you want for the future. They can concentrate on putting the puck in the net instead of looking over their shoulders to see who will cream them next. There are very few goons who can skate AND fight. Fighting is the only way these guys can stay in hockey.
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shlo says:
Like it.
Agree with those who say he’ll see limited time against select teams. He’ll be on the ice 10 seconds and 5 minutes in the box. So be it. The kids need protection. Like it or not it is a tough sport.
Looking forward for his first fight with Boogard or maybe will level Pronger if they are ever on the ice at the same time. -
Hoguefanclub says:
@ a REAL hockey fan: Did you watch the Isles during Bossys tenure? He took many a shot to the head and dirty hit without retaliation. Ditto Lafontaine. When it was really necessary then Gillies or Nystrom would go to work but otherwise the league has become feminized or european-ized into international style hockey.That’s why it seems to a novice hockey fan that Tavares gets cheap shotted. He is a big boy. Most of the good players should stand up for themselves. They can’t always be babysat for. But I do like the extra toughness we have signed here. Sick fighter, he is built like a house.
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Bossy4president says:
I have another view on these “goon” signings…..did anyone ever think that maybe just maybe top UFA’s refuse to sign here because there’s no protection for them. The Isles have been known to be “soft” for years now. If your #1 draft pick got run twice and nothing happens then there is a problem there….I think we fixed that problem. More with the Gillies and Konopka signings but Yablo will be protecting at the Bridge. I’m all for this and I think the league was just put on notice, the Isles will beat you down if you even look at our players the wrong way. Now that’s one thing a top UFA will look for…..not the size of the concourses or number of bathrooms or even the broken seats and sticky floors.
GARTH GO GET US SAVARD and let’s do this…. -
ralf says:
I can’t believe anybody thinks this signing is a going to be a factor, there’s no way Yablonski plays an NHL game, the goof can’t skate, pass, or shoot to save himself and for all you fans of his youtube fights I suggest taking a second look, you won’t see anybody getting “beat up” by this goon, just a lot of pulled punches and staged antics that are a disgrace to the game of hockey. Keep him in the AHL, he’s a poser.
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GilliesKO says:
He looks like a Coca Cola vending machine on skates.
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Niteislander says:
I think this had to happen. The Flyers having Shelley, Carcillo, Cote, and Laperriere.. Rangers with Boogard, Prust, Avery and Brashear… Boston with Thornton and Lucic.. Isles had to add some toughness to protect the young guns. I would expect 2 of them on the team and 1 or 2 healthy scratches until they are playing one of those teams.
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Rob A says:
Is Bruce Buffer going to be announcing at opening night? “Iiiiiiiiiiitt’s TIIIIIIMMMEEE”…to get our tails kicked.
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Brian in VA says:
Instead of signing a vet skilled forward, the “Master GM” signs more junk!!! But hey we will lose 5-0 every night but at least we have tough 4th line goons who can’t play! I predict 22-50-10 this season good first overall pick for the rebuild. Its going along swimmingly, this team is going to be GREAT!!!
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StevieL says:
“Putting on the foil”!! Strange signing! I understand the need for toughness, but I thought Snow solved it with Konopka and Gillies with the big club and rechlitz in Bridgeport. I can’t see all these guy’s dressed for 1 game anywhere! Strange priorities in the GM office these days? Sign Moulson , Please!!
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gary9-19-22 says:
If the plan is to lose for the sake of another lottery pick, one more year of youth development and protect the youth from being killed then the plan is being executed perfectly.
Yablonski is an animal and it will be fun watching him beat the cr@p out of Rangers and Flyers players!!!!
VERY FRUSTRATED>>> for the umpeenth year in a row!!!!
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Sheppy says:
I like the signing. I am a fan of hockey fights. I like good hockey, too, but I grew up watching hockey in the 70s and 80s when brawls happened all the time. The sterile hockey that exists today is often boring. Yablonski will almost definitely suit up in the NHL this year at least for a few games. I bet he plays against the Rangers and the Flyers at the least. Gillies will be our NHL enforcer. He will make the team. Mark it down. Gillies IS an NHL-caliber enforcer. Is he as good as Boogaard? Probably not. I hope he watched the tape of the last time the two of them fought so he can do a bit better. Gillies is a game fighter…and a good fighter. As was said above, he was one of the to few fighters in the AHL…a much tougher league than the NHL where every team has a heavyweight and some more than one. Good move, Garth. I was sickened to see the lack of toughness on last year’s team before Gillies arrived. I almost went into the d*** TV when Pronger elbowed Tavares and when Bailey got hit. Guys who don’t like a fighter on the team often want to “roll four lines.” Screw that. We really don’t have the talent to do that. If we did, I would be all for replacing some of our 4th line guys. I, for one, can’t want to see the few games where Konopka is centering Gillies and Yablonski! There might not be a tougher line in the NHL…and quite possibly no where in any league.
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Tim F. says:
I am LOLing at those who are clamoring for a Yablonski-Konopka-Gillies fourth line. Is the NHL instituting tag-team fighting?
Yablonski has exactly 1 NHL game on his resume, and in that game Todd Fedoruk sent him back to Palookaville. Yeah, I know, lucky punch, right? Enjoy your time in Bridgeport, Yabo.
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Never witnessed a Cup says:
This is very important for the development of our young stars. It made me cringe last year watching our guys taking cheap shots of which can end a kids future.
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Gillies and Nystrom were great players and super tough. I could see getting one or two players to deal with teams like Philly and the Rags, but they need to have some game. How is someone who can’t skate, shoot, or pass going to help tavares? I love our young core, but really, let’s stop babying them. They are Hockey Players, not ice dancers. Let them earn their contracts by adding some muscle and toughening up! None of these signings will make us a better team, I want to win, not lose but put up a fight. can Garth sign some actual talent? How about starting with our very own Matty Moulson. It is just disgraceful how the Isles are handling their young leading scorer! Make no mistake, the league is watching Garth, and you are failing. That is the #1 reason why players do not want to play here. Even Bobby Ny probably told his kid, Hey, Eric, you are better off not signing with this team!
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Is also annoying how players cant make a legal, open ice hit, on players without someone else coming in to fight the player who administered a clean hit. Whats up with that?
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UIF says:
I like the signing to police the AHL/sporadic call up if necessary. I’d like to see them add Asham though. He can play a bit and take on middleweights, although maybe they’re not going there in anticipation of Martin filling that role.
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EAF says:
almost 100 replies on this signing – unbelievable
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JD says:
We all complained last year about the lack of toughness. Can’t do that anymore. This guy is a real legit heavyweight. Even if he rides the Bridgeport to LI shuttle, this is a good signing by Garth.
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Martin plays tough, no doubt!, but i believe the Isles will not want him fighting due to his skill and hitting set. Will scraps happen? for sure due to his game, but he will be too valuable just to scrap.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
Starting line for first road game we play at MSG
Yablonski – Konopka – Gillies
Oh hello Rag$ – Mr. Yablonski is here to see you !
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Jack says:
I’m more than happy to see the Isles ad some toughness but keep in mind that Gillies and Yablonski are career minor leaguers for a reason. They are not in the same class as the top NHL enforcers. Although Konopka led the league with fights last season he probably lost more than half of them and very few were against top fighters. Get on youtube or hockeyfights and see Gillies get knocked out a few times and watch him and Yabo fight each other. Nobody takes that many punches if their is anything behind them. These are the poor mans(Isles)enforcers but I’m still glad they’re here.
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Ray says:
Some of you guys are ridiculous. you want toughness, you want toughness, you want protection, but when you get what you want you complain. The guy might get 1 preseason game with the Isles and then go to the Bridge, where he will be protecting our young prospects. And that’s pretty much it. A lot of you are making this out to be bigger than it is. I,d rather see Yabo out there fighting guys every night than watchingt Martin and Hamonic having to drop the gloves 10 times a year apiece when they have better things to do. Hey I have nov qualms about Marty and Travis fighting but wouldn’t you rather them spend their time honing their skills to make the Islanders than have to worry about fighting.
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.. This is a *minor deal*, and a 2 way contract, so everyone take a chill pill, its a very minor signing
.. Again, i watched the young Isles last yr and they got pushed around waaaaay 2 much last year, lets send the message loud and clear this wont happen anymore in the organization!
.. Do we need other pieces and more talent/size? Of course we do, but the signing is good for organization as a whole!
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MorDraftPicks says:
Great name for his role. If you were going to name a goon for a movie, Yablonski would be right up there.
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islandersfan4ever says:
Thanks, CB!The Pronger cheap shot to JT has been irking me all year,as I have not so subtley complained about in past posts.Now we FINALLY have some tough guys, who will protect our stars.Bring ‘em all on,I am now looking foward to the upcoming season. We Never needed to break the bank on Kovalchuk,with so many great prospects in the system.Until they put on some size and experience,I will enjoy JT,Matt Moulson,Rob Schremp play w/o having to look over their shoulders for the next Prongass cheap shot.Will miss Sean B’s bursts of speed,though.Who is our best skater?
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beatlebailey says:
love these signings…yablonski,gilles and konopka ( possibly Martin…we are no longer a bunch of pansies…just sign Asham now and we are set with enough guys who can act when called upon..that lets KO Tavares Bailey, the russians and Nino just play hockey..thank you Garth
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LIslander says:
Considering the toughness desired as exhibited by the recent signings of Konopka and Yablonski, in addition to Trevor Gillies, why not also sign Evgeny Artyukhin while they are at it?
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Would you rather have a GM who signs a goon for 4 yrs @1.65 M per, or one who signs a goon to a minor 2-way deal, to be used in the NHL for a few “special occasions”?
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IslesYanks says:
First order of business: October 18th game against Maple Leafs… Phaneuf, say hello to an old friend named revenge! That hit he put on KO during a preseason game was one of the worst things I’ve ever seen in hockey, mostly because it was indeed preseason! Yablonski, Gillies, Zenon, do some damage.. first one to take Phaneuf’s head off, gets a one year contract for 2011-12!
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I like this signing….it’ll help our younger guys play with more confidence. Now I wouldn’t mind a Frolov and Stempniak signing to round out the forwards. Our D is what really scares me though.
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The Simtuation formerly known as K-Rob says:
“And if the Islanders and Rangers in 2010-11 are not going to remind anyone of Tonelli and Morrow and Hedberg and Pavelich in 1984, might as well give us lots of T. Gillies, Yablonski, Konopka and every Boogaard brother the Rangers can find in Saskatoon”………Hell Yeah
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IsleFan73 says:
Good, low risk, two way contract signing. He will be used on an as needed basis.
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nyislanders93 says:
Were a bottom 5 team again for sure. At least now we have enough protection for our prospects as they develop. Solid signing by Garth.
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Mikey Pants says:
I don’t care how much of a “BEAST” this guy is said to be.
There’s no chance at all that someone like Boogard is going to NOT hit Tavares because some 6’1″ guy is gonna come after him.
IF you’re gonna go this route, might as well have kept that other guy MITCH FRITZ…from 2 years ago. He didn’t lose a single fight! Colton Orr couldn’t keep up with him….
Forgetting about all of that though, we need some scoring punch. Let’s Start with Frolov!!
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Original Rob says:
How about we sign an NHL player?
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CJCB says:
YES!!!! Finally the team is bringing “real” toughness bcak to thew island. Now lets see if they have the Balls to play Gilles or Yablonski during the regular season. I have not been to a game since they got rid of Godard as i see no point is wasting money on watching only weak fast skating guys that dont really score that much. Would much rather watch that with the occasional scrap tossed in there as well. But the Islanders are kinda known for icing a tough preseason team and than going the direct opposite for regular season games so hopefully Gilles or Yablonski make the team this year out of training camp!!!Slowy creeping back to bein a more watchable product, good move Garth now get us some scoring and some better DMen!!! YES YES YES!!!!
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Quite simply the worst team in the NHL!
How this once proud and respected franchise has fallen. I will not continue to pump $$$ into a team that doesn’t want to win. -
geduffer says:
Maydog (#12) – I’m with you. Thank God for a comfortable couch and HD TV and the Center Ice package.
Paul (#55) – When they wake you, give me a call. I can’t wait to be charged $7 to attend the draft party again.
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PotvinwasbetterthanOrr says:
As of today, with only signing Weight and our RFA’s, Isles will be in the hunt for a top 2 pick.
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Ken nyc says:
If you can’t win the games, at least win the fights. Forget all the negative comments, watch Yablonski’s fights on YouTube, he is a beast and will be protecting out AHL skill players, just what we need. Or a line of Yablonski – Konopka – Gillies against the Rag$, good signing.
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JSExpress says:
I don’t mind this signing, and am somewhat relieved that toughness will no longer be an issue and that our young guns will be able to skate without a shroud of fear. I just hope that we eventually sign someone that makes us a better NHL team and a playoff competitor.
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110: You clearly know nothing about the guy. He may be 6-1 but he is 235, I don’t think I’ve seen a bigger enforcer, he’s just an absolute wrecking ball that will fight (and win the majority) anyone, all the time.
People need to check themselves, does anyone realized how small and boring we are without these guys. We aren’t a good team at all, I want something to entertain me, hence, where these guys come in.
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art says:
No offence, no defense, we will probably have the worst ratio of goals for vs goals against in the league. That adds up to a last or near last place finish – and I guess another year of a top pik and endless talk about a new building. One bright spot we will lead the league in penalty minutes.
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battfist says:
My fellow Islanders fans…I just dnt undersatnd. You ask for toughness-Garth answers. The Isles signed 3 guys that can protect our young players…both at the Bridge and on the Island.
Lets see what move Garth has up his sleeve next….
Personally…I like the signing.
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JerseyBoy says:
So let me understand … our goon fights their goon eliminating him for 5min. Then what?
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122,JerseyBoy, then we lose the game anyway
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albatros says:
So the Islanders will be perfect for WWE, too bad they’re in the NHL, where hockey skills are required.
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Isle Be Damned says:
between Gillies & Zonopka being up with the Isles, Jackman gone, and Martin likely only with Bridgeport for part of the season, it was a good move to bring in a veteran AHL enforcer who will be there all year. I know nothing about the guy, but it’s good that they made this move to protect the AHL players.
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@EAF. Ding, ding.
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Helene says:
Do I approve of “goons” in principal? No.
Am I happy that perhaps the Broad Street Bullies and the Broadway Bullies will hesitate a bit before skating all over our kids. I’m tired of the Sean Averys and the Darcy Tuckers and their illegal hits and nasty moths c——g all over us. Maybe it won’t be a given that you can come to NVMC and win because you can beat the c–p out of us. Hooray. Maybe some of our coaching staff will take on the responsibility of refining the skaing aspects of these guys and surprise us all. -
Honnold says:
I hope someone takes a run at a newly minted Toronto “captain” Phaneuf for his cheap shot on KO. Easy for me to say, of course, from by Barcolounger.
I don’t think the majority of Islander fans ever bought into the “we don’t need enforcers” arguement. There were plenty of pro-enforcer comments at the time.
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Casey31 says:
I totally agree with #126. The Isles have not been been able to stand up for themselves since Chris Simom was here. Then if anyone was watching and listening closely the end of last year, just by bringing in Gillies last year you saw the younger guys playing with more confidence knowing someone had there back. Did everyone forget the Ed Jovanovski hit on Tavares nearly taking his head off and Pronger knocking some of JT’s teeth out without any retaliation. What about Avery taking every chance to lay a cheap shot on someone. Remember the sneaky concussion he gave DP pushing his head purposely into the ice.
I agree you want guys that can actually play the game and stick up for there teammates, but those players are not easy to find. Martin is the closest thing we have to a player that can do both. Unless you want to see your franchise players (Tavares, Bailey, Okposo) get pushed around again, then this is a necessary evil and Snow realizes that now after last season.
The Isles won’t have the rep that you can intimidate them with the guys that Snow is bringing now. And for those Isles fans that are complaining about the lack of UFA’s Snow has signed. You have to start winning first before you get a legit crack at any of the top UFA’s. If you start contending with a young core group the top UFA’s will come regardless of our crappy arena. There are plenty of examples out there (Ex. Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington etc.) These teams all were the worst league not that long ago. I know its hard in NY but every fan needs to realize the situation and be patient. Snow’s plan is working and given some more time we will soon see results we can be proud of.
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Gary says:
bring back Sutton!!!!
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mabe figure skating is the sport for those who dont like the rough stuff,yabo wont see the ice in a regular season game
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chicago has both offense and defense which is something we are seriously lacking. Plus chicago is still having cap issues last I checked.
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We have seen some guys go, and some guys come, and the team is no better than last years squad! At least we will have another high draft pick to ruin when this years joke of a season concludes. How do these guys (Snow and Wang) sleep at night, knowing the fanbase is so hungry for a compatetive product, and all they do is downgrade the on ice product. Disgraceful and shamefull display of management and oversight!! Oh well, at least there will be a few grand in my bank account this year that wont be going to the NVMC and this poor excuse for a hockey club!!! Pathetic. Need I say more?
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nola islander says:
i went to a boxing match and a hockey game broke out!!!
we do need some toughness and even if they don’t see that much ice time, the threat of toughness is a good thing to have.
if gillies keeps his stache and with yablonski mohawk, we are sure to win tops in the fashion show -
DMac says:
i don’t want to bad mouth Yablonski but he brings nothing to the islanders or the sound tigers, garth snow has made some awful signings this off season this must be the worst, it’s going to be another long season of disappointment on long island
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admin says:
Comments thread closed. Will be back later.
lets win some fights but not the game.