THE ROSTER SO FAR: DEFENSEMEN
OUT: Sutton, Meyer; IN: Eaton, Jurcina
6:55 pm: After signing a pair of free agent defensemen, the Islanders on July 20 have eight defensemen with NHL experience on one-way contracts (cap figures included):
1. Mark Streit - $4.1 million
2. Mark Eaton - $2.5 million
3. Jack Hillen - $525,000
4. Radek Martinek - $1.5 million
5. Andrew MacDonald - $550,000
6. Milan Jurcina - $1 million
7. Bruno Gervais - $740,833
Brendan Witt - $3.0 million
Brendan Witt, not bought out – Garth Snow said last season they would not buy him out – would appear to be the odd man out, although you know there will be camp stories about his comeback. What a very odd chapter in recent Islanders history.
The team has one top prospect defenseman knocking on the door this season:
Travis Hamonic
If Hamonic does not make the big club out of training camp, he’ll start the year in Bridgeport – as he should. 2009 first round pick Calvin de Haan, recovering from shoulder surgery, is not eligible to start the season in the American Hockey League. Barring a major surprise, he’ll rightfully continue his development in juniors and the Canadian national team.
For depth in Bridgeport, the Islanders have the following on two-way deals:
Dustin Kohn
Dylan Reese
Mark Katic
Anton Klementyev
Katic is the top prospect of the quartet. Kohn has another season or two to make the case he is an NHL regular. Reese is an ideal depth defenseman who can lead in the AHL and fill in capably in the NHL in an injury crisis. Klementyev, curiously buried in the minors last season as an 18-year-old when he could have played in the Ontario League, remains a mystery with some ability.
On June 29, we wrote the following while previewing the Islanders’ jump into the free agent market:
The Islanders’ shopping list is expected to include the following:
- One potential top-four defenseman
- One reliable, experienced, tough third-pair defenseman
The Islanders are betting on Eaton – dropped by Pittsburgh for the superior and more expensive Zbynek Michalek – as a top-four and Jurcina – a 6-7 dman in Washington and Columbus last season – to be steady on the third pair. Offensively, the 33-year-old Eaton’s best was the 16 points he contributed to the Penguins last season. Jurcina had a pro-best 23 points playing for Scott Gordon six years ago in Providence of the AHL. As reported, Snow made lucrative offers to Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis before they opted to sign with contenders.
Barring a trade, it’s possible the Islanders have completed their roster on defense for the start of the 2010-11 season. Based on the lineup fielded for the majority of last season, the team has essentially deleted Andy Sutton and Freddy Meyer (both still unsigned) and replaced them with Eaton and Jurcina.
Even if you were to allow for another step up in the development of the talented Hillen and MacDonald and more games played for the bad luck Martinek, it might be a stretch to say the Islanders have greatly improved their blueline from the team that finished 26th in the league last season. This, of course, is if Snow does not make another move on D.
The Islanders may have added height with Eaton and Jurcina, but the physicality and battle level Sutton and Meyer brought to the rink certainly has not been replaced. Eaton uses his great reach and stick to get in lanes. Last season, Eaton was credited with 135 blocked shots (36th in the league) but only 27 hits in 79 games. The following players were credited with 30 hits each last season: Robert Nilsson, Alexander Semin, Scott Gomez, Patrik Elias, Robert Lang and Kyle Wellwood.
Sutton finished second in the NHL with 204 blocked shots and 21st in the league with 197 hits. Far more important than any stat was Gordon volunteering throughout last season that Sutton was one of his team’s three consistent MVPs along with Dwayne Roloson and Kyle Okposo.
I concluded that June 29 UFA preview with the following:
My only advice: while some of the perceived best available free agents are coming off the board on July 1 and 2, stay cool. The season does not start for another three months. Whether it’s free agency or salary cap-relief trades, Snow has plenty of avenues to explore.
To reach Snow’s stated goal of making the playoffs, he’ll need to keep exploring.
What do you think of the Islanders’ changes so far on defense? This is a one-comment-per-reader thread. Later: a look at the forwards.
191 Responses to THE ROSTER SO FAR: DEFENSEMEN
OUT: Sutton, Meyer; IN: Eaton, Jurcina
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Nyichamp39 says:
I like the moves. Despite not having an open ice hitter like sutton on D we have gotten bigger by adding eaton and jurcinca. I’ll be sad to see Freddy go but it’s obvious that the islanders are stocked with 3rd pair dmen. It will be nice to see Freddy excel elsewhere. I wish him the best. It’s just unfortunate it was his contract that ran out this season and not gervais
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Jack says:
To summarize what I took away from this article… we got bigger, but less physical. I think this will end up as a downgrade. Sutton and Meyer were the only isles d-men that I remember throwing a check last season.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
i think eaton brings consistency, i think Jurcina could be a suprise for us. He has great shot that is underutilized. Gordon might be able to bring it out of him.
Its nice to have 2NHL dman back in our 6. Lets not forget how well isles played when Martinek is in for his 20 games before getting injured.
Sutton offer could still happen on one year contract if he remains unsigned
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John 89 says:
I fully believe Sutton will be back. Whether you want him back or not. I think its gonna happen.
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Steven says:
Since the Isles cannot land the big free agent until their future is decide, They did ok. It’s better not to get locked into bad contracts and block Hamonic and Dehaan when ready.
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Mofunky77 says:
Why not Sutton for a year or two? Martinek will get hurt, Bruno is brutal and the two new signees dont scare anybody. Bring back big Andy!!
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Matt says:
CB,
Well done. I look at that defensive lineup and i’m mortified. Our 2nd best defenseman is Mark Eaton? Its going to be a long season. There is no way that this team makes the playoffs next year. Every team except maybe the Rangers got better in the offseason. So what happens next year? Another top 5 and no free agent movement? Enough is Enough
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James says:
I think Streit is on an offensive island unto himself. He (and the team) desperately need someone to complement him and take some off the PP pressure off. I think MacDonald and Hillen *could* be top four defensemen, but aren’t yet. Based on history, I think it will take a miracle to see Martinek make it past the All Star break. I think Eaton and Jurcina are mediocre, #5-6-7 additions who don’t necessarily improve the defense. I think Witt’s bad contract should be traded for Souray’s bad contract. I think Hamonic should spend at least a season in the AHL.
That’s a lot of “I thinks” and a lot of pessimism, but this team’s defense is (still) lacking in size, skill, and snarl.
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Blizzard says: ….well the word soft certainly comes to mind……however I am the eternal Islander optimist. Its a sickness I know…..lol.
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C.J. says:
What do I think of the Isles D? One word — Garbage.
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Staten Islander says:
This will only be an improvement if Hillen and MacDonald improve. Eaton and Jurcina to me are the same spare parts type guys that they’ve been able to attract here. They won’t be able to get guys like Hamhuis and Paul Martin till the perception around the league of this team is changed.
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Orange&Blue says:
I like the Eaton signing. He will the void left by Sutton. He did a solid job for Pitt. We have seen him play enough.
I am not a big fan of Jurcina. In my humble opinion, he is Oleg Kvasha on defense. Big size and afraid to use it. No thanks!
IF, and this is a big IF, Radek stays healthy we should be alright on defense. Again, dump Bruno/Witt and let Travis take his lumps this year.
Finally, Hamonic should be housemates/roommates with Tavares. Tavares determination, knowledge, and professionalism are infectous. It is a perfect match.
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Disappointing. Yes, We are bigger, but we are now softer. I like to still see Sutton come back.
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ISLESFAN999 says:
We need more toughness on Defense- sign Shaone Morrison and then trade Gervias or Martinek and I will be happy..
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Tommy in Manorville says:
I’d rather have Sutton & Meyer back then Eaton & Jurcina. In my opinion we haven’t improved the blueline at all.
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IslanderFAN says:
and Gervais bashing continues! (2 years ago he was number 2 d-man with Streit) if Streit hadnt his crappy year maybe it would have help….and im sorry but if Mark Eaton is your number 2 d-man youre in trouble
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Bring back Sutton for one more year, than trade him again at the deadline if he stays healthy. Wang could overpay him as a reward for loyalty, which would get the Isles closer to the cap floor….then next year, go after Shea Weber if he is not signed by Nashville to a long term contract.
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battfist says:
Plan B is in play…
I think Eaton is a solid player-paired up with Streit at the end of game, should help the Isles close out some games.
Jurcina can play-Gordon knows him-hopefully he stays healthy.It would be nice to sign Sutton….but I think after reading/hearing de Hann’s last couple of interviews…his intentions are to make the Islanders (Which I believe the Isles have prep de Hann for this moment). And if has a good camp…I think he’s on team. Dnt be surprised.
Can this D get the Isles to the playoffs?
I’d like to think so. But I agree CB…Snow has some work to do.I say sign Sutton.
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Chris R says:
Garth should give a 1 year deal to either Sutton or Bergeron. If not, id expect to see Reese A LOT this coming season.
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Bryan says:
The Islanders defense to start the season is worse.
If Martinek is healthy and guys like Hillen, Hamonic and MacDonald break out then the Islanders defense is better by lucky.
Mind you that is a lot of if’s to upgrade an already bad defense.
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I think it’s weak. I’m not saying every player has to be Sutton-like, but its just terribly disappointing in my opinion. Especially if we keep Gervais. I can’t judge Eaton and Jurcina too much, but from what I read and what it seems, they weren’t too big of difference makers. I just felt this was they year we’d field a competetive team with the Islanders personality that would make a statement for the next decade.
I feel this is not the case and it’s just another year of a few exciting ups, but mostly downs…falling short of the playoffs and fighting about draft positioning.I hope Jack and Amac continue to develop though, pleasure watching those 2 last year.
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CT Isles Fan says:
I guess I will just wait until I see these guys play in an actual game for the Orange and Blue…
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ed says:
I think if Sutton is still unsigned the Islanders should be able to get him on a 1 year deal. Do we really have to endure another season of Gervais and Martinek? What do those two guys have over Sutton? Forget fighting. His hitting and blocked shots make him more valuable than either of those guys. Watching how Snow puts together this defense is my #1 priority right now. Not sure how DeHaan will handle the East which has just gotten tougher. DeHaan is super thin. Give him another year to fill out imo.
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RAMen says:
I’m still waiting for the last shoe to drop. The cap floor beckons for one more move at least, and I hope we add another solid defenseman to the mix. Otherwise, barring Hamonic having a rookie of the year type season, this group of defenseman is not really an improvement.
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If not shuffling chairs on the deck of the Titanic, it’s still shuffling chairs. Seems like a draw to me with nothing to justify next season’s price increases.
Given the current roster, I really fear that Hamonic, Donovan, and company will be rushed here for PR purposes when they should get a full season at the Bridge–and only a taste of the NHL.
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Drouin says:
They need to add more. Sutton would still be a good fit.
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MN says:
They’ll probably low-ball Sutton once solid offers aren’t on his table. He said he’d like to come back. As far as Meyer… my dad will be happy to see him go.
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znatokhokkeya says:
I think there is an improvement – instead of 26th we’ll finish 25th. there in no way they make the payoff with the lineup like that. last place in the division guaranteed.
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Mark in Ottawa says:
What do you think of the Islanders’ changes so far on defense?
Top 5 draft pick – CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Top 5 draft pick – CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
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ralf says:
It’s a mistake not bringing Sutton back, he actually wants to play for the Isles and is the only player they had that made opponents wary of entering the Isles zone, I’m sure going to miss seeing him line guys up and crushing them with that hip check.
As for Meyer, see ya later. -
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
If Garth is done shopping on D … We can expect to have a much worse defense than last season. Easily.
I’m not going to speculate or suggest who Garth should target or trade for … I just hope he can tweak the defense before the season starts.
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Angry Bill says:
I didn’t think our defence could get any worse than it was last year. Guess I was wrong.
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potvinrocks says:
Sutton is a much better Dman than Eaton. Jurcina is a upgrade from Meyer, but I didn’t have Meyer as a top 6 Dman for the Islanders.
They have to prepare for injuries. I think if Travis starts at Bridgeport, that he’ll be called up the first time some one goes down.
what is the deal with Kelemyov? -
Oye Comeau Va says:
No improvement on D means a long season ahead. They have more guys now that can tell the small forwards when it’s raining, but they have no toughness. While I like Eaton’s experience, shot-blocking, and ability to break up passing lanes, Jurcina is a waste unless he uses his huge frame.
Sutton would be a great addition to this team. Sign Andy, send Hamonic to AHL, de Haan to OHL, and waive Gervais. There is no way they bring him back next year when he becomes an RFA, right?
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sean says:
Bruno blows and martinek gets hurt if you look at him the wrong way. Our team will be a joke to the league unless we make the playoffs and win a series otherwise commentators will laugh when they cover us. The entire NHL knows It’s a joke the way we run here on the island but what will happen in the future or where we will be in 2016. The only players that would come here are all has beens and washed up players that will play anywhere just to play and don’t care about winning. Islanders fans can write a book about a rough 20 years from 1990-present Hehe well 93 playoffs was a good run.
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raul17 says:
I’m disappointed with moves on D. Sutton was a good fit and really thought he would be back. I don’t know enough about Eaton & Jurcina, but I didn’t Meyer would be back if there any d-man signings. Mark Flood were have been nice for the Tigers and a good stop-gap with Martinek not expected to play a full season again.
I still think they should buy out Witt and thank him for years of service to the club.
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Dadi says:
Eaton is good 5-6 D in the average NHL team…and Jurčina…oh, nevermind.
Lottery pick, here we come again. -
I feel that the Islanders could have kept Meyer and Sutton and not touched Jurcina or Eaton. Who knows if Meyer or Sutton would want to play here or not, but Eaton is not a physical d-man and Jurcina is absolutely terrible. I really dislike the Jurcina signing and feel that the Isles D will be worse this opening night than last opening night. Eaton is a third pairing guy who is decent but Jurcina has to prove a lot. Don’t like it. The Isles brass said playoffs were their goal this year? How with this lineup?
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Not a fan of the Eaton signing. Pointed out at the time that he had more hits than only two regular defencemen(Enstrom, Poti). He joins what is arguably the softest blueline in the league. And it’s not as if they are oozing with skill. Streit is outstanding but none of the others would be top-4 on a playoff team. Which this will not be if that is the group that starts the season.
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ChrisW says:
Lose Gervais and Martinek. Bring back Sutton and Meyer. Sutton at least. Kaberle instead of Meyer perhaps?
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If I were Jurcina I’d be embarrassed to see how much harder and tougher a smaller Meyer plays the game – how one can have such a tremendous natural asset and not use it is beside me . . . But, of course, I am not Jurcina, Meyer, nor Andy Sutton. I am but a fan, who can only make assumptions based on how hard it appears a player is playing. With that said, however, fans are not dumb. We can sniff out great effort and strong heart like the best bloodhound. For god’s sake isn’t that what being an Islander is supposed to be about? Haven’t we been force-fed the “Nystrom” ideal of what it means to be a hard-nosed hockey player? (I mean, what IS it supposed to be about anymore?) Players like Meyer and Sutton should be rewarded and looked at as leaders on this team, not castaways. I like the Eaton and Jurcina deals, but only because of the rest of our D – it’s a shabby bunch (no offense to the youngsters, who wouldn’t be playing on most NHL rosters) at best, and it’s going to be very tough to make the playoffs with this group the way it is today.
p.s. – the Witt situation is a joke, and I’m tired of laughing when it comes to this team. At least they haven’t announced a 17 year deal extension for Martinek (yet).
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Rombough says:
D-man grade:
Fittingly, a D!
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2Bit says:
I went to see the Isles play the Kings in LA last season & a co-worker of mine who is a big Kings fan was impressed with Meyer. I always thought Freddy was under rated & find it baffling that the Isles seem to be letting him walk after such a strong season. Personally I’d love to have him & Sutton back. Sure wouldn’t make our defense look any worse.
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Scott from Newburgh says:
It seem illogical not to bring Sutton back. I see no downside (asside from injury) to have him in the lineup. We can get him for a resonalbe price, he likes playing for the Islanders, he has size, can hit like a frieght train, can fight if he has to and most importantly knows Gordons system. Plus Gordon said he was one of the best defensmen on the team.
I say get the deal done! -
Ethan K says:
Sutton and Meyer are DEFINITELY a more physical combination than Eaton and Jurcina. Eaton probably has the most offensive upsides of the four, and Sutton is the best shut down defenseman. That said, none of the four, nor any combination would really make this team a playoff contender… I still see Philly, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington, New Jersey, Buffalo, Montreal, and Boston better teams than us, with the Rangers, Ottawa, Leafs, and Hurricanes being close to us. It’s going to be one heck of a fight for a 7th or 8th seed.
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StevieL says:
What do I think?? not much! The charade continues…..
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Bob says:
I cannot believe that Hamonic would not beat out Gervais…heck I would rather have Freddy Meyer over Brutal Gervais!
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Isle Be Damned says:
This is not a good defensive squad at all. I do not understand why they didn’t resign Meyer, but they intend to bring Gervais back. Just dump Gervais & Witt & Martinek. 2 of the 3 of them aren’t NHL caliber Dmen and the other one can’t stay on the ice for more than 30 games a season.
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RH from NJ says:
Is it me or do we seem to be like the movie “Groundhog Day”? We can’t get better until we get better players but we can’t get better players to come to LI until we play better.
At best we stayed even (which was 26th in the league as someone previous had pointed out) and more likely we fell back some with Eaton/Jurcina.
That said I would still like to see Sutton back…spend some $$ on players and not silly bonus clauses for DW ($10m for 100 goals) just to get to the floor.
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Michael says:
As long as BRUTAL gervais doesn’t see the ice we are better.
Would like to see Sutton back.
Jurcina was a scratch for Columbus last year he is a non factor. -
Tyler says:
The way i look at it is you lost two fan-favorite players who have a lot of heart and NYI pride. Their replacements are not enough of a step up (on paper- we never know until the season). Every Washington fan I know has laughed at us for taking Jurcina – but maybe his Scott Gordon relations will spark a breakout season? Eaton was a good veteran experienced sign that I approve of but should have been signed in addition to Sutton, not instead of.
We also forget how valuable and underrated Martinek was when healthy- so you never know with him.Overall should have kept Sutton, added Eaton, forgot about Jurcina, and given Hamonic the chance to crack the line up.
Only time will tell who is right -
Al L says:
The issue here is as plain as the nose on your face and has nothing to do with putting a competitive NHL product on the ice. Its all about the cheapest way to fill a roster with enough borderline NHL/AHL level players and settle at or slightly above the Cap Floor. Until further notice,we will continue to be sold a Bill Of Goods and this so called ‘Rebuild’ will be on going!
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mike 8 says:
How is it possible that Snow DONWGRADED on defense when he was making prouncements of making the playoffs a few weeks ago?? The problem with the Isles last year was they were very soft, so what does Snow do? He let’s the only 2 guys who hit anybody go and signs two guys who are SUPER SOFT!!!! Seriously, WTF?! And of course deHaan will make the team when he’s not close to ready, this is how a mickey mouse organization operates.
If the Isles ticket guy calls me about a ticket plan this year Im laughing in his face. -
UIF says:
I think I like those four “depth players” better than half of the “NHL” players.
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JD says:
What do I think of our current D-men? Talk to me when the 2011-12 season starts when hopefully Hamonic and de Haan are part of the top 6. As far as the current group goes, no confidence at all that the D will be better than last year.
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john says:
Garth Snow promised us a playoff run!! This defense promises us a run away from the playoffs!!! Any questions. And I still get calls from Isles reps wanting me to re-up. Jurcina, Eaton, Parenteau and Konopka = no chance!!!
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GlenS says:
So here we are another summer of the wanger not spending a dime. So can someone please explain to me why. When you get team’s like chicago/Pittsburgh they go through the draft and a rebuild and add some F/A but not the Isles. This in my opinion has become a JOKE…
Plus let’s not forget that he now has all the $$$$$ from the NVMC.
So in my opinion there’s no more excuse to spend some to at least get a few $$$$$ over the cap floor.
LETS GO ISLANDERS….. -
WM says:
It is shameful that Bruno Gervais is still an Islander.
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On Edge says:
Def is way too soft for my liking.
Looking for a rookie like Hamonic to perhaps make lineup and provide some toughness is ridiculous and asking way too much of too young a player. Not happy at all. Eaton is nice player BUT he is similar mould of what we already have in Hillen, MacDonald, Martinek, etc, etc. Need that player who plays with edge and plays physical.
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With that line up Rolo better be on his game every night. He can expect to have alot of traffic in his crease because this group couldn’t clear my grandmother from the front of the net. Our fowards are sure to take a beating again and our powerplay will suck as usual! Bring back Sutton and make Bruno the team chef. His cooking can’t be worse then his defense.
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Bert Marshal says:
With this D Rollie going to have to clear the crease himself
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Bruno is a disaster …He could not throw a check if his life depended on it…When he does,the guy slips away and ends up on the scoring sheet with an assist or a goal…It is imperative to bring back Sutton…He is a physical presence on the defense and is a leader on and off the ice.
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The Real JD says:
Read my lips ….. There is NO WAY the Isles make the playoffs.
1. the defensemen are underwhelming
2. the overall team defense in our own zone S-T-I-N-K-S!!!!
Roloson is a playoff caliber goalie but if they dont tighten the screws and up the hockey IQ in our own zone we have no shot.
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rb says:
I think they will be improved.
As for Martinek, I’ll say what I did last year at this time. Get him healthy, and trade him as soon as possible before he gets hurt. Do not bring him back next year. Made of glass.
MacDonald will be the 6th defenseman when this team becomes a playoff team. He’ll improve.
I don’t see Hillen here long-term when the team becomes good. I like his compete and his skating, but his shot is not good enough and his offense isn’t good enough for him to be Rafalski.
If DeHaan is healthy and if they don’t think he’ll get crunched and be re-injured, I could see him sticking while Hamonic goes to Bridgeport. Gordon says he looks “NHL” ready. Hamonic comes up with injuries or trade by December-January. He could stick too. I don’t see two rookies back there to start.
And I still like Reese as a “hold the fort” guy on my third pair until somebody outplays him.
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Ricardolikland says:
This offseason has been a disaster. Wang told snow to not spend a penny mote then cap floor. Even if anyone did sign w isles they would of moved another player to stay at league low payroll. Islanders cannot compete in NHL with Wang as a owner. That’s certain. If Wang stays expect another ten years of league low payroll. New building or not.
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doug says:
Harmonic will make team this year
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Mike says:
The Islanders are jacking up the cheap seats 40% to $35. I don’t remember the last time I paid $35 for two tickets much less one. Eaton doesn’t exactly make me want to crack open my checkbook and make a deposit for this team. Eaton and Jurcina is not an upgrade to Meyer and Sutton.
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mike says:
I will take a guess that Gervais will be out, Sutton will return, and Hamonic will be here by Christmas!
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Biggie says:
Have to bring back sutton. Those d will have no chance clearing anyone away from the net, which was a problem last year and the current lineup is less physical. I’d love to bring back sutton and Meyer as a pair, then have eaton and streit as a pair, then you have marty and whoever you want to have with him. That’s a decent d for a good price.
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G$ from Florida says:
You gotta be kidding me that Snow hasn’t signed Sutton no matter the cost already. The guy hits, blocks shots and made up for Witt’s toughness and wants to play here. 2 Yr Deal Snow do it now already you goof ball!!!
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Oxposo says:
I think the standard analysis — that the defense is too soft — is made even more troubling by the general lack of size among the Isles’ forward corps. But given how long size and grit has been a problem for this team, you would have to think that Snow is well aware of the problem, and so for that reason I would be surprised if he were done. After all, Sutton and Morrisonn are all still available, and the Islanders have the money to beat any offer if they want to.
If Eaton was signed to be a top-pair defenseman for us, then I think we’re probably right to complain that this is a dumb plan. But Snow is a smart guy, and I’m sure he has no illusions about Eaton being that good. Eaton is no top-two defenseman, but I think he would make a fine top-four defenseman. Let’s just pick up a good physical presence for the first pair!
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IsleFan73 says:
Hard to see any improvement on defense so far. The Isles are still too soft as a team. I do like the Konopka signing, but the rest are underwhelming. Gordon was begging for size. My biggest criticism of Snow and even Mad Mike has been the undersized team we always seem to put on the ice. We can still rebuild with a few, “low cost” big bodies. At this point, JT will need a better dental mouth guard. I will wait for the final roster before I really go nuts over the size issue.
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mht says:
As a soon to be UFA.Garth Snow was able to get a second round draft as compensation for Andy Sutton from Ottawa.Does anyone out there think that Mark Eaton could have gotten us a similar return? The idea of making the playoffs with this cast is far fetched.Hamonic and De Haan will be given every chance to make the roster.Every team in east with the exception of the Rangers and Sabres improved their team this off season.For a 1-2 year contract,Sutton would look great in an Islanders uniform.I am not a fan of Milan Jurcina at all.
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Vas says:
My thoughts of the islanders free agent signings do far: Terrible! On the blue line they have taken a step back! If Garth could not get a premier D-man during free agency fine! However he has done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to improve the team SO FAR to improve the team! Not naming names but I have spoken to a rep for the islanders and they said it is absolutely embarassing that they have not made any types of moves to improve the team! And they wonder why they can’t sell season tix!
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Frank James says:
Step down in toughness.
Defense has the look of a non playoff contending team. -
Bob says:
Unless Brendan Witt returns to the Brendan Witt from 5 years ago, and Martinek finally stays healthy, our defense got worse. Fowler or Gormley would have been a nice addition to a young Islander defensive core of Hamonic, deHaan and McDonald.
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mm30 says:
A defense that reeks of a 30 win lottery team again…they will not make the playoffs. This defense is the Charmin Express.
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hathead68 says:
Not impressed at all with the free agent signings so far. We still lack the physicality we lost with Sutton, Meyer, and Witt (unfortunately Witt kept getting turned around too much to be very effective). Can’t rely on Martinek staying healthy, or Gervais to be consistent either defensively or offensively.
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alex says:
Meh. Cap space fillers. It seems like they are hoping Eaton or Jurcina can have a great year like Poti did when we signed him. Other than that, without any upgrades on offense, this team as is should not be expected to make the playoffs. I hope they sign some players to change that (I doubt they will, given they have to still sign Weight and then will likely let a prospect or two crack the lineup).
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Bruce says:
Not much improvement and too many ? marks!!!
Will Bruno help or hurt us?
Will Radek play or get hurt . . . .again?
Witt? Not part of the picture so say 7 DmenI can really see us pulling up Dmen after 4 weeks into the season.
Really, Garth will not pull the trigger on $$$ players until Wang says o.k. I don’t buy it when Garth says he has money to spend – I just don’t!
We will struggle defensively – again and you know what, Streit will see enough of it and sign somewhere else when his contract is up!!!
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Nyslefan says:
I don’t see how this team could edge out eight others in the East for a playoff spot. It’s not clear what possible “big move” or developmental leap from a youngin’ would change that at this point. Let’s face it: We’re not in the middle of a “slow rebuild” but stalled in the gutter of the league with no clear path out.
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Andre says:
The Isles defense next year? Garbage. The Isles team next year? Garbage. I wonder how long it will be before Tavares realizes that the Isles are a lost cause and wants to leave. I am ready for Draft Lottery 2011. The Isles have no chance in the division (will finish last) and will end up near the bottom of the conference. Top 5 pick is in order again. Of course, this could change if Garth can get Kaberle and/or and another top 6 forward. I don’t see that happening though.
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mark p says:
Snow may be able get rid of Witts Salary by trade.
He need to take on a another teams bad cap hit…..that had previously paid out front loaded cash…for instance Rangers owe Rosival 7 million total $’s over 2 years…but the cap hit is 5 million per.
If isles Trade Witt for Rosival….Isles payout an extra 4 million over 2 years…while uses up the cap hit in the years before they approach the cap.
Rangers save 2 million hit hit year 1 and 5 million in year 2.
Maybe Jason Blake? Maybe there is another player out there? SHeldon Souray?
I checked Brian Campbell…..that contract is too crazy.
Idea is Isles get the cap $’s without actually paying out the cash. -
cjzimm says:
Thanks CB. Can you review the forwards tomorrow?
I wouldn’t be against bringing Sutton back at the expense of Bruno. Jurcina has potential so lets see what he can do in a contract year.
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nyislanders93 says:
A downgrade on defense for sure. Sutton and Meyer were the team’s top two hitting defenseman. Sutton had the best year of his career and Meyer was also good. The softest defense in the league just got even softer. Unless there is a big trade, it looks like another bottom 5 finish next year.
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pdebenedetto says:
Hard to believe that the Islanders are not bringing back Freddy and Sutton……find it even harder to believe no one has signed either one yet…..and wouldn’t Witt be a servicible d-man on some team for depth if he was truly healthy???
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jaymz27 says:
CB… Please give us something on next year’s draft elegible players because with this D, the Isles will be in the lottery again.
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Cary says:
Morale is low and rightly so. Snow’s moves so far have totally sucked.
We need a trade to upgrade our D as there aren’t any ufas worth it at this point. I would have liked to have seen Sutton come back instead of either of the 2 knuckleheads we got, but now I’m saying no to another older d-man.
Eaton and Jurcina are depth players, not the top 4 d-men we needed (lets be honest and say we needed a #2 d-man, ok?).
The only signings I dislike more are our new forwards!
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orngfan says:
one change i would make right now is cutting all ties with bruno gervais. we actually won some games when gervais (-15) was out with an injury. hamonic has to be ahead of gervais on the depth chart. i’d be shocked to see him play beneath gervais. he was the worst defenseman of the year on a very bad defensive team. witt only played 40 games or so he can’t be the worst.
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Sean G says:
Simply put…we will still suck. End of story.
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Ari hanpaa says:
Do you guys think snow can build a Stanley cup winning team with a payroll that’s under the cap floor? If not then how can the islanders continue to tell us we are getting closer and closer to the stanly cup?
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Joe says:
Downgrade, absolute downgrade. Not one of these guys can hit.
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Andy says:
Could be worse for sure, but I don’t see the point to -not- re-acquiring Sutton.
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Call the Oilers. They waived Souray. Gambling on his health is a risk sure, but the D as constructed is going to get brutalized in the East. Isles could use his shot offensively and his salary to get them comfortably above the floor\closer to respectability.
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Marry Had A Little Lamb says:
Who is the projected #1 draft next year?
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BillyBC says:
Streit-Harmonic
Hillen-Eaton
Jurcina-MacDonaldNot too bad in my opinion, think they have a chance to play solid….a chance. Isle fans, please dont jump out the window every opportunity. Next year we will add some solid young players and it will come…
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This Defenseman named Larsson is projected no. 1. Honestly we need him.
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Jerky says:
The additions made to the defensive corp to date (Eaton and Jurcina) are reasonable but the subtractions of Sutton and Meyer are baffling. In the end, I agree with most fans who posted above that it nets out to a downgrade from last season. The subtractions MUST include Gervais for there to be any sort of net gain. As such, I believe Garth has one or two more tweaks to make before the season begins but it may take him until the exhibition season is over before it happens (as I believe CB stated may happen in a piece a couple of weeks ago). Someone like Hamonic could easily displace Gervais and result in him being placed on waivers before the regular season kicks off.
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Gotta say I’m totally underwhelmed. I guy who did OK in Pittsburgh isn’t going to do as well on the Ilsand where the forwards don’t create the same space for the D to operate. Here’s hoping we see a deal for a quality D man cause there isn’t a whole lot left on the shelf other than Sutton. I know alot of folks love Andy Sutton and I’m in complete agreement but his age and injury history suggest he’ll only help for part of the season.
This club isn’t going to the playoffs this year. Not enough O, suspect D, and Methusela in net. If they rush Dehaan and Harmonic they could really stunt their respective development. It’s another year of patience and scoping out prospects prepping for draft day
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bossjones15 says:
Terrible, first off I would much rather Sutton with Hillen. Jurcina stinks and does not belong on the third pairing or in the NHL period. I really hope this is not what they start next season with.
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Islebethere4u says:
I think I’ll call it even. Sorry to see FMIV go. If Sutton is signed then I smell a deal coming on. I don’t think Snow is done yet. If he’s not, then there won’t be room at the inn for Gervais, Martinek or Witt. But I just don’t know what they can bring in this market. More draft picks?
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anthony c says:
This is in no shape or form a playoff team next season. They didn’t really improve. And for those who think they improved mightily, please explain. Cause I just don’t see it. Two teams that did improve and look like possible playoff teams are tampa bay (obviously), and surprisingly atlanta after acquiring ladd and byfuglien from chicago for basically nothing.
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the1gwiz says:
Size only matters if you do something with it. Hopefully Gordon knows how to get something heretofore unseen out of Jurcina, because this corps isn’t putting fear into opponents or inspiring confidence in the fanbase.
The need for toughness was evident to everyone last year, even with Sutton’s big hit per game and Meyer really stepping up the physicality once Sutts was moved. There’s nothing Eaton or Jurcina have ever showed that says they’re the guys that can play that type of game. Feels like, at best, a small step backwards in the weakest facet of the team’s game last season.
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billy says:
great stat about the 30 hit club haha
replacing sutton for jurcina doesnt make much sense.
Glad to forsee the end of the gervais experiment, he wont beat anyone out for a spot.
Why make another possible d move to have to buy out more contracts though? Too many 1 way deals i think -
Gary9-19-22 says:
DOWNGRADE!!!!!!!
Very disappointed so far…not so much left, but there is enough UFA still available to help us make the playoffs… Let’s hope that Garth plans on adding that toughness up front. I.E. Asham….
The way it looks so far, bottom 8 again…. I really thought this was the year to make a real push… Again, very disappointed so far…
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CJCB says:
offer Cairns a contract, maybe offer the whole front office contracts ans skates. What a way to save money, GM can play goal, Cairns and Morrow would probably be upgrades over our current Defense, even at their advances age. Lets get it done!!
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Healy says:
Disagree that Eaton played better because he was in Pittsburgh. Sometimes when you are made the star of the show (or in other words get a better opportunity), you do more with it. Look at Streit, Poti, Sutton on our team. I think Eaton will probably step up and be fine. Don’t know about Jurcina though.
I think Snow can still upgrade this team by grabbing Sutton, dumping Gervais, and adding Frolov. Let our young D prospects gain weight and experience in the Bridge this year and let the patchwork defense do its thing. They aren’t that bad. For all the discussions of size and physicality, has anyone mentioned how well they actually play defense?
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isles72 says:
the rebuild at the forward position is 2-4 years ahead of the rebuild of our blueline so we all need to suck it up and wait for it to happen.
havent seen enough of Jurcina to comment on his ability but since Gordon coached him in Providence he probably hinted to Garth that he’d be a good 6-7 for us.
I like the Eaton pick up but kinda hope theres 1 more depth type veteran (maybe Paul Mara for example)added to the roster that shuves Bruno into the pressbox .
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I like to say, it has a potential upswing to it. Jurcina could be thay surprise player. If the isles, are able to get Sutton back, then I’ll say the D got a signficiant upgrade from the start of last year. The D-corp does allow for room for players to move up, which is good for the rebuild.
I’ll be more interested in next year, when contracts of Witt, (Martinek and Gervais?) are all up. So much of the D will have to rely on the future success of the quad players. -
Isles Fanatic says:
Sadly, I wil agree with whatmost of the posters hav said…the teams D is too weak to compete for a playoff spot…
With the changes made on D, the Isles will be har pressed to reach the point total of last season….sadly…
But, we can hope to see Hamonic called up before Xmas and watch another pillar of the futur grow…
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chrism says:
bruno gervais=luis castillo—the team just needs to get rid of them-even just for the fan base
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gary says:
think its a downgrade too! Bring back Sutton for a 2 year contract
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David Volek says:
How can the isles rationalize not bringing back a guy like andy sutton, after failing to sign one of the top UFA dmen. I like Eaton and Jurcina, but you dont replace suttons physicality.
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John from ATL says:
It’s not about this year. Eaton and Jurcina are transition players, holding down roster spots until, de Haan, Hamonic and Donovan are ready. Hamonic should get some time after the trade deadline.
Next year Martinek and Jurcina are gone and replaced with de Haan and Hamonic. The following year Eaton is gone, possible replaced with Donovan.
The Isles will not make the playoffs with this Defense but, the overall team will be better than last year. Just not by that much. Top ten pick, not a lottery.
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dose says:
it’s a given that a couple or few d-men will go down with significant injuries. it’s now franchise tradition. therefore, bring back both sutton and freddy.
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Tony F. says:
Snow is dreaming if he thinks he’s going to make the playoffs with this team. Too many of the teams we play often have become more competitive. Teams like the Devils, Toronto, Pittsburgh, etc. will be licking their chops when they face this defense. Sutton and Freddy were the only two guys on the team who played physical and could play hockey. I just don’t foresee much to cheer about this season, we’re going to get our heads handed to us as usual and another high draft pick.
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Frankie D says:
Last season I believe we gave up the 2nd most goals, I don’t see any improvement this year.
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MorDraftPicks says:
Dont think we have improved at at all. Another disappointing season in the works unless a big trade of some kind (not) is on the horizon
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Jethro09 says:
I don’t think the defense is improved from the one they had last year. Jurcina is no better than a Meyer or Gervais and Eaton, while a solid get after losing out on Martin and Hamhuis, is no better than Sutton, maybe worse. We all know Martinek won’t be healthy since he never is and Witt will not be on the roster.
Its disappointing that the “D” is no better than last year, but at least we can say its not because of a lack of effort on Snow’s part. He made strong moves to sign Hamhuis and Martin, by all accounts, and they chose to sign elsewhere. Can’t fault Snow for that. That’s the fault of the dump they play in and the perceived uncertainty surrounding the future of the team. No GM can overcome that.
All we can hope for from a “D” standpoint is that Hillen and A-Mac continue to improve, Streit remains solid and Eaton steps up and plays well. The lack of physicality on the back line is startling, especially since there’s no size up front either.
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shlo says:
I do not believe that Snow does not realize that the defense is pathetic.
He says what he has to say, part of the job.
Like the idea of Cairns and Morrow back on the team. Better than what we have now.
At this stage of the game only third tier players will sign with the Islanders. -
Isles81 says:
In my opinion the changes on defense are a lot less than we need or were led to expect. That is going to be one porous defense. Also, the Witt situation is just horrible. They bought out that lazy bum Yashin but won’t do the same for a guy like Witt? Come on Isles show some class!
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Brian in VA says:
That is some quality depth on D… We are making the AHL playoffs! This organization is a TRAINWRECK!!!
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rpchief says:
Besides his big hit per game, what other toughness did sutton show. Was he skating around fighting every chance he got. No he had 4 fights and lost 3 of them. The team toughness is the most important thing. If the oppent knows if he hits JT he’s going to have someone step to him. The D will be OK. Forget about FA for now. Its about the draft. Hamonic, DeHaan, Nino, the Kyrills, Donavan, Brock and the two huge goalies. The team is not going to add FA until these players develop. And if they add more top five picks along the way then so be it. The super slow and steady rebuild. Lets Go Islanders.
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Turning the page, yep they are turning the page of another Trainwreck year! See ya KO/JT and Streit, just think in a few years you three will be on teams that care about winning…
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Chris in DC says:
Martin and Hamhuis are both overrated, IMO. Sutton, as good as he was last year, was injury-prone his first couple years here. Not sure who else saw him play then, but Eaton really showed up in the Penguins run to the Stanley Cup. He’s durable and doesn’t make many mistakes. Jurcina’s a big body who’s capable of some good things. His ceiling is higher, and he might be a wild card. Look out for a possible comeback by Witt if he mends fences with Gordon, if (when?) Martinek gets hurt again, and if we ship out Bruno. That all said, not very impressive; but not too terrible either.
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niko1677 says:
Mark Eaton is quite possible the worst Dman in the league in terms of 1st pass out of the zone. Pitt got rid of him because he was consistently endangering the forwards and slowing down their flow by dumping the puck off the boards in his own zone instead of making a stick-to-stick pass. The absolute worst part of this season is that there are 8 one-way contracts on D as of now which means no room for Hamonic to even make the roster. If we are gonna suck you might as well give the fans some hope for the future in bringing up some of the kids we drafted.
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Bring Back Sutton says:
Lots of solid posts. Obviously we all have reason to be down on the roster as is. Lets just hope Garth isn’t done. IF this is what we begin the season with we will definitely be in the Lottery. Lets hope we can net one of Sutton, Souray or Kaberle to upgrade this already putrid defensive corps. If only Kasper, Pilon, Uwe Krupp and Vlad Malakhov could lace up the skates again!!!
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EAF says:
they can’t bring back Sutton because they have to pay 3 mil to Witt. What a joke the whole organization is.
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mrlbem says:
Too soft and not good enough to make any reasonable fan think the team will improve over its 26th place finish last year.
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Hollywood says:
One word describes the FA moves Snow made for our Defense P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C! Eaton is a bum, I actually like Jurcina but not instead of Sutton and Meyer. For all the Sutton haters, He wasn’t here to fight. He had an excellent year for us and should have been brought back!
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If this is supposed to be an upgrade, I would have to say that Garth was a failure at best! This is almost certainly a downgrade. Sutton was a feared presence on the blue line and few guys in the league outworked the Fantastic IVth. Big mistake letting those two guys slip through the cracks. But I’m just a lowly fan of 35 years, what do I know? Like Dennis Miller says “thats just my opinion, I could be wrong”!
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islandersfan4ever says:
New year,same old BS!It’s all about money.The only players worth watching last year were Sutton and Meyer.Sutton was our only decent D not named Streit(who IMO didn’t play like he really cared,just wanted to warm up for the Olympics).Meyer played his heart out, and REALLY stepped up once Sutton was traded.Wasn’t THAT about money? Our only hitting shotblocking D traded?WTF?Roloson was gonna save the day, but the only thing surley about him was his personality, surely not his puck stopping abilities!Sure, he had a few good games, but nothing that the fanbase could get excited about! Biron NEVER got a chance to show us his stuff.As a new season starts, I keep thinking that I was so lucky to have been around for the first 11 years of this franchise, cuz it won’t ever be that good again.Wang,please sell this team to someone who cares about hockey.Your motives are too transparent.
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joey bagodonuts says:
streit and hillen will be here long term. so will hamonic and dehaan. so realistically, we’re looking at two long term spots on D to fill. snow was on the record saying he attempted to sign the top tier dmen available and it didn’t work out. there’s always some solid dmen available in the free agent market every year. if it didn’t work out this year, it will next year. no worries. and if the 2009 defending cup champs pitt entrusted eaton to 20 minutes per game, then the 13th place islanders should have no problem either.
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Jim says:
Bruno Gervais returning? No deHaan or Hamonic? Still no def. toughness? Looks like another long year. Good luck to our goalies who are going to take a beating.
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4theisles says:
#77 called the defense the charmin express – he is being too kind the proper term should be the “Used charmin express”
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IslesAl says:
Even as recently as a few years ago, they would grab a Sutton, Witt, Streit, Weight, Satan, someone to help fill out the roster. Now with the most cap space they have had in recent years, the only full time NHLer they are able to sign is Eaton. It would have been a nice addition to the roster to try to replace what the Sutton/Witt combo provided back then, or perhaps a veteran scoring forward to help our young forwards develop. We have the lowest payroll in the NHL, and $12 million of that payroll is for payments not expected to have any impact on our season (Yashin, Witt and perhaps DPs pending retirement limbo dance). How can they compete with the Pens, Caps, Devils with a net $24 mil payroll? These are dark days for our Islanders.
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hyedray says:
Jurcina and Eaton are good additions, but we have 2 pieces on the blueline that need to be handled.
Martinek and Gervais should be moved out in some way — be it trade or waivers. Martinek, if healthy can be very good, but lets face it — the chances he will play 75-82 games is highly unlikely. Gervais is not a bad player, but needs a change. He is not getting it done on Long Island, and I have him at 8 on my depth chart.
If Snow can add back 2 more effective players, he would start the season with 7 strong.
UFA Options that make some sense:
Andy Sutton
Shaone Morrisonn
Mike Mottau
Aaron WardAny of those 4 would be upgrades over Martinek and Gervais. Sutton and Ward are older, and should be on 1-yr deals. The other 2 are intriguing, and would like seeing them in blue and orange
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RV says:
mediocre at best
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Hockey1919 says:
My final analysis of the Islanders defense – Roloson better remain healthy.
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Adam B says:
We keep Witt and Weight for their salary cap hits rather than reaching the cap floor by getting capable (no not prolific) free agents who will actually PLAY for the Islanders next season.
How is this smart? I thought having room to the cap floor, let alone cap SPACE, was a good thing, giving us many options. Instead we shoot ourselves in the foot and put a band-aid on it.
And if we’re stuck with Witt’s contract, isn’t he still better than Gervais? Why bury him?
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Petey Pete says:
Would like Sutton for one more year. Although, I think the biggest defenseman story of this Islanders season will be the progress of Hamonic and de Haan in Bridgeport and Oshawa, respectively.
How they develop will have much larger ramifications on this team than how Eaton or Jurcina perform.
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isles66 says:
CB- is Martinek healthy and ready for camp ? Hillen and Andy Mac will continue to improve. Streit is solid and will see a ton of minutes. Bruno likely to be odd man out. The big problem is the division and for that matter the conference continues to improve faster than we can keep up. Pressure will be on Roloson to keep us in games much like last year.
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The new isles gm says:
As much as I am not a fan of Jurcina, he’s got his one year deal to prove himself on a team that will give him plenty of opportunity to excel. Worst case senerio, it doesn’t work out and he’s hitch hiking for a new team with Bruno next summer. I think that Hamonic should do a year in Bridge n Donovan n Dehann should get a year in Juniors. Adding Suttun will def improve our D and provide trade bait once sgain for maybe a third round pick. I do expect everyone to improve their numbers next year n Roloson holding down the fort but with our division doing what they can to be a contender, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be looking above us on the standings. In fact it wouldn’t surprise me if us, Columbus, Toronto n Florida sit at the bottom of the league all year. When is it safe to say were on the right track?
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Look, our D will be mediocre, but I honestly feel we have tons of offensive upside. J.T, another year older, Bailey adding more muscle, K.O, will be a little more confident, Schremp has showed some sick skills, and now that he has a home, he will show us why he was a high draft pick. If just one of Petrov, Kabavov, or Nino make this team, we have lots of firepower. Pittsburg won with offense. In Hockey, if you put the puck in the net more than the other team, game over. You win! The D will eventually come around, with DeHahn and Hamonic in the fold. You guys are pretty depressing, this will be a pretty good team despite management! Garth is not allowed to spend money, period. end. Free agents know it, and don’t want to sign here. Until a real estate deal gets resolved, this will be the story. Until then we should compile as much young talent as possible, so when there is a resolution-BAM- everyone will want to sign!
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NYI 1972 says:
I gave up on him, but Myer played with heart last season, especially with some big hits. Not getting Sutton is a mistake. As was mentioned above, I’d give Witt another look and try and move Bruno.
With the amount of tough guys in our division, do we have to wait until one of our kids is concussed until Garth addresses bringing some ‘edge’ into the line-up? -
Brian says:
With the Islanders cap room and the potential bargain’s still out there, I expect Garth will add something before training camp. Whether that is Sutton or someone else, who knows. Martinek certainly can’t or shouldn’t be counted on for anything.
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Reese in Chelsea says:
I’ll be sorry to see FMIV go. He played with grit and heart last season and had a few nice goals with a big shot from the point. I thought Sutton’s sudden-seeming authorotative presence coincided with a decent win streak that was halted by his suspension. I’ll miss them both.
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Pat says:
Who are we really kidding with this defense. Were not making a push towards the playoffs, were making a push towards the 1st overall pick in next years draft. Dump Gervais and Martinek and please bring back Sutton who will actually hit somebody. Why not try Willie Mitchell if he’s healthy. I know it’s a risk but what do we really have to lose. As it stands I will not be spending one red cent to see this team play.
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SCLI says:
Collectively, Still an extremely weak corp of D men, in need of a major upgrade. Maybe if Hamonic or DeHaan make tremendous strides this year it will improve but thats unlikely at this point.
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admin says:
As a reminder, this is a one comment per reader entry. Also, the subject at hand is the defense corps only. Thank you.
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cahoward28 says:
There is nothing wrong with this defense corps if you tell me it’s two years ago and we still have 3-4 years to go in the rebuild. But for Garth to come out and tell us it’s playoffs or bust this year and this to be the defense that plays against Crosby/Malkin six times, Kovalchuk/Parise six times, Gaborik six times, Flyers numerous talented bruising forwards six times, Ovechkin four times and the list goes on, is a total joke and a sham. There is NO CHANCE that we make the playoffs in this division with this defense. NONE.
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John says:
For all those clamoring for Sutton… what is he asking for?? How many dollars and how many years? While we all know Martinek is Mr. Injury, last year was the first time Sutton hadn’t spent a great deal of time on the DL. I’d look for Snow to make a move in early August on the teams terms not the players terms. Sutton at 2 years at about 3.5 per year sounds right for this team.
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PotvinwasbetterthanOrr says:
It’s very unfortunate but as of 7/21/10, Garth has not addressed the issue of size or scoring. I truly hope, if he sticks with this current line up, that he does not believe the team will make the playoffs.
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RDC says:
Sutton is not a very good defenseman. He throws a nice hit once or twice a game, but gets turned around like a top five times as often because he’s simply not mobile. Factor in his age, his health issues and the contract term he’s likely looking for (2-3 years) and he’s not a good fit. You’d be looking at Brendan Witt part 2 in 12 months. I’d rather have Eaton. Meyer tried hard, but is simply too small to fit with an already small blueline.
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Frank nyc says:
I am one of those optimistic Islander fans and i got to say, this D corps looks worse than last year. We did get some size but what is the use if these are guys who don’t really use it. Sutton was big and he used it. Meyer was small but turned out to be very physical.
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Hock says:
I would not call it an upgrade…pretty much a wash, at least on paper. Eaton sounds like an efficient D-man. I know the fans wanted more snarl, but this could turn out to be an effective group along with the growth of Hillen & McDonold. I believe Garth tried to make a bigger splash and it didn’t work out. This is probably plan B and help is on the way in Hamonic & DeHaan.
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Tobi says:
Ugh, that list looks awful. Just awful. Won’t reach the playoffs with those eight for sure.
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bossy22 says:
Future looks the bright..the present, not so bright. On paper, this looks like another long year, but games are not won on paper, so we’ll see
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Jamie says:
I am waiting hoping for a Sheldon Souray to islanders for Brendan Witt type trade.
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beatlebailey says:
big fan of sutton he was our best defensemen on the ice most nights last year..stupid to not sign him
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Ajax says:
Our D core is lame.
That is all.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Gee, when did Andy Sutton turn into Larry Robinson? One decent season in which he manages to stay healthy and he’s the answer? Then how come noone else has signed him (or FMIV)? Bottom line is the game has changed. Whereas teams used to have a few large bodies that camped out in front of the net, the Tomas Holstroms of the world are now few and far between. Puck movers are now more essential in Bettman Hockey, and we have a few of them and more on the way. As someone pointed out, the “D” rebuild is a few years behind the “O”. We’re not a playoff team at this time and neither Sutton nor FMIV would change that!
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Brian G says:
This is the worst “D” in the League…hopefully Snow has a trade up his sleeve, but we know he never makes any trades
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Tony says:
It worries me that the only time any of the Isles d-men will shed the gloves is after the game in the locker room.
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Frank Di Pietro says:
Not shaping up to be a solid defence. Here’s hoping Roloson stands on his head every night once again. The only hope for a reasonable defence would be if MacDonald and Hillen continue to develop and play well, and if Martinek can stay healthy.
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jislander7 says:
This team is without a doubt worse than last years team. Eaton and Jurcina are 6th Dmen on a good team. I understand not getting the big fish but not even getting a guy like Kubina? Tough to take. Nobody wants to play for this team.
In the long run it actually helps the Isles out. Give me 5 great big splash FA signings that actually worked out in the last 3 years. A lot of these free agents rejecting the Isles and Garth makes him look better. Has anyone ever watched Hamhuis and Martin play? 5 mil per? I feel like I’m on crazy pills!
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Ken nyc says:
I see a couple different names, but no improvement from 26th in the league. As its been said already, Gervais & Martinek should not be on this team. Yes, Martinek has skills if healthy, but past history says that’s not happening. Bring Andy Sutton back, at least he hits. Overall, our D is a grade D.
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Jim Clark says: This corps of defencemen will play great in front of Rick DiPietro….in the universe where Spock has a beard. Garth is right to pay little for mediocrity instead of pay a lot for mediocre free agents.
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Nick says:
Sure, it sucks we missed on the bigger names in this FA class. But I was happy to see that Snow was heavily in the mix.
I like Streit and Hillen as a top line. They bring offense. Streit can run the PP. That line is very, very solid.
This is where things get dicey. I like the pairing of Eaton with either MacDonald or Martinek. All three are steady. But it’s decent, that’s it. A true top-four defensemen is still needed. MacDonald and Martinek would look much better on the 3rd pair.
The 3rd pairing pairing with Jurcina and either Mac or Mart is average. Remember, Snow was shooting for the moon, and missed. Eaton was a solid recovery, but he was a fall back.
Hamonic should make the team, goodbye Gervais. But even if he doesn’t, we all know Martinek will get hurt at some point. D talent is in the pipeline, Snow committed to Eaton and Jucina on short-term deals. Bottomline, we have an average defense right now, but are positioned very nicely for the future.
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felix says:
Besides Streit, Martinek (when healthy) and maybe long shot arguably Hillen, not one name should be penciled in higher on an NHL team than 5/6/7/8 d man. Hoping and praying Hamonic and De haan coem through.
This D situation is brutal.
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geduffer says:
Seeing this D on paper makes me glad that I refused to renew my season tickets. With this D as it is the Isles would not even make the AHL playoffs. Streit, Hillen and Macdonald. Martinek can’t stay healthy, Bruno is an AHL talent. Eaton’s a 3rd pair guy and Jurcina is a depth guy.
Garth is smoking something way better than I could get if he can use Isanders and playoffs in the same sentence. I expect Garth to be drafting 1st overall next year. -
JSExpress says:
Not much of an upgrade… Seems foolish not to bring Sutton back, especially if he wants to play here. Would be nice to have some added depth, and not have to worry about rushing Hamonic and DeHaan this season. As it stands now though, I think we’re in trouble again.
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jason says:
this team will be ajoke again this yr!! hey barely upgraded at all. I dont blame snow. I blame TOH. Why would a good FA want to sign here anyways. You have no clue what will happen w the future with this organization
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IslesYanks says:
No offense to Nino, but this article really makes me wish the isles had done whatever was possible to move up in the draft and go for gudbranson, who I think will be next year’s tyler myers. I don’t get all the Eaton bashing… true, he’s no gonchar, but he’s as solid as it comes… and his stanley cup ring is no fluke: he was a big part of the pens success. Let’s go isles! Can’t wait till October!
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Diane says:
UGH. It looks to me like the beginning of a re-model of the D corps. First the size I guess. They obviously like Hillen who while not so big, is coming along nicely as a sound defenseman.
Toughness seems to be less of a priority, maybe because there is no real chance of making the playoffs anyway this next season.Anyway, season hasn’t started yet and we’ve got plenty of time for Snow to make another pick up or two. And hasn’t he done that the last 2 summers? No worries…..
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Mark says:
RDC speaking some sense. Eaton is an upgrade defensively over Sutton. Addition by subtraction with Meyer and Gervais(I’m assuming he doesn’t make the team? Another year under the belts of McDonald and Hillen. I think the D is already looking better than last years. Sutton is largely overrated and is prone to mistakes in his own zone. Before his contract year people forget that Sutton would throw one of those hits once every 5-10 games instead of once a game.
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brooklyn george says:
It’s hard to not put bigger and more physical in the same equation. I hope they both turn their style around and use their size. Time will tell and this season will prove if these moves were correct ones.
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jmo16 says:
This scenario is an easy one to handle & sets the stage for developing players to be eased into the fold from B’port. We have salary issues to reach the floor, right? So, sign Sutton to 1 yr @$2.5/3.0M or 2 yrs @ 2.0/2.5M. Throw FM another year @ what he got last year($650K?)and the Isles have insurance on D. Take the best squad out of camp(assume: Streit,Sutton, Martinek,Hillen, Eaton & Jurcina) and then we have AndyMac/FM or Bruno to insert when someone gets hurt. AMac can go back & forth, Freddy can be a regular healthy scratch & Bruno can go up & down to BPort, hopefully getting claimed on waivers at some point. This eliminates the NEED to RUSH TravisH or CdH into the lineup & allows them an opp. to be called up short-term. Barring a big signing this season, Garth is gonna have as much fun getting to the cap floor next year with an approx $8Mil less in contracts(mostly Witt & Yashin hits). That is, assuming we’re suddenly not back in on the Ilya madness.
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jon from nj says:
why not to freddy?
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Section 320 rocks says:
Minimal at best!!!
No where near enough to make the playoffs!!!
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steve from jersey says:
Didn’t like the jurcina signing but the eaton one is fine. Sutton woulda been a lot better then jurcina… That being said its over stocked and soft. They need to trade away bruno martinek and witt. Doubt they can get rid of them all but take a bag of pucks at this point.
I always loved radek but he can’t stay healthy, witty is done here and bruno is just not consistent albeit a good guy. Will see what happens its only july gota be some moves coming
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I don’t have anything against these guys but it’s not like the offensive talent level in the NHL is weakening, it’s only getting stronger.
We can’t out-score, we can’t out-hit, we can’t skate by on our talent and now we still won’t be able to stop anyone.
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symbol says:
we all can wait for the season to start and eveyone has us in last place.
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27Tonelli says:
Andy Sutton is a slooooooooow big goof, who gets beat up every time there is a confrontation ! We wud be better off with Shoane Morrison !
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islesnut says:
looks like another last place season, with all those nobody d-men. DONT BUY TICKETS PEOPLE.
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jeff says:
Ugh!
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TM says:
This year’s D is worse than last year’s and that’s saying something. Roloson can’t be asked to play any better than he did last season so NYI will finish bottom 2 in the league because of this D.
Spend money in Queens please to resolve the pathetic D and everything else.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
I can’t say I love or hate the signings, but the way things go for organization basically means that these guys would be a lot further down the depth charts in other organizations. I hope I am pleasantly surprised by the two additions but from what all the info says about Eaton and Jurcina we probably sacrificed some toughness. Maybe Garth has something up his sleeve for a trade but I think I could date an ice girl before something like that happens.
As far as the home grown or already established Isles I am hoping that the young guys take a big step forward. Martinek being healthy is always a big plus for the Isles but again that won’t happen (see ice girls comment above). All I can hope is that they are solid and play smart in front of Roli and give our forwards more space to create on offense. Time will tell. Time will tell….
We really should consider bringing back Sutton–Yes, hes going to be paid less, but make him an offer, with a deadline for him to accept or it comes off the table