“I’M ALWAYS GOING TO BE A NEW YORK ISLANDER”
Contract not renewed, Trotts is still loyal to his team
CB at FanHouse: Rick Dudley on
Since word got out earlier last month that the contract for his services as a player development coach for the Islanders would not be renewed, Bryan Trottier disappeared for a while. He got away from the phone and spent the last few weeks visiting with his mom in Saskatchewan.
In typical Trottier fashion, he expressed only positive sentiments about the organization and optimism for many of the team’s prospects when contactd by PB, simply confirming that he currently did not have a role with the team. General manager Garth Snow told a newspaper the team was finding a new position for him. Trottier had nothing to report on that front, but asked for the opportunity to speak directly to Islanders fans. He spoke while I took notes.
“I’m very grateful that I had the chance to re-connect with the Islanders, Long Island and New York. I had the player development position for the last four years, but the re-connection to the franchise really began in 2001 when Charles (Wang) and I started dealing with each other one-on-one, going back to my number being retired. I consider Charles a friend. I’m pretty sure he knows I’ll be there for the Islanders if he needs anything, no matter what role I have with the team.
“I loved working with our young players. The best part was the personal time spent with them. I’d go to Denver and see Rhett Rakhshani for a few days. I’d spend a lot of time in Bridgeport. I’d go out West and watch Travis Hamonic play and spend some time speaking with him. I’d speak with the players’ coaches. I really have a soft spot for Casey Cizikas. He’s just a good person and we had a great time getting to know each other and working on his game. I’ll be rooting hard for him, like I will all the prospects. I guess I always had a strong connection with Blake Comeau because we’re both Saskatchewan boys. I like the way Blake plays the game.
“We have a good crew of prospects. If given the time to mature, they should do well and hopefully grow together as important parts of a winning team. I feel good about many of the players’ futures.
“If I’m going to work for a team, I want it to be on the hockey side. That’s where I feel I have everything to give. I’m proud of my record working with Washington’s young players when I was coach in Portland, and of my work in Colorado as an assistant helping develop their players. I’m very happy with how far many of our prospects with the Islanders have come.
“It’s not necessary for me to have any official kind of ambassador-type role with the Islanders. The bottom line is that I’m one of the biggest ambassadors for the New York Islanders you’ll ever find. I’ll do that for nothing for the rest of my life. My family’s home is in Pittsburgh, I was part of Cup teams with the Penguins, but even when they introduce me here they say, ‘Bryan Trottier of the New York Islanders.’
“I’m always going to be a New York Islander. I’m always going to be a supporter of Charles and the franchise. My relationship with the team and the fans there is second only to family. The opportunity to be part of it again these last four years was really special for me. All I have are positive feelings and a lot of appreciation for the people I had the opportunity to work with. Please thank the fans for me. I’m sure I’ll be seeing them at some point down the road.”
Comments on Bryan Trottier.
96 Responses to “I’M ALWAYS GOING TO BE A NEW YORK ISLANDER”
Contract not renewed, Trotts is still loyal to his team
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Hoguefanclub says:
We love you Trots! But please don’t say you’ll be an ambassador for Wan g for free…He’ll expect just that! Thanks for the memories and the great Isanders Class that is always examplified by your love for the Isles!
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Frank nyc says:
He seems like an awesome guy.
I would love to know why they released him and janks.
We will probably never know. -
Bobby Banton says:
Class Act. Hope hes back with us in some form again.
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Jeff says:
Long Island loves you Trotts…always such a classy guy who only did positive things for the Islanders and Long Island. hope to see you around the Coliseum for years to come.
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Jeff says:
I rarely leave comments…but this is with it. Trots will always be one of the great Islanders of all time….and full of class. Nice job here.
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Petey Pete says:
Trots keeping it classy. Good on him.
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Andre says:
What a tremendous class act Bryan Trottier is. He will always be a revered Islander and a champion. I just really wish the team could find him a good hockey position. His wisdom and knowing what it takes to be a champ will be so important as the team transitions from a rebuild to a legitimate contender. Garth please keep Bryan in the organization somehow.
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CJ says:
Interesting. Something’s still not right.
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Ari From Long Island says:
What a great guy! I want him back with the team pronto!
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anthony c says:
you are the man trotts.
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Islebethere4u says:
Good Luck Bryan. Always loved ya. Always will.
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mtrico says:
Some classy comments by Trotts right there.
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Howard says:
Class act all the way. Trotts will always be the heart and soul and all-time captain of the franchise.
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mark p says:
Did Trot’s get replaced or is now adding that role too?
It’s been nice seeing Trot’s, Boss, and Butchy around the past few years. I think it helps many of us put up with the mediocrity (or worse) that we accept year after year.
Trots always says nice things in public….so it will be hard to know if this was a clean break.
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Ethan K says:
Why on earth doesn’t he get to keep his job? We’ll never find anyone as good! Great guy on all levels. He should be on Islander ice forever.
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Eric Cup says:
I was lucky enough to have the Islanders send my son’s pee wee (12 yr. olds) hockey team to China for 10 days 2+ yrs. ago and I was one of the coaches. We had won a contest and represented the Islanders as Team USA (we were just a house league team) in the Charles Wang Project Hope hockey tournament. Trots came along with us and we all got to know him. He ran practices for us as well as for the teams from Finland and China. This was MY sports idol growing up in high school and college and now I was on the ice,riding buses and spending down time in the hotel with this man halfway across the world. The story Chris just posted is vintage Bryan. This is the man I got to know. Upbeat – Positive – Class! He brought 3 of his Stanley Cup rings with him to China (“80 Islanders, Pitt and Colorado) and let anyone who wanted to try them on. The Chinese treated him like a hero and he was a true ambassador. I’m sure we are all glad Chris was able to track him down so he could have his say. Thank you Bryan.
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Honnold says:
Ditto. Thank you, Mr. Trottier. To management: there’s no shame in changing your mind. Bring him back! (Same goes for Billy Jaffe).
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World class! Wish I was old enough to have seen all of his games as an Islander. Great statement, thanks for sharing!
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TM says:
Not only the greatest all around player to ever play the game but a great person too. He never truly got the attention he deserved because of the lack of media on LI.
Did they name a replacement for Trotts as player development coach? Or is that just 1 more thing that Wang is doing without?
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Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
I just want to know what BS reason Snow or Wang had for eliminating the job of player development, or giving it to someone else. Trotts has a very strong resume with Portland, Colorado. What is this all about??
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2nd Class Organization says:
Another classy job by this wonderful organization.
How do you get rid of Trottier / Janokawski?
This team is a joke-Oh that’s right this is the same team to cheap to have a freaking Radio Station in the biggest market in the WORLD!!!!When do “WE” the fans just go to a game and stage a walkout in protest?
All 800 of us -
hathead68 says:
Trots is a class act that’s for sure. Still don’t understand why his contract wasn’t renewed. The idea of him working with our young players and prospects was perfect. What position now on the hockey ops side could he fill? Head amateur scout? Coaching? Just want Trots working with our guys. No better ex-player for a young guy, especially a center, to learn from.
Mr Wang, what are you doing? -
Triz says:
Trottier no one else compares.
I guess wang is cutting staff to save money since you hear more about him letting go of development office people instead of signing players.
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Bruno says:
A class act all the way.
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david says:
When it comes to an all around player in hockey scoring ability, physical toughness,and character, has to rank as one of the best 20 players of all time in hockey!!!
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the bomber says:
they dont make em like that anymore….
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Chris G says:
I am pretty sure Wang is going to sell the team. He is cutting so much “good” staff that I really don’t understand why. It really only seems that he’s gonna sell the team
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Eric says:
Class act. Always a class act Trottier. One of the all time greats, one of the better all around players of all time, and very happy he’s an Islander. Please Wang, find a role for him with the team. Dont be stupid, we need to continue to reconnect with the cherished past.
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Frankie D says:
#8 I couldn’t agree more. Something’s not right. Notice he mentioned his love for Charles and the players, but didn’t mention Garth. The old saying is you don’t burn bridges. I’d like to hear Jank’s take on this whole thing.
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Brother Rat says:
Trots is a class act and a great man who cares about the Isles, the Isles’ legacy, and the fanbase. Those talents and personalities are indeed hard to find. We can only wonder at the direction this org is taking…don’t get me started, let’s focus on Trots…development is results-oriented, not nostalgia-oriented, but there should always be a spot somewhere in the team organization for one of our best all-time players. Thanks once more, Trots!
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steve says:
Classy response. I love Trotts, the player, but some of the of ice stuff hasn’t always been. I wish him the best.
As long as we win hockey games, I can’t care about the behind the scenes stuff as much. I was upset about Jankowski, but the truth is, none of us know both sides and it isn’t fair to assume the reasons. Unfortunate, but it is still a buisness. No matter what, as long as there’s still a team, I’m still an Islanders fan.
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JTorBust says:
He has more class and acomplished more than anyone making decisions for this franchise combined. He was one of the greatest two players ever and to have him want to be part of this franchise and help develop our young guys only to be turned away is completely unacceptable. 19 forever…
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terry says:
It will be tough to keep being an isles fan when they do stuff like not use all the winning tradition the guys of the 80s could bring to this young team and teach them how to compete and win.I for one will miss listening to billy jaffe on tvwith his honest view of the team and game.Snow and Wang can now have the whole organization be yes men and say what they are told to say.
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es says:
he exudes class – hey garth – are you taking notes?
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Niteislander says:
Bryan Trottier the best to ever wear an Islander Jersey. 6 time stanley cup winner and incredibly classy guy. Thanks for the memories Bryan.. You are still the man.
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Railbait says:
Great guy, tremendous hockey player, and my all time favorite. All the best to Brian! I hope he lands the vacant assistant GM role, or buys the team with LaFontaine.
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PotvinRocks says:
Always a class act. Good luck Trotts.
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isles66 says:
First class all the way !!!
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Millsie says:
Class act. When I worked for the team, I asked Bryan if I could take a picture of him with my son (who at 5 years old, had no idea of who he really was). He could not have been nicer. Seeing that my son was a little shy, he took the time to talk to him (instead of just posing for a picture) and made him feel comfortable.
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Dano says:
Another example in the growing list of alumni complaints. He always exuded class and gave some dignity to the the organization and now they let him leave? And taking the name of “Bryan Trottier” out of the equation many of the kids have been developing quite well under his mentoring. File this rather full bucket of things this organization does that doesn’t make sense.
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GE of GN says:
Thanks for the message from Trotts, that brought a tear to my eye!
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dose says:
i’m happy and relieved to hear the positive comments and restated loyalty from this all-time great. but like a few others, i’m really perplexed. something still irks me about the whole thing.
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StevieL says:
Trotts #19 an Islander forever! He will be remembered for as long as an Islander jersey is worn in the NHL! (which might not be long!) Class act. I treasure my Islander “old time Hockey” cap that Trotts autographed on Tavares draft night!
Now the real question, “What in the H-E-double hockey sticks is going on with this org.?” seems to be a 1 way door on the office suites and it is “EXIT”! -
drive45 says:
I spent many days of my childhood playing hockey in my driveway saying “Trottier shoots and scores!”. I wonder if this is mutual, his family does live in Pittsburgh…thats quite a commute to Uniondale.
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David Volek says:
shouldn’t trots be behind the bench? give him bridgeport, or an asst post?
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Travelchic59 says:
My all-time favorite Islander. EVER! Thanks for the write up, CB.
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Well he’s classy and we’re the NY Islanders, I’m sure he’ll more than land on his feet. Can’t say the same about the team…
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rick says:
We really dont know the situation, trotts will always be an Islander. but without knowing EITHER side of the story, we shouldn’t be blaming garth for him not staying on as player development. maybe there was a reason. hopefully garth will stick to his comment and find him a new spot in the organization. my guess is, they offered him something else that was not a position that he wanted so he didn’t accept it. good luck trotts. No matter what I’m always an Islander fan.
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Hock says:
I think this interview relieved us all of some anxiety we had when it was announced that his contract was not being renewed.
Trottier is Islander royalty!!!
Now let’s get a Jankowski interview.
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Trottier, jaffe, Jankowski,—–3 of the greatest talents this organization had are now gone. Since I love this team and I am tired of the yo-yo effect, (perlexing firings one day, an up-beat article on a talented prospect the next), I decided to let management do their job and see the results before going on prozac! Since I am not taking any meds, I may be a bit delusional, but I am really excited to start the hockey season. Go Isles, and Bryan, you were, are, will be forever in our hearts. Your loyalty can only be matched by the fans who truly love you!
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Matt Scordato says:
Glad he’ll always consider himself an Islander, but I still can’t get that image of him as Rags head coach out of my mind. The only thing worse would have been Bossy standing next to him behind the bench.
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Irish Isle says:
Wow great to hear from him.
Talk about class and professionalism. Wonder he has no part on Wang’s team.
Love hearing his take on the kids. And how much he loved going to watch them play and talk hockey with them.
And who are they going to learn about being an all around hockey player that is better than Trotts?
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JerseyBoy says:
Easily the greatest Islander and two way center of all time. The heart and soul of this franchise, and a class guy who’s covering up the hurt for the benefit of the fans. I’ve met him several times along the way, even got to buy him a drink at Apple Annie’s after he scored his first hat trick in ’81-’82. I reminded him of it last year at the Draft Party. You should have seen his eyes light up. As I’ve said before here, this is the second time he’s been dumped by the Isles. The sad truth is that Trot’s (and Bossy) have remained connected to this organization only because they were offered paid positions. Can’t speak for Bobby Ny or Morrow, but Gilles and the rest are long gone.
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Mike says:
class act
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Nick says:
First Janks, then Jaffe, now Trots!! Three tremendous people that the Isles were lucky & fortunate to have in the fold. And all three wanted to stay!! They will regret these moves. Makes me wonder what the heck is going on behind the scenes this off-season. All the best to Trotts, but what a classless operation this organization is quickly becoming.
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Allen says:
He’s classy that’s why he isn’t around the organization anymore, they don’t keep classy people around.
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Jerky says:
Trottier’s comments lead me to believe he will not be back with the organization in any capacity any time in the near future. Along with a few fellow posters, the recent moves made by Wang and Snow with regard to Trottier, Jankowski and Jaffe (plus the removal of the radio duo King/Mears and the general media blackout of information on all these matters) lead me to believe there’s more here than meets the eye. The team may be rebuilding for the future but the organization is a sinking ship. I suspect we’ll find out a lot more one day.
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Isles Fan in Toronto says:
Trottier, Bossy, Potvin, Gillies, Smith, Goring are the main reason that I still follow and love the Islanders today.
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isles71 says:
One of THE greats to play this game and even classier person!
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Healy says:
Class act all the way!
CB, any chance of an article on what is happening behind the scenes at the Islanders? Are we just jaded and burnt out as a fanbase or are these moves harbingers of something brewing?
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jim says:
Trots is a gem! He refuses to stoop as low as the Isles organization and remains a class act. I agree with 58 and believe there is more going on than meets the eye. My guess, the Isles move to Quebec (new arena there) as soon as the lease is up and Wang sells the team. Just my opinion.
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Baz says:
Trots – I think I represent every single Islander fan when I say that your talent and personality will never, ever be taken for granted by us. Thanks always!
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Lame that the Isles didn’t renew him. Glad he’s still proud to be an Islander.
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Jeff says:
What a class act, always was and always will be. Great teams embrace their own and Isles should really find a place for Trotts.
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“The bottom line is that I’m one of the biggest ambassadors for the New York Islanders you’ll ever find. I’ll do that for nothing for the rest of my life.”
This line actually made me cry when I read it.
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Hockey1919 says:
Trottier can never truly be re-paid for all that he has done for this organization. Without him their would be far fewer Islanders fans than there are today and he remains a true gentelman and a professional. I appreciate that he doesn’t want a token “glory days” rep job and is committed to being what he is first and foremost a “hockey guy”. We don’t need one of our all-time greats being a glad hander when he has proven he has the smarts to do so much more.
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Staten Islander says:
Trottier was my favorite Dynasty era Islander, it was such a thrill for me to meet him at the draft party 2 years ago. If he had done for the Rags what he did for the Isles they would have named 34th street after him and erected a statue for him the size of the Washington monument in Herald Square.
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Pete says:
Lots of great memories Trotts. The dynasty years will live forever…
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jonsson3 says:
Thanks Bryan for the 4 straight. Those were my 4 years in high school and it was great winning all the time. The best part was ragging on the Ranger fans EVERY YEAR! I would not have been able to do that without you. I saw Mike last year at a game and told him the same thing. I’ll never forget what you guys did to make that point of my life very very special.
Thanks a million times.
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isles14 says:
pure class.thats all i have to say.
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jimisles says:
Trotts easily is the greatest Islander of all time. While growing up, Tonelli was my favorite player and I would work my tail off on the ice to be like JT. I would have arguments with my father (Rangers fan) about who was the best all around player on the Isles. I’d ask him if he really watched how well JT played. Then he through it back at me and asked if I ever watched how well Trotts played. Well wouldn’t you know it. I spent an entire game watching #19. The guy was unreal. JT was my favorite, but Trotts hands down was the best on the ice. Thought I’d share that story…..
Now about this organization and the circus it continues to thrive on. I have zero clue why Wang & Co do what they do. From what I have heard, the front office has always been run like this, regardless which owner had the team. But as fans the only thing we should be concerned with is the product that the Islanders put on the ice. These kids are now another year older and should be better. Yes there is the need for a few more players, but it is what it is.
Could be worse……. We could be Cubs fans
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Ari says:
With the comments by Trotts, it’s even more complexing why he is out of a job. I don’t understand why he couldn’t continue in his role. Hopefully he is back in the organization officially very soon.
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Manhattan Mike says:
#19 on your scoresheet…#1 in our hearts!!!
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tonyd24 says:
we stink…
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Al L says:
The class and loyalty this man has shown since his ill fated mistake in Manhattan and final statement here should embarrass this current dysfunctional regime and public relations nightmare immensely. Sadly, due to an owner who’s elevator evidently doesn’t go to the top,I don’t think anything is being recognized intangibly wrong or tangibly unwise with these(Trottier,Janokowski,Jaffe)moves!
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Luvs_19 says:
Glad to know you are well. Belated happy birthday.
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1972 means I'm Old says:
The best two-way player of his era. A leader of a team that went to the Finals five straight years. A man of such high integrity and skill-level that even rangers fans couldn’t bear to rag at him. And he’s told there’s no room at the inn? God help us.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Trotts was my dad’s favorite player from before I really knew what hockey was about when I was a kids (before the Cups). Eventually I got to see him and all the legends win those Cups together with my dad. Great memories. It is so sad to see them just let him and Janks go. I agree something is definately fishy in the organization right now, and although we are returning to the classic jerseys all around something stinks like the fisherman era. I hope we all have some news to be happy about in the near future and not more dissapointment. Thanks Bryan!
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Blizzard says: ….cant say that trots is my all time favorite player, but I did love him during the Dynasty years. Hope he stays with the team at some capacity.
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Stevie10703 says:
Its amazing, they can find a place for player development for Eric Cairns but they can’t for Trotts. Sad.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
It’s no secret that Trotts is my all time fave player. His attitude in the interview proves why he’s such a great all around person.
He pretty much echo’d the positive feeling he gave me in our short chat at the draft party. He was extremely high on the bulk of our prospect corps and thought Nino was a perfect piece to a future Cup contender. He praised Snow’s patience and was proud of his work.
He said he looked forward to working more with the prospects because he felt it was the best job at this time in the organization. I really really felt great after that convo. Now … Not so much. Trotts had the biggest impact in making me a complete hockey player at a clinic he ran one summer. I went from a 3 goal a year 4th line winger to a 50+ goal 1st line center the very next season. The man can teach.
What I see this summer is the disassemblement of the rebuilding machine. Consolodation of cash and cherry picking of front office job reductions. Islander University interns seem to be the prime focus of front office task delegation.
Next step? … Getting a cheaper brand of coffee and no more sugar for the front office coffee station?
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Never witnessed a Cup says:
I all of a sudden feel proud to be an Islander fan…It gave me chills…I hope, someday, we can restore some pride & tradition…Terminating, Jaffe, Janks and Trots, is NOT the way to do it!!!
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Jack says:
Look at the respect and love the fans have for this guy as well as other Islander greats. This is another part of the game of Hockey that Wang just doesn’t get. These guys have huge value to the fan base and need to be here and not released without an explanation. All of the teams with a great past keep the great players around in some capacity. Trotts should be here. Wonder what happened to Bossy after the Business Club was closed down?
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sean says:
They should find another place in the organization for him. Wang should listen to what fans want.
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Dave H says:
What is going on with this organization ? Gone – Jankowski, Jaffe, and Trottier, and no explanations from the team management ?
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brooklyn george says:
Basically, what it comes down to in this organization is that if you speak your mind and they do not want to listen, then your’e out. Just like having a mother-in-law in your house lol. Going insane with all this lets just pley hockey. Good luck Trotts.
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Isles fan in CA says:
Pure Class. Thanks Trotts!
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cm33 says:
Love Trottier-my father owned a local business in nassau county-trotts used to come in-he was extremely nice-i was much younger but i knew who he was-i was always too nervous to say hi to him..good luck to him
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admin says:
Comments thread closed.
Good luck Brian. You are the greatest Islander. I still have my autographed (empty for about 30 years) jar of your peanut butter in a place of honor.