THE ROSTER SO FAR, PART II: FORWARDS
Can Snow find his forward version of Wisniewski?
More than a few readers got a chuckle (at the writer’s expense) when I gave my Islanders’ free agency forecast on June 29 the sub-head:
“Taking his time, Cool Hand Snow will get his men”
I ended my piece with…
The Islanders will get the men they need in this market. 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.
On the second-to-last day in July, Snow found an ideal man for his beleaguered defense corps in James Wisniewski, the former Duck and Blackhawk who hits, blocks shots, can produce 30-40 points on offense and will play like he cares.
On the last year of his contract, Wisniewski – and this should not be viewed as an insult – clearly believes he is a better player than Chicago and Anaheim thought he was. This is a very good thing; Wisniewski may well be right, and he came to the right place. Just as the Islanders provided Mark Streit with a chance to showcase his talents, Wisniewski is going to get every opportunity to prove he’s a $4 million defenseman as he enters his prime.
Everybody wins. By having Wisniewski for this season (and maybe many more), Snow also buys time to evaluate his prospect defensemen and allow them to develop properly.
Will James Wisniewski be the next great thing in Islanders Country? Probably not. No matter the circumstances, good hockey people like Bob Murray do not get in the habit of giving away brilliant players for third round picks. Wisniewski was not only offered to the Islanders. The Ducks were clearly not alone in believing he was not worth $3.2 million-plus. But was he the perfect get for the Islanders in their current climate? You better believe it.
Bravo, Mr. Snow. Bravo.
The general manager has acquired his difference-making defenseman in Wisniewski, who upgrades the current blueline lineup from poor to average. The question now is, can Snow complete a similar deal for a forward who can make the Islanders a legitimate contender for one of the Eastern Conference’s eight playoff spots?
Time to review the forwards.
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As of August 2, with the signings of free agent Zenon Konopka and P. A. Parenteau, the Islanders appear to have the following eleven forwards set for the opening of the 2010-11 season:
1. John Tavares
2. Kyle Okposo
3. Matt Moulson
4. Josh Bailey
5. Frans Nielsen
6. Blake Comeau
7. Trent Hunter
8. Rob Schremp
9. Doug Weight
10. P. A. Parenteau
11. Zenon Konopka
Tavares, Okposo and Bailey are still on their Entry level contracts. Weight’s signing has yet to be finalized, but Snow is on record from late June saying the captain would be back. After agreeing to a one-year deal before an arbitration hearing, Moulson is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July 1. Parenteau and Konopka are on one-way contracts.
The Islanders have one heavyweight forward on a one-year, two-way contract for the upcoming season:
Trevor Gillies
Gillies should be with the big club for parts, if not the entirety, of the season. Snow is on record as saying he sees Gillies playing on the fourth line with Konopka.
The roster has a handful of prospects fighting for an NHL roster spot:
Matt Martin
Jesse Joensuu
David Ullstrom
With eleven players fairly locked in, it will be a battle for the youngsters. While Martin will play in the NHL at some point this season, whether he makes the team out of camp will be a stiff challenge he’ll have to prove he’s ready for.
Most intriguing of all, the Islanders have a trio of high-end talents who could make a push in training camp:
Kirill Petrov
Nino Niederreiter
Kirill Kabanov
At age 20, Petrov is the most ready. Scott Gordon’s glowing comments at prospect camp opened the door for Petrov starting the season with the Islanders (he needs to be signed to his ELC). If Niederreiter and Kabanov are not rushed into the NHL, they have to play junior hockey this season – Niederreiter in Portland (WHL) and Kabanov in Moncton (QMJHL). A return to junior is the smartest course of action for both, although you better believe the Islanders will give Niederreiter a long look. They put Josh Bailey directly into the NHL, and Niederreiter is a bigger boy.
The team also has some capable young forwards with varying roles who did not sparkle last year in Bridgeport, but should improve with more experience in the AHL and provide depth for the Islanders this season:
Justin DiBenedetto
Robin Figren
Tomas Marcinko
Rhett Rakhshani
Micheal Haley
Of course, we must give a category of his own to…
Jeremy Yablonski
Gone from the 26th-place Islanders of last season are Sean Bergenheim, Jeff Tambellini (signed with Vancouver), Richard Park and Jon Sim.
In that June 29 free agency preview on Point Blank, I wrote the following:
The Islanders’ shopping list is expected to include the following:
- One potential top-six forward
One reliable, experienced, rugged, penalty-killing, bottom-six foward
Not unexpectedly, the Islanders so far have only gone the “potential” route with that top-six forward. Pierre-Alexander Parenteau is 27 years old. In 29 career NHL games, he has three goals and six assists (3-5-8 in 22 games with the Rangers last season. He has hands, excels in the shootout and is a dynamo in the AHL. The Islanders hope he becomes their latest Moulson, not Tambellini. Parenteau got a one-year, one-way, $600,000 deal from Snow.
The bottom-six forward slot was filled by Konopka, who fights more often and slightly better than Nate Thompson, is better than him at faceoffs, is not as efficient a forechecker and scores about as often (they each had two goals in 70-plus games last season). Konopka comes from Tampa Bay, where Thompson was re-signed by Steve Yzerman.
It’s fun to note that the Islanders, who a year ago insisted they didn’t need players who primarily fought a lot, this summer signed Gillies, who averaged 3:24 of ice with the NYI last season, Jablonski, with one career NHL game at age 30, and Konopka, who averaged only eight minutes a game with the Lightning. All that said, there is no question Konopka will be a fan favorite this season.
From June 29:
Do not – repeat, do not – expect Garth Snow to have all of his shopping done by the Fourth of July. As he has wisely done in the past, Snow will wait as several good players slip through the cracks and begin to get nervous after the first ten days of July. For the kind of players Snow wants and needs out of this year’s crop, there is no rush.
Nothing has changed. While few quality scoring forwards remain in the free agent market, some will be available via trade. So far, Snow has passed on or missed out on deals for producers like Kris Versteeg, but there is still plenty of time to acquire his forward version of Wisniewski. The Islanders will be more than $15 million under the salary cap – and still have a little room to play with if they wish to stay close to the CBA-mandated salary cap floor.
Snow said his team’s failure to make the playoffs last season was a “disappointment” and his goal for 2010-11 was to qualify for the postseason. Even with the excellent addition of Wisniewski, the Islanders may still be asking Scott Gordon to be a Jack Adams finalist to get this lineup into the playoffs. The coach is capable, but why not give him a little more ammunition?
The Islanders need a top-six forward. The regular season is still two months away, and Snow continues to prove what he is capable of. The general manager shouldn’t stop now.
We’re inching towards our summer Point Blank hiatus, so let’s all finish strong.
82 Responses to THE ROSTER SO FAR, PART II: FORWARDS
Can Snow find his forward version of Wisniewski?
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Andre says:
I would love to see a trade with Dallas to acquire James Neal. I think he would be a great fit for the Islanders.
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IslesRVA says:
What that “Top-6″ forward does is allow everyone else to fall into place…It’s something of a domino effect. Guys like Hunter, Neilsen, Weight (at this stage of his career) and Comeau are, realistically, 3rd and 4th line players on a good team. A bonafide 30 goal winger would do wonders for Tavares, the power-play, as well as the rest of the centers, and we would NOT be counting on those lower tier guys to produce. Right now, who’s the go-to guy on the wing? Okposo? Moulson? That’s not a playoff calibre roster and deep down inside, we all know it
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Steve M says: Good read, Thanks CB. After acquiring Wisniewski, I can only hope Snow goes after a scoring forward. Stempniak is my top choice, but I would be happy with Afinogenov, or even Kariya. GO GET ‘EM GARTH!
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I’m not crazy about the available FA’s…i’m hoping he pulls off a wise trade. I have some faith. I’m unsure of Hunter, Weight, and somehow Comeau. And I was hoping Matt Martin and Petrov made the team.
Not looking forward to the PB hiatus…
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IslesFanInProvidence says:
I do not think it’s a case of “tooting your own horn” but rather pointing out that patience is key and there is a plan which some of us can see and reinforcing the fact that slowly (as predicted) it is coming together. In an off season where so much has been or has seemed to be negative, it good to see that things can fall into place.
I do think that we are 1-3 key pieces away from a legit team. With this roster, I think we could make the playoffs but it will certainly have to be some development by these young guys with good follow up season from shremp, comeau, and moulson. I think we are all assuming Rolo will still be able to do as well as he showed last year.
CB, Any thoughts on what type of package might be put together IF the Top 6 F comes via trade? Or should I say which assets might be most appealing to spark interest from other teams?
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bossjones15 says:
Bravo? Really?
Wisniewski has some talent but he’s a dirty hitter…Knowing the problems the isles had with Campbell in the past, the first questionable hit Wisniewski makes gets him at least 5 games, the next one will be the rest of the season. I’m not saying its a bad move but I think the improvement in the D corps over last year is negligible and the continued lack of size on d is troubling. I’ll bravo Snow when the team makes it to the playoffs, until then i’m hopeful but skeptical. -
Nick Pezzotti says:
If I was Garth snow I would be on the phone offering Washington a 2nd , 3rd and Comeau for semin. And I would have resigned meyer or sutton even after the addition of wiz.
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metalcoconut says:
We need at least one more surprise at right wing. We have 2 that belong 1 that is questionable. If Petrov does not make the team there needs to be some scoring touch on that wing or the attack is just going to fizzle out the way it did last year. The added size will help but a scoring RW would really open up the ice in the offensive zone.
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I would like to see us grab a veteran goal scorer even if he is a bit overpaid….
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Gary9-19-22 says:
Let’s see Petrov…. As much as I like the Nino pick he should have one more year in Junior. We may not be an elite team, but at least we don’t have too many players playing out of position… I.e. 3rd liners playing on the first line… Well, only two players…….
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mark p says:
Boston and Chicago need to dump $’s…and Stepniakis still available.
Garth should ne able to grab a forward without the long term commitment.
We should get our 3rd round pick back if we take Ryder off Boston’s hands. -
Mike from Oceanside says:
I think Hunter has had it. Doesn’t produce at all.
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beatlebailey says:
only in islanders country would we be excited about an “upgrade” from poor to average…oy
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Garth Shrewd as usual and calculated with his pick ups has done a decent job this summer until getting the Wiz which I think will be a great addition. Sounds like he is a good team guy and may have a chip on his shoulder being dealt beacause he was not deemed worthy of a big contract extension. I think Garth will get his scorer forward. Looks like a few teams may be going the route of Anaheim and looking to dump players and salary. Garth has the atience that none of us win hungary fans have and thank god for that. Excited to see what he does next. One more player like a Savard, Stempniak and we will be on the cusp of the playoffs this year.
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csk says:
looking foward to the goalie review…
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David Volek says:
I dont see how any GM can say that Wizniewski isnt worth 3.2 million when Hamuis, Martin and Volchenkov are similar players who all got more money. I think Garth Snow addressed a much needed weakness in the defense……well done.
The prospect pool the isles have is starting to look scary good. I dont see how they can get Petrov here as he is still under contract in Russia. I feel like only Matt Martin, and MAYBE Nino should have a legitimate shot at the team.
I am not at all impressed with the likes of Justin DiBenedetto, Robin Figren, Tomas Marcinko, and Rhett Rakhshani. Theyve been in the “system” and havent dont much for bridgeport. The recent draft picks are real prospects, and this team is prob 3 years away from a legit chance at the cup…….ITS ABOUT TIME.LETS GO ISLANDERS
Rhett Rakhshani
Micheal Haley
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Anonymous says:
Botta isn’t gloating, hes proving his point to NYI fans that you don’t need to be negative 24/7 and yap about how NYI suck, how the world is ending, how Snow sucks, because, Snow is getting it done, slowly, just as Botta said he would. Jonessu isn’t making the team until theres a bunch of injuries and Snow already said Gillies will. Please people, stop crying for once… just ONCE!
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The Islanders do not have enough talent to propel the team into the playoffs…Hopefully Snow can get the ideal 6th foward who is a goal scorer…And it makes no sense at all to sign Doug Wieght,it appears they are signing him , just to get close to the league minimum.
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billy says:
excellent read CB,
I’d rather see el nino,petrov,martin,joensuu make the team rather than parenteau (who shouldve been signed to a 2 way deal imo)
Since we have Konopka, why do we even need gillies? (unless he plays more than 3 minutes a game)
Unless Snow can grab a slick forward thru trade who you expect 25+ goals from , then play our own guys. -
The new isles gm says:
Big decision in Chicago today. Maybe the Islanders can make a move for Niemi just like they did for The Wiz?
On a more meaningful note, kudos to Garth for having the most patience in Islander country. Although this move does not immediately make us a contender, atleast he’s using his cap space wisely giving another very good defenseman the chance to reach his potential. I foresee Snow making 2 more moves as CB stated, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Hunter was traded and Petrov got a shot. I’m sure the scouts have expressed to Garth that Kabanov needs atleast a year and Nino taking on one more strong season in Portland. This is a year for many players to prove what their worth. They can thank Garth for providing the opportunity to get big minutes in all 82 games and have more of a role with an up and coming club. Moulson did his part and I’m sure he’ll talk to guys like P.A., Konopka, Jurcina and Martin, if he makes it. Streit will def be the captain of the defense corps using Wiz as a big anchor. Our powerplay just got that much better. Party on Wang, Party on Garth! It’s Wangs World…Party Time…Excellent…whoo whioooooo whoooooo …..and that’s a wrap! Or is it…?
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Staten Islander says:
I’d rather see them sign another journeyman type since Frolov is gone and let the kids start in Bridgeport again this year. But that said, I agree that Martin will likely be up at some point this year, maybe by Christmas
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IslesFanInTN says:
I love Hunter. One of the few Isles to hit people least year. Unfortunately, the rest of the league has gotten faster and he has gotten slower. He just doesn’t fit on this team anymore…sort of like Witt. Honestly, I think I would rather have Witt take a roster spot over Hunter.
I am extremely happy that Sim is gone. Not saying he didn’t work hard but I am glad that opens a roster spot. I will miss Park though.
If we can’t get a top 6 forward, then hopefully a player like Petrov makes the team out of camp. Who knows, he may wind up being that top 6 forward we are looking for. -
IsleFan73 says:
If we cannot get a top six forward in a trade, I say sign a big and or nasty body like Evgeny Artyukhin or Asham for one year. I still like old time hockey and I hated watching our young guys get abused.
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zeike says:
Not a big Stempniak fan. Loved, repeat, loved the Wiz move. Would prefer that either Snow pulls another Wieser out of his hat or goes w/ Petrov, if ready. And for once, let’s not rush the other teens up to the big club. Let DeHaan, Hamonic, Nino and Kabanov play in juniors or in the Bridge and let them grow, mature and develop.
Here’s to hoping we’re competitive and fun to watch this year and well on our way to being a solid team for a very long time.
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Schultz39 says:
Wonder if we can get Marco Sturm on the very cheap from Boston – they have obvious cap issues.
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isles72 says:
I’m a bit worried about the penalty kill units at forward.With Bergenheim and Park out of the picture it leaves a bit of a hole there .
I only know of Konopka’s faceoff ability and fists so I’m not sure how reliable he is at penalty killing.
I bet we see the isles pick up Fedotenko to help with the bottom 6 depth / penalty kill
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ablesser88 says:
I like what the Isles are doing. Garth Snow is sticking to his guns and picking up quality players that are not necessarily superstars. I have a feeling we are 1-2 trades away from making the playoffs.
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Nyslefan says:
I agree. The East already has 7-8 high-powered teams that the Isles will need another legitimate top-six forward to hope to compete. This roster, even with “another Moulson” and big improvement from Tavares/Okposo/Baily won’t compete.
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EAF says:
If I’ll get 2 more things this summer I would be happy:
1. Top 6 scoring forward
2. An explanation of not renewing Jaffe’s contract – I still can’t get over it -
JoeRiverside says:
The key to next year will be defense. The offense will improve simply by the fact that JT, KO, JB will have one more year under their belt.
- Last year the 8 playoff teams in the Eastern conf averaged 240 goals for the year. The Isles finished with 222. I think the youngsters are good for another 10-15 goals next season.
- However, the top 8 teams last year gave up only 219 goals on average. The Isles goals against was 264! (that’s 45 more goals!) With Roloson playing more than 50 games and the improvement of the defense, I’m hoping the Isles can improve in this area.
Overall, I believe they are an improved team and can compete for a playoff spot deep into the season (possibly grab the 7th – 8th spot). -
PotvinRocks5 says:
The Islanders have some cap room and I’d hate to see them make a mistake on rushing Nino into the line-up. Nino was the youngest kid taken in the draft, so I like them to give him the space to fill out and develop his game in at least one more year of Juniors.
Any forward that is on a salary cap ceiling team and only has one year left, I’d take a flyer on, I’m looking at you Boston.
And as far as the Playoffs go, it depends on how well our goalie do. I’m not holding my breathe because I’m not sure if Snow is going to go after another goalie because of DP. -
CIsle says:
Didn’t see the Wis-move coming. One would have to think that another player will be added up front, although judging from Snow latest interview, it sure did sound like he was looking for Parenteau to be this year’s Moulson. Could we be so lucky?
Even if no-one else is obtained, before the season, chances are something would be done should ínjuries set in. Other than maybe Petrov (if contractual issues are settled), it seems like only Martin and Joensuu COULD spend a year on the Island in some capacity already. The rest of the young crew just doesn’t seem ready enough, even for minor duty.
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Petey Pete says:
I’d really like to see the Islanders make one major trade for a top-six forward.
James Neal (27g, 28a, 55p last season) would be a perfect target as he’s becoming “too expensive, too soon” for Dallas. If I’m Snow, I’d move heaven and earth to bring him here, a young, first-line quality forward.
We have plenty of chips to bring him here (Bailey, Nielsen, Comeau, Hamonic, etc) and I think it’s high time we start trading some of our decent guys (Comeau, Nielsen) for the real deal. Sure, it’ll be a gamble, but I think we need bonafide talent without trading KO or JT. 2 or 3 of the youth could be parted with, if it could land you a guy like Neal.
Just my two cents.
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Mikey Islanders says:
Something tells me that Jason Pominville can be had for the right price. Talk about a perfect trade.
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dose says:
the wisniewski move is great and the list of defensemen they have now is better than it was this time last year. but i don’t know how much better and recent history tell us some of these guys are going to get hurt, probably early on. if snow can bring in a goal scoring forward now great, but i’m still thinking “from the goal out” and defense first, and given how weak this team has been in it’s own end for years, i hope the g.m. isn’t satisfied and that he doesn’t pass up any chances to strengthen it further still.
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MorDraftPicks says:
Petey -I like your thinking. Im still shocked that Garth made an actual trade for a player – a draft pick for a player!! Who’da thunk it?
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Islebethere4u says:
How much “compete” is in this line up remains to be seen. There isn’t really a top six left on the FA market. I might’ve went harder after Frolov, but there are teams with cap trouble and still a player or two to be had by some one via trade. We added toughness with Kanopka, not sure what we get with PAP. I see at least 4 on the current list who will/should not make it past this season making room for martin,petrov,kabanov and neidereiter for 2011-12 season. Will definately miss Park and Bergie on the PK, but I think Okposo and hunter/Schremp will do. Overall, while we don’t scare anyone, Gordon will make sure we compete. p.s. we also need an NHL-ready backup goalie. They are out there to be had too.
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john says:
lol, if the sabres part with pominville, there is one guy on this roster that they crave: Mark Streit
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Yashin for President says:
I was thinking the same thing about Pominville. I wonder what it would cost for us to get him. The only thing is his size. Neal sounds nice too but Dallas wouldnt be that stupid to let that guy go. Can hockey come sooner? I cant watch the Mets anymore…
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terry says:
All is well the gods have to smile on us sooner or later. Lets hope it is sooner
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Oye Comeau Va says:
Lee Stempniak would be a nice acquisition for this team. A player in his prime age with NHL experience and the ability to score some goals. I just question if anything else will get done, have a bunch of forwards on one-way deals. Getting another forward would mean that a couple would be those dreaded healthy scratches. Don’t see any more buyouts after Witt’s the other day. Time will tell.
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MR says:
Mikey Isles, I think you have the right team but I think Drew Stafford is more likely to be moved than Pominville. I’d welcome either.
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Manhattan Mike says:
CB – While i think your are correct that Snow is waiting patiently and getting “his” men….I also think that is the way he MUST do business. He knows he cant just go out and get a top guy – because the owner will not pay for it. So he has to be patient and wait. It’s really his only option. No?
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DavidNYC says:
My gut feels Martin will seriously challenge for a roster spot on opening night, Nino will get a long look and play a few games. Barring any immediate injuries (the usual start the season groin injury), Nino will probably go back to Junior. That being said, I think Bailey worked out just fine and that was probably a result of his mental toughness and maturity. Nino seems to have a similar mental strength and has a more developed body compared to Bailey at his first camp. The big wild card is Petrov. If he can get out of his contact, I think he could push Martin out of the running initially.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
i think us being so under the cap is a strategy being well played. Stemniek a bit of underachiever.
Well find our guy.I think we might be suprise at Kopenko upside. He is godo in face offs and he was a scorer in AHL.
parenteau might be this year moulson. Would not be surpised at all. I can see him scoring more than Moulson actually.
I think Tavares, Bailey Comeau and KO all capable of 25+ -
Cary says:
Awesome read.
The Wiz trade has me pumped for another stealth move by Snow.
No question we need a top 6 guy – in reality we need a potential top 3 guy, right?
I think if we get a forward version of the Wiz we have a shot at the playoffs. Good times!
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I think James Neal would be a perfect acquisition for the Islanders. He is exactly the top 6 forward the Islanders need. I would be curious what Garth Snow would have to give up for him.
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4theisles says:
Earlier writer #27 right on the mark of telling it like it is – that is: there are 7 to 8 teams that look better than us in the East. No need to list them, we all would probably agree. The problem will be scoring – defense and goal tending OK+. Remaining UFAand RAs are not worth the asking prices or we would have made the deal already, [CB's point, that Snow would go with patience] Well I’m not knowageable enough to know who is available by the trade route or the price or what our budget is. However if I were a fly on the wall in Snows’ office I would bet that he’s running up a big phone bill to other GMs even as you read this comment!
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Nyles says:
I will be happy if . . .
we get Stempniak . . . or
Petrov makes the squad AND performs well.
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StevieL says:
Ok! The reality is in subtracting Park, Sim, Bergy, and Tamby, you lost 39 goals for,from last year! We ranked tied for 20th in the league in GPG! We added 2 guys who scored 5 goals combined last year! Who picks up that 34 goal slack?? Where is that player? If JT scores 55 goals this year we break even. Hard to envision us all of a sudden becoming an offensive power house! Wis was a good pick-up. But I think I will hold off my praise of Garth and his now 4 year re-build! This is the year for OK and Bailey. It is now or never for these young guy’s! I hope I’m wrong but, I think we are still talking lottery come March!
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Petrecirvo says:
When I look at the current foward roster I see a team that will miss playoffs by 14 points and have 50/50 chance to win ahl championship. In all honesty every foward is a 15 goal scorer (max) besides Tavares who is a terrible skater with a weak slap shot… Really no slap shot. Hard to imagine him doing much better goal scoring then last season. Anyone remember him going 35 games with 2 goals? (about) …
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DMac says:
i agree with #47 about needing a top 3 forward KO isn’t a top 3 forward now and considering his improvement since joining the pro ranks i doubt he ever will be even at his young age i feel he has almost reached his peak
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Gabe says:
Out of that 11 player list, there is no size, grit, or nastiness. This is not a knock on the players listed but other than Konopka and maybe Hunter who will hit anything, this really isn’t a physically imposing team. If we don’t sign another player, my recommendations for the forwards are as follows:
1. Weight becomes an Assistant Coach;
2. Petrov and Martin take spots 11 and 12;
3. Gillies is carried as an extra for most games;
4. Nino and Kabanov are returned to juniors.Lines:
Okposo-Tavares-Moulson
Bailey-Schremp-Petrov
Comeau-Nielsen-Parenteau
Hunter-Konopka-Martin -
Mike P says:
54- Kyle is entering his 3rd year as a pro and made significant strides from year one to two, he is well on his way to being a 25-30 goal 70 point forward who has emerged with the intangables to being the future captain here.
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nyislanders93 says:
If Snow can find a 25 goal winger in a trade, the playoffs aren’t completely out of the question. The prospects should develop in juniors but it would be nice to see what Petrov has. Niederreiter and Kabanov should get their 9 games and then return to juniors.
This is a little off topic but given the questions at goaltending, Antti Niemi would be an incredible signing. He is a 26 and a UFA since the Blackhawks walked away from the 2.75 million he was offered from the arbitrator.
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Mikey says:
Ideally, we need a guy with above-average size who can pop in 18-20 goals and effectively kill penalties. I am worried that with the loss of Park and Bergenheim our PK will be even worse next year. Frans is a good PK guy, but we need more.
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Irish Isle says:
Right now going by your list, I think there are only 5 players that are garunteed a role going into camp.
1. John Tavares
2. Kyle Okposo
3. Matt Moulson – I think he gets a pass for first 1/2 of the season.
4. Josh Bailey – 5. Frans Nielsen
—- MUST EARN ICE TIME
6. Blake Comeau – Very good end of the season. Must continue to the upward trending starting in camp. Must avoid Bergenhiem Syndrome.
7. Trent Hunter –
8. Rob Schremp – See Comeau
9. Doug Weight
10. P. A. Parenteau – Does he see the game from ice level or the press box?
11. Zenon Konopka – Oout of this group most likely has role secured.
12. ????Just a couple of comments:
~Biggesr question for the team: Who will be netting the goals. Tavares scored an uneven 24 last year, I think we should expect an additional 5-10. Can we legitimately expect Moulson to have back-to-back 30 goal seasons? Do Okposo, Bailey, Comeau, Schremp make significant steps forward in both goal production and overall games?~Biggest question for Bailey is where does he line up? Wing or Center?
~Are they looking at Petrov for offense woes? If so, who is going to help him with the langauge/cultural barriers?
~What I really like about the Konopka signing is that it probably gives Martin that additional time to develop in Bridgeport.
~How healthy is Weight. How does his body respond from last season’s injuries. How does his body respond to the daily pounding this season?
~What is Hunter’s role on the team? He started with a nice 10(?) game point streak. However middle-end of the season he looked like he was skating in quicksand. Obvious that Hunter should not have a spot on the top 2 lines, with his slow speed, and not being overtly physical does he really fill a need on the 3rd/4th line.
~Are they looking to give one of the young forwards the responsibility of the A, in addition to their responsibility of developing their game.
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The simtuation says:
Afinoganov and stempniak are still available as top six guys. Torres is still available and I think snow will explore those options and settle on one of those three.
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Matt says:
Are you guys nuts? We have no shot at the playoffs. We have Pitt, Devs, Flyers in our division. Do any of you think we are even close to what those teams are? Then add Buffalo, Ottawa, Caps, Bruins and Canadiens to the mix its over. Without a big FA or Trade we will be in the same spot for the next 2-3 years.
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Matt, #59 – Couldn’t agree more – we’ll be fighting with Rangers for the last place in the division.
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James says:
I’m less worried about the forwards than the defense. Simply because, if you can get continued growth from Tavares, KO, Bailey, Comeau, Nielsen and Schremp, a flat (similar) season from Moulson, and break-out/promotion from any one of Nino/the two Kirills/Joensuu/Martin, then you’ve got the making of a good offense.
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Diane says:
Thanks, will keep waiting.
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Madchef says:
post #59 you must be joking. The young players on this team will be better and score more goals this season even if only JT, Bailey, and KO(id say at least a combined 20 goals more), our Defense is definitly better.Our Ahl team is better. Why dont we play a few games before fast forwarding the outcome of the entire season on paper. Players get hurt, players overachieve, and players are busts.
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JT says:
Like the moves so far. Would love another goal scorer. Not sure if I’m sold on Stempniak, so I would rather we can make another cap relief move for picks. Also would love to see Garth go get Niemi now that he is going to be a FA with Chi walking from his award.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
How about a player who speaks Russian for Petrov if he makes the team?
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RHL Vin says:
I dont think they can sign Neal to an offer sheet now as they dealt next year’s 3rd round pick. Not sure if they have another 3rd rounder next year or not.
Id like to see them get Brad Richards if he is available. Not sure they they are willing to give up that much to get him though.
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Orange&Blue says:
Lee Stempniak. The guy had an offensive explosion playing with the Coyotes. He knows how to score when someone can get him the puck. Imagine what he will do with Tavares dishing him the puck. He is only 27. Think he would be a good fit. Give him a 1 or 2 year deal and try him out.
Or, Maxim Afinogenov. Use him as a tutor for Kirill Petrov but we have to get Petrov out of the KHL first.
Give one roster spot to a youngster and one to a free agent vet.
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Hock says:
Goal differential was a key issue last year. Both GF and GA were poor, but GF less so. We might be able to improve our GF to “average” just by virtue of another year of experience for Tavares & co. Our GA, where we were way ‘over’ the average, should be more the focus. Eaton & Wisniewski seem to be an upgrade from Sutton & Meyer. Add another year exp. for McDonald and Hillen and I think we see improvement. So bottom line is we have overall improvement from last year, but when stacked up against other division teams, things will still be tough getting into a playoff spot.
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JD says:
#59 Matt, you are absolutely right. We would need to have a year like Colorado or Phoenix did last year to make the playoffs. Our younger guys on both D and up front need time in juniors and at the Bridge to mature and thats still probably a year or two away. Every team in the division is better and so are Tampa, Florida, and Carolina as well as the teams #59 mentioned. That being said I still like the moves and direction the team is taking under Garth. The team still needs some more time to mature but I just hope its here in NY when that time happens.
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hale78 says:
the only teams that are locks to make the playoffs are new jersey, pittsburgh and washington…the rest is WIDE open
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Nick says:
Right on CB…this team needs more firepower…Biggest storyline for me heading into 2010 is Moulson. This guy is 26 and finally last year. Now, was this a one-year wonder or is he going to blossom into a high-20, low-30′s goal scorer from here out? Isles could have locked him in for 3 years around 3 a year, roughly. But then they’re locked in. If he takes a step back NOBODY would take him off our hands at that point. Instead, now he’s playing for a big payday in 2010-11. Back to back 30 goal season could garner him 4 mill a season this time year. Then, who knows, maybe the Isles pull the trigger and committ. At least they’ll have qualified this player/decision way better than they can right now. Right now he’s still a crap shoot. Sure they risk losing him, but you cannot committ a spot semi-long term to Matty unless he proves he’s a true sniper. Especially with all the kids on the way (Kabanov, The Thrill, Nino). I love how Snow handled this.
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We need to start stretching teams out. You can only do that with speed. Id like to see Afinigenov in an Isles uniform.
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Buffalo has waived kennedy and could be a great bargain!!!
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Ethan K says:
It’s a good sign at LEAST that this year we’re saying “playoffs aren’t out of the question”, rather than last year we were saying “another top 3 pick isn’t out of the question”. We also have solid players in juniors and some talent in Bridgeport that could be NHL ready THIS year – not a luxury we had last summer. Also good news is that we haven’t signed a replacement for Biron – perhaps Dipietro will actually play this season?
I’m thinking Trent Hunters time as an Islanders is fading fast, and I think we need a top-6 VETERAN forward, not a potential one. We have Okposo, Tavares (point a game in last 20 games), Bailey (Point a game player as a left winger before injury), Schremp (20 pts in 25 games before injury) and Moulson (30 goals in rookie year) as players with potential.
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chrism says:
out of that list of the top 11 forwards-the only names that DONT excite me are weight and hunter
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John from Atl says:
I’m happy with the roster as it stands. Adding one top 6 forward would be nice and making the playoffs this coming year would be nice too. But that’s not the goal.
The goal is to win the Cup. And since the Isles will not win the Cup next year, who they add as the 12th forward doesn’t really matter.
I would like to see Joensuu get a chance for it. Don’t think he’s going to learn anything more playing another year in Bridgeport.
Next year will be more about the development of players not on next years roster (de Haan, Hamonic, Petrov, Kabanov, Donovan, Neiderrieter, Nelsen, etc.).
I think the moves Snow has made so far this off season have been great. I would like to see Hunter, Gervais and Martinek gone. But I could wait a year for that too. -
Bob says:
The only free agent forwards I’d like to have would be Stepniak or Afiniganov. Unless Garth can get a 25+ goal guy via trade, I think we’ll have a tough time scoring……again.
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SCLI says:
I agree with Islesfan73, Ship out Hunter, somewhere, anywhere and sign either Evgeny Artyukhin or Aaron Asham to take his place. Either will do a better job at a cheaper price. Both have hockey skills and play more aggressively . Also I really believe we need another physical, defensive, “D” man more than a forward. Our “D” is still one good player away from being respectable.
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I wish people would stop with Asham already. The isles dont need another bottom 6 forward. They need a top 6 vet either by trade or UFA signing. Find a player who is in the last year of his contract on a cash strapped team and get the deal done.
Im partial to N American style of hockey so i would prefer the forward they get to be able to hit and fight as well as net in 20 plus goals…..
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Darren says:
The posts of making a deal w/ Dallas will have to include one of our blue-chip dmen and a foward.Dallas is weak(in their system)on D.I don’t get the whole Comeau is a 3rd or 4th line player.This guy put up legit #’s w/o getting the special treatment from Gordo.He earned everything he got and came mighty close in fewer games to outscoring the overrated KO.On this team he’s a top 6!The post worried about the pk w/o Bergy/Park…you are kidding right?lol.Isles will unfortunately make a deal w/ Boston for who I don’t know but don’t think Savard is part of it.I would however take Lucic and have him here in a few years to groom Nino.Can you imagine those 2 power fowards on the top 2 lines!Go Isles.
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Jim says:
I like Lee Stempniak quite a bit. Scored 20 goals last year. SIGN HIM GARTH!!! JUST SIGN HIM!!!
Just get us one guy that can put in atleast 20 goals and i think we can make playoffs