2010 ISLANDERS TRAINING CAMP SCORECARD
A look at who’s in and who’s on the bubble
New York Islanders 2010 training camp opens this weekend. No need for a lengthy preamble. When it comes to job competition, here’s the score for the maximum 23-man roster for opening night. “In” players are listed alphabetically.
GOALTENDERS
In (2): Rick DiPietro, Dwayne Roloson
Must Prove He’s Ready: Nathan Lawson
Prospects: Mikko Koskinen, Kevin Poulin
The Story: Not much more to add here that hasn’t been discussed for the last two years. If Roloson and DiPietro make it through camp with their health intact, it will be interesting to see if Garth Snow has three goalies in Bridgeport to start the season. One (Poulin?) could go to the ECHL.
DEFENSEMEN
In (7): Mark Eaton, Jack Hillen, Milan Jurcina, Andrew MacDonald, Radek Martinek, Mark Streit, James Wisniewski
Vet in a Battle: Bruno Gervais
Prospects: Calvin de Haan, Travis Hamonic, Dustin Kohn, Mark Katic
Depth Dman du Jour: Dylan Reese
The Story: Having eight players on one-way contracts minimizes the suspense, but Scott Gordon will give everyone their chance…To increase his speed and mobility, Gervais changed his workouts, monitored his nutrition more closely and lost ten pounds in the offseason. He knows he’s in for a fight to play every night…If there are injuries on the blueline, the Islanders have more solid depth at the position than they’ve had in years…Unless Jurcina has a breakout year under the tutelage of assistant coach Dean Chynoweth, the big club will continue to lack size and toughness on the blueline.
FORWARDS
In (10): Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, Trent Hunter, Zenon Konopka, Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, Rob Schremp, John Tavares, Doug Weight
Maybe: PA Parenteau
Opportunity is There: Jesse Joensuu, Matt Martin, Nino Niederreiter, David Ullstrom
Fall-Back Man: Jon Sim
Heavyweight on Call: Trevor Gillies
The Story: The most intriguing job competition at camp, without question…Martin is going to be given every chance to make the club…Parenteau has a low-cost, one-way contract. He’s going to have to earn his spot on the team. If not, he could play in Bridgeport after he clears waivers or he could be moved…The Sound Tigers will have trouble finding goals (again), but in Andy Hilbert, Robin Figren, Micheal Haley, Rhett Rakhshani, Rob Hisey and others, provide the Islanders with decent bottom-six forward depth.
Your thoughts on the opening night lineup are invited. Please, no line combinations yet. Thank you.
57 Responses to 2010 ISLANDERS TRAINING CAMP SCORECARD
A look at who’s in and who’s on the bubble
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PotvinRocks says:
Don’t you think that if DP or Roloson doesn’t survive camp, the Islanders would sign Jose Theodore?
Bruno is on the bubble. And I’m hoping that Petrov can get out of the K and into the line-up. Then there will still be room for PA & Martin in the line-up. -
Isles Fanatic says:
Fingers are crossed for Martin to make the team….
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MorDraftPicks says:
Does’nt excite me. I only see slight improvement. A 30 goal free agent woulda been nice…But I want them to make me eat my words…..big time!! Heres hoping to me being wrong!
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sean says:
Like to see nino make the team, but bridport is not bad for him either. Bruno should prove he is worth keeping.
Really was never a fan of Bruno. Like the direction the team is heading but we still need a new arena to keep the islanders here. -
Manhattan Mike says:
I think Hamonic makes the team. Gervais does not but will soon be back when Martinek blows a tire or two.
Would love to see Nino make the big club – i think we need his size.
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Hey mordraftpicks we have a dump arena no big name free agent will play here unless we have a nice modern arena.
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cgs878 says:
The opening night starting lineup should include only those NHL players from the 2009-10 season who were loyal to the Islanders and stayed with the organization instead of leaving for greener pastures elsewhere. Scott Gordon can wait 1 game to play the young kids… something like, “welcome to the NHL boys… your first game this year is vs. the Rangers. Have fun!”
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Stevie10703 says:
it is what it is. Basically the entire camp comes down to playing for 2 openings on the forward lines. The defense is all about positioning right now with 8 one way contracts for 6 regular slots. But, it is a long season and injuries will happen and guys will get their chances. Martinek will get hurt and I doubt Weight makes it through the year either. I have a feeling that we might see Nino and Martin make the team full time.
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Todd says:
Another long year.
If the kids don’t improve and the 2 Russian RW’s either can’t get here or go postal, the talent level for potential scorers drops to nothing.
The future D looks promising, the current crop, aside from Streit, looks slow and unphysical.
Ricky D will never make it through a year, his hips and knees are shot. The Isles had a chance to improve this position 10000% and didn’t go after Niemi.
Aren’t Isles fans getting tired of drafting high?
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Purchased NHL Center Ice this week….go Islanders!
I think most of my fellow fans would like to see a rookie such as Niederreiter, Martin or Petrov make the team. It would add an extra measure of excitement to the start of the season. If it doesn’t pan out, the player could go down to Bridgeport or his junior team. My choice would be Petrov, if they can resolve his contract in Russia.
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Petey Pete says:
I agree with previous commenters, the forward group isn’t that exciting aside from JT. Bailey and Okposo really need to find that next gear and get closer to bonafide “First Line” forward status.
JT is there, the other guys not so much. That said, I believe 2010-11 will be Frans Nielsen’s coming out party.
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JD says:
I think its too much wishful thinking for this team to make the playoffs this year. Our division has gotten better and our young core still needs time to develop. My main concern is if Roloson finally shows his age then we are left with Ricky and unproven NHL calibar goalies.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Unless Nino blows them away in camp, he’ll be back in Jrs. Ullstrom is the dark horse and I predict will make the roster, at Parenteau’s expense. Joensuu may be this generation’s Dan Plante, a guy who you keep saying “this is his year”, but it never is. Martin beats him out as the “size guy.”
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shlo says:
Nothing exciting about this team. That is why free agents of a higher caliber will not sign. A real pro should not have a problem with the arena. He is on the ice not in the seats.
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EAF says:
the roster is really weak. the arena is just an excuse. the real problem is a front office.
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Staten Islander says:
I’m still thinking they are still a year or so away from being a legit playoff contender.For the forwards, this year we need to have KO, JT, JB, MM and Comeau put up numbers. As far as the defense is concerned, its a developmental year for AMac and Hillen, Eaton and Jurcina are here to buy time for deHaan and Harmonic to develop properly. I think that Martin will fight Parenteau for a spot, and even if he doesn’t make it out of camp, he’ll be up for good by the middle of the season when the inevitable injury bug takes effect. This is probably Joenessu’s last chance to prove himself. Gevais? I understand that The Food Network is having auditions.
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IronISLANDER77 says:
So I guess we couldn’t lure any tier 2 free agents to training camp for a try out…
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doggyondown says:
the glasss is half empty here. Sorry but better teams have tried Gordon’s style hockey and failed. The team has no real identity and lacks too much to rely on kids to bring it back. i hope im wrong but i think we get another top 7 pick.
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hockeytime says:
I think Rhett has a chance too. He’s a smart player and would benefit from playing with better talent. I am rooting for Martin and Ullstrom though. We need the size. Can’t wait for the season to start!
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dose says:
maybe the d-corps still lacks toughness, but the overall ability and depth definitely seems improved to me. and if hamonic can stick, then the toughness part gets better too.
the toughness guys up front are obviously an upgrade, and having them there can only help the skill guys do their jobs.
top to bottom this roster is clearly better than last year’s. much better i think. and some kids who still need a year before making the big roster are impressive. all things considered, i just think snow has done a really good job. -
Quez says:
Unless Joenessu starts acting his size, he won’t make the team. Martin may have the best shot of sticking simply because of his toughness. Don’t rush any of the kids, let them develop in BP or juniors. I’d rather see them sign a vet like Owen Nolan for toughness and leadership (1yr), and then next season unleash Nino,CDH,Hamonic, and hopefully the Kirills. Frans is poised for a Selke type year.
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Brother Rat says:
Ha, love the “if we have injuries on the blueline” joke. Don’t we always? We need 9 NHL-ready Ds at the outset. Maybe this year my bro and I will put a wager on what game Radek goes down (love him, but what can you do). I’m not bothered by the lack of big names: I want our guys to improve, and that happens w/ experience. We’ve got a lot of great story lines, including whatever happens with wildcard DP.
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IslesRock2011 says:
The lack of size on the blue line and the overall size of our forwards still drives me nuts. Lets hope Martin makes the team.
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benvi says:
Another year of low expectations with high optimism.
G: hope DP stays healthy (over/under still at 15 games). I think roli can do it again, but not if load is too muchD: a promising mess. love the prospects hate the size. I think hillen and Amac’s progress from another year will prove more benifical that jurina and eaton. I think its time to part with bruno. We can find another sorry soul to endlessly promote this franchsie on Itv.
F: F is for fun. Some good battles here and it will be interesting to see which line combos gordo goes with. with all this young talent it would be a real shame if sim or hilbery show their face on this roster. could PA be this year’s MM? who knows, but Matt Martin is already a fan favorite and an everyday roster spot is something I think he deserves.
Cross our fingers for Petrov. if not Nino is starting on LI instead of up in CT.
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Pete(r) says:
Remember, this is year three of a five-year rebuild plan. Expectations should be for this to be a bubble team, at best squeezing into the 7 or 8 spot this year. Then next year, making the 2nd round of the playoffs, followed by going all the way in 2012.
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UIF says:
Definitely could use a top 6 forward or two. But with all the RFAs/UFAs coming up at the end of this season, the players looking to be re-signed will get their chances to earn contracts, and if the Isles decide to start spending, they’ll have the funds to keep those players here. You have to figure it’s put up or shut up time for guys like Schremp and Comeau whose contracts are up at season’s end, so they’ll probably get their share of top 6 minutes to show what they can do.
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JerseyBoy says:
IMO this team is still very competitive, showed they can be very dangerous, and more importantly possesses chemistry. You have to be blind not to see it. I just loved seeing JT passing to MM in front. Figure injuries will provide some opportunities along the way as well. Just lose the third period collapses and it should be a fun season with a surprise to the upside. I still have a feeling Garth ain’t done. Prediction: 7th place overall.
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Nawrockstar says:
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned how much of a jump Tavares is going to make in his 2nd season with the NHL. I don’t see him putting up Stamkos year 2 numbers but I see him putting up at least 80 points.
Last year we had guys like Moulson, Shremp, Bailey and Hillen take big steps. I foresee them all growing a bit more and having some other faces rise to the occasion this year and surprise many (Parenteau, Andy Mac Daddy, Matt Martin)
I am very excited for the emergence of El Nino and Ullstrom. The arrival of The Wiz (who is going to be a huge addition to the power play) and the Enforcer Depth we no longer lack (Konopka, Gilles, Yablonsky and possibly this O’Neil guy gets a minor league deal to duke it out in BPort).
A rebuild doesn’t happen overnight and the one thing most people in NY lack is patience. Lets sit back relax and enjoy the emergence of this youth movement into a contender. There should be no rush. We want this done right and if it takes another high draft pick, year of development for our young guys and a big time free agent signing so be it!!! Lets go Isles and Thanks Chris for all you do for us. Your dedication to providing us with enjoyable Isles literature is much appreciated. This is going to be an awesome season!!!
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doublechili says:
With last years’ 18 point improvement from 08′-09′ I don’t see why they cant find a way to win a few more of the close games, or manage not to lose a few less of the ones they “gave-away.” If our defense can improve somewhat vs. LY and our offensive nucleus of emerging talent continues to grow and increase point production, the playoffs should not be that lofty a notion. As for Camp thoughts, we are amassing quite a lot of prospects at the center position. More than Josh Bailey may soon have to consider playing on the wing…something to keep an eye-on.
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Sidd Finch says:
What gives with Kevin Poulin? I thought Patrick Roy anointed him as a cant miss prospect? Am I expecting too much, or is he just coming along really slow? Although I know Rob Hisey is probably going to be in Bridgeport all year, he is seems to be another Rob Schremp type, small, good moves, shoot-out specialist/youutube viral trick shot artist. Hoping that Parenteau turns into this years Matt Moulson, hoping for another diamond in the rough, might even be willing to take a CZ at that.
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Eric says:
You HAVE HAVE to have a ROOKIE on this team. This is a rebuild you need atleast 1 rookie to make the team each year otherwise whats the point of rebuilding? JT last year, okposo, bailey, Hillen the year before(I know okposo and Hillen got some games towards the end of the previous season) I really Hope Nino makes the team if hes ready. Ready I say is contributing 20 goals to the team or around 40 pts if not more. He looks capable of that. Definitely looks more ready than Josh Bailey did his rookie season, although that isnt saying much since this year should be Bailey’s rookie season. Ullstrom looks like a player, I hope he makes it or Martin or both. As for Hamonic, if he isnt ready yet let him start out in bridgeport and see how he plays. I think thats what will happen since the Isles have enough defensemen. Hopefully Petrov can make it to the states and play in bridgeport this season and develop his north american game.
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DoubleW says:
El Nino back to Portland! please let that happen. I think he plays his nine games (assuming they work out a contract).
CB – the Canadian media is reporting the Islanders are under the cap floor. Any truth to that? -
Vlad from Brooklyn says:
The biggest goal for our team is to learn how to hold 3rd period leads. If they can improve this they will get much more points compare to last season.
Petrov has an option to buy out himself out of his contract with AKBars for 50% price. Isles are not allowed to pay for his buy out. if they do they will be fined (about $3 mil) by NHL. Petrov’s contract is about $300,000/Year. In his financial situation it is practicaly impossible to come up with this amount unless AKBars will give him a break on this matter which they are not in a hurry to do. -
Stumpy32 says:
I just don’t know which way to lean here. On one hand, we all saw the potential of this team on that relatively torrid stretch in December and January. I remember being at the 6-0 win over Detroit and thinking, “has this team matured overnight?” That was followed up by a MLK Day matinee shutout over Jersey. Let’s not forget either. The reason we look at this roster and think very little of it is because the talent hasn’t been seen with our own eyes yet. But its there.
However…this is also the same team that looked at many points last season totally incapable of competing consistently with Atlantic Division teams. And that’s a huge issue, obviously. Our size, scoring, and inability to roll more than 2 solid lines of defense is a huge, huge problem, and will continue to be so.
I want to believe, I really, really do. I’m tired of waiting, tired of looking at this year as exciting only because we get to scout the future. I feel like this team is somewhere in the middle of my somewhat bipolar description of them. The most likely road for the 10-11 Islanders is fighting for a #8 seed, and either getting in by a couple of pts or missing by a couple of pts. At the end of the day, potential playoff hockey in Uniondale in April is something we all miss, and would all sign on for.
Just get the damn season started already. I want CB’s game recaps!
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JJ says:
The success of this year’s team truly depends upon the continued development of the young players.
It certainly would have been nice to sign someone with high offensive upside, but if Tavares, Okposo, Comeau, Bailey, Nielson and Moulson could combine for an additional 25 goals this season, I don’t see why we can’t make the playoffs.
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Cary says:
G: If DP is healthy, who starts Game 1? Remember when Rolo dropped off when Ricky made his comeback attempt last year? Hope that dynamic works out ok.
D: The Whiz is a great addition, Martinek should provide some stable presence to his D partner, and I hope they don’t rely too much on AMac just yet. Streit – Whiz – Hillen on the PP rotation is average.
F: I think JT’s gains will balance out MM’s drop off; Bailey, Okposo, and Schremp have a lot on their shoulders – I think our season hangs in the balance with them. We also have a good mix of young guys who will push each other for a spot and up the competition level of our depth players.
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frankgeno says:
I like the d far more than last year. Their size is much improved. “Toughness” on d. Is overrated. Just need to be able to outmuscle and angle in this NHL. They will be fine. Our forwards are headed in the right direction. Personally, I am more optimistic about this season than any other that I can think of in a long time.
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Joe says:
I would like to see Kabanov surprise everyone and show the talent that had everyone calling him a top 5 draft pick, close to Taylor Hall, a year ago. It would be a big boost if he made the team.
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StevieL says:
Sigh….year 4 of the rebuild and still no real chance! Team is still way to thin of real talent. 1 key injury and ir is lottery time again!
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cm2747 says:
My vote would be for MARTIN to be on this team..He is a MUST! love the guy..i never buy jerseys with names on the back-i would highly consider getting his jersey
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Brian G says:
With not much talent, this team should keep a full 23 man roster for once – instead of calling up so many people during the year…just look at all of the injuries they have had over the years
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isles14 says:
just glad hockey is back.i love watching the kids play.
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CB-
Please explain something for me please.
“Maybe: PA Parenteau”
While I agree he is a maybe at best, then why even sign him? to a 1-way Contract Nontheless?
Seems like a waste, which leads me to believe they def gonna at least start him up in the NHL.
Would it be that easy and low risk for him to waived and sent to the AHL? If so then please do it, also do the same exact thing with GERVAIS. We have 7 better D-man on Isles and poss 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 better in waiting (yes I might reach for Dylan Reese in a pinch over Bruno- Sorry).
PA & Bruno Should Join Sim & Hilbert as our back-up men back-up plan down in Bport
However my gut tells me PA not gonna be waived or sent down, he instead will be the 2010 version of Jeff Tambellini (we all know how great that situation work…)
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IslesinVA says:
#41- This is where I disagree. I think THIS year’s version of the Isles can withstand an injury or two, particularly up front (and especially if it’s to a bottom six guy) Joensuu, Martin, Ullstrom, Rhett, etc…are all capable of handling light duty, if not more, with the big club.
As for defense, when someone goes down, we can “fall back” to the likes of Gervais and Kohn, as opposed to playing them REGULARLY. To me, this is where the Isles have improved the most. Depth on defense is absolutely CRITICAL in today’s game and while quantity doesn’t trump quality, at least we’ll have NHL calibre bodies prepared to suit up when someone inevitably gets injured.
Asd for who has the inside track, I have to think Martin, due to his all-around game, and Parenteau, who has NOTHING left to prove at the AHL level.
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nolaislander says:
no way weight and dp play more then 15 games a piece this seasons,
going to be a season of battling for 8th and last -
Schultz39 says:
Wow, this is a weak team. But if Roli plays well and Dipi can not breakdown again and provide a solid 25-30 games, we could be a bit closer than last year.
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Blizzard says: ….Im just glad Sim is in the fold.
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Perry Card says:
This team will be worse than last year.
Moulson had a career year, JT will score less as he will not play in all 82 games
Bailey does not excite me. I have no idea why we traded down to get him. Hunter is finished.
Our D is weaker than last year without Sutton. Even if DP is healthy, he is not better than Rollie. Well a least we will get another top 5 pick in a weak draft -
Niteislander says:
Nino will be on this team b/c otherwise he would be sent to Juniors. That is a shame b/c if he was able to go to bport it would help him learn system and get pro experience..etc. Juniors at this stage would be a waste for someone of his talent. The reason I think it is a shame is b/c you could use Nino spot for one of the many prospects on the cusp (Martin, Joensuu, Casey C., Rhet, etc.). Instead it will go to Nino.
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Vas says:
#8 what planet are you leaving on! Mellon Arena was the biggest hole in the league! Nobody wanted to play for the Pens! They drafted well and got lucky and next thing you know everybody wants to play for Pitt. You know what attracts free agents? WINNING end of story!
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Maydog says:
“Instead it will go to Nino.”
If that’s the feeling on the #5 pick in the draft, then he should’t have been drafted that high. I don’t care how young he is.
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Yashin for President says:
post #52 is %100 right. Winning matters. It will come soon people. Be patient.
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Madchef says:
Way to see that pre-season optimistic cheer from our fanbase. Maybe we could give it a month of real games before thinking about draft picks, and busts, etc. I think Nino will get his nine and then be sent back. everyone else goes back to juniors, and Hamonic goes to BP. I think Martin can make the team but as with most of these guys if they dont hustle from the get go and play the system Gordo will not keep them with the big club. 8th seed is there for the taking this year we just need to beat our division rivals a couple more times.(especially the Flyers)
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Eric says:
#50 I think Moulson is the real deal. I wasnt convinced until the last 15 games of last season where he played his best hockey. No he did not play his best in the beggining, he played his best at the end with John Tavares(18 pts in his last 13 games for JT). Why put the hex on Tavares getting hurt? Bailey is going to improve he was brought up too early. You can make a case that this should be Bailey’s rookie season. I still think Bailey is 2-3 years away from showing what he really has. Comeau will definitely improve. He was awesome last season when he finally got playing time. He can get 50-60 pts this year. No one is talking about Comeau. Hes a solid player. The book is still open about Shremp. I have to see more of him. Not quite sure just yet if he can be a #2 center. Lets hope he can be as good as Lombardi who is a fine #2 center. Neilsen is a great 3rd line center that is unselfish. Hopefully he can stay healthy all season like last year. The defense: we shall see. Goaltending: I expect the same out of Roli and I expect nothing but injuries and missed games out of Dipietro.
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Isles Fan in FL says:
I’m always excited about a new season. However other than the natural progression of our youngsters, this is likely not improved enough for a playoff spot. Would have liked to see Hunter moved, and didnt see the huge need for Weight to return. We could have grabbed Gagne for nothing except his 1 yr remaining. He could have provided the top line vet scoring we need. The Isles didn’t sign PA to put thru waivers, he’s on the in list. Not much room for any rookies to make it. Our D seems slightly better as Bruno appears to be our 7-8 which is the way it should be. Jurcina doesnt excite me. Ricky wont make it to opening night. Im still rootin just realistic. Excited enough to see the young forwards take it to the next level.
This is what a rebuild is.
Each year is an improvement on the last.
Garth has them moving in the right direction.