IN STREIT, WIZ SEES WHAT COULD BE
Wisniewski has a chance for a breakout season
There resides Mark Streit, the player from Switzerland who was never taken seriously as a defenseman in Montreal, only to emerge as a No. 1 and power play quarterback with the Islanders. Acquired by the Islanders from Anaheim for a conditional third round draft pick, Wisniewski has a golden opportunity to show that he’s a top-pair defenseman. Since the first day of camp, he has been aligned in drills with Streit.
“This is a chance for me to make a name for myself,” said Wisniewski, who will live with his wife Nicole in Rick DiPietro’s former residence in Oyster Bay. “I saw what happened here with a great player like Mark. They showed him confidence and gave him an opportunity, and he made the most of it.”
The 5-11, 205-pound Wisniewski is characteristically blunt and confident about his first two stops on the NHL map, Chicago and Anaheim.
“Chicago gave me my first chance to play in the league, so I”ll always be grateful to them,” he said. “They just didn’t see me as the player I believe I am. They had Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, who are great, and then they went out and signed Brian Campbell. The writing was on the wall.
“In Anaheim, it was simple. They didn’t want to pay me the money.”
So Wisniewski will take his education from Anaheim – “I learned so much watching Scott Niedermayer every day,” he said – and try to become the go-to defenseman that he’s confident he’s destined to be. The next step for him is to increase his offensive output from last year’s career-high of 30 points. This should be easier if he gets more time on the Islanders’ power play than the 30 seconds he has been accustomed to. The Michigan native has this season to prove he’s worthy of the lucrative, long-term contract he can be up for as an unrestricted free agent next July 1. (Per the CBA, the Islanders and Wisniewski’s agent cannot discuss an extension until Jan. 1).
His trade from the Ducks to New York, a brilliant pick-up by general manager Garth Snow, is a perfect example of the uncertainty of a pro hockey player’s life. A restricted free agent after last season, in which he averaged over 24 minutes of icetime for the Ducks, Wisniewski had start-and-stop negotiations with Anaheim management for months. Still, he was under the impression the Ducks wanted him and was feeling good about the near future of the team, especially when he learned Teemu Selanne would be back for another season.
Then came July 30, just four days after James and Nicole returned from a two-week honeymoon in Maui and Fiji.
“We agreed to a one-year contract in the afternoon,” said Wisniewski. “I felt good about it. I went to the gym. I was excited, thinking about next season, what me and the team could accomplish. I leave the gym after a couple of hours, look at my cell, and I’ve got a dozen messages. That’s when the Ducks told me I got traded.”
How did they break it to you?
“It was weird, because (assistant GM) David McNab started the conversation by saying, ‘I’ve got bad news for you.’ When I heard it was the Islanders, I told him, ‘I don’t see that as bad news.’
“I’ve got an opportunity here. We have a young team with so much talent and we have a locker room full of class guys. What better team to come to?”
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Attention, Connected Golfers: In his short time on Long Island, Wisniewski has played Bethpage with DiPietro and the destined-to-be-legendary Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton. He is determined to test more of New York’s classic golf courses, so he said, “Spread the word for me…Shinnecock, Winged Foot, bring it on.” If you’ve got privileges and want to hook up Wisniewski at one of our area’s great clubs, please send an email to the address at the top of the blog.
Notes: As reported by Katie Strang, Kirill Kabanov was late again today for practice. Between two late appearances in two weeks, plus a few anecdotes I’ve heard behind the scenes, there has been little evidence that the 18-year-old Kabanov is ready yet to grow up. We’ll see over time if it was worth it for the Islanders to step aside from their publicly-stated insistence that they draft with an emphasis on “character.” Kabanov is a character, all right.
After sitting out one day with a sore groin, Wisniewski returned to practice today at the Coliseum…Streit and P.A. Parenteau were given the day off…Zenon Konopka (back) is practicing with the team for the first time at training camp.
After four straight days of keeping his forward lines together, Scott Gordon is beginning to slightly mix them up – mostly out of necessity. Rhett Rakhshani replaced Parenteau on the line with Blake Comeau and John Tavares. The line of Josh Bailey – Frans NIelsen – Nino Niederreiter is still intact. Like the coach said on Saturday, the combinations still mean little until the team gets to the preseason games near the end of camp.
On Thursday at the Coliseum, Gordon will have what he called a “power play scrimmage.” The team’s first complete scrimmage is not until Saturday at 11:00 am at the Coliseum. Tickets are available for $10 on the official team site.
Comments on this post.
29 Responses to IN STREIT, WIZ SEES WHAT COULD BE
Wisniewski has a chance for a breakout season
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Ethan K says:
Hopefully our power play won’t be a joke this year with Wiz on the point too. He can make a big impact on the team.
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Jzimm says:
Re: Kabanov – “Because you ARE a character, doesn’t mean that you HAVE character.”
Having said that, it’s a pretty safe bet that he won’t be on the Islanders this year. But still, there’s something that I like about the guy. Not everyone can be a conformist. I think that he’ll be alright, and probably play for the Islanders when Petrov does; in a few seasons… or never. We’ll see.
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The New Isles GM says:
Our D is definitely better then last year. I see more composure on the blue line which will only result in smooth breakouts and a system being executed. Although I will miss Suttons presence, the Wiz will have the perfect opportunity to show what he’s got. I’m very excited to see him on the PP with Streit. I like how assistant GM of the Ducks calls the Islanders bad news, when it seems that they always have a hard time beating us. What’s with Kabanov? Is Cairns doing his job? Too many guys in line trying to earn a spot. Send him back to Juniors and let him do his thing. I could care less about a kid wasting his talents. Too many focused, driven mature players out there fighting for one spot to look at.
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Tim F. says:
I’m sure Kabanov has a good excuse. Perhaps the tattoo parlor was behind schedule?
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Jon the sniper Sim says:
I like the Wiz a lot. Can’t wait for tge season let’s go
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Send Kabanov back to the minors. If he can’t conform to the rules down there he sure as hell won’t at the NHL level.
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Quez says:
I feel like Wiz may finally get a chance to realize his potential with the Isles. Similar to the way Adrian Aucoin blossomed here with his all around play. I’ll sign up for that any day.
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Kiril is disappointing me. I thought he would at least have the composure to wait for the season to start before screwing up. On the flip side, I am impressed with the Wiz, I love to hear that he wanted to come here and realizes the potential for himself, and the team. GO ISLES!!!
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Spartiarti RVC says:
I feel like Wiz going to be instant fan favorite. 24 mins dman, Great shot and He will be our biggest HITTER on team hands down.
Kabanov is just immature. send him to minors. we dont need him now.
Wiz, JB, KO, and Comeau contribution to team this year will be reason we make playoffs.
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James says:
If Wiz breaks out and Moulson comes close to or exceeds last year’s output, it could get interesting next summer, what with them being UFA’s and KO, Schremp, Bailey, and Comeau being RFA’s come July 1st…
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Staten Islander says:
Kabanov back to juniors, which should have been the plan all along, he needs to mature. This kid is going to be a handful. I think the D is going to be better too, which will help them keep deHaan and Hamonic out of Nassau for this year at least so they can develop properly
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jimisles says:
“It was weird, because (assistant GM) David McNab started the conversation by saying, ‘I’ve got bad news for you.’ When I heard it was the Islanders, I told him, ‘I don’t see that as bad news.’……
I wonder if McNab was stating about being traded or to the team he was traded to. It sure sounded like being traded to the Islanders. If that’s the case, that pretty much tells you how this franchise is viewed…….lol.
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Brian G says:
hopefully this “D” is better than last year….but let’s not say its a bigtime defense so much better than last year….hopefully they keep all 8 defenseman…I guess they are going with quanity over quality but I will give them a chance with this approach since they have had multiple injuries over the last 3 years
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@kabanov — don’t burn the last bridge you got kid.
@scottgordon — if Wiz is ready for a breakout Offensive season I would suggest against pairing him with Streit.
@IPB fans — Boy is it great to have CB and the Isles back.
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Mike says:
The “D” will be much improved as long as Chef Bruno does not see a single shift for us this year.
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Ezdoesit says:
This guy is a good #3 type of defensmab but he is money motivated. No way he resigns in 9 months.
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Examiner says:
I just hope Kabanov doesn’t kicked off Moncton this season. He’s not wanted in Russia, can’t play in AHL, and is obviously not ready for the Isles.
Someone buy the kid an alarm clock.
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Hockey1919 says:
Does Kabonov need an alarm clock to get up on time, GPS to find the rink or a kick in the arse to find his head? His next season in Moncton will be telling or troubling.
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Justin says:
Hey Chris, Where is Figi?…..I hear Fiji is nice this time of year though.
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Brother Rat says:
RE: Kabanov: don’t these prospies all live together, or stay on someone’s couch? Give his roommate a trombone or a gong or something to get him moving. He doesn’t look like he’s destined for the big squad this year, but gosh he needs to feel the pressure of his peers and earn some respect.
I love IPB’s pimping for a golf course for Wiz, I really do. We’re such a tight-knit fan base, and we’re there for our players. Would really like to help out if I could.
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JD says:
Kabanov being late twice already is absolutely insane to say the least. You think the kid would be even thankful that someone drafted him despite all his baggage. I say send him back to Juniors and if he shows maturity by next training camp then sign him. Thanks CB for all the great work.
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JSExpress says:
Not defending Kabanov at all, as being late twice at this stage is ridiculous for him, but has anyone else been late? Just wondering if Kabanov is being singled out b/c of his rep, or if he is the only one that has actually been late to something.
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kallur says:
Re: Wisniewski: he sure knows his golf courses (though I would take National over Winged Foot).
Re: Kabanov: calling Bobby Orr. Time to read your client the riot act. Fast and Loud. -
isles14 says:
we have bad news .we traded you to the islanders.wow.
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Hock says:
‘I’ve got bad news for you.’ = Look at the Islanders regular season finishes the last 3 seasons. It’s an understandable comment.
‘I don’t see that as bad news.’ = Wisniewski thinking he has an opportunity to shine on an up and coming team. It shows his positive attitude.
I’m glad to have Wisniewski as an Islander.
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StevieL says:
Is Long Island an exclusive place or what!! Even Hockey players from the only pro franchise on LI can’t get on some of the local golf courses! I love the idea of DP calling the Bethpage res. line trying to get a tee time on the “Black”!I wonder if they slept over night in their car to get on!
Krill!! You’re blowing it buddy!!In America, 3 strikes you’re out! I think you just took strike 2 looking! -
Brian says:
The Anaheim GM’s comments are very telling about how this team is viewed around the league. That’s a disgrace.
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JTizzle91 says:
Received my season ticket last week and I am PUMPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this D is as good as its apparent potential and JT, Nino, and others ramp up their O a bit, this team could be a contender.