AGENT: NO CONTRACT TALK YET FOR KONOPKA
Others extended, but fan/teammate favorite waits
12:15 pm: Since the trade deadline passed ten days ago with no takers for a second round pick for Zenon Konopka, there has been some speculation in the press – not reporting, but educated guesswork – that the Islanders will soon give the fourth-line center a contract extension. This would be happy news for Konopka’s legion of supporters, his teammates and the player himself, who has been very public with his desire to stay part of what he calls the Islanders “family.”
According to his agent, however, there have never been any substantive discussions with the Islanders about keeping Konopka in New York – before or since the trade deadline.
“I’ve spoken with the Islanders a few times because it is Zenon’s wish to remain with the team,” his agent Kevin Epp told Point Blank in a phone conversation from his office in Vancouver. “Unfortunately to this point, there haven’t been any offers. There haven’t been any negotiations.”
Although Epp admitted to “some disappointment” over the lack of any progress, he was still hopeful of executing a new contract for Konopka with Garth Snow. “Staying with the Islanders means a lot to Zenon, so as an agent I’m dedicated to getting something done,” said Epp. “I also feel Zenon has been very good for the Islanders this season.”
Epp will get very little argument about that. But the Islanders’ demand of a second round draft pick doesn’t make it any easier to buy into the belief that management holds Konopka in the highest regard and were only investigating his worth as a rental.
Consider the case of P.A. Parenteau. Whether or not you believe the right wing is a top-six NHL forward, a player with his offensive ability would have garnered interest prior to the trade deadline. Offense is at a premium and Parenteau had a dirt-cheap contract for this season. Instead of shopping him for a second round draft pick, the Islanders rushed last month to secure his services for next season at a nice raise. The same could be said for Milan Jurcina. The Islanders moved quickly to increase the salary of the third-pair defenseman from $1 million to $1.6 million.
Still, nothing yet for Konopka, who is on a very short list of veterans keeping the team together during the almost season-long absence of Doug Weight. Nothing for a player who has stood up for his teammates on the ice and the franchise in the press with a passion the Islanders have not seen in a long time. Nothing for the center sent out for an overwhelming majority of important faceoffs this season by two head coaches.
As Darren Dreger of TSN implied in a tweet last week, if the Islanders placed Konopka’s value as a second round pick – the same price paid for more talented NHLers over the last month – “it seems likely…the Islanders will want to extend his deal.”
We’ll see about that.
Comments.
114 Responses to AGENT: NO CONTRACT TALK YET FOR KONOPKA
Others extended, but fan/teammate favorite waits
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billy says:
count me in as someone who wants zenon back. I think zenon and a guy like Brooks Laich would be part of a great 4th line for us, especially in the dressing room.
I think there hasn’t been much going on with his contract because there doesn’t need to be.
But i surmise 2 guesses:
1) snow knows he wants to be here and isnt a threat to leave the team. Since he won’t make much anyway, his deal isn’t a priority, but it will get done.
2) even tho zenon won’t make much, he is holding a roster spot. This leads me to believe snow,after resigning comeau,KO,grabner, etc wants to see how much money he has left over to acquire a guy like laich and/or possibly a bigger player via trade.
Zenons spot on the roster is easily replaceable, it just comes down to whether his passion for the team is. -
hockeytime says:
Not a huge fan of his play but I do like his toughness and willingness to stand up for his teammates. There is value to that, however, whenever he is on the ice his line is caught in their own zone constantly. Let the year play out and work from there, imho.
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Michael from Toronto says:
Snow knows what Konopka brings. He wil get a deal done. Just get him a couple decent wingers and I’m sure he would be even better!
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DenP says:
I’d like to see Z back too! Whether or not he wears a “C” on the front of his jersey or not, I Belive has been this teams De Facto Captain!
Also to all you other Z supporters make sure to hit the Isles sight and vote for him to get the Bobby Nystrom award; much deserved!
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Pete says:
As has been noted numerous times, Konopka’s value as a player goes beyond taking key faceoffs. He is clearly a leader on this team. He should be signed for the right price.
But, the many calls to make a 4th line leader the captain of a hockey club are ridiculous. It would make sense if Konopka was previously a pivotal scoring veteran for the Islanders, who slowed down to 4th line minutes, and simply retained the captaincy. That is not the case, here.
Konopka should be signed for what he brings- a much needed, tougher Islanders identity and above average face-off skills. He’s a well-liked and appreciated quality role player, not the Islanders’ savior.
Hysterical Islanders fans shouldn’t freak out if Zenon Konopka is not signed by July 1st. But, they will.
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EdTurner says:
Garth does not seem to like Konopka (remember, Garth was an awful back up goalie which makes him an exceptional talent evaluator – lol).
Unfortunately, Garth can’t ban Konopka as he did CB but he can choose to not re-sign him and unfortunately for the NYI it looks that is what he plans to do and that will be a huge mistake.
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brian says:
This one is a no brainer. He wants to be an Islander and he has an important role on this team besides winning face offs or leading the league in penalty minutes Z man is a leader in the locker room.
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Dmoney says:
Z will be resigned. He is a big vocal leader on this Islander team! I love the way he stands up for the Islanders and their organization. Lets Go Islanders!!!!!
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JD says:
I agree with Dreger. Snow wouldn’t have asked for such a high return if it wasn’t in his plans to give Z a new deal. Hope I am right. I wonder how long it will take this thread to be turned into a DP bashfest!!
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ken says:
if he wins the Nystrom award, can they really let him go?
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Bill says:
I think Garth is holding all the cards here and will play out his hand. What’s the rush anyway? It’s not like teams are lining up to sign him, since there were no takers at the deadline.
My feeling is that ZK is more valuable to the Islanders, than he is to the reat of the NHL. Therefore, Garth can afford to see what his other options may be.Someone with a more offensive upside may be available in July. Garth is making the smart play.
I like ZK and hope that he stays. But he is not a make or break type player. He’s a 4 th line player in a league that’s loaded with them.
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I hope this deal gets done. I dont think Gillies will be back and I dont think Matt Martin can handle the rough stuff himself. Every team has their role players and ZK is just that. And a cheap one at that!
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I get the feeling that Snow wants a young leader (i.e. KO, JT, AMac) to step forward and doesn’t want leadership to come from a 4th line journyman. This is not my feeling but what I gather from Snow.
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dose says:
Strange. The guy has more value to this team than he would just about anywhere else, the fans love him, and he really wants to stay here.
Someone doesn’t like the guy for some reason. The implication that “management” may not hold him in the “highest regard” could point to two people – the owner is also “management.” -
JSExpress says:
Keep Z but lose his awful, terrible goal song.
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ed says:
I have no problem with Snow not extending him yet. I am sure he will get around to it. I think Snow realizes what Z brings. I also have to congratulate Snow for bringing him in for such a cheap salary. Great face off man also. I am more interested in Bailey, Okposo and Grabner and what they are looking for contract wise
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MilburyRuinedMyLife says:
I’m a little confused by this situation…why hold the line at a 2nd rounder if you’re not interested in potentially keeping the guy? Not sure what the downside would be in resigning him.
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Steve says:
I think it’s a free option from management’s perspective; keep roster flexibility with the assumption that if someone overpays for Z in the offseason it’s really not the world’s greatest loss. Seems like a great voice for this locker room but I have to believe the presence of Okposo, the return of Streit, and the lead by example effort of Tavares is more than enough to compensate for a guy who’s a good but not very good NHL player.
To that end, Compton has given me Brooks Laich fever! I really can’t see how the Islanders are not a top-8 team with the addition of a 27- or 28-year old veteran who’s experienced success and can gel with the rest of the young 20-somethings. That coupled with the “acquisition” of Mark Streit this summer and I’m very bullish on ’12 – I can’t believe this is the same team from November when I just wanted the season to end…
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I won’t be surprised to see the announcement of Z’s extension by Deb on Friday April 8ths pregame telecast.
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onesinceforty says:
This needs to just get done. Why do we not do the easy things? Imagine being Garth’s child and asking for $20 to go to the movies with your friends. He would torture you into submission and only give you enough to get in with no popcorn or jujyfruits.
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Ct 1970s says:
I sure hope they sign him. Too big a part of this team in the room and on the ice. He would be agret model for a future captain to model himself after. IT would be a major disappointment to fans if not signed.
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Lorne says:
It really should not be “rocket” science to resign Konopka. Just get it done with out any shenanigans.
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Sumo Goalie says:
He’ll work cheap, has limited skill and wants to be here. Sounds like the prototype Islander to me. What’s the problem?
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geduffer says:
Well, the fans are the customers and, even though you don’t run the organization based on everything the fans want, you do have to give them something that they want or they’ll vote with their feet and stay away next season.
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jon from nj says:
he said he’d take the same contract he has now. what’s the hold-up other than snow/wang doing something stupid, as per usual.
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Neologizer says:
2 reasons to sign players early
1) money
2) security to retainNeither apply to konopka so there is no urgency.
Unlike PA and Milan he will not require a major raise to be retained and he’s a 4th liner/spare part – there will be no bidding war for him
Makes little sense for Garth to prioritize signing Z right now, his inaction means little as far as whether Z will be retained
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C.J. says:
Your implications are spot on CB….. let’s see if Garth can see beyond the tip of his nose.
Valuing Konopka that highly (2nd rounder) translates to a no-brainer desire to resign him.
If they don’t resign him, it’s clear that Garth has zero foresight and if I were an owner of a team, I’d have to fire him simply due to ridiculously poor planning.
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bossjones15 says:
Konopka is a great 4th line player who can go in and slow the game down by winning faceoff’s and trapping the puck in the opposing team’s zone. He has flaws but until the isles have someone who can fulfill his role he should, without question, be resigned.
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streit02 says:
Certain things make sense as to why the Isles would want to keep him and other point in directions that would make you skeptical. Should be interesting. Problem is if they get rid of Z that means his toughness needs to be replaced. He serves a better purpose for this team than a player who maybe has more ability than him because of his intangibles that are lacking elsewhere in the lineup. You would have to think that Snow failed to get anything for him if he didnt have intentions on keeping him, but it is fishy that the agent has contacted Snow and there’s no word of an extension.
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Sign Z after the season possibly after the draft and before 7/1. As for UFA everyone wants laitch who is a center which would force the Isles to move bailey back to wing. IMO get curtis Glencross from Calgary might be a nice fit on the left wing side
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Andrew says:
This is an absolute no brainer. This team has lacked character, toughness, and leadership over the last 10 years.
Here you have a guy that has all of it and displays a firey attitude you need to have on a winning team. He wins faceoffs too.
If they don’t re-sign him it will be because Snow is afraid of having a player on the team that speaks up.
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Strummer's Army says:
ODD! All I can tell you is I would rather have Konopka on this team then PA and/or Jurcina. Hope Garth is smart enough to sign him because there are not a lot of upgrades in FA that can bring what he can and none of the young center prospects appear fully seasoned.
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matt from Holtsville says:
what are they waiting for they could get him 2 years 600k per. if they wait then there is definitely gonna be an offer higher from a Vancouver or another team with a missing piece
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CM says:
I think this want Snow does not want to see from this blog. No manager wants unnecessary presure from fans and free publicity for an agent wanting a new contract now. I beleive Snow will sign him but it just not a priority right now. This type of pressure is not needed.
- my opinion. -
Shoeless Joe Jackson says:
#7 – I think Garth has been proving that he can evaluate talent. There are a number of players on the current roster that prove that. As for Konopka, a 4th liner doesn’t seem like a priority signing, and that’s all that is going on here. I don’t think there is going to be a mad off season rush on his services.
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PATRICK H says:
It will be completely embarrassing to let Z go after everything he has sacrificed for this team. Garth also stated about drafting character players. Thats exactly what zenon brings to the table. Character that this young team lacks at certain times. It will be TERRIBLE for him to walk. He has become a team favorite and one of my favorites. if Garth lets him walk, Garth should just quit. its embarrassing
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4ever says:
Give the guy 2 yea @ 1.4 million total. Get it done Snow
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Zarley Z says:
CB,
Perhaps I’m reading too far into it, but you seem to be alluding to a “something we don’t know” regarding Konopka. In past posts I believe you said something along the lines of “maybe management doesn’t like him as much as everyone else does” and your “We’ll see about that” at the end of this post almost makes it sound as if he’s rubbing people the wrong way behind closed doors. Is there anything to that?
Anyway, I like Z as a face-off man and a leader in the toughness department. I love how the Isles are FINALLY sticking up for themselves and he seemingly has a lot to do with it. From the outside it seems like keeping Z for the 4th line center is a no-brainer, but given your apparent speculation, I’m curious to see what happens.
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Hollywood says:
I don’t understand the love affair for this guy. I have no issue if they resign him but other than fighting and his faceoff ability what do you have. If I was Snow i wouldn’t be in any rush. Take your time.
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sean says:
It should be a no brainer to resign and give an extension to zenon. Since that Pittsburgh game he has a lot to do with the turnaround of the team.
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black ice says:
Here is where the Isles leave me cold; not having a team rep accompany Gillies to his hearing was disgraceful, it was low-rent, it was rinky-dink. And if the Isles are really saying there’s no place for Konopka on a 22-man, 23-man, whatever it is, roster, then the Isles don’t belong as an organization. They are simply clueless. If there was a place for Steve Webb — and there was — there’s certainly a place for Konopka, a far more valuable player.
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Steve says:
Well said, CB. He is a great leader and makes everyone play a couple inches taller and a few pounds of muscle heavier. i am sure he has helped in the talent progression of the kids. He wants to be here, which says a lot. The players and the fans want him, so I don’t know what the problem is. Get him signed already!
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ck says:
Keep him. The leadership he seems to provide is crucial. Would be quite a shame if they didn’t. Seems to be a fan favorite wherever he goes. That and I want my Konopka jersey to still be relevant for at least another year.
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Michael says:
Not extending Zenon is going to result in a huge backlash. Surely Snow gets that. Get him signed and continue the good work Garth. You are slowly starting to open some eyes, don’t blow it now. Zenon Konopka STAYS for as long as we can have him.
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CG says:
Pretty sad if not signing ZK would result in a fan backlash (not even sure what that means – 5k in the stands instead of 7k). I would like him signed but wouldn’t lose sleep if he wasn’t.
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Jeff says:
If the Isles had no intention of resigning Z, why hold out for a 2nd rounder? They should have been willing to take anything.
Isn’t it about time for the Isles to declare that Doug Weight is now completely healthy and they are bringing him back next year with an incentive laden contract designed to circumvent the salary floor?
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gutty34 says:
I havent chimed in in a while. There are players you sign for offense, some for defense, some for overall play and than there is the those you sign for intangibles. This guy is a no brainer intangible signing. He plays with heart, passion, holds the kids together, fights, stands up to players who take liberty with our stars and most importantly calls out the media who mocks us. Guess what Garth/Wang. This guy has single handeldly changed the way we are viewed. We were hands down the softest team for the last 2 years and notice now how our players play and dont look over their shoulders. Tavares plays with abondon and we can see him now going to the middle of the ice – hard to corners. He knows that if you take liberties – there is someone who has his back. Martin and Haley help as well but do not underestimate his value to this team. Face off machine!!! I would take this guy over PA in a sec and I do value PA and his contribution to this team but he is replaceable and big Z in my opinion is not. I am a bit perplexed that we havent moved to lock him up. Are all of us missing something in his play/attitude???
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MoreDraftPicks says:
Bring Z back, but if they choose not to, its not like we lose Taveras
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Ray says:
I would rather have Z instead of PAP…..PAP has played well but I feel his play and point production is due to him playing with JT and MM…..Im worried that our 1st line is going to be the same next season….Z is a great player in the respect that he “knows” his role and plays with tremendous passion…..The Isles need to extend him fro another 2 or 3 years IMO…..
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Jerky says:
Konopka will have plenty of offers come July 1st if he is not re-signed before then. He plays a valuable role on this team which is not as easily replaced as some think.
Accurate or not, I believe Snow is perceived by many to be obtuse. I wish he would stop trying to be so crafty all the time. It’s such an obvious move, just get a contract done now and move on.
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Matthew Dillner says:
Zenon has proven he is more than a fighter. A fighter takes penalties at the wrong time in the game. Konopka is a TEAM first guy. He is a solid player who is a real good asset in the faceoff circle. ALSO… I’ve noticed recently a shift in his play. It seems he is trying real hard at driving to the net and being an offensive force. His line, oft-overlooked, is a good energy source for the team. When they roll off the bench I do not cringe.
For someone to wear the Islander Pride on their sleeves is so important to this franchise right now. We need to convince everyone we are an up-n’coming team and it’s a place people want to play.
Step one: Sign Zenon. For his heart and for his pride.
-MD
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Ethan K says:
Not gonna panic on this until he’s signed with another team. Then I’ll panic.
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Stumpy32 says:
I like Zenon, I like him very much. But the fact is, he is replaceable. So why exactly do we need to lock him up in March? He clearly doesn’t want to leave the Islanders, he is a 4th line player. And, to be fair, do we need to return with the exact same roster next season? If we sign Zenon, who exactly is leaving? Gillies? Bruno? Who else?
I love the progress we’re making. No question we’re a different team than even 3 months ago. But does that mean we need to bring back literally every player? Take a step back. We’re no Cup champion yet.
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Snowman39 says:
I think that Snow is waiting on Konopka because he doesn’t want to back himself into a corner if he winds up drafting a center top 5 or signs a center in free agency. The notion that Nielsen HAS to be a top 3 center on this team to be effective is inaccurate. Nielsen can be a fourth line center, get PK time, and get plenty of time late in games when we have a lead. It will also allow us to roll four lines the entire game. If we could get a second line center in here who can score, helps the PP and it will also take more pressure off Bailey.
If that notion fails, the Isles can always bring back Konopka.
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
The franchise was taken off the scrap heap on February 11th by ZK and the rest of our “tough guys”. All four of them should be back next year whether Colin Campbell likes it or not.
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Kbelanger33 says:
If Z is not here next season, they have better went out and got someone with the same heart he has. Who that is, i don’t know, but he means a lot to this young team.
I’ll never get the image out of my head when he bi*ch slapped Talbot and said something to him while he had him pinned to the ground. Turtle head Talbot looked like a deer in headlights. -Ferocious Friday. -
Hock says:
No reason to panic. It’s only March 10th. ZK does bring a lot to the table, especially things that this team needs more of, but he is by no means a complete player. Let Garth weigh his options and attempt to keep improving the team.
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2011-2012 Isles says:
I’m still not sure whey they resigned PA Parenteau.
In any event, it’s a no-brainer to bring back Konopka.
Are they going to find anyone else with the passion and desire to play for the Isles?
Are they going to find a better 4th line faceoff man?
No and no.
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Peter says:
Zenon will be back. The team has bonded and there is a certain chemistry at work. It bodes well for the immediate future.
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Dan- Wilton CT says:
I really Like Zenon and hope that he is signed. Like everyone has already said, he fights, wins crucial face-offs and has our young players playing with some “swagger”.
The only thing I don’t like about his play is sometimes the timing of his fights. whenever we get up a few goals and the other teams enforcer wants to turn things around he engages Z and he is more then willing. Sometimes he should just Skate away instead of giving the other team some life.
Overall he is a player who needs to be signed!
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Donna says:
Comment by Zarley Z is spot on. . .something is not as is should be in Islander land with Z don’t know if we ever find out the real story (like how did Okposo hurt his shoulder) but I’d be happily surprised if Isles re-sing Z. Maybe the face of the franchise (RDP) is threatened by Z’s popularity with fans and players (pure speculation on my part, but fun to bring up nonetheless)
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David says:
I like what Z has done this year. Ferocious Friday was high point. Been a good leader and done ok when playing. If he’s not resigned I think I’ll be fine with that as well. We got a lot of players coming through the ranks and maybe it’s better to let people who have more hockey skills (Haley) get a more prominent role. PAP will probably work as a trade bait hence the signing.
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Dave says:
thanks for making this issue public with your post, CB….hopefully it reinforces to Garth and co. (or anyone!) that it’s important to bring Z back.
rare to have someone around the Isles these days that so openly defends them / talks with pride about them….and he’s definitely winning the Nystrom award….throw-in he’s a great 4th-liner & faceoff guy and WANTS TO BE HERE…..seems like a no-brainer to bring him back.
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jamal says:
theres no reason why garth shouldnt re sign Z..this will be the biggest summer for the rebuild and signing him is a huge part of it..i think every isles fan would be extremely disappointed if konopka is not here next season
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Mars Bonfire says:
“Unfortunately to this point, there haven’t been any offers. There haven’t been any negotiations.”
This not good news. I think the Isles have no interest in resigning him. Who are they going to get to protect our players
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Scott S. says:
Eh, he’s just not that good. They can upgrade. They don’t need an enforcer anymore, and veteran leadership can come from signing someone with more offensive skill (Mark Recchi type). I’m a fan of what he’s provided this season, but don’t think we need him back for another if this is going to be a playoff team.
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IwayMike says:
Garth probably has more difficult, i.e. more back and forth, negotiations to handle than the one for Z. Any contract negotiations with Z will be quick with Garth making one call to Z’s agent. Once that call is made everything will happen quickly.
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Al L says:
I scratch my head at all the PA Parenteau detractors. The guy albeit not blessed with multiple gears,is a smart,slick stickhandler and deft passer. His skills stand on their own merit,regardless of his mates finishing ability. He isn’t as poor a player in the neutral and defensive zones as many would have you believe. He deserved his opportunity and give Snow points for allowing it.
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Scott#66- Not offend but i lost any credibility with anything you said when you say we do not need an enforcer anymore?! U kidding. Why not because overall we are such a tough team? HA. Take Z and the other 3 tough guys out, and we have a group of players who never throw a check, and are afraid to be checked.
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#68 – I believe the “enforcer” will be a thing of the past. As the NHL cracks down on pointless fighting, teams will not need the guy that will fight but can’t play. Zenon can play, just not well enough. If they need to scrap to send a message, Haley and Martin can absolutely fill that role. At the end of the day, he can’t shoot well, can’t pass well, and can’t really skate well. Every guy on this team needs to be able to make a play…
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The New Isles GM says:
Why are we stressing over a fourth liner? The guy is going to get a new contract, we all have to relax. He’s not asking for mega bucks we know we can’t afford and he’s not asking for a long term deal. He just wants another year to wear the crest to prove he can help make the rebuild a success. We use him for every important faceoff, he’s vocal and wears the colors with pride. If we see it, Garth definitely see’s it. Let’s not worry to much. We should be more focused on what Brian Compton has been saying during Islanders interactive, this is the summer we add to the rebuild and take the next step. Just take a deep breath and relax, they are playing good hockey right now. Let’s enjoy that.
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Islesfan_in_Vancouver says:
there’s also no extension for Comeau or Okposo. It’ll either end up getting done, or it won’t, but it’s hardly earthshattering if snow waits until the end of the season to get it done.
If there is a limit to what Wang will pay in salaries, would it not make more sense to make sure the core players are signed before spending money he may need on a fourth line player? Konopka may be a good teammate and a fan favorite, but if the Isles were to lose Comeau or another player who plays a bigger role over dollars, it would be pretty foolish to spend them here first.
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ZKop says:
#2 if Brooks Laich was an Islander, he certainly wouldn’t be a 4th line guy
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i like Z, but hes a fourth line center. he has guts, heart and is a team first guy, who has 2 goals. its a roster spot, and there are many team first guys in the NHL. if it so obvious, then why hasnt he been resigned…maybe there are FA plans, or a draft featuring(hopefully) a top 4 pick. i like Z, i hope they resign him. if they dont, i hope whomever takes his spot, is a better player.
heart and guts and team intangibles are good. 2 goals, not so good. maybe theres heart, guts and team intangibles, and a dozen goals available, for the same price. never hurts too look. thats what good GM’s do, improve their team.
i do know 20 goal scorers(PAP) for #1 million are rare things. jurcina for $1.6 seems like alot, until you see what defenders are geting paid these days. plus. he might bring something back to at next seasons deadline.
our GM might not make enough moves, but he rarely makes bad signings. think of all the FA defenders signed last season, the money spent vs the production. the Pens, the Sens, the Canucks, and the Leafs(hows Komi working out). -
There is something going on here. Perhaps they don’t like his off ice behavior or attitude. I heard him on an interview on Ferall and he and PA definitely sounded like they were having a good time. I really like his attitude but we as fans are not having to live with him in the room or from a manager’s perspective. Does anyone remember when McCabe left way back when and nobody could understand why? There are always going to be sidelines to a story vis a vis a player’s relationship with a team that we are not going to be privy to. That is why it would be so helpful to have a manager that is somewhat more illuminative on these and many other issues. It stops all the conjecture of know nothings like myself. If you have information vacuums then passionate fans will fill said vacuum with all manner of nonsense.
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claude says:
Of course he wants to stay,nobody else wants him.
Don’t be fooled people he would run to a playoff bound team for less money in a millisecond. Also he should contribute at minimum ten goals per season. I would wait there will be guys available who are just as tough
who can easily garner 30 point seasons -
Blizzard says: Z brings some toughness for sure but little else IMO. I would like him back but if they do not sign him Im not gonna be overly upset thats for sure.
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isles fan in boston says:
I like him too, but come on people(captain)!! He is a good depth guy, I would sign him today on a TWO way contract. If not a two-way, I would wait and see if you can get someone like Campbell, or Malhotra for the fourth line center position. Lets face it Zenon is way below average talent as a hockey player.
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Big Kev says:
Sign Z now! Please, Garth!!!
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moonshine says:
i’m not the biggest fan of konopka’s mouth and i don’t necessarily believe he’s so 100% popular with all teammates.
still, i hope he stays. last few games he seems to be talking less and trying to play a little bit of hockey, which is my litmus test.as for the quotes from the agent, it sounds like the standard script. he’s positioning his client not to look bad no matter how this turns out.
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mht says:
If this were June 30,I may be concerned.This is a normal give and take that occurs in all negotiations.BUT Please resign Grabner and Montoya,the sooner the better.
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It was not to long ago that CB wrote about resigning Moulson and many people were on here wanting that to happen. Not too long after that article Moulson was signed.
CB, Garth was just waiting for this write up to get the negotiations started. Give it a couple of weeks, and we will see the signing. It should not take that long to get a deal done. -
Tony F. says:
He’s # 5 in the league as far as faceoff’s are concerned, so he has a skill that the rest of the forwards don’t have, which is a huge plus in the defensive zone for a critical draw. Plus he obviously tough and sticks up for his team. I like all our skill guys but none of them are going to drop the gloves. I believe this guy is more important than some people think and I’m confident he’ll be resigned.
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Jim Clark says: Zenon, Warrior Prince, is a big part of the Islanders 14th place team. Patience, fellow fishsticks fans, I am sure Garth will sign him to a contract. Hopefully it won’t be for 15 years, we’ve had enough of those.
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"WeWantTen" says:
Resign everybody. 4th line Konopka, Parenteu, Hunter. 3rd line Comeau Bailey Martin 2nd line Okposo Bailey Grabner 1st line Tavares Moulson Nino
That gives us toughness on every line.
I keep Gillies and Haley too. No need for a free agent forward and keep our draft pick forward in the juniors. -
And that wasn’t a slight on PAP either. It just is what it is. I like Nino there.
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D in BIG D says:
I don’t think Z is a top priority so lets just wait and see.I do believe if he is not resigned Isles must consider signing or trading for a more balanced tough guy.
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goislesgo105 says:
I don’t get all of this man love for Z. He’s a small, short 4th line center with 2 goals! Relax! I hate the fighting in hockey anyway. Hope the NHL bans it.
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k for c says:
i think it will happen when garth gets to it but i would like to see at least 2 years on his contract i would love to buy a real nice Konopka jersey he is by far my favorite guy on the team he has the attitude of a winner he is irreplaceable imho,,,it would be a disaster if he walks he is the soul of the team and has been the captain since doug weight fell
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MarioGazz says:
Why start negative vibes whenever things are going good? Let it ride out and see what happens. Dont you think Garth knows he is important to this team? Lets just enjoy the ride for now and i’m sure it will get done.
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Sign him!
-If more than one of the following are on this team next year: Gervais,Hunter, Dipi, or Weight…i will be extremely dissapointed-time to MOVE ON! -
THE PORK CHOP EXPRESS says:
Team chemistry is important. I think the isles bring him back. They are just taking their time. I bet they only offer qualifiers to the RFAs. Those are more important contracts to deal with. Bailey/Okposo deals will be interesting. They havent produced numbers that warrant a nice size contract but they have potential and are part of the core. I wonder if they give 1 year deals and hope for a spike in numbers? Comeau should be get 1M too. Especially if he get 20 goals and 45-50 pts. Those are pretty good numbers for a 3rd liner and alot cheaper than Laich.
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Drive 4 Five says:
He’s a great role player, great heart. I think we as fans love him so much because we haven’t had a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve in a while. Giving him the “C” is a bit much though
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Colin M. says:
Garth Snow needs to get his head out of his you-know-where and make this happen.
And not just a one year extension, either. Make it three, four. Seriously, this dude has played with incredible heart all year, even during the losing streak. He sticks up for his teammates and plays hard on each and every shift. The players respect him and look up to him for his grit and determination.
And I’ll go a step further. Zenon Konopka should be wearing the C next year.
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kjs says:
Weight? Weight?
The veteran leader who actually performs to the value of his contract and is most missed is Mark Streit.
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Islebethere4u says:
Wow, could not have said it much better gutty 34. I totally agree. He not only has been taking important faceoffs all year, but has been the glue that holds this team together and more. While Snow is in o hurry to sign anyone just yet, I think he (ZK) should be a part of this team next year and if he’s not its a big mistake. I have a feeling this may go to the wire. I also disagree with the notion that the Islanders are playing looser and take more chances because they are out of the race. A famous man once said “it ain’t over till it’s over!”
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vrinqueens says:
The guy balled out the TSN writers yelling at them to stop calling the Isles “lowly” than takes on Mario after his hypocritical statement, Z is a keeper in my book!!!
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Hintonio says:
I agree with everything said about Kenopka. While you’re at it…
Sign Jack Hillen! Love how that guy skates with the puck and steps up to make a play in the zone. Write about Hillen! -
you have to understand that everything z stands for from standing up for his teamates, respect and the toughness that he brings to understanding what it means to wear a ny islanders uniform to standing up for the kids saying for the future of the franchise is at stake due to the team being abused over and over again is everything wang and snow dont believe in. remember wang and snow dont care if j.t. and the others are abused because if they cared then the team would have added toughness. also remember wang and snow dont understand or care what it means to wear a ny islanders uniform ( 3rd jersey clown suits next year) they only care for players who keep there mouths shut and figure they could pay a ahl scrub next year a cheaper salary.
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Isle Be Damned says:
I’d like to see this deal done as soon as possible. It’s refreshing that a player actually wants to play here. And he’s done an admirable job in his role this year. Sure you wish he’d score more than 3 goals a season, but he is awesome at faceoffs, is decent on the PK, he wins the majority of his fights & he is one of the leaders in that locker room. What could the NYI possibly be upset with from this 4th line player?
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Darren ingersoll says:
He belongs. It needs to be done.
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just a word of caution about ‘team chemistry.’
it’s not necessarily the way you read in the newspaper. it’s become a buzz-word to talk about konopka’s role in the locker room, but the real balance is hard to gauge.
none of us really know the true effect on other players of konopka’s actions and his style.
that’s why, for me, what konopka does on the ice is the thing that really matters. -
zeike says:
Agree with the minority here in that I have no particular love or passion for Z. I like him as a person and really like what he stands for and how he handles himself but as a hockey player his skills are definitely limited and I personally don’t care if we sign him or not. If we don’t sign him I won’t be too put off and if we do I won’t be especially pleased.
Frankly, I think it’s more important that we sign a veteran who can truly play on one of our top three lines, similar to a Michael Peca. I love our top three lines right now but can’t believe that our most veteran forward will be Frans, Blake, or (yup) Trent Hunter… -
IsleofNJ says:
You gotta keep him. After all, look how long we kept Richard Park. Granted, he could chip in with a little more offense, but Z brings to the table some things that RP did not. I think a 3 yr deal would be about right. Every team needs a guy like him!
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BanGarth says:
He wants to be here , let me repeat that , he wants to be here. We have trouble getting people to play here , so it is a no brainer to sign a guy who takes pride wearing the colors. Outisde the Garth box , wanger will problably blow this layup.
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Are you serious? says:
This is why I go to Lighhousehockey where Dom keeps its positive and fun instead of stirring the pot, pissing off Isles fans…
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KO21 says:
So far Garth has proven that he will keep the guys around that he sees as part of the core and if Konopka is part of that then he will get signed..
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kb says:
Bill #12 hit the nail on the head. Konopka’s agent communicated he wants to stay…What is the big rush?
CB you wrote that his agent told Point Blank the status of the discuss. AGAIN: His AGENT told POINT BLANK… Do you honestly think that is a way of getting Snow’s attention? I don’t think he helped his client.
As good as I think this blog can be…I do agree that you stir the pot. Thank you #106 you said it!
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Bob E says:
no rush needed. He isnt a high demand player. they know he wants to stay and they will sign him. wont be more than 1-2 years anyway. I do believe they should keep him. Fans and teamsmates love him and he is top 5 in league at faceoffs.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
A 3-4 year deal for a TWO goal scorer?
Sometimes this website is better than Seinfeld! -
a necessary character signing…
i say 2 year deal, but down for another 1 year…
i’m def a fan of Z and i think he can add even more on the ice, if he stayed and got an “A” -
Though I am excited too about this team, we have to keep things in perspective.The Isles still have the fourth worst record in the league, we do not have a player as dynamic as Alex Ovechkin or a player with the all around skills of Sydney Crosby. We do not have players like J. Toews and Patrick Kane who have won a cup.Maybe JT and MG will become those players. We’ll see. But we still have not beat the Flyers and our goalie situation is a big question mark. Z is a nice role player, period. Though I really believe that the Isles are headed in the right direction, they still have a long way to go, with or without Z.
I hope Garth has enough sense to resign Konopka he is truly a team first guy they r the ones who are key parts to a Stanley cup