TRUE VALUE: EVGENI NABOKOV
What to do with the NYI’s best and healthiest goalie?
In July, Evgeni Nabokov will turn 36, more than five years younger than Dwayne Roloson. For the entire first decade of this century, Nabokov was one of the most durable, reliable and accomplished goaltenders in the NHL’s regular season. Before his misstep a few months ago, when he chose not to report to the Islanders after they acquired him on waivers when his heart was set on the Red Wings, Nabokov had always been regarded as a likeable and low-maintenance goaltender. In a fraternity full of flakes, a few capable of demoralizing a team, he is not Craig Anderson.
Still, there is one reason – and really, only one reason – why Nabokov will have some value in the trade market at the draft, during the summer and into training camp. In a market in which many quality goaltenders have had to go into the butterfly to beg for one of the 60 jobs in the NHL, Nabokov will be pursued for one main reason.
For the entire 2011-12 NHL season, he is under contract for just $570,000.
It doesn’t matter that he had a shaky 22-game stint in St. Petersburg last season before calling the KHL quits, nor that he failed to rise to the occasion at the recent World Championships. Evgeni Nabokov, who made at least $5 million in each of his last four seasons in the NHL, will be paid less than Al Montoya and just about every other NHL goalie in the upcoming season.
Nabokov’s agent, Don Meehan, did a very smart thing yesterday. Meehan informed Katie Strang of Newsday that the goalie will “absolutely” report to Islanders training camp in September. The message was clear: Nabokov will do whatever it takes to resume his NHL career. After a messy honeymoon, the goalie and the Islanders will fake a harmonious marriage until a trade does them part.
Who else will be in camp? Montoya will be there after a few months of rest and rehabilitation. A week after Montoya had surgery to repair a torn meniscus suffered at the Worlds, the Islanders got around to announcing it. Top goalie prospect Kevin Poulin will attempt to return from a dislocated kneecap, the second such injury of his promising young career. Rick DiPietro played 39 games over the last three years, and was not in the lineup for the season finale of any of them. Mikko Koskinen is not ready.
Do the Islanders want to allow Nabokov to wear their crest – even for one exhibition game – after he embarrassed the franchise and himself last season? Do they want to carry three goalies on one-way contracts? It isn’t their first choice, to be sure. In a perfect world for the Islanders, GM Garth Snow is able to move him next month for a third round pick or as a sweetener to move up in the draft. Or perhaps he could make a similar deal to his trade of Roloson to Tampa Bay. The Lightning didn’t think twice about sacrificing defense prospect Ty Wishart, a decent player but a small price to pay for the revenue created by a lot of home playoff games and the chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.
Snow will also want to ask himself if he can stomach trading two first-rate goaltenders to contenders in the same calendar year without getting a difference-maker in return. He has a strong working relationship with Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. But unless Snow can pry a legit second-pair defenseman or regular-shift forward, why would the Islanders hand over Nabokov to a division rival, a contender that has beaten them regularly for four straight years? The Islanders have no motivation to do anyone any favors where it concerns Nabokov.
This has been a strange saga with a lot of twists, and it may continue into the regular season. Nabokov, who suffered a mild groin strain at the World Championships, happens to be – with little argument - the healthiest and most qualified goaltender on the Islanders’ roster. This is a team with a goal of making the playoffs. Nabokov could end up being a lot more valuable to the Islanders as a goalie than as a trade chip.
Comments.
101 Responses to TRUE VALUE: EVGENI NABOKOV
What to do with the NYI’s best and healthiest goalie?
-
streit02 says:
No matter what happens with this situation it should benefit the Isles. We either trade him and get something for nothing or he comes here and plays and most likely takes back everything he once thought about this team and organization and will be another spokesman of good word regarding the franchise.
-
MD says:
I think we neeed a veteran goalie for this season. One to compete and platoon with Montoya and DP. In a perfect world Montoya and DP would be the tandem, but we all know the reality and fragility of Rick’s situation.
Trading Nabakov would be the best option in my opinion. A few teams out there would love to have him on their roster. Heck, Detroit wanted him bad. They are a very smart organization.
Why not keep him here then? Well, simply put he did not want to wear this uniform. Islander hockey = pride to many people. Unless he reports to camp and addresses the issue, not through an agent, he will not be loved in Islander country.
-
isles316 says:
The Islanders need to trade two goalies and sign a Bryzgalov type or they won’t sniff the playoffs. Everyone ask themselves what team in the NHL has a worse goaltending combination than Montoya and DiPietro? Maybe Philly but they will change that. The Isles have at best the 4th best goalie combo in the division that is already very tough. For the first time in a long time, they need a backbone in there that can be counted on for the entire season or they will seriously be held back.
-
MoreDraftPicks says:
Nabakov refused to report….it was his option. We all killed him for it. With that said, if the market for him is not that strong, and a top 4 dman or a high pick is not offered, keep him and move on. He is the best goalie we have for next year, on May 19. will he be on Oct 1? Feelings aside, be overwhelmed or keep him!!
-
RuudfromtheNetherlands says:
Hold on to Nabokov! I am not pleased with what he did, but looking at the health of DP, Poulin and now Montoya, we have to keep him. If the first 3 goalies remain healty, then we could trade him at the deadline for a bigger price than we can get if we trade him now! Nabokov = better than all the goalies we had since Luongo and a healty in form DP, period!
-
eric r says:
In the end it is all about winning.If he wins games for the islanders and is good in the locker room all will be forgiven. The players and I believe the fans will not care what took place in 2010 if we are winning games and have a chance for the playoffs in 2011 with him in goal.
-
Petey Pete says:
Keep Nabokov. What can it hurt?
-
BooBoo says:
They should buyout that waste of space DiPietro and go with Nabokov and Montoya while Poulin recovers/develops in Bridgeport. Won’t happen though, makes too much sense for Wacky Wang & Co.
-
Good Call- what to do about him. Though, it’s almost as if by not reporting, the Nabby has done a favor to the Isles. Had he reported, we would have lost him this July 1st for nothing. Now, we either get a goalie, or another asset.
For his mutual benefit, i hope he gets traded before he gets injured.
-
Isle be a Fan says:
Yah, I’m over it – Regarding him not wanting to play. I would much rather have Nabokov play than D.P., and the rest of the Bunch have a shot at the Playoffs.
-
JoeRiverside says:
With all the question marks surrounding the goalies, and with only a $570k salary, it’s a no brainer. Keep him; unless Snow gets an offer he can’t refuse (and I’m not talking about a 2nd round pick or 3rd line skater).
-
C. Felix says:
Typo! (I think)
5th paragraph, first word, shouldn’t it be “Nabakov’s agent” instead of “Montoya’s agent”.?
-
Oye Comeau Va says:
I echo the sentiments of many, keep him unless you have a team desperate enough to part with a top 6 forward, top 4 d-man, or a bigtime sweetener to move us up in the draft to get a real difference-maker. No 3rd round picks in 2012, no tweener prospect, no depth guy. Nabokov playing here is more beneficial to the team than that.
-
SCLI says:
If Nabokov can stop the puck the way he used to, then I have no problem keeping him. With the state of our goal tending. We cant be all that choosey. Kiss and make up. Even if its only for show. From what I’ve always heard, many NHL goaltenders are aloof anyway. So who cares how many friends he makes, so long as he stops the puck. Heck, we’ve put up with DP, his injuries, his attitude and his poor performances for a long time. I think we can put up with Nabokov for a season. He could be the difference in making the PO’s or NOT. Maybe.
-
4theisles says:
Question will be about the quality of Nabakov’s effort if he is #1 with the Isle’s. Sure he has motivation to do well for his own future. The motivation will be there but will the heart be there as well?
-
Ian says:
Honestly, Nabakov did us a favor by not reporting. If he had reported we wouldn’t have Montoya. Unless we get back a 1st round, high 2nd round, top 6 forward or top 4 dman I say we keep him. We all know Dipi will get hurt again, we’ll just keep 3 goalies up until that happens.
-
Islesfaninsfl says:
Keep him. At his salary let him either ride the bench or b scratched every 3rd or 4th gvame, no biggie. Let him win a few games and maybe increase his stock, and maybe we can get something better at the deadline. No brainer keep him
-
big dally mac says:
I wonder if he would go to Colorado. Make the trade Nabby and #5 to move up to #2. Throw in a second (50)if it gets it done. Might be unrealistic I don’t know.
-
Isle Be Damned says:
He may very well be the Islanders best goalie, but it just isn’t worth the awkwardness that it will no doubt create. How is he going to have the respect of his teamates when he basically told them last year, I’m too good for you. Or more accurately, you’re not good enough for me.
Trade him at the draft. Ideally trade him to the West, but trade him none the less.
-
Mike L says:
I was excited when Nabakov was claimed, but he obviously didnt share the same excitement. I dont think he wants to be here, and as talented as he used to be, I dont want a player that wouldnt give a full effort. I dont think his trade value is as high as others think. I’d be surprised if he gets straight up traded for anything more than a 4th rounder, or was a piece in a package deal. He is not the same as he used to be, and probably needs months to get back into it.
-
his attitude better have done a 180 if we’re keeping him. agreed that he’s thebest goalie we have right now, but the man doesn’t want to be here – i think he’s rated the best for his play elsewhere and not for the isles – how good will he possibly be on the ice if he doesn’t want to be here. unless he’s auditioning….
-
Charlie says:
This is simple:
Montoya starts,
Nabakov backup,
Poulin starts for the Tigers
And DP is his back up … or make DP the water boy for the Islanders … We need new speedbumps, DP would be perfect for this, he loves to lay on his back look up at the stars when he’s scored upon so he should be perfect.
It might sound like a hate DP but really I don’t but I am sick of this whole thing. He’s never ready, when it comes back, he tries too hard to be the face of this team that he gets his face punched out. -
Neil Mairs says:
Considering 1) the goaltending injury situation last season 2) The importance of goaltending to their playoff chances and 3) Nabakov’s past ability, why not give him a shot? I love Al and do not trust DiP to stay healthy and/or regain his old form.
-
Steve says:
If there is a draft day scenario where we can move up to the top 2 or 3 pick then I would trade him otherwise keep him here. Nabakov would be our best goalie on the roster and would be motivated to play well to resume his NHL career.
-
Jim Clark says: Make him general manager.
-
mike says:
If we do keep Nabakov, what would happen with Montoya and DP? Would we most likely dress Nabakov and DP, and sit Montoya?
-
If he can be traded, demand a high price for him. Top 2 line worthy player and if that deal cannot be done, let him earn his place back in the NHL. Last year is over, his history as an elite level player has earned him the chance to prove he can still play in this league at that level. But he has to earn it. Having Nabby, DP, Montoya, and Poulin in camp should make for some great competition and hopefully some difficult choices for the coaching staff. I’m not convinced any of them are ready to take us to the next level, so let them all have a chance to prove they will be the guy. As we saw last year, it doesn’t hurt having a few extra keepers around.
-
hollywood says:
Simple solution, Carry all three and if DP isn’t on top of his game send him to BP for playing time. Ride Nabokov and Montoya for 30 Games and see what happens. If Ricky plays well in BP then maybe Snow looks to move Nabokov or Montoya. Either way Ricky will be here.
-
geduffer says:
I wouldn’t worry about his shaky stint in the KHL. His family couldn’t stand it there and it had to affect him. I also wouldn’t worry about his not reporting last year. We caught him by surprise and he didn’t see how he could help the Islanders. We were getting a top 5 draft pick no matter what.
If he reports to camp and wins the job, you’ll get his best effort and that would be better than anyone else in the organization right now.
If you get bowled over by a trade offer, go ahead and trade him, otherwise bring him to camp and offer him a clean slate and a fair opportunity to be #1. In the end, if he helps lead this team to the playoffs, we’ll be cheering him by the end of next season.
-
Randy Wood's Porche says:
CB: I think you meant to say “Nabakov’s agent, Don Meehan” in para. 5, not “Montoya’s agent, Don Meehan.”
Thanks for the correction …CB
-
Daryl says:
After not reporting, he does not deserve to ever wear an Islander crest, even the Fish Sticks crest. Trade him at the draft.
-
GilliesKO says:
Still waiting for the sumo goalie…
-
Kevin says:
Have him have a long talk with Kirk Muller about class. Hey Kirk eventually showed up and graced us with his presence.
-
Brian says:
I personally don’t want to see Nabokov in an Isles jersey next season. Sure, it would be great if he played well and upped his trade value, but I think there’s a better chance we wind up with the same 3 goalie merry-go-round (DP-Montoya-Nabokov) like we did two years ago with Roloson-DP-Biron, which didn’t work out so well. We all thought we’d get a 3rd rounder for Biron at the deadline and nothing materialized because everyone knew we wanted to trade him.
I say trade him before the season and prevent the circus. Roll with DP and Montoya, maybe sign a veteran AHL guy for extra organizational depth with experience, but give Poulin/Koskinen the majority of the playing time.
I like CB’s thought of making him a sweetener at the draft. I would really like to see a move like Nabokov/Isles 3rd round pick for a late 1st rounder – whether it’s Philly or Detroit. Would give us the chance to take another player where we got Brock Nelson last year – or move further up in the first round in another package deal.
Also, to all the people here calling for DP to retire or be bought out – he’s not going anywhere. Get over it. And get behind him. Because the fact is that a healthy, back to form DP is the best chance that our team has to take the next step forward. We’re All Islanders – and that includes Ricky. There’s a lot of people around the NHL that still believe in Rick’s ability to be a top netminder in the NHL – and you should too.
-
Larry F. says:
Unless some other team wows the Islanders at the draft, we should keep him. It’s in Nabakov’s best interests that he make the rest of the NHL take notice that he can still play. By playing well for the Isles. Hopefully he or his agent realize that and he’s ready for serious business by training camp. Who knows? Maybe at some point the Flyers or Capitals come knocking looking for a trade. But I’d rather send him to the West.
-
Michael says:
Keep him. We are stuck with DiPietro but can’t expect him to ever be more than a backup. Montoya looked good but he’s not yet a proven commodity. Poulin needs time to develop particularly given the season ending injury.
In spite of Ricky D’s absurdly brash comment questioning his competition, this season needs to be about winning and getting to the playoffs while furthering the development of the young talent.
Clearly Nabokov is in the best position to help us advance both causes.
-
aggie says:
Took awhile, Chris — your last sentence — but made the relevant point: “Nabokov could end up being a lot more valuable to the Islanders as a goalie than as a trade chip.”
-
What I do hope — as in hope against hope — is that this time Snow realizes the bargaining position he has, which is called the upper hand, something he surely didn’t recognize with Roloson.
-
Ken C says:
Nabokov + Gregoire + 3rd round pick for Meszaros
-
Staten Islander says:
He might be saying the right things right now, but we all know what’s in his heart. Philly needs a goalie to mentor their young Russian. Why not send them our old Russian and see if you can’t get a guy like Hartnell or Lieno and maybe a pick back. They should also see if they can’t get a decent guy that they can sign to a 2 way contract because until he gets hurt again, we al know DP is going to be there again. Plus we don’t know what’s going to happen with Big Cubano’s knee.
-
isle be damned writes: “He may very well be the Islanders best goalie, but it just isn’t worth the awkwardness that it will no doubt create.”
isle: that awkwardness would disappear in about five minutes. After he suits up, stops his first puck. -
PotvinRocks says:
Wang’s step-son DP is not going anywhere, unfortunately. He is the Mad Mike stick in the side that will continualistly ruin the Islanders franchise.
Nabokov will never put on an Islanders jersey. Colorado and Phoniex would be the most logical place to send Nabokov. I don’t think that Snow would consider sending Nabokov to Philly unless they send someone like Colburn back.
You think the Isles could try to sign Erhoff. He is a UFA and Vancouver won’t be able to fit him under the cap. -
Nick Hauk says:
I can’t see how anything to do with Nabakov is a bad thing. Despite what anyone in San Jose may think, Nabbie is a terrific goalie…certainly one of the best. Can you imagine thinking you had a chance for a cup in Detroit only to be thrown to the playoffless Islander wolves!! That would be a shock to a paramecium’s system let alone a human being’s!
We can trade him for some decent real estate (especially if he lights it up a little). Even better, we keep him and perhaps even make a run for the playoffs (what a concept)! I don’t think this would be a Khabibulin flop by any means. I think Nabbie has some integrity. He wasn’t coming back for the paycheck, which is why he wasn’t looking to play meaningless minutes. While we have some prospects in net….nothing touches Nabbie today…let’s be realistic here.
-
Themass says:
“Rick DiPietro played 39 games over the last three years, and was not in the lineup for the season finale of any of them.”
I was at the finale in Philly and DP was horrible!
-
So What says:
Does not matter who he is, what he does, or how much he costs, because Rick DiPietro is still on the team.
You’ll want to hold on to that statement, and put it in your pocket for later. You’ll find it very apropos if you plan on discussing this team during the next 12 or so years.
-
Paul says:
I’ve heard a lot of talk about Nabokov for Versteeg straight up, which makes too much sense for both sides. It gives them a little salary cap relief from what is an overpriced 3rd line winger to the Flyers and get a guy who is much better than Boucher or Leighton. For the Isles, they earn a small step for credibility by bringing in a proven player with a Stanley Cup ring. And the trade finally gives poor John Tavares a linemate that wasn’t picked up out of the AHL.
-
nosebleed says:
Nabokov-Montoya, Poulin should continue in the Bridge. DP can collect his 4.5 million by passing programs and selling hot dogs.
-
The new isles gm says:
Whatever helps the team this year must be done. We can’t afford for the “wait and see” approach anymore with Draft Picks. Unless he’s part of a package to help move up to 2 or 3 in the 1st round…our best option might be to just let him play. If he’s going to Philly, They have to try and find a way to bring Van Reimsdyke back. Even if that means you throw in a few picks. We’ll see how it all shakes down. Things can change if Turco and Vouken find a home elsewhere.
-
sean says:
Nabokov is a baby and I dont want him in an islanders jersey, he made his own reputation by not wanting to play here for the islanders like kirk muller did. Wa wa wa wa too many pre Madonnas in the game today.
-
i would send him to philly for Verseteg, for cup experience, or Hartnell, that guys a thorn in our side for the last few years, whats he got like 20 goals in the last 4 years against us?
-
Garthsnow says:
Some people want Coburn, we could have had this guy straight up from the Thrashers for Zhitnek if we wanted.
-
Rob76 says:
Philly has 2 issues – need a goalie and need to clear cap space. Send Nabokov + 5th overall pick + 2nd Round pick (either one) + whatever else they want For Jeff Carter.
-
John Keitz says:
The Kirk Muller of goalies? Meh, who needs him! I hope he gets us a good trade return before falling apart for someone else, but otherwise I’d be happy never to hear the name again!
-
kb says:
Regardless of what is sometimes posted here…Garth Snow is not an idiot. Brilliant move on his part…Nabokov has so much value with or without staying. Snow will probably deal him, however snow is smart enough to keep if he is necessary AND more importantly, he is a positive influence in the locker room (think Rollie) and brings wins. The DP situation is unfortunate — I think Garth will be under too much pressure next season to keep giving DP chances…when the rest of the team is ready and physically available. I am nervous about the goaltending..I am more nervous about the morale of the team if the arena is not approved.
-
93 Miracle says:
Nabakov is not playing for the islanders and why would philly trade Van Reimsdyk to anyone? The guy looks great and makes no money. I probably trade Nabakov and a 2nd for Coburn. You got to give up something to get a big defensemen.
-
Mike says:
If the Isles can get a second line forward for him or a top D-man, trade him. Cb is right though, if your option is Nabokov playing for you or having Ty Wishart Part 2 in your farm system, have the vezina-caliber goalie play for you.
-
Roy Munson says:
Use him and a few more picks to get one more 1st round pick in this years draft.
-
Bob E says:
at 570K i welcome nabokov with open arms. I have no resentment at all. Snow was genius for picking him off waivers and Nabokov did do use HUGE favor by not playing last year. Now he is he property of us next year. He can help in net and has trade value. Even if did get a 2nd round for him, Its a 2nd round for NOTHING. Win win for isles.
Scary that Montoya got torn meniscus. that a knew injury no? thats not good.
-
Can Garth find another “diamond in the rough” to hold the fort like he did with Biron and Rolie? Any disgruntled backups out there? Apparently, Garthie has a soft spot for backups. Oh right, he was a backup at one point! But unfortunately Wang wants to get his money’s worth with DP. I guess Wang just can’t let go of a bad business deal. Oh well.
-
isles72 says:
good to see meehan/snow communicating regarding Nabby .
hopefully the isles can generate a bidding war between a few teams for his services.
aside from the obvious (philly) , I’d throw in Anaheim as a sleeper as they might look for some insurance in case Hiller’s vertigo remains an issue
-
Brian G says:
If Nabakov will play for the Isles you need to keep him – we don’t need another 3rd round pick….no need to rush Montoya back, we saw what happened when our other goalie rushed back from Injuries. If Montoya needs to miss a month so be it…
The last goalie we claimed off waivers got us in the playoffs, maybe it could happen again……on top of that will DP be healthy after training camp, no one knows. -
Winning says:
Wang doesnt want a vet goalie who is any good because it upsets dipietro. Thats why they never consideted giving ectension to roleson or chris osgood. Nolan played dubie in 2 back 2back ranger games dipietro flipped out, both nolan and dubie were off team soon enough.
-
Jmig15 says:
With all these so called good teams, flyers,caps, etc. and there FUGAZY goaltending..the key word here is OVERPAY. We need to get a good return on nabakov. These teams are hurtin for good goaltending.
-
IslanderNation says:
I am not a fan of having 3 goaltenders on the team. It’s always a bad spot for everyone. Goalies need to see regualar action to play to their potential. It’s also awkward for the rest of the team and puts the coach in a tough spot. Remember how bad the 3 goalie situation was when Biron was here? Trade him at the deadline or make him a healthy scratch until a trade is done. It’s possible that some teams goalie will get injured in pre-season or the start of the season.
-
Coburn?really? is that the best we can do?
-
Kaszycki's Krew says:
Scenario 1 = use him as trade fodder to either move up in the draft ( say a three way trade which involves a team like say the Flyers giving up some consideration to say Colorado or FLA – the Isles send Nabokov to PHI and the Isles send the # 5 pick to COL/FLA and we get the 2 or 3 pick……..if there was a player the Isles coveted dearly – who would not be around at 5.
Scenario 2 – Keep Nabby and send DP to Bridgeport for half the year and at trade deadline – deal Nabby – or keep him if he is knocking it out of the park and we are playoff bound.
-
Can you refresh my memory about the Craig Anderson statement? That is driving me nuts.
-
Strummer's Army says:
I really enjoyed this article until the end then Botta drove the train right off the rails. He doesn’t need to be here. Do what you must to get the maximum value for him but be rid of him regardless.
-
Uncle Deuce says:
I like the Nabby for Versteeg idea. But dealing in the division is not the best thing always. I also like the idea of dealing Nabby to Avs to move up in the draft. He is quite a chip and if he has to play in camp or even at start of next season to raise value, so be it. Snow would be foolish to not maximize his value. No one can ever say he did so with Roloson after getting schooled by a rookie GM. Unless Wishart turns out to be Braydon Coburn, that will be a dud of duds, especially if TBL wins the Cup. Maximize that asset, Snow. I’d be happy with deal with Philly or Colorado.
-
Michael Pastore says:
Facts:
1. DiPi has played 39 games in 3 seasons last year he played a total of 22. When he played he was horrible.
2. Montoya stepped up and played great but now has a torminiscus
3. Poulin played great but popped his kneecap
4. Koskinen is not ready that is perfectly clear.
5. This team is on the verge of making the turn to the next level. The Islanders can score, Their defense will be better with Streit back. But the Islanders have a huge ? at goalie.Why for the life of me would anybody trade him UNLESS FOR A DIFFERENCE MAKER WHO CAN PLAY IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!
The Islanders have his rights for $500K next season. He is a playoff tested goalie. DiPi is only going to get hurt again. MAKE DIPI THE HEALTHY SCRATCH AND NABBY 1A and MONTOYA 1B.
-
Reality Check says:
Uncle Deuce # 70– are you serious?! youre really telling me garth didnt get a good deal for Rollie??? why is ty wishart a dud? someone needs to explain that to me. had garth not traded Rollie, you would have been happier? either way, the islanders werent making the playoffs this year with/without rollie on the team and he certainly wasnt resigning. what exactly were you expecting garth to get in return??? tell me youre joking!!!
-
drive45 says:
Yay, Reality Check! Garth Snow is lucky to have fans like you!
We traded one of the ten best goalies in the league to a team in the conference so they could contend for the Stanley Cup. And we got…wait for it…Ty Wishart! Yay!
The guy is 6-4 and doesn’t touch an opponent unless they get under his skin. He won’t crack our top 7 next season if everyone is healthy and its not like our top 7 is fantastic.
But you keep that bar low for Snow. Reality Check. Yeah, you know everything because Wishart was a first round pick. He was a bad first round pick but he’s an Islander now so he’s great! Yay!
-
vrinqueens says:
As many have stated on this thread, I totally agree… Winning will cure all the bad feelings and for 570k, that’s a steal for a goalie of his caliber. If he has a good camp he should be the starting goalie for the 2011-12 season.
-
Wishart = Bridgeport
-
nyislanders93 says:
Nabokov was a great free pick up. I think he should be traded to Colorado because they need goaltending badly. Anything to move up to #2 or #3 in the draft. Larsson or Landeskog and we can’t go wrong.
-
TimQ says:
No matter how this plays out you have to give Snow some credit. He will be getting an NHL quality player by simply picking up the phone to the waiver wire
-
islesfan999 says:
Relax guys Wishart is going to be a #4 #5 or #6 dmen within 2 years. Roloson will be retired. You make the deal again and it saved Wang $. It was a good deal for us and Tampa. Wishart could end up being a good player he is still young.
-
shlo says:
I do not see why we should help the Flyers, they will not send anybody worthwhile anyway. If he is willing to play here, keep him .For that kind of money it’s a no brainer.
Nabokov will have to play well to get the money he wants when the contract expires.Don’t mind sending him to the Devils in order to move up.
-
D in Big D says:
If Isles are serious about playoffs Nabokov must be #1 from day 1 all season long.Play him ’til he drops.As for what he pulled by refusing to report to Isles…if he plays and wins WHO CARES!!Forget about ANY trades unless we are blown away.Why help other teams win when we have nothing to loose.Who knows Nabokov may realize he loves the Isle and choose to resign for years to come.That would be a huge void filled on this team.Great goaltending hides alot of flaws.
-
Since Philly is up against the salary cap, Nobokov makes sense for them because they just can’t throw money a T. Vokoun without shedding some salary. Maybe Coburn and a 2nd rounder is that crazy of an request.
-
Pingback: Puck Headlines: Samuelsson, Ebersol out; Ben Eager Wiki-vandal | | sportsport
-
UIF says:
No thanks on Nabokov. The guy showed his true colors, and that’s enough for me to not want to see him on the team. But even for the bigger people than me who are willing to forgive and forget, Nabokov is 36, admitted to being out of shape, and was horrible in Russia and in the Worlds where he was supposedly showcasing himself. Maybe he’s that good even at his age where he can just flip and switch and be dominant again, but guys like Roloson play into their late thirties and even forties because they take impeccable care of themselves and train harder than anyone else around them. Nabokov? His own words indicate that’s not so much the case with him.
-
Angry Bill says:
Not thrilled about how Nabokov handled things last year. But if he is willing to play for us i would welcome him.
-
BIGSAVE77 says:
See if someone blows us away with a deal at the draft if not play him as much as possible and see what he does. If he performs well keep him. I am always forgiving my mrs. so I guess I can forgive him for not reporting last year. Either way great pickup by Garth.
-
Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Forgive and forget. I was really POed when he would not report, but had he reported maybe we would just draft lower and still no playoffs. As much as I loved the way DP wanted to be an Isle for life from the getgo, how long can we all fool ourselves that he will ever fulfil the role he was contracted and is paid for. Not his fault either, but he does not do the team much good. Hopefully he will play sparingly unless he produces and feels good. We need every chance we can to win.
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
-
Mile says:
I feel Garth is goin to do the right move..Don’t forget MM isn’t our GM anymore
-
KaiserVanIslander says:
Nice read CB!!!
Third round pick for Nabokov? Seems to low for me. Lower pick in draft, 3rd or 4th line D man, 2nd or 3rd line forward. One of those three choices if not keep him on the team, if we are not in the playoff race deadline time trade him.
No matter what happens gotta give Snow a thumbs up for this one!
-
Gary9-19-22 says:
Who cares what he did last year!!!!! We need to make some headlines or we don’t get an arena…. That simple….
If he makes us a playoff team then keep him… If your confident in what we have then use him as a pot sweetener
Sign Pairse for what ever it takes…
Make Florida an offer they can’t refuse without giving up the 5th pick. (I say with the signing of Parise were overloaded on the RW. Offer KO plus a prospect???)We need a little George Steinbrenner media attention…..
VOTE YES!!!!!
-
gary says:
3rd round pick will be about as good as it gets
-
moonshine says:
i would love a healthy nabokov in the islanders’ goal. i even could see it working out that way, if he realizes the isles could have a shot at making the playoffs and if his first objective is to come back into the nhl.
the 900pound gorilla in this case is that you can’t really carry three goalies on one-way deals. dp isn’t leaving. so if nabokov shows up and seems committed enough to stay, the question might be what to do with montoya.
as for trading nabokov to philly, i wouldn’t do it. the flyers’ depth makes them a good team for trades, but i just couldn’t bring myself to send a #1 goalie to a division rival the islanders already can’t seem to beat. -
Bababoey to you all says:
Nabby had a knee issue as well…Whos’s to say hes more healthy than Monty???With our luck he makes amends with the Isles, apologizes to the team and the fans and he starts playing at a high level only to injure the knee some more so he needs surgery…I wouldn’t be surprised if he needs surgery in the first place…
-
The 7th Sutter says:
Get rid of him ASAP! Nabokov has a history of negitivity in the locker room and has always been surly with his defensemen, calling them out after every goal. The Sharks grew tired of it. I’ve been an Isles fan since ’78 and waited a while for them to get a good thing going again. They have to be careful with this one. I say if they can grab a pick or prospect, they should do so at the draft.
-
additional comment regarding trade with philly…
i’m starting to hedge…
everyone saw the playoffs. if there’s one team that has to overpay for a goalie right now, it’s the flyers. maybe if the isles got back a solid young piece for what, after all, is a 36year old player… -
Robert says:
Swallow your pride. Montoya and Poulin are unproven and injured. DP is DP. We need a goalie. This guy has a history of winning and he comes dirt cheap. Let’s ride him for a year while he auditions for a final hurrah elsewhere in the league.
-
Ray says:
The sad thing is that Nabby would give us the best chance to win, but the fact is he disrespected this team and its fans by not reporting and IMO he does not make it take camp. He will and should be traded. His stats and record are good along with his salary make him a good trading aset.
-
Islesmetsgiantsfan says:
I don’t care how good or bad this guy is. He is 36 and didn’t want to be here. Now the Islanders basically have told him, want to be in the NHL, it will be with us. I would trade him. If Detroit wants him especially with rumors that Osgood is retiring, let them have him and give us a mid round pick.
-
I agree we should not trade Nabokov for a mid round draft pick. But if we get a reasonable deal like a 2nd rd pick or two 3rd rd picks, than we should trade him.
-
WavepooL says:
This is a great point of debate, only insiders will know to what extent Nabo would be a liability in the locker room. If he is poison for the team chemistry you gotta get rid of him (and CB great point, we don’t want to give him to the Flyers or any other division rivals for a bowl of fruity pebbles). If he can come in with a clean slate with the team, again the TEAM not the fans give him a shot! If he works out well than great! If not than you trade him. Poulin in going to need a year to recover evolve and while I really really like Al, we really can bet to heavy on him for the entire season. This is going to be interesting! Time to get your ol’ buddy out for some isles interactive CB. Good Job and lets go ISLANDERS!
-
For every post that says Nabokov is out of shape I say w/ our D he’ll be in the best shape of his life in 10 games!For the ones who say he is a cancer this franchise has been a cancer and this is an immediate shot of credibility.The arena will NEVER be a reality until the Isles put a NHL product on the ice.They HAVE to put fans butts in all those empty seats and while Naby himself may not do that winning will.
The goaltending situation will probably be a huge reason for the Isles taking the next step next season and securing a playoff birth.That being said,i have little faith the d/p will regain his form from years ago and Montoya seems good but how will he hold up throughout the entire season and meaningful games?Scary but the Nabokov might be our best option…scary !