LEINO…WARD…FLEISCHMANN…COLE…LAICH
UFA Preview, Part I: Forwards for the Islanders
9:35 pm: The Zach Parise Compton pipedream is over for at least another year, as the Devils will have an arbitration hearing with the scoring wing if the two sides cannot reach agreement on a contract. But while the Islanders still need to come to terms on deals with their own key restricted free agent forwards – Blake Comeau (could be a tough one) and Josh Bailey (should take about two minutes) – there will be UFAs available on July 1 that only cost the price of the contract and could improve the lineup.
Here are some of the prospective unrestricted forwards that Garth Snow and top deputy Doug Weight will find worthy of consideration. If I left any of your choices out, it’s most likely because either 1) I don’t think they would sign here or 2) don’t see them as a good fit.
Ville Leino, Philadelphia: Leino is just 27 years old and last season made less than half of the league’s average salary. He scored 19 goals and had 53 points in 2010-11 with the Flyers, but general managers will particularly recall Leino’s splendid 2010 postseason when Philadelphia advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. Leino was 7-14-21 in 19 playoff games. He is a classy veteran who would fit in seamlessly in the Islanders’ locker room, like a forward version of Mark Streit. All it would likely take is for the Islanders to make the highest bid.
Joel Ward, Nashville: The third-line forward played the best hockey of his career in the 2011 playoffs – perfect timing for a prospective unrestricted free agent. His representative, Peter Cooney, has a very close relationship with the Islanders and has helped stock Bridgeport’s roster with many of his long-shot clients when injuries have created a need. If you check out Cooney’s website, you’ll see a lot of players in blue and orange uniforms. Ward also has a unique Long Island connection. The Ontario native once was a “ringer” for a roller hockey team out of Hot Skates in Lynbrook, where his jerseys still hang today. His pals from the team never miss his games at the Coliseum. This could be an inside job – if Ward turns down expected offers from contenders like the Canucks and Blackhawks.
Tomas Fleischmann, Colorado: Fleischmann is the partial risk/high reward gamble of the offseason. The fast and highly-skilled right wing from the Czech Republic experienced blood clots in January and was forced to miss the second half of the season. Prior to the injury, he was flourishing on a line with Matt Duchene after Fleischmann was traded from Washington to the Avalanche. If the 26-year-old is prepared to prove that to the medical staffs of any teams that call his agent on July 1, he will be a much sought-after free agent. If he was good for Duchene, Fleischmann’s speed and playmaking ability could be even better for John Tavares. On a short-term deal, he could be moderate-risk/huge reward for the Islanders.
Erik Cole and Jussi Jokinen, Carolina: Jokinen has averaged 25 goals and 59 points over the last two seasons and is one of the league’s top shootout specialists. Cole, 32, is a 25-goal, 50-point wing with a knack for clutch performances in the playoffs. He also has a long injury history, but played all 82 games last season for the Hurricanes. Cole would be a strong veteran leader for the Islanders.
Brooks Laich, Washington Capitals: Laich is a hard-nosed wing with second-line ability who is also respected for his leadership. On and off the ice, he would be an outstanding frontman and spokesman for the franchise while posting 50 points a season. The 6-2, 205-pound Laich just turned 28 and is entering the prime of his career.
Other forwards to watch (one-year deals only)…
Scottie Upshall, Columbus: Speed and good-enough hands to score 20 goals here.
Scott Nichol, San Jose: Great on faceoffs and gritty, the 5-foot-9, 36-year-old Nichol could serve as a lower-maintenance replacement for Zenon Konopka and command instant respect in the room.
Eric Belanger, Phoenix: Also good on faceoffs and would upgrade the offensive ability on the fourth line.
Chris Higgins, Vancouver: Long Island kid could come home, still just 28, to play bottom-six minutes for a low one-way salary. Higgins has good friends in the organization.
Andrew Gordon, Washington: Skilled and versatile forward would be a Snow-like Long Is-land of Opportunity signing.
Michael Ryder, Boston: Two-time 30-goal scorer had just 36 combined last two years in Boston and could benefit from a change of uniform.
Simon Gagne, Tampa Bay: He retains his skill and is price is coming down, plus it’s about time a player reversed the Islanders-to-Lightning trend. Speaking of which…
Sean Bergenheim, Tampa Bay: Sean always got along well with Jack Capuano and loved Long Island, New York.
(Okay, just having a little fun with that last one).
Comments on unrestricted free agent forwards only (please) are welcomed in the Comments thread.
162 Responses to LEINO…WARD…FLEISCHMANN…COLE…LAICH
UFA Preview, Part I: Forwards for the Islanders
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Potvin5 says:
Good article and good names because they are reasonable targets. But sadly at best I think we could get a Ward from your first list or a Higgins or Gordon from the second list and that’s it. Garth will tell us he and Dougie tried.
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Kallur says:
If he clears the medical hurdle, Fleischman could get 80 points playing with JT and Mighty Matt.
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BryanG says:
Snow says no one will sign here because of the arena. They’re in the Coliseum four more years and don’t have a deal yet for a new one. Why would anyone sign this week unless they were desperate? Isn’t that what Snow sells?
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scatch38 says:
Scottie Upshall would be a great pick up for the locker room and on the ice. Would come cheaper then some of the others mentioned
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gino says:
I googled Cooney’s website. It’s hilarious. Looks like it was done when the web was first created. Trevor Gillies is one of his star clients. And Joel Ward.
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nic says:
the point is we need to sign a top 6 forward that can provide leadership and scoring or else this teams getting the 5th overall pick again.
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Art says:
Upshall strikes me as one of those punks who makes fun of the Coliseum on Twitter. Iguess he would sign here if it was the best offer.
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Trevor says:
For Higgins to sign cheap you’d think he’d do it in Van with a contender and not here. If the Canucks don’t want him cheap, it would say a lot about his game and make me wonder why we would sign him.
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Steve says:
Thanks, Chris good read, great research. I really hope we take a good run at Brooks Laich.
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bags says:
Brooks Laich could find that Wang’s money is just as good an everyone’s elses. Would be a great pickup. Not a star player but an important one and like you said, the press loves him.
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John says:
Laich. 6 Years, $24-$26 Million. Make him an Alternate Captain. Team needs some leadership and he’ll bring that. Have to over-spend to bring him here, but he’ll be worth it.
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kg says:
Garth has always been good shopping in the bargain bin. I don’t see that changing this summer. He’ll get 2 or 3 guys on July 3 and another one will fall through the cracks in August.
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bergevin says:
A friend of my is a season ticketholder and he told the Islanders he wasn’t coming back. His sales rep had Snow call him and Snow made a lot of promises about making major improvements after the draft.
I guess we’ll see about that. If Snow ends up not adding much, he can always say Grabner, KO, MM, JT, Streit and the rest already made the team better.
Right now my friend is not renewing unless he sees real improvement.
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Lav says:
Snow and Wang will blame the politicians and Doug Weight will see the reality and wonder what he got himself into.
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Kevin 27 says:
Sign Fleishman or Laich and I will be very impressed and very pumped for the season.
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Art, Upshall has tweeted good things about Long Island. Another guy not listed is Radim Vrbata. He is very creative for the power play.
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Dreu Theran says:
If Isles land Brooks Laich and then Kevin Bieksa, my off-season wishes will come true. Two solid character players, coming into their primes, well worth the contracts they will demand.
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GeneF says:
Tomas Fleischmann is from Czech republic, not from Sweden
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Steven says:
I would be very happy with Laich and Pitkanen.
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Staten Islander says:
What I’m waiting for is what player comes out of nowhere and opens our eyes come next season as has happened the last couple of years (Moulson, Grabner).
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jisles says:
Remember, Doug Weight knows UFA’s from Carolina pretty well(won a cup with them) and could help to reel them in.
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admin says:
Thank you for the Fleischmann fix.
Just as a reminder, talking UFA forwards only in this thread.
Thank you. Arena stuff comes next…CB
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Steve says:
If there was certainty regarding a new arena which would signify to any potential UFAS that the team wasn’t relocating then I could see us signing at least one of these guys. With the future still uncertain then its going to be the usual leftover free agent to get to the cap floor. Provided Nino is on the team, we only need about 8 million to reach the cap floor. Sign Bailey and Comeau and maybe one or two of the leftover free agents then we hit the cap floor. The only way Garth improves the team this summer is through a trade or two.
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CB, Anyone the Isles can target in trades? I get worried about the Isles being able to sign Free Agents. These names seems very reasonable but it still may be hard. I’m afraid it’s going to be the same 3 or 4 teams signing all the good players as usual.
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Brian Compton says:
Just an FYI … Parise-Compton is hyphenated.
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mrlbem says:
Chris,
What do you think the probability is that we sign one of these guys? There have been similar players available as UFA’s in past years, and we never came away with any of them (with the exception of the under the radar, at the time, Mark Streit). Is there anything different this year? Create a buzz heading into the referendum vote, perhaps? -
Blitz says:
For Laich to move from a perennial contender to one trying to become one – its all come down to beating everyone else in the benjamin department. Same wtih Ward.
The cap increase doesn’t fall into NYI’s favor in trying to outbid others.
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PotvinRocks says:
If you look at their lineup there is much room for a UFA, besides a 4th line center, like John Madden. I would like to see them trade or waive PA for Leino. His work in the corners would perfectly compliment the Tavares/Moulson line. But anyone they sign is going to be short term because they are going to need room for Nino and Strome to move into the lineup in the next couple of years. Their might have to be a trade to create a roster spot. But who?
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Brian G says:
They need to sign 1 top 6 winger, 1 bottom 6 center, and 1 veteran D-man with a little offense…as far as forwards:
Sign either Belanger or Goc for the center job. And Fleishman or Upshall for the winger spot. -
Joeisles says:
Players are not leaving contenders or blowing off offers from contenders to sign here. We’re not there yet. All the players know is that we were out of the playoffs by the start of the second half of the season.
You know that great second half everyone talks about? In our last 41 games we were 5 games over 500. That great second half might not be good enough over a full season to get into 8th let alone be one of the better teams in the East.
I can hear Snow already telling Newsday that he tried but all he could get was a fourth line forward, a depth player and some guy he’ll pump as the next Moulson.
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
Love the preview CB….Ward and Belanger would be nice 3rd and 4th line additions…Fleischmann would be a good addition, but lots of risk…Laich would also be nice, but I think you will see alot of contenders bidding for him….the most intriguing one is Gagne, he could be had on maybe a 1-2 year deal for cheap
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Tim F says:
Unless they can get on the Red Wings, many of the top Euro players will go to where the best money is. That’s how we got Streit. He couldn’t care less about where the Islanders were in the standings. He came here because he got 16 million Wangbucks.
The same could happen with Fleischmann and Leino or both!
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nhl80 says:
I think you wrote about this already or maybe I read it in the comments but I think it’s true. When Snow rushed to sign Parenteau to play another year with Tavares, he was eliminating the chance of getting a Fleishman or Leino. Sure, why get Leino with a point a game in the playoffs last year when you can have Parenteau?
Hope I’m wrong.
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Nyles says:
I agree that we’ll sign a Madden, Nichol or Belanger (who was begging teams last summer) and most of the fans will say Snow is a genius. Until October comes.
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Matthew Carlyle says:
I don’t think it’s too much for this fanbase to ask for a second liner like Brooks Laich.
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Jack says:
Jokinen is the player they should go after. Fleischmann is VERY streaky and a HUGE health risk. Laich will be nothing on a team other that the Caps. Ward is nothing more than a third liner, pass. Forget Cole, he can’t seem to play well outside of Carolina and he gets hurt a lot. Leino will be a Flyer, they have the room to get him in now and they HAVE to keep him. The one year deal guys are nothing to bargain with unless you could get Gagne at a cheap price because of his injury past.
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S Goldman says:
Thanks for not wasting our time with the pipe dreams like the RFAs or Brad Richards. Your list is reasonable. Get me one from the top group and 1 from the bottom and me and I think most fans will be satisfied. The pieces are in place for a good season as long as we fill some holes and add a little depth.
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Turgeon1993 says:
Comeau possibly going to arbitration bears watching. 24 goals, even if most were after the team was out of the playoffs, could get expensive.
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Volek says:
Here’s hoping Weight can do what Snow hasn’t done very well and reel in a pretty big fish. I have faith in Doug.
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Alex says:
Get Jokinen and we win every shootout. We need the points.
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Kenny says:
I don’t expect much in free agency so I’ll wait for your arena post.
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Lean Cugine says:
#6 Gino-that website is hilarious!
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Ur Not Me says:
Target 2nd line center
2 wings, 1 top 4 D, an 1 reliable D
trade bailey n comeau an a way we gooooo…. -
James from Swindles says:
Assuming Bailey, Comeau, and Haley re-sign, and El Nino makes the big squad, there just isn’t a whole heckuva lot of room on the roster. Maybe a fourth line center, unless Snow can swing a deal for a legit top six winger.
I’m much, much more curious to see what Snow does to improve the blue line.
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GOOWY says:
Along with Laich or Cole, I think Langenbrunner or Brunette would make decent leaders and add a bit of grit and scoring.
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91NYfan91 says:
I agree with number 18, the two guys I would like to see the Isles get are Brooks Laich and Kevin Bieksa. Brooks Laich, I feel would be a great fit for the Isles, great leadership which they need and he can play on the powerplay and the pk. Oh and btw he can put up 50 points. I doubt the isles will get Bieksa though, I think he will go back with the canucks. I have a feeling the Isles might trade for a defenseman or try to sign a good defenseman.
I wonder if the Isles will try to get a RFA by an offer sheet. Its possible because they have to get to the cap floor.
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Maydog says:
$10 bucks say none of these guys sign with the Isles.
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shlo says:
Every blogger from almost every NHL team is talking about Laich being the perfect guy for their team. They all suggest to overpay for his services (if they have the cap space) so Snow has his work cut out for him if Laich is a target. With the others it is the usual- most of them have some medical history we should be concerned about. We need to get to the cap floor, if you can get them, do it.
As far as the arena, Snow said more than once the players are suppose to be on the ice not in the stands. If the money is good enough they’ll come. -
Steve K says:
Realistically speaking, the only way any of the aforementioned players sign here is because #1) they did not receive the interest from other teams they thought they would and/or #2) the Isles give them a very generous offer in terms of money and years. That’s just the way it is for lower end teams, which we are. I don’t expect any of them to sign here, I think we will fill some holes via trade.
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RichF says:
I like the idea of bringing in someone who is a good shootout specialist. True, overall play is most important, but if we can pair someone else with Frans it’d go a long way toward adding 2-4 points this season.
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Michael from Toronto says:
Nice realistic list to choose from. I would love to see Laich, Cole or Leino. All three can provide offence and leadership that I think these forwards will benefit from.
Also, Belanger as a fourth line center is perfect. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think he has some size and is a good faceoff guy. It was only a couple of years ago he was playing on the powerplay in Minnesota (not saying that will happen here). This team needs offence from the third and fourth lines.
CB, what do you think happens to Hunter?
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Phil L says:
CB, thanks for the honest assessment. I could see a Gagne coming here for 1-2 years. The Isles would give him every chance to play big minutes and if the team doesn’t win he’d get shipped to a contender at the deadline anyway, just look at Guerin/Roloson, While I agree a top tier FA might shy away given the arena issue and history of cellar dwelling, we have some good selling points too.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
Interesting choices. I think the isles will pretty much stay the way they are. I would like to see them try to get a 1A big Dman to play with streit. No Kaberle. We need a guy with some bite and will protect our guys. WE are still a small team and in order survive a playoff series you need toughness. I wouldnt mind seeing Rupp on our 4th line. He is a big guy who can put the puck in the net every so often.
Also if the isles do make couple of signings, does it mean nino goes to bridgeport? Unless he has a great preseason that will probably happen.
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Madchef says:
Upshall and Leino would be great. Leino has been on my radar since his playoff run 2 years ago. Upshall is gritty, and can score, good combo that we need. Listen I would take anybody from the list since it might be an upgrade over status quo.July 1st for a few years has been a waste of time. Maybe this year things pick up.
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KMo429 says:
Good read. Laich, Flash, Ward, belanger, Higgins, jokinen, and Leino would all eb great acquisitions for this team. As far as free agency goes, I think D is gonna eb the “big signing” (if there is one…)), so im looking forward to the next addition lol
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Mike Olivo says:
I agree with #42. Not a whole lot of roster room out there. I think we have 9 guys plus Comeau, Gillies, Nino. Need to pay someone some dough to get to the floor, so I’m voting for Cole. Ward would be a great 3rd liner.
Tavares-Moulson-Cole
Nielsen-Okposo-Grabner
Bailey-Ward-Nieddereiter
Laich-Martin-Parenteau/Hunter -
SStrome says:
CB, nice read.
i would think Madden and the injured prone Jovo-cop would sign with the isles for the money. a good mix of toughness, defence, leadership and faceoffs between the 2. -
islesrock73 says:
#42, James from Swindles and #50, Pork Chop, hit the nail on the head. Isles pick up a fourth line center, and lets hope for an upgrade on defense, or a big nasty dude like Rupp.
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vito says:
James from Swindles – bringing back this forward group plus Nino means we’ll be in 10th in the East and probably worse.
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Would be a mistake to sign Langenbrunner, which is why I guess he didn’t make CB’s list. Guy has almost nothing left and is known the grumble when he’s not on a contender. I hope Snow and Weight don’t go after Langenbrunner. He would be a disaster here and he’d have very little trade value.
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Mike says:
If we can’t get a Laich or Leino, I’m hoping we get a forward version of the Wiz deal. Somebody to play 20 minutes and produce for a 3rd rounder because a team needs cap relief.
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William says:
My expectations of Snow and Wang when it comes to free agency is way lower than even HIggins’ salary demands.
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drive45 says:
I know Laich’s agent will get a lot of calls like you and BC said on the Interactive show, but wouldn’t it be nice for us to make a statement someday? I can dream.
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Playoffsnextyear! says:
I think two great signings would be Eric Belanger and Simon Gagne on one-year (or if need be, two-year) deals. John Tavares would be the first-line center, and the other three (Bailey, Nielsen, and Belanger) would rotate throughout the other three lines. Cizakas and Haley would be in Bridgeport ready to come up in case one of the four centers gets injured.
Moulson – Tavares – Gagne
Grabner – Nielsen – Okposo
Nino – Bailey – Comeau
Martin – Belanger – Parenteau -
islesfan999 says:
Sign me up for Leino and a tough guy on 4th line. Then get Pitkanen, Shane Obrien or Ehrhoff and this will be a nice summer. Lets go Isles
We need 2 forwards and 1 dmen.
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Sorry, but these comments about “not a lot of roster room left” make me sick. You act like we’re a contender. We haven’t won anything in 4 years and without a few major upgrades, we are not making the playoffs in the East. Other teams are getting better. You guys can laugh at the Panthers all you want, but they’re getting close and they will add a lot more. Like us, they also have good prospects. They just don’t have any fans.
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Jim Clark says: Will Gagne come here? Seems to me that when he went to Tampa, Bob MCKenzie made a comment about him Greeing to go because he could wear flip flops to work in February. That ain’t us.
We will get Higgins.
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Ethan K says:
This is a very nice list. I’m just not totally sold on Higgins. Joel Ward and Belanger have my votes for bottom-6 guys, and I would definitely give nice offers to Fleishmann and Gagne to be a winger for Tavares. Also love Brooks Laich as a 2nd line center, but then they have to do something with Bailey. Think the Isles might have to bite the bullet and try to bury Hunter in the minors, or hope someone will take him from us. I just don’t see a spot for him next season.
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Oren says:
Leino or Fleishman or maybe Gagne. If it’s not top 6 talent then we don’t need it!! We are stocked with Haley, Martin, Gillies,maybe Cizikas, etc. We need help on the first to lines not higgins or Ward. We have plenty of what Higgins or Ward can offer. For God sake we don’t even have first line talent
(PA Parenteau?) come on folks! Fleishman, Leino, or Gagne would add that top six type young vet leadership we need, not Higgins. I think most of you will be surprised this time around. Snow will try an add top six talent or he will stay put. We have planty of bottom sixth depth in the organization. They should just hire me and be done with it. -
Please no Leino or Gagne, both are overated…As mentioned above Rupp & Raffi Torres would be fits…Chris – Why would Bergeinheim ever consider coming back? that does not sound realistic…
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Mike Z says:
Good list, but I think its missing Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner. Even though these guys are ex-Devils, they could be solid locker room vets in the Isles locker room and bring some scoring ability. Really hope they pick up Ryder to play RW with Tavares.
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Laich would be the only player off CB’s list I would go after. The idea is to improve the talent, size, and leadership of the team, not to just add random players. I would rather overpay for a UFA or take on a salary dump (where the player in return is talented but overpaid) then sign 2-3 average players.
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Post #70. you are right on. I’m not sold on anyone on this list. we need top six forwards. Although i would like Brooks Laich.
post #14, Tell your friend not to hold his breath. Snow and Bossy made calls to season tix holders last year feeding them the same crap. This is what ticks me off the most, ( the BS the management feed us loyal fans for the past 10 yrs under wanger).
But I still do have faith in Snow. -
Vancouver reached the finals this year because of the Sedins and Burrows, not because of Jeff Tambellini. Boston won the Cup because of Thomas and Chara. Top flight top level talent. Bergenheim was a great role player in the playoffs but you notice that TB didn’t reach the finals. Point is the more top talent that is able to carry your team…that you have on your team….the better chance you have of winning. You don’t need the Joel Wars or the Chris Higgins of the world. It’s not like we ar one missing puzzle piece away from a championship. Please no more talk of 3rd and 4th liners, we have plenty of them! And even if we “upgraded” our 4th line would it help tremendously?…no. Not discounting how valuable role players are but they are role players. What good is a “role player” on a non-playoof team? Unless Snow makes a significant signing of a top 6 forward or top pairing d-man…he is done for this off-season, mark my words. We have plenty of serviceable talent on the 3rd and 4th lines.
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Rob76 says:
Um we are 11 million below the cap FLOOR. So we HAVE to make some kind of splash this summer. I think we have better chance making trade though, b/c the UFA list is really watered down so we would be stuck over-paying for one of these guys. I really hope we do the right thing to take the next step by adding established vet on D and at FWD
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streit02 says:
Any one of these free agents would help the team tremendously. I think our biggest need is top 6 leaders who can score and add grit. At this point in time i feel Laich and Cole would be the best fits. Out of our top 9 you’d have to figure PA is the odd man out if we add someone. If we add 2 then a trade would have to be made to open up a spot. I like comeau, but feel he would also be expendable for a player who could fill a more important role. Imagine replacing Parenteau and Comeau with Laich and Cole? It would change the whole entire complexion of this team and those are two character guys who give it their all every shift. Im also a fan of Upshall, but a little uncertain as to where he would fit in the lineup. ]
As far as D goes…i’m pretty sure everyone knows the key element missing back there.
Are we assuming Haley will not be going back to his normal position as center on the 4th line? -
Og says:
This is the islanders. Free agents aren’t signing here. Fine. This team has talent and can be better with a few additions from our prospect pool ( niño, dehaan), alongside acquired players through trades…
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sean says:
Definitely go after laich Garth, Bieska I think will resign in Vancouver. It would be nice to get him though. I hope we make a splash in the free agent market come July 1st.
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Jonathan Christ says:
Chris Higgins and Brooks Laich would be tremendous for this organization add a vetern defender like kevin bieska and we’re golden.
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posters number 2 and 4 said it all in a nutshell. while it makes more sense then ever for the isles to sign some decent talent so wang shows he means business regarding the new arena not to mention the cap is going up quite a bit and if wang and snow are serious that the isles have had it with losing seasons every single year and with some decent help this year to help out the kids, the isles can be a playoff contender instead of pretender, there is no excuse this year. however you can be sure this year more then ever to push the arena vote, snow will say he offered more money by far to every single decent ufa this year, but that all turned him down and were willing to play somewhere else for far less money due to the conditions at the nvmc. do not fret though, i am confident wang and snow will sign quite a few 4th line scrubs. funny though, how come these players will be willing to come here for far less money then anyone else you ask but the real talent that can help the team wont come here for more money then anyone else is very simple. that costs money and what ever story you want to believe from wang and snow is up to you. however you can be sure of one thing. the isles will be at the bottom of the cap floor like always. that should and will tell you everything regardless of what nonsense wang and snow will try to makes us believe.
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Jzimm says:
I would love to see Ville Leino on a line with Nielsen and Grabner. I suppose that he’s atop your list for a reason. Makes sense to me. I’d love to have him, we need to reach the cap floor, I hope we outbid everyone.
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93 Miracle says:
Joel ward is my #1 pick as a forward. Also I would love to get Thomas Kopecky to play on the 4th line with him and Martin. Thats a solid 4th line. If their is a player I want really bad and where the islanders would make a splash its on D, with Pitkanen.
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i like leino and fleishman but scared of the health issues. i think laich is out of the question, someone will scoop him quick.
i think this year we make a splash but on d – i’ll take any character signing at forward, or anyone that can help Tavares’ line become even better.
Oh and a Power Play guy -
Al L says:
Out here in Hershey,I can tell you first hand,Andrew Gordon,given the chance,could be the sleeper of the bunch. The guy has magical hands,always manages to find the nooks and crannys down low and score big goals. With three Calder Cups with the Bears over the past six seasons,he also has a winning pedigree.
I’m also quite familiar with Flash(Tomas Fleishmann)who also was outstanding down down here. Laich was also an ex-Hershey Bear. Adding those three to the roster would be like old home week for me.
The question is roster space for the many fowards we would have. Perhaps adding these three could free up Comeau and or Bailey for a top 2 or 3 young D man in a trade. -
nyislanders93 says:
In a weak free agent market this summer, teams are going to overspend big time to fill needs. I’d prefer not to overspend on a decent free agent. I’d much rather trade picks/prospects/players for a proven and solid talent. If there is trouble signing Comeau to a reasonable and fair contract, it’s not out of the question that he would be traded somewhere else.
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Strummer's Army says:
I think Isles need 2 forwards (only 1 if Comeau is not dealt). Laich and Ward would be the best but do they need to guys on more then a one year deal with all the prospects near arrival? NO. So you are looking at one of Laich or Ward and then someone like Upshall on a one year.
This way assets can be used for what will be most expensive and difficult and that is fixing the defense, in which Isles still need to acquire two guys at least and doesn’t look like FA is the answer.
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Please no guys with injuries and no to Higgins and Komisarik who have both been terrible the past few years since leaving Montreal.
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Twine Flu says:
We don’t need any bottom 6 crap, Go out there and Sign Gagne,Fleishman, Cole, or Jokinen… And then pony up the bucks to pay an Erhoff or Pitkanen
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jamal says:
Michael ryder seems like the right guy here. goal scoring ability, veteran leadership, playoff experience, and now a stanley cup winner. seems like a good fit as a top 6 forward
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Erik says:
Not the marquee guy, but I will certainly take Andrew Gordon.
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joeg says:
I know this is a pipe dream but if Tampa dont sign Stamkos by friday, Garth should put an offer sheet together for say 8-10 million a year and see what happens. Imagine Stamkos with his age and skill playing with Tavares. Tavares-Strome-Stamkos…..I could dream LOL
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Greg says:
I really like the thought of Simon Gagne playing on the top line with Tavares and Moulson.
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The New Isles GM says:
As much as I want to see Nino in orange and blue next year, I hope we’re forced to send him back to Juniors. The only thing that can contribute to that is the fact Garth signed NHL ready, top 9 forwards like many of the names CB mentioned. That honestly wouldn’t bother me one bit if Nino went back. I love the kid and everything he has to offer….but we need playoffs this year. Let’s not gamble on another 19 year old to lead the way.
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Jeff from Smithtown says:
None of these guys gets me excited. Higgins has been on half the leagues teams already for a reason. Ward Bergenheim and Leino have John Druce syndrom. Cole and Fleischmann are injury risks. Ryder and Gagne are way past their primes. Until the DP problem is solved
the playoffs are a pipe dream. -
ENV79 says:
With the roster logjam, we’ll likely get Brooks Laich, Joel Ward, Eric Belanger, Scottie Upshall or another bottom-six forward. However, if we did go for some of the others, in order I’d like…
Cole
Ryder
Leino
Jokinen
Gagne -
isles72 says:
I think a good list to work on is one containing ”bad contracts” for one team that would be ”not so bad contracts” for another team.
When you add Niederreiter / Hunter to the lineup card there just isnt any room for a free agent top 6′er to play .I’d be shocked if they left Nino in the WHL (not that it would be a totally bad thing)and equally shocked if they bought out Hunter (who may not be buy-out eligible due to injury / see Drury,Brule).
I have a short reasonable wish list of players I’d like to see inserted but I have no idea how they squeeze them in .
I’d like a guy who can bring some unpredictable sandpaper and skill/speed to the lineup (Scottie Upshall).I like how he plays on the edge with his physical play (borderline dirty).
More sandpaper on the blueline with either McCabe (who would help the 2nd pp unit)or Shane O’Brian
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quez says:
Seeing Robin Regehr and Brent Burns traded away this draft weekend was tough to watch. Either one would have filled a huge hole on the blue line. Maybe there is another big nasty D-man out there that may become available through a trade. Laich, Cole, or Gagne…in that order.
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Doug says:
I think the Islanders need one or two of the following:
Laich
Leino
Cole
Jokinen -
dose says:
Laich would be a great. Big, tough, clutch. And it would be fine with me if they brought Bergie back. I always thought he’d come up big in a big spot, the prob was that he didn’t get to play in any big spot here. Now that they’re close to getting into the real game they could really use what he brings, and I still see him as an Islander.
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MoreDraftPicks says:
Like many of you, I too scratch my head when I read there is no room to add. Plenty of room for quality players. If they are good, get them if you can. I know I am dreaming, but I would totally blow everyone out of the water and offer a ridiculous amount of cash and years to Stamkos. The extra butts in the seats, jersey sales, etc would pay for him and then some. And if that means Taveras needs more also, sign him too. Lets be players…I want to get rid of my PB screen name – DO IT!!!!
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Mike P says:
Get me Laich, possibly Gagne and the hell with it, if Stamkos is available as a RFA on 7/1 make a serious run for him. Make a splash for a change, especially with the 8/1 vote coming up. You want positive attention ?, pulling off a miracle and signing Stamkos will do it and bring people to the voting booth. A HUGE cormerstone piece for the future and a quick trun towards repsectability with JT, Moulson, Grabs and Stamkos. Gotta get to the cap floor, GO FOR IT, Got nothing to lose but the picks which are WELL WORTH the price for such a dynamic player….
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WavepooL says:
I like Laich, Cole, and Jokinen. Stamkos just is not going to happen lol *bubble bursts*
Will Strome play with the big club this season?
Once we pick up our free agent choices this team is really going to start filling out. Really hope JT has a truly breakout year, KO stays healthy and shows the league what he is capable of, Streit reminds us how much he was missed last year, and Grabs and Franz continue to improve.
Sports sucks right now. Can’t wait for hockey season!!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS
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gutty34 says:
With possible talk of Komisarek as salary dump and with Higgins FA – what about bringing the LI boys home – they can talk about how they brought team back from brink – helped secure 8/1 vote and new coliseum. Cool story and good PR for team. Fills 2 needs – Komisarek secures blue line. Higgins fills in line 3 and can bump between 2 and 4 line when needed. Than look to throw an offer sheet at Stamkos – 5 years like the rest – 8.5 per year. Than we can afford to move on from Comeau or Bailey – top 6 forwards or Tavares, Stamkos, MM, Grabs, Okie and Neids. Size, Skill – perimeter shooting would be scary insane with Tavares on one side and Stamkos the other – they shoot and miss/save – Matty M ther to rifle and pounce. This line alone can put up 100+ goals. Puts us at cap floor nd above. Cant hurt to dream!!
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HyeDray says:
No issues with anyone on the list really. Always been a fan of Fleishmann. He has excellent skills but the last thing we need is an injury prone player. If he can prove he is healthy — fine — he’d be a solid pick-up. But overall, any of these players add to the forward unit.
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Bob E says:
Great list CB. All seem would be nice additions to isles. As far as Comeau going to Arb. I love to have him on team next year but lets face it. The majority of his goals last 2 seasons happend after we were long out of the playoff race. That tells you something.
Upshall is an upgrade over Comeau. Comeau elsewhere woudl see his mins go down considerably. -
Doug says:
Gutty34- I like your reasoning but who would center the second line…Neilsen or Bailey? I think the Islanders need a second line center but maybe if Bailey played with better linemates,he might come into his own…
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thepolishprince says:
I have to agree about the “no roster room” comments. There is no room for a top 6 winger. Now I’m not saying Garth shouldn’t target one, simply that he won’t. Those top two lines will remain intact and anyone who thinks PAP will not start the season there barring a horrible camp or injury is mistaken.
A 4th line center who can take draws is another story…. -
doc says:
I’ve seen enough of the Joel Ward and Chris Higgin’s type signings to last me a lifetime. Please no more Joes Ward type signings… they wouldn’t do anything for the team, the fans, or the win column.
Any of the following: Fleischmann, Laich, Leino, Cole and Jokinen would be a nice upgrade.
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John says:
Why do we always talk in terms of top 6 when other teams talk in terms of top 9. You want to win you need more depth. The team should sign whomever they think will help… roster spots are earned not given away aside from the obvious ones. But if a guy like Hunter has to earn playing time so be it. Would it hurt Martin to play in the AHL? Strome needs to stay in junior… why rush the kid. Culture of entitlement is coming to an end and this team will only improve once the team has NHL ready players playing in the A pushing the guys in the NHL to get better or step aside.
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pete says:
joel ward = jon sim….no thanks
Sign one of:
Laich, Leino, Fleitschman (in that order)Then get a real defenseman (sorry CB cant talk free agents for isles without mentioning D) like Bieksa.
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hale078 says:
i would love joel ward in our bottom 6
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CJCB says:
I agree with 111 u have to get the top 9 and push the guy we currently have in the top 9. I think if you can get some good quality players upfront you will start to see were guys like Parenteau and Comeau really belong. Im not saying either cant prove me wrong but i really think these guys were made better than they are. Better players will make Tavares and Molson better and i think thats what we need to find.
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No Gagne = Always injured & on decline
No Leino = ?? not sure if he could put up numbers on the Isles
No Cole = Mr. Injury
No Nichol = Too small, Isles need size -
Anthony from Commack says:
CB – who, in your honest opinion, of the player list that you provided for this thread do you really think the Islanders will make a push for? I’d love to get your personal opinion on who you think they will target.
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Eric C. says:
I would add Vrbata to the mix. Highly skilled forward that would be a nice fit with Bailey and Comeau on the 3rd line.
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its a rebuild thats devloping young players, agreed? if tavares, moulson, grabs, and ko are top six. if nino comes up( can’t go to ahl), why restrict the minutes on bailey, frans? thats 7 guys who need minutes, plus comeau and PaP, who earns a million this season. wheres the room at foward, cause thats 9 guys.
hunter is currently making $2 million/year, if not bought out, hes playing. there just no room without letting a guy go via trade..i dont see blake, bailey or PaP are getting 4 line minutes that haley and martin took. still hoping Martin is at Bport anyway… -
Petey Pete says:
Joel Ward played roller hockey at Hot Skates?? L O L!
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To those taking umbrage to my and other’s comment that there is “not much room on the roster,” that’s fine. I’m all for improving the roster by any means necessary.
But if you take Garth Snow’s comments at face value, that he won’t deviate from the rebuild and won’t trade any of his young players– and you make the assumption he brings back Comeau, Bailey, and to a lesser degree Haley– then the reality of the situation is that there isn’t a whole lot of room on the roster.
To wit, before any UFA signings, you’ve already got:
Tavares-Moulson-Parenteau
Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo
Comeau-Bailey-Niederreiter
Martin-Haley-Hunter/GilliesAre there people on there who are tradeable/expendable? Sure. Come up with your own list.
But if you’re going to improve via free agency, you’re going to have to cut bait with some players. I’m not sure I see anyone on the UFA list of forwards who would compel Snow to [realistically speaking] overpay for their services.
My feeling is Snow will make upgrading the blueline his priority, an assertion seemingly supported by the Isles’ cutting ties with Martinek, Hillen, and Gervais in recent days.
But as always, what do I know? Just my opinion.
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Toby says:
Yea, any of these guys. I agree with those who are in favor of trying to bring in more than 1, possibly 2. Let’s get NHL’ers in here. Been a lotta guys up in the past two years who just are ready.
Worried about overpaying (like we will probably have to) and possibly creating dissention and/or rifts in the locker room.
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Big says:
Been saying for a while that Eric Cole would be perfect for this team. Skilled leader who can play a top 6 role. A NY guy too.
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We have space to get to the cap floor, but since no one knows about the next CBA — will there be another salary rollback like in 2005 — we should sign a few good UFAs to one-year deals only. This way, we have $ under the new cap to sign Tavares (RFA 2012), Nielsen and Moulson(both UFA 2012)without having to shed the salary of a good young player. If we aren’t careful, if the cap goes down, we will lose a really good young player because we have $ tied up in a veteran we really don’t want.
Remember this is what Snow did in 2006 with Viktor Kozlov, Sean Hill, Tom Poti and Richard Park. All great bang for the buck that year.
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claude says:
laich + bieksa = 90 pt season
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Ray says:
@ pete Joel Ward and Jon Sim should not be compared
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I’d like any of these guys. While I don’t think we’re in “final piece of the puzzle” mode yet, it’d be nice to finally have a PRODUCTIVE veteran on this team, something we haven’t had since Guerin 3 years ago.
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Seasonticketholder1973-2004 says:
Garth needs to get a real player for JT , not PA , do whatever you need to do to help take our star to the next level. Newsflash PA and Moulson are not that good , JT is. It is like having a Ferrari and only taking it out in the snow. They also need a viking on the blue line , someone who will clear the crease, drop the body and pummel anyone that steps out of line( see JOHN SCOTT). All the other talk about signing a bottom 6 forward is nonsense , we have enough of those guys. Sign Haley now. Give me those 3 signings and I will renew season tickets.
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Cary says:
Laich or Ryder plus a big tough 4th line center.
Not too impressed with this list.
Isles may have to consider trying Grabs with JT and MM if we can’t find 1st line talent elsewhere.
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isles316 says:
All these guys would be great, but without a legit top 6 winger and another top defensemen, this team won’t make the playoffs. They aren’t as good as Pitt, Philly and never win season series against NYR and the Devils. They will be better but need more,especially with the weakest goaltending duo in the NHL. They are still 12.6 million under the floor, so they HAVE to do something.
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AJAX says:
Who will be Long Islands next Top Model for the “Vote Yes” t-shirt??????
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Billy the Kid says:
We need the talent upgrade at forward but Garth painted us into a corner when he rushed to re-sign PAP. Now we need to account for Hunter, Matt Martin, Mike Haley and none of them can center the 4th line.
Our top 9 forwards are signed with the exception of Comeau and Bailey, who got qualifiers and will be signed.
So top 9 already is Tavares, Moulson, Grabs, Frans, Okposo, PAP…….add Comeau, Bailey and Nino and there is no room to add a forward FA unless we send Nino back to jrs.
There is only one way to move Comeau….in a trade for a top 4 defender.
Garth jumped too fast signing PAP. -
John T. - Halifax, NS says:
I apologize if this sounds bitter, but its really not. Just what I notice from reading some comments.
I dont understand why people are so enamored with wanting the Isles to try and sign hometown players (Higgins) or try to get players we “should” have drafted (Parise).
We need to move on from some of this stuff. Honestly, I dont care where they are from. If they can play hockey, play it well, know their role and help the team, Im all for it. For me, just because a player has a Long Island connection, doesnt mean we have to try to sign them. (Yeah.. Im not much of a Higgins fan).
Out of the group CB mentions though, I definitely like Fleischmann, Cole, Leich, and Ryder. (in no particular order).
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Frank DiPietro says:
The cap has increased and now many teams have lots of cap room, so the competition will be fierce. All else equal, it will be very tough for Snow to reel in one of these top UFAs. I will be shocked if it happens, but its not going to be for a lack of trying on Snow’s part. So, thats the reality the Isles face, but given the circumstances, the team will be better regardless, and hopefully Snow find another diamond in the rough (Moulson, Grabs) to continue to the steady climb.
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DWC says:
CB,
What do you think the chances of the Isles going with the “over-ripe” method with Nino to leave room for signings here?
He looked ok in his 9 games, but is he ready enough to burn a year towards his free agency when there is a need to evaluate others and bring in experience?
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PuckDaddy99 says:
Is anyone in the entire Islander organization interested in getting a goaltender? Or do they think that DP can be counted on to carry the weight of goaltender duties for next season or two, with Montoya helping him out? There is little evidence that DP can be counted on to deliver more than 5 solid games, if that much. Should we count on Montoya for 77 games? I don’t think so. And Poulin needs another year before he’s NHL ready. Counting on DP is almost a guaranty of a #12 finish. How many games did the Isles’ forwards and D win last year that DP lost? More than a few.
I would go after a guy like Vokoun. Yeah, he’d be expensive, but he can all but guaranty the Isles make it to the playoffs. The revenue from one or two playoff games more than pays for his ~$4 – 5 mil contract. And at 35, he’s the right age too. Enough to give the Isles solid goaltending for two or three years, maybe more, platooning with Montoya and Poulin, whoever earns the #2 spot.
Alternatively, do a goalie for goalie trade with Nabokov. But I like the idea of signing Vokoun.
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#112. John Sim does not in no way equal JOEL WARD! Did you watch the playoffs the past 2 seasons. Joel Ward brings his game to a complete other level come playoff time. He was the best player on his team. He scores BIG PLAYOFF goals. I would take him and run! This is a win win signing.
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BooBoo says:
Eric Cole was decent 5 or 6 years ago, I don’t see any reason why the Isles would waste a dime on any of these guys now.
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If Joel Ward brings his game to the next level in the playoffs, then what exactly is it that he’s doing during the 82 game regular season. Taking it easy to conserve his energy? Avoid the Joel Ward signings at all costs. He’s 31 years old. It has Jon Sim written all over it. He had 10 goals and 19 assists last season (80 games). And these same people continue to bash Blake Comeau and his 24 goals at 25 years old playing 3rd line minutes. It’s Crazy.
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And if Joel Ward was your best player during the playoffs… then your team has some BIG problems that it needs to figure out. And if he is SO good… don’t you think Nashville would be falling all over themselves to sign their best playoff performer??? No offense to Joel Ward… it’s just that he’s not the missing piece to the puzzle… and will just create log jam when you don’t need one. If you are making an upgrade, then make it worth IT.
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Tony says:
quite an unimpressive list if you ask me.
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Double Chili says:
Brooks caught Sid’s head with an elbow in the Classic that may have been the pre-cursor to the concussion that ended his season. Another reason for Pittsburgh to like us less, should he sign.
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Dave says:
Best players i see that are UFA not signing with Islanders because a lot of teams cleared some needed cap space. Brook laich best player/make up for the Islanders but will sign with Philli or Detroit. Scottie Upshall back to Philli or some other eastern cof. team. Best Case the islanders sign Eric Cole. Also I think Brad Richards will sign with the Rangers or Tampa bay.
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I only see NJ trading Zach Parise, but i doubt it will happen, is for a team to give up a #1 NHL ready player and 2 first rounders and possibly even a minor league prospect.
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Eddie Shack says:
We don’t need no stinking free agents. We just drafted Johan Sundstrom; that “playmaking center” with one point in 41 games. Sounds like Snow had a brain freeze at that pick in the second round. all in all is was a pretty good draft.
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iv seen this alot lately but do not know enough about the subject to make a rational comment on it so i leave this to my fellow fans …. regardless of whether he comes here or not, is there a real chance of the islanders putting in a monster 1 year offer to stamkos or is that just rubbish??
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Doug Heffernan says:
I guess it wouldnt hurt to gain the guy from philly for more fire power up front where you know what your gonna get but for the most part its all about the d this free agency
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booten326 says:
guys, can we PLEASE stop even entertaining the notion that Stamkos could be an Islander next season? You guys realize that a) he is the face of their franchise and Stevey Y would part with the ENTIRE rest of the team before he lets Stamkos leave in RFA. b) It would be exciting for a few years, but if we blew him out of the water with money, it only sets us up to let a huge piece(s) go down the road due to cap issues and c) it would most likely ruin the working relationship Garth has with Steve Y if we made a ridiculous offer to him. We look like Leafs fans with all this crazy-talk of signing Stamkos.
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SCLI says:
Aside from Fleischmann & maybe Leino. This group is putting me to sleep. Yawn.
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SStrome says:
For the of you placing Bailey on the 3r line in your imaginary line ups, is just wrong.
for Bailey to gain confidence and put up some good #’s he will need more consistent playing time. he needs 2nd line minutes. otherwise he will not grow on this team. Bailey kicked ass with combs for a month last season. lets not forget what an offensive force he was. He got me off me seat watching him. This guy has a lot of potential to rock the ice if groomed the right way. -
A Real hockey fan says:
.. I hate to say it but im unsure right now what person to sign, i really am lol
.. Comeua is a headscratcher, the guy has some talent but scores alot of meaningless goals and his *ACTIONS* when 1 of his teamates was hacked/slashed/hurt (im forgetting who it was) really made me lose respect for him, damn i hated to see that!
.. We need help on D and the wings (im with ya guys) but we REALLY REALLY REALLY need to be sure about goaltending, thats the biggie imo
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and to the person who said “newsflash: moulson isn’t that good” clearly does not appreciate a goal scorer who doesn’t have to deke his way to the net to score everytime. You don’t get back to back 30 goal seasons by accident, regardless of who’s centering you. It’s not like JT got the perfect set up pass to Moulson for all 60+ of those goals. MM is the real deal, the man knows how to put the puck in the back of the net and he’s shown he can do it in a multitude of ways either by taking punishment in the crease, break-aways, great shots from the circles, on the rush, deflections I mean come on man!
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Wang Chung says:
I really don’t get all the hate for PA. He had 20 goals last year. You guys make it like if Comeau played w/ JT he would have had like 50 goals! Give me a break. Who besides Laich and Fleischman would you rather have than PA that is an UFA?
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James says:
I say forget all these FAs, go after a big RFA, like Doughty or Stamkos. Tampa wont have enough cap room to match a big offer and I think at this point in the rebuild we can afford to give up the 4 first round picks that he would require. Look, Stamkos is still not signed by Tampa and how many teams would be able to offer Stamkos the money he will demand. Only two teams come to mind: the Maple Leafs and the Islanders. I say sign him to a 1 yr $11 mil just to lure him away and then work out a reasonable extension maybe a 6-8 yr $65-$82 mil with him
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isles79-83 says:
booten326 @ post 145.
Golf clap to you!
That spells it out. No way Garth makes an offer sheet to a Stamkos type player when Tavares is RFA after this year. Ya don’t wanna step on Stevie Y’s toes. He’s too well connected. -
Bieksa Signs in Vancouver
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JT says:
I like the idea of Fleischmann paired with Tavares. He’s young and had a good run with Duchesne. Could be had a little bit of a discount becuase of his health. Worth the risk.
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19inarow says:
I wish we could sign a 27-year-old Michael Peca again. *sigh*
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guys Defense is going to be address by CB in next segment. hence why this is call PART 1.
Stop with offer sheets for RFAs. Only think you can do is make a trade for rights for him. This way you dont get killed like Toronto did. Burkes Offer sheet for Kessel Gave Boston Seguin and now Dougie Hamilton along with few other prospects. offer sheets dont work. What did Dustin Penner do for EDM.
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Forget Bieksa……..Vancouver signed him
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rpchief2 says:
I,m confused about something. What is with this higgins stuff. Why is he an upgrade over PA and Comeau. Both scored more then him. This rebuild is not signing many more players. It was said above, there really isn’t many spots available. I see maybe a forward and a dman, and thats it. The roster is going to look very similar to this year. unless they make a trade.
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Jerome says:
gang,
you saw what the flyers did: they cleaned house and they made the finals in 2010. this so-called steady rebuild actually took a step back last year. they don’t have a lot of talent. i would say it’s high-time to remake the roster except for the core: JT, Moulson, Grabner, KO, Frans, Streit, Hamonic, AMac, Strome, Nino and CdH. that’s it. -
Tim says:
No one has mentioned Matt Gilroy. I wouldnt mind the option. He’s the offensive defensemen we are losing in Hillen
Oh.. and there is NO WAY the Kings trade Doughty.
chris,
will the islanders make a top 6 forward signing july 1st?