JASON GREGOIRE SIGNS WITH WINNIPEG
Ex-Isles pick-turned-FA gets his ELC from the Jets
12:10 pm: Unable to reach an agreement on a deal with the Islanders, Jason Gregoire took advantage of a loophole, became a free agent and has signed an Entry Level contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Although the Jets are Gregoire’s hometown team and have always been the favorite for his services since a few weeks after his defection – when the Atlanta Thashers moved to Manitoba – the 2007 third round draft pick of the Islanders had plenty of options. He met with nine NHL teams and – according to sources – received contract offers from six clubs, including the Minnesota Wild. After a two-week process, he opted to go with Winnipeg. The Jets’ new brass, led by GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, met with Gregoire over draft weekend. The Jets’ offer was higher than the last one presented by the Islanders.
While Gregoire told Point Blank last month that he was very happy the Islanders kept the door open for a possible signing after he turned free agent, the Islanders were said to be very disappointed in losing the solid prospect.
In his third and final season with the Fighting Sioux in 2010-11, the 6-0, 200-pound left wing had 25 goals and 18 assists for 43 points in 35 games. Gregoire, who was second in the WCHA in goals-per-game last year, has a chance of seeing some action in the NHL this season as a third line wing for the Jets. But he would be best served by some development in the AHL.
Blake Kessel, also drafted by the Islanders in 2007, last month also utilized the loophole. Like Gregoire, Kessel played in the USHL before starting college and became a free agent four years after his draft selection. The defenseman from the University of New Hampshire is said to be contemplating offers from at least four NHL teams and should reach a decision over the next two weeks. The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the leading candidates to land Kessel.
Comments on this subject are welcomed.
201 Responses to JASON GREGOIRE SIGNS WITH WINNIPEG
Ex-Isles pick-turned-FA gets his ELC from the Jets
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hale says:
let the managment bashing begin in 3…2…1
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Oye Comeau Va says:
If the Islanders are truly “disappointed in losing the solid prospect” maybe they should’ve offered him more money. If they are going to feel the same way abotu Kessel, they should up the ante for him as well. Organization has no one to to blame for losing these guys but themselves.
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glenn says:
Is there any chance Kessel signs with the Islanders? Is Philadelphia ur prediction?
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Pete says:
the hits just keep on coming….Anymore good news for us CB?
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Anthony from Commack says:
Is Garth Snow and Co. reading this?? Not only can we NOT sign players here but now we CANNOT KEEP the ones we drafted??? I dont see any other way to look at this then that …. Real good job less then a month before Aug 1
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Dally Mac says:
Deals with US college students seem to be a bit of a gamble. At least when you draft a player from Europe or the CHL they can’t become unrestricted…the CHL kids need to take a chance re-entering the draft…sounds like a CBA issue for next time.
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seabass says:
EPIC FAIL! Gregoire turned into a solid prospect…I watched a bunch of UND games this year and the kid can play. The Isles have asked a lot of their fans during this rebuild, to be unable to sign a very good prospect when we can use as much talent in the pipeline as we can get is really inexcusable. As is the continuing inability to land a FA. I am just so sick of the loser mentality and excuses from Garth and co. That type of talk is self fulfilling. This organization is run on the cheap…so much so that we can’t even sign our prospects out of college. Anything else that is fed to us is BS. I think Larry Brooks was right…Bettman should step in and take this organization away from CW. He has been unable to accomplish anything in his time here. I almost want the new areener to fail so CW sells the team…I will take my chances and hope Bettman facilitates the sale to a new owner that keeps the team local.
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Dazed and Confused says:
Que Sa Ra Sa Ra. Obviously they really didnt want to be NY Islanders. We have a load of prospects with more coming every year. These two wont make or break us.
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CC says:
But wait a second…I thought Garth and Ricky were going around telling everybody that the Islanders are a special franchise now and everybody will want to play for them?
Don’t bash Gregorire. It worked out for him that the Thrash moved to the Peg, but that happened after he turned down the NYI offer.
He left because the Islanders offer was way less than what he knew he could get from Atlanta, Winnipeg or half the league.
Okposo and Grabner signed because they hit the lottery with a desperate team. Guys that are unrestricted and have options from the high like Ehroff to the low like Gregoire will go where the money is and where the owner and GM do not have reputations for being jokes.
It’s the sad reality until proven otherwise.
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Andy says:
Well at least he’ll be playing in the Western Conferen… oh, wait.
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Madchef says:
Anyone who bashes the isles for not signing him is wasting their time. He will not be any better than anyone we have in the system that is a 3rd plus line winger.Aug 1st, and making a trade for a D-man are the issues.
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Mike L says:
But how are we supposed to win the cup without Gregoire and Kessel? Can we trade Strome and Nino for them?
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Alan says:
Dally Mac – “Deals with college students are a bit of a gamble”
THREE players in the last 5 years have used the loophole to split from their teams – Blake Wheeler and 2 Islanders draft picks. So far no other NHL teams have found this to be a bit of a gamble.
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CIsle says:
Just wish the Isles had been awake to the possibility that these boys could make use of this stipulation.
One would have to think that if they had thought of it or foreseen it as a possibility (which they technically should have, even if it’s not often made use of), they’d have sussed out the situation in talks by January and have traded their rights by the trade deadline, if they felt a signing wouldn’t be easy.
Now we KNOW that they’re gonna do their darndest – heck, might even be forced – to sign Lee next summer.
Still a bit of a bitter pill to swallow…
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blitz says:
Cue the Snow-authored Newsday article talking up Nino and Strome and how this is no big deal in 3….2…..1….
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doggyondown says:
With loads of prospects this is not a killer but if you tell your fanbase that we can’t sign FA’s cause they wont come here so we will build through the draft and the you let 2 good prospects walk…. what kind of message does that send? Not a good one. It is not like we are cap strapped. As for Snow… he drafts well and has done a good job on the waiver wire but FA time is just not what he does well.
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#13 We don’t know what Gregoire will be just as we don’t know what many of the prospects already in the system will turn out to be. That is why you sign any and all that show promise….to increases the chances that you hit on a few. Gregoire should have been signed and the inability to sign him is symptomatic of this Franchises ineptness which is why I am ticked…On a a different topic, they have also been doing a poor job at PR for this whole areener thing..still waiting for that big PR blitz…at least we have the Zoo Keeper…
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Brian G says:
Keep up the great work Snow…has he been out golfing and watching fireworks all week….nice no show by Isles Management after the glimmer of hope at the end of the season. They never do anything right, always trying to reinvent the wheel instead of making thing easy. As far as the rest of the offseason goes, try to do something – besides worrying about the 8/1 vote. Sign 1 defenseman out of: McCabe, Hannan, or O’Brien. Maybe sign Ryan Shannon as a depth forward. Sign Bailey to a 1 year 1.1 mil contract. Sign Comeau to a 2 year 2.3 mil a year – his contract should be compared to Troy Brouwer’s contract. Make those moves and let’s go to training camp. Again great job Snow & Wang.
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It is what it is, we have plenty of prospects better or on par with these two. The real problem arises if Anders Lee tries to take advantage of this, or possibly Scott Mayfield in a few years. The we have problems.
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tom in nj says:
“With loads of prospects this is not a killer” really? how many actually pan out? we don’t have a great track record in this areas you know.
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Mike P says:
When and IF this kid lights the lamp regularly on an NHL team in few years, then I”ll care. All drafts picks are crap shoots. He may turn out to be nothing special….
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Bruce says:
I hope I’m wrong but this reminds me of Milbury’s thoughts on JP Dumont resulting in trading him.
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AJAX says:
I don’t think its a big deal for these 2 bailing out.
However, it is an issue that the team again did nothing.
For every 1 move the club makes to try to make the team better, they are taking 2 steps back in my opinion.
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UIF says:
Following in the footsteps of Blake Wheeler. Maybe now Gregoire will play disinterested hockey before being traded and taking his new team to arbitration, just like Wheeler. Personally, I believe taking advantage of a “loophole” like this and shunning the team that has spent time on developing a player in its system speaks more to the character of the player than to a fault with the Islanders.
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LORDV8R says:
Whether they turn out to be Bobby Orr or Duncan MacPherson is not the problem I have with this. It is the fact that this is a continuing pattern that I do not see other teams having. Maybe instead of Garth GIVING personality tests he should TAKE them before looking at a prospect.
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kurvers28 says:
“The Jets offer was higher.” – Shocker!! Offered more money than the Isles did! If the Isles were do disappointed, then don’t wait 4 years to sign the guy. Can’t blame Snow, he has been busy signing…….oh wait.
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By the way, why are we calling this a loophole?
It appears to simply be an existing stipulation.
It’s not like the CBA doesn’t make a clear statement about players who get drafted, spend one year thereafter in the USHL and then complete three years of college. They’re given this option that Gregoire and Kessel have made use of.
I think this has to be pointed out, because calling it a loophole is a soft way of taking the onus off the Isles for apparently having been asleep at the wheel in these two cases (and I clearly feel the Kessel party was inspired by Gregoire’s decision).
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shlo says:
I would not worry about it . This is a business, management and players make business decisions. Players as a rule no longer play for “the Flag or the Team”. For most of them its a 10 year job and they want to make the most of it.
So these two are gone, good luck to them. Move on. -
I have been really defending Snow of late, but this is a head scratcher. Once Snow got wind that they were going to bolt due to the loophole, could he have at least traded their rights before they became free agents?
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FanSince72 says:
Is this part of “This is when it really gets exciting in the Country” or are we still waiting for that to begin? Inquiring minds want to know.
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Dr Phil says:
Hey Garth…..you better hurry up and sign the Zanboni Operator and the ice girls before they up and leave. Another sterling performance by Snow. As a General Manager in the nhl; he’s out of his league, in more ways than one.
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RV says:
I dream of the day where I wake up and read a story about how the Islanders finally got someone instead of lost them.
As a matter of curiosity, does anyone know if Reasoner had any other options or were the Islanders the only team that gave him a legitimate offer? I don’t mean to knock the guy because he fills an obvious need here, but I can’t help but doubt that anyone was knocking down his door to sign him.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
C’mon guys. You don’t want Gregoire taking up any of that valuable future cap-space so many posters are concerned about. Welcome to Wangs world – where no one is overpaid and the playoffs are never made.
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SEC313 says:
#33, you forgot Sparky!
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vigs says:
Neither of these guys would even sniff the Isles top 10 prospect list. I’m not gonna lose any sleep over it. Kessel and Gregoire used the loophole to their advantage, so I blame the loophole, not Snow.
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I don’t care about Gregoire. He doesn’t have any size. We have a ton of kids like him. His upside is P.A. Parentau. On the other hand I would be very disappointed if we lose Blake Kessel. I’m sure the Isles are doing what they can to keep Kessel.
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Steve K says:
If we are building through drafting, and these were supposedly solid prospects, then why were they not signed to ELC’s? If we aren’t signing free agents then why are we not at the very least signing our own drafted prospects? If we aren’t signing our draft picks, then what’s the point of the rebuild?? And it appears these kids weren’t throw-aways either since many teams have obvious interest in them. I can stomach not spending outrageously on free agents but I can’t tolerate moves like this especially if they turn out to be NHL players.
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mm30 says:
Anyone ever see these guys play in college? They are nice depth potential players. Donovan could’ve went the same route and Snow gave him the deal cause he thought it was worth it. If he thought these 2 were worth it he would’ve done the same.
You have to realize with all these picks and prospects that a) they aren’t all going to pan out and b) you have to walk away from some of them.
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corey says: I cant believe that someone would go for free agency and not sign with the team that drafted them. The team took a chance on you, and now you just leave? I was hoping to see them in Bridgeport next season, but right now I dont care they are gone. If you dont want to play for us then good luck somewhere else.
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James from Swindles says:
Well, the Isles lost Gregoire. It’s pretty obvious this is the final nail in the coffin. Fire Snow. There’s no reason to have a season. No reason to have a Coliseum vote. Just fast forward to next season’s draft, where the Quebec City Islanders will be picking first overall.
I hope you’re happy, Jason Gregoire. Your departure just killed a franchise.
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Enzo says:
Fire Snow. The guy is a joke to the rest of the NHL and the fans here need to realize it. He and Wang are the face of an inept, Mickey Mouse organization.
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isles72 says:
what goes around comes around .
maybe we can bend winnipeg over a barrel at some point in the future with an rfa offer sheet to E.Kane
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martin says:
Jason Gregoire and Blake Kessel are marginal prospects. The problem I foresee is that Snow, following the Ryan Smyth trade a few years back, is gunshy about making that blockbuster deal. We need a top line winger for JT and a top 4 dman to complement Streit, Amac and Hamonic, but do I have the confidence in Snow pulling that move off. As of now, I don’t. Iginla from Calgary with 14 mill left over the next 2 years would be the move to make.
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JackB says:
The Isles system is loaded with 3rd and 4th liners and minor league players. Do we really need more?
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JT says:
If the Isles thought this kids was special, they would have signed him before his fourth year to avoid this from happening. EIther they weren’t big enough fans all along, or by the time he blossomed it was too late for the Isles to sign him. I highly doubt that management was unaware that Gregiore and Kessel could go this route. If they were, however, unaware, that is inexcusable.
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Chris18 says:
People please. This isn’t Tavares & Grabner leaving. These guys are projected to be 3rd liners. Relax. Of course Winnipeg paid more- it’s his home town. He helps bring in fans, even if he’s on the 3rd line. And they need to fill out their roster more than our NYI do.
As for Snow not improving this team: Grabner, Moulson, Montoya. 3 guys gotten for a total of a 6th round pick. A total of 95 goals over 3 seasons, and a very good backup, okay starting goalie.
As much as I don’t like Snow for his Iron Curtain-like banning of CB, who covers the Isles far better than anyone WITH press credentials, Snow has done a very good job for our favorite team. In the words of Sgt Hulka, “Lighten up Francis”. -
Ethan K says:
Really not a big deal at all. If anything they would’ve ended up platooned in the AHL, maybe seen a few games from injuries if ANYTHING. We weren’t holding spots for either of these guys. With NO veterans, filling every spot with a “potential” NHLer from our system, there’s still no spot for them. There are hundreds of players drafted every year, and already plenty of players in the NHL and the AHL and Europe. Non issue to lose two “maybe” prospects.
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Matt says:
Its Over, sell the team
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Money Making Mike says:
this is crazy. if the arena deal doesn’t go through. Wang should move the team before 2015.
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Tom in NJ… we have had a good number turn out good but only after the leave the island. and yes it is not a killer… Kessel is far down on the list of Dmen who would get a shot any time soon and JG is a loss but it is not like he was projected to be a superstar. it seems we do better with picking up other left overs anyway ala MM, Grabs, Al M, and even Shremp. If i were GM i would have tried to keep both. im more worried that we could not land a proven player not that we lost 2 college kids.
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dan says: mike from sarasota you forgot to mention there is a few overpaid players. DP and Yashin who is our tenth line center.
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SEE-
Trevor Smith
Sean Bentivoglio
Ben Walter
Jason KrogI’m sure I am missing others.
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caber09 says:
When do Isles start added players instead of subtracting?
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dynasty23x4 says:
haha u think gregoires departure killed the franchise..if the isles survived spano,kate murray,and nassau in general, this does not hurt them at all.
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The new isles gm says:
The way I see it is, we landed Grabner and Moulsen while losing Kessel and Gregorie. Sounds like we won that trade off. I’m sure Florida and Vancouver is still kicking themself for losing Grabner…..highly doubt we’ll feel that way with these two guys. Time to move on.
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Barry R,East Setauket says:
This news is negative because of the timing with the Islanders fighting for a new building. I really hope there is something on the horizon regarding a move to bring in some more experienced talent. It’s bad enough free agents don’t won’t to come here as the Isles use the draft to build up the majority of the franchise.
The Isles have an unbelievable amount of cap space to just reach the floor. I hope they use it wisely.They certainly could have spent some of iton a solid prospect like Gregoire.
I’m not suggesting Gregoire is the final peice to a Stanely Cup winning team, but it’s a microcosm of a larger problem with this franchise.
Barry
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sean says:
I seriously don’t think he will amount to anything, sometimes these guys are overrated.
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Jack says:
No loss with either, neither of them would have played with the Isles anyway. Kessel regressed and you can get 3rd and 4th line guys anywhere, enjoy Winnipeg winters.
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Chrisf says:
Is the prospect pool really so deep that we can let potential solid players go before they have developed? It seems at the very least they would have added depth to the organization that could be used in trades or to take the place of others who were traded. I have a really hard time believing that by doing nothing this team is going to displace one of the 8 playoff teams next year. Hope I am wrong.
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Chris says:
Vigs
You should lose sleep over it.
Year 4 into the rebuild & we can’t even keep our draft picks. Two found a loophole to get out
currently:
Our defense is between 25-30 in the NHL as far as talent.
Our Goaltending 30th
Our Offense 15-20
With the vote coming up we added not one player the average fans know.
Finished out of playoffs 4 straight years.
Finished last or next to last in our divison for what seems like evry year.
Projected to finish out of playoffs & 5th in our division yet again. Vigs- have a good night sleep. Remember last year was the year of no excuses. I can’t wait for Garth’s slogan this year. -
NC Dan says:
Another Day, another success story.
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geduffer says:
BFD. This shouldn’t be causing an earthquake. As my friend Lyle likes to say “movin’ on”.
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its not that we do not have other picks or that these guys are no big deal …. it is a simple reflection of this team that they are losing control …. im with anyone that defends this team bc I love the islanders but this is just crazy, ppl are laughing at this management and im beginning to agree that it is with good reason … just like with the players, i think we have to look into new management
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hangover3 says:
The Islanders can’t even afford the MARKET rate for their own 3rd round draft picks. Can’t afford NHL free agents. Can’t afford college free agents. the only players Wang can afford to hire are AHL free agents who sign for NHL minimum, and waiver wire pick ups who make under 1 million a year. If Wang had bought AHL team instead of a NHL team Wang would be a great owner!!!
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drive45 says:
Gregoire was never going to be more than a 3rd liner here. We let him walk. Need to make space for real players not a smurf like him anyway.
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Dan C. says:
Out of context, this isn’t that big of a deal. But taken with the fact that this team has done next to nothing since free agency began, still has several of their own key RFAs to sign, the most significant of which (Comeau) has filed for arbitration, and that all of this is happening (or is it ‘not happening’) in the shadow of a crucial public referendum on a new arena that will take place in less than a month, one has to wonder what exactly the Isles have been doing for the past six days.
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Garth said there were 10k people at the draft party LOL
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Wang Chung says:
I still cannot believe we have only been able to sign one UFA. CB, when the Isles move to Quebec will you still be a fan? Will there still even be a pointblank website?
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Jeff From Smithtown says:
This is minor news. Please do not draft college kids. Currently very few make it to the NHL going the college route. (Yeah I know about St. Louis and Thomas but that was like 15 years ago) We have our own College scrub in Mottau. Hobey Baker winner in 2000 as the best college player. Didn’t we also have Jason Krog ?Enough said
Since we are talking about prospects I would like to see Katic given a real shot to make the team. -
EricCup says:
OMG – we didn’t sign Gregoire! Cancel those parade plans!
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Tom D in NJ says:
Gray skies are gonna clear up, blah, blah, blah…..
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THollinger says:
Reading some of the comments on here, one has to be eternally greatful it is Garth who is GM and not knee jerk fans with such a limited knowledge of the game…Gregoire and Kessel for that matter are way, way down the Isles depth chart. Sure their decent “Prospects” but by no means top prospects. That loop hole needs to be closed in next CBA, it sucks to lose a couple of late picks for nothing, but lets not pretend we are talking about Nino and Hamonic here, we’re talkin Gregoire and Kessel…given that top players in juniors generally play centre, and a number of drafted centres are routinely moved to wing at NHL level…you have MM, Grabs taking top two left wing jobs, and a glutteny of prospects including Nino, Lee, Petrov and a list of other left shooting forwards ahead of Gregoire on the depth charts. In fact, I’ve read speculation months back that Gregiore may use that loop hole to sign with a team where he had more opportunity at left wing.
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“when the Isles move to Quebec will you still be a fan?” I always wanted a Nordique jersey *sigh*
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The Isles are and will be Bush League until Charles Wang goes.
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bossjones15 says:
It is crazy to me that this loophole exists… I don’t think either of these kids would have gotten much of a shot here, there is too much young talent ahead of them in the system at the moment. However it sure would have been nice to have been able to trade them for something of need. Garth does deserve some of the blame you cannot just stockpile talent year after year without making any trades…there are too many prospects in the system that all fill the same needs.
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fan reaction here to UFA’s is insane as well…out of all the UFA’s this year, only one — Ernhoff — was even worth throwing big money at…and that improves the concussed brad richards with the bad corsi — when Ernhoff demanded money well beyond his value, Snow did the right thing in walking away. There was always be idiot billiares doing stupid things in sports, and as each one of them learn their lesson and stops, another one or two comes along to take their place.
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Strummer's Army says:
At this point you are either with us or you are against us. While it was wise with Jason to sign with Winn because their depth chart at forwards is barren compared to the Islanders it reflects poorly on his character. Kid didn’t want to come here and compete and beat guys out for a job. He looked at the depth chart and saw Kabanov, Okposo, Petrov, Nino, Moulson, Grabner, Rhasksani, Martin, Czikas, Ullstrom, Carter, and all the other guys he’d need to beat out to play for the Isles and obviously didn’t think he could do it. Yes, the Jets will get him to the NHL faster (if he makes it) but there is something to be said for being loyal to the team who drafted you and spent time and resouces into your development.
Jason chose to go elsewhere and now he’s an enemy. Kessel is facing the same issue when viewing the Isles depth on D and may make the same choice to sign where he’ll get to the NHL Faster rather then beat guys out. If he does he becomes and enemy and no lose, I’d rather have the guys who believe in themselves enough to battle for a spot.
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Ray says:
the only think that gets me is that they were good enough prospects to throw into a deal…..now we cant even do that…
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PotvinRocks says:
Very few players that spend more than season in University are at all effective players in the NHL. Most players are like Hanson and Gilroy and not like Peverly. So it doesn’t really bother me
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jfnisles says:
The people who say losing Kessel and Gregoire is no big deal are the same ones that think draft picks are so valuable…..come on , you can’t have it both ways!!!
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Trade the rights Of Nelson and Lee NOW!!!
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Eric says:
its sad ive been waiting for Jason and Blake to come up in the system i knew they were gonna be very good prospects. Its a shame the islanders didnt sign them
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I can’t understand the people that worship at the altar of Garth Snow….what has he done to deserve all this respect other than go on the cheap with an eternal rebuild??
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Al L says:
I can’t help but believe the perception built and timing of these moves or better non-moves were pre-ordained and designed in part to take the air out of the passion of the Islanders fan going into Aug 1st,not to mention the little if no attempt to scream out the benefits of the Arena and economic development proposal.
I smell a rat,some hand greasing and a devious plan of escape on the part of Charles Wang. How else does one explain the detachment and disgust being fed the fan at this time?
Jason Gregoire is every bit the player Casey Cizikis is only bigger. Gregoire and Blake Kessel were thought highly enough to be drafted. Unless this Organization is this inept,I can’t help but think the master plan is to simply divorce itself from Nassau County. Its not the quality of the players lost or not aggressively targeted,but rather the timing of the conduct we are seeing.
Unless we see change over the next week or two,I sense many fans will not have enough energy or fervor to left to take to the polls!!! Is this the Wangano Plan???? -
dhockey says:
This is a real slap in the face to the team that drafts you in my opinion
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Blizz says: I am now convinced the overall strategy is to create apathy for the remaining fanbase in preperation for the Islanders moving to Quebec.
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joeg says:
The one thing you could guarantee with this franchise is a top 5 draft pick every year while Wang and Snow are running things.
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Look at it this way though, we got Grabner for nothing. We lost Gregoire and maybe Kessel. We’re still ahead of the game
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for the first time ever, despite the problems in the past with Kansas City and the original Lighthouse plan being denied … I am actually believing that our favorite team will not be here much longer, and if a simple fan like me (and others as i read on this website) can think like that, I am almost positive that the players around the league are too — i will never lose hope but I cant help but wonder bc nothing has changed – i am not looking forward to aug 1 as i was just last week —- please stay isles
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Im pretty sure we were Reasoner’s only choice-i think it obvious.
I dont get the love affair with Snow, he has had years and this team still stinks, people put down the red cup with the red substance inside it. -
JohnnyC. says:
Wow Chris is there a way to track everyone and their doomsday comments. They are / will be the same Garth is great people when something good happens. Guys go back and look at Chiris’ evaluation of Isles prospects neither of these were top 10.
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jfn – I don’t think we’re worshipping at the alter of Snow…at least I’m not…but we’re not burning our Isles jerseys and proclaiming doom because a couple of mid-level prospect college kids left for the money. Was Gregoire really in your long-term vision for the team? What about prospects like Hamonic and Strome, who have recently said great things about the team and management? Likewise for Montoya. What about Grabner re-upping when he could clearly have held out for a lot more money? Moulson too. Even Okposo. We got some good players there locked up for cheap compared to what teams are spending now, leaving plenty of room for Tavares, Nino, Hamonic, etc. later.
Put in perspective, no, I don’t much care that Snow didn’t over-spend for glorified third liners in FA, and I don’t much care that Gregoire and Kessel chose to “Blake Wheeler” the Isles. If the guys above chose to not sign, and if Tavares chooses to not sign, then I’ll worry.
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Hey #62! If at 6′ 200 lb,Gregoire is a smurf what does that make 5’10″ 185lb Casy Cizikas. I saw both perform and looked foward to both being Islanders. Infact they are similar type energy players with Gregoire being abit stronger. Lets all stop rationalizing,spin and make a chicken liver salad into a filet mignon situation.
This is no time to needlessly lose assets,create a perception of irrelevance and send this kind of a message to fans who couldn’t wait to get to the polls Aug 1st.
Did you see the NHL.Com clip asking EJ Hradek what teams weren’t as active as they should or could have been over the past week? He didn’t even mention the Islanders. Do you know why? They aren’t even an afterthought. That is how irrelevant they are,care of Wang and Snow!
That is what we are taking into Aug 1st? The way I see it,there are two explanations: 1)Incredible incompetence 2)Deviously planned sabotaging of the Organization and its fans,with behind the scene,unsavory political dealings. If its the latter, sad to say,we are all but history! -
Johnny C #84- at this point the isles need to win the cup-thats the next time i’ll be calling garth a great GM
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gary91922 says:
not to blow the loss of a mid level talent out of proportion but we keep getting bad news…
what is the deal?? silence, lack of action, obviously staying at the league minimum now is just the absolute worst thing they could have done. We have an arena vote in 24 days. This should be a time that I see an Islander logo on every corner and on every channel with some tag line about keeping the team in Nassau. I am disgusted over the lack of action on anything.
As every day passes I am more and more convinced that they dont want this to work. They want to wait for a big deal and move or sell the team for a big profit.
They are taking a life long 45 yr old die hard fan and dragging him through the streets.
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Gabe says:
Just a point of clarification:
Did he sign a one-way or two-way contract with the Jets? I can understand the Isles not ponying up for a one-way deal. On the other hand, if it’s a two-way deal, I just don’t get it.
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George says:
A lot of comments here about this happening in the future wth nelson and mayfeild and other college players. This loophole i believe only applies to players who play additional year in juniors after the draft and then go to college. I don’t think nelson and mayfield can take advantage of this because they went directly to college , but lee can. Cb can you please clarify on this loophole?
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Onesinceforty says:
I thought I was the only one pissed off about this. I guess not. I worry what this means for the future of Lee and Nelson also.
The only thing that makes me crazier about our prospect development is that the Isles don’t time their prospect mini camp to coincide with one of the summer rookie tournaments. If you are “All About Player Development”, then you can’t do everything on the cheap. Maybe they could get a few rooms at the Best Western and charter a couple mini-vans and see if they can get a spot in the Red Wings tourney. If the players bring their own Gatorade, sell hot dogs during the other team’s games and help clean up afterwards then maybe Ken Holland will give us a break on the entrance fees. Of course I jest but these tournaments are a VERY good way to measure and assess an organization’s talent. Maybe if Gregoire and Kessel played in these games the last few years against other future NHL’ers and solid prospects the Islanders might have seen something in their play to give a better sense of where they fit into the puzzle if at all. Without it there is a little more guessing. Oh yeah, and it would be really cool for the fans during the offseason. Oh sorry, forgot that does not matter.
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the sanity police says:
Gotta love when all of the doomsdayers choose to overlook an important fact…
Teams are not allowed to have more than 50 players signed to contracts. By my count, the Islanders have 39 right now (including restricted free agents like Bailey and Comeau). The organization still needs to sign an additional 6 or 7 guys to fill out the depth spots both on Long Island and at Bridgeport. That will take the count to at least 45. Any organization that enters the season with more contracts signed than that is asking for major trouble as the season progresses and needs have to be filled, or as trades are made (remember a 2 for 1 trade, for instance, adds one more contract to the total).
All this means that an organization, whether it is the Islanders, Rangers, Winnipeg or any other one, has to make decisions on certain guys. Sometimes it isn’t only about the money, it is about where the guy ranks as a prospect. In the last few months, the decision was made to sign Donovan, Ness and Kabanov, for instance. If these two guys were held in the same regard, odds are they would have been signed before this “loophole” was used. Entry level contracts have a cap, and we are not talking about guys that are viewed as elite or even high level prospects, so even if they got more money elsewhere, we are not talking about the type of dollars that would make or break a team’s budget, even one with tight purse strings. Odds are, both guys will be on two-way contracts and in the AHL next season, so the difference is most likely in the tens of thousands of dollars, maybe low hundreds, certainly not millions.
In other words…everyone needs to relax. This whole thing is a non-issue. Does it feed into the “Islanders are cheap” perception? Of course, it does. But every NHL team is faced with decisions like this one every off-season. The only reason it is even being discussed is because it is a different scenario than what everyone is used to seeing. But it is the same exact decision as opting to not sign a Canadian junior player after the two-year window expires for the simple reason that the organization doesn’t see their value as a prospect in the same monetary way that the player does. Nothing more, nothing less.
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Shoeless Joe Jackson says:
This is Jason Gregoire people. Repeat: Jason Gregoire. Seriously??? I have to admit that the message thread always gives me a good laugh. Jason Gregoire. Yawn. Next!
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@ George I think Mayfield played a year in the USHL. Im not sure if that applies mayby CB can answer…
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Mike says:
Neither are part of the plan for the future. What’s so hard to understand?
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Good for them, they got a free fishing trip, a trip to yankee stadium, and a concert….hahaha
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Gary#88,I feel for ya bud and see what you are seeing. I will hold out hope something exciting and constructive gets done building momentum into Aug 1st,but until further notice, like you,I can’t help but see Charles Wang dressed in a Max Bialystock black cloak,producing planned failure,playing us all for fools!
As each day passes without sincerely attempting to shake sense into those knuckleheads who don’t choose to listen or understand the aftershock post-Coliseum and dying surrounding businesses,I become more cynical and infuriated at the inaction both on and off the ice!!!!! -
On a positive note, the Islanders have signed Sparky to a multi year deal. Although, the NHL is currently reviewing the deal as it seems the team may have been guilty of trying to circumvent the salary cap for mascots.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
For those of you who think that people are going to stay away from the polls because we didn’t sign Gregoire or Leino or Martinek, etc, you really need to take a deep breath.
People are going to vote “no” because they think it will affect their taxes. People will vote “yes” because they want to see a new building for the NYI, concerts, etc, and/or create jobs.
Al L@82: Come clean, you’re really Oliver Stone, aren’t you?
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Ray. Yes but not after being drafted. If he playwd this year and then went to college it would be a problem
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Al L (104) – Not only do I agree with you 1000% but I also award you 12 thumbs up for the ‘The Producers’ reference – funniest movie EVER.
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Hey Shoeless Joe Jackson! Whether you are aware of it or not with your demonstration of sarcasm,if an Islanders fan,you are yawning at the total boredom and inactivity surrounding you. The loss of Gregoire is only a symptom. Yours is what is occuring now. Apathy and hopelessness going into Aug 1st! Our Isles have become one loud and stale yawn,which could very well be the ulterior motive of those creators.
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@RV Sparky is very underated. Hes your typical crease clearing dman but can join the rush and contribute to scoring. His size is his biggest asset, hes not easy to knock off the puck and he will stick up for teamates. I hope the NHL alows for the contract to go through because then it would justify why no trades were made to upgrade our team… The genius was working on this deal all along….very good signing….
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Holy overreaction!
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Jonw says:
50 player contracts is the max. The Isles currently have 39 not counting. Comeau,Bailey,Haley,Wishart,Reese and Khon.That only leaves 5 spots available to make the big club better and fill out the roster for Bridgeport.
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@ George. So since Nelson and Lee went to college after being drafted they cant do this??
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correctin I think Lee played in the USHL after being drafted.
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25yearfan says:
Maybe Kate Murray will move to Winnipeg. I hear they have rampant threats against the suburban character of their neighborhoods needs a watchdog….
You say “Greg-wahr”, I say “Greg-waaaaah”.
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All In says:
I couldnt care any less but when Garth knew he wasn’t signing them why not throw them in a Package or get something in return. I know they are lower grade prospects but still. They walk for nothing while try were assets
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Reality Check says:
people are really good at complaining about everything!!!
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Snow didn’t offer Gregoire and Kessel in a package b/c there wasn’t a trade value there to get in return…CB, I swear, you need to have an IQ requirement before ppl post here. I’ve read other teams websites who are also involved in the same annual spring cleaning, and it seems most fans of other teams understand the 50 contract rule, letting longshot lessers leave in favour of signing better prospects, etc. If they were half as good as some doomsdayers think (and they clearly are not) they would be signed…comparing Gregiore to Cizikas is just insane!!! How many Canadian hockey coaches would have wanted Gregoire at the Worlds over Casey? Um, no one…that’s right…Gregoire and Kessel have a slightly better chance of making an impact in the show than i do. That is the reality ppl.
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Anybody remember Andy Chiodo? Didn’t think so. He wouldn’t sign with the Isles after they drafted him. After his un-signed year, he signed with the Pens, and everybody said the Isles were a laughing stock over it, and lost out big time. He played 8 NHL games, going 3-4-1. He’s in the Austrian league now. These guys may stick better than him, but it’s a little perspective kids.
Guys like Tavares, Okposo, Moulson, Streit, Grabner have all signed with the Snow/Wang lead Islanders…. And you’re worried about how bad the team looks losing kids who have yet to play an NHL game?The sky is always crashing down on NYI fans…
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Mayfield and Nelson do not apply to the ‘loophole’. That only goes for players who play elsewhere the year AFTER being drafted before going to play college puck. Lee is the only one to worry about right now.
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Hey Hollinger!! Comparing Gregoire to Cizikas is insane??? That is significantly more of a stretch than simply comparing the two. Also,Einstein,where do you come across questioning the IQ of contributors here? Gregoire has every bit as much skill,only he is bigger in stature. I’ve seen both play enough to opine. I am quite aware of the 50 player limit contract rule. It was not Snow’s plan to allow Jason and Blake to walk.
Again,in principle,losing potential assets and not securing some who could replace and upgrade at ‘this particular time’ could spell deflation of spirit,apathy amongst fans and death of perhaps the final hope we have of retaining our beloved franchise. Aug 1st is approaching and the fervor is in reverse! -
Snow is not a good GM, he would not even be a GM in the league if it was not for our dumb cheap Owner…
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Petey Pete says:
Not crying over this one, this guy had like 8 guys ahead of him on the prospect depth chart, and that doesn’t even include our relatively young Top 6 (Tavares, Okposo, Grabner, Moulson, Bailey, Nielsen).
I don’t blame for going to Winnipeg, where he might even compete for NHL minutes. It’s like how half the Pittsburgh Pirates roster are ex-Yankee prospects who never cut it in the Yankees deep system. Gregoire in a shallow Winnipeg organization is the same thing.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
The Gregoire signing …
Although it’s not exactly like a GM poaching an RFA with an offer sheet… Obviously not a Penner situation …
… but on NHL Home Ice I’ve heared how making an offer sheet to Stamkos is very unlikely because of the behind the scenes black listing that goes along with such poaching. The penalty in the CBA for a signing like that is 4 1st round picks … so you have to respect that a GM that makes an offer sheet for such a high profile player should also garner some respect for the risk.
It makes me wonder how teams / GMs feel about “loop hole” players that have been poached for No Risk / No Picks for players with High Value that were prospects that were the property of another team. A team that had made the investment of development time and utilization of a draft pick in order to acquire those rights in the first place.
Gregoire is a far cry from Stamkos … but still … He was property of the Isles, and every NHL GM knows the investment that isn’t obvious on the surface that is put into EVERY player in the system. Over 4 years that investment is large. The Isles never were able to harvest from that investment … due to a CBA oversite. On the other hand the Bolts have had some return on the Stamkos investment. So why is it that dropping an offersheet for a top tier RFA is poaching, and signing a prospect that slips though a loop hole is not?
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Bob E says:
should it really matter? If these guys were anywhere near high prospects for us they would have gotten contacts long before they got to this point.
I would venture to say DeHart, Klmentyev, Donovan, Shame Sim, which are similar level to these guys are more talented. Noone know more about a prospect than the team that drafted them and watched them play for few years.
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Hugh says:
That’s not a loophole, that’s ineptitude on the part of the Islanders. Players have been doing this to the Islanders for years (see eg Ray Ferraro). Why bother drafting anyone if you are going to let this happen. Who is advising on the CBA, Bozo the Clown? This is why no one respects the Islanders. What kind of example does that give the younger players? So now Bridgeport can suck next year too. Perhaps I’ll only go to, oh I don’t know, no games? Why go if the light in the tunnel is the train of relocation heading your way?
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Ryan says:
Here’s the difference: Gregoire was maybe our twelfth best prospect. In Winnipeg, he’s a top-5 prospect, even more highly rated than former high-round picks like Esposito or Aliu.
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Michael Nagin says:
I don’t get it! If they were so damned disappointed about losing him, then why didn’t they make a better offer. It’s crap like this that makes me wonder what the hell Garth Snow is thinking!
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AL L, Cizikas was a 4th pick b/c of that accident and issues. Yes, it is absolutely insane to compare a depth winger to a physical centre who played for team Canada’s junior team. Cizikas is short, but plays like a big man, and is built -and even Casey is down the depth chart. You can not compare what Casey did in the Canadian Juniors and Worlds (far superior competition) to what Gregiore did in the NCAA. I’d trade gregoire anyday for Cizikas, and i believe Winnipeg would do it in a heart beat.
I don’t believe Al for one minute your privy to Snow’s plans. I can tell you there was speculation for sometime now that Gregoire would use that loophole, and that the Isles would not sign Kessel. Just think about it, if Zenon was only worth a 4th rounder at the trade deadline, how much would Gregiore or Kessel’s negoitating rights be worth, not much. Kessel was rumoured to want to join his brother in Toronto. So yes, going nuts over a team not signing these guys is insane. What’s next? Shall we burn the building down if Snow passes on signing Cody Rosen? A reality check is needed. I just checked other Isles sites, one in particular has all but one comment on this signing. Heck, even Winnipeg fans don’t seem to think this was anything special. Isles got screwed out of a couple of late picks, that sucks, but lets not b.s. ourselves into believing we lost a Nino and Hamonic for nothing. Yes, if someone thinks this is on par, they need to fill out a hockey IQ test in my books. Sorry if that offends you. Now if it were Lee, everything you wrote would make some sense and be valid, but Isles will do everything possible to sign him…
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Mike P says:
You can’t sign everyone and we do have alot of prospects in addition to the youth already in the NHL. The road to NHL for a kid like Gregoire is a longer and tougher road than it would be in Winnipeg where he is a hometown kid who will get much larger opportunity.
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Dave A says:
Nobody should be bashing Gregoire over this decision! If he made the decision because he thinks he has a better shot in Winnipeg, then so be it. EVERY ONE OF US WOULD DO THE SAME. And if you say you wouldn’t, you are lying (or crazy).
SITUATION A: Take less money on a contract and probably end up in the AHL for at least 2 or 3 years because you are so far down the depth chart.
SITUATION B: Take more money and have a chance to compete for an NHL job and be in the NHL much sooner.
Some of you guys would actually choose A? Why? Some weird sense of loyalty to a team you’ve never played with that just happen to draft you before one of the other 29 teams? You’d jeopardize you’re entire career because you want to prove you belong by beating enormous odds instead of taking the ‘easy’ way (by the way…it still isn’t easy)?
Casinos must love the kind of people who choose B every time. I guess that’s what makes Vegas tick.
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Jaymz27 says:
Not a big deal but, as usual, the fans commenting on this site think it is the end of the world and Snow should be fired and Wang should sell the team.
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slog collins says:
I hope you guys are kidding with the fire snow sentiments. You all are either really young or really impatient…it’s jason gregorie we’re talking about here, and blake kessel doesn’t want to be here anyway so good riddance.
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Gregoire was a 5’10″ 170 18 year old when entering College. He is now 6’200 and every bit as skilled as Casey in every respect. For you to describe a comparison of the two insane,is being overdramatic in an attempt to be convincing. Also,please don’t drop the sarcastic condescending crap on my head with your Cody Rosen comment. You’re not speaking to a Johnny Come Lately idiot.
What I am going ballistic over is the timing and choice of passivity with Aug 1st just around the corner. I find it inexplicable and unacceptible we haven’t preyed on a Cap strapped organization in an effort to significantly upgrade as of yet. The team needs an upgrade and sprinkling of veteran leadership and the Cap space is available to do it. The Organization needs to create a ‘buzz’ going into Aug 1st and has provided the opposite. Aug 2nd may be too late! -
MarioGazz says:
Even players that have never played a minute in the NHL wont sign here. Not blaming anyone but it is sad. Doesn’t Bettman see this and have anything to say? Help with the arena!! Anything???????
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you people saying “eternal” rebuild and “he has had his years”…REALLY?! it hasn’t even been 5 years into the rebuild, you guys are fregging kidding me. Please, go watch another sport to pass the time and complain about something in there while the rebuild is going on…jeez it’s like you guys completely ignore the fact that teams have to go through this to be successful, fact number 2, we’re not done yet and we aren’t a lock for playoffs so there’s no need for this to be the year we go crazy with signings and keeping everyone. This is a critical year for the rebuild bc Garth is saying “I’m happy with what I’ve put together so far, let’s see what we’ve got”…I really can’t understand why you people come on here just to bash your team.
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Folks, seriously, stop drawing conclusions. If you’re 22, 23, about to leave college and pick up your first ELC, and there’s a chance you’ll get to shop around for the best offer, you’ll take it. What kind of leverage do you have otherwise?
Player: I’m worth 1.0M
Management: You’re untested and we own your rights. You’re worth 0.5M
Player: Well, okay…
Vs.
Player: I’m worth 1.0M, and TEAM2 agrees with me.
Management: But you’re untested.
Player: TEAM3 also agrees with me.
Management: Well, okay…It has nothing to do with “this organization vs. any other organization.” I write with close knowledge of how another college prospect feels about the NYI.
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#136! Would be kind enough to elaborate on your simplistic statement?
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Fire Snow…..its not just about Gregorie, its about everything – he NEVER makes any trades and when it comes to signing any free agents, he misses the boat on any talent. Then last season signs Eaton & Motteau as the difference makers on D – ??….he is either penny pinching (which he always denies) or just is not that smart….no blaming the arena, Edmonton has signed free agents and they have an old arena. I don’t want to hear any talk of playoffs by Snow or Wang, you need to improve your team when you consistently finish in the bottom 5 in the NHL, not just worry about a vote. If we are still going to be the Laughingstock of the NHL you might as well let the SUMO play goalie this season. Sorry for the rant – but what is suppose to make fans excited for the upcoming season when no changes are made.
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hockeytime says:
I watched Jason alot on TV and he seems like a good player but nothing special. He has Trevor Smith written all over him. Ability to play in the NHL..sure. Ability to stay in the NHL…not so sure.
Isles gave Casey some good dough, first or second round money if I am not mistaken. They didn’t extend the same for Jason which I think speaks volumes of what they thought of him.
Move on Isles fans, we have something now we haven’t had in a while..its called depth. -
The kids from Winnepeg..if you were in NhL wouldnt you want to play for your hometown islanders?……
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MoreDraftPicks says:
Get more picks!!
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JasonAd says:
I think this is total BS. The nhl should not allow this loophole to happen.
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@Pinkerton 135
Teams that the Islanders are allegedly trying to emulate with this rebuild, like the Penguins, Blackhawks and Kings, signed free agents and added veterans to the mix at this stage in their development. The Pens started their rebuild in 2001. 3 seasons and a lockout later, they signed a whole slew of free agents. While many (like Ziggy) didn’t work out for them, they did sign Gonchar then, who would later be the #1 defenseman on their Cup winner. The Blackhawks started their rebuild in 2005, when Rocky Wirtz took over as owner. Three seasons into it, they signed some free agents, including Brian Campbell, who would later be the #3 defenseman on their Cup winner. The Kings started their rebuild in 2006, when they traded away Pavol Demitra and let Roenick walk. Three seasons later they signed Rob Scuderi and traded for Ryan Smyth. While Smyth is now gone, Scuderi is their #2 defenseman and they are now a legit Cup contender. The Isles started their rebuild in 2008 (at the latest). Three seasons later they have done…ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. And now they are being outbid on their own prospects. So, ya still can’t understand why people are voicing their displeasure here?
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Its not the NHL’s fault. Its not like its hidden and teams don’t know about this. Everyone plays be the same rules.
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AngryPete says:
We asked the agents: Which general manager gets a bum rap from fans and the media but is actually quite good at what he does?
Two answered immediately and emphatically: New York Islanders GM Garth Snow.“The most underrated GM in the business,” said one agent. “He knows every nuance of the CBA. He has confidence in his five-year plan and is methodically implementing it.”
Another agent said that Snow is a straight-shooter with a “player’s mentality” rather than a Harvard education; and that as the GM for a team struggling to attract significant free agents, Snow is a hustler. “He gets a player’s ear by being aggressive,” said the agent.
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The Kings are NOT a legit cup contender yet!
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admin says:
This is not a big deal, and it’s far from the end of the world for the Islanders. In our most recent scout’s poll, Gregoire was ranked 11th and Kessel 12th.
But for anyone to write this off as
a. Gregoire stinks
b. the Islanders didn’t want him, or
c. has something to do with the 50-player roster limitis ridiculous, misleading and outright false.
The Islanders wanted him. He was offered a contract. It was reported by media far more reputable than this blog.
If the Islanders were not disappointed by Gregoire’s decision to consider other, better offers, long before now they would have briefly leaked word through Newsday or somewhere else that they had amicably parted ways with Jason, had no intentions to sign him and wished him well in his future endeavors.
The Islanders have not done that.
They wanted him. He bolted for a better offer and likely a better opportunity.
That’s what happened, but it’s also not the end of the world.
Thanks as always for the intense participation in readership and the comments thread. I hope everyone is having a nice summer. I should have something else soon…CB
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hopefully that somthing else is a nice trade for us…
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Al, i am a Canadian, I now live 2 hours from toronto, have lived in Manitoba…Missauga is litterally called “Casey’s Team.” I’ve seen him play a lot. Even he has an uphill battle. He performed at a higher level than Gregoire, at a younger age against better competition – and centre is a much more difficult position to learn. My father actually told me he saw John Tonelli in Casey, a comment he has never made about anyone. Gregoire is NOT CIZIKAS PERIOD…
I do not doubt for one moment that Casey would fetch more in a trade than Gregoire.I can understand the stress with the referendum but Snow did not set the dates for these transactions so you can not blame him. I too am an Isles lifer like you, but Snow should not be criticized for doing what 29 other GMS are doing this time of year. I want the team to improve too, but the right fit, at the right time, for the right price. No need for Milbury type moves just to make fans think your doing something. Torrey never made a single major deal until Goring. Draft, develop, see what you have, trade from strength. Torrey was drafting 20 year olds, Snow is drafting 18 year olds. The prospect depth is now rebuilt – one of best in league by all experts accounts – the farm is now getting a lot of the players next year, and the NHL team has also been adding young talent. Rebuilds never end when doing the Milbury. Pay your dues, do it right…see Detriot…everyone forgets they actually used the Isles model to rebuild their team in the 80s when they set records for lowest points. See Leafs…perpetual suck since 1967 other than the Cliff Fletcher years. History has shown over and over again – and yet some still follow down the Milbury path.
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the isles thought both players were worth x. they players got more then x. good for the players. this isn’t the first time this will happen, and it wont be the last. these guys weren’t crashing into the lineup this season, maybe not next season, maybe not ever. im certai nthe isles are sad, shrugged their shoulders, and moved on.
Ryan Smyth trade! what did we lose in that deal? 1 guy has a handful of games at the NHL level, one guy is out of the league. the bag of pucks we sent over, the oilers got any of those left?
whens camp open? -
therain93--terriers fan says:
“While Gregoire told Point Blank last month that he was very happy the Islanders kept the door open for a possible signing after he turned free agent, the Islanders were said to be very disappointed in losing the solid prospect.”
I just want to point out, a statement like this is just being respectful to the player. While it’s clear that some people might say “we didn’t need that loser”, Garth is probably a bit more professional (and tactful) than that.
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BattFist says:
Give us a player to boo when he comes to Long Island…lol.
Lets Go Islanders!
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I don’t live on Long Island – what are the polls being published in Newsday saying about the vote?
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DanC#144-thank you..that was a breath of fresh air…100% on the money!
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#148,Chris Botta! What you have explained regarding Gregoire is fair,but you must admit,the overall inaction and the timing of it is not beneficial toward the verosity and passion of the fanbase expected to run to the polls on Aug 1st.
I don’t think you will deny this Organization could use a bruising,seasoned and skilled DMan such as Schultz and a younger Karl Alzner. Considering the enormous Cap space the Isles possess and the Cap ceiling Washington and other Organizations are up against,you’d think a positive move would have been made at this critical time. Just as the proposal needs more of a visible media boost,so is a ‘Buzz’ on the ice leading up to Aug 1st! -
Jeff says:
“I should have something else soon…CB”
Lemme guess…Kessel signs with Winnipeg too?
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Mike says:
OMG WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO US ISLANDER FANS UGHHH
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@ Dave A 147
How are the Kings not a Cup contender now after adding Mike Richards and Simon Gagne?
@SM 150
If you are bringing up Ryan Smyth because I brought him up in my comment, please read it a little closer. I only mention him regarding the Kings.
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Al L – There are still 24 days before the vote. Snow will definitely make a move or 2 before then. I agree this particular situation is ridiculous and I also see this as Snow dropping the ball. But to in any way tie this to August 1st and the simple implication that even 1 person will think to themselves ‘they let Gregoire go for nothing. I’m not voting yes. Or they let Flieschmann go to Florida. I’m staying home August 1st’, is ridiculous. Fans will only choose to stay home on August 1st because they don’t care enough about the organization or because they prefer playing their ‘woe is me’ trump card over trying to make a difference.
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Dan C. – Yup, still can’t understand why haha…
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I don’t like that loophole….they should go back into the draft similar to major junior players. However, neither player will be stars or difference-makers so I’m not worried about it.
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@ Jeff EXACTLEY!!!
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FL NYI FAN says:
What I don’t understand is, why people complain regardless of what happens? This kid was rated 12th in a mediocre farm system. 12TH! If Snow let Tavares walk, get mad, 19 of 20 people here never even heard of this kid. Snow has done what he said he will. Build from within. If we overspent on Richards, Ernhoff, Jovo or any of the AVERAGE UFAs, people would complain when NOTHING POSITIVE happened. STOP COMPLAINING PEOPLE, THE SUN WILL RISE TOMORROW.
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islesinVA says:
It’s not that Gregoire or Kessel were “superprospects” because clearly, they weren’t….I just don’t feel that an organization that has clearly committed to building their team primarily through the draft should be allowing players to walk for any reason. I agree with a previous comment…The Isles should be signing any and everyone who they think has a shot at the NHL level and see who ultimately sticks. Given that the entry draft is our predominant source of acquiring talent, we don’t have the luxury of throwing away 3rd round picks. At the end of the day, that’s exactly what happened here.
Now I hear the Flyers are interested in Blake Kessel. Good enough for a model organization like Philly but not for the Isles….makes you think…what the HELL is going on up in the front office?!
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FL NYI Fan, while the farm team had it’s bumps in the road – partly due to callups to the NHL — the Isles actual system or prospect pool if you will is considered one of the best in the league by all experts who rate and grade these things. Players like JT who by age should still be included in these evaluations are actually excluded b/c they’re playing in the NHL already.
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John says:
Comment on this subject: SAD
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nyislanders93 says:
This is a garbage loophole. The organization did everything they could have done. Nobody should be blaming Snow or Wang for this one. I hope Gregoire makes absolutely nothing of his career and never makes it to the NHL.
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greg h says:
Whats not to understand here? The Islanders offered these players what they thought was appropriate money for their draft positions and their development since then. They also attached an opportunity card of what it will take to make this team with what is already in the system. Gregoire decided to pass on the money and opportunity offered and take advantage of a situation that has become available. I guarantee if the Islanders saw greater development in year 2 they would have likely offered him an ELC then. Its not the end of the world, its not a smack in the face, its just circumstantial.
I honestly never saw Kessel breaking into the NHL and Gregoire is 3rd liner material at best. Yes its never good to lose prospects, but between the past drafts and future drafts I am sure we will be more than ok. We locked up both Cizikas and Kabonov this summer, who no doubt I would rather have him my prospect pool (signed) then the two former.
I am not going to crucify snow, I am not going to complain, because tomorrow is another day, and there is a new season upon us and I really cannot see how it could get any worse then this past season. I really do not. Go Isles, and go vote yes. -
#139 Al, what dont you understand. Even kids dont want to play here! Did you understand that? You would think that they would want to play here because of the chance to crap the NHL lineup. As far as the Bettman comment, does he not see that no one wants to come here and that he should be helping with the arena deal. Is that better AL?
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Hud says:
Why are the Flyers a model organization? When was the last time they won the Cup? I have some breaking news, sometimes, players who can sign wherever that want do just that, Erhoff left the Canucks, who were in the Stanley Cup, let’s all chill a little, the Islanders did not lose Wayne Gretzky or Denis Potvin today.
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paulunde says:
We have not been reading much good news here, lately. I was feeling pretty good about things before the free agency period began. The disappointment generated by our lack of success in free agency has not dampened my spirits all that much.
I still believe we have a legitimate opportunity to make the playoffs even without any major trade or free agency signing. The Isles had a pretty nice run under Capuano last season. A healthy Okposo and the return of Mark Streit should help us considerably. Of course we’ll need strong goaltending. But if we get that, I think we could have an enjoyable season.
My biggest concern is if players due not want to join the team because of Charles Wang and the way the club is run. Its hard for me to believe that, but if somehow its true, that would be rough.
Chris, do players talk about the Isles in a bad light or as poorly run organization around the league?
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JSExpress says:
I find it ironic that the same people praising Garth and the whole “stay the course” crowd are the same people saying it’s acceptable that our 11th and 12th best-ranked prospects just walked for nothing. Sure, they may never develop into regular NHL players, much less stars, but when no FA will sign here and your GM has made maybe 2 impactful trades during his entire tenure, it is important to hang onto any and all prospects with even the slightest chance to succeed at the next level.
I wish this organization would give its fans something to get excited about every one and again.
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Ur Not Me says:
Please isle fans, nothing to fret about, they both stink, especially kessel……
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Daniel says:
I understand people saying he was entitled to the option because of the loophole but whatever happened to some loyalty? He walked away from the franchise that showed faith in him and selected him in the draft. I really hope the Islanders can stay healthy and push for a playoff spot. Actions speak louder then words and it is about time the standings speak for themselves. I am so tired of the disrespect from the writers and the players.
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They really need to do something about the parking lot at the Coliseum. Would it kill them to seal it and re-paint the parking spaces?
…Oh, are we still b*tching and moaning about Jason Gregoire?
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Tom says:
Who cares? If they don’t want to be here, let them go.
I don’t want no brats around.
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JS Express, 11th and 12th prospects on CB’s surveyed scouts list…I’ve seen them ranked even lower (especially Kessel), and even CB’s scout’s list doesn’t include 2011 drafted prospects. That said, any prospect outside of any teams top 10 prospects is a longshot. Isle’s have one of the deepest prospect pools now. I don’t blame Gregoire at all, he’ll have a better chance on a team with a much weaker prospect pool with left forwards. Nonetheless, it sucks we lost him for nothing…not that his trade value was much at this time. NHL needs to close the CBA loophole, but lets keep it real.
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Dan C…
We will see about LA. They’ve signed a couple of players, yes. Good players. Does that make them automatic cup contenders? Not to me. Let’s see how they gel together.
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Chris D. says:
Regardless of what Snow thought his max upside was, it sounds like at a minimum Gregoire could have helped the Sound Tigers. Bridgeport needs a lot of help, so I hope Snow considers this with regards to Kessel (that is if there is still a shot we can sign him). Bridgeport is being left to wither on the vine; when the money situation is finally straightened out with the new arena, is that when we will have a true committment to winning in this franchise including in Bridgeport? When do we stop doing everything “on the cheap?”
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Charles M says:
It’s so painful being an Islander fan
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@ dan c
not at all about you. folks flip out about trades, signings, loop holes. ryan smyth cost us nothing. at the time, it seemed like a lot. 5 years later, it was a bag of pucks. i think TSN did a breakdown on the chance of playing meaningful time in nhl, based on what round your drafted. the results were basically, after round 2, the failure rate is very high. the hysterics over a pair of mid round picks is unwarrented.
what is 100% certain, is that signing a guy to a bad deal, theres no escaping the deal(redden and gomez and drury, oh my!). the nhl is a speed game featuring skill and violence. signing older players, to longer term deals, is a diminishing return. older players get hurt, and slow down.
finally, this isnt Major League, the movie. the Gm and Owner dont want to fail. to type otherwise is inane. what makes the vote hard is that the team is struggling. if they were successful, and 16k a nite were showing up to a team making runs 2 and 3 rounds deep in the playoffs, the vote would be easier. everybody loves a winner.
go back and look at the top 10 picks in 2008 when bailey was selected..after the top two, nobody is killing it. -
paulunde on Jul 7th, #173
Your question: do players talk about the Isles in a bad light or as poorly run organization around the league?
Last season while watching Hockey Night In Canada’s Hot Stove Report. The topic was the NY Islanders and what was the perception of them around the league. It wasnt good. For the most part the Isles were still looked upon as unstable and somewhat of a circus act. Wang was not held in the highest of regards. Management was seen as a swinging door of coaches GM’s and Players. Losing season after losing season. Brutal trade after brutal trade. The Mad Mike era. ETC. Although much has changed over the past few years. It should have convinced the NHL that those days of Mad Mike, instability and Spano are long gone. But in reality it is still lingering. IMO the only way to change this image is to infuse a winning culture. Only then will these out dated images become distant memories. -
GeneF says:
almost 200 comments about 2 unsigned picks. wow. that’s really impressive.
Garth, where is the top D-men you promised. Also, good scoring winger wouldn’t hurt either
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the reaction to this is absolutely insane. the guy got the opportunity to play for his newly returned hometown team for more freakin money. good for him, that’s a lifelong dream ACHIEVED! FYI, if you can’t be objective about these kinda things, you’re gonna end up sounding like a lunatic who knows nothing.
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bossy2219 says:
Amen DAN C.
We lost nothing, high ceiling is third line forward and third defensive pairing. Of course they could exceed the projections, but we have a dozen younger players rated above them and that doesn’t include this years draft.
PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE LEDGE.
We have also strengthened Bridgeport, Katic,Reese,Donovan,possibly Dehann and the russian defensemen (sorry forgot his name)with younger talent. Would if have been nice to have them at the Bridge? Yes but again they are NOT first or second rounders.
This is not the LINDROS controversy!! -
Steve J says:
Some of you so called fans are really incredible. This is not a top UFA deciding he doesn’t want to come to Long Island. You can get on Garth and Wang for a lot of things but not for them deciding not to sign 2 so called prospects who may not even make the NHL. If we can’t sign our top picks such as Ryan Strome then yes we have a problem but not here. The Calgary Flames couldn’t sign their first rounder (Tim Erixon) and had to trade him so its not unprecedented that a player wants to go elsewhere.
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Anthony says:
Everyone is crying over this kid… why?
Look at our depth @ forward now:
Line #1 – Neiderietter, Tavares, Moulson
Line #2 – Okposo, Neilson, Grabner
Line #3 – Bailey, Comeau, Martin, or Parenteau
Line # 4 – Hunter, Reasoner, Haley, Gillies
The prospects: Ryan Strome, Kiril Kabanov, Brock Nelson, Kiril PetrovGive Snow credit, he hasn’t thrown stupid money at anyone yet… The Wiz contract is a joke. Yes, we still need some pieces, but relax…
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jisles says:
I wonder if Garth and his team will consider more Canadian Jr players in the draft to avoid the wait time and the loop hole? I know, often university players work out, but I kinda wish Mayfield was going to the OHL team(Kitchener, I believe: Landeskog, Skinner, and Thomas recently) that drafted him instead of the university route.
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greg says:
may both of these guys careers be filled with injuries. Shaft our team and expect us to understand…..NOT!!!!
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Zeike says:
The problem with this and the lack of activity on the free agent front is that the cost if such activity us money, plain and simple. Trading for a top four D man or top six forward costs assets. So in essence, what could have been obtained by only money now must be obtained by giving up players, prospects or picks. Why Snow is choosing to part with these assets when there is no need is maddening, to say the least.
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not to worry. as i have said this past week. more players are coming. what ever cheap 4th. line ahl scrub that nobody would ever want will be here soon. i am confident before aug. 1st. wang and snow will sign 2 of these scrubs, and when they do, it will be big news on the isles website.
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Orange&Blue says:
Both of them are AHL players. Who cares! We have much bigger issues to be concerned with. A new dman? A new vet fwd? A new building? Anyway, all the good NCAA players we drafted left school early.
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NoManIsAnIslander says:
Hey Post #151:
Go reread Islanders history – Bill Torrey traded for Jude Druin and JP Parise in YEAR THREE! from franchise inception.
Those two players knocked out the Rangers in the first round of the ’75 playoffs, and were instrumental in getting the Isles to within one win of the Stanley Cup finals – in YEAR THREE!
And Billy Bow Tie traded for Jean Potvin in YEAR TWO to help assure the signing of a brash young D-man some were hailing as the next Bobby Orr that he intended on drafting #1 later that year.
I’d say those who forget history are condemned to repeat it but, you’d need to remember before you can conveniently forget.
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metalcoconut says:
Viewing this as a business decision means that you just lost your 76th and 166th picks from the same draft. It is a shame that they bailed out and you can only hope that this is not the beginning of a trend. It is a good thing that Snow stockpiled his picks in the following draft because it looks as if he will need to do this if this sort of tactic becomes the norm with USHL prospects. At this point it looks as if the Russians aren’t such a gamble at the draft any longer.
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jbranny says:
For all you detractors of Gregoire and Kessel and defenders of Snow, you must understand this move by these players is highly unusual. Blake Wheeler was the first to exercise it under the current CBA, and only one other player has done it before these two.
This and the Isles inability to attract good players is a serious impediment to the Isles future success. That and their refusal to get rid of D.P.
As a fan of the Isles I’m not sure how to take this news. Is this a reflection on the Isles? Or are these just unique cases that have the unfortunate coincidence of being NYI draft picks? Does the NHL have plans to close this loophole?