DiBenedetto And Katic Leave Islanders Organization

With Rhett Rakhshani signing in Sweden yesterday, Arthur Staple had more news for Isles fans today.  He reported “Justin DiBenedetto is headed to Austria next season. Mark Katic reportedly signed to play in Germany.”

That’s a top BP forward and two Defensemen that have left the organization in two days time.  Just when it seemed there were opportunities to make the Islanders roster, 3 components of last years Sound Tigers team have left to play in Europe.  


Could it be the collective bargaining agreement?  Was the writing on the wall?  Or was Chris Botta correct when he said, “defections of Isles Katic, Rakhshani, DiBenedetto no mystery. Fringe players, know they'll be paid more in Europe than NYI/Bport ?”


Or is something rotten in Bridgeport?

Isles Notes:

Per Renaud P Lavoie, “according to sources out of Long Island, it appears PA Parenteau is headed to free agency on July 1.”




NHL Notes:

National Hockey League Awards.

HART TROPHY

Winner: Evgeni Malkin - PIT

VEZINA TROPHY

Winner: Henrik Lundqvist - NYR


LADY BYNG TROPHY

Winner: Brian Campbell - FLA

Congratulations to Matt Moulson for just being nominated.  He is the clear-cut winner in my book.  Stay classy.


MARK MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD

Winner: Shane Doan - PHX


NHL FOUNDATION AWARD

Winner: Mike Fisher - NSH


KING CLANCY TROPHY

Winner: Daniel Alfredsson - OTT

MASTERTON TROPHY

Winner: Max Pacioretty - MTL


SELKE TROPHY

Winner: Patrice Bergeron - BOS


EA SPORTS NHL 13 COVER ATHLETE

Winner: Claude Giroux - PHL


GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Doug Armstrong - STL


CALDER TROPHY

Winner: Gabriel Landeskog - COL


ART ROSS TROPHY

Winner: Evgeni Malkin - PIT


MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD TROPHY

Winner: Steven Stamkos -TBL


WILLIAM JENNINGS TROPHY

Winner: Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott - STL


NORRIS TROPHY 

Winner: Erik Karlsson - OTT

TED LINDSAY AWARD

Winner: Evgeni Malkin - PIT


JACK ADAMS AWARD

Winner: Ken Hitchcock - STL