Isles Send 19 To Bridgeport!

With the Lockout looming at tomorrows deadline, most teams were busy on the waiver wire, sending eligible players to their minor league affiliates.  The New York Islanders were no different.

With an already deep roster, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers just got a lot more difficult to play to say the least with the Isles sending 19 players on two-way contracts down to Bridgeport.  Do yourself a favor and go see a game in Bridgeport this season.  You will get to see the young stars and the future talent of the Isles organization develop at the Webster Bank Arena.

Per Islanders.nhl.com, “The New York Islanders announced today that 19 players have been assigned to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The club also assigned two players to their respective junior teams.

The players assigned to the Sound Tigers include Marc Cantin, Casey Cizikas, Jason Clark, Calvin de Haan,Brandon DeFazio, Matt Donovan, Mike Halmo, Travis Hamonic, Kirill Kabanov, Jon Landry, Brock Nelson, Aaron Ness, Nino Niederreiter, Anders Nilsson, John Persson, Kevin Poulin, Blair Riley, Johan Sundstrom and David Ullstrom.

The Islanders’ two junior assignments include Griffin Reinhart, who returns to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League, and Ryan Strome, who rejoins the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

The Sound Tigers will begin training camp on Sept. 28 and play their season opener on Friday, Oct. 12 at the Connecticut Whale. Their home opener is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13 against the Providence Bruins at Webster Bank Arena.

... Five other players, Sean Backman, Ty Wishart, Matt Watkins, Nathan McIver and Colin McDonald, were placed on waivers at Friday’s noon deadline; due to their age and professional experience, those players need to clear waivers before they can be assigned to the Sound Tigers.”

Isles Notes:

Per Randi Marshall, “Spoke to Ed Blumenfeld, Syosset developer vying for Isles arena site master developer candidacy. Blumenfeld says he wants to keep Isles.  Blumenfeld also says he didn't make a specific vision proposal - that his proposal was more about the qualifications he brings Isles.  Blumenfeld said if eventual plan includes minor league ballpark, the Mets (his former partners on old RFP effort) are interested.  Blumenfeld says he's brought in former NHL exec and sports management expert to work with him -and hopes to work on plan with Isles.  No timetable from county on when decision will be made - but several sources say they expect it will be soon.   

Per  @Schultz88, Frans Nielsen and John Tavares Could Play in Europe During Lockout

Per NHLhistorygirl, “On this date in 1966, Mick Vukota was born in Saskatoon, SK; Isles career penalty minutes leader (1,879 PIM).”

“On this date in 1972, Isles opened their inaugural training camp in Peterborough, ON.”

NHL Notes:

Per Darren Dreger, Bettman says NHL's proposal does not include a "take it or leave it" directive.  Bettman says league proposal includes player salary reduction, roughly 9%, 7%, 4% years 1-3 which would be covered in escrow.  Owners voted unanymously to support a lockout...if necessary. 

Per Craig Button, NHL increased revenue 50% in 7 yrs after lockout. $2.2 Billion to $3.3. Players increased salaries 76%. Seemingly everybody benefitting?  Taking players average salary of $1.8 million before lockout & a $2.55 million average today, that is still an increase of 41.67%.  Using commonly accepted numbers. Avg. NHL Players' salary before lockout = $1.8 Million. 1st year CBA = $1.45. Now $2.55. Increase of 75.86%. 

Per Katie Strang, A reminder that the Quebec Labour Relations Board held emergency hearing on NHLPA's lockout challenge.  According to document obtained by ESPNNY, 21 players listed as complainants in filing to Alberta Labour Relations Board.  Here is complete list: Jarome Iginla, Ryan Smyth, Mike Cammalleri, Ryan Whitney, Mikka Kiprusoff, Blake Comeau, Dennis Wideman, Chris Butler, Matt Stajan, Derek Smith, Tim Jackman, Sam Gagner, Nick Schultz, Shawn Horcoff, Eric Belanger, Corey Potter, Mark Giordano, Mikael Backlund, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Jones, Henrik Karlsson.  Alberta Labour Relations Board expected to hold hearing on the matter next week.”

Per Darren Dreger, “According to the NHL, the injunction the PA was seeking in Que was denied, however the Board is open to possibility of a future hearing.”