The Islanders trimmed their roster today after their two
split squad victories in Ontario Canada against the Senators Sunday night. The players returned were those projected to
play primary roles on the Isles AHL affiliate, Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Although some of the prospects and players sent down to
Bridgeport may return to the NHL due to call up, others had a chance to
showcase their skill sets and may have been paired against NHL level
opposition. Several things seen by
Isles management and coaching have given the Islanders a picture of their
present and future for the 2013-14 NHL season.
Your New York Islanders announced that 15 players have
been sent down to their AHL affiliate. The Islanders also released
four players were also released from pto's and returned one player to
juniors.
Per islanders.nhl.com, forwards, Chris Bruton, Joe
Diamond, Brett Gallant, Mike Halmo, Kirill Kabanov, Anders Lee, John Persson,
Alan Quine, Ryan Strome and Johan Sundstrom. Returned defensemen include,
Calvin de Haan, Scott Mayfield and Aaron Ness have been sent down to the BST.
The Goaltender to be returned to the BST was Anders Nilsson
and defenseman Joe Finley cleared waivers and joined Bridgeport.
Justin Johnson, Ken Reiter and Riley Wetmore were released
from pto's and ato's and will report to the BST camp resuming Oct. 1.
Defensive prospect, Ryan Pulock will rejoin
the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL.
D, Radek Martinek was released from his
professional tryout agreement.
###
Per islanders.nhl.com, The New York Islanders announced
their 2013-14, 23-man roster today for the upcoming NHL season. The lineup
includes 13 forwards, 8 defensemen and 2 goalies.
Forwards
Josh Bailey Arrive as leader, primary goal scorer and stay that way.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard Prove has more than potential, especially with line mates.
Eric Boulton Suited for low minutes in the right situation, not be liability.
Casey Cizikas Bobby Nystrom, John Tonelli, Bob Bourne and awesome.
Michael Grabner Speed generates, finish and open offense up immediately.
Matt Martin Lead, vison, hands and toughness - keep hitting.
Colin McDonald Full speed and recklessly will things to happen.
Matt Moulson Contract year, keep showing why and respect will come.
Brock Nelson Exciting opportunity to become all around scoring threat.
Frans Nielsen Calm, efficient leader. Off. & Def. asset. Shoot out.
Kyle Okposo Mean, skilled, scorer able to change flow. Stay that way.
Peter Regin Prove he can hang with Frans, must make an impact.
John Tavares 50 goals and a hart trophy, JT is on a mission.
Defensemen
Matt Carkner Tough and intimidating in the right place, but weak on D, liability.
Matt Donovan Excited to see his improvement continue, feel he's the real deal.
Travis Hamonic Our anchor on D, continues to improve and lead by example.
Thomas Hickey Showed skill last year, but will have to raise his game to stick.
Andrew MacDonald Lead by example, outworks opponent, must do w/o Hammer.
Griffin Reinhart Has 9 games to prove he has potential he was selected for.
Brian Strait Play the gritty shut down role and earn blue collar minutes.
Lubomir Visnovsky Take over for Streit, score points and lead by example, PP/PK.
Goalies
Evgeni Nabokov
Kevin Poulin
Evgeni Nabokov
Kevin Poulin
At age 38, Nabokov isn't the goaltender to lead the Isles
into the future. He is a good
goaltender who plays a steady and reliable game. His meltdown in the playoffs last year leaves a big "what
if" in the minds of hockey people when they try and access the Isles
chance for success in the playoffs this season. I
think that with a better team in front of him and hopefully, a higher finish, the
Isles can get out of the first round with Nabby.
Kevin Poulin is a talented prospect with flashes of serious
skill. I don't know if he has
progressed enough in my mind to bank on him as the future number 1 for the
Islanders, but he should and will be given the chance to gain experience as a
back up and wait for his opportunity to step up when called upon. I hold a lot of hope for the current Isles
team, so I need their net minders to be the best they can be in the cage. I will be cheering for Poulin all season
long.
Injured Reserve
Cal Clutterbuck Needs to bring leadership, grit and energy while scoring a few.
Cal Clutterbuck Needs to bring leadership, grit and energy while scoring a few.
Looking in
Ryan StromeJohan Sundstrom
Kirill Kabanov
Riley Wetmore
Calvin deHaan
Aaron Ness
Anders Nilsson
I think the Isles will finish 3rd in the
Metropolitan division.
1.Pittsburgh
2.Washington
3.Islanders
4.NYR
5.Columbus
6.Carolina
7.New Jersey
8.Philadelphia
I think they can finish 4th in the conference (if
goaltending is there) and make it to the second round of the playoffs.
My x-factor is if the coaching staff will be
able to truly focus their team and get consistency from their players. When they get out of their rhythm and
struggle in any of these areas, they become distracted and aren't very
reliable. When they play at a high
level and fore check, finish hits and play their game, they can be world
beaters.
The Isles game got a good work out in the
preseason. They went through some
droughts, retooled and corrected the offensive and defensive issues. The PP & PK were also working pretty
well. In the upcoming season, I think
they will be able to score goals with their depth and have a pretty good
results with their special teams.
Goaltending will be their tell tale destiny and how well the younger defense
gels in front of it.
Rumors of less waiver activity and casual
interest at trades mean Snow will once again stick with his plan that continues
to roll well, but at a slower pace than some have patience for. I still believe the rebuild is working well
with all the depth and skill in the system.
The results need to continue this season and the Isles need to improve
their value in the standings and bring playoffs success.
Isles Notes:
Per Arthur Staple," Would seem that Isles are treating Hamonic for possible
concussion, but not believed to be anything long-term."
Per Brett Cyrgalis,
"Word on Travis Hamonic's shoulder is that he's seeing a doctor tonight,
word to come tmrw. He was hit in 1st pd on Sunday, did not return.
Per Arthur Staple,
"Isles front office had long debate about whether to keep Ryan Pulock for
9-gm look. Opened some eyes with his training camp."
The Islanders will
open the season in New Jersey on Friday, 10/4 @7pm. Their home opener is on Saturday, 10/5 @7pm vs the Columbus Blue
Jackets.
Help make Back for
More @NYIslanders Anthem!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhKNuoaGHO0 … … … … … … … … … #Isles #believe #STRONGisland
@FFDP
NHL Notes:
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