2013-14 KoC New York Islanders Season Preview

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.

 

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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

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.

Looking in

Ryan Strome
Johan 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:

 

Hybrid icing approved by players, will be in effect for 2013-14 season.   cbsprt.co/19j3izg