Andy Graziano from
Islanders Insight is a credible source.
When he wrote an article on an interview from a Swedish web reporter
named Mattias Ek about how Anders Nilsson will refuse to play in the AHL, I was
like, "Not again."
If true, It's just another
example of entitlement from an Isles prospect to go along with the likes of 2007
Islanders third round selection, Jason Gregoire, 2007 Islanders sixth round
selection, Blake Kessel, 2011 fifth round Islanders selection, Brenden Kichton
or 2010 first round selection Nino Niedereitter. A unwillingness to play for the team, silly contract demands or
threats to play in the NHL or else.
Nilsson was translated as saying, "I’ve
told them I’m not going to go over and play AHL for another year."
B.D. Gallof, "(The)
Isles aren't surprised on this bc Nilsson already told them previously."
"I have done for three years in the
AHL and I do not think it would be good for my development to play a
fourth year in the AHL. That’s what I’ve said to them, since we have not
started to go into contract negotiations."
Nilsson continues, "My hope and my goal is
to play in the NHL, but I do not want to play in the AHL. So it will not
be the NHL so it will be well anywhere in Europe."
I like Nilsson and think with the right amount
of seasoning he could play in the NHL someday, but to refuse an assignment to
play in the AHL if signed by the Islanders is ridiculous. Especially after going 8-7-2 with a .896Sv%
and a 3.11gaa last season. Nilsson has
only 46 AHL games under his belt and a total of just 23 games of NHL
experience. How does that warrant a one
way NHL deal?
Nilsson was probably
going to be resigned and start in Bridgeport while Kevin Poulin was let
go. Now, Poulin or maybe even Koskinen,
may benefit form Nilsson's bad judgement.
This summer, the Islanders have learned they need a big time starting
goaltender to carry the load with Nabokov being the most likely back-up.
It is unlikely that
an NHL team will give Nilsson what he wants.
He is most likely heading to play as a pro in Europe. Per Arthur Staple, "Appears Anders
Nilsson won't be back w/ Isles next season. Looking for one-way deal that he
won't get from team. SHL/KHL likely next stop."
Isles Notes:
B.D. Gallof, "What is concerning on Nilsson fiasco (his own making) is
Isles prospects Eamon McAdams & Stephon Williams both had poor years."
4/28, Be sure to
vote for Isles Rookie of the year.
Voting is now open so choose between @Strome18, @BNelson or @Cal_dehaan. Head here to vote.
@GriffinReinhart & @EdmOilKings Advance to @TheWHL Final.
Loic Leduc signs
entry-level deal. Leduc was selected
Leduc in the 4th round (103rd overall) in 2012. In 202 career QMJHL games, the
6'6, 212-pound defenseman has 31 points.
Per Tony Stabile,
"I would expect that the Isles will come to an
agreement with D Ville Pokka in the coming weeks as well." With Leduc in the fold & Pokka on the
horizon, that's two more future blue liners on the way.
B.D. Gallof adds,
"Defense prospect depth - Reinhart, Pullock, Pokka, Mayfield, Pedan,
Graham, Burroughs, Leduc, Pelech, Sutherby - mix of sizes/styles. Then add de Haan, Donovan, and plus Hamonic
and you see a immense defensive depth/pool of quality that will be filtering
in."
Per Chris Botta
"Isles made $22 million in ticket revenue in 2013-14. Canadiens made over
$6 million from their 2 playoff games this week."
4/27, Garth Snow
hints Isles will be keeping their 2014 1st round pick. 2015 1st round pick will
go to buffalo as part of 'Vanek' trade.
4/22, Islanders to
play second NHL game at their future home Barclays Center in Brooklyn on
September 26.
Per Chris Botta,
"In SBJ: Yormark looking for $6-7 mill a year for Nassau Coliseum naming
rights. 'Veterans Memorial" must remain part of any name."
4/20, Colin McDonald
has been selected to the U.S. Men’s National Team for the IIHF Men’s World
Championships in Minsk, Belarus. May 9-25.
Stockton Thunder Notes:
4/30 The Thunder advanced to second round and
will begin play on Friday, May 2nd vs. the Bakersfield Condors.
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