An independent blog on the New York Islanders, the NHL and AHL by a guy from New York.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Nilsson Says No


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.

 

 

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.

 
4/17, The Thunder added Alan Quine to their 2014 playoff roster, finalizing their 23-man list.



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