Part 1: Goaltending.
If you were Garth Snow, what moves would you
make to improve the New York Islanders?
Your goal is clear. It is to
improve the team now and equip them take next step and improve from there. Evaluating the draft, team prospects and the
impending free agency period, there is a lot to strategize on and anticipate.
I will speculate on who the Islanders might
add for the positions of goaltending, defense and forward in a multi-part pre-season
series. I am sure these lists will be
updated or modified as the summer moves on and moves are made throughout the
league.
The biggest hole is clearly
goaltending. With Jaro Halak's
negotiating rights secured, the Islanders can work on signing him prior to an
open season rush on July 1st. This was a
lesson learned last summer when they were forced to resign an aging Nabokov as
soon as free agency opened to avoid losing out on a starting goaltender.
Assuming Halak is the number one guy desired
by the Organization, a back up will need to be signed for team depth and
security. Halak has been known to battle
with injury throughout his career, so with
no goaltenders under contract for next season, the Islanders will need to add a quality 1A or back up goaltender as well.
While Nabokov is a possible back up signing, Management knows a #1 guy
is need to win now. Anders Nilsson is a RFA and only wants a one-way NHL deal that the Isles are probably not willing
to give him. With all his international
success aside, he needs to work on his North American, NHL style game before he
would be ready to be an NHL goaltender.
RFA, Kevin Poulin struggled in his time with the Isles last season,
showing that Poulin wasn't ready to be an NHL regular. Any other Isles prospects are even less
qualified than Nilsson & Poulin for a chance to play in the NHL based on
maturity & experience, save for possibly Koskinen.
In free agents or possible trading scenarios,
there a are a couple of guys I think would be a good fit with the Islanders. I wont include Halak on my list, since he is already "in the fold," so to speak.
5/22 UPDATE: The
New York Islanders sign G Jaroslav Halak to 4-year, $18-million contract.
1.
UFA, Jonas Hiller of the Anaheim Ducks would be a quality #1 or #1A
goaltender with the Isles. At 32 years
old, Hiller has a .919 Sv% and a 2.14 gaa since 2007-08 as an AHL/NHL pro. He brings playoff experience and the
confidence necessary to aid the development of a young Isles defense. Hiller made $4,500,000 last season.
2.
RFA, James Reimer of the Toronto Maple Leafs has shown flashes of the
skill & ability of an NHL starter.
He is clearly not happy in Toronto and it is clear they aren't thrilled
with him either. Since 2008-09, the 26
year old Reimer has .912 Sv% and a 2.79 gaa as an AHL/NHL pro. Reimer made $1,800,000 last season. In my opinion, Reimer could be a good #1 or
#1A goaltender with New York.
3.
Michael Neuvirth at 26yrs old, has one year remaining on his contract
with the Buffalo Sabers valued at $2,500,000.
Since 2008-09, Neuvirth has won the AHL Calder Cup in 2009 & 2010
and was the MVP in 2009. Since 2008-09,
Neuvirth has a .911 Sv% and a 2.81 gaa as an AHL/NHL pro. Neuvirth lost the confidence of Washington's
management and was sent to Washington for Jaro Halak and a 3rd round pick. While he could flourish as a #1, Neuvirth
could be what the Isles need in either a starter or back up roll.
4.
UFA, Brian Elliot has improved a lot in the last few seasons at 29 years
old. Since 2006-07, Elliot has a .917
Sv% with a 2.50 gaa as an AHL/NHL pro. As
a UFA, Elliot is one of the "best" goalies available, but he does
have history with Jaro Halak. As a team
mate of Halaks' in St. Louis, Elliot did well, but neither seemed able to seize
control in the playoffs as a tandem.
Will it different if they are paired in NY? Elliot made $1,800,000 last season.
5/19 UPDATE: The St. Louis Blues signed Elliot to a 3 yr. extension @ $2,500,00.00/Yr
5/19 UPDATE: The St. Louis Blues signed Elliot to a 3 yr. extension @ $2,500,00.00/Yr
5.
UFA, Thomas Greiss is coming off
a $750,000 season with the Phoenix coyotes at 29 years old. Since 2006-07, Greiss has a .804Sv% with a
2.63 gaa as an AHL/NHL pro. These
numbers could improve if he finds the right team and coaching. In my opinion, Greiss might make a good
choice for a back-up goaltender.
IIHF Notes:
Team USA is
4-2. Team USA qualified a spot in the quarter-finals.
Game
6: @USAHockey 3, Finland 1. Isles @BNelson scored his fourth goal of the tournament 19 seconds into the 1st period.
Game
5: Team USA defeats Team Kazakhstan 4-3 in overtime. @SquatchDonovan scores & @BNelson on ice for 3/4 goals including the GWG in O.T.
Anders Nilsson is RFA, not UFA. While the Isles won't give him the one way deal he wants, they will qualify him to retain his rights.
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