2014 Isles Training Camp: Growing Pains

Today, your New York Islanders hit the ice for some practice and conditioning.  Another line up was announced for each group and judging by the lines, it seems a little closer to what we may see for the opening day roster in October.

Camp Forwards - 1st group: Conacher-Tavares-Okposo, Grabovski-Nelson-Kulemin, Lee-Nielsen-McDonald, Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck.

 

Camp Defense - 1st group:  Hickey-Visnovsky, Donovan-Hamonic, Strait-Pulock.

 

In Goal - 1st group:  Halak & Johnson.

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Camp Forwards - 2nd group:  Bailey-Strome-Skille, Dal Colle-Quine-Ho-Sang, Halmo-Sundstrom-Boulton, Persson-Mouillierat.

 

Camp Defense - 2nd group:  Reinhart-Pokka, Ness-Brennan, Czuczman-Mayfield.

In Goal - 2nd group: Poulin & Leggio.

 

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I realize that camp is where you want to juggle lines and see how different players react to each other, but there are a few questions I have about today's groups.

I appreciate Conacher's hustle and energy, but in no way could I see him on the first line with Tavares & Okposo.  While Nelson is the real deal, is he better on the top line and who would run with Grabovski & Kulemin?  Will Strome be put back in Bridgeport?  He has to make the Islanders, right?

On defense, despite the promising talent pool, there is still a need for a real veteran defenseman.  But I realize that market is thin and the price is very high.  Does that give Reinhart and Pulock a better shot and cracking the line up?  Is TJ Brennan an Islander or Sound Tiger?  How about Czuczman or Donovan?

 

 

 

Per islanders.nhl.com, "The New York Islanders announced today that they’ve trimmed their training camp roster by 15 players.

Forward Sebastian Collberg and defensemen Loic Leduc, Andrey Pedan, Adam Pelech and Jesse Graham have been assigned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League.

Forwards Justin Courtnall, Colton Gillies, Chris Langkow , C.J. Stretch and Scooter Vaughan, along with defenseman Mark Nemec and goalie Shane Owen have been released from professional tryout contracts.

Forward Ross Johnston and goalie Philippe Trudeau have been released from amateur tryout contracts.

Forward Lukas Sutter has been transferred to Sound Tigers training camp.

 

The Islanders training camp roster now stands at 44 players (26 forwards, 14 defensemen, four goalies)."

The Islanders exposed F, Bret Gallant to waivers with intentions of sending him to Bridgeport.  He can be claimed by another team until noon tomorrow.

Bridgeport will benefit from the better depth on the Island and hopefully Coach Thompson will be able to raise the bar and accomplish more with a group of guys who want to be noticed and take advantage of their next opportunity.

In other news, the Islanders signed Michael Dal Colle to a 3Yr/ $925 000 2-way ELC.  Dal Colle was the Isles 1st round, 5th overall pick on the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.  Dal Colle will most likely start his Islanders career in Bridgeport with the Sound Tigers.

On Twitter, Dal Colle said, "Very excited to have officially signed my 1st NHL contract with the @NYIslanders."

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, "Capuano says he sees Grabovski as a center, doesn't want to move Nelson to wing. "We have a real logjam there."

"Three Isles sat out practice today with injuries, all day-to-day: Harry Zolnierczyk, Matt Carkner, Calvin de Haan."

"Visnovsky (back spasms) left Coliseum with a smile on his face but walking gingerly. Didn't seem too concerned."

 

Islanders Captain, John Tavares had his jersey retired by the Oshawa Generals, where he played from 2005-2009.

Former Islander & Sound Tiger, Jon Landry has been waived by the Washington Capitals.

Recently retired Brideport Sound Tiger, Drew Fata has been named GM for new CIH league, Batchewana Attack. 

Sound Tigers Notes:

BST's Announce AHL Roster as camp opened today.

"The Sound Tigers open their season on Saturday, Oct. 11 when they host the St. John’s IceCaps at 7:00 p.m. They take the ice again on Sunday, Oct. 12 against the IceCaps at 3:00 p.m. Tickets for both games can be found here."