Today, your New York Islanders confirmed a
rumor that came to light. On September 8th. The Isles new alternate
jersey was in fact the black and white version seen in the leaked photograph
from earlier in the month on Twitter.
While not a surprise to me or anyone else, the
jersey was designed consistently in the framework of the Barclays marketing
group. A simple black and white BRKLYN
type design similar to that of the Brooklyn Nets. The regular home and away jerseys are to remain
the traditional blue and orange, with a Brooklyn inaugural patch on the
shoulder.
In a classy move by the organization, a patch with "AL" will be on the jerseys this season to honor the passing of the great Al Arbour.
When the team’s move to Brooklyn was
announced, Gary Bettman stated that the historic name, logo and traditional
colors would remain with the team at their new home. A third jersey variation was expected by many
to reflect the look of their new transition, especially with all of the
possible revenue that could be made in an abbreviated re branding to reflect the
style and flair of their new home destination. Its also better than an Isles Quebec jersey.
I was in favor of an Isles themed “Brooklyn
Americans” tribute variant that would really pay homage to the tradition of
hockey in Brooklyn. I think the jersey
is too plain and lacks any kind of character.
But also realize I am a typical, traditional Islanders fan who couldn’t see
Billy Smith, Mike Bossy, Bobby Nystrom or Brian Trottier in anything other than
blue and orange. While I feel a more
exciting black jersey could have been designed, I understand the move to crate
the jersey as it stands today. The opinions
I have fielded are mostly negative, some neutral and a smaller sample seeing it
as a positive. The most common opinion about the Isles BKLYN alternate is that
it looks too much like the LA Kings jersey.
But in all seriousness, if you don't like the
Isles new 3rd jersey, DO NOT buy it. Be sure and send the right message. Strong
sales will only help to argue in its favor.
Apparel of all types was sprawled across the NHL store and Barclays team store shortly after the announcement.
The new ownership will ultimately have the final say on the team and its
tradition moving forward, but do not forget the real difference makers in this
equation.
You the fan.
Whatever your voice, make it heard. Today’s social media affords the fan a voice
like they have never had before. Your
message can make a difference.
The deadline for Brock Nelson to resign with
the Islanders has almost expired. At this time, a deal has not been
reached. Yesterday, RFA Brock Nelson's
agent, Ron Salcer spoke to the media, 'We haven't heard from Isles in 6 weeks
...We're not being unreasonable, he said. This is all their doing.’
For the Islanders part in this saga, I came
across a mention on Twitter by Chris Nichols on a statement originally posted
by Pierre LeBrun: I was told by one source Isles made Brock Nelson a seven-year
contract offer a year ago. Was rejected. Don't know money involved.
So as to who is at fault for this, make your
own decision. I know Garth Snow has offered
long term contracts and has paid more recently for players who he feels can
help his team win and stay in contention.
If Brock Nelson was indeed offered a 7 year deal in the neighborhood rumored to be around $3.5M
per, you’d have to think Snow saw him as a big piece for the future. I am pretty sure a modified bridge deal could
have been in play as well.
Anders Lee got one and proved his worth last
season and followed up with a lucrative pro contract as a result.
Per Bob McKenzie yesterday, “According to NYI
club rules, per owner Charles Wang, if Nelson not signed by camp opening on
Thurs, he's not eligible to play this season.
No progress, at this point, on stalemate between NYI and RFA Brock
Nelson. NYI have offered two-year bridge deal to Nelson. BTW, NHL rule, per CBA, is player must be
signed by Dec. 1 in order to play that season. Wang/NYI have chosen to make it
1st day of camp.”
With the team’s policy in place, let’s hope
that Nelson’s Agent hasn’t hurt his client’s chances with the team that drafted
him. Hockey is a business for both team
and player (ala Nino) and sometimes you have to put things aside to prove yourself and get
closer to the deal you want. Nelson
started off with a bang, but faded as the season went on last year. So that wipes the slate clean from any deal
that could have been on the table in most instances. In the final hours, there needs to be some
real negotiations if both sides want to come to an agreement.
I have to think the Islanders want Nelson in
the fold. But Nelson and his agent will
have to fit into the organizations plan.
The alternative is … well, something I personally don’t want to think
about as a fan. But as a business, I may have too.
UPDATE: Per Arthur Staple, Brock Nelson has agreed to a three-year, $7.5M deal. 2015-16: $1.5m, 2016-17: $2.5m, 2017-18: $3.5m. Last season, Nelson had a career high 42 points with 20 & 22 in 82 GP.
UPDATE: Per Arthur Staple, Brock Nelson has agreed to a three-year, $7.5M deal. 2015-16: $1.5m, 2016-17: $2.5m, 2017-18: $3.5m. Last season, Nelson had a career high 42 points with 20 & 22 in 82 GP.
Isles Notes:
Per James Mirtle, “Blackhawks invite Jan
Hejda and Lubomir Visnovsky to camp on PTOs. Would certainly be solid, cheap
depth options to round out D.”
Per Mark Herrmann, “Isles will play three 3
on 3 OTs in preseason, whether or not games are tied. All teams are trying the
new format.”
Sound Tigers Notes:
Per Phil Giubileo, “News from TheSoundTigers:
"SOUND TIGERS TO HONOR TEAM’S 15TH SEASON IN AHL"
NHL Notes:
NHL and @adidas announce 7-year
partnership. adidas, @NHLPA and NHL will also
partner on 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
@NHLNetwork sets live programming schedule ahead of 2015-16 season incl. more than 40 preseason game
telecasts.
Per Mike Ross, “The NHL is clear...ADS ARE
NOT IN THE PLANS...but makes for a good discussion here.”
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