Islanders Off-Season 2015: BRKLYN Alt & Brock Nelson Re-Signs

Today, your New York Islanders confirmed a rumor that came to light.  On September 8^th. 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.

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.”