Monday, August 14, 2017

New York Islanders Off-Season: Islanders Prince Out 4-6 Months and Gionta Remains an Asset


The Islanders announced today that Shane Prince will be recovering from surgery to correct a high-ankle sprain and is slated to miss 4-6 months. He tried to play through the nagging injury last season, but it never fully healed despite trying several different ways to rehabilitate the injury, his pain and injury only got worse.


In 50 games last season, Prince had a career NHL high with 18 points (5 & 13), but struggled to remain healthy.  Per release, “After notifying our medical staff he was referred to specialists, who after trying more conservative measures determined that it was in Shane's best interest to have surgery.” Surgery has been completed and Prince is looking ahead to a more complete work out to start his season in ’17-18, and although it will be a later start than desired, he is optimistic.


“Did my best to play through it last season and also let it heal this off season but surgery was needed. I will be back healthy asap! #Isles” - Shane Prince on Twitter.


Without Prince in the rotation, the high-end prospect pool and available trade market may get an extra look or two at the start of the regular season.


On August 8th, the New York Islanders re-signed Stephen Gionta to a one-year, two-way, $650K/$225K (Staple) (NHL/AHL) contract.


The 33-year-old Gionta filled in for 26 games last season with the Isles and showed everyone around him just how hard he works to play his game. He tallied 6 points (1 & 5) and made his presence felt whenever called upon, winning over support from the coaches and fanbase. Gionta worked just as hard with Bridgeport (3 points in 7 games) and earned another contract with New York. Gionta will be a strong back up player for the Isles and can be called upon to fill a variety of roles. He is certainly a great asset to have with the Sound Tigers of the AHL.


Per release, “Gionta has seven points (three goals, four assists) in 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games, all during the Devils 2011-12 run to the Stanley Cup Final … Internationally, Gionta won a Bronze medal with Team USA at the 2013 World Championships (Sweden & Finland), scoring three goals in 10 games. Gionta scored two goals in six games while representing Team USA at the 2001 U18 World Junior Championships (Helsinki).”




Isles Notes:




Joe Dowd: Bet the ranch, Isles skating to Belmont.


Ian Denomme, Hockey news: 2020 VISION: WHAT THE NEW YORK ISLANDERS ROSTER WILL LOOK LIKE IN THREE YEARS.



Sound Tigers Notes:


The #SoundTigers have released their most extensive promotional calendar in team history for '17-18! Spoiler: I intend to be at the Star Wars Tribute Night on 12/2 again, this time with the 501st Connecticut Garrison. Be sure to stop by and say hello to the 181st Tie Pilot ;).


#TI13222 #NoQuarterGiven #BST #BridgeportDeep



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