Islanders 2018 Trade Deadline: Safe or Sorry & Yormark Alienates Isles Organization, Fans

As the 3 pm trade deadline came and went today, Isles fans everywhere watched as their struggling team and UFA Captain waited to see what changes, if any, would come. Around noon, Greg Joyce tweeted, “Doug Weight said it seems as though the #Isles will have the group they have now after 3pm, but expressed confidence that management would do what’s best for the team.” So without adding a "necessary" piece by the close of the trading deadline, what might that be?

Looking back to Sunday, our New York Islanders acquired D Brandon Davidson from EDM for a 2019 3rd round pick. According to Arthur Staple, “Davidson makes $1.425M this year. Even with arb, won't go up much next season. Could be a lower-cost replacement for Hickey next year.” The Islanders need NHL-ready depth on defense, especially the stay-at-home type. Davidson is a bottom pair NHL D that comes to the Isles with the chance to prove himself. While it’s not a name fans wanted to hear as an Isles trade acquisition, it’s probably a decent pick up for Garth Snow. Per Brennan Klak, “Brandon Davidson is the perfect low maintenance 3rd pairing D. All of his metrics are solid, great team guy, solid defensively.” Brian Compton adds, “Guys, Jordan Eberle and Brandon Davidson for Ryan Strome and a 3rd-round pick. Feel better?”

Brandon Davidson has been traded twice and picked up by EDM on waivers on December 3rd. While a member of the Candiens organization, Davidson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2012 and is now in a 6-year remission. So the guy is clearly a fighter and deserves a lot of credit for his courage off the ice. As far as his on-ice credentials, Davidson has 20 points (8 &12) in 137 NHL games with Edmonton and Montreal. He’s a shot blocker and isn’t afraid to play a physical, defensive first style. So far this season, Davidson has 5 points (3 & 2) and should help the Isles make up some ground defensively.

Per Cory Wright, “Davidson and Jordan Eberle were teammates in Regina during the 2009-10 season, in Oklahoma City for the early part of the 2012-13 season and in Edmonton from 2014-15 to 2016-17. The Islanders will be their fourth stop together.” I’m assuming Eberle was asked about Davidson and got the nod. Eberle,"Brandon is big & strong & I think he'll help us with some net-front presence as far as keeping guys away from our goalies & helping them see pucks. He does a mix of everything well. He can put the puck in the net & he can defend so he should add an element back there." Whatever the case, he will get his shot. Davidson will wear #88 for the Islanders.

Today, the Islanders acquire C, Chris Wagner from Anaheim for Jason Chimera. Wagner (6 & 9 for 15 pts) is a pending UFA that can bring some more shut-down to Isles, add to PK, bring more snarl (2nd in NHL with 212 hits) and be an addition by subtraction, replacing the slumping Chimera.  Per Islanders PR, “Wagner has already established NHL career highs in games, assists and points, while tying his career-best six goal output from last season.” Arthur Staple, “Chimera had been a healthy scratch the past several games after a lost season. Had 20 goals in 16-17 after signing a two-year, $4.5-million deal.” Chimera has been a scratch for the Isles since 2/13. Eric Hornick tweeted, “Wagner is 26 yrs old— 122nd pick in 2010- played collegiately at Colgate. Regular for Ducks this ssn— only F to play every gm. 6-9-15 in 64 gms.” Now that the Isles have Johnston and veteran, Wagner, they may have a nice physical presence to go along with the grit of Cizikas and Clutterbuck’s (185 hits) game. Wagner has 28 points (16 and 12) in 159 career NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche.

The Islanders were rumored to have kicked tires on trades involving other notable players, but nothing was within the range that GM, Garth Snow was interested in. Like others, I understand the costs involved for impactful defenders is high, but wanted a little more from the organization as time runs out. Especially in a crucial season for a team that, based on the last couple of months, has lost any real threat of doing anything in the post season if they could even make it. I understand the current ideology of most teams is to build through the draft and hold on to assets, but teams also add when the right player comes along. Its all speculation anyway, but I see teams in the division and around the league make moves and improve today while the Isles add bottom pair D and swap under-performing grit with younger, UFA grit.

The Isles addressed D, PK and team toughness. Barring a bigger deal, I would have still liked to see them take a Johnny Oduya off waivers from Ottawa to add some experience and depth to help offset the major struggles of the team’s defensive scheme. The Flyers claimed Odyua. This is epecifically true in the twilight of John Tavares’ final contract year.

Like many fans, I appreciate John Tavares. He’s an elite player and a necessary component for the Isles to continue providing credibility to their locker room and as a destination for future free agents. Belmont and probable Calder winner, Mathew Barzal aside, Tavares has been a major reason for the team’s successes this year and on pace for a career year. Even with a slump at the worst possible time, Tavares is, and should be, a priority to bring back. Heading into the summer without a deal is a stress er I’m sure many in and out of the organization are not happy with. Even though it wasn’t supposed to be a factor for JT, perhaps not having a new deal has made an impact. Maybe the pressure of what happens if a deal can’t be done, has worn on him a little. If Tavares doesn’t sign, Snow has lost a little cache for a franchise player that would need to be moved before July 1.

I don’t even want to speculate, but the time may have come to start considering the worst-case scenario, especially if this borderline team falls short off playoffs or doesn’t make it a few rounds deep once again.

# # #

Neil best wrote an article for Newsday based on an interview with Barclay’s CEO, Brett Yormark had with Sports Xtra. Yormark’s comments in the article made fans of the New York Islanders hate the Barclays Center even more. Yormark said the Islanders were a “a rent-a-team’ that never fully embraced Brooklyn — and vice versa — while also casting doubt on the team’s planned move to a new arena near belmont park.” Yormark commented how the move to Brooklyn didn’t work and never lived up to the hopes of Barclays management. “Their fan base resides in Long Island. They have a great, avid fan base in Long Island. Brooklyn just didn’t gravitate to the team as I had hoped they would. But I think the move next year, where they’re playing 12 games back in Long Island — and after next year we’ll probably play half the schedule, if not more [there] — is a step in the right direction.” Yormark continued the blood boiling when he decided to comment on the future of the organization at Belmont park site. If it ever happens.

“Obviously, they’re looking to build their own venue. Not sure that ever happens, but if it does, I wish them well. But in the interim our goal was to bring them back to Long Island, have them play as many games as they can at NYCB Live, and that’s happening, so I’m excited about it.”

It’s well known that the Belmont arena project will take three years or so to complete, making the inaugural opener somewhere around the start of the 2021-22 season. Until then, we can look forward to more uncomfortable attendance numbers and lowering expectations in Brooklyn. The #SnowMustGo Billboards should be up this week. Don’t be surprised if fan crowdfunding doesn’t become a thing to express rage and disappointment by the Isles loyal fan base. The remaining time for the Islanders and their fans in Brooklyn should be interesting.

Isles fan and Brooklyn resident, Stephen Helldorfer tweeted this to Randi Marshall on the Yormark news. “I’ve lived within walking distance of the @barclayscenter for the entire time the #Isles have been there. I know firsthand that @brettyormark did zero to market the team here (or, and possibly more plausibly, he’s terrible at his job.)”

Yormark has burned the last bridge in Brooklyn and showed the fans for this season and next, they have been and always will be considered second class at the Barclays Center.

Isles Notes:

Per Michael Fornabaio, “Aho, Fritz and Gibson are on AHL transactions, making them eligible to come down any time rest of the year. No Ross Johnston, though.” Johnston is now an NHL’er for the Islanders.

Per Brendan Burke, “Isles would have to send Aho, Gibson, Fritz and/or Johnston down (at least on paper) for 3pm tomorrow in order to make them eligible to return to the AHL at any point this season.”

Per Eric Hornick, “Complete list of players with more #NHL goals than #JT91 over last 6 seasons: 1. Ovechkin (257) 2. P Kane (182) Tavares has 181.”

2/23     Transaction: Alan Quine has been placed on IR (lower body).

Per Cory Wright, “Bailey now has the potential to pass Bryan Trottier and be the franchise leader in games played by the end of his next contract. 16 seasons would be second in franchise history trailing only Billy Smith (17).”

Olympics/Mens Hockey:

Isles prospect, Illya Sorokin wins gold medal with OAR (Russia) at 2018 Winter Olympics. OAR defeated an inspired Team Germany by a 4-3, O.T. score. Germany's Silver finish is highest in history of their Olympic hockey program. Canada wins Bronze over Czechs.

Islanders Extend Josh Bailey

Bob McKenzie mentioned the Isles and Josh Bailey were close to an extension. Today, the 6 year, $5M AAV deal was made official. Prior to that, McKenzie added, “This obviously, assuming it’s concluded and made official, could be a potentially critical positive element in the efforts to re-sign pending UFA C John Tavares once the season is over and Tavares turns his attention towards his long-term future.” Say that Josh Bailey’s performance is indicative of playing on a line with John Tavares. Say that Tavares makes everyone around him better. OK. Anders Lee has also become a much better player, but all of it makes the Islanders a better team heading into next season. IMO, a $5M AAV for Bailey would probably be a discount as to what he might expect if he entered free agency this summer. Per Matt Larkin, “Bailey contract, Barzal breakout, Belmont…three B's that I believe will lead to John Tavares re-signing with Isles.”

The fact is that the Islander’s 2008, 9th overall pick has come into his own and has been a solid player for them over the last two years, making his first All-Star game this season along with his veteran All-Star line mate, Tavares. Bailey’s desire to remain in New York has been evident for some time. Per Brian Compton, Bailey: “I thought right from the beginning, I wanted to give it every opportunity to stay. It was something that going into the year was kind of my focus. I said that from the beginning and meant it … There’s lots of things that go into make those decisions, now especially having a family. It’s a great place to raise your kids, it’s a great place to live, so that side of it was easy. The hockey side was easy too; this is obviously all I know."

So the 28 year-old forward will remain an Islander until the 2013-24 season. Per Isles PR, “Now, in his 10th season with the Islanders, Bailey has totaled 368 points (121 goals, 247 assists) in 697 career regular-season games. He's added 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games.”

Josh Bailey has career highs in points (62) & assists (47) in 58 games this season, good enough for 3rd on the team in points. His 47 assists puts him 2nd on the Isles and tied for 7th in the NHL for assists this season. Per Isles PR, “Josh has become one of the core members of the New York Islanders," Islanders President and General Manager Garth Snow said. "He has developed within our system for several years and it's exciting to see him mature into the player we always had confidence he would become. To come into the past few seasons and see Josh set new career highs each year, has been impressive and we're excited to see him continue to do that with the organization as we move forward." 

Per Tony Stabile, “The fact that Josh Bailey signed this extension in the mist of his best offensive season is a tribute to the kind of Islander he is. We saw favorites like Martin, Nielsen and Okposo leave for bigger $$ and term, Bailey took less to stay. Respect.”

# # #

Our New York Islanders followed up a horrible 4-1 loss to Columbus with an impressive pair of shutouts against the Rangers & Hurricanes. It was the first time the Isles had back-to-back shutouts on consecutive nights in franchise history per Erick Hornick. Halak had a 50 save performance against NYR (2nd best in team history-Healy 51) and Greiss stopped 45 shots against Carolina. It also marks the first time in NHL history a team had consecutive 45+ shot shut outs. Greiss was injured and placed on IR after the game, necessitating a call up for BST goaltender, Christopher Gibson on 2/19 to back up pending UFA G, Jaroslav Halak for the immediate future.

Following the win vs CAR Stan Fischler commented, “For the second straight game #TannerFritz replaced #JasonChimera and proved that he belongs. Smart, solid game for TF.” Chimera’s (2 & 9 for 11pts, -11 rating in 58 GP) apparent decline, along with Seidenberg’s (0 & 5 for 5 pts, -6 rating in 22 GP) have shown the Isles play better without them in the line-up. The Isles had another disappointing let down against the Minnesota Wild, losing 5-3 and followed it up with a hard fought, but 4-3 O.T. losing effort in Toronto. As previously stated, they are still more than just a few call-ups away from being a serious threat IMO. Their defensive scheme has been better, but has also been compromised in recent games. That’s still a product of having young D-Men on a veteran team pushing to make the jump into playoff legitimacy. I think a trade needs to happen, just don’t know if it’s a realistic expectation with the way Garth Snow does things. Isles have just 1 game remaining until the trading deadline.

The Isles face forward, Michael Grabner with his New Jersey Devils tomorrow.

Isles Notes:

Per Mark Hermann, “Despite the recent drought (no 5-on-5 goals in 7 games, no assists in 6 games), JT still is `the best leader in the NHL,' says Mathew Barzal.”

Per Cory Wright, “Barzal now tied with Tavares for #Isles scoring lead with 64 points. Pulock in sole possession of second in goals for rookie defensemen (6) in the NHL.”

Per Arthur Staple, “Barzal's 60th point on that goal, third-most for an #Isles rookie. Might have trouble catching the top two: Bossy (91) in 1977-78 and Trottier (95) in 1975-76.”

"John Tavares joined a select group of #isles who have scored 30 goals in a season at least 4 times: 1Bryan Trottier*11 2Mike Bossy*10 3Clark Gillies*6 4Pat LaFontaine* 6 5John Tavares4 The other four are all in the HHOF, as their @hockey_ref "*" denote."

2/15 KoC Poll:

Who's at fault for the current state of the #Isles in your opinion?

Garth Snow: 65%

Ownership: 17%

Doug Weight: 11%

Players: 7%

Per @BrodskyRobert, “Exclusive: deal to move @NYIslanders temporarily back to Coliseum dependent on county lease amendment removing clauses penalizing operator $1 million for lack of games … myself and @jimbaumbach.”    

Per Arthur Staple, “Weight clarified his comment postgame about the atmosphere was directed at his team, not the fans. “There was no atmosphere in the building and there didn’t deserve to be. We didn’t create any.”

“Doug Weight: "It wasn't a good atmosphere, but we didn't deserve it to be a good atmosphere. That's not calling the fans out, that's calling our team out. We didn't play well enough to create an atmosphere. Our fans are great. That's my fault for wording it improperly." This was following the 4-1 loss to CBJ.

@TwoTurtleDuffs started a #SnowMustGo campaign to fund two billboards in Brooklyn. The goal was met and any additional funds were meant to go to Anders lee’s Kancer Jam.

“Our goal is to submit our design tomorrow, and the board will be up starting on Feb 26. We exceeded every expectation I had. Stay tuned for more, friends.”

Anders Lee denounced the movement, but the extra money would be well spent.

"Major notes include that in light of Anders Lee's decision, we will be donating overflow to the American Cancer Society. We encourage any fans with leftover money to donate to Anders' foundation, or a similar charitable cause.

Sound Tigers Notes:

First-year ECHL team, Sound Tigers affiliate, succeeding in Worcester.

2/13 TRANSACTION: Two-time Calder Cup Champion Andre Benoit (D) has been loaned to Bridgeport by @BlueJacketsNHL.

Team USA:

Women’s squad wins the 2018 gold medal against Canada. Men’s team lost 3-2 to Czech’s in quarter finals. Yannic Seidenberg, brother of Isles Dennis Seidenberg of Team Germany will play Team Russia in the gold medal game. Germany was awarded a bronze in 1932 and (West Germany) 1976, but even a silver medal would be the nation’s strongest finish in their nation’s hockey program history.

Islanders Have Much to Prove

Our New York Islanders are still 1 point out of a playoff spot in the east at 27-24-6 with 60 points after 57 games, despite a turnover ladened, defensively challenged style of play. Their goaltenders are struggling and even when they are on, they face 40+ shots per game behind a mostly lethargic defensive effort. Per Eric Hornick, “Since December 1st, Halak has faced 915 shots. This is 85 more than any other goaltender (Lundqvist 830) in that span.” Any mistake they make seems to have a good chance to blow a lead, a game and possibly, the season. Thomas Greiss (10-7-0-2, 4.03gaa & .885Sv%) has had his own challenges keeping the puck out of the net.

Yet, at times, I still see the flashes of dominance they showed in the first part of the season. They have so much skill and heart. Their top offensive players are so dangerous and at times, no opponent’s lead seems too great for them to overcome. I love all the positives to their game, but I can never relax because they have seemingly become an inconsistent, ineffectual mess at the worst possible point in the playoff race. Eric Hornick mentioned a few stats that should be a concern to everyone who follows the team. The Isles are 12-17-4 in their last 33 games and allowed 210 goals (highest since 1995-96, when they allowed 220). The Islanders have allowed at least 35 shots in thirteen straight home games and have allowed at least five goals eight times at home (1-5-2) and sixteen times overall (1-13-2).

I know they have had injury problems, especially on D and their offensive first system has finally begin to challenge the team’s ability to win games. I heralded Doug Weight since he took over last season, but he is obviously having trouble righting the game plan with his coaching staff. According to Eric Hornick, “Doug Weight is now 51-36-10 as an NHL coach. On February 3rd vs. the Blue Jackets, he reached 50 wins faster than any coach in Islander history.” But since their win against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Isles have gone 3 & 4. They have looked horrible, blown leads and lost to some of the worst teams in the league, playing to the level of their opponent. They have also managed to come up big, pulling off huge comebacks like the dramatic finish against Detroit. But as great as that 4 ppg performance was late in the third to set the stage for a Brock Nelson hat-trick to win the game in O.T., the team needed a miracle to pull it off. And to their credit, they got one. That time. The 3-0 lead surrendered to the last place Buffalo Sabres though, cost them a 4-3 loss a day earlier.

Per Chris Botta, “It’s difficult to build a contending NHL team. People far smarter than Garth Snow have failed at it. But Snow has been around since 2006. No matter what Snow’s contract is, how can #Isles ownership continue to pat him on the back and accept this?” I know the knock on Garth Snow’s yearly refusal to make big trades and act the way other, more successful GM’s have to actually make significant gains for their clubs at the deadline. In my opinion, the drop off hastened after the Isles lost the services of Calvin de Haan and Nikolay Kulemin. Two players that were relied upon to play key defensive rolls on the blueline and on the once galvanized penalty kill. But they are hardly the reason for the Isles latest downward season spiral.

Snow said he won’t use the Isles high picks in next year’s draft for rentals and I don’t blame him. Plus, most cache’ players are commanding a 1st, top prospect and additional player thrown in for consideration per NHL sources. Isles have their own picks in 1st and 2nd round along with Calgary’s (Hamonic Deal), so those are prime assets. I would, however trade them for impact players with at least a year remaining. And it’s OK to trade a few key and 2nd tier rostered players or prospects to make this year’s team better, especially on defense or in goal. Anything to help a team led by John Tavares make more noise is fine with me. Especially with the numbers guys like Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Mathew Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier and Jordan Eberle have been putting up. With Tavares on the cusp of his UFA summer, the Islanders need a real reason for JT to commit to them. We know he likes it here and we know he’s loyal, but the team needs to break free of the 12-year rebuild and truly take the next step for a player like John Tavares to re-sign.

The NHL trade deadline is 2 weeks away. I thought for sure Snow would have tried to woo D, Mark Streit out of retirement to finish the season ala F, Mike Fisher with Nashville. The Islanders could use a boost on defense or in net at this point. Any of the trade-block blueliners are pending UFA’s. That means Garth Snow isn’t likely to get an Erik Gundbranson, Darnel Nurse, Jack Johnson or even an older, but capable Mike Green. He would have to search for an expendable, affordable younger, top tier defender with term remaining. Because those are available (dripping sarcasm). Winnipeg’s UFA, Jacob Trouba would be a worthwhile gamble in my book, but would likely be too expensive. Nashville’s 25-year-old prospect, Dante Fabro is appealing, but he might not be ready for the role that the Isles are looking for in a deadline acquisition. And probably far too expensive anyway. To me, G, Robin Lehner is the only goalie I’d take a shot with at this point. Lehner has a 2.90gaa and a .910Sv% on the last place Sabers, but it’s still a gamble and at what price. FYI: Bridgeport goaltender, Christopher Gibson is 17-11-2 with 2 shutouts. And for those of you asking, the Isles on spirited enforcer Matt Martin has got to be no. I love what he did for the organization while an Islander, but much like popular players like Matt Moulson or Frans Nielsen, Martin is too expensive and on the decline. The Isles can utilize Ross Johnston in the meantime to fill similar role.

The Islanders had another early lead against Calgary on Sunday, but succumbed to some miscues and defensive blunders, losing yet another game they should have won. Mathew Barzal was singled out and benched by Doug Weight late in the game for Jordan Eberle. Per @bheymann99, “Here's what Mathew Barzal told me re Doug Weight sitting him with the goalie pulled & #Isles down 3-2 last night: ‘I’ll own up to it. I didn’t have a great game. I didn’t deserve to be out there late in the game. He made a good coaching move. I’ve got to hold myself accountable." Weight on Eberle over Barzal: "Ebs arguably to me in the last month has been our absolute best player, smart, reliable, makes plays but gets it in when he knows (he should), makes the right play. He’s cerebral. ... And he’s battling. That’s what my choice is.”

The Islanders need to find a way to refocus their game and get back to the way they played earlier in the year. They need accountability, especially on the defensive side of things. Everyone from the coaches down to the 4th line needs to contribute. And if they aren’t, its Garth Snow’s job to make the moves to get the guys who will. The Islanders have divisional games against Columbus on Tuesday, Rangers on Thursday and Carolina of Friday.

Enough excuses. If that doesn’t fire you up, I’m not sure what will.

Isles Notes:

Per Eric Hornick on Mathew Barzal, “Ridiculous-- only centers in #NHL history w more 5-assist gms in any season wore 99 and 66.”

“Mathew Barzal now needs only 1 point to become the third highest-scoring rookie in Islander history.”

Per NHL PR, “Mathew Barzal of the @NYIslanders collected five assists to record his third five-point game of the season (0-5—5 on Nov. 5 vs. COL and 2-3—5 on Jan. 13 at NYR).”

Per Elias: “Barzy became the first rookie since the 1917-18 season to record three 5-point nights in a single season.” Only 2nd ever (Joe Malone, MTL, 1917-18) to do so.

John Tavares, “It’s going to be exciting with the long term development of Belmont. In the short term basis being able to come back somewhere where really the heart of the franchise is.”

Per Jim Baumbach, “Yormark says Isles will take back business operations control after the upcoming season, as per their original license agreement.”

Per Brian Compton, “Jon Ledecky tells me future retired numbers and #Isles HOF inductions will be decided by the alumni. "I think it's much better if it comes from the group itself. It's much more meaningful to the guy if it's coming from his peers."

Per @islesblogger, An Open Letter to Jon Ledecky.

Per Brian Compton, “Hamonic: "I'll be an old guy one day and I'll back on my time as an Islander and be extremely proud of wearing that jersey because of what it means and how passionate people are here."