An independent blog on the New York Islanders, the NHL and AHL by a guy from New York.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Islanders Sign D, Sbisa Off PTO



The New York Islanders announced that 6’3, 204# defenseman, Luca Sbisa, has agreed to terms on a one-year contract today. Sbisa, 28, had 14 points (2 and 12) in 30 games (and 4 playoff helpers in 12 games) last season for the Vegas Golden Knights in their Stanley Cup appearance. Sbisa was invited to Isles training camp on a PTO this summer. Isles D, Dennis Seidenberg was also invited back to camp on a PTO. I would imagine the always reserved Lamoriello and defensively minded Trotz have seen something in Sbisa they feel could break out with the team, add depth to the system, or it wouldn’t have been done.



In 495 NHL games (PHI, ANA, VAN, LVK), Sbisa collected 18 and 84 for 102 regular season points along with 8 points (1 and 7) in 32 career playoff games overall. Sbisa played in the WHL during the 2007-08 season for the Lethbridge Hurricanes.


“We picked this team because they’ve been straightforward with us from the start,” said Sbisa, an alternate captain with Vegas. “They were really interested, and I like the fact that it’s a new coaching staff. It’s going to be the best chance to crack the lineup. It’s a really good group of defensemen, a lot of young guys are battling for the same thing.” – Newsday


Per Isles release, on the international stage, the Italian born Sbisa represented Switzerland at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, two World Championships and two Junior World Championships. He also played for Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey tournament.


Per Andrew Gross, “Barry Trotz said earlier today it’s still too early to say whether #Isles will carry seven or eight d-men. Right now, with Sbisa signing one-year deal, I’m guessing eight: Pulock, Pelech, Leddy, Boychuk, Hickey, Toews, Mayfield, Sbisa. But still time for changes until Oct. 4.

That would mean 13 forwards. My guess there: Beauvillier, Barzal, Bailey, Lee, Nelson, Eberle, Martin, Cizikas, Clutterbuck, Filppula, Komarov, Kuhnhackl, Johnston. Ladd starts on IR. But we’ll see...”


Sbisa signing probably means the Isles indeed start with 8D. Per Staple, “Toews is waiver-exempt among the 8D.” Unfortunately, that means he will probably be the odd-man out of the Isles line-up despite a strong camp appearance. Especially because as a bottom D, Sbisa, whose metrics are far from great, will be the reason for it. Sbisa blamed injuries for his decline and limited ice time last season.


But accountability is the motto, so maybe Sbisa is a stop-gap move based on what the brass has seen in camp so far and it will give the younger guys time to sharpen their skills at the pro-level before coming to the Island (or Brooklyn).


Anyway, I’ll try and have a 2018-19 Isles season primer up later this week.


Thanks for the support, especially over my unplanned hiatus of the last month or so.





Isles Notes:



Per Brian Compton, “Lou Lamoriello told me Belmont is still "100 percent" on track for 2021 after attending a recent meeting. Says he was "more excited leaving it than going in."



9/14: Jacques Lemaire was added as a special assignments coach and Ken Gernander hired as a scout.

David Conte, who worked in the Devils' organization for 31 years, including 22 as director of scouting, and worked last season as a pro scout for Vegas, has been hired by Isles as a special assignment scout. – Gross


NHL farm system rankings: No. 5 New York Islanders


Robin Lehner opens up about addiction and bipolar diagnosis. “Hopefully it helps someone, either in the game or someone out there.” – Lehner

IDA approves tax breaks for Islanders' $10 million Coliseum upgrade plan.

Per Eric Hornick, “Isles have started a season without a captain only once in their history; no captain was named for the 1996-97 season; Bryan McCabe got the C in September 1997.”



Rumors:


IslesBlog, “Per @TheFourthPeriod, the #Isles have Panarin high atop their wish list and have had talks with CBJ dating back to June.

Lamoriello has been looking to acquire an impact player this off-season and he’s expected to continue his attempts at exploring the market.”


Per Rob Taub, “No matter what number the #Isles are on Artemi Panarin’s list, the fact they’re on there definitely shows players want to play here whether it’s Brooklyn or Long Island.”



NHL Notes:

Could the NHL and NHLPA be heading towards another lockout?