Catching Up On The Islanders

I was away for my Birthday and an Industry Convention over the past week, so I wanted to officially list some relevant happenings.


Corey Pronman ranks the Islanders in 2^nd in NHL prospect depth.  Pronman says, “New York Islanders: The Islanders have one the deepest systems in the NHL. They have great talent as well, of course, with top forward prospects like Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson, and Kirill Kabanov to go along with a very impressive group of defense prospects. They have talent and depth at seemingly every position.”  The Florida Panthers are 1^st.

There was a lot of talk about Ed Mangano's bid to seek a developer to try and scramble into another development deal for Nassau's "Hub" project.  Islanders' Owner, Charles Wang has played all of Kate Murray's games and those of the counties political machine, only to come up short each time.  No to the $4B Light House Project, the zoning nightmare and the blind eye by the state.  No to a plan that is pivately funded.  No to a $400M bond vote.  No to a solution for $.26/Week.  Committees and task forces that yielded nothing.  

Is Nassau County a viable option for Charles Wang and the New York Islanders.  No.

Per B.D. Gallof, the “Isles are done. Expect no more UFA moves. No further changes until perhaps new CBA. Highly likely team in October is what you see now.”  He also points out, “If anyone has bothered to notice, except for Isles thus far, rest of division has gotten weaker thanks to free agency.”

Anthony Stabile adds, “replace PAP, Eaton, Jucina and Staois with Boyes, Visnovsky, Carkner, Boulton That is an upgraded roster, when rest of div got weaker.”

This isn't to say after the CBA is restructured, the Islanders won't be attractive to other cap tight teams as trading partners.  This is another way the Isles can get top tier talent that fits into "the plan" for a reasonable price.  It is even speculated that Rick DiPietro would be bought out under the expected amnesty clause.

Isles Notes:

Per the New York Islanders, New Isles enforcer and LW, Eric Boulton will wear #36 this season.

Per Arthur Staple on July 2^nd, “Islanders out of running for Bryce Salvador”  Salvador resigned with New Jersey on a 3-Year deal.

The Washington Capitals have signed former Islanders defenseman Jack Hillen to a one-year contract, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Minnesota Wild have signed for Islander, Zenon Konopka.

The Winnipeg Jets have signed Al Montoya to a one year/$600,000 contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed F Ruslan Fedotenko and D Bruno Gervais.

Per B.D. Gallof, “Per NHL source: if Isles spent to the cap, sold out every game & went 2 rounds in playoffs, Wang would still lose $10-15 mil for yr.”

Rick DiPietro's $67.5 M deal is now only the 10th biggest in the league.  What was referred to at one time as the biggest joke in the NHL by some is now not only commonplace, but standard practice for big name players of all positions. You would think D.P.’s injuries would be a warning for other GM’s.

NHL:

The NHL & NHLPA held their 2nd round of negotiating sessions for a new collective bargaining agreement last Thursday & Friday in Manhattan.

Vancouver Canucks ended up signing Jason Garrison to a Six year $27.6 M contract.

Zach Parise and Ryan Sutter agreed to terms with the Minnesota Wild on July 4^th.  They were both signed to $98 million/13 year deals.  Per Rich Chere, Parise's contract is front-loaded: $12M, 12M, 11M, 9M, 9M, 9M, 9M, 9M, 8M, 6M, 2M, 1M, 1M.”  Sutter's is said to be laid out the same way.

Pierre LeBrun reports, “So both Parise and Suter each get $25 million in signing bonuses: $10 M payable now, $10 M payable July 1, 2013 and $5 M on July 1, 2014”

Dallas Stars signed Jaromir Jagr to a one year $4.5 M contract.

July 1st Free Agency

At Noon, today, the Free Agency frenzy will begin.

What will Garth Snow and the New York Islanders be able to do?  Updates to come ...

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1-Per Arthur Staple, Isles sign C, Brad Boyes to 1-year, $1M deal.

  

Boyles get a good opportunity to regain his old scoring form and a chance to break out just like P.A. did a couple of years ago when he signed with the Islanders.

2-Per Aaron Ward, Isles sign D, Matt Carkner.  

At 4.5M for 3 years, Carkner is a good gritty player and give the Islanders needed depth at Defense.

3- Per Craig Custance, “Eric Boulton signs one-year deal with the Islanders, excited about the opportunity: "It's a promising young team."

A depth move at LW, Boulton was put on waivers and bought out by the Devils for this up coming season.  He has a reputation for his toughness and physical game.  He had no points in N.J. last season.

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Isles Notes:



Per Arthur Staple, “Isles are still in on Salvador, who will likely make his decision on his array of offers on Monday/ Isles have cooled on A. Semin.”

Per Katie Strang, “Rangers have signed former Isles tough guy Micheal Haley to two-year deal.”


Former Islander and fan favorite, Aaron Asham has joined the Rangers as well.

Dylan Reese signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins.


Per Michael Fornabaio, “Another tryout makes good: Isles should soon make official a one-year deal for defenseman Jon Landry. Was 2-18-20 in 34 AHL games here.”

Sound Tiger Forward, Matt Watkins has agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with the Islanders.


Per Tom Mascioli, Islanders sign DeFazio.  “LW Brandon DeFazio, 6'1", 200 lbs., 23 year old went 11-5-16 in 66 GP last season as a rookie with AHL WBS Penguins.”

The Islanders and all 7 picks, false.

NHL:

FYI - Per Mark Spector, "Schultz signed 2-year deal for $925,000 per, with a signing bonus of $92,500. Bonuses $2.85 million, for an overall cap hit of $3.775 with the Edmonton Oilers."


Parise and Suter are expected think about their offers and choose their new teams by tomorrow.

Orange and Blue All Over

Today was the Islanders Blue vs. Orange Scrimmage, 2012 Prospects Game at the Iceworks practice facility.  250 fans and standing room only media got to witness the event along with thousands of fans on Islanders TV streamed live from the teams website.  Last years contest was a back and forth scoring exhibition.  What would this years game be like?

The squads looked like this:

Eric Cairns coaching the Blue Team.

Isles Blue Forwards for Scrimmage: Kabanov-Strome-Riley Tiefenworth-Nelson-Clark Goldenkov-Sundstrom-Giftopoulos McGuire-Lardner.

Isles Blue D-Pairs for Scrimmage: Pokka-Kichton Bischoff-Graham Leduc-Cantin Yevenko Goalies: Vazzano, Gillam.

Trent Klatt coaching the Orange Team.

Isles Orange Forwards for Scrimmage: Mackay-Cizikas-Niederreiter Halmo-Terao-Persson Theoret-Calof-Holmstrom Berkle-Periera.

Isles Orange D-Pairs for Scrimmage: Reinhart-Mayfield Pedan-Somerby Escobedo-Schneider MacGregor Goalies: Reiter, Boyle.

Periera scores. Orange 1 Blue 0.

Mayfield takes the1st penalty and Strome misses on the penalty shot.

Orange takes 2-0 lead on Calof goal at 7:37 of second.

Per Dee Karl, Note: “6'7" Oleg Yevenko can fly and he has a shot that scared 1/2 the arena.”

Halmo scores for Orange giving them a 3-0 lead with the empty net.

Final: Orange 3 Blue 0. Shootout is next for ‪Isles prospects.

Final after Shootout: Orange 6 Blue 0. Persson, Halmo and Reinhart score in so for ‪Isles.

Nino’s take on the game, "It's always difficult to play summer hockey, but at the end of the day we won 6-0 & it was a fun game."

This years scrimmage was a defensive shut down where 6 of the 7, 2012 draft picks participated with defensemen chosen over the last few years.  With some gifted goal scorers in the Isles system, the newly revamped and galvanized Defensive group really played well.

Alex Vazzano looked good in net for Orange vs. some very good Blue shooters.  The defensive prospects looked comfortable and played well in the game, especially for team Orange.  I heard Halmo's name a lot as well.

Kirill Kabanov had some good chances for Team Blue and looked much improved from last season.

Each Scrimmage I watch gives me more and more respect for Garth Snow and his team.  They have really done well with their top picks, mid picks and "gambles" over the last few seasons.  Lets just hope for a little luck this Sunday (July 1st Free Agency Starts) and into the summer camp with free agents or trade acquisitions to help the team take the final step into a winning culture.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, “Isles will begin interviews for BPT coaching job tomorrow. Talking to former Peoria coach Jared Bednar; like B. Thompson, won ECHL.”

“Isles are out of the Justin Schultz sweepstakes. Also zero truth to rumors of Mark Streit going to EDM in a trade.”

TSN reported Schultz’s list includes the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Ottawa Senators.  Bob McKenzie thinks you can add the Minnesota Wild to the list of possible suitors.

NHL Notes:

Per Chris Johnston, “NHL officially announces summer cap of $70.2 million with a $54.2 million floor. In effect until new CBA is signed.”

AHL Notes:

Per Chris Arnold, “The AHL Board of Governors has approved the usage of video review for next season. I didn't realize they didn't already use it.”

Isles Notes For 6/27

Islanders officially named Brent Thompson an assistant coach of the team today.

Matt Bertani has been named Isles video coach after four seasons w/ the Sound Tigers.

The Blue and White scrimmage goes down tomorrow at Ice Works.

Per Arthur Staple, "Isles hoping to sign D Brenden Kichton, 2011 5th-rounder who impressed at last year's camp. 40-117-157 last two seasons w/ Spokane (WHL)."

Per Katie Strang, "Former Isles assistant Dean Chynoweth has taken job as head coach of AHL's Lake Erie Monsters. Sounds excited about new opportunity."

NHL Notes:

Per Darren Dreger, "July 5-6th also scheduled for CBA negotiations in NYC. As has been widely reported, round 1 is Fri also in New York."  John Tavares and Rick DiPietro are reported to be part of the NHLPA group involved in negotioations.

Per Bob McKenzie, "26 NHL teams have expressed interest in UFA dman Justin Schultz, a shortlist of 5, give or take a team or two, likely" soon.

The DeLoreans' time machine setting in "Back to the future," set for today.

Isles Notes For 6/26

The Islanders mini camp stated yesterday with prospect meetings, Blue and White team alignment and some physical testing.  The teams hit the ice today and showed a little of what they can do to the coaching staff.  The mini camp roster looks like this.

Anders Lee is not at Mini-Camp because he is taking classes at Notre Dame over the summer.

Per Sound Tigers, 13 of the 47 players at the 2012 Isles Prospect Camp played for the Sound Tigers last season. 

Per Tom Mascioli, “Isles rookie camp invitee Johnny McGuire considered one of the toughest fighters in the OHL last season with the Erie Otters. 163 PIM's, 48 GP.  McGuire not very big at 6'1", 190 lbs., took on players much bigger in Jarred Tinordi, Tom Wilson, Jamie Oleksiak to name a few.  McGuire, who plays right wing, is the nephew of Jeff Beukeboom. He only put up 2-1-3 in 48 GP last season. Small enforcer type.”

The Islanders released their Preseason Schedule today.  Games will be played vs, Oilers, Devils and Senators.  The Isles will play at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn on October 2nd.

Per P.A.’s agent, @walsha, PA Parenteau will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Per Arthur Staple, Isles will make an offer to UFA D Justin Schultz, who will start whittling down his choices tomorrow. Many clubs interested, obviously.

Ben Kuzuma of Post Media explains, “Judging by the clamour to court the former Anaheim second-round 2008 draft pick — he became a UFA on Monday thanks to a loophole in the expiring NHL collective bargaining agreement that cites his extra year of BCHL play before jumping to the NCAA and then snubbing the Ducks at the June 1 signing deadline — there’s widespread belief that at age 21, the West Kelowna, B.C., product has a level of maturity to excel at the pro game.

And with Schultz limited to a two-year, entry-level contract at $925,000 US annually, suitors are salivating. It makes his reported demand for NHL ice time seem moot if he’s that good after amassing 16 goals and 44 points in 37 games with the NCAA Badgers last season.”

Per NHL Network analyst Craig Button on NHL.com -- on Justin Schultz, "Overall, he's a player who is capable of controlling the pace and tempo of play when he has the puck. He's a player who wants to make a difference in the game. I think he has a chance to be a top-end defenseman."

"His foundation of skating is excellent.  He has speed, quickness and agility and is able to use his abilities to beat pressure defensively and to move into advantageous positions and be a threat offensively. He can speed up the game or slow it down and is very elusive. He has great awareness and poise with the puck and is able to make plays on the move or when stationary. He doesn't panic under pressure and is always aware and can adapt to changing circumstances instantly. He has a calming influence when he has the puck and while he can quickly strike, he doesn't force plays. He's an excellent passer and he has that panoramic vision that allows him to 'spread the ice,' so to speak, and to be able to attack opponents with multiple options. That makes it extremely difficult to shut him down. He has a very good shot, and along with his passing, it keeps goalies and defenders on their heels. He is unique in that he seems to play the game just ahead of the pressure and not in a hurried manner, but with tremendous confidence and an assuredness that is intimidating.

NHL Notes:

Per @adater, Phoenix GM Don Maloney says Shane Doan will test free agent market. Potential teams will get good leader and officiating conspiracy buff.

Joe Sakic, Adam Oates, Mats Sundin and Pavel Bure have been elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Qualifying and More Isles Drama

The Islanders have tendered qualifying offers to Sean Backman, Justin DiBenedetto,  Mark Katic,  Mikko Koskinen,  Tomas Marcinko, Matt Martin,  Rhett Rakhshani, and Ty Wishart.

Matt Martin has made himself a piece of the Islanders rebuild from his hardwork and spirited play.  Martin led the NHL in single-season hits last season at 357.

Remember DiBenedetto, Katic and Rakhshani have all signed in Europe, so this is a contract move by the Isles to maintain their rights in North America.  Koskinen is on loan, playing for the Espoo Blues in the Finnish SM-liiga.  Backman, Marcinko and Wishart should be in Bridgeport this season for depth.

Qualifying offers were not made to Tyler McNeely, Tony Romano, Yuri Alexandrov, and Yannick Reindeau.

Per Eric Hornick, “RT @Islesinfo Kelly Chase reported: NHL Network NHL Tonight Isles offered "most of their picks" for 2nd pick to get Murray; CBJ declined.”

It was also reported that the Islanders offered “All” of their 2012 draft picks for the second overall selection.  The rumor was leaked by Blue Jackets beat reporter, Aaron Portzline.

The rumor has sparked responses from several hockey media personnel and outlets, that have ranged from mockery to acceptance that the Islanders would offer so much for Murray at #2.  I think you would have to give a lot to move down to the second pick, but seriously? From what I have seen of Snow's approach, I don't think this big of a price would be paid, even if this many of the Organization's assets are available for a big move to get a promising prospect. Why not use them with prospects already in system to tempt a deal for a star player in the NHL now?

New York Islanders official response to rumor.  "We do not comment on things of this nature. We're extremely happy with all of our selections and look forward to their continued development as a part of our organization's future."

Isles Notes:

Per Chris Botta, “Source confirms Isles asked Ducks last week about Bobby Ryan, who'd be perfect rebuild next-step. Nothing close yet.”

Prospect camp opened today and the Blue and White scrimmage is on Thursday of this week.  I will write about the camp as information becomes available.

NHL Notes:

Per Pat Leonard, “NHLPA meetings now underway in Chicago. Don Fehr to speak later ... Also tomorrow NHL will announce this year's Hall of Fame class.”

Visnovsky's Isles Future Uncertain?

Kevin Schultz of IPB reports, NYIFC found “(Lubomir) Visnovsky was at home in Slovakia and there’s now a chance that he may stay in Slovakia to play or even head to the KHL in Russia …. In the interview, Visnovsky says that he is weighing offers from both the KHL and from a team in his home country of Slovakia. He has not come to a decision as to where he will play in 2012-13 yet, but it appears that he is seriously considering the other offers.”

Update:


6/24 10:20a.m.

Per Arthur Staple, “Just got off the phone w/ Isles D Lubomir Visnovsky. Ready to come to camp and play. "This is my first choice, to play for the Islanders."

“Visnovsky says Slovak website interview was from before the trade. Was asked if he'd stay in Slovakia or go to KHL if there was a lockout.”

Per Kevin Schultz, “Visnovsky interview was obviously post-trade. It's dated 6/23, 2:45pm and specifically asks three questions about the Islanders.”


“Although I obviously can't read Slovak and thus am open to misinterpret, it's very clearly dated.”