KoC Isles 2018 Free Agency, Part 2

The Islanders brought back fan-favorite, heart and soul F, Matt Martin in exchange for G, Eamon McAdam. Its been a while since then, but Martin could be reunited with line mates Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck to reform the one-time noted “best 4th line in hockey,” by Canada’s Don Cherry.

Martin, 29, spent the last two disappointing seasons in Toronto. While his offensive output wasn’t where he wanted it (8 & 13 for 21 points in 132 games) with the maple Leaf’s, he was their nominee for the NHL’s King Clancy Award. An award given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. As many of you know, Martin began his career on the Island and was with New York for 7 seasons before leaving as a free agent to Toronto.

Per Cory Wright, “In 570 career NHL games with the Islanders and Toronto, Martin has 109 points (50 goals, 59 assists) and 853 penalty minutes. He added four points (one goal, three assists) in 30 Stanley Cup Playoff games with both clubs.”

The 5th round, 148th overall selection of the 2008 NHL Draft won five consecutive Bob Nystrom Awards, given annually by the Isles organization to the player who best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication on the team. He was also well known for leading the NHL in hits in each of his last five seasons with the Islanders. Martin was also a finalist for the NHL Foundation Award, awarded annually to the player who applies the core values of hockey-commitment, perseverance and teamwork-to enrich the lives of people in his community. Character is certainly an asset to Martin’s personality and as a player for the organization.

Matt Martin had this to say when asked about his return to the Islanders, "I do think I can contribute in a similar way that I contributed before. I'm as hungry as I've ever been. Last year wasn’t a lot of fun for me in lot of ways. Sitting out is not fun. I'm motivated and excited to get back to work … [Long Island] really is a place I’ve grown to love... I’ve always had that part of me that’s cared so much about this organization even when I was in Toronto. I really am just ecstatic to be back. Not everyone gets that opportunity to come back to a team they love, so be able to have this opportunity.”

Per Stan Fischler, “What I've always liked most about #MattMartin -- apart from his hustle -- is that he hits the foes so often and almost always without getting a penalty. Tough but clean. Welcome back, my favorite interview.”

Matt Martin’s loyalty, soul and urgency was never in question while he played for the Islanders and that was probably the reason they wanted to bring him back. While he probably wasn’t high on the team’s list of primary needs, he does add an element of toughness that was missing since he left. It wasn’t until Ross Johnston got a call up that New York matched the intensity of other physical teams last season.

Per Rob Taub, “Matt Martin takes a run at Tavares the first time they meet? I’m sure many of you would be very satisfied with that at the moment.”

Robin Lehner has agreed to terms on a 1-year deal with the Islanders.

Lehner, posted a 3.01gaa with a .908Sv% and 3 shut outs in 53 games with the Sabres last season.  His NHL career totals feature a 2.82gaa and a .915Sv% in 219 games with the Buffalo Sabres and Senators. The 6'4, 245# goaltender is a talented, feisty keeper who IMO, is better than his record with the Sabres last season and at 27, has upside and could use some finetuning. With the right system and guidance, he could grow into a serious NHL netminder. Rumors of Trotz trying to lure Mitch Korn to the Islanders coaching staff as a goaltending coach have surfaced over the last few days and has been sprinkled over my Isles Twitter feed.

Lehner was a 2nd round, 46th overall pick of the Senators in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, capturing playoff MVP Calder Cup Championship playoff honors for AHL Binghamton in 2011. On the International stage Lehner represented Sweden in the 2011 World Junior Championships and the 2010 World Under-18 Junior Championships. In his OHL debut in 2009-10 with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Lehner led the league with 5 shut outs and named to the OHL All-Star Game.

So far, Lehner will compete with Thomas Greiss as the the starter in net.

The New York Islanders signed depth F, Tom Kuhnhackl to a one-year contract.

Kuhnhackl, has totaled 11 and 28 for 39 points in 3 seasons (168 career games) with Pittsburgh. Kuhnhackl was a part of the Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 2016-17. In the 16-17 campaign, he had a career high in points with 16 in 57 games. In the post season, he has 7 points (3 & 4) in 47 games. Pittsburgh didnt tender Kuhnhackl a Q.O.

In his AHL career, the 6’2, 196# Kuhnhackl has 59 points (29 & 30) with a +19 rating in 154 games along with 2 helpers in 10 Calder Cup post season contests.

The team’s recent signings of Komarov, Filppula and Martin lends itself to two-way defensive play, PK experience and grit. All things the Isles could use more of, but not at the expense of promising prospects or the addition of a top defender or goaltender.

On the Isles pursuit of a quality defender:

Per reports, the Isles seem to be the hunt for D, Erik Karlsson along with Dallas and Vegas. Its been rumored that Bobby Ryan needs to be part of the deal with significant assets going back the other way. Thats probably why Ottawa hasn’t been able to move him yet.

Could the Islanders mix in Duchene from Ottawa if they are indeed in on the Karlsson/Ryan) package? Could they add Craig Anderson? Only my speculation, not a rumor.

Per David Pagnotta, “Ongoing contract talks continue for de Haan with multiple teams, but the field is narrowing. Leafs, Isles remain in mix, told couple other teams too.” De Haan is the best FA available, so he’s probably not in a rush to sign, unless he gets exactly what he wants on the open FA market.

UPDATE: Per Luke DeCock, “Hurricanes have agreed to terms with free-agent defenseman Calvin de Haan, per source. Four years, $18.2 million. Left-shot D completes top two pairings.”

Lou isn't doing the things I expected to see right now, but I'm sure he has a plan or maybe he is crossing some of the lesser needs he sees for the team off his list because it's a convenient time to do so.

Evaluations of personel will continue to be made, prospectes vetted and trades will be explored if they make the team better as the team gets ready for camp with Barry Trotz.

Isles Notes:

Sislo Agrees toTerms on a One-Year Contract.

Per Brenna Klak, “#Isles sign Jakub Skarek to a three-year entry level deal.”

Per Cory Wright, “In Martin, Clutterbuck and Komarov, the #Isles have three of the four most prolific hitters in the NHL. Hits since 2014-15: Martin - 1194 (1st) Clutterbuck - 1079 (3rd) Komarov - 984 (4th).”

FYI, it appears G, Carter Hutton took less to go to Buffalo because they basically guaranteed he'd be the starter. The Isles probably wouldn’t guarantee that.

Dear John Tavares

Dear John Tavares,

Yesterday was a difficult day for Islanders Country. Actually, the last few months have been very difficult. Even more so than the shortcomings of the team for several years. After hearing quotes from your team mates about how you were staying on the Islanders, the quotes, articles and tweets saying you were leaning towards the Islanders, it was a complete shock to most of us that you would ride your departure from the team right into the July 1st open to free agency.

Now, don’t get me wrong. You’re an elite pro hockey player. Probably the biggest free agent available in NHL history. I also understand it’s your career and pro hockey is a business. Sometimes, fans forget that. Their love for the team runs so deep, they let their emotions rule them in situations like yesterday’s announcement of you signing a 7-year deal with Toronto for $11M per.

I read your statement, comments and watched your Toronto presser when you mentioned that the Isles had a bright future. You had even mentioned that ‘kid who won the Calder’. His name is Mathew Barzal. He was a team mate of yours for a couple of years and worked hard to get an opportunity to stay in the NHL and he made the most of it. As fans, we were so excited and proud of his energy and relentless play last season. He was a clear-cut winner for top rookie honors.

I’m sure this was a difficult decision to make for you. Knowing the team that drafted you first overall in 2009 had chosen you to model their franchise around and build a winning program with you as its cornerstone. I was there with my wife and daughter and I'm not ashamed to say, I teared up. I thought to myself, finally! Like you, the fans were very upset at many of the moves made by General Manager, Garth Snow. While I think he made several moves that helped bring talent to the team, via trade and through the draft, he made several mistakes as well. The bottom line is the Islanders were never a serious contender under his management. I defended him a few times in my articles along with your former coach, Jack Capuano. Capuano meant well and helped develop some of the younger guys, but was kept as head coach for too long and that hurt the team. It also burned years off the contracts you signed to remain with the Islanders. Looking back now, the missteps of Snow and Capuano are even more maddening to a frustrated, passionate fan base who have endured years of scorn and snarky comments from media and rival fans. The same snark we are enduring now from the Toronto media and their fans based on you leaving us to sign with them. And your mentor, Doug Weight probably wasn’t ready. I think the team had the talent to do more than it did, but the system failed them.

So you see, I think much of the anger of Isles fans are feeling now is more about the way you went out, not the fact that you chose to live out 'your childhood dream' of playing for the Maple Leafs. When we heard all the pro Long Island and pro Islanders quotes from you over the years, it made us proud that an elite player, our elite player, our captain thought so highly of this now struggling, once dominant franchise. A franchise that was the blueprint for a modern hockey dynasty. You know about the 19 consecutive playoff series wins, the stories of Potvin, Trottier and Billy Smith. You know of Nystrom’s goal, the intimidation of Gillies just to name a few. Oh, and the other guy who wore your number. Butch Goring was the final piece that enabled our team to dominate the hockey world for 4 straight Stanley Cups and came a series win away from a 5th. Credit to Edmonton and Wayne Gretzky for besting the Isles that season. But even Gretzky’s Oilers couldn’t win their 5 cups in a row.

Did you hear what Mike Bossy said to tvasports.ca? I saw the picture of you back in the day, meditating in front of his plaque on the wall of fame outside the old Isles locker room and it made me smile. I thought, wow, this guy really bleeds orange and blue. Anyway, here was the quote from the clip,

“An Islanders alumni himself, Mike believes Tavares could have been clearer in his intentions with the team that drafted him in 2009.

‘I do not forgive Tavares for leaving without saying so that the Islanders could have something,’ he said.

‘There, they have zero for a player they have drafted and to whom they gave 30 or 40 million for eight years,’ continued the Hockey Hall of Fame member.

‘I find it appalling for a team.”

It seems your secret was so tight-lipped, some of your teammates didn’t even expect you to leave.

Per Arthur Staple, “In exchanging texts with a few Islanders players, the reactions ranged from surprise to disbelief. I mentioned to one player that fans were posting videos of burning Tavares’ jerseys. ‘Don’t blame them,’ was his reply.”

Even the legendary Stan Fischler was surprised you went out the way you did.

“Dear John Tavares: Thanks for being so available under difficult interviewing situations. Now one question: What took you so long to make this "Toughest Decision." Why didn't you tell @Islanders owners sooner? Much sooner; as in soon enough so that the club you were so devoted to could make a move to compensate for your loss? Just wondering, pal.”

I think that’s the problem most of us have. The way it went down, ya know. You in no way belonged to us, but you meant a lot to us. You were our captain. A generation of kids grew up after the glory years and you were their ‘Bossy’. You were the reason they became an Islanders fan. Many of us were touched by the picture of you in your Leaf’s sheets at 6 or 7 years old. Billy Smith made me an Isles fan as a little kid in the heart of Rangers territory and that made me a die-hard. I thought about how many kids across the Island had a similar bedroom in orange and blue, with tributes to you, their hero as the pride of their collection. An Isles fan on Twitter, @Islesfan303 posted a picture of his 9-year-old’s room. 

Did you see it?

Mr. Fischler pointed out a blurb, but didn’t agree with it, from the Hockey news. 

Stranger things have happened and even respected critics such as The Hockey News lead columnist Ken Campbell have wondered out loud whether a long-term, gold-mine contract really is worth it no matter how much Tavares produced. “From everything that analytics and an eye test tell us,” wrote Campbell, “Tavares is a player in decline.” 


As fans, we didn’t feel this way either. We know you are in your prime, a smarter player and have more ambition now than you ever had before. We know had bad you want to win. We get it. But we wanted you to spend your career with us and retire an Islander, just like you said you wanted in radio interviews. We wanted you to take the final step with us, led by Lamoriello, Trotz and your teammates to help bring the Cup back to the Island.

Well, enough of that. You did what you felt was best for you and expressed what your time with us had meant to you. Your call to the New York press was hard to listen to. I can only imagine how hard it was for you to do. The tone of your voice showed how difficult it was. I heard you say as of January when Garth Snow said you wouldn’t be traded and you had no intentions of doing anything else but committing to help the Islanders win. But many other members of the media and angry fans keep going back to you mentioning your ‘childhood dream’ of playing for the Maple Leafs. As I understood it, you said it was an opportunity you owed yourself to investigate and I get that. But many feel you were already leaning towards "going back home.” In all due respect, you had called the Island your home for so many years, maybe a few of them got confused about what you meant.

A lot of them feel there was no way you waited until 6 days before free agency about playing for your childhood team. They feel the Islanders allowed themselves to be played by their franchise player who said all the right things at the right time and avoided signing with them to leverage yourself for free agency. As a result, you left the team you played on for 9 years with nothing but a parting quote and a sincere thank you.

Some fans support you, some don’t want to have anything to do with your memory. It took me some time to begin writing a reply to your departure due to the way it went down. You understand that it was hard to swallow. You even said you didn’t expect any of us to be thrilled about it. You were right. We weren’t and we aren’t. Remember this quote, “Asked what his priority is in making a decision, Tavares said: “I want to stay on Long Island... I haven’t thought about being anywhere except with the Islanders.” - Staple

While you won’t retire an Islander or have your #91 retired, maybe your childhood team will heap upon you all the things you hope to earn at the second half of your career. To help them win, to give their fans the thing they have wanted even longer than the franchise you left on the Island. Here’s to hoping you have no more ‘gut wrenching’ decisions to make in your career and that you can play with the talented young core put in place by Isles GM, Lou Lamoriello with the same team you grew up watching and learning to love the game.

Mr. Tavares, on behalf of the Islanders fans who would permit me to speak for them, I’d like to thank you for the impact you have had on our organization and fan base. We will always be grateful and some of us may never get to tell you how much you meant to us.

The fans in Toronto will rub it in our faces when our boys play you at Scotiabank Arena on December 29th and I’m sure the other members of Islanders Country, they will probably make themselves heard on February 28th in Brooklyn and maybe even more at the refurbished Coliseum on April 1^st.

In the meantime, we will build around Barzal, the kid who won rookie of the year, Lee, Bailey, Beauvillier and all the rest of our guys, new and veteran alike. Lamoriello had a great draft and who knows, if a few signings can tighten us up and Trotz can work his proven system yet again, we might just meet in the conference finals.

Wouldn’t that be something? Best of luck to you Mr. Tavares, except when you play the Islanders of course.

Thanks for teaching all of us a valuable lesson. It’s not the leaving, it was the manner in which it went down. Sometimes the wait and faith you place in someone or something isn’t always rewarded.

KoC Isles 2018 Free Agency, Part 1

Day 1:

Our Islanders lined up with 30 other NHL teams for the noon open to the July 1^st start to free agency. It was new President and GM, Lou Lamoriello’s Isles debut.

Captain, John Tavares signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs a few hours after the open to free agency. Reports have Tavares deciding a destination on Friday and his Agent, Pat Brisson, was apparently working out the terms of the deal with Toronto on Saturday. Tavares said it was a dream come true to go back and play for his hometown Leafs. And he did it at a discount.

Tavares didn’t want to talk extension with the Isles last summer, he asked them to not be traded around February, and rumors have Isles Owner, Scott Malkin, honoring that request. Perhaps Tavares really wanted to stick it out with the Isles and give it one more try after a 9 year stay with limited success in New York. That’s great.

What isn’t great is that he changed his mind as pending free agents are prone to do, and has “earned that right.” I appreciate the contributions Tavares made during his time with the Islanders after being drafted 1st overall in 2009. What I don’t appreciate is not giving ownership any notice that his plans to stick around had changed. We know Tavares said it was a difficult decision and that it was down to the Isles and Leafs, but after reading his quotes and seeing the Toronto press conference, it didn't mean much.

So instead of the Islanders getting a lot of quality in return for an elite player like John Tavares prior to the trading deadline last season, they got nothing. Or anything at all a few weeks before the homestretch to free agency, Tavares didn’t let anyone else involved in his courtship until July 1st, including the team he was the captain of.  It's also not great to see JT leave a team that Lamoriello is the GM of for a team Lou took from last place to a playoff contender in 3 years when he was GM there.

John Tavares, "I don't think I can put into words how much my time there meant to me... I know it's been a bittersweet day, but I really believe they've got a bright future ahead of them."

Per Pierre LeBrun, “Tavares contract breakdown: Year 1, $650k salary, $15.25M sb; Year 2, $910k salary, $15.25M sb; Year 3, $910k salary, $11.09M sb; Year 4, $910k salary, $8.44M sb; Years 5-7, $910k salary, $7.04M sb in each of those years.”

"Told the Sharks ended up offering more than $13M per season for Tavares. The Islanders upped their offer from $11M per to $11.25M."

I’ll have a more detailed feature on the Tavares departure in the coming days.

D, Thomas Hickey re-signed for 4 years for $10M, at a $2.5m AAV. Hickey is a nuts and bolts, quality defensemen who was a +20 last year and is +30 for his career. Hickey is solid. Based on the contracts that have been done today for lesser players, it’s a good keep for the Islanders IMO, especially in a thin market on defense.

Hickey had a career-high 25 points in 69 games, with five goals, one shy of his career high. His 20 assists last season tied a career best. He has 22 and 89 for 111 points in 409 regular-season NHL games.

Per David Pagnotta, “Isles remain in talks with Calvin de Haan, but so are another 6-7 teams. Ongoing discussions.” de Haan is another good D-man who blocks shots and plays well when healthy. Unless a trade is made for an upgrade, de haan is still one of the top defenders available.

F, Leo Kamarov signed a 4 year, $12M deal with the islanders today with an AAV of $3M ($4M, $3.5M, $2.5M and $2M.) The 31-year-old agitator and penalty killer will play a bottom, defensive first forward role in New York. Last season with Toronto, Kamarov had 7 and 12 for 19 points in 74 games and found himself scrathed in the post season and somehow got a limited NTC with a list of 7 teams. He was the guy Brad Marchand licked on the face in the first round of the Boston-Leafs series.

C, Valteri Filppula signed a 1 year, $2.75M contract with the Islanders. Filppula, 34, scored 11 and 22 for 33 points for the Flyers last season. Filppula was traded to Philadelphia in March last year for former Isles D, Mark Streit. Filppula is a good skater, defensively responsible and can make plays as a two-way forward. It’s a decent move, even better for a year commitment to play a necessary role for a team rebuilding their defensive game.

The Islanders were in the running for the Sabres F, Ryan O’Reilly, but St, Louis gave up a 2019 1st, 2nd in 2021 and three players. The Isles equivalents would have probably included a Bellows, Pelech, Ho-Sang, etc. He's good, but to me, not worth all that was paid. There were a few other players being sought by New York, but nothing else came across the wire as completed or confirmed.

Per Arthur Staple, “Isles still have ~$24.5m in cap space after today. Need a goalie and another D, a deal for Ryan Pulock, maybe Brock Nelson as well if they don't find another 2/3C on the trade market.”

Overall, a frustrating and underwhelming day 1 of free agency for our New York Islanders. Let’s hope there’s a lot more to come. And maybe some trades. Soon.

Here’s to tomorrow.

Isles Notes:

Isles signed F Matt Lorito, later on yesterday, but wasn’t confirmed until today. Lorito, 27, on a 2 year, $675,000. His 2nd year in an NHL one-way deal. Lorito is coming off 2 straight AHL All-Star seaons. He recently played for Grand Rapids and has also played in Devils' system.

Per Andy Strickland, “Carter Hutton turned down more money, about $500k a year, from the #Isles to sign with #Sabres. Great opportunity for him in Buffalo.”

NHL Notes:

Per NHL on Sirius:

Top 5 remaining UFA Goalies: Robin Lehner - #BUF - 14W 3.01GAA .908SV% Kari Lehtonen - #DAL - 14W 2.58GAA .911SV% Steve Mason - #MTL - 5W 3.24GAA .906SV% Ondrej Pavelec - #NYR - 4W 3.05GAA .910SV% Jeff Glass - #CHI - 3W 3.31GAA .898SV%.

Top 5 (2017-18) scoring UFA's still available: James Neal - #VGK - 70GP 44PTS Patrick Maroon - #NJD - 73GP 40PTS Joe Thornton - #SJS - 47GP 36PTS Rick Nash - #BOS - 71GP 34PTS Valtteri Filppula - #PHI - 80GP 33PTS.

Isles 2018 Free Agency Preview

Per David Pagnotta, “John Tavares' agent Pat Brisson has just informed me that while "I've been in constant communication with (the six) teams," no verdict has been relayed or made yet... So, hang tight.”

While we and Isles management continue to wait for their #1 free agent target, John Tavares to make his painfully slow decision, it’s important to go over a couple of UFA players in each position that could help our Islanders next season. The official open to sign and announce free agents is noon tomorrow. I’m sure the Islanders will be active in the trade market as the summer goes on and into camp, but tomorrow needs to be a productive day for the Islanders. Especially if Tavares doesn’t re-sign.

Here’s my options in a thinner free agency period behind a guy like John Tavares, who by popular opinion, could be the biggest available free agent in NHL history thus far.

Goaltenders:

Carter Hutton, G, 32

Hutton is coming off his best NHL season, posting a 17-7-3 record with a 2.09gaa and .931 Sv% with St. Louis That includes a stretch of 6 wins in 7 starts, filling in for Jake Allen. His goals against and save percentage ranked first among goalies who played a minimum of 20 games. Hutton has pushed goalies in front of him so far in his career. Hutton was 20-11-4 with a 2.62 GAA and .910 save percentage in 40 games for the Preds in 2013-14 in relief of an injured Pekka Rinne. He had a 3.01 GAA in three relief appearances for Nashville during the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

While the 32-year-old seems to be finding his groove late in his career, I think he is a good stop gap for the Isles in net if Buffalo didn’t already make a deal.

Robin Lehner, G, 27

The Sabres didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Lehner, 27. That makes the emotional and sometimes, erratic netminder an unrestricted free agent. Last season, Lehner was a dismal 14-26-9 with a 3.01gaa and .908 Sv% with 3 shutouts in 53 games. I think Lehner has more skill than he had shown in Buffalo or Ottawa and with a fresh start and some strong coaching, he could become a more stable goaltender, especially at 27 years old.

Kari Lehtonen, G, 34

Lethtonen posted his best numbers since 2013-14 as a backup goalie in Dallas last season, going 15-14-0 in 34 games, with a 2.56gaa and a .912Sv% and 1 shut out. He can be a serviceable short-term starter or a reliable back up for the Islanders.

Defensemen:

With Calvin deHaan and Thomas Hickey as UFA’s, the Isles need to shure up a lack luster defensive unit from last season. Both de Haan & Hickey are said to have many suitors starting tomorrow and if they won’t be back in New York, I think the Islanders will need more than a Devon Toews promotion from Bridgeport. This is not meant as an insult to Toews, but Pelech and Mayfield showed a lot of improvement last season, but struggled a bit last as well.

Jack Johnson, D, 31

Jack Johnson is a solid defender who needs a fresh start away from a defensively stacked Columbus team. He could fit well on the isles blue line and has enough experience to contribute some big minutes.

Ian Cole, D, 29

Cole is a steady stay-at-home defender who can join the rush and play some special teams on the PK. He is a good target to fill a bottom-pairing on defense and offer some playoff and Stanley Cup experience.

John Moore, D, 27

Moore eats up minutes (20) and is set to to take the next step in his career at 27. He has size at 6’7, 210# plays a solid stay-at-home style, but also has the skills to net a timely goal, especially in the extra session. He needs to improve, but can fill a top 4 roll for the Islanders, especially under a defensive specialist coach like Barry Trotz.

Forwards:

James Van Riemsdyk, LW, 29

Van Riemsdyk is a strong player in close like Anders Lee, but he can put up points and contribute on the power play. He has tallied 201 goals and 393 points in 609 NHL games, averaging somewhere around 25 goals per season. Hes a 4 time 20 goal scorer and a 2 time 30 goal scorer.With a good set-up winger, JVR could add to the Isles potent offense.

James Neal, RW, 30

Neal is still a valuable power forward. He is one of the top goal scorers available this summer. Neal has 10 consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals and gotten 40 points in 7 of 8 NHL campaigns. In the playoffs, Neal has 31 goals and 24 assists in 100 career postseason games and figured prominently in the late season and post season playoff push for Vegas last season. Neal had 25 and 19 for 44 points in 71 games.

Paul Stastney, C, 32

Still dangerous, Stastney is great in the face-off circle and a strong passer, more importantly, he is a skilled penalty killer and defensively accountable. Two things the Islanders need moving forward. Stastney was 16 &37 for 53 points in 82 games.

Isles Notes:

G, ChristopherGibson signed a 2 year, 2 way deal with the Islanders. Terms are: 18-19 $650 000 ($225 000 AHL) 19-20 $700 000 ($250 000 AHL)

D, SethHelgeson signed a 1 year deal with the Isles: 18-19 $650 000 ($250 000 AHL) 19-20 $700 000 ($250 000 AHL)

The New York Islanders 2018 NHL Entry Draft & John Tavares Update

While many hoped to hear about a trade for a top goaltender, very few can find flaws in the choices the Islanders made this year based on the players that were somehow available when it came time for the team to make their selections.

According to NHL insiders, the Islanders did very well with the 11^th and 12^th selection in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. When I did my Draft Preview, I didn’t see the players they chose as being available, both being ranked in the top 7 by Central Scouting. It seemed to be the theme of the day. The Oilers selected my first choice for the Islanders by taking D, Evan Bouchard. But the Isles did select RW, Oliver Wahlstrom at 11 and D, Noah Dobson with the 12^th pick. "They are outstanding prospects," Lamoriello said. "The offensive player (Wahlstrom) is a prolific scorer, he has great hands, very talented and the defenseman from Quebec, Dobson, has so much upside as far as skill and offense." These selections could turn out to be some of the best of the entire draft.

#11      Oliver Wahlstrom, RW, 6’1, 208#

Wahlstrom is a “big, strong power forward” who idolizes and has been compared to Alex Ovechkin and Patrick Laine. A lot of fans can’t wait to see him with Kieffer Bellows in the Blue & White Scrimmage, and beyond. Wahlstrom, a product of the US National Development Program (40 goals in 54 games) led all US born players with 7 goals at the U18WJC. While he is set to return to Boston College next season, Wahlstrom wants to get noticed by his NHL team. He lists some of his best on-ice attributes as skill, creativity and a hard, heavy shot. He also said he has to fine tune his skill set, but he’s more than confident when called upon to step right in when he gets the chance. Many thought Wahlstrom was a top 5 offensive talent in this year’s draft. He is a dual-citizen of the United States and Sweden.

#12      Noah Dobson, D, 6’3, 177#

Noah Dobson is a highly skilled, puck-moving, offensive defensemen who is projected to be a top 4 D-Man who could lead an NHL PP one day. With his speed, Dobson is well suited for the modern NHL game for a blue liner. He said he models his game after the Blues, Alex Pietrangelo. Per Dobson, "The goal this summer is to be able to get my body to a level and add some strength where I can go into an NHL camp with the Islanders in September and compete against men and not be out of place and make a decision tough on management to send me back to junior," Dobson (2 & 5 for 7 pts) captured a QMJHL title with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan and a Memorial Cup. "I bring a two-way, puck-moving game. I think I’m a very reliable defenseman, able to play against other team’s top players, but at the same time get up in the rush and create offense and produce offensively." Dobson was proud to be selected by New York, “Just to be at the NHL Draft and a chance to be selected is pretty surreal itself," Dobson said "I was happy to join any NHL organization here today, so to join the Islanders I'm very excited and happy to join this team."

On Day two, the Islanders had the opportunity to use the #41, #43, #72, #103, #134 and 196^th pick to add to their prospect pool. Here’s a breakdown on their selections.

Round 2

#41      Bode Wilde, D, 6’4, 198#

Bode Wilde was ranked 18th in the draft. He is a Canadian born player with US citizenship, playing with the U.S. national U18 squad. Wilde has been called a two-way D with size & strength, good offensive instincts & has a low hard, heavy shot. His tenaciousness and competitive nature keeps him in pursuit of the puck. He has good awareness and positioning in all three zones and limits the space available for the opposition, regularly forcing them to the outside. On the rush, Wilde can start the transition or carry the puck and use his skating to open up space in the offensive zone and has a strong, accurate shot. He is known for a good hockey IQ and can makes good decisions on the ice. His skill level had him in the first round, but much like a Josh Ho-Sang, he is said to have some issues with coachability and discipline. He was slated to play at Michigan, but wants to play in OHL next season.

#43      Ruslan Iskhakov, LW, 5’8, 152#

A smaller, highly skilled winger, Iskhakov showed what he could do on the Russian National U18 team. While not as highly ranked as some of the other quality players on the squad due to his size, his hands and playmaking ability is said to be better than most. He is a strong, quick skater who creates space, uses his agility to turn and slip away from defenders and the awareness and mobility not to be positionally compromised by larger opposition players. Iskhakov is a hard-working player who uses the forecheck well despite his size and steals the puck, creating turnovers in all three zones. A very under-rated player by many insiders.

Round 3

#72      Jakub Skarek, G, 6’3, 196#

Skarek is a highly competitive, athletic goaltender who has been a pro since the age of 16. While faltering in other WJCs, he was instrumental in helping the Czech’s win gold at the 2016 Hlinka Tournament. He has size, positioning, quickness and a refined ability to track the puck. A strong butterfly goalie who moves the puck well, has a quick glove and isn’t afraid to challenge shooters. Per Craig Balloch, InGoal Magazine, “To the naked eye, Skarek’s skating ability may look suspect – but he makes up for it with excellent edgework while in the butterfly. This works for his style, because he likes to seal the ice first, and move from the butterfly position. His wonderful frame allows him to pre-set in the reverse-VH position in sharp-angle situations, and his post-integration is extremely advanced for his age. His talent ceiling is one of the highest in the draft class, regardless of the type of year he has.”

Round 4

#103    Jacob Pivonka, C, 6’0, 201#

Pivonka is a quick two-way center with NHL bloodlines (father, Michal Pivonka, WSH) who plays a fast-paced game and can score off the rush with a quick, accurate shot. Known for his hard work ethic and positive attitude, Pivonka is also known as a strong face-off specialist. It isn’t known is Pivonka will go to OHL or stay with Notre Dame.

Round 4

#134    Blade Jenkins, C, 6’2, 194#

Blade Jenkins is a U.S. born player who transitioned from the USHL to the OHL. He can score, plays with intensity and an aggressive edge. Jenkins can move the puck and is known to have the smarts to pick up new systems quickly.

Round 7

#196    Christian Krygier, D, 6’2, 192#

Christian Krygier calls himself a hard-nosed, shut down defensemen who’s hard to play against. He’s played for the U.S. National Team and set to play for Michigan State University.

Several selections the Islanders capitalized on today were higher projected players than many had anticipated being around when their numbers were called. Even in the later picks, the prospects chosen, seem to have a lot of upside once properly seasoned.

All-in-all, a great draft for New York.

On John Tavares:

Now we wait to hear about the choice made by captain, John Tavares. Per Larry Brooks, “I am told (though not by agent or NYI) that Tavares will meet with five teams during interview period that opens tomorrow. Rangers are not among them.” Pat Brisson, JT’s agent confirmed this to Pierre LeBrun. So, he will entertain proposals with a short list of teams’ that will vie for his services prior to entering the July 1^st opening to free agency. The five-day negotiating window starts Monday.

Per Arthur Staple, the teams are Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Los Angeles Kings.

Aside from the Islanders, IMO, Toronto and the TBL are the only young teams that gives JT a place to win. We were told negotiations are going well, so we wait. Ownership has opened the future to the team starting with Lamoriello, Trotz, Arena, Practice Facility, New House on Island, etc. It’s not the same old Isles culture Tavares has dealt with before, but it’s his choice. He’s also getting married this summer. If he does just walk away and for nothing, it’s a real shame.

“Even with Tavares taking these meetings, just about everyone around the league feels he's going back to Isles.” -Staple

Isles Notes:

Per David Pagnotta, “Told the Islanders have officially tabled Tavares a contract offer. It’s an eight-year deal worth $88M. Also the first formal offer made to Tavares camp from Isles.”

Per Andy Graziano, “From what I'm hearing from those exiting Dallas, #isles goaltending targets seem to be centering on Craig Anderson and Jimmy Howard. Thought is Cam Talbot little too pricey for what seems a stopgap in a weaker market. #nhl.”

Isles have $32.8M in cap space after new $79.5M limit.

F (RFA) Nelson, Johnston, Quine, Prince (UFA) Tavares, Wagner D (RFA) Pulock, Davidson (UFA) de Haan, Hickey, Seidenberg G (UFA) Halak.

Islanders release 2018-19 schedule. Will play 11 of their final 15 home games at the Coliseum.  That’s 8 additional games.