Islanders Mini-Camp, Day 2

At Day 2 on Isles Mini-Camp, there was more individual work and an emphasis on scrimmaging.  Several players have begun to get noticed by the attending media and coaching staff.  Several players are working hard to improve and get noticed as was evidenced yesterday.  But three players that are working like they are on a mission are Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson and Anders Lee.  The trio have gotten a taste of the pro's with Bridgeport, and all are key pieces in the rebuild.

Per Islanders.nhl.com, “I know I have to get stronger and work on all parts of my game,” Strome said. “I’m going to come to camp ready to battle. Nothing is going to be a given. I know I have to work hard. There may be question marks at training camp, and I’ll be looking to fill one of those spots and show that I belong.”

On the Playoff experience, Nelson said, “It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a great experience,” Nelson said of his first game. “That’s the highest level you can get to. It was bittersweet, because it ended up being the end of the year for the team. The game was exciting nonetheless.”

 

“It’s positioning for me,” Lee said of his biggest summer self-improvement project. “Knowing the systems, being able to get in here and learn that and adapt to the changes from the college level is key. If you know the system, you’ll be in the right spot at the right time.”

 

Daniel Friedman shared some more first hand observations and quotes:

"I see a lot of Frans Nielsen in Victor Crus-Rydberg."

Frans Nielsen will figure into the future success of the Islanders just as he has done through the dark times.  With purpose and belief that things will improve as the team matures with him and around him.  Nielsen has been a strong leader on this team for many years and is a huge asset for the Islanders.

Crus-Rydberg has impressed those attending with strong efforts as well.  He seems to have bought in to the spirit of the camp and is learning the system by working hard and doing what ever is asked of him.

"Same skaters from Blue team who stood out to me yesterday do again today: Strome, Mayfield, Quine."

"Skaters from Orange team who've stood out: Pulock, Reinhart, Crus Rydberg, Nelson, Lee, McAdam."

Ryan Strome, when asked how hungry he was to make the team: "I think about it every day."

Ryan Strome just went 1-on-1 with Scott Mayfield. Strome tried to go around him, Mayfield drove him wide. Excellent defense.

Mayfield is right there with Reinhart and Pulock as far as im concerned.  He's a big positional D-Man with strong skating and great hockey sense.  He can play a physical game and has a booming shot.  With some experience and a feel for the pro game, Mayfield will be a dominant defensemen for the Isles.

I asked Ryan Pulock if there's a specific part of his game that he's drawn attention to in this camp: "Defensive zone coverage.  I have the offensive skills, they're good enough. Now I just need to work on my defensive skills, be tougher on guys."

I asked Pulock if that was something the coaches were stressing with him: "Yeah, for sure. It's all about attention to detail, it'll help."

 

I love the players embracing what the team is offering by the way of instruction.  No one seems to be scoffing at the drills or work outs.  No one is concerned with their draft order, just about what they can do to be a part of the system and make the team.

I asked @CrusRydberg if the fact that he was a later draft pick motivates him: "It not about what round you're picked; just come to play."

 

 

Blue vs. Orange Scrimmage is tomorrow, July 11th @ 7pm at the NVMC.  Details found here.

 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, "Josh Bailey has filed for salary arbitration."  Tom Schultz added, "In case you're wondering Thomas Hickey, the Isles other un-signed RFA, is not eligible for arbitration."

Staple, "Isles 3rd round pick Taylor Cammarata will arrive at prospect camp on Thursday."

Per Chris Botta, "In press release, Brooklyn Arena LLC makes it official: Brett Yormark and Co. control Isles' biz ops. Garth Snow's got the hockey."

IPB - Everyone Was Confused About Kevin Poulin's Waiver Status.

Per Isles Nation, "Isles have experienced a surge of 2,200 new STH, as well as an 86% renewal rate for the 2013-14 season.."

Minnesota Wild signed former Isles/BST (D) Jon Landry to a 1 year 2 way $625,000 contract.

 

Here's a quote from our former Captain, who left a generous multi year contract offer on the table from the Islanders in order to become a free agent ....

Streit:" I wanted to be on a team that really wants to win. The Flyers great tradition; it’s a hockey town. They have great fans."

Hmm.  Sounds like thanks for nothing Isles Country.

Islanders Mini-Camp, Day 1

Your New York Islanders started their "Mini-Camp" this week to evaluate the 21 prospects in their system as well as 26 un-drafted players that got the attention of Islanders scouting.  The schedule would have photos and information gathered, media interviews, on and off ice workout sessions and a team practices today with scrimmages on Wednesday and the prospect game on Thursday, 7/11.

WFAN's Daniel Friedman got some great quotes and observations on the day:

"At the Coliseum for prospect camp. Calvin de Haan, Casey Cizikas, Anders Nilsson on the ice early for some drills."

If Calvin deHaan can stay healthy, he would be an immediate possibility of defense for the Isles.  Great to see Ander Nilsson feeling better and focusing on goaltending.  (allergic to gluten anddairy products.)

Anders Nilsson: "I feel good, it's nice to be back here. Obviously this past season was a little rough for me, but I've gotten better." 

To see Casey Cizikas on the ice at mini camp after the season he had last year shows the kind of character he has.  He, like other young players in the system share a cultural trait of always wanting to improve.  This is exactly why Niederrieter is gone.

Ryan Pulock: "I want to make a good first impression on the ice. I'm here to improve my overall game."

Anders Lee: "There's still a lot of work to do, I just have to go out and play my game. I'm working on my skating, protecting the puck."

I am really looking forward to see if Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson, Kirill Kabanov, John Perrson or Ryan Sundstrom can make the forward line up.  My prospects to watch on defense are Calvin deHaan, Scott Mayfield, Griffin Reinhart, Andrej Pedan and Adam Pelech. (along with Matt Donovan, Ville Pokka)  I expect big things from Anders Nilsson and Kevin Poulin in net, even if its in the AHL.

It was also refreshing to hear that the top guys in the system were immediately put into the paces of improving thier short comings and really worked hard on fundamentals.  The fact that Pulock wasn't firing off slap shots and Lee was focusing on his defensive game and guarding the puck shows attention to detail by the coaching staff.

Per Islanders.nhl.com, "The players are broken down into two teams, which will go head-to-head Thursday in the Orange vs. Blue Rookie Scrimmage & Skills Competition at Nassau Coliseum. While one squad skates, the other works out in the gym with the team’s training staff. The key to the off-ice training, according to Director of Sports Performance Sean Donellan, is to show the players how the techniques they learn on a track or in the weight room can translate to improved on-ice performance."

The 2013 New York Islanders Mini-Camp Roster

Forwards:

29        Steve Alonge                       6'0            192#            Windsor (OHL)

10        Colton Beck                         5'10            185#            Alaska (CCHA)

14        Erik Bradford                       5'11            181#            Barrie (OHL)

36        Taylor Cammarata              5'7            156#            Waterloo (USHL)

72        Jason Clark                         6'2            204#            Gwinnett (ECHL)

8          Victor Crus Rydberg            5'11            190#            Linkoping U-20 (SWE)

11        Joe Diamond                        5'7            190#            Maine (H-East)

18        Braden Gracel                     5'8            179#            UMass-Amherst (H-East)

14        Cason Hohmann                 5'8            181#            Boston U. (H-East)

25        Mike Hamlo                         5'10            197#            BST (AHL)

28        Josh Holmstrom                 6'0            181#            UMass-Lowell (H-East)

77        Kirill Kabonov                     6'2            192#            BST (AHL)

27        Anders Lee                        6'2            225#            Notre Dame(NCAA)

53        Greg Miller                        5'11            193#            Cornell (ECAC)

27        Trevor Moore                   5'9            172#            Tri-City (USHL)

72        Jared Morris                    6'1            206#            Winnipeg (MJHL)

29        Brock Nelson                   6'3            196#            BST (AHL)

25        John Persson                  6'2            209#            BST (AHL)

10        Alan Quine                      5'11            191#            Petrb./Belv. (OHL)

36        Evan Rodrigues              5'9            178#            Boston U (H-East)

77        Ben Rosen                     5'10            195#            Boston U (H-East)

11        Nick Sorkin                    6'3            193#            New Hamp. (H-East)

18        Ryan Strome                 6'1            188#            Niagra (OHL)

28        Johan Sundstrom        6'3            201#            BST (AHL)

53        Matt Tabrum                 5'10            187#            Denver (WCHA)

8          Riley Wetmore              5'11            185#            UMass/Low. (H-East)

Defensemen:

37        Kyle Burroughs            5'11            189#            Regina (WHL)

46        Marc Cantin                  6'1            204#            BST (AHL)

44        Mike Dalhuisen            6'2            230#            Quinnipiac (ECAC)

37        Tony Donnay               6'6            186#            Erie (OHL)

38        Jesse Graham            6'0            173#            Niagra (OHL)

41        Jared Hauf                  6'5            225#            Seattle (WHL)

33        Dallas Jackson            6'2            202#            BST (AHL)

44        Mike Keenan               6'0            181#            Dartmouth (ECAC)

46        Loic Leduc                   6'6            221#            Cape Brenton (QMJHL)

6          Scott Mayfield             6'4            209#            Denver (WCHA)

42        James Mazza             6'1            183#            Youngstown (USHL)

41        Bradley Nunn              6'5            231#            SUNY Fredonia

33        Andrey Pedan             6'4            207#            Guelph (OHL)

50        Adam Pelech              6'2            215#            Eric (OHL)

 

6          Ryan Pulock                6'1            213#            Brandon (WHL)

4          Griffin Reinhart            6'4            202#            Edmonton (WHL)

38        Bennett Schneider       6'2            220#            Hamilton COl. (NESCAC)

4          Doyle Somerby            6'6            233#            Muskegon (USHL)

Goalies:

60        Eamon McAdam            6'2            189#            Waterloo (USHL)

1          Anders Nilsson              6'5            227#            BST (AHL)

1          Ken Reiter                     5'10            175#            BST (AHL)

60        Joel Rumpel                  6'2            188#            Wisconsin (WCHA)

Isles Notes:

Today, The New York Islanders announced today that Cal Clutterbuck has agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $11M.

This puts the Islanders over the NHL Cap floor with Isles still working on contracts for Josh Bailey and Thomas Hickey.

On 7/8, The New York Islanders announced today that Kevin Poulin has accepted his qualifying offer, which is a one-year, two-way contract.

Per Arthur Staple, "Have to apologize and clarify a report from yesterday: Isles G Kevin Poulin does NOT need waivers this season. Sorry for the confusion." 

This would contradict what Garth Snow said in the booster club meeting.  He specifically stated that Poulin's need for waivers would factor into the Isles goal tending situation.  With Poulin not needing waivers to go up and down from the BST, he can continue to play in the AHL if management deems it necessary.  It also means a free agent goaltender may still join the Isles line up for this season.

@KeithLHHockey, "Yormark says jersey colors stay. @NYTSports: Islanders Hope to Bring Fans to Brooklyn and Get New Ones, Too." 

NHL Notes:

Free Agent Tracker.

2013 Free Agency, Part 1

12:00 Noon

 

The Islanders quickly resigned Evgeni Nabokov to a 1 year, $3.25M contract after apparent target, Ray Emery was signed by the Philadelphia Flyers (1 year @ 1.65M).

Nabokov, is coming off a shortened 2013 NHL season where he went 23-11-7 and led the Isles to the playoffs last season before losing to Pittsburgh in 6 games.  Signing Nabby to a starting goaltender salary may mean the Isles sit tight with Poulin to back him up.  At this time, Poulin remains unsigned as an RFA.  It is also possible that the Isles trade for another goaltender to back up Nabokov.

 

 

 

 

12:15

Per Arthur Staple, the Isles sign sign former Sens F Peter Regin to 1-year deal worth $750K, most likely a depth signing or low risk reclamation.  Reign had 3 pts in 27 games last season.

 

 

12:50

 

Isles sign F Pierre-Marc Bouchard to one-year, $2 million deal.  Bouchard, 29 was 8 and 12 for 20 pts. for the Minnesota Wild.  Bouchard had 60 point potential and may be a Boyes replacement.

 

3:50

 

Per Arthur Staple, Isles re-sign RFA D, Travis Hamonic to a 7 year, $27M extension.  It will be a $3.85M cap hit for the Isles for a 22 year old who is almost a top pair defensemen right now.

 

Travis Hamonic on his new deal: "We're building something special with the Isles.  I would never have signed this long if I didn't truly believe that. Seven years is a long time -- to me, that's enough time to win a couple Stanley Cups."


"There's all sorts of talk out there, but I was never looking to hit the jackpot. This is where I want to be.  I just couldn't be happier right now. I'm speechless. I want to get started now and show how special our team will be."

 

Notable Free Agent Tracker Here.


 

The New York Islanders, Draft Day 2013

On Sunday, thousands (including ME) came to Newark New Jersey and filled the Prudential Center for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.  The New York Islanders would be there with 29 other teams to out think, outwork and out guess their opponents to land the best available NHL prospects.

Before the day would end, Garth Snow and the New York Islanders would select 3 forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft in Newark New Jersey.

 

***

 

1st Round:

D, Ryan Pulock.

Pulock is a 6'0, 211# character Canadian d-man with a 100+ mph shot and leadership potential.  He served as Captain on the Brandon Wheat Kings in his 3rd WHL season.  Pulock had 14 and 31 for 45 pts in 61 games for Brandon.

2nd Round:

N/A   (Traded to Anaheim for Visnovsky at last summer's draft.  Ducks select RW, Nick Sorensen.) 

3rd Round:

G, Eamon McAdam (Added with Niederrieter trade)

At 6'2, 185#, McAdam is a big goaltender who covers a lot of net.  In 31 games for USHL's Waterloo Black Hawks, McAdam went 17-9-3 with a 3.45gaa and .896Sv%.

F, Taylor Cammarata

While small in stature, the 5'6, 155# Cammarata showed impressive offensive ability with Waterloo, tallying 38 and 55 for 93 points in 59 USHL games last season and named USHL Player of Year in 2012-13.

4th Round:

G, Stephon Williams

Williams is a 6'1, 194# from Minnesota State-Mankato who posted a 21-12-2 record with a 2.00 gaa and a .924 Sv% in 35 games.

5th Round:

F, Viktor Crus

Crus is 5'11, 190# Swedish forward who scored 35 points in 35 games with Linkoping's under-20 club in the Swedish Junior League.

6th Round:

F, Alan Quine

The 5'11, 178# Quine is a center men who scored 23 and 44 for 67 points in 74 games for the Petes and Bulls of the OHL last season.  Quine was selected in 3rd round, 85th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by Detroit, but re-entered the draft this summer.

7th Round:

D, Kyle Burroughs

Burroughs is a 5’11, 182# defensemen who scored 33 points (5 and 28) in 70 WHL games last season with Regina.

***

That wasn't the only Islanders news on Draft day.  GM, Garth Snow sent agitated former first round pick F, Nino Niederreiter to the Minnesota Wild for fan favorite F, Cal Clutterbuck.  Clutterbuck is a gritty, defensive minded forward who offers an ability to score and give minutes on the Isles PK unit.  In 5 seasons with the Wild, Clutterbuck has 110 points and added a goal an assist in last seasons playoff round.

Per Arthur Staple, Isles have acquired Cal Clutterbuck and the Minnesota Wild's 3rd round pick, No. 70 overall, for Nino Niederreiter.

Jordan Linn, a member of the New York IslandersHardcore Facebook Group posted some interesting information on Clutterbuck, and former team mate, John Tavares:

"For two years, Clutterbuck and Tavares were linemates. In 2006-07, Tavares scored 72 goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s OHL record for goals by a 16-year-old and registered 134 points. That same year, Clutterbuck scored 35 goals and 89 points.

When Clutterbuck, the Wild’s third-round pick in 2006, left for Houston the following season, Tavares’ production “slipped” to 40 goals and 118 points.

“I realized last year how much I missed Cal’s presence,” Tavares said earlier this year. “He always had guys looking over their shoulders. He made guys second guess things and turn pucks over, and that created a lot of opportunities for myself.”
...
Clutterbuck said the most infamous hit was on superpest Patrick Kaleta, the former Peterborough Pete who now plays for the Buffalo Sabres. Kaleta used to take runs at Tavares every game until …

“I hit him with a football block,” Clutterbuck said, laughing. “He was going into kill Johnny and I came out of nowhere and just hammered him. Just laid him out. He never hit Johnny again. Johnny was the franchise guy and my job was to make sure nothing too crazy happened to him.”"

-Michael Russo, Star Tribune

Now that I have had time to let this move sink in, I like it more and more.  Nino Niederrieter was really a big part of the rebuild plan when drafted, but looked terrible in his initial NHL action.  When put with the BST in the AHL, he looked to be developing nicely and went from 4 pts in 2011-12 season to 50 points in 2012-13.  Garth Snow was blamed for "rushing" Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey, so with Nino, he seemed to be taking his time.  Then Niederrieter apparently demanded a trade, then publicly denied the claim and blamed his agent. 

Now, Niederrieter can develop with the Minnesota Wild and show what he can bring to their NHL line up.  He has tons of potential, lets hope he can stay injury free and reach it.  We don't want anyone who doesn't want to play here.  Good luck Nino.

In the meantime, Cal Clutterbuck will join Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Colin McDonald and make the improving Islanders even harder to play.  His offensive upside and special teams play should also make the team better immediately.  Isles now have the NHL's hits leaders for the past 5 seasons: Matt Martin (2011-13) and Clutterbuck (2008-11).

Clutterbuck had this to say about coming to the Islanders,  "The Islanders seemed to really want me. I heard a lot of teams (were) interested.”

"For me, it's about being the same person every day. I'm going to help them succeed any way I can."

Expect moves by Snow to test the market in the coming days and add a goaltender while exploring offensive and defensive free agency.  The Isles have made their interest known with Luongo and Briere already.  I am sure there are more targets in their sites.  Lets hope last Years improvement and Brooklyn's detination put Snow over the edge to pull in a big name or two for the 2013-14 New York Islanders.

Isles Notes:

Per New York Islanders, Congrats to @GriffinReinhart & Adam Pelech on being selected to participate in Canada's NJT Development Camp!

Per Pierre LeBrun, "Expect an announcement shortly that Tim Thomas will be exploring his playing opportunities to come back to the NHL ...  So, Tim Thomas will be UFA Friday like any other player on an expiring deal."

Arthur Staple adds, " Isles will not toll Tim Thomas' contract. He'll be a UFA on Friday if he chooses to resume his career.  Isles not believed to have interest in signing Thomas should he decide to return."

Arthur Staple, "Source close to Danny Briere says Isles among teams interested. Briere will choose finalists soon. "Wants a top-6 spot, wants to win."

Per B.D. Gallof, HOCK.ly scoop:  Isles have signed Boston College goalie Parker Milner - likely to Bridgeport. Led team to NCAA Championships & was MVP. 

My thoughts ...

Significant goaltender signing?  I think so.  Kenny Reitter is already signed and slated for BST.  Nilsson will most likely be the starter.  That leaves DiPietro no room to play and forces the Isles to keep Poulin on their roster or trade him since he must clear waivers.

Per Arthur Staple, Snow also says no decision made yet on DiPietro buyout; my sense is Isles will have announcement in next 48 hours.  Jesse Spector adds, " Snow would not say whether DiPietro is medically eligible for a buyout."

UPDATE:

Arthur Staple," Isles will place Rick DiPietro on waivers tomorrow for purpose of compliance buyout, Newsday has learned.  Team will use compliance buyout for DiPietro -- $1.5 million owed for next 16 seasons will not count against cap."

B.D. Gallof said it best, " Award for Best Irony goes to former Isles Brendan Kitchon, wanted pay higher than 5th rd pk, went back to draft = 7th rd pk Winnipeg."

" Brenden Kichton ‏@B_Kichton8

Very excited to be a Winnipeg Jet! Ready to prove all the haters wrong and begin my career with a great organization! #jets"

My Follow-up:

"Joe Bondi ‏@Knight_of_Cups_

@B_Kichton8. Haters? Isles fans were excited w/ U, future of team. U wtd 2be paid abv ur draft pos. Now evn lower @7. Be accountable. Manup."

NHL Notes:

Your NHL.com official compliance buyout tracker.

Per Chris Botta, Additional outdoor games, Canadian media rights and new sponsors expected to give $1B boost to NHL.

***

Thanks to Steve Feldman for taking this epic photo. 

***