All that talk of help for DiPietro turned out to be true. The Islanders signed goaltender Dwayne Roloson to a two year $5million dollar contract to open up their free agency spending.

This move addresses a need, but is two years for a 40 year old goalie the smartest?

Per Greg Logan’s blog.

The Islanders have reached agreement with Edmonton’s Dwayne Roloson on a two-year deal believed to be worth $5 million. Signing a veteran starting goaltender solves their top priority, which was to have a 1A-caliber backup for starter Rick DiPietro in the event his injury problems continue.

Roloson turns 40 on Oct. 12, but he was the Oilers’ MVP last season with a 28-24-9 record, 2.77 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. He also recorded a spectacular .930 save percentage for Canada at the World Championships, a gold-medal effort.

No Comments » | Permalink » |

You know I barely paid any attention to my phone today and I missed out on the start of action, albeit a small one. The Islanders have traded forward Ben Walter and a contional pick in 2012 to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for the rights of 2006 6th round pick Tony Romano.

Just got a confusing press release from the Isles that says WE got the conditional pick:

The New York Islanders have acquired Tony Romano and a conditional pick in the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for center Ben Walter. 

Romano played the last two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League.  The Smithtown, NY native was the leading scorer for the Peterborough Petes last season, scoring 36 goals and 33 assists for 69 points in 65 games.  The year prior, Romano skated in 66 games for the London Knights and registered 22 points (12 goals and 10 assists).  Romano was drafted in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and played that same year for Cornell University where he totaled nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 29 games. 

Walter spent the last two seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he accumulated 116 points.  He played in a total of 12 games for the Islanders during his two seasons with the organization scoring one goal. 

Per NHL.com:

The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders swung a small trade Tuesday. The Devils sent Tony Romano to the Islanders in exchange for Ben Walter and a conditional draft pick in 2012.

Walter, a former fifth-round pick of the Boston Bruins, has 22 games of NHL experience spread over four seasons, including two with the Bruins and the last two with the Islanders.

He played in four games last season while also wracking up 50 points in 65 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. Walter has averaged 20 goals and nearly 56 points per season in the AHL since turning pro in 2005 after spending three seasons at UMass-Lowell.

Romano, 21, the Devils’ sixth round pick in 2006, has spent the last two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, first with the London Knights and then with the Peterborough Petes. He had 69 points in 65 games last season with Peterborough.

Ok so Romano is a 21 year old prospect (and Smithtown, NY native) who has not played at all in the NHL just yet, not really any different then Walter and his cup-o-coffee. Romano is listed at 5′7″ and 170lbs but his offensive numbers seem to indicate he uses his lack of size well enough to get to scoring areas. I am unsure if he played with Tavares at all, but it just seems they seem to be targeting players from the same systems and organizations – for whatever that is worth. You can read more about Romano on Hockey’s Future.

Like I said, this isn’t exactly the same as the Rangers shipping Scott Gomez off to Montreal for Chris Higgins, but it’s a start. Only two more days till the free agent frenzy begins.

3 Comments » | Permalink » |

The Islanders have just made their final selection, as we eat lunch – (ughhhh).

With the 152nd overall selection, they selected 6′2″ 214lb centerman Anders Lee from Edina HS in Minnesota.

The only information on the net on Anders Lee comes from Hockey’s Future:

History

2007-08: After two successful years at St. Thomas Academy, Anders Lee transferred to Edina prior to this season. He enjoyed a stellar junior campaign at Edina High School, where he played alongside Edina’s two junior sensations Zach Budish and Marshall Everson. Lee finished third on the Hornet roster in scoring with 54 points (32 goals, 22 assists) in 31 appearances. His 32 goals were second on the team and he averaged 1.74 points per game. Among the accolades Lee received included a spot on the Pioneer Press All-State First Team and an honorable mention to the AP All-State team. Lee, who has carried a near 4.0 GPA at Edina this season in addition to his excellence on the ice, has garnered considerable interest from a number of D-I schools, most notably from Harvard.
Talent Analysis

At 6’2.5/213 lbs, Lee is a man-child. It is easy to spot him on the ice because of his imposing size and tremendous strength. He is exceedingly strong on his skates and quite mobile. What stands out about Lee’s skating however is the great balance and agility that he has for such a big man. He also has some speed to go with it. Lee utilizes his large frame, strength and long reach to great advantage. He is not only a difficult player to move off of the puck, but he can also power his way through the opposition’s checks too. He is very strong along the boards and in the corners. Where Lee’s use of his size and strength are particularly noticeable are in his relentless drives to the net and in protecting the puck. He can also deliver some bone-jarring hits as well.

One of Lee’s greatest attributes is his very heavy shot. He can get pucks to the net and gets his shots off very quickly. He is a smart player who competes hard and sees the ice remarkably well. He is defensively responsible and is a competent penalty killer.

An area where Lee really excelled this season with Edina was on face-offs. He possesses nice hands and is very poised with the puck. While his passing skills are good, it’s an area that can and should improve with maturity and development.
Future

One dilemma that Lee poses to prospective NHL teams who are considering selecting him in this year’s draft is that he has also excelled at and has drawn considerable scouting interest in his other dominant sport – football.

No Comments » | Permalink » |

The Islahttp://www.islesblogger.com/wp/wp-admin/link-add.phpnders just started off the fifth round by selecting 6′1″ 183lb Russian defenseman Anton Klementyev.

Unfortunately, there is NO other information on this prospect just yet.

No Comments » | Permalink » |

The Islanders have selected Center Casey Cizikas with the 92nd overall selection, the first pick of the fourth round. Cizikas was ranked 92nd out of North American skaters and surprise, was selected at number 92.

Some info from My NHL Draft:

A player who has a solid all around game and does a lot of things right. He has decent offensive skills, putting up 18 goals and 41 points in his rookie season in the OHL last year. He is capable of far more offensively. He is a great passer, has great skating ability and a knack for finding room for himself.

This player is definitely very crafty with the puck when pressured. He also has a very nice set of hands and should shoot a little more than he does. He does need to get a little stronger in his upper body, to be able to better battle in traffic. He’s a good solid prospect who at 5-11, 185 lbs will get a little more filled out. We like his upside.

No Comments » | Permalink » |

The Islanders have traded the 91st overall to Phoenix for a 3rd round pick in 2010. The Islanders have the very next pick, so why not see what you can get – right?

No Comments » | Permalink » |