Isles in Talks to Extend Streit, Boyes, Visnovsky and Nabokov

You just never know what news might come out on any given day.

Just last week, when Visnovsky returned from a wake in Slovakia, he had his family in tow. News had broken that he had rented a house on Long Island and that he (no surprise) LOVED the area and the team.

Moments ago on Twitter, Arthur Staple of Newsday Tweeted out that the Islanders are still in talks with Mark Streit on a contract extension, which we had heard some time ago. But there was NEW, news as well. The Islanders were also to begin talks with Visnovsky, Nabokov and Brad Boyes – all pending unrestricted free agents.

All in all, this isn’t surprising news. We know that Evgeni Nabokov has been playing some great hockey, and was extended last season into this season. He must feel he has a lot left to offer and could be disappointed with the shortened season due to the lockout.

What IS a bit surprising is the Lubomir Visnovsky news. When word got out that he liked what was happening here on Long Island, it sounded a bit familiar (ala Nabokov) – but the understanding was that Viz would likely retire after this season. Maybe he too, feels he has a lot left to offer and wants to be a part of the up and coming New York Islanders past this season. He hasn’t looked out of place and honestly, I like what he brings to the table.

#Isles soon to begin extension talks with Visnovsky, Nabokov. Both players told me that they are open to staying w/ team beyond this season.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) March 16, 2013

Also will be talking extension with Brad Boyes. Would indicate there’s no plans to deal any of the 4 pending UFAs at 4/3 trade deadline.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) March 16, 2013

Brad Boyes was a given to be extended. He has looked good on Tavares’s wing and has played his way into earning a new contract. If the Islanders plan on releasing some other players, there are potential upgrades that can be signed through free agency, or through the stocked system the team has in it’s pocket.

Things could always change between now and the trade deadline next month, but in this anomaly of a season I am glad that apprehensive players buy into what is being built here on Long Island.

Let’s here some thoughts on this! I already know there will be some debate on Mark Streit, but I am curious to see the rest of the opinions.