Three years ago in Montreal, you couldn’t tell any of us there in attendance on the Draft Risers that whomever selected John Tavares in the first round wouldn’t be getting anything less than a dynamic player and future all star. Luckily enough for those around the Islanders, Garth Snow wisely selected him with his coveted number one pick.

Flash forward to the present, Tavares has grown leaps and bounds. He’s more confident, he’s a stronger skater and for the most part, has proven he can shoulder the weight of his team.

Look no further than last season, when Tavares would get muscled off the puck, or taken down while skating and compare him to today just to see the difference. It’s night and day how far he’s come, credit that to his character.

Sure, there were knocks on his skating and defensive skills – but he’s improved in those areas tenfold.

John Tavares is who the Islanders needed to rebuild around, he is an integral part of the nature of the team. It’s a good thing he signed that contract extension over the summer, as he will be with the Islanders for a while.

Here are some notes per the Islanders release:

The National Hockey League announced today that Islanders center John Tavares has been selected to participate in the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend.

Tavares, 21, leads all Islanders in scoring with 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) through 40 games this season. The first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft also led the Islanders in points during each of his first two seasons, but 2012 marks his first All-Star selection.

Only 20 players in the NHL have more points this season than Tavares, who has recorded 10 multi-point games, including two four-point efforts and one hat trick. The Oakville, ON native, leads all Islanders forwards in ice-time, averaging 19:39 a game.

Tavares joins some other recent Islanders who’ve gotten a taste of the All-Star weekend: Mark Streit, Rick DiPietro, and Michael Grabner.

It’s great to see Tavares noticed and rewarded for his great work here on Long Island. It’ll be interesting to not how well he’ll do skating alongside some of the greatest players in the game, and if the Garth Snow takes note of whatever chemistry he may have with them.

Either that, or get a dose of reality in what a shot in the arm by way of “upgrading” his roster could do for this team.

Only time will tell.

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The New York Islanders have signed Steve Staios to a one year contract today.

I think this is a great signing, and as I said the other day, Staios has looked great during camp and preseason. I felt he earned his contract after coming to the Islanders on a PTO.

With Milan Jurcina’s health in question – Staios being signed is that much more important depth wise.

Per the Islanders release:

The New York Islanders have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with defenseman Steve Staios.

Staios, who originally was attending the Islanders Training Camp on a tryout basis, has played in each of the Islanders three preseason games this month and is set to dress against the New Jersey Devils tonight at 7 p.m. at the Prudential Center.

The Hamilton, ON native has played in 936 career National Hockey League games, scoring 56 goals and 156 assists for 212 points. He has also accumulated 1,269 penalty minutes over the course of his 15-year NHL career.

Staios, originally drafted in the second round (27th overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, played the last two seasons with the Calgary Flames. In 57 games, he totaled four goals and nine assists for 13 points.

He played in 573 games over the course of eight seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. Staios recorded 35 goals and 111 assists with the Oilers. The 6’1, 200 pound defenseman also played two seasons with the Atlanta Thrashers, three with the Vancouver Canucks and two with the Boston Bruins.

Internationally, Staios has represented Team Canada at the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007 World Championships. He tallied two goals and four assists for six points in 33 games.

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It’s been a great month for Islanders fans. It really has.

All things considered, this time of year is usually a tad depressing. The summer weather gradually shifts to cooler temperatures, the wardrobe tends to get heavier and more cumbersome, leaves begin to change colors and then fall to the ground. That being said, the cooler temps mean hockey season is right around the corner.

The Islanders started their training camp last weekend. Several Islanders reported to camp with contracts bearing that still-wet ink look. In case you’ve not heard by now, 2009 First Overall draft pick – John Tavares signed a six-year $33 Million Dollar contract extension. This put to rest many of the rumors (we will call them rumours as they originated to our north…) that Tavares would bolt as-soon-as he reached free agency. Next on Garth Snow’s to-do list was a new contract for Josh Bailey, whom did not sign his qualifying offer earlier this summer. Bailey agreed to terms on a 11th hour deal, a two year contract worth $2.1 Million Dollars.

This means that a majority of the teams core young guys: Okposo, Grabner, Moulson, and now Tavares are locked up for the next five years, at reasonable prices too. Next on the list, as we have all speculated – Frans Nielsen. I expect him to earn a raise as his contract has been a bargain for the last several years.

Today, the Islanders held a press conference – confirming what many of us have speculated on for the last while. Mark Streit was named the franchise’s 13th Captain in team history, and the first Swiss born player in the NHL to be named captain.

From the Islanders Press Release:

The New York Islanders announced today the appointment of defenseman Mark Streit as the 13th captain in the organization’s 40-year history.

Streit, 33, enters his fourth season with the Islanders in 2011-12. He missed the entire 2010-11 campaign with a shoulder injury, but in his first two seasons with the club, Streit led all Islanders in ice-time. He also led the team in scoring during the 2008-09 season, while ranking third in that category in 2009-10.

The Bern, SUI, native becomes the first team captain in National Hockey League history from Switzerland.

“It’s truly an honor to be named the captain of such a historic franchise with a rich history,” Streit said. “To follow in the foot-steps of so many legendary leaders that represented the Islanders is a role I am excited to fill. It is a privilege to be considered one of the leaders of this team and I’m committed to taking this team to the next level.”

The Islanders’ 12th captain, Doug Weight, relinquished the position after two years of service when he retired on May 26, 2011. Streit has served as an assistant captain at various points throughout his three-year Islanders career.

“Throughout his three seasons with the Islanders, Mark has been a steadying presence in our dressing room,” said General Manager Garth Snow. “He is constantly pushing himself to be the very best and demands the same from his teammates. Mark is a leader both on and off the ice and we are pleased to name him the 13th team captain in Islanders history.”

The Montreal Canadiens selected Streit in the ninth round (262nd overall) of the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft. In 361 career NHL games, he’s scored 52 goals and 162 assists for 214 points. Streit has also played in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording one goal and three assists.

In international play, Streit has served as captain for Team Switzerland at numerous World Championships and Winter Olympic games. In total, he’s played in 74 World Championship games, 15 Winter Olympic games and 11 World Junior Championship games.

Mark Streit has been one of the most surprising players on this young Islanders squad. Signed as a free agent after spending time in the Montreal Canadiens organization, Streit dominated on the Island. Watching his steady progression has been a great experience. His presence on the back end can be compared, at least in my eyes – to that of Kenny Jonnson. Big hits, timely goals and extremely sound positionally.

It absolutely killed the Islanders when Streit fell to injury last year in training camp, he’s that big of a player for them. Hopefully he’s put the injury behind him and really shines this season.

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News out of Russia this morning brings more heartbreak to the NHL during a time of remembrance for players lost here in North America.

A chartered plane for the KHL’s Lokomotiv hockey team has crashed, allegedly killing a majority of the clubs roster.

Per the AP story:

TUNOSHNA, Russia (AP)—A Russian jet carrying a top ice hockey team crashed into a river bank Wednesday while taking off in western Russia, killing at least 43 people and leaving two others critically injured, officials said.

The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry said the Yak-42 plane crashed in sunny weather immediately after leaving an airport near the city of Yaroslavl, on the Volga River about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northeast of Moscow.

It said the plane was carrying the Lokomotiv ice hockey team from Yaroslavl to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where it was to play Thursday against Dinamo Minsk in the opening game of the season of the Kontinental Hockey League. The ministry was carrying 45 people, including 37 passengers and eight crew, and two people survived the crash.

There were quite a few NHL names among them: Defensemen Karel Rachunek, Ruslan Salei and Karlis Skrastins, as well as forwards Pavol Demitra and Josef Vasicek  all spent a good deal of time in the NHL and were listed on the most current roster on the KHL website. Forward Alexander Vasyunov played in 18 games with the New Jersey Devils this past season.

Josef Vasicek played for the Islanders for 81 games in 2007, scoring 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points. He signed with Lokomotiv in 2008 where he’s played since. Note: It is unknown at this time of Vasicek was on board the downed jetliner at this time. He is on the roster however.

Here is a video made by Two Man Advantage during the Islanders 2007 training camp, as a good tribute to Vasicek’s character.

Vasicek wasn’t the only player, or ex-player with ties to the Islanders organization. Lokomotiv’s head coach Brad McCrimmon was an Assistant Coach on the team from 97-99.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved in this tragedy, the Hockey World mourns the loss of some of our brothers.

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They often say that a picture is worth a thousand words – well videos convey feelings and emotions in ways words often come up short.

Flash back to the 2002 Playoffs – Islanders vs Toronto

Shawn Bates is screaming down the left boards and gets taken down in front of CuJo. The Islanders are awarded their third playoff penalty shot in team history….well you know how it ends.

Many people are using attendance as a reason to Vote NO on Monday. History has shown that there are a ton of Islanders fans waiting, wishing and most importantly – WANTING for another shot at the playoffs. The Coliseum can be a loud and intimidating place, many teams have said so and continue to say the same.

Take a listen for yourself, 16,000 Islanders fans – all rooting for Long Island’s only professional sports franchise. If you vote no on Monday, the only thing you’ll here is silence – so go ahead and listen to the amazing sound and excitement the Coliseum is set to hear in the near future:

If you build it, they will come. Jobs will be saved, you’ll help the local economy and most importantly – keep Long Island, specifically Nassau County, a destination for people to come and enjoy for generations.

Without the Islanders and the Coliseum there’s not much more than some white noise and the occasional strip mall – if you can find a store that’s still open anyway.

Do Long Island and Nassau County a favor – Vote YES on Monday August, 1st. Help the Islanders create more history, and complete their Drive for Five!

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With the 2011 NHL Free Agency period beginning at 12 noon Eastern today, the Islanders have already struck out when they traded for the rights to Christian Ehrhoff earlier in the week.

Looking back to last year, the team suffered the same fate when Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis spurned the Islanders for “better” teams.

Apparently, Jesse Joensuu has opted to sign in Sweden with HV71 of the SEL for two years, as opposed to the Bridgeport to Islanders shuttle he’s ridden the last few seasons here in North America.

This has been Confirmed by the Islanders this morning.

Update: translated link to HV71

While this doesn’t have too much of an effect on the Islanders – the Sound Tigers lose a pretty integral piece.

While the organization loses Joensuu for the time being, they will retain his rights and could always wind up back in North America.

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The New York Islanders have selected Center Ryan Strome with the 5th overall selection of the 2011 entry draft.

Great pick, no movement in picks – mystery over.

More to come.

By the way, Strome has worked out with BOTH Tavares and Moulson – he’s also on Twitter, trying to figure out his name.

@strome18

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As the clock ticks down to the start of tomorrow evenings First Round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, I thought it would be best to post up a little update.

For the last three years, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of covering the draft LIVE from the event. Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond my control – I could not attend this years draft in Minnesota.

My lead up to the draft, coverage of prospects as well as draft rumors – missing in action, and I apologize. This is the busiest summer I have had work wise, and my blog has suffered (as it has been) as a result.

Fret not Islanders Country, for I will be live blogging and tweeting from tomorrow nights Draft Party at Nassau Coliseum.

Don’t forget that there is an Isles Draft Party Meetup before the event at Doolins, and I’ve been asked to help out at the Islanders Social Media table. Stop by and say hello to your fellow Fans and Tweeps alike.

Will Garth Snow trade his fifth overall selection? Will he package his later round picks to move up in the the later part of the first round? Will we see other transactions?

One never knows, that’s the beauty of Draft Day and what makes it so exciting!

Later on this evening I’ll be taking a look at who should be available to the Isles at the fifth pick, and continue my tradition of “Islesbloggers Draft Wish” that I have done the last several years.

Stay tuned!

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Michael Grabner’s fantastic year is only getting better and better! After a breakout season with the Islanders, and an All Star Appearance, he saw the birth of his first child and has now been named a Calder Finalist. Grabner will be one of three players nominated and will attend the NHL Awards in Las Vegas this coming June.

From the Islanders release:

The National Hockey League announced today that New York Islanders forward Michael Grabner has been named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given annually to the league’s top rookie. Grabner is one of three finalists who will attend the 2011 NHL Awards Show on June 22 in Las Vegas, NV.

Grabner, 23, led all NHL rookies and all Islanders this season with 34 goals, while his 52 points ranked third amongst league rookies and fourth overall on the team. The Villach, Austria, native also led all rookies and finished second in the NHL with six shorthanded goals this season, and he ranked first amongst rookies and tied for second overall with seven shorthanded points.

Ten of Grabner’s 34 goals this season came during a stretch in February in which he scored goals in six consecutive games to match the NHL’s longest goal-scoring streak of the season. Grabner’s 26 even-strength goals also led all rookies and trailed just seven players overall.

To go along with his goal-scoring prowess, Grabner posted a team-high +13 rating this season and was one of six Islanders to finish with a plus rating. The two-way forward also recorded fewer penalty minutes (10) than any other Islanders player who appeared in at least 21 games.

At the season’s midway point, NHL Hockey Operations selected Grabner to represent the Islanders at NHL All Star Weekend in Raleigh, NC. He made his mark on the weekend and helped Team Staal earn a victory at the Honda Superskills event by winning the Bridgestone Fastest Skater competition.

Grabner made his NHL debut last season with the Vancouver Canucks, playing in 20 games and posting 11 points (five goals, six assists). He was traded from Vancouver to the Florida Panthers this offseason, before the New York Islanders claimed him off of waivers on Oct. 5, 2010. In 96 career NHL games, Grabner has scored 39 goals with 24 assists for 63 points with a +15 rating.

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Word out of Islanders Country this morning officially puts to rest the rumors surrounding coach Jack Capuano – he has now been named Head Coach of the New York Islanders.

Terms and dollars, as per team policy were not announced.

I’ll have some more in a bit after the conference call!

Good for Jack on this, I’m very happy with this move and I’m anticipating some good stuff down the line!

It also appears that assistants Dean Chynoweth and Scott Allen will remain in their positions as well.

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Well, we knew something along these lines would have HAD to have played out, once we learned that Matt Campanale couldn’t play more than one game (a game in which he played just over 8 minutes and didn’t look completely out of place…).

Today, the Islanders have found another defensive stop-gap measure in Jamie Doornbosch.

Doornbosch, a 21-year old defenseman for the OHL Kitchener Rangers, will make his NHL debut tonight at Nassau Coliseum in the much anticipated rematch of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Per the Islanders release today:

The New York Islanders announced today that defenseman Jamie Doornbosch has signed an NHL regular season amateur tryout agreement. The club is under emergency conditions, with injuries to Jack Hillen and Milan Jurcina.

Doornbosch, 21, scored 19 goals and 29 assists in 68 games in his overage season with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. The Richmond Hill, ON, native also added one goal and one assist in seven playoff games with Kitchener. Doornbosch finished second amongst Rangers defensemen and scoring and ranked second on the team with 12 power play goals.

In 264 career OHL games with Kitchener and the Peterborough Petes, Doornbosch recorded 41 goals and 106 assists for 147 points. The 6’ 2”, 190-pound blueliner was acquired by the Rangers in a 2010 trade with the Peterborough Petes, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection Draft.

What will the team do for this seasons closer in Philadelphia you ask?

My friends on Twitter seem to think that Garth Snow Should sign me to an ATO contract, as it would make for some great story lines.

There was a problem connecting to Twitter. There was a problem connecting to Twitter.

From the Press Box to the Players Box: Blogger Turns Pro!

Yep, that would be something!

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I think it would be irresponsible of me, as a blogger – not to chime in on this tough issue.

I’d like to preface this post, with a simple explanation. In no way shape or form – am I a member of the Pro Hockey Writers Association. I acknowledge that I am not a pro, but at the same time – after four and a half seasons of press access with the New York Islanders, I consider myself more than a typical blogger.

For example, I’ve gone to THREE NHL Entry Drafts now, with plans to go to my fourth this year in Minnesota (on my own dime) to cover the draftees and ultimately the selections of the club, I have done guest blogs, live chats, radio, video – the whole spectrum. I take what I do seriously and maintain a level of respect for the actual members of the media, as I should.

When news broke of the New York Chapter of the PHWA (and now Long Island and NJ following suit) protesting the NHL Award voting in support of Chris Botta’s credentials being discontinued by the Islanders, initially I thought it was admirable that they would do such a thing. I think that Chris is an excellent writer and I really enjoy his insight and knowledge. Without the support of Chris four years ago, I would never be writing the words that I am writing today, nor would I have experienced all of the great things that I have – so I am and always will be grateful of that.

That said, I have supported and continue to support the New York Islanders decision to discontinue his access. I know – that doesn’t really make sense given my enjoyment of his blog and writing, but hear me out.

What has transpired over the last several years has been a growing problem. Chris Botta was the long serving PR Director for the New York Islanders, he made his way up the ranks during his long career and was even honored for his many years of service during an on-ice ceremony, received a watch and a framed jersey sporting his name. Eventually, the tides turned, and Chris Dey (then Team President) removed and/or asked Botta to resign from his long-standing post.

He landed on his feet however, starting his blog and even being “sponsored” by the Islanders in ways that weren’t exactly clear, but from what I could tell – footed the bill for his site and perhaps even allowing him to collect some form of payment in the process. After two seasons, the Islanders removed said sponsorship and Chris moved onto other avenues – writing for AOL Fanhouse, the New York Times Slap Shot blog and eventually the SNY Sports Network. He’s turned his blog into his new career, but it obviously wasn’t without some sort of resentment towards the Islanders.

Chris was all things Lighthouse Project two summers ago, attending every Town of Hempstead meeting and even getting up on stage to say his piece as a resident and supporter of the project. During my own experience with the Lighthouse Project, I got a taste of my first bit of what I expect was his resentment to the Islanders. I won’t go into details, but during an argument on differing views Chris was not very nice to me, dragging my PERSONAL LIFE into the mix to the point I had to notify Islanders Management. If he could take that route with me, I can only imagine some of the other little tricks up his sleeve.

Fast forward a bit and we come to the negative things he’s said about the team – which, according to everyone watching, wasn’t all untrue. That said, if you read between the lines – Chris has been extremely critical of the Islanders to the point you had to raise an eyebrow. I’ve written some critical things over the years myself, perhaps out of entitlement as a season ticket holder (you know a PAYING customer and all…) but what he has said has often come off as bitter and aimed DIRECTLY at those involved with decisions, rather than what should have been directed at the goings on at the time.

As writers, we have every right to be critical towards the teams and/or subjects we write about. That’s part of one of the greatest freedoms we enjoy here in the United States. At the same time, it is our duty to maintain a level of professionalism, fairness and respect. The issue here doesn’t just lie in the critical writings by one person, but the lead up to how things have gotten to the point they have.

The PHWA is up in arms about one of their members credentials being discontinued, but the point here is that the Islanders have not done anything wrong and the NHL even supports them in their decision. Like it or not, Chris Botta is a former employee of the Islanders who has become somewhat of liability. Their decision to discontinue his access, doesn’t really need explanation, they are within their rights (if you read the back of a credential any member of the press wears, myself included) to remove or discontinue access at will. The Islanders aren’t the first club to remove access from a member of the press either, so why the fuss?

Much like coaching changes that happen during the course of seasons, like with the New York Islanders this season when they removed Scott Gordon; how is the removal of someone from the group covering the team any different? Perhaps his attitude didn’t fit with the team, perhaps his relationship with the players or coaches had come into question, perhaps – he contributed to a wave of negativity the Islanders were trying to change? What if scouts, players AND coaches had grown tired of reading his sometimes non-stop hammering of the team and it’s decisions and asked management to step in?

Instead of the PHWA examining these potential issues, Larry Brooks, the Chairman of the NYC Chapter of ten writers voted 7-3 to protest the NHL Award voting. According to various accounts, the Rangers group have also gotten the Islanders AND the New Jersey Devils writers on board as well.

Earlier I mentioned that it was an admirable movement, but the more I think about it – it’s just a waste of effort.

What will this prove? It’s only going to hurt several players in the Tri-State market in the long run – including three players spread over the two teams these writers cover. Michael Grabner has continued to make his case for the Rookie of the Year award with 31 goals, Frans Nielsen and the Rangers Brandon Prust could each be Selke Trophy candidates. As individuals who watch those players on a daily basis, their vote is all the more important as out of market writers may not see, or appreciate what they have done this season.

What’s more, these same writers could also vote for players from teams LEAGUE WIDE – so in their attempt to protest a decision of a local team, their reach has a much further impact then they may have anticipated. Protesting rarely ever has the intended outcome, and I do not foresee a favorable outcome for the PHWA in this situation.

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