Today is Trade Deadline Day, somewhat of a National holiday in the US and Canada. Teams have until 3pm Eastern today to make final roster adjustments and in the past we have seen quite a bit of movement.

I wouldn’t expect too much from Islanders General Manager Garth Smow today, although he already made his first move yesterday by trading Andy Sutton to the Senators for a second round pick.

What other players are available? Here is a short list, which is my opinion of course:

Dwayne Roloson wasn’t a lock to be moved earlier in the season, as he had signed a two year deal in July. However, solid play through this point has really increased his value to teams looking for solid veteran goaltending here for playoff stretches.

Martin Biron was considered trade bait from the second he signed with the Islanders in July. Biron hasn’t played spectacular this year, and sat in the pressbox when DiPietro returned. He could be moved to a team looking for a quality backup, seeing he is an unrestricted free agent in July.

Curiously, Sean Bergenheim was a healthy scratch last night against Chicago. Word on the street is that there was some interest for Sean recently, who hasn’t been able to live up to his potential under Scott Gordon.

Jeff Tambellini is an odd man out, used sparingly by Gordon, Jiffy Jeff has been scratched for 3/4 of the games played so far and has taken it like a pro. Another underachiever coould spark interest from another club willing to give him a shot.

Brendan Witt has been playing in Bridgeport since passing through waivers. He’s got a year left on his contract and more than $3 million remaining. If the Islanders were to bring him back up on re-entry waivers, perhaps someone may be interested in the gritty defenseman.

Jon Sim has, at least to me, worn out his usefullness on the Islanders. The return on this role player won’t be much, but with Matt Martin waiting in the wings, he is taking up a roster spot. I could see a playoff bound team bringing him on for depth.

The Islanders don’t really have the assets to be real players this deadline. A majority of their players are more valuable to them than the rest of the league, which is a bit of a problem. one big plus for Garth Snow is that he has PLENTY of cap space to play with, so if a team needs to shed salary, he can pick up a player that may not fit somewhere else.

The day has only just begun, let’s see what happens.

Stay tuned throughout the day and I will update as often as I can!

Picks now in the fold (updated follwing De Haan trade):

(Round 1) 1st Overall (John Tavares)
(Round 1) 12th Overall (Calvin De Haan)
(Round 2) 31st Overall
(Round 2) 56th Overall (Formerly belonged to Boston)
(Round 3) 91st Overall (Formerly belonged to Pittsburgh)
(Round 5) 122nd Overall
(Round 6) 152nd Overall

It appears as if there is a plan in action here, or could the Lecavalier rumors be true?

In all seriousness, who do you think will fall into the Islanders lap at the 16th pick? Do you feel they will make a trade to move up even more? Interesting situation going on here in the first round.

Time for a poll!

While we are at it here is another good question:

I have never been up to Bridgeport before, but I have seen the Sound Tigers a bunch – either way it will be a fun experience seeing them from the press box.

My seatmate in 309 – Anthony from Brooklyn – claims the food there is outstanding. Good thing I brought my appetite!

I am going to do my best at blogging during the game – but check out Tom’s live blog as he does it best.

More from the road – a route MANY of the players in the Islanders system have seen a bunch this season.

Update: 6:11pm

Ok, so road updates were pretty much pointless, unless you wanted to know about accidents and traffic on 95. However, Tom and I are now nestled comfortably in the press box here at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

My first impression of the arena was “Wow”. Although smallish, the place is brand spanking new and looks really nice (you know for an AHL arena I guess). I don’t really have anything to compare it to – just to be honest.

Upon arriving, I went and got my media pass and a USB thumb drive containing the game notes and media kit. At the Coliseum, you know – an NHL arena, the game notes are handed out in a very, very thick booklet. They should totally do what they do here for the BST.

As you can see from the picture above, the press box isn’t nearly as high as it would be normally in other arenas – the arena only has one lower bowl and then a level of skyboxes. We are located at the top of the seating area – which would be just a tad higher then where the blog box is located at the Coliseum. The view is really good from here – you still feel as if you are part of the action, although I am having a problem seeing the names on the back of the jerseys. Oh well, that’s what the numbers are for.

Gametime

About to see the Tigers skate out of a gigantic inflatable here – if anyone wants to know where the Islanders introduction video featuring players on a pirate ship went – it’s alive and well in Bridgeport.

Puck has been dropped here, Ryan Duncan is out on the ice for the Sound Tigers – apparently this kid is very talented, despite his listed size of 5’6″.

Sound Tigers get on the board first – Haley from Hennigar. The arena does something nice here, after a home team goal the house lights dim and they have a spotlight on the goalscorer. It was a really nice touch. The goal song – I have to add, is MUCH better than that of the Islanders. There is also something special about a tiger’s growl that does something for the soul.

Watching these future Islanders skate around here – something just occurred to me; this team is GOOD, no – GREAT! It makes you realize that the systems put into place on the Island and here in Bridgeport are really coming into their own. What’s important, at least in my eyes – is how you can plug players into the NHL lineup with relative ease (as we have seen, what – 1000 times?). I think all of the injures the Sound Tigers parent club suffered this year certainly jump started the rebuild process in a way.

7:28pm Tigers were shorthanded, but then Springfield took an offensive zone penalty to even it up, however, Lawson took a retaliatory and the Tigers still find themselves down a man.

7:35pm Lawson just did his best DiPietro impression and got caught out of position due to chasing down a loose puck – the game is all tied up at one a piece.

7:39pm Tigers power play coming up.

End of the first period and the score is still all knotted up at one. It’s been a while since I have seen an AHL game and it’s quite different. The pace is a lot slower than I am used to and it makes it seem like the players have an extra second to make a decision with the puck. It’s evident why players like Tambellini would really flourish here and have a problem adjusting to the NHL.

More after the break. Going to watch Tom do a radio spot.

Second Period

Second period underway here as the teams switch sides – the Tigers have been dominant at times, let’s see if they can keep sustained pressure on the Falcons this period and get the go-ahead goal.

8:04pm Sound Tigers headed back to the power play.

That was quick, Jon Sim pots a rebound in for a power play goal. Sim (16th of the season) from Lee and Iggulden.

8:06pm As I was typing, the Tigers scored again – 3-1 is the score. Lassard from Joensuu and Walter.

8:11pm Tigers shorthanded here – hooking.

And just like that, Springfield fires back and scores on the power play. 3-2 Bridgeport

8:13pm Even though I said I wasn’t going to “live blog” – Bridgeport is headed back on the power play.

8:18pm Abbreviated Bridgeport two man advantage here, which ends right now. Still a man up.

8:20pm Even though the Sound Tigers did not score on either of those power plays, there were TWO golden opportunities lost. The first was a redirection that hit the far side post after it trickled through the crease. The second, a chance on the doorstep that was misfired. Still have good pressure on Springfield at even strength.

8:27pm Callahan with speed breaks through – everyone and from behind the net throw it through traffic to Joensuu who promptly puts it in. Joensuu (20th) from Calahan

4-2 Sound Tigers

8:32pm Clearly the Falcons are playing on their heels as they have taken yet another penalty. Holding.

Well, there was a goal – but this time Springfield has converted on a shorthanded goal after Macdonald lost control of the puck at the Falcons blue line. It was a two on one going back and the perfect pass left Lawson pretty much helpless. 4-3

8:35pm One minute warning – final minute of the period.

Springfield almost stormed back to tie the game – they came close to scoring another shorthanded goal on the same Bridgeport power play. Springfield must have had some talking to by their bench boss, as they certainly responded after taking their latest penalty.

More after the break, going to try to get something to eat quick.

Third Period

Tom and I scoffed down two foot long hotdogs in record time – just to get back to the live action. I will touch on the concourse here in a second.

We are back underway. We were just handed an official attendance report for the evening – 3322 people are present on this rainy Friday – I believe this to be around 1200 less than the typical average for a game if my memory of the game notes is correct.

Back to the concourse – it’s a big difference from what we are used to at the Coliseum. Yes, there are less people – but it’s 50% wider than the old barn. Ingress and egress as well as general movement is a lot easier.

9:03pm Bridgeport is headed back to the power play, maybe this time they wont give up a shorthanded goal?

9:11pm Sound Tigers have taken another penalty, Springfield had pretty good pressure for a good part of the first half of this period too – going to be interesting.

9:19pm As the clock is under the five minute mark in the third period, both teams are playing a bit differently then they were before. Not much real pressure at each end, although there have been a few decent shots – not many scoring chances.

Final minute, empty net Springfield.

Time out Springfield – :37.6 remaining in the third period.

And that’s the game! Final score Bridgeport Soundtigers 4 Springfield Falcons 3

3rd Star: Nathan Lawson BST
2nd Star: Ryan Potulny SF
1st: Jesse Joensuu BST

At least two of the players I voted for were chosen! First time I ever picked the three stars of the game.

Gonna head downstairs tonight for the post game.

I am going to record the call with my fancy device that allows me to do so with my digital recorder. I will either transcribe it or post the clip in it’s entirety.

More in a few!

Update: Well there were technical difficulties in the call. I think I heard Garth Snow say three of four barely audible words. Guess I have to wait for the press release – nothing went the Islanders way today, clearly.

Update #2 Per the Islanders official press release:

The New York Islanders have traded Bill Guerin to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional 2009 fifth round draft selection. The team has also activated defenseman Thomas Pock and center Nate Thompson from the Injured Reserve while reassigning winger Jon Sim to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League.

The conditions of the Guerin/Pittsburgh trade are as follows: If Pittsburgh reaches the playoffs, the draft pick is upgraded to a fourth round selection. If Pittsburgh advances past the first round and Guerin plays in 50 percent of those first round games, the draft pick gets further upgraded to a third round selection. The fifth round selection originally belonged to Tampa Bay.

“The entire Islanders organization has the utmost respect for Bill Guerin and we sincerely thank him for his time on Long Island and as the team’s captain,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow.

Guerin recorded 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points in 61 games with the Islanders this season. Since signing with the team as a free agent on July 5, 2007, he played in 142 games and recorded 39 goals and 41 assists for 80 points. Guerin was the 11th captain in franchise history.

Pock has played in 41 games this season and has scored one goal with two assists for three points. He missed the Islanders’ last 13 games with a hand injury. Pock was claimed off waivers from the New York Rangers on September 29, 2008. In 100 career NHL games, Pock has scored eight goals with nine assists for 17 points and 51 penalty minutes.

Thompson has played in 28 games this season and has scored two goals. He missed the Islanders’ last 12 games with a shoulder injury. Thompson was claimed off waivers from Boston on October 8, 2008. In 32 career NHL games, Thompson has scored two goals and registered 42 penalty minutes.

Sim, who cleared waivers earlier today, has played in 49 games with the Islanders this season and scored nine goals and six assists for 15 points. In 51 career games with the Islanders he has scored nine goals with seven assists for 16 points and 44 penalty minutes. Sim was signed by the Islanders as a free agent on July 1, 2007.

Well, there is nothing really huge to report for the Islanders here this afternoon. I have been glued to my computer constantly refreshing the typical trade deadline sources that have been awesome in the past. I am lucky enough to have dual monitors so I can have an internet browser open on the left, and AIM, TSN’s streaming coverage in a small window and their live tracker next to that.

What we do know:

• Jon Sim has cleared waivers – I know Big Jayy (a loyal commenter) will be mad if he stays, but he has been producing for us as of late. If he doesn’t move – hopefully he continues to contribute. Not much there except for he may get sent down to Bridgeport for all we know.
• Miroslav Satan cleared waivers as well – check out the piece I did for Lighthouse Hockey on that.
• Still no word on Bill Guerin – the boys on TSN spoke about him earlier but even they don’t know whats going on. They did say there shouldn’t be a problem with him remaining an Islander for the rest of the year. Couple that tidbit with what Greg Logan got out of Doug Weight the other night.
• Still no word on other Islanders on the market such as Radek Martinek, Andy Hilbert, Doug Weight, Dean MacAmmond or Brendan Witt – time will tell.

More, if and when it happens.

Last year, my first with Islesblogger and as a member of the Islanders Blog Box – I spent the entire day at Nassau Coliseum live blogging the events of the day. We were interviewed by Jim Baumbach of Newsday – whom live blogged our live blogging and even had a run in with several Pittsburgh players asking if we knew if any of them had been traded. However, because this year the Islanders do not have a game, it is impossible to be allowed access to the Blog Box for something similar. Obviously this is dissapointing – but I pledge to carry on from the comfort of my own home with access to the same Canadian television, the internet and hopefully better food then what will be available to the media and Islanders Point Blank who will be crammed into Room Six.

What’s even more exciting, is now that I have access to everything on SB Nation – I will be part of their deadline day special through Lighthouse Hockey! I will have a running post of any and all the large trades made by the Islanders and may do something similar for the division rivals. I will also have a few opinion peices in addition to updating everyone here on Islesblogger – it will be a lot of work, but Dom and I promise to bring to some great stuff tomorrow later today.

Stay tuned for the fun stuff! Remember, you can subscribe to my RSS FEED or EMAIL UPDATES as well as follow along on TWITTER if you will be stuck at work without constant access to the internet!

Browsing many of the Islanders blogs and message boards, a certain contingent of fans who always focus on a negative (real or assumed) seem to be doing the same thing with this situation as well. In a world wrought with economic hardships and uncertainty and a league with some teams under salary cap scrutiny – how would a trade that is seemingly taking a long time automatically fault to the general manager of the Islanders?

Whenever the Islanders face any kind of adversity, the stigma that this team is a “Mickey Mouse Organization” seems to be thrown about with reckless abandon. I just don’t get it. I am a fan of this franchise and have been for pretty much my entire life. I was alive for the tail end of the dynasty and lived through the same negative stuff as everyone else during the early 90′s to mid 90′s (the ownership changes, Mike Milbury, Spano – you get the idea) as well as the questionable contracts (Yashin and DiPietro). I don’t wear orange colored glasses by any means, I just don’t understand this way of thinking. Why is this situation being questioned?

Let’s take stock of what we do know:

• Bill Guerin acknowledged he would waive his no movement clause for the right deal.
• It was speculated as many as eight teams were possible destinations – based only on being in the Eastern Conference.
• At some point before the game on Saturday, a deal was either imminent or agreed on in principle. In order to protect their “asset”, the Islanders chose not to dress Guerin to avoid injury – common practice this time of year.
• Elsewhere in the league, Derek Morris has been scratched indefinitely till the trade deadline. Notice that the Coyotes aren’t being blasted for that decision.
• Little to no details have emerged on the progress of the trade, just speculation and the rare instance of actual sources. Perhaps this is the problem?
• Deals sometimes take days to broker, especially when that team has too many contracts and/or they are too close to their salary cap.
• Bill Guerin and perhaps even other players may also be involved in this deal, so it could be complicated.
• Not many people have taken into account that the trade partner may even be waiting for another deal to occur first before trading with the Islanders.

Patience is a virtue that many followers of this franchise clearly don’t possess – what I really don’t understand is how people who preach that they wish this organization would just do the right thing would bash them when they are actually doing the right things. If Garth Snow wasn’t actively looking to make the team better through trades – the fans would be bashing him for not doing anything. If he decided to trade a player – he would be bashed for moving the wrong player, or for not getting enough return in the eyes of the fans. It just seems like this contingent of fans will NEVER be happy with the decision made by the team. It’s disheartening and really frustrating.

Just know this, come Wednesday at zero hour of the trade deadline – Garth Snow deserves to be evaluated on whatever he did or has not done – and no sooner. In terms of draft picks garnered last year and in the last week. Glen Sather told Tom Liodice and I at the airport in Ottawa last year “Ask me about how I did at the draft in five years” – he’s right, you cannot judge draft picks until they are ready to play in the NHL.

Bash me all you want for feeling this way, I just get sick and tired of the negativity.

It started with sitting in my seats in section 309 last night and my seat neighbor Anthony from Brooklyn and I are talking about alternate captains and who else is wearing an “A” other than Hunter with Witt out. We canvass the ice and bench and cannot find anyone. Tony from Islesnation (who sits directly over my left shoulder) says – “Uh, where is Guerin?”. The three of us break out of phones (two iPhones and a Blackberry) and begin to read every website for a hint of information. We find out that Guerin took place in the warmup and was removed after a conversation with Garth Snow. Cue bells and whistles.

Ok, we knew Guerin had agreed to waive his no movement clause for only Eastern Conference contenders – so he was likely on the move someplace. A few phone calls up to my contacts in the press box produced nothing concrete – everyone up there was scrambling as much as we were. Chris Botta, as always seemed to have his finger on the pulse of the situation and began frantically exploring every angle possible, but would not get positive proof of any specific move. Cue drama music.

Based on some of my own guesswork, I had narrowed the teams down to three, possibly even four based on the mileage factor. Earlier in the week I had heard something about a possible deal with Montreal, but heard nothing of specific names involved. Earlier yesterday I had heard that there were two Islanders scouts in attendance at the Washington – Bruins game. Why would TWO scouts be at that game? Perhaps they were each scouting a different team? I added those two teams to my list.

Just about everyone on the net seems to have a different opinion on what is going on, so that is what makes the speculation fun and exciting. However, everything seems to move back to Washington and Montreal and it can only mean one thing – Garth Snow has a bidding war on his hands and is playing this hand of poker absolutely perfect. Has he bluffed his way into having the better player muck his winning hand?

Let’s think this through hypothetically, Bill Guerin is going to be moved – you know it, I know it, Billy knows it – the league knows it. Snow’s phones begin lighting up and he has a few deals that interest him. He talks to team A and they offer X – team B offers Y – Garth tells team A that he has a better offer on the table and in an attempt to fire up both pulls Guerin from the warmup to make it appear a deal is imminent. Perhaps he is playing both teams (or even a third team?) and forcing them to up the ante. This is what makes an excellent GM in my eyes – the ability to squeeze the most out of any deal (look no further than last weeks transaction with Ottawa).

Where we stand today is even more confusing as Greg Logan wrote an article claiming a divide in the locker room. I already posted that I was concerned with three players speaking out against Gordon (Comrie, Campoli and Witt), this would make four if true. Could it be sensationalism to sell the Sunday editions or drive traffic to the Newsday site? Certainly, but what I don’t understand is that two to three weeks ago Guerin was apparently content being an Islander and preferred to remain one for the future. Logan even cites an anonymous player as another veteran whom has questioned Gordon – which could make five players. To quote a great movie line that needs no explanation “What we have here is a failure to communicate”. Something that needs to be taken into consideration is that Scott Gordon is a rookie coach in a really tough situation. His is in the middle of a full on rebuild and playing the kids as much as possible – he works well with the kids because he was in the AHL. Maybe he has been making assumptions about the veterans not needing the same type of attention – which by the article seems to be the case. Who knows, it’s another story line we must keep an eye out for.

Update 1:05pm -Everything just came full circle, Greg Logan updated his blog while I was typing this piece. Seems he is also thinking the way I am in terms of the two teams being Montreal and Washington.

No solid confirmations from anywhere just yet, but we expect news really soon. It all begins now.

GUERIN IS STILL IN THE BUILDING. Ignore the site that shall not be named regarding anything said other than Andy Strickland.

Picture is from the locker room!

Around the five minute mark of the first period against the Rangers tonight, MacDonald somehow injured his groin and could no longer continue. In his place Yann Danis jumps into the game. Now the curious case of who will serve as backup to the backup in case something should happen to Danis. Howie and Billy joked when the camera went to the skybox where both Dunham and Garth were sitting that either would be more than capable. Seems someone in management was listening, because Dunham disappeared and would be named emergency backup – you know, just in case.

It appears as if the Islanders will be giving many fans their wish if DiPietro is indeed shut down. In a pregame interview with Billy Jaffe, Garth Snow admitted concerns over DiPietro and insists that his best interests and safety are in mind with any decision. He also admitted that there may have been errors made in their decisions with DP in years past.

Shut him down and allow him to FULLY recover for next season, this way we don’t have a repeat – or should I say THREE-PEAT?

Gaborik is the scoring forward the Islanders sorely lack, no doubt – but what could the Isles give up in return?Would they even be able to retain him after the trade? Surely it would have to be a sign and trade type deal and not include Bailey/Okposo or too many first rounders otherwise the fans will head to the Coliseum with pitchforks and mayhem in mind.

Gaborik is an oft injured player, but he is still young and looking to leave the defensive system in Minny for greener pastures. He would instantly become the top scorer on the Isles and fit in well with Gordon’s high tempo systems. This is going to be Intersting as to how it plays out, even if it lasts until the trade deadline.

I know I would love to see Gaborik in an isles uniform! How about you?

Poll

Looking over the Islanders lineup, who are our clear cut offensive d-men?

Mark Streit: Signed to a five year deal in the offseason, Streit was the power play points leader last season with Montreal, clearly he is the front runner for offensive d-men on the Islanders this year.

Chris Campoli: Streit’s potential linemate (although they are both left handed shots), it has been said that Campoli is the up and coming young offensive d-man the Islanders are hoping he would be. Campoli’s confidence and point totals have grown significantly in his time with the Islanders – a positive indeed. Unfortunately, his season last year was cut short due to a shoulder injury and he has gone down with an unspecified injury in the first pre-season game. The outcome of this is important, because if Campoli is lost for a significant period – Snow will likely look to acquire the New York born and ex-Islander Mathieu Schneider who is clearly available from Anaheim.

Jack Hillen: Up for a pair of Rangers games at the end of last season, Hillen surprised many who didn’t know the type of game he possessed. He notched his first NHL point during his stint with the Isles and even had a savvy breakaway on Lundqvist that showcased his speed and offensive awareness. According to Greg Logan (and this goes back to our discussion at the draft and my subsequent agreement) that Hillen is making the case for an NHL roster spot out of camp. Of course, this downplays any real “need” to acquire Schneider – but you get a finished product with the latter.

Honorable mention - Bruno Gervais: Bruno seems to be somewhat of an odd-man out this year, based only on the fact that there are so many defensemen on one-way contracts while he is on a two-way. However, Gervais is a smooth skating and puck moving d-man who can certainly show offensive upside – so he deserves to be included.

Update 10:27 PM! Coincidentally Greg Logan speaks about Bruno Gervais and his ability to be an offensive player in tomorrow’s Newsday!

In the opening paragraph I mentioned seeing offense from the unlikeliest of places. Who, is likely the first question that comes to mind. Allow me to explain.

Greg Logan had some interesting quotes out of Gordon yesterday in his blog, Gordon was speaking about a specific defensemen joining the rush, the player; Brendan Witt. Witt’s goal scoring is predictable and somewhat inspiring – he scores what I have come to call “Witt’s annual goal”. Brendan Witt is the antithesis of an offensive defenseman, he is the shut down man – the guy who gets in your face and knocks you off your game.

Per Greg Logan’s Blog:

Gordon also expressed pleasure with how well the Islanders executed his high-tempo system first time out of the box. They outshot the Bruins, 38-19, and the defense did a good job of joining the rush and generating quality shots. Even Brendan Witt, who has 23 goals in 12 NHL seasons, jumped into the play once and drilled a shot that handcuffed Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask and almost bounced in off his glove.

“Yeah, he joined at the right time,” Gordon said of Witt. “It wasn’t reckless; it was calculated. There was good coverage by the forward, and had Witt not joined, it’s a two-on-two, and we don’t get the shot.”

The above quoted text makes an interesting reference to Witt making a “Calculated” offensive decision – something our defense did not do enough under Ted Nolan. While one preseason game is not enough to really get an idea on how the team is working with Scott Gordon at the helm, it already appears to be on the rebound. Another game or two and we should really know where we stand, which I have to admit – this blogger likes what he is seeing.

If anything, I can make one bold prediction about this years season: the Islanders defense will likely DOUBLE their offensive output of the 2007/2008 campaign.

Never, no chance, he will never choose Long Island and it goes against everything we have been told in “The Plan”.

Dreger is credible however and Eklund made mention of this weeks ago. If times were different, say two years ago – I would certainly hope for a shot at Sundin.

Check it out on TSN

Normally, I would take whatever I read on the various message boards or rumor websites with a grain of salt – but the websites and writers I respect most are all reporting the same things. Greg Logan from Newsday wrote about it in a story for Friday’s paper and in his blog, Spector mentions the Islanders in his Boyle updates, and Kuklas Korner also mentions the Islanders with Boyle. What makes things even more interesting, is that the Islanders are even mentioned in a local Tampa newspaper blog as well. All signs point to this being a confirmed interest in Boyle.

While Boyle may not fit into what the Islanders are trying to accomplish perfectly, he is another offensive defenseman – and a fairly solid defender. Tampa is looking to shed salary, so this is another example of how the Islanders cap-space has become even more valuable. The Lightning are trading from a position of weakness, so the Islanders could snatch Boyle up for a mid-level prospect and a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick. To me, this would be a no brainer because it would solidify the defensive corps and you can then shift your focus on adding a top-six forward to jump start the offense. Boyle doesn’t make the Isles any more of a contender than they would be without him, but he definately makes them a solid team defensively. This is something that needs to be watched closely over the next coming days, that is for sure.

July 4th Update

Apparently San Jose has traded for Dan Boyle and completely overpayed in my eyes: Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich to San Jose for Matt Carle, Ty Wishart, a 1st and a 4th

Chris Botta claims that the Islanders did more than just “kick the tires” in his blog – they very much wanted Boyle – but I bet the first round pick made Snow cringe and terminate any talks of a trade. Good on ya Garth!

“Source: Isles putting together “mega offer for Hossa”"
- Eklund

This Isles fan wouldn’t be surprised if Hossa was part of the plan all along and Charles gave the go ahead on one of his INSANE contract offers.

More IF it develops.

Apparently Eklund made a mistake in the time it took me to get where I was going. Offer is to Rolston.

Thanks to Joe for reminding me to update!

I try to avoid posting crazy rumors and speculation, but I will always post something when I feel it it has somewhat of a credible substance. Why post anything about Doug Weight however, especially if we are supposedly in a rebuild?

That is an easy question to answer.

Doug Weight is a 37 year old center and big-bodied forward, born from the same class of current Islanders players such as Bill Guerin and Mike Sillinger. I have said on numerous occasions that you need gritty veterans around to show the youngsters the ropes and pass on all the knowledge they have gathered during their long NHL careers. Doug Weight fills numerous roles, he can pot some goals, he is a centerman, he fits the above criteria on teaching the Islanders youth of tomorrow and most importantly – is a very close friend of the aforementioned Bill Guerin.

Some of Weight’s stats from the past two seasons:

Season Team League Games Goals Assists PTS PIM
2006–07 St. Louis Blues NHL 82 16 43 59 56
2007-08 St. Louis Blues NHL 29 4 7 11 12
2007-08 Anaheim Ducks NHL 38 6 8 14 20

While Weight had a decline in production last season, this was mostly due to playing on a sniper depleted team in the Blues and in new territory after being traded to Anaheim at last years trade deadline. He is only one season removed from a 59 point output – which he should be able to get back to if lined up with some potential stars in Okposo and Bergenheim.

Do I think Doug Weight is a savior or a means to an end? No, but I think he will serve the perfect veteran role on the Islanders and provide them with secondary scoring they so sorely lack. Chris Botta really hits a home run with his post tonight on Weight, which is the real inspiration to expand on the notion of his addition.

At least for now the Islanders are standing pat with that #5 pick!

Per Sportsnet.ca:

Bryan McCabe’s agent Ian Pulver offered a quick response to a story in the Toronto Sun that suggested the Maple Leafs would try to move the defenceman to the Islanders in a draft-day deal and would not cosnsider a buy-out.

“We continue to hear that the Leafs want to trade Bryan McCabe. Bryan has a no-move clause in his contract that was negotiated with and agreed to by the Leafs. Bryan is not inclined to waive the no-move clause,” Pulver told Sportsnet.ca. “He enjoys living and playing in Toronto and the team is a first-class organization. Bryan has logged more minutes than any other Leafs player in the past seven years and given his heart and soul to this franchise. If the Leafs want to move forward without Bryan they should buy out the remaining years on his contract.”

The report suggested that McCabe might be willing to accept a trade to Long Island, where he and his wife reside during the off-season.

McCabe still has three years remaining on a six-year deal that pays the defenceman around $5.75 million per season.

Until the next episode of “As the McCabe Rumor turns!”

OTTAWA — If often-criticized defenceman Bryan McCabe is a potential victim of the imminent Maple Leafs housecleaning as is expected, it likely will not come via the buyout route.

That was the word yesterday from Maple Leafs general manager Cliff Fletcher, who is aware that McCabe’s average salary of $5.75 million US translates to a hefty cap hit (almost $3-million per season for six years) in the event the Leafs attempted to buy him out.

The more logical way to go is to trade the veteran defenceman, the belief being that McCabe might waive the no-movement clause in his contract in order to go to a preferable destination such as the New York Islanders. The McCabes spend their off-seasons on Long Island, where Bryan’s wife, Roberta, grew up.

One theory making the rounds here leading up to tomorrow’s 2008 entry draft was that the Leafs might attempt to include McCabe and their No. 7 overall pick to the Islanders for a package that includes the No. 5 selection. By moving up two spots, the Leafs likely would land either Niagara defenceman Alex Pietrangelo or Russian forward Nikita Filatov, two players they covet.

But rather than make a knee-jerk reaction deal, the Leafs are thinking that it might be more prudent to wait until August when McCabe’s value on the market could swell slighty. With only two blue-chip free-agent blue liners — Brian Campbell and Wade Redden — available in free agency, McCabe, who has struggled the past couple of seasons, might fetch more interest by teams desperate to augment their back end.

Toronto Sun Article

Not sure I like this as it goes against two statements from Garth. Why lose the fifth overall and absorb cap space and age?

The only way I like this deal is if we get McCabe, the #7 pick, and one of Kyle Wellwood or Alexei Ponikarovsky. We get a top pairing d-man, retain a great first round pick and get a young veteran to retain the “youth movement” feeling.

Olli Jokinen has packed his bags.

League sources told Sun Media yesterday that the Panthers centre has told GM Jacques Martin he wants out and the club will try to grant his wish during this weekend’s NHL draft in Ottawa.

While Jokinen’s agent, Mark Gandler, wouldn’t confirm the trade demand, indications are the relationship between Jokinen and Martin is so strained that incoming coach Peter DeBoer won’t be able to help soothe things over.

“The player’s job is to play. The manager’s job is to manage,” said Gandler.

It’s believed the Flames have made a pitch for Jokinen, who played for current Calgary coach Mike Keenan in Florida.

The Panthers, however, are going to want more than forward Alex Tanguay from the Flames if they’re going to make a deal.

The Flames aren’t alone in their pursuit of Jokinen. Sources say the Coyotes, Blues, Canucks, Wild and Islanders have all shown an interest in Jokinen.

Ottawa Sun Article on Jokinen

This is one rumor that makes my eyebrow raise a bit. Jokinen is a guy who has been rumored on the move for quite some time. He is a true first line center, a player the Islanders sorely lack and he is at the ripe old age of 29. He fits into the mold of a rebuild and like I mentioned legitimizes the Islanders first line ten-fold.

What would go back the other way? Picks and prospects I imagine – Comeau, Tambellini?

Interesting though that this way the first rumor I heard this morning of what would be a “reunion” of Islanders alumni. Would Snow try to tempt fate and reverse all the ill-dealings of the Milbury era?

Interesting.

No, strike that from the record.

When you are a fan of the New York Islanders you have an unfortunate level of expectation this time of year. You also learn that the organization can be somewhat like a crazy relative in their decision making. You love the relative no doubt, but you may not understand the way they think or agree with their decisions all the time.

When I received an email on Greg Logan’s Yashin article Saturday night, I was out to dinner with my fiancé. I literally laughed out loud and she asked what was wrong. I told her about the story behind Yashin and the laughter spread across the table. Even casual hockey fans know a good joke when they hear one.

Fortunately, Logan’s story doesn’t mean the return of Yashin is set in stone. If you read it carefully you can see the ploy of Yashin’s agent – in the dark, without a flashlight. This is clearly an attempt to get his client attention, all the while making the Islanders look foolish (they need little help there Marc).

The two sides are said to have had talks, hopefully the talks involved abrupt laughter from Garth Snow and a dial tone. Gandler claims his player received big offers from Russian teams, but makes no mention of NHL interest. Chris Botta brings this to light and breaks things down in his blog yesterday. He also mentions the Newsday editors lack of reading articles before they title them – great stuff.

I will expand on this later, I am posting from my phone and wanted to get my feelings on this out there while it was fresh in my mind.

To reiterate, no matter the level of desperation by the Isles – just say no to Yashin.

Thank you!