Islanders prospect David Toews, the younger brother of Jonathan Toews – has left the NCAA (University of North Dakota) and joined the Wheat Kings of the WHL for the upcoming season marking the start of his professional hockey career.

Per the Calgary Sun:

Right-winger David Toews has decided to leave the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux after two seasons to join the Wheaties for his 20-year-old season. The Wheat Kings drafted Toews in the sixth round of the 2005 bantam draft.

Toews, who had nine goals and 26 points in 51 games at UND, was a third-round pick of the New York Islanders in the 2008 NHL draft.

In Other News

In other off season player news, several former Islanders have signed on with other clubs as free agents.

Defenseman Freddy Meyer has signed with the Atlanta Thrashers next season in a two-way deal for $500,000.

Meyer spent the last three seasons with the Islanders. He had four goals and 11 assists in a career-high 64 games in 2009-10 and 19 goals, 52 assists and 147 penalty minutes in 266 career NHL games.

Meyer has been a solid player for the Islanders over the last three seasons, although he was lost on waivers for a brief period to the Phoenix Coyotes – he was reclaimed shortly thereafter due to his solid play. He often logged important minutes and earned special teams play, his departure is a due to a vastly improved defensive unit this season with the addition of Eaton, Jurcina and Wisniewski.

Also, Sean Bergenheim was signed to a one year deal by the Tampa Bay Lightning this week. Originally selected 22nd overall by the Islanders, the fan favorite Begenheim had 40 goals and 40 assists over 246 career games with the Islanders.

Bergy, as fans and teammates affectionately called him, just couldn’t put it together at a consistent level. He’s a great skater with offensive ability who plays an exciting energetic
style, he was also great at being a pest – so the Lightning certainly added a nice piece.

But wait, there’s more!

The Islanders also added two players this week – one a former Islander who spent the previous season in the Minnesota Wild’s system.

Andy Hilbert has signed with the Islanders on a one year two-way contract as has forward Rob Hisey.

Per the Islanders release:

Hilbert returns to the Islanders after playing within the Minnesota Wild organization last season. The Howell, MI native skated in four games for the Wild. He spent the majority of the season with Minnesota’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Houston Aeros, totaling 25 points (nine goals and 16 assists) in 33 games. Prior to his stint with the Wild, Hilbert was a member of the Islanders for three seasons, accumulating 27 goals and 44 assists for 71 points in 218 games. Hilbert was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round (37th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Over the course of the four seasons that Hilbert spent in the Bruins organization, he split each season between Boston and their AHL affiliate the Providence Bruins.

Hisey played his first season of professional hockey in North America last year in both the AHL with the Springfield Falcons and the Central Hockey League with the Tulsa Oilers. A native of Oakville, ON, Hisey skated in 37 games for the Falcons last season, scoring 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points. With Tulsa, Hisey tallied 41 points (19 goals and 22 assists) in 24 games. Hisey played the previous four seasons in Finland, Germany, Austria and Sweden.

I like the Hilbert signing in that he was always solid defensively and shorthanded – he will replace Richard Park in all likelihood if and when he gets regular playing time with the the Islanders.

Rob Hisey I don’t know much about at this point, but from what I have heard he has some offensive potential and possesses Rob Schremp like hands around the net. Garth Snow likely sees this as another player worthy of a look and will likely play with the Sound Tigers this season.

I’d just like to take a second to wish Meyer and Bergenheim luck this up coming season and thank them for the job they did during their time here on Long Island. Best of luck gents.

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Well, Garth Snow has finally jumped into the free agent pool, signing 33-year-old Mark Eaton, formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Eaton is 6-2, 205 pounds and gives some more size to the back end to the Isles.

The deal is a two year contract at $2.5 million a year.

You can add Milan Jurcina and PA Parenteau to the list, as both were signed to one year deals a few minutes ago.

Islanders have just signed tough guy Zenon Konopka, formerly of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He replaces recently departed enforcer Tim Jackman.

More to come!

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I know this is yesterday’s news, but I just wanted to direct you all to the entry I had posted as it happened last night on Bleacher Report.

I just received word from the New York Islanders that they have come to terms with forward prospect Rhett Rakhshani.

Rakhshani, who just recently completed his collegiate hockey career with the University of Denver, has agreed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders.

The 24-year-old Rakhshani, who was drafted 100th overall in the fourth round of the 2006 entry draft by the Islanders, played for four years for the Pioneers, finishing his career with 60 goals and 91 assists for 151 points in 156 games. Rakhshani averaged more than a point per game in his senior year—scoring 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points in 41 games.

Head on over to Bleacher Report check out the rest of the article.

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It never fails with these pesky press releases, seems they are always sent when I am in the middle of something else and cannot ever get them out fast enough. At any rate, the Islanders have announced that Blake Comeau has been signed to a two-year, likely one way contract. Comeau was an integral part of the lineup for much of last season and as I said when Jack Hillen was resigned last week – I was hoping a deal could be worked out for Blake as well.

Here is what the team had to say about Comeau today:

The New York Islanders announced today that they have agreed to terms with forward, Blake Comeau to a two-year contract.

Comeau was originally selected by the Islanders at the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft in the second round (47th overall). After starting last season with the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Comeau returned to the Islanders, producing his best year yet with seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points in 53 games. Over the past two seasons, Comeau has played in a total of 104 games with the Islanders, collecting 40 points (15 goals and 25 assists).

“We are excited to have Blake as part of our line-up,” said Garth Snow, General Manager, New York Islanders. “He is a versatile player who has great promise and is developing into a solid NHL player.”

Internationally, Comeau was a part of Team Canada’s gold medal winning 2006 World Junior Championship team. He served as the assistant captain and led the team in scoring with three goals and four assists for seven points.

Prior to his pro career, Comeau skated in the Western Hockey League for the Kelowna Rockets. The Meadow Lake, SASK native won the Memorial Cup with the Rockets in 2004, notching six points (four goals and two assists) in 17 games.

Congratulations Blake, these next two years are a great opportunity to prove you have found your niche on Long Island and can help rebuild them back into a contender.

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Moving right along today in an afternoon filled with jubilant Islanders news, RFA Defensive prospect Jack Hillen has been signed to a two year contract after refusing to sign his qualifying offer early last week. Chris Botta reports it is as a one-way contract.

In his first year pro last season, Jack Hillen showed a great amount of poise and patience in his position. He has an effortless skating stride and had come a long way from his brief stint with the team the end of the season prior to last. He is one of those players that Snow obviously saw something in and took a chance on, I am excited he has been locked up and cannot wait to see him continue to grow with the team. With Hillen locked up, the team can focus on Blake Comeau, another player whom opted to not sign their qualifying deal.

Here is the official release:

The New York Islanders today announced that they have signed defenseman, Jack Hillen to a two-year contract.

Hillen was originally signed by the Islanders on April 1, 2008, at the completion of his senior year at Colorado College. He played in two games at the end of the Islanders’ 2007-08 season and recorded an assist, his first National Hockey League point. Last season, Hillen played in 40 games for the Islanders, registering a goal and five assists for six points. The tally was his first in the NHL and it came on March 5 against Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers.

“We are happy to have Jack signed,” said Garth Snow, General Manager, New York Islanders. “He proved to be a reliable defenseman and should continue to be a productive player for our team.”

The Minnetonka, MN native had an illustrious career at Colorado College, winning the Defenseman of the Year Award and being named First Team All WCHA. In 151 games played for the Colorado College Tigers, Hillen totaled 19 goals and 57 assists for 76 points.

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Breaking news folks, the Islanders have signed free agent goaltender Martin Biron to a one year contract worth $1.4 million dollars. This is all according to the New York Post.

There was speculation that on-the-mend all star netminder Rick DiPietro was going to be allowed plenty of time to heal, it’s pretty much a given now with Roloson and now Biron that he can take his sweet time returning.

I can hear it now though, an entire hockey fan base just either laughed or sighed about the true status of DiPietro. After all the gaffes last season with Ricky’s knees and hips, is this just a play-it-safe move or insurance JUST IN CASE he cannot make it back another season? In either case, Biron made $3.5 million dollars last season, so for Garth Snow to go out and sign TWO well known goaltenders for under $5 million, I would say he got himself a few steals.

Now that goaltending has been addressed, it’s time to move on to two other areas – Scoring and Toughness.

Just to calm the initial fears of some of the “oh the sky is falling Islanders fans” – Please read the following quote from the NY Post story:

“If DiPietro is healthy enough to become part of the Islanders’ early-season rotation, Snow will have a comparably cheap asset (Biron) to move for players or draft picks. If DiPietro needs more time, however, the Islanders will be able to sleep well at night.”

I now ask you this question; Would you rather have TWO, count them TWO – fully capable goaltenders whom can keep the Islanders at least entertaining, should DiPietro not make it back at some point? Do you want DiPietro to rush back into action, again? Do you want this team to keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again?

Come on, this move is a necessary evil regardless of what it means. Why cant we all just relax and enjoy the summer and take each and every day of DiPietro’s recovery and rehabilitation, one small step at a time?

Updated 6:24pm with Team Release:

The New York Islanders today announced that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with goaltender, Martin Biron.

Biron appeared in 55 games with the Philadelphia Flyers last season, posting a 29-19-5 record and a 2.76 goals against average. The Lac St. Charles, QC native led the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording a 9-8 record and a 2.97 goals against average.

“Adding Marty gives us three bona-fide number one goalies,” said Garth Snow, General Manager, New York Islanders. “We learned about the importance of stability in our line-up from last year and he now allows us to have another quality starter.”

Biron has played a total of 433 games in the NHL and comes to the Islanders with a career record of 199-162-25-20-25 (W-L-T-OT-SO), a goals against average of 2.59 and a save percentage of .912. The 6’3, 180 pound net-minder began his career with the Buffalo Sabres where he played parts of seven seasons with both the Sabres and the team’s American Hockey League affiliate at the time, the Rochester Americans. He currently ranks second on Buffalo’s All-Time List in shutouts (18) and third in game played (300) and wins (134).

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Late the other night word began to trickle out about two Islanders forwards opting to forgo signing their qualifying offers from the club. At first, the only player listed was defenseman Jack Hillen, but after a few hours we learned through Chris Botta that forward Blake Comeau has also been added to that list. The GOOD news is that even though these players are holding out, they are still restricted free agents and cannot be poached at will. That said, the dreaded offer sheet can be tendered by rival clubs, but the compensation those clubs would have to give in return could be worth it in the end.

Let’s step back and analyize what is traspiring here.

Each player is represented by an agent, this is rather obvious to anyone following professional sports of any type. From what we can tell based on reports, both players want to play for the Islanders, either their agents or the players themselves feel as if their value has not been met. This is going to be a BOLD statement, but this bloggers opinion is that the agents involved are holding the Islanders and their low salary cap hostage. The Islanders have a league low salary cap, which means they have the most room. NHLSCAP shows the Islanders to have over $21 million in cap space as of this post. Naturally, these player agents are going to react to contracts handed out around the league due to fair market value, but with teams handing out lucrative deals without much regard for the salary cap – what we are seeing is all too common of a trend. I’m not going to devalue either Hillen or Comeau, but they both still have a lot to prove at the NHL level.

Last night Botta had an interesting look into the decisions behind players not accepting their qualifying offers from each players actual agent. It’s a good read, but it still doesn’t change my opinion of the equivalent of salary cap robbery. Again, a bold serious statement – but it’s just what I feel is going on.

In another example of this practice, several Islanders prospects have yet to sign their rookie deals. Chris Botta (once again) points out a few details on forward Matt Martin who was drafted in 2008. Apparently, because Martin was drafted later (5th round) and has blossomed into a formidable player, his agent is seeking a higher payday for his player. What the Islanders have offered remains to be seen, but why the sudden dispute over a contract? Granted this situation differs from the current one involving Comeau and Hillen, but it just makes you scratch your head.

I understand this is a business, I understand that players make their living playing a sport – I just don’t understand the overvaluing of players by their agents. It reeks of greed and comes off as arrogant and unappreciative.

In the end, while the Islanders DO have plenty of cap space I don’t feel that it is fair for an agent to target the biggest payday possible for players who have yet to completely prove themselves. Garth Snow has done a superb job of managing his assets, he has lined himself up perfectly for acquiring a player through trade or free agency on the coming years should he keep it up. Stay the course Garth, stick to your plan and give out FAIR contracts – no reason to overpay – much.

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Just got word that 2009 First Overall draft pick John Tavares has been signed to his rookie deal – marking the start of what we hope is a long successful career in the NHL and with the New York Islanders. Monetary terms were not disclosed, but the deal is three years in length and said to be paying him in the mid $800k range with bonuses that could bring him into the mid $3 million range. It’s your typical max rookie deal – much like Steve Stamkos recieved from Tampa last year.

This is a big day for both JT and the Islanders organization as a whole. Tavares is a KEY PIECE to Garth Snow’s grand master plan – now that his contract is behind him Tavares can concentrate on doing whatever he needs to make sure his transition into the NHL goes smooth.

Congratulations John, you are bow OFFICIALLY part of Long Island and the New York Islanders – we cannot express OUR excitement enough.

UNIONDALE, NY, July 15, 2009 – The New York Islanders announced today the signing of John Tavares to a three-year entry level contract. Tavares was selected by the Islanders first overall in the 2009 National Hockey League Draft.

Tavares, a native of Oakville, ON, played in 247 career Ontario Hockey League games over four seasons, compiling 215 goals and 218 assists for 433 points. His 215 tallies surpassed Peter Lee’s former OHL record of 214 goals, which Lee held for 33 years. In 2007, Tavares was named the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year, after breaking the OHL record for goals in a season with 72, a milestone previously held by Wayne Gretzky. Tavares played in 38 career OHL playoff games, recording 20 goals and 36 assists for a total of 56 points.

“It’s an exciting time for the Islanders organization as we develop our young talent into a contender,” said Garth Snow, General Manager, New York Islanders. “John provides another important piece to help us achieve our ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.”

Last season, the 19-year-old center, led the OHL in goals (58) and points (104). Tavares recorded 50 points (32 goals and 18 assists) in 24 games after he was traded to the London Knights about halfway through the 2008-09 season and tied for the league lead in power-play goals with 14. Tavares also finished ninth in OHL playoff scoring with 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points.

“I’m excited to officially become a part of the New York Islanders organization and begin my professional career this upcoming season,” said Tavares. “I look forward to joining the Islanders and be part of a team that’s ultimate goal is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Long Island.”

Tavares won back-to-back gold medals with Team Canada at the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Championships. He was named the 2009 tournament MVP and World Junior Top Forward. Tavares tallied eight goals and seven assists for 15 points at the 2009 Tournament to complete his all-time tournament scoring marks at 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points. His career World Junior goal total of 12, ties him with fellow Canadians Eric Lindros and Jeff Carter for most goals in a career at the World Junior Championships.

Tavares is the fourth number one overall pick selected by the Islanders. In 2000, the Islanders selected goaltender Rick DiPietro first overall. Denis Potvin was picked first overall at the 1973 NHL Entry Draft and in 1972 the Islanders selected forward Billy Harris.

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You know how we do things here at Islesblogger – we like to play with our titles to poke-fun point out the obvious. This case is no different, referencing the lack of free agent signings by our New York Islanders. The blockbuster depth signings that this team has made over the last few days has certainly bolstered one area – the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL.

Here is a list whom they picked up over the last few days:

Center Greg Moore, left wing Matt Moulson, right wing Greg Mauldin and defenseman Mark Flood, Goaltender Scott Munroe, left wing Jeremy Reich and defenseman Brett Westgarth. All seven players were signed to one year two way contracts.

Some background on each player, as found on the Islanders Website followed by my own brief opinion or thoughts:

Greg Moore

Moore played within the New York Rangers’ organization the past four years, skating in a total of six games for the big club during the 2007-08 season. While playing for the Rangers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, the 6’1, 210 pound center compiled 58 goals and 74 assists for 132 points in 224 games during his four seasons. The native of Lisbon, Maine, was selected to represent the Wolf Pack in the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic game for PlanetUSA. Moore is a graduate of the University of Maine where he played four years, accumulating 66 goals and 41 assists for 107 points with the Black Bears. In his senior year, Moore led Maine in scoring with 45 points (28 goals and 17 assists). He was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft where he was selected 143rd overall in the fifth round.

Islesblogger’s take

Key words, product of Maine – we know how Garth Snow loves to take from familiar areas, but there could a diamond in the rough there with Moore. Firstly, Moore has SIZE – 6′1″ and 210 lbs makes the current crop of centermen with the Islanders look a bit small. Skill wise, Moore seems to have put up decent numbers in College and in the Minors – so it’s a bit of a crap shoot to expect him to do anything more then get his cup of coffee with the Islanders should dare I say it, injuries arise.

Matt Moulson

Moulson has totaled six goals and four assists for 10 points in 29 games with the Los Angeles Kings during the last three seasons. A native of North York, ON, Moulson played the majority of his time in the Kings’ organization with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, where he tallied 74 goals and 86 assists for 160 points in 188 games. Prior to his professional career, Moulson attended Cornell University, where he graduated in 2006 after accumulating 138 points (71 goals and 67 assists). Moulson led Cornell in scoring his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was originally a draft choice of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft where he was chosen in the ninth round, 263rd overall.

Islesblogger’s take

I get nervous when I read how players had scoring prowess in college and juniors – I really do. Here we have a player who lead his college team in scoring and then came to the AHL and put up just under a point a game. Taken in the ninth round in 2003, Moulson is an older player who has very little NHL experience, but could be a potential surprise – much like Tambellini (any coincidence with the Kings? Hmmmmm). Worth a shot checking him out for a season, another decent depth player for Bridgeport.

Greg Mauldin

Mauldin has spent the past two seasons with the Binghamton Senators, AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. In 151 games with Binghamton, Mauldin scored 39 goals and 45 assists for 84 points. The 5’11, 197 pound left-wing was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets, 199th overall in the seventh round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He was born in Holliston, Mass., where he went on to play college hockey at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst. Mauldin played three years for the Minutemen, scoring 94 points (48 goals and 46 assists) in 98 games. At the completion of his junior year, Mauldin skated in six games for the Blue Jackets. He played the following two years for the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, recording 19 goals and 37 assists for 56 points in 122 games. Mauldin was traded to the Houston Aeros at the end of the 2005-06 season, playing in 11 regular season games and scoring 4 points (1 goal and three assists).

Islesblogger’s take

Key words again – Holliston, Massachusetts – Garth sure does like those Mass natives. This is a player whom is hard to judge just by reading into his stats. Obviously the team sees something there by way of scouting, he doesn’t exactly scream out goalscoring machine – but could play well in a role player situation. However, being listed at 5′11″ and 197lbs sort of limits what type of role he can actually fit in and play. More Bridgeport depth.

Mark Flood

Flood, a native of Charlottetown, PEI, has played for the Albany River Rats, AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, the past three seasons, racking up 63 points (19 goals and 44 assists). The 6’1, 195 pound defensemen began his pro career with Syracuse in the 2005-06 season. He spent the next two seasons with the Crunch, scoring two goals and two assists in 17 games. Flood also saw time with the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL during the 2005-06 season where he played in 50 games and totaled 25 points (11 goals and 14 assists). Prior to his pro career, Flood skated four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Peterborough Petes scoring a total of 25 goals and 94 assists for 119 points in 253 games. Flood was selected in round six of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, 188th overall.

Islesblogger’s take

Your typical puck moving defenseman, Flood is listed at 6′1″ and 195lbs – he is said to possess a heavy right handed shot and can pot you a few goals on the power play. As you can see above, Flood has yet to really be given his big break in the NHL. With our New York Islanders and a constant revolving cast of misfits players, we know it will only be a matter of time until his services are called upon. With the way Garth snow and the scouts have picked defensemen the last few years – this one seems like it could have a low risk – high reward type of impact in my eyes.

Scott Munroe

Munroe, an undrafted goalie from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, has been a part of the Philadelphia Flyers organization for the past four seasons. He received his first call-up to the National Hockey League last year with the Flyers. The 27-year-old net-minder posted a career year last season with a record of 31-19-0-4, a save percentage of .926 and four shutouts. Munroe led the Phantoms to the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of the past two seasons. During the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs, Munroe made 65 saves in a five overtime contest against the Albany River Rats to earn the victory in the longest game in American Hockey League history.

Islesblogger’s take

Another goalie? The Islanders have been doing their best to restock a much needed position in the organization. With the status of Rick DiPietro being up in the air (as if it ever changes around here), the Islanders selected two goaltenders at the 2009 entry draft last week and have now signed the Phantom’s Calder Cup specialist. Look for Munroe to maybe get a spot call on backup duty here and there, but mainly vie for a position down in Bridgeport now that Peter Mannino, Yann Danis and Joey MacDonald have not been brought back this season.

Jeremy Reich

Reich has played in a total of 99 NHL games scoring two goals and four assists while compiling 161 penalty minutes. The Craik, Saskatchewan, native has been a part of the Boston Bruins organization for the past three years and played under Islanders head coach Scott Gordon his first two seasons with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Last season, the 6’1, 196 pound left wing, served as the team captain of Providence, setting single-season career high numbers of 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 76 games. Reich was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (39th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

Islesblogger’s take

You all asked for muscle, you got it – just not in the form you were expecting. Reich is another mid-sized enforcer poached from a familiar territory – the Providence Bruins. Scott Gordon must have been chomping at the bit to get this player, as you can see from his picture and some stats above the boy LOVES to scrap. He appears to be a leader and has quite a few NHL games under his belt at 99. I would look to him to play the role played by Nate Thompson and Joel Rechlicz last season and get the nod when there is a known need for enforcement. With a familiarity of the player by the head coach of the parent club – I wouldn’t be surprised if Gordon almost doesn’t give him a spot right out of camp.

Brett Westgarth

Westgarth played the last three seasons in the AHL. Last year, the 6’2, 215 pound defenseman played for the Worcester Sharks, AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, scoring nine points (2 goals and 7 assists) while totaling 137 penalty minutes. Westgarth, a native of Amhertsburg, ON, is a Princeton University graduate who skated for the Tigers from 2002-2007 where he compiled four goals and 20 assists for 24 points.

Islesblogger’s take

Finally, more of what we DO NOT HAVE, a relatively decent size defensive prospect who could potentially take the role of a shutdown man (ala Brendan Witt). Obviously Westgarth isn’t known for his puck moving ability and with 137 penalty minutes – clearly plays his game a bit differently. Kudos to the scouting staff for finally figuring out that every defenseman we pick doesn’t have to have a strong offensive game. Of all the moves, I think taking a chance on a defenseman you think fits a DIFFERENT type of need in the position is a step in the right direction. If it doesn’t work out, he is on a one year deal – you walk away.

In closing, the Islanders have picked up a bevy of prospects for really nothing – which is a bit risky only in you never really know what you will get when you roll the dice. Picking up free agent players like this is really no different then drafting in a sense – it takes good scouting and research to find that “diamond in the rough” player who will be serviceable not only for your farm team, but eventually your NHL club.

For now, those whom were expecting the Islanders to land some marquee free agents or a player along the lines of Mark Streit last year, you will have to wait a few more days – or take solace in knowing our current number one goaltender is Dwayne Roloson. At least he finished last season with a winning record, that’s a plus right there folks.

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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.

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Remember all the rumblings earlier this off season about the Islanders bringing in an assistant coach with Islanders ties (not literally ties that go with a suit…)? It turns out that the rumors were indeed true. Dean Chynoweth whom played defense for the Isles from 1988 to 1996 (per the Media Guide) and amassed our goals and had 18 assists in 241 games is expected to be named an assistant to Scott Gordon sometime tomorrow. This is all following his sudden departure as head coach of Swift Current in the Western Hockey League.

Chris Botta had stated he felt this was going to happen earlier today, but he was just trumped by Greg Logan whom received solid confirmation through a “knowledgeable NHL source” (Does anyone else think Botta told Logan….?).

This now leaves only one of two open positions for the assistants from the previous season to return. Scott Gordon is well on his way to changing the dynamic of this team. I am going to go out on a limb here and say Chynoweth will be in charge of the defensive aspect of the game – being he was a defenseman, so hopefully our penalty kill will get a boost.

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I have no idea why I did not think of this sooner, maybe because I despise gimmicks – but like they say “sex sell” (although this has NOTHING to do with sex, but I digress). I would like to introduce something new to Islesblogger – it’s a weekly feature I call “Hot Headlines“. My goal is to provide you with a recap of the current week’s Islanders related headlines. Sometimes so much stuff happens during a week that I hate having to post a handful of times, especially when the subject has already been spoken about in numerous places around the blogosphere. In the way I play to present it, I will likely link to the original news (press release, newspaper or official team site) and a blog or two – then present my own take. Obviously, there will be times when an announcement or news story will be big enough to warrant it’s own post – but this way all the smaller items can be posted at once – or be recapped in one spot. I plan to speak to Dom over at Lighthouse Hockey, as we are still knocking around ideas on how to implement my content over there too.

Signings

As you may or may not have heard, the Islanders have signed defensive prospect Mark Katic to a three year entry level contract yesterday. Chris Botta had this story exclusively, which as we have come to know – has happened on numerous occasions this season.

Katic is a smallish defenseman (6′0″ and 190lbs) who was 13-41-54 in 63 games this season with Sarnia of the Ontario Hockey League, but with purported offensive upside. Katic will likely join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the remainder of their season and playoffs.

My take on Katic: From the little bit of Katic I have read and seen, he is another defenseman who has the potential to fit the mold of the type of d-man who can thrive in Gordon’s system. With Campoli gone to Ottawa, it’s never a bad thing when you can stock up on defensive prospects.

Another signing fresh off the presses, the Islanders TODAY signed another Sarnia product in Justin DiBenedetto to an entry level three year deal. The 6′0″ 200lb DiBenedetto went 45-48-93 in 62 games this season, and finished FOURTH in scoring in the OHL. Once again, Chris Botta broke this news and goes into some detail regarding the player. DiBennedetto will also join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the remainder of the season.

My take on DiBenedetto: Drafted in the 6th round of the 2008 entry draft, Justin was a linemate of number one overall draft pick Steve Stamkos on the Sarnia Sting. It was speculated at the time that DB’s great season last year was the result of playing with the OHL powerhouse of Stamkos – but this certainly wasn’t exactly the case being he had another terrific season. When Tom Liodice and I were at the draft last year in Ottawa and DiBennedetto’s name was announced – I remember having this exact discussion. It should be interesting to see how this player can perform at a higher level with some other skilled players.

Doug Weight was signed to a contract extension earlier in the week and I posted what I had thought about it as it happened. Since then, news has trickled out and there have been a great deal of quotes from Weight since then that have only made my opinion that much stronger.

Such as these from Greg Logan’s blog:

“I’m old school maybe to a fault, but I believe in having a team that does everything together, a team that will do anything for each other and just wants to succeed for each other,” said Weight, who has demonstrated vividly since his return to the lineup just how feisty a 38-year-old guy can be. “I think we’re building that here, and we’re getting past the cliché of the ‘young team’ and a ‘youth movement.’

“These are really good people, good guys that I really enjoy even in my old age. You know, I’ve got the wrong music playing in my car and I can’t stay out as late as they can, but it’s fun. You’ve got a guy like Kyle [Okposo], the way he’s played, and we’re going to get a key draft pick. We’ll see about the health of Ricky [DiPietro], and hopefully, we can turn things around that way. We’ve had some good play.

“Obviously, Mark [Streit] has been unbelievable. We’ve got one of the four or five best defensemen in the world on our team that can log minutes. That’s a strong opinion, but I’ve played with a lot of the best. I think we build around him, and we’re going to be a balanced team and I think we can be a playoff team.”

(*Emphasis added)

Injuries

Last week at home the Islanders lost one of their brighest stars this season in Kyle Okposo to a groin strain – it’s unlikely he will finish out 2008/2009 and with that, the potential to reach the 20 goal plateau.

Near the end of last week, Islanders forward Andy Hilbert suffered injured ribs and has been out ever since. Hilbert is a key minute cruncher and his strong presence on the penalty kill was sorely noticed during the 9-0 romping the Islanders received on Tuesday in Carolina. It’s just another tally in the long, long, long list of injuries suffered by this team in 2008/2009.

In other injury news (yea, there is more) forward Blake Comeau was lost after the first period in Carolina – the injury? A fractured wrist. Prognosis: Blake will miss the remainder of the season and likely will not be sent down to Bridgeport to help in their playoff games. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse at this point….

Healed Injuries

In the past week, we have seen the return of three injured players: Doug Weight (multiple injuries, knee most notably), Sean Bergenheim (groin) and Mark Streit (groin). Two of the three players returned for the Carolina game and played significant minutes – obviously they were a step off – we will leave it at that.

Ex-Isled Bill Guerin talks Isles with Greg Logan

Greg Logan caught up with the recently departed ex-Islander and former captain Bill Guerin and got a beauty of a quote from him:

Guerin was pleased that close friend Doug Weight signed a one-year extension for $2 million with the Isles. “He likes playing there, he’s great with the young guys on the team, and they need somebody like him,” Guerin said. “He doesn’t want to move his family again.”

Occasionally, Guerin watches an Isles game, and he’s seen improvement, mentioning forwards Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau and defenseman Mark Streit as key pieces. Asked if he thinks they can turn it around anytime soon, especially if they draft goal scorer John Tavares, Guerin hesitated.

“Well, I don’t know the Tavares kid,” he said. “I don’t think he’s like Sid . . . If Ricky gets healthy and if they can get another guy on the back end, I don’t think they’re that far off. I don’t.”

Bill Guerin was a consummate and passionate captain for the New York Islanders – he was the first captain with a backbone for this organization in a long, long time. He brought respect to this organization at a level that it sorely needed, perhaps it jump started the rebuild in a sense. I am glad that the split was amicable and that he has no ill feelings – we need all the good talk from veterans as we can. Spread the word Billy, spread the word.

Scott Gordon named Team USA assistant

Again, this was something I touched on briefly this week, but Greg Logan and Chris Botta go into it in further detail. You can check out those articles here, here and here.

The Tampa Watch

Tonight is a tough night as a hockey fan, if Tampa gains points in Washinton – they cannot “clinch” the 30th spot. If the Islanders win tonight and Tampa loses – they make things that much tougher for themselves and the “best chance” at the number one draft pick – and John Tavares.

Current standings:

29: 66 pts 2 games remaining
30: 61 pts 3 games remaining

Watch the score live:

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