Saturday, June 30, 2012

NHL News: Justin Schultz Makes His Decision! Parise to the Pens?

Within the last half hour, it was announced by the Edmonton Oilers that they had signed defenseman Justin Schultz.  Schultz who was a second round pick by the Ducks in 2008 exploited a loophole in the CBA to become an unrestricted free agent this year and the talk about him as been about as rampant as any UFA on the market this year.

https://twitter.com/NHL_Oilers/status/219154813315858432

The Oilers add another very talented player to their roster in a position they most certainly need.  If all goes well for them the Oilers should be a scary team in the near future.

Parise to the Pens?

According to aolsportingnews.com tomorrow when free agency starts the Penguins could offer top UFA forward Zach Parise a 10 year deal worth between 75 and 80 million.  According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review,  the contract wouldnt be front loaded and short on bonuses because theres a good chance that contracts like that will be outlawed in the next CBA.  Also, it helps the Penguins case here that Parise and Crosby are good friends with one another.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-06-30/zach-parise-penguins-sidney-crosby-ryan-suter-nhl-free-agents?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

RUMOR: Isles to Pursue Jokinen?

According to George Richards a writer who covers the Florida Panthers, come Sunday afternoon center Olli Jokinen will once again call Uniondale home.

As I am sure most all of you know, Jokinen was part of the draft day trade in 2000 when we sent him and Luongo to the Panthers for Oleg Kavasha and Mark Parrish.

While I am not a big fan of Jokinen, he would certainly upgrade the team in a position where we really need it so on a short term deal I would certainly be interested in him. 

https://twitter.com/GeorgeRichards/statuses/218543817169707011

Thursday, June 28, 2012

NHL News: Crosby signs 12 Year Extension

Various news outlets are reporting that the Penguins have signed center Sidney Crosby to a 12 year extension worth 104 million dollars.  This contract carrires an annual cap hit of 8.7 million over the life of the contract.

As if this was ever a question that they wouldnt get something done.  The Penguins need to hope he avoids the concussion bug.  If he doesnt they may end up regretting this deal in the long run.

https://twitter.com/drosennhl/status/218379027344400384

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Reports: Islanders offered Entire Draft For #2 Pick

According to Newsday, and various other news outlets, the Islanders on draft day offered the Columbus Blue Jackets all 7 of the teams draft picks in exchange for the number two pick.

There has been some speculation that it was conditioned that defenseman Ryan Murray was taken first overall leaving forward Nail Yakupov there.  However, more and more its came out that there intention was to take Murray and that is backed up by the fact that they took a defenseman in all seven rounds of the draft this past weekend.  This sure does say a lot of what the Islanders thought about the quality of this draft compared with previous years when they have collected draft picks like they were candy.

In a surprising turn of events though the offer was rejected by Columbus GM Scott Howson.  Reportedly hours after the draft four Columbus scouts were fired by the team.  How could a rebuilding team like the Blue Jackets reject an offer like this?

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;JSESSIONID=BE47C689DB46BE09B1CE.3239?site=newsday&view=islanders_item&feed:a=newsday_5min&feed:c=islanders&feed:i=1.3804441

Monday, June 25, 2012

Islanders in on Bobby Ryan?

According to Chris Botta, last week the Islanders called the Anaheim Ducks to inquire about all star power forward Bobby Ryan.  Botta said as of now that nothing was close.

After being the subject of trade rumors for many months, late last week Bobby Ryan officially asked for a trade from the Ducks, and said that he would prefer to go to the Flyers. 

It should be interesting to see if this gains any steam at all or if this was just Garth doing his routine summer tire kicking.

https://twitter.com/ChrisBottaNHL/status/217330750469574657

Season To Start Without A CBA?

According to NHLPA boss Donald Fehr that is possible.

The NHLPA meetings are currently happening in Chicago and it came out today that Fehr made this statement and it is causing massive buzz in the hockey world.  After having the strike back in 2004/2005 they couldnt possibly have one again, can they?

To follow more from the NHLPA meetings follow Chris Kuc on twitter below:

https://twitter.com/ChrisKuc/status/217340772729622529

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Visnvosky to stay in Europe next season?

Update: According to Arthur Staple, he called Visnovsky this morning and Visnovsky said his first choice is to play for the Islanders.  He said that the interview everyone saw was done before the draft and the only way he would stay in Europe is if there is an extended work stoppage in the NHL.

https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/216906735087132674

Well this is certainly good news and quells the fears of some fans.  It should be interesting to see what else is done to improve the team because getting Visnovsky the other night was a good start.

According to islanderspointblank.com, citing a translated interview done over seas newly acquired Islander defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky mentions that he has offers to play next season in a Slovakian league as well as the KHL.  He says that there is a possibility that he accepts one of the offers. 

According to BD Gallof, if he were to accept one of the offers his contract would likely be tolled and after the one over seas expired hed still be Islander property and his 5.6 cap hit would likely not count against the Islanders cap while overseas.

While nerve wrecking now, in the long run I think Visnovsky will be on the Islander blueline come October, well assuming there is a season.

To see the translated interview click the link below:
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2012/06/is-newly-acquired-lubomir-visnovsky-going-to-stay-in-europe/

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Meet Islanders Draftee Griffin Reinhart

With the 4th overall pick in last nights draft, the Islanders surprised some and took 6'4 defenseman Griffin Reinhart.  With the pick of a defenseman in the first round it marks the first time since taking Wade Redden in the first round that the Islanders selected a defenseman in the first round. 

Reinhart according to scouts is a good two way defenseman who makes a very good first pass out of the zone.  Although given his size some say they would like to see a more physical nature to his game.  Reinhart has all the tools to be a top defenseman in this league for years to come, there are some who question weather or not he will be able to put it together though.  If he can, this will make for one heck of a draft pick for the Islanders.

Isles Acquire Visnovsky from the Ducks

As I am sure most all of you have seen, earlier tonight the New York Islanders acquired defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky for the Ducks in exchange for a 2013 second round pick.

Although at age 35 turning 36 Visnovskys best days are behind him, he certainly fills a void for the Islanders as a top 4 defenseman.  Although last year Visnovsky only had 27 points, two years ago he amassed 68 points from the blueline.  Visnovsky will also slide in nice on the powerplay where most of his points will come.  Him and Streit on the powerplay has the potential to be very good.

While this isn't the rebuild is over lets compete now move, this is certainly a good way to start the offseason.  So good job Garth, however, it will be a pretty big fail if this is the most major thing of the offseason though because the Islanders are more then one top 4 defenseman from being a playoff team which Snow says is the goal.

photo courtesy of http://a.espncdn.com

Friday, June 22, 2012

Savetheisles Mock Top 10

1) Edmonton Oilers - Forward Nail Yakupov
Even with their already high level of very skilled forwards they simply cant pass on Yakupov and choose to add him to there great young core of forwards.

2) Columbus Blue Jackets - Defenseman Ryan Murray

Ryan, considered by most to be the most NHL ready defenseman in the draft would be a safe solid pick for Columbus which is a team that really cant afford to bust right now.

3) Montreal Canadiens - Forward Mikhail Grigorenko

Given the Canadiens lack of size, this 6'3 Russian center will fill a big role for them, and hopefully a bigger role in the future as their number one center.

4) New York Islanders - Forward Filip Forsberg

Although the Islanders sorely need defense and my personal pick for them would be a defenseman, I have a hard time seeing them go against recent history.  The Islanders haven't taken a defenseman with their first draft pick since they took Mark Katic with a third round pick in 2007.  Additionally they haven't taken a defenseman in the first round since Wade Redden in 1995.  Forsberg is a big body with scoring which is something the Islanders lack so on the list of bad picks for them in this spot he isn't near the top.

5) Toronto Maple leafs - Defensman Matthew Dumba

We all know how Brian Burke loves a physical game.  Well with Dumba drawing comparisons to current Leaf captain Dion Phaneuf the Leafs hope to strike gold here.

6) Anaheim Ducks - Defenseman Morgan Rielly

Morgan is considered by some to be the best playmaking defenseman in the draft.  Further some call him the next Erik Karlsson.  With the Ducks loss of 2008 second round pick Justin Schultz the Ducks more then welcome Rielly to their team.

7) Minnesota Wild - Forward Alex Galchenyuk

Although he doesnt fit the biggest need in the world for Minnesota they cant let him pass here.  Even though he was injured most of the season, he quelled the fears of most at the combine.  With that Minnesota gets a steal here.

8) Carolina Hurricanes - Forward Teuvo Teravainen

Although not the biggest guy in the room at a listed 5'11 165 pounds.  Teravainens sick stick handling ability combined with his playmaking skills make it rather easy for Carolina in this spot.

9) Winnipeg Jets - Forward Radek Faksa

With the uncertainty surrounding Evander Kane, the Jets go out and grab the best forward on the board.

10) Tampa Bay Lightning - Defenseman Griffin Reinhart

Tampa was a terrible defensive team last season.  So while Griffin wont be an immediate impact player, his size will be a more then welcome addition to the Lightning blue line in the near future.

Blue & White Scrimmage Tickets on Sale!

If you didn't see, earlier today the Islanders announced that the Blue and White prospect scrimmage will be at Iceworks this year.  Additionally tickets for the scrimmage will be $20 each and the proceeds will go to the Islanders Childrens Foundation.  There are only 250 tickets available so seating will be very limited.

The game is Thursday June 28th, at 6:30 PM

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=635257&navid=DL|NYI|home

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Report: PA To Test Free Agency

According to a report from RDS, forward PA Parenteau is likely to test the free agent market when it opens July 1st.  It is being speculated that PA is looking for a 4-5 year deal which is more then the Islanders want to offer.  Some think PA may want to go home and play for Montreal if they make a competitive offer.

While I am not wild at all on the prospect of letting PA go, if he gets Jason Blake overpaid somewhere I will not be upset at all losing him. 

https://twitter.com/RenLavoieRDS/status/215482221421801473

Monday, June 18, 2012

New Idea On Coliseum Financing

According to Newsday, the President of Teamsters Local 237, a municipal employees union is floating the idea that 500 million dollars from public employee pension funds be used to rebuild the Coliseum.

I know on the surface this idea seems odd to say the least.  However depending on the deal that would be negotiated part of this, it could be a very good investment. 

It should be interesting to see what, if anything comes from this.

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;jsessionid=77BD99C0B0E18069513B0EFADC8DD081?site=newsday&view=top_stories_item&feed:a=newsday_1min&feed:c=topstories&feed:i=1.3787731&part=1

NHL To Take Over The Devils?

According to the New York Post, if Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek fails to re-finance the team by a big August 14th deadline then the NHL plans to step in and freeze out the owner.

Vanderbeek says that he is close to a deal with a mystery investor to sell a portion of the team to raise money, he would keep majority control however.  Some speculate on the credibility of that though since September when the Devils missed a big payment in September Vanderbeek has said he was close on deals many times, however each came up short.

To learn more check out the New York Post story below:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/owner_be_damned_XgXuEUTpV1Ek0Xc8rl9MdI#ixzz1y7cwZn3F

Sunday, June 17, 2012

"Hub" Plan Submitted To NYS For Possible Funding Aid

According to Newsday, yesterday Nassau County submitted a plan for the "hub" to New York State to be considered for funding aid.  They had the same opportunity to do so last year but failed to because plans for the "hub" weren't far enough along in the process to be considered.

Deputy County Executive Rob Walker refused to be discuss any details of the plan because of non disclosure agreements that are in place with interested parties.

Kevin Law, co-chairman of The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council said that decisions will be made on winning projects in September, and that he was very anxious to view Nassaus proposal.

Last year, 101 million dollars was awarded to LI for 66 projects.  So assuming the figures from last year are similar to this years figures it wont be a ton of money.  However, you have to start somewhere and this would be a good start.  Well, assuming the Coliseum is even part of it which we wont know un til September at the earliest it seems like.

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;JSESSIONID=777BA7C2EB19649AFAFD.3239?site=newsday&view=nassau_item&feed:a=newsday_5min&feed:c=nassau&feed:i=1.3785252&nopaging=1

Friday, June 15, 2012

NYC Kings fan pays tribute to fallen scouts in cup celebration


Today, the Kings had their Stanley Cup parade celebrating their first Stanley Cup victory in team history.  I am sure it was memorable day for all players and management a like.

Unfortunately two employees were unable to be there.  On September 11th 2001, LA King scouts Garnet "Ace" Bailey and Mark Lawrence Bavis were aboard United Airlines Flight 175 which crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.  The two fallen scouts names can be found part of the memorial at the south pool, on panel S-3. 

With the festivties of today, local New York City Kings fan Dave Krasne felt that these two men shouldn't be left out.  So, with that, Mr. Krasne went down to the memorial and placed a Stanley Cup Champions hat between the mens two names on the memorial, so they could be part of the celebration to.

We just wanted to take the time to give Mr. Krasne the recognition he deserves for the very thoughtful and classy gesture he exhibited here.  Well done!

 photo courtesy of @dkrasne

NHL News: Parise To the Rangers? "No Way!"

Earlier this week when being interviewed by media following their game six loss to the LA Kings, Devils winger and Zach Parise said there was "No Way" he would sign with the Rangers as an unrestricted free agent come July 1st.

For weeks with the Rangers major need for scoring there had been speculation amongst New York based papers that the Rangers may sign Parise away from the Devils like they did with Scott Gomez a few years back in an attempt to fill that scoring void.  After this quote they will probably have to search elsewhere for that though.

The early favorites on Parise seem to be the Devils, Red Wings, and his hometown Wild.

https://twitter.com/AGrossRecord/status/212940238744600577

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Draft Profile: Ryan Murray

Next up we will look at 6'1 200 pound defenseman Ryan Murray.

Murray who is arguably the most NHL ready defenseman in the draft grew up patterning his game after former Devil and Duck Hall of Fame defenseman Scott Niedermayer. 

BJ Macdonald of NHL central scouting says Ryan is the best skater in the WHL.  Evidently, Murray did a good job patterning his game after Niedermayer because the young defenseman draws a lot of comparisons to the Hall of Famer to be because of his sound defensive play and his fantastic positioning.

Murray is also lauded for his character and leadership skills which is something we all know that the Islanders really look for in perspective draft picks.  Murray has been the captains of his hockey teams since he was ten years old minus this years WJC team so being a leader is something he is certainly familiar with.

Although the Islanders dont have a tendency to pick defenseman in the first round they would be hard pressed to pass up on this young man assuming he is still available.


image taken from: http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/787/586/136704580_display_image.jpg?1326290465

Isles Name Brent Thompson Assistant Coach!

Update: According to Arthur Staple Thompson hasn't officially been named to the staff.  However, he is expected to be in the near future and was a main target from the beginning.

https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/210513236250996736

If you remember, back in April it was announced that the Islanders would be turning over the staff for next season a little bit which included letting the assistant coaches go.  Well today one of those vacancies were filled when Bridgeport Head Coach Brent Thompson was named an assistant coach for the Islanders for the 2012/2013 NHL season.

Thompson had a good season with the Tigers last year leading them to the playoffs before being swept out by the Whale in the first round.  Given that, coach Thompson was praised by all his players and with the large contingent of Bridgeport players that are expected to be on the roster this season this move came as little shock to me. 

Now the question I am wondering is who the other assistant coach will be, or if they will even hire one.