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INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW: What's the deal with Brendan Witt? |
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When Brendan Witt signed an extension over the summer, some, including myself, wondered if it was to lock a player who had originally come here to play under Ted Nolan up before they shed that same coach later on. Nolan was toast, and most knew it: Botta, Logan, and even myself were all writing about it.
Instead, it seems that Witt might have had issues between himself and Nolan and while there was internal combustion between the coach, players and GM, Witt stood tall and had a strong year as a shutdown dman. Thus, when Snow thought about rebuilding, he wanted that same player to be a key cog on the defense under a new coach and system.
Unfortunately, Witt has seemed an odd man out in that system. This might be due to previous injury that might have slowed him down a tad. But my theory in what is likely more at issue is Witt's own disillusionment with his own role and fit. Due to this he has had a spiritual and playing dip ever since.
When Witt wanted out in Washington, his play dropped steadily. It is that warrior mentality, all or nothing. He battles when he is comfortable, but things fall apart when he feels isolated and alone. My guess here is the simple issue of belief. And when that wavers in system, role and self, the play plummets.
To be a battler and be a warrior, you have to believe in something bigger than yourself. When you give up your body and take a speeding puck, there needs to be something filling your soul. Witt seems lost, spiritually and emotionally right now.
When Garth Snow chose coach Scott Gordon, the priority was to develop kids and make them NHL players. That the rebuild was all about cultivating talent within a system and that system creating a winner down the line. With that priority, some players will find themselves on the outside looking in (Jon Sim and Bruno Gervais), and others thriving (Andy Hilbert and Doug Weight). Fact is that a new system and set of priorities by its very nature is something that is radical and will create change. That change might be some players futures playing elsewhere.
By making deals to move a player like Witt, the Isles actually can contribute more to the rebuild priority. Adam Foote, a player much like Witt, cost the Colorado Avs a 1st round pick last season. As the pressure mounts and teams jockey for position and advantage in the playoffs, a player like Witt is a commodity that many should be seeking. It will require patience and sticking to a line for Garth to get maximum value for him and any others who might be for sale.
With players like Trevor Smith, Jeremy Colliton, Jack Hillen and others all vying for NHL spots soon, it makes it very interesting to who will stay and go on this years NY Islanders.
"Weighting" on Weight and other news
Speaking of trade value, per John Jeansonne of Newsday, Doug Weight is out from 2 to 4 weeks.
Meanwhile, Frans Nielsen and Nate Thompson are expected back in the lineup Tuesday versus the Rangers.
Word is the Rick DiPietro is likely not available for Tuesday's game versus the Rangers. Expect another Joey MacDonald start with Yann Danis backing up.
Sibling Rivalry Returns!
Stay tuned tomorrow AM for a new installment of Sibling Rivalry as my Ranger blog writing brother and I get into it over goalies, contracts, standing and other muck.
Stay tuned tomorrow NIGHT for Sibling Rivalry: LIVE BLOG where will be the usual free-for-all of trash talk and hockey acumen as the Isles play the Rangers at the Coliseum.
- BD
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