The NY Islanders are not a team that likes to make headlines when it comes to Free Agency. They make ripples. But then again, "Sprinkles" are not rocks they tend not to make waves. And as Garth Snow always likes to say (and I always cringe) he may "sprinkle in some free agents" to assist the core that they are developing.

So while size was the issue last season, suppose he decided to give Scott Gordon nothing BUT size? I went looking at the UFAs in the defense pool and discounted all the names I was most familiar with. That left me with three possibilities that I thought may have potential.

Willie Mitchell: Although he comes with a hefty price tag of $3.5 million, the 6'3" 208 lb D from Port McNeill BC was a +13 last season with Vancouver in 48 games.

Toni Lydman: He's 32, 6'1" and 210 lbs. Big boy. He earned 20 points in 67 games and was a +10 for Buffalo. His paycheck information wouldn't have to change, but he too comes with a salary over the $3 million mark. Of course the Islanders can afford it, but do they want to spend it?

Mark Eaton: My favorite in this list because I had no idea who he was. But at 6'2" 204 and 33 years old, maybe he'd be a good fit. In 79 games for Pittsburgh he earned 16 points and was a +5. Oh, and he only made $2 million. That may be an easier number for the Islanders to handle.

When it came to forwards, I wasn't sure. I know so many fans are hot on bringing Eric Nystrom into the fold. Certainly seeing the name "Nystrom" emblazened on the back of those new retro jerseys would be heartwarming. But is Eric as good as Bobby? Will the pressure be too much for him? Certainly he would be reasonably price. Last season he scored 11 goals and 8 assists but the season prior he was a -7 with 10 points. This is a tough one.

So how about someone who could play LW or RW and is huge? Brad Winchester is 29 and 6'5" and 231 lbs. I didn't know buildings could skate. In 64 games for St. Louis he earned only 8 points but he had 108 PIMs. Can you say bad ass?

Now of course the Goalie situation on Long Island has been one of contention since Rick DiPietro exclaimed over the PA system "I blew out my **** Hip!" at an All-Star game. It's pretty evident Marty Biron does not want to be in the same situation he was in last season and has chosen to try the market. The question becomes rolling the dice on with unproven goaltenders, a 40-year-old veteran and a rehabbing star or taking a safe bet and paying for a second proven netminder just as an insurance policy.

During the NHL Awards ceremony I wondered about Jose Theodore coming to the Island. I was told I was pretty much a moron for that one. So I did a little research and come up with Patrick Lalime. At 35 he played only 16 games for Buffalo and had 4 wins and 8 losses. Not great especially for $1,000,000 even. So, maybe taking that into consideration and the fact that he wouldn't have to re-register his car, he'd live with the uncertainty of playing or sitting in the press box while the Islanders give Rick DiPietro ample time to prove himself.

So those are my off-the-wall thoughts for tomorrow, none of which will happen but they are food for thought.

And probably a few laughs.

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