Thanks to always on the job, Art Staple of Newsday for finally getting a story regarding Visnovsky's pending defection to the KHL that I can TRUST!
Since late last night I have been trying to get a few answers of my own but failed dismally. But just now the Twitter message I have been waiting for has come from Art Staple.
"Just got off the phone w/#Isles D Lubomir Visnovsky. Ready to come to camp and play. "This is my first choice, to play for the Islanders."
Seems the other quotes were before his trade to the Isles and it blew up the internet.
To all those detractors of the Isles that say "no one wants to play here," I say "byte me." Nabokov lost a year because he didn't think he was ready. He played for the organization and decided he wanted to stay. He wanted to stay so badly, he wanted a no trade clause. Is that someone who doesn't like how he is treated? No.
Visnovsky's intereview over the phone immediately after the trade was announced did sound a little "surprised." But I'm guessing he was. I'm also sure that as so many other NHLers are, he is concerned about the NHLPA meetings next week in Chicago. Should there be another work stoppage in the NHL, they are looking to hedge their bets and the KHL is looking to capitalize on the fear and throwing big money at players to defect.
Meanwhile, the NHL is running a little ahead of schedule with their "business as usual." Prospect camps are starting early, the schedule is finalized and released and tickets are being sold. The season, for the NHL, has already started. Why put a halt to it?
Visnovsky would not be able to play for another NHL team should he defect to Europe while he is under contract. As long as camp starts in the NHL, he'll be there -- in blue, white and orange.
Sidenote: I am very happy with the selection of defensemen that the Isles made on day 2 of the draft. I am sorry I didn't write, but my daughter graduated high school so I was preoccupied. One of the first things I can say about this new crop of prospects is -- I better get higher heels.
Also: Nice work by Kevin Schultz on his piece regarding QO's the Islanders need to make by tomorrow. Even with links to explanations. Nice work!
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2012/06/islanders-have-until-tomorrow-to-make-qualifying-offers/
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