With little news coming out of the NHL let alone out of Long Island I have already started to look ahead to training camp. Until camp starts in September there are still a lot of roster questions that have to be answered. The Islanders have a surplus of forwards on one way contracts and they also have too many dman as well. I do still believe there will be a trade before camp starts. However if no trade occurs, which I still believe is unlikely, then this year’s training camp is going to be a dogfight for roster spots.
For the first time in years the Isles actually have numerous options and legitimate depth available at the forward position. However they still need to add a reliable defenseman. This is why I believe a trade has to happen. I am fully confident that Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome will make this team. I also expect Anders Lee making it impossible for the Isles to send him back to Bridgeport. Then it becomes a numbers game with the bottom six forwards.
Colin McDonald could be sent to Bridgeport and I would expect he would clear waivers. He would actually add a nice veteran presence to the Sound Tigers. When McDonald was in Bridgeport during the past lockout he was the captain of the team and I fully expect he could provide leadership to the kids in the AHL. I understand the need for Eric Boulton, but with Brett Gallant on the Sound Tigers, Boulton could be waived and Gallant could be called up when needed.
I think once the arbitration process is over for many cap strapped teams we are going to see some player movement leading up to the beginning of training camp. This is where Islanders' General Manager Garth Snow needs to find a team in need of cap relief. He could move a forward and address the defense. While I think this team is much improved, I’m not ready to call them a playoff team without an addition to their blue line.
Right now, the trade winds are at a standstill. Yes teams are talking, however all the chatter that circled the free agent period has come to a screeching halt. I was told by one source that, it will pick up with a vengeance once these teams find out how arbitration hurts their cap situation. As always, for more on all things hockey please give me a follow on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.
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