Yesterday Eklund posted on his blog that the Islanders had sent out emails to agents informing them that if they had any unsigned players that they would be welcome to come to camp on Long Island. In wording that would normally be associated with something I would say, Eklund further went on to call that tactic a potentially brilliant move by GM Garth Snow.
I contacted the Isles GM to see if indeed this was true, and to also let him know that my pseudo boss was pumping up his tires a little. After we both got a chuckle out of it, he told me that yes, there would be “try-out” players at camp but it was too early to tell how many.
At about 3 pm today, Kevin Allen from USA Today Tweeted out the same information adding that it was a good way to find bargains. While the Kovalchuk caper may be to blame for a lull in the free agent market right now, this "invite" thing is standard practice. Many excellent, role players have been added to team rosters (including the Islanders') though training camp invites. There just may be a few more players available this September than normal.
The consensus seems to be the Islanders are missing a top-six forward. Whether they find one through invitation or otherwise – they just better find one. That is even IF Kirill Kabanov (Kirill 2010) makes the squad. They need more fire power to find the back of the net.
It is no secret that 18-year-old Kabanov is enjoying life on Long Island until after training camp is over and his fate is decided. I can only hope that he is being well looked after. Unlike John Tavares, who came to this Island and found a loving, nurturing environment in the Weight household, I’m guessing little Kirill needs a stronger hand to kick him in the butt and keep him in line while he is so far from home.
Speaking of Doug Weight, in a conversation I had earlier this week, it was indicated to me that his new contract should be finalized some time next week. I’m hoping I can get to speak with him sometime after he signs on the dotted line. You can DM me if there is anything specific you’d like me to ask. Oh, and the Islanders are well above the cap floor but certainly have enough wiggle room to fit an elephant.
Tomorrow I will pose a question to the crowd; something I heard on XM radio yesterday as I was driving home. It really is a coach’s question about how much is too much -- as in playing time.
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