I think Okposo has shown decent chemistry with Frans and Grabs over the last couple of years. I'd probably suggest for the time being that he's best off there.
- keaner17

I think he is a player searching for an identity. He is NOT a scorer, He is NOT a checker. HE is NOT a PK guy. He is not a PP guy. He is NOT a banger what the Frank is he good for.

As for Streit. I'm not really sure where he should fit in in the overall scheme of things. I think as an All Star and team captain, he'd bring a decent return in a trade scenario but for a team very short on experienced/talented dmen, we'd probably be better served to hang on to him. Like Frans, Streit is being asked to fill a role he's not cut out for. He's a capable puck handler with decent offensive upside but severely lacking in his own zone. I think that skillset will make him expendable in another year or two since we have a few guys in our system who not only fit that mold but are just about NHL ready. You could even see a glimpse of that in Hickey who was projected in the draft as a PP qb.

With all that said, I'd be happy to keep Mark in a #3 or #4 dman role for a few years. Just not numero uno.

I think he is a player searching for an identity. He is NOT a scorer, He is NOT a checker. HE is NOT a PK guy. He is not a PP guy. He is NOT a banger what the Frank is he good for.
- bixll

You are right. He really doesn't have an identity. That's why I say either trade him or put him on the third line and hope he pots 10-20 goals a year, this way he's contributing in some capacity. I'd say with Grabs and Nielsen bcs he had some success there but they are playing nicely without him. Once Bailey comes back give him a long look on the first line and squeeze Okposo into the third slot.

I think he is a player searching for an identity. He is NOT a scorer, He is NOT a checker. HE is NOT a PK guy. He is not a PP guy. He is NOT a banger what the Frank is he good for.
- bixll

I think he can be a scorer. He has a nice shot and release, but desperately needs to improve his skating. I always say that Jagr would have been a great mentor for him. We had a great example last night of just what Kyle needs to learn. If you heard the announcers talking about Crosby gliding, legs wide, and protecting the puck. This is exactly what I've been saying Kyle needs to do. If he can find a center of balance that makes him more difficult to knock off the puck, he instantly becomes a far more dangerous player.

I think he can be a scorer. He has a nice shot and release, but desperately needs to improve his skating. I always say that Jagr would have been a great mentor for him. We had a great example last night of just what Kyle needs to learn. If you heard the announcers talking about Crosby gliding, legs wide, and protecting the puck. This is exactly what I've been saying Kyle needs to do. If he can find a center of balance that makes him more difficult to knock off the puck, he instantly becomes a far more dangerous player.
- keaner17

The problem with his shot and release especially noticable lately is that it's not quick. It's telegraphed to every opposing player including the goalie what he's doing. Problem with alot of players transitioning from junior to the big leagues. Could be a confidence thing, timing, etc? Everytime he takes a shot it's a full body experience for him with Okposo falling down on the upswing

I think he can be a scorer. He has a nice shot and release, but desperately needs to improve his skating. I always say that Jagr would have been a great mentor for him. We had a great example last night of just what Kyle needs to learn. If you heard the announcers talking about Crosby gliding, legs wide, and protecting the puck. This is exactly what I've been saying Kyle needs to do. If he can find a center of balance that makes him more difficult to knock off the puck, he instantly becomes a far more dangerous player.
- keaner17

If he has not shown that scoring touchto this point, I don't see him finding it all of a sudden, typically you have it or no..

The problem with his shot and release especially noticable lately is that it's not quick. It's telegraphed to every opposing player including the goalie what he's doing. Problem with alot of players transitioning from junior to the big leagues. Could be a confidence thing, timing, etc? Everytime he takes a shot it's a full body experience for him with Okposo falling down on the upswing
- Cptmjl

I read your first sentence and already had the response in mind...so did you as it's highlighted in bold. He looks to me like someone who feels overwhelmed by the tightness of the game and is just doing anything he can to get the shot off.
His skating is so bad I'm just amazed that the Isles found time to turn Tim Jackman into a decent skater a few years ago but saw no need to improve KO?

As for Streit. I'm not really sure where he should fit in in the overall scheme of things. I think as an All Star and team captain, he'd bring a decent return in a trade scenario but for a team very short on experienced/talented dmen, we'd probably be better served to hang on to him. Like Frans, Streit is being asked to fill a role he's not cut out for. He's a capable puck handler with decent offensive upside but severely lacking in his own zone. I think that skillset will make him expendable in another year or two since we have a few guys in our system who not only fit that mold but are just about NHL ready. You could even see a glimpse of that in Hickey who was projected in the draft as a PP qb.

With all that said, I'd be happy to keep Mark in a #3 or #4 dman role for a few years. Just not numero uno.
- keaner17

I think by the end of the year... if not sooner, Hamonic will be the #1 dman on the Isles. And the way Strait has played, when Vis comes back I think the Isles top 5 dmen will be pretty solid...

Hamonic-MacDonald
Streit-Strait
Visnovsky-Hickey/Carkner

I think by the end of the year... if not sooner, Hamonic will be the #1 dman on the Isles. And the way Strait has played, when Vis comes back I think the Isles top 5 dmen will be pretty solid...

Hamonic-MacDonald
Streit-Strait
Visnovsky-Hickey/Carkner
- Bags502

No matter how much i hate the idea of Vis playing on this team he will add a nice element and some points from the point to this team. With that said I still do not want him putting on an Isles sweater. These guys are for the most part playing "balls to the wall" . I don't want this guy coming in that obviously doesn't want to play with them. (frank) Vis. It's a matter of having a little pride in the team, something that this orginization lacks.

I read your first sentence and already had the response in mind...so did you as it's highlighted in bold. He looks to me like someone who feels overwhelmed by the tightness of the game and is just doing anything he can to get the shot off.
His skating is so bad I'm just amazed that the Isles found time to turn Tim Jackman into a decent skater a few years ago but saw no need to improve KO?
- keaner17

Yes quick editing job

I have been one of Okposo's biggest critics on these message boards for the past two years and I am glad some of you are finally waking up to the mess he is as a player, but his value is dropping fast and we signed him to an extension so hopefully Islanders make a move soon. Won't take the body, doesn't want to get hit, doesn't stick up for teammates, scores when there is no pressure etc. Has no business being on 1st line obviously, but his ability/talent has been very evident for a while. Wish Garth could see what everybody else does. Fact that KO had to see a sports psychologist in the offseason should have been red flag for Islanders imo as the pressure is not going to get easier, it is only going to intensify

I have been one of Okposo's biggest critics on these message boards for the past two years and I am glad some of you are finally waking up to the mess he is as a player, but his value is dropping fast and we signed him to an extension so hopefully Islanders make a move soon. Won't take the body, doesn't want to get hit, doesn't stick up for teammates, scores when there is no pressure etc. Has no business being on 1st line obviously, but his ability/talent has been very evident for a while. Wish Garth could see what everybody else does. Fact that KO had to see a sports psychologist in the offseason should have been red flag for Islanders imo as the pressure is not going to get easier, it is only going to intensify
- the ceez

I think most were hoping he'd round out over time? I never had lofty expectations for him, never saw as much as other people I guess? He's not the best skater, passer, etc. 3rd line or trade, we don't need a player that puts up points once we're out of it.

No matter how much i hate the idea of Vis playing on this team he will add a nice element and some points from the point to this team. With that said I still do not want him putting on an Isles sweater. These guys are for the most part playing "balls to the wall" . I don't want this guy coming in that obviously doesn't want to play with them. (frank) Vis. It's a matter of having a little pride in the team, something that this orginization lacks.
- Cptmjl

As much as I agree with you... He will add another offensive threat from the dmen. Havent watched much of him but I heard he is better then Streit on the offensive side... If thats true then our PP has potential to be top 5.

As much as I agree with you... He will add another offensive threat from the dmen. Havent watched much of him but I heard he is better then Streit on the offensive side... If thats true then our PP has potential to be top 5.
- Bags502

I agree, he will definitely add to the team but I'm reluctant none the less. From what I understand which is honestly not much when it comes to him he is an excellent offensive Dman. His numbers are great. I just hate putting that element(not wanting to play here and Bs'ing his way out of coming,etc) on this team when most of these guys are out there busting their a$$es for us. Just doesn't sit well with me and it shouldn't with management. Rather than borderline begging the guy to come here use him as an example.

Who is Zach Boychuk ? Just put on waivers...Islanders liked him when he was in juniors...

I agree, he will definitely add to the team but I'm reluctant none the less. From what I understand which is honestly not much when it comes to him he is an excellent offensive Dman. His numbers are great. I just hate putting that element(not wanting to play here and Bs'ing his way out of coming,etc) on this team when most of these guys are out there busting their a$$es for us. Just doesn't sit well with me and it shouldn't with management. Rather than borderline begging the guy to come here use him as an example.
- Cptmjl

But like Weight has said in the past that the negative conotation of coming to the Island and playing for the Islanders is there but once they get here they realize that its the opposite... I mean Nabokov had the same outlook and his opinion changed so much that he re-signed here so who knows... Maybe he will absolutley love Long Island once he gets here (if he gets here.) But I agree, its hard to reward a player with a spot when he has done everything not to be here and take a spot away from a guy who is working his @ss off... But superior skill will outweigh hustle especially if he is producing.

But like Weight has said in the past that the negative conotation of coming to the Island and playing for the Islanders is there but once they get here they realize that its the opposite... I mean Nabokov had the same outlook and his opinion changed so much that he re-signed here so who knows... Maybe he will absolutley love Long Island once he gets here (if he gets here.) But I agree, its hard to reward a player with a spot when he has done everything not to be here and take a spot away from a guy who is working his @ss off... But superior skill will outweigh hustle especially if he is producing.
- Bags502

I cvould understand both opinions on this one. On one hand if this team continues playing the way they are he could add alot, dare I say enough to make them competitive consistently. On the other hand he could be a cancer and disrupt everything? He'll be playing unless he wants to get his contract tolled so I guess we'll find out.

Who is Zach Boychuk ? Just put on waivers...Islanders liked him when he was in juniors...
- kear20

Thought he was going to work out for them/him, wouldn't be shocked if we picked him up. I remember when he was drafted and the consensus was pretty good. Another first rounder!

I cvould understand both opinions on this one. On one hand if this team continues playing the way they are he could add alot, dare I say enough to make them competitive consistently. On the other hand he could be a cancer and disrupt everything? He'll be playing unless he wants to get his contract tolled so I guess we'll find out.
- Cptmjl

Would also be a nice addition for a team at the deadline if the Isles drop out.

Would also be a nice addition for a team at the deadline if the Isles drop out.
- Bags502

absolutely. Got him for a second if he plays good/great we might be able to squeeze a high first out of someone? Who knows? All hypothetical

Well he is a former first round pick.... so I am guessing Garth's first round pick waiver wire alert just went off in his office.

boychuk.. (the other one).. to the Islanders .. imminent.
- niteislander

Colin Mcdonald gets 2 games....
Phenouf is still waiting for his phone call / hearing on his Tavares hit...

NHL is a joke... Wasnt even that bad a hit, should of happened and Mcdonald has to be smarter but I thought it should of been a 4min double minor for boarding at most.

That statue will become known as the Curse of the Chief! Pitt will never win another championship so long as the Chief is mocked in that statue!
- Jethro09

I love it

Colin Mcdonald gets 2 games....
Phenouf is still waiting for his phone call / hearing on his Tavares hit...

NHL is a joke... Wasnt even that bad a hit, should of happened and Mcdonald has to be smarter but I thought it should of been a 4min double minor for boarding at most.
- Bags502

I'm the other way. I thought Mcdonalds hit last night was much worse then Dion's hit on JT. I thought he would get 1 game but I can't complain about the ruling

I'm not sure if this was brought up but I'd like to put Frans in a package for Ryan O'Reilly.