Just because he's a number one on our team doesn't mean he's worth 5 million per yr. That's an over payment especially the way he's been playing.
- Cptmjl

No way I'd extend Streit more than 2 years. At 35 years of age his best hockey is behind him and with his skills beginning to diminish, his poor puck decisions and lack of defensive play will become more and more evident. Through next year he's still capable of being a top 4 dman on our team (that's more of a knock on the Isles than compliment for Streit), but after that he's probably a 5-6 who can log pp minutes.

Viznovsky is the wild card here. If he can have a Nabby like change of heart, Streit becomes completely expendable.

Every day we get closer to 2015 makes it more likely we see some loosening of the purse strings...hopefully.
- keaner17

2015 is still a long way off. Isles should be spending now. They do not have to go crazy but adding a player like O'Reilly that can really help the team and can benefit Wang regarless of if he keeps the team or not. I cannot see a potential owner saying you spend money on O'Reilly I'm not interested in your team.

No way I'd extend Streit more than 2 years. At 35 years of age his best hockey is behind him and with his skills beginning to diminish, his poor puck decisions and lack of defensive play will become more and more evident. Through next year he's still capable of being a top 4 dman on our team (that's more of a knock on the Isles than compliment for Streit), but after that he's probably a 5-6 who can log pp minutes.

Viznovsky is the wild card here. If he can have a Nabby like change of heart, Streit becomes completely expendable.
- keaner17

Keaner17 do you worry if the Isles extend Streit that is a sign they will again have a quite offseason?

2015 is still a long way off. Isles should be spending now. They do not have to go crazy but adding a player like O'Reilly that can really help the team and can benefit Wang regarless of if he keeps the team or not. I cannot see a potential owner saying you spend money on O'Reilly I'm not interested in your team.
- ses111

Well, it's tough for me to comment too far on that since I still don't believe there's a snowball's chance in hell he sells within the next 4-5 years if at all. That said, it's two seasons away at this point and as someone wisely pointed out here, it would be a good idea to go into that inaugural season with some momentum.

Well, it's tough for me to comment too far on that since I still don't believe there's a snowball's chance in hell he sells within the next 4-5 years if at all. That said, it's two seasons away at this point and as someone wisely pointed out here, it would be a good idea to go into that inaugural season with some momentum.
- keaner17

I think many people have said they should go into that inaugural season with some momentum. I would hope there is a chance the Isles can play in Brooklyn starting next year. I know there has been some talk.

Keaner17 do you worry if the Isles extend Streit that is a sign they will again have a quite offseason?
- ses111

Well, I don't think if they didn't sign him that we could necessarily say it's a sign they're going to spend more. Afterall, we could make the argument that they're just letting him walk to save cash. If they do resign him, it becomes an interesting clubhouse issue since I think the 'C' MUST got to JT at this point. I can't imagine it would be a great feeling for Streit to be walking around with the shadow of a 'C' on his jersey.

I guess the amount might give us a clue. I will say this, while I still contend that there are a few factors outside of the organizations success rate that have prevented UFA's from coming here, everytime JT has a night like last night, other players are going to stand and take notice at this team and a few may be more receptive to playing with a guy like Tavares. This is why I hope Charles doesn't corner himself with a contract on an expiring talent like Streit.

Well, I don't think if they didn't sign him that we could necessarily say it's a sign they're going to spend more. Afterall, we could make the argument that they're just letting him walk to save cash. If they do resign him, it becomes an interesting clubhouse issue since I think the 'C' MUST got to JT at this point. I can't imagine it would be a great feeling for Streit to be walking around with the shadow of a 'C' on his jersey.

I guess the amount might give us a clue. I will say this, while I still contend that there are a few factors outside of the organizations success rate that have prevented UFA's from coming here, everytime JT has a night like last night, other players are going to stand and take notice at this team and a few may be more receptive to playing with a guy like Tavares. This is why I hope Charles doesn't corner himself with a contract on an expiring talent like Streit.
- keaner17

If I have to I can live with giving him another year. No more. Isles cannot get tied up with vets like Streit. How much longer can Donovan be kept in Bridge? If we bring back Streit and keep Amac who goes? I'm very happy the Isles won two straight but I do not want people getting crazy thinking all is right with the team. I really would hope other players would want to play on a team with JT. With JT and going to Brooklyn and the young talent you have to think guys should be starting to take notice. Making the playoffs would really help. Wang and Snow bringing in O'Reilly would send a great message.

yeah, why?
- potvin05

can't tell sometimes in this board

If I have to I can live with giving him another year. No more. Isles cannot get tied up with vets like Streit. How much longer can Donovan be kept in Bridge? If we bring back Streit and keep Amac who goes? I'm very happy the Isles won two straight but I do not want people getting crazy thinking all is right with the team. I really would hope other players would want to play on a team with JT. With JT and going to Brooklyn and the young talent you have to think guys should be starting to take notice. Making the playoffs would really help. Wang and Snow bringing in O'Reilly would send a great message.
- ses111

I don't think O'Reilly is a likely option. Strome is waiting in the wings to join the team and I think he likely will get that shot for next year. Nelson may be another year or two away but that's yet another center coming in. In addition, Cizikas will be there with Nielsen. We'll actually have a log jam of centers over the next few years.
In addition, next years free agent crop is sick. I think it's highly unlikely the Isles try to trade for someone like O'Reilly when you have guys like Joe Thornton, Stastny, Gaborak, Heatley, Malkin etc. Obviously most of these guy will likely work out their post CBA extensions but if the Isles actually do try to take on some payroll, they can do so without giving up any picks or prospects.

can't tell sometimes in this board
- NYI78

I thought this thread wasn't indicative of that, that's why I asked.

As far as the money...I agree with keaner, I think its a definite possibility we'd increase our spenditures if we're competitive. I think the money is there to spend, we certainly have the cap space. If anything it would possibly increase the value of the club.

It was an offer similar to Moulson and Grabners offer. Sorry but I don't see how PA deserved more money than Moulson. I definitely think it was a severe screw up to not have traded him when PA's agent broke off contract discussions, though word at the time was there was little to no interest in trading for him. Maybe we were asking too much? That said, they never allowed the Isles to match Colorado's offer. The moment Joe Sakic called PA to tell him how big of a piece he could be in Colorado, he left with stars in his eyes. I'm not happy we lost PA but I don't see him as a 4 year $16 million player and certainly not a 67-70 point per season player. PA was on his way to being a career AHLer until the Isles plucked him and gave him a shot to play with a budding elite talent. Rather than stay at a hometown discount, he bolted for the big payday. Can't blame PA from a financial standpoint, but I'd boo him in a second when he visits.
- keaner17

Why?

No way I'd extend Streit more than 2 years. At 35 years of age his best hockey is behind him and with his skills beginning to diminish, his poor puck decisions and lack of defensive play will become more and more evident. Through next year he's still capable of being a top 4 dman on our team (that's more of a knock on the Isles than compliment for Streit), but after that he's probably a 5-6 who can log pp minutes.

Viznovsky is the wild card here. If he can have a Nabby like change of heart, Streit becomes completely expendable.
- keaner17

exactly my point no need to over spend on someone who is not worth it. If you're only going to spend to the floor put the money else where. For those that think Wang is going to suddenly start spending I'll ask you why? All of a sudden? Come on guys, stop fooling yourselves.

exactly my point no need to over spend on someone who is not worth it. If you're only going to spend to the floor put the money else where. For those that think Wang is going to suddenly start spending I'll ask you why? All of a sudden? Come on guys, stop fooling yourselves.
- Cptmjl

I agree with you for the most part. He did sign Peca and Yashin and did try to sign Ryan Smyth long term, so if were in a good position he may lay the cash out. I'm not holding my breath though.

Why?
- Cptmjl

Because just like any player who is traded here and refuses to play for us, I have no interest in standing and applauding someone who gave the finger to the team. While Garth screwed up by not getting a trade for PA, it was PA who decided to cut off contract negotiations and then took the highest dollar to get out of here as fast as he could. So rather than show his appreciation to the team that saved his career, he took off. Like I say, from a financial standpoint I get that, but from a team standpoint, F-him

exactly my point no need to over spend on someone who is not worth it. If you're only going to spend to the floor put the money else where. For those that think Wang is going to suddenly start spending I'll ask you why? All of a sudden? Come on guys, stop fooling yourselves.
- Cptmjl

Wang has shown that he would spend in the past but without question he's taken a No Frills approach over the last two years. I wouldn't bet on it either way, but since we are approaching one of the best free agent crops in over a decade, I'd say IF Wang wants to make this team an instant contender and create a huge buzz as he approaches the Barclay era, this is the time to do it.

Because just like any player who is traded here and refuses to play for us, I have no interest in standing and applauding someone who gave the finger to the team. While Garth screwed up by not getting a trade for PA, it was PA who decided to cut off contract negotiations and then took the highest dollar to get out of here as fast as he could. So rather than show his appreciation to the team that saved his career, he took off. Like I say, from a financial standpoint I get that, but from a team standpoint, F-him
- keaner17

I have a hard time disagreeing with this.

I have few friends who are Rangers fans, who's opinions I greatly respect, and they're like, "you're sweating PA Parenteau??" I'm not trying to take away the fact he was a productive player for us but they're kinda right, too. Would he help this year's team? Of course. Could you say that in 2 years? 3 years? ......

I have a hard time disagreeing with this.

I have few friends who are Rangers fans, who's opinions I greatly respect, and they're like, "you're sweating PA Parenteau??" I'm not trying to take away the fact he was a productive player for us but they're kinda right, too. Would he help this year's team? Of course. Could you say that in 2 years? 3 years? ......
- potvin05

My only problem is Snow did not trade PA. PA breaking off talks should have been a clear sign to trade him. We can blame Wang for many things by Snow has to know when to keep guys and when to move guys at this point. He have been GM for long enough to not make these types of mistakes. Let's see how he handles this year deadline.

I don't think O'Reilly is a likely option. Strome is waiting in the wings to join the team and I think he likely will get that shot for next year. Nelson may be another year or two away but that's yet another center coming in. In addition, Cizikas will be there with Nielsen. We'll actually have a log jam of centers over the next few years.
In addition, next years free agent crop is sick. I think it's highly unlikely the Isles try to trade for someone like O'Reilly when you have guys like Joe Thornton, Stastny, Gaborak, Heatley, Malkin etc. Obviously most of these guy will likely work out their post CBA extensions but if the Isles actually do try to take on some payroll, they can do so without giving up any picks or prospects.
- keaner17

I'm completely sure Garth will find a way to screw things up and then will talk about all the great prospects we have and how they will be used to trade for the imaginary players he dreams about. Then, at the end of summer will come the announcement that Sim gets an invite to camp....along with Satan, Yash & Martinek.

My only problem is Snow did not trade PA. PA breaking off talks should have been a clear sign to trade him. We can blame Wang for many things by Snow has to know when to keep guys and when to move guys at this point. He have been GM for long enough to not make these types of mistakes. Let's see how he handles this year deadline.
- ses111

Agreed. And I think this is why contract negotiations have started early with Streit. That said, word was that there was virtually no interest shown by other teams in PA. Now obviously we can only speculate why, but I'm guessing Snow felt that PA and his camp would reopen discussions after the season and ultimately decide to stay with the Isles. That assertion was obviously wrong. I think the trade market stayed sort of slow going into the playoffs because of the pending CBA and teams were reluctant to trade picks.

Snow definitely dropped the ball, but to what degree I don't know.

I'm completely sure Garth will find a way to screw things up and then will talk about all the great prospects we have and how they will be used to trade for the imaginary players he dreams about. Then, at the end of summer will come the announcement that Sim gets an invite to camp....along with Satan, Yash & Martinek.
- jmo16

Whelp, past history certainly would indicate that's what we should expect. Of course we didn't have Barclays on the horizon last time around. This team finally has a 1st class venue to pitch (despite being 2 years away) and the opportunity to play with the leagues next best player.

I'm completely sure Garth will find a way to screw things up and then will talk about all the great prospects we have and how they will be used to trade for the imaginary players he dreams about. Then, at the end of summer will come the announcement that Sim gets an invite to camp....along with Satan, Yash & Martinek.
- jmo16

If Snow manages another lousy offseason even the biggest Snow fans are going to have a problem defending him. This trade deadline coming up is another huge test for Snow.

Agreed. And I think this is why contract negotiations have started early with Streit. That said, word was that there was virtually no interest shown by other teams in PA. Now obviously we can only speculate why, but I'm guessing Snow felt that PA and his camp would reopen discussions after the season and ultimately decide to stay with the Isles. That assertion was obviously wrong. I think the trade market stayed sort of slow going into the playoffs because of the pending CBA and teams were reluctant to trade picks.

Snow definitely dropped the ball, but to what degree I don't know.
- keaner17

I have a hard time believing there was not a decent market for PA. Teams are always looking to add more offense. From all evidence Snow has a real problem making trades. I seriously think the Smyth trade screwed with his head.

If Snow manages another lousy offseason even the biggest Snow fans are going to have a problem defending him. This trade deadline coming up is another huge test for Snow.
- ses111

Like him. Don't like him. It won't matter, he's Wang's puppet. He's not going anywhere.

If Snow manages another lousy offseason even the biggest Snow fans are going to have a problem defending him. This trade deadline coming up is another huge test for Snow.
- ses111

I think Snow is going to have a lot of questions to answer and deserves plenty of heat from the press regardless of how much fault he deserves. The fact of the matter is we've reached the end of year 5. If we don't manage to at least slide into a playoff spot, Snow needs to address why the proper steps weren't taken and why this team ultimately failed it's goal for a fifth consecutive year.

We all know that there won't be any accountability from Wang after this year, but the heat should be turned up by the public. I've constantly said that folks need to remember this is a completely different type of rebuild that would be slower than your typical five year fix-it, but that doesn't mean the GM shouldn't be held accountable.

Because just like any player who is traded here and refuses to play for us, I have no interest in standing and applauding someone who gave the finger to the team. While Garth screwed up by not getting a trade for PA, it was PA who decided to cut off contract negotiations and then took the highest dollar to get out of here as fast as he could. So rather than show his appreciation to the team that saved his career, he took off. Like I say, from a financial standpoint I get that, but from a team standpoint, F-him
- keaner17

That definitely is not the right terminology to describe why he left the team. He didn't refuse to play for us, we didn't offer as much as another team. Don't blame him. Visnovsky is a good example of someone who refused to play for us(I am aware he is playing now). PA not so much. Though i won't applaud the guy I wouldn't boo him either. I just don't understand the hate some of the guys have on here for him.