Id like a bigger winger, but PAP worked, the line worked, the line was getting better and better... it could have gelled for another season... PAP could have been kept until that better option was brought in..IF it is ever brought in. PAP showed he could play on the second line as well & its a pretty good guess that he would have been magical on Strome's wing (if/when we get that power forward)

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

this debate is 2 years old...move on. pap is gone. he was a plug that took the money and ran. isles have plenty of prospects/$ to either fill the hole, use to trade, or buy that its beyond ridiculous that this is still being discussed

the worst part about PA is his on ice attitude. He took a lot of dumb penalties and opponents easily would get in his head causing him to be "tough" and missing defensive plays. Great player. but we need more rounded players with a different style to play with JT
- Danformo

define "Great"

I've noticed. You an LetsGoIsles seem to have a thing for him . Frans is a smart hockey player pretty defines it. Last season was not his best year nor the season before hopefully we see something different this year? I just think he's more valuable then the return we would get.
- Cptmjl

correct...he is a smart player and plays the game well...however when i look at a team like the penguins/bruins and look for the same kind of player as frans on one of those teams, quite frankly, i cant. he is just way too soft and he disappeared in the playoffs; proving my point that he should trade him now before teams realize he has 0 physical presence and shies away from contact; that may be ok in the regular season, playoffs not so much.

Moulson Tavares Strome
Bailey Nielson Okposo
Grabner Nelson Niederreiter
Martin Cizikas MacDonald

is how i'd love to see us start the year but jesus...that's a lot of rookies, 1/4 of your forwards and likely another one on defense in donovan. That would be one hell of a young forward core though

in 2 years, if this is our roster and we're making the playoffs, I think Snow pulled it off.
- Isles_since_6

the 2nd line you have is the one that EVERYONE has been saying SHOULD be the 3rd line...if those are the players to work with id have it like this...

Moulson JT Bailey
Grabner Strome Nino
Nelson Nielson KO
Mac Casey MM

I don't know about Strome because I only saw him play those last couple of games in Bridgeport, but I did watch Nelson quite a bit and I think he deserves a legit shot to make it in camp. Took some really big strides in BPort last season, and if he's not ready for the NHL yet, he's very close. That one game he had in the playoffs somewhat eased my biggest concern with him...he plays a direct style and because he looks a little wiry I thought he might have trouble translating that style from the AHL to the NHL at this stage, because players are bigger and stronger. But he stepped into a pretty physical game at a very intense time of the season, and while he didn't light the world on fire, he did hold up physically, shrugging off some hits and not flopping around.

He's also older than both Strome and Nino, so he's likely physically a little more developed, and unlike Strome, he has a full pro season in the AHL under his belt...a successful one, too, where he finished with more points and just three fewer goals than Nino in eight fewer games played. He plays a better two-way game than Nino and perhaps Strome (I know very little about Strome's defensive game), so he'd be able to step into a traditional third-line role and build from there.

So, there's my pitch for Nelson on the NYI next season. Folks are all about Strome, but maybe he's the one to start the season in Bridgeport to see how he stacks up physically against pros.

((UIF))
- UIF

I look at Strome as you typically would with any elite level offensive talent. He has natural instincts and a skillset that will allow him to not only jump right into the NHL but be effective, perhaps even Calder worthy. This isn't a Josh Bailey situation, as Strome is closer to JT than JB. I believe his arrival to the team immediately makes him the most naturally gifted player on our club not named JT and in some ways his 'natural' skills are actually better. I think either he or Nino will be unquestionably an upgrade on Boyes.

I also can't state enough the relationship Strome has with JT and how much that will help his immediate adjustment to the game.

Xxkeaner17xX

average player my @ss!Ask the dallas stars how important Jere Lehtinen was to them, he didnt put up big numbers (his numbers are almost identical to Frans) he wasnt physical, he wasnt big, but like Frans he was fantastic at his job.
Just because someone is a bottom 6 forward does not men they can be replaced by any old player. Players have roles and responsibilities out on the ice and there is no one on the Isles or in their system that comes close to Frans for the job he is best suited third line center.

Plus I gotta ask, how are KJ or Lidstrom (defensemen) good examples when talking about a forward?

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

You're preaching to the choir. I like Nielsen. I just think he hasn't been as effective the last couple years more so the beginning of this season. I'm not on the "he's not that great trade him" band wagon. I knew one of you would say the him being a forward and KJ and Lidstrom being Dmen I'm just referring to their style of play. Not physical players(whether it be a forward or Dman)but players that just make the "smart play". As far as the line I bolded you just reitterated what i stated at the end of my post. In other words I don't disagree with you just understood what Keaner was saying as far as overvaluing a player on subpar squad. Geez

Say what you will: winning teams have a player like Frans Nielsen on their roster. He is a faceoff guy, a penalty killer, a 40 point scorer, is a good defensive center, scores more often than not in the shootout.

Guys like him play the third line. Guys like him should not be asked to play the type of role he's been asked to play on this team. Guys like him should not be expected to score more than 20 goals.

He should be on the third line next season. Period.
- potvin05

of the 4 remaining teams...who is the equivalent of frans neilson on each team?

the 2nd line you have is the one that EVERYONE has been saying SHOULD be the 3rd line...if those are the players to work with id have it like this...

Moulson JT Bailey
Grabner Strome Nino
Nelson Nielson KO
Mac Casey MM
- LetsGoIsles

I think Grabner-Strome/Nelson-Nino, if that line is formed for next season, will have to earn second line minutes from Nielsen's line. I agree they're (edit -- "they're" meaning Nielsen & co.) optimally a third line, but I think the more inexperienced line will have to show they can be reliable in all three zones before taking minutes away from perhaps the most reliable line through April and the playoffs this past season.

((UIF))

I hate to burst everyone's bubbles, but how can you guys just hand this big of a role to Strome or Nelson this quickly? We're coming off a playoff season, we need to add some veterans to this team. I'm all for spending some money on David Clarkson. He is exactly what this team needs. Him, Martin and Cizikas...3 guys who can grind with anyone AND score?? Yes please.

I expect Nino to make this team. I think he is ready. At least, he should be given a realistic shot at making the top line. I don't see Strome or Nelson ready yet, but I don't see them play even a fraction of what some of you more informed posters do. I'd rather see more experience (and not Reasoners and Pandolfos) added. We have 12 forwards already. I'd love to see Clarkson, a goalie (I'd love Halak) and a top 4 defenseman.
- potvin05

i mentioned his name at the trade deadline being that he was a pending ufa, id LOVE to see him on the top line with JT.

you should have watched last years playoffs...
- LetsGoIsles

that's when he came into his own. He has been effective at what he does during the reg season as well but seems to be one of those playoff type players.

You're preaching to the choir. I like Nielsen. I just think he hasn't been as effective the last couple years more so the beginning of this season. I'm not on the "he's not that great trade him" band wagon. I knew one of you would say the him being a forward and KJ and Lidstrom being Dmen I'm just referring to their style of play. Not physical players(whether it be a forward or Dman)but players that just make the "smart play".
- Cptmjl

I think we can all agree that Frans fits that mold, but Kenny could get physical on occasion, as did Lidstrom. Over the last year, I've actually seen Frans drop pucks to avoid contact, coast off of his defensive assignment, let players roll off him right to our crease etc.

I suppose my overall point is that as this team improves, players like Frans stop seeming better than average, because our overall talent actually becomes better than average. I don't like the idea of matching a heady, but wimpy player up against another teams top forward these days. That could work for a team that most opponents took the night off for, but in playoff series he's far less effective.

I believe it was UIF and I who were saying earlier this year how Frans seems to disappear against physical opponents. I'm not so sure that's the type of guy you want to call to the ice when the other team sends their 1A line out there.

Xxkeaner17xX

The NJ papers said he is a so-so skater...which means he won't fit in with Islanders uptempo style...With Clarkson you could have another Brad Boyes with a bigger contract...
- kear20

totally different category. not even close.

correct...he is a smart player and plays the game well...however when i look at a team like the penguins/bruins and look for the same kind of player as frans on one of those teams, quite frankly, i cant. he is just way too soft and he disappeared in the playoffs; proving my point that he should trade him now before teams realize he has 0 physical presence and shies away from contact; that may be ok in the regular season, playoffs not so much.
- LetsGoIsles

I thought he played pretty well actually.

Are we talking about Frans here?
I think we have a bit of Blake Comeauism with Frans, in that our team has been subpar for so long, that generally average players start to be held in a higher regard than they probably deserve. In no way would I ever describe Frans as a shutdown player at all. In fact, Frans lacks the physicality to be an effective defensive forward (IMO). This tends to have been the problem with a lot of players we've had over the last several years, in that they possess very good skillsets at certain facets of the game but fail to be complete players for the roles they're given.
While it's fair to say that Frans has been put in a position above his head by playing second line minutes, I'd also say that I have very little confidence in matching him up against any teams top line if their center is bigger than 6'1". He's simply too easily overwhelmed physically and therefore CANNOT be called a shutdown defensive player. I think Frans can be described in a similar fashion to Streit. Good fundamental hockey skills (hands, skating, vision) but lacks tenacity and intensity. Some may have forgotten when the Isles went through a big loss earlier this season, the pi$$ed off comments we had here from people who saw Frans chuckling on the bench like it was no big deal. I'm not questioning his character, but I do think he lacks the intensity to be a 'dirty line' player as well.

Overall, I'm interested in seeing how he works out in a third line role, but I'd rather put Cizikas on another teams top center than Frans by a mile.


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

this!!!!! well said!!! Comeauism...i like it

camp will decide who makes the team..strome or nelson or both

I thought he played pretty well actually.
- Cptmjl

I think he played well in our final win. He gave me hope for this upcoming season when I actually saw him throw his first NHL hit on a player. I don't think he was that great defensively though. That said, if he can play like he did in game 4 every game, I'll be happy to see him back.

Xxkeaner17xX

the 2nd line you have is the one that EVERYONE has been saying SHOULD be the 3rd line...if those are the players to work with id have it like this...

Moulson JT Bailey
Grabner Strome Nino
Nelson Nielson KO
Mac Casey MM
- LetsGoIsles

If these are the lines and these kids are as effective as we all hope than Capuano should roll four lines to an extent. The number of the line may not be as much of a issue as it seems to be for you? Of course lines/players that are producing will get more TOI and of course the JT line will get more time consistently.

You're preaching to the choir. I like Nielsen. I just think he hasn't been as effective the last couple years more so the beginning of this season. I'm not on the "he's not that great trade him" band wagon. I knew one of you would say the him being a forward and KJ and Lidstrom being Dmen I'm just referring to their style of play. Not physical players(whether it be a forward or Dman)but players that just make the "smart play". As far as the line I bolded you just reitterated what i stated at the end of my post. In other words I don't disagree with you just understood what Keaner was saying as far as overvaluing a player on subpar squad. Geez
- Cptmjl

I like Nielsen on the pk and in shoot-outs. Other than that he does nothing for me. He's a good player but nothing that isn't replaceable. In all honesty, I know everyone has Cizikas slotted into the 4th line with Martin and Mcdonald which is fine because they played great together, but I feel Cizikas is a better player than Fransy in all aspects of the game except maybe the shoot-out since I don't think he's taken one yet. I'm not saying we should get rid of Nielsen right now, but If Nelson or Lee turns into a solid 3rd liner then as far I'm concerned Nielsen would no longer have a role on this team.

I think we can all agree that Frans fits that mold, but Kenny could get physical on occasion, as did Lidstrom. Over the last year, I've actually seen Frans drop pucks to avoid contact, coast off of his defensive assignment, let players roll off him right to our crease etc.

I suppose my overall point is that as this team improves, players like Frans stop seeming better than average, because our overall talent actually becomes better than average. I don't like the idea of matching a heady, but wimpy player up against another teams top forward these days. That could work for a team that most opponents took the night off for, but in playoff series he's far less effective.

I believe it was UIF and I who were saying earlier this year how Frans seems to disappear against physical opponents. I'm not so sure that's the type of guy you want to call to the ice when the other team sends their 1A line out there.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

100% correct. You're not a shutdown forward if you can only shutdown non physical opponents.

I look at Strome as you typically would with any elite level offensive talent. He has natural instincts and a skillset that will allow him to not only jump right into the NHL but be effective, perhaps even Calder worthy. This isn't a Josh Bailey situation, as Strome is closer to JT than JB. I believe his arrival to the team immediately makes him the most naturally gifted player on our club not named JT and in some ways his 'natural' skills are actually better. I think either he or Nino will be unquestionably an upgrade on Boyes.

I also can't state enough the relationship Strome has with JT and how much that will help his immediate adjustment to the game.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Only thing is, people said the same thing about Nino...even the Calder talk...and then when he struggled for being in the NHL sooner than he should have been, there was the whole "he's a bust" contingent forming. Like I said, I can't really say with Strome because I just haven't watched him play. I do think even very gifted offensive players sometimes need to be brought along slower. Look at Kyle Turris...he's about as gifted as they come, but he clearly needed more time than he was given initially. And I know Strome was given more time, I'm just making the point that talent alone doesn't always dictate whether a player could or should step into the NHL quickly. Maybe Strome can step in next season. Maybe he'd be better off in the AHL. I'll probably have my opinion set when I see him in camp.

((UIF))

I think we can all agree that Frans fits that mold, but Kenny could get physical on occasion, as did Lidstrom. Over the last year, I've actually seen Frans drop pucks to avoid contact, coast off of his defensive assignment, let players roll off him right to our crease etc.

I suppose my overall point is that as this team improves, players like Frans stop seeming better than average, because our overall talent actually becomes better than average. I don't like the idea of matching a heady, but wimpy player up against another teams top forward these days. That could work for a team that most opponents took the night off for, but in playoff series he's far less effective.

I believe it was UIF and I who were saying earlier this year how Frans seems to disappear against physical opponents. I'm not so sure that's the type of guy you want to call to the ice when the other team sends their 1A line out there.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

His play the last couple of seasons hasn't been as good. I was always one of his biggest fans but I've noticed it. I just think he isn't being utilized well which isn't a shocker given our coach and his deplorable personel decisions. He could match up well defensively to some players but others not so much the bigger more physical forwards of course which you mentioned. Having him or Cizikas as defensive matchup options is not a horrible situation for Capuano. Like i said in my post earlier we may see a better Nielsen now that he(hopefully)will be where he should be, third line center. You can't fault the guy for being thrust into a role that doesn't suit him. Snow and even Nielsen himself directly stated he is a third line center. In that role I think he's good and i believe we will see that this season. Now if one of these kids coming up is a better option than that's a bridge we'll cross when we get to it but till then I'm not displeased with having him as our third line center. I'm just not getting the trade him now mentality? If there was a trade out there that offers a good return than my head is not going to explode if it happens but I just think the return wouldn't warrant doing it.

this debate is 2 years old...move on. pap is gone. he was a plug that took the money and ran. isles have plenty of prospects/$ to either fill the hole, use to trade, or buy that its beyond ridiculous that this is still being discussed
- LetsGoIsles

then dont talk about it

XxNYIxX

I like Nielsen on the pk and in shoot-outs. Other than that he does nothing for me. He's a good player but nothing that isn't replaceable. In all honesty, I know everyone has Cizikas slotted into the 4th line with Martin and Mcdonald which is fine because they played great together, but I feel Cizikas is a better player than Fransy in all aspects of the game except maybe the shoot-out since I don't think he's taken one yet. I'm not saying we should get rid of Nielsen right now, but If Nelson or Lee turns into a solid 3rd liner then as far I'm concerned Nielsen would no longer have a role on this team.
- TurkishPancake

well that's kind of my point.

then dont talk about it

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

You're a little more feisty than usual today

then dont talk about it

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

im not...i switched the convo to fransy


speaking of which since no one answered this, of the 4 teams that are left in the playoffs who on each team is comparable to frans?