Nobody coming in will make more than $5M per season. No way Snow pays someone more than the $5.5M per he's paying JT.
- Jethro09

I don't know about that Jethro. First off, I think JT is the type of guy who won't complain about someone elses salary if the end result is having a teammate who can light the lamp. I wouldn't rule anyone out for the Isles since I think the writing is on the wall for something major to happen.

Word has been that the Isles front office has remained in 'lockdown mode' even after the draft and are trying to get something done to bring in a major player. The buyout of DP suggests they want to make a couple of major upgrades and since we have a very deep pool at dman, it wouldn't shock me to see us move a roster forward and dman prospect to bring in a big player. I'm not saying this is who I'd trade, but I'm willing to bet something like Nielsen, Donovan a 1st rd and 2nd rd would get the job done for a guy like Vanek. We could throw a lot of names around but the Isles appear to be maneuvering themselves to acquire payroll. They can't allow JT's contract to prevent them from upgrading the roster and I'm pretty sure JT wouldn't want them to allow him to be a component in failing to get better.
Xxkeaner17xX

I like Clarkson, but not at $5M per. I think that's what he's looking for. If the Isles could get Clarkson for a reasonable number and a decent term, I'd like to see them get him.

I'm still more intrigued by the possibility of trades. There are teams out there up against the cap that MUST move players. I think the Isles can find better value on the trade market, albeit at a cost of assets.
- Jethro09

clarkson or a clarkson esq player is what jt needs.

Snow should just give JT an extension now. that 5.5MM he making is a steal in this day and age.

I feel like Snow going to try to work Bailey and Hamonic on the cheap and both going to be disgruntle.
- Spartiarti

I don't know if Snow can negotiate an extension now. Is he barred by the CBA from doing so? If not, yeah, he should. Problem is, JT, still has four or five years left on his current deal.

Snow's not going to go cheap on Hamonic. He knows how valuable he is. My guess is 5 years, between $15M-$20M. Bailey is a different story. I know he played well towards the end of last season, but you can't just ignore the fact that he was invisible for most of the 4 1/2 years before that. I think he deserves a raise and a longer term deal, but i wouldn't go crazy. My guess 4 years, $10-$12M.

Wasn't it Mad Mike that signed RDP to the contract from hell? I know he drafted him...

I'm with you on Vanek the price would be steep but most likely worth it. I'd rather go with a guy like briere over Penney or jagr. Think he might be the better fit then those two
- oopsb13

I think Briere is going to attract a lot of interest and drive his price through the roof for a player of his age and size. In addition, I'm not so sure I want a flea sized forward on JT's wing with Moulson already playing the part of statue on the other side. Penner is a huge guy and since his production has been less than stellar over the last few years, I think he can be had at a very affordable price. At 6'4" 245 lbs, he'd be the type of guy that could take a lot of attention off JT. I'd consider then perhaps moving Moulson off that line and giving a speedster like Grabner a chance.
In the case of Jagr, he could quickly become our pp qb as he was in Boston, attracting a lot of defensive attention and giving JT room to find soft spots. Lots of options, lots of time.


Xxkeaner17xX

I can't say, because I don't know who's on the block. I don't think they're real players for a guy like Bobby Ryan because, like you wrote, they're not going to move prospects that can bring in high returns. If Halak is on the block, he'd be my first choice to go after in goal. I always liked his game dating back to his days in MTL. He would be a good fit and probably wouldn't cost much by way of compensation. I like Hiller too, but he would probably cost us a roster player, likely Nielsen +.

On "D", I'd be very hesitant to trade for anyone, because "D" is such a premium position that you'll get fleeced on almost any deal you can make. teams aren't giving away top fours. You might have to just go with what you have (Lubo, A-Mac, Hamonic, Carkner, Strait, Hickey, Donovan/de Haan). Up front, I don't know if he's available, but James Neal would be great. Pitt just locked up Dupuis and Letang. I can't imagine they have the cap space to keep everyone. If Neal was on the block, I'd like the Isles to be all over that.
- Jethro09

Halak IS my first choice.......back in montreal, he outplayed price.

I'd focus on Tomas Vanek. He's reportedly available and the Isles have the young assets at defense to help Buffalo. If they can't get that one done, Bobby Ryan may be had. I'd certainly kick the tires on Horton, though I don't expect he'll choose the Isles. I wouldn't rule out Penner or Jagr. Jagr could be signed for a one year deal which would give Strome (or whoever) time to mature into the role.


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

ive been talking about vanek for a year......i agree with you

Wasn't it Mad Mike that signed RDP to the contract from hell? I know he drafted him...
- derekjd

No. Mad Mike was just the moron who drafted him and traded Luongo and Jokinen away for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha to pave the way for RDP to be the goaltender of the future.

Charles Wang and only Charles Wang was responsible for the Isles signing RDP to that deal. Garth Snow had no role whatsoever in negotiating it. He just happened to hold the title of GM when the deal was made, but it was all ownership that negotiated it.

I think Briere is going to attract a lot of interest and drive his price through the roof for a player of his age and size. In addition, I'm not so sure I want a flea sized forward on JT's wing with Moulson already playing the part of statue on the other side. Penner is a huge guy and since his production has been less than stellar over the last few years, I think he can be had at a very affordable price. At 6'4" 245 lbs, he'd be the type of guy that could take a lot of attention off JT. I'd consider then perhaps moving Moulson off that line and giving a speedster like Grabner a chance.
In the case of Jagr, he could quickly become our pp qb as he was in Boston, attracting a lot of defensive attention and giving JT room to find soft spots. Lots of options, lots of time.


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I think if the Isles sign Briere, its to be the team's second line center. Briere would fit in nicely with Grabs and ??? on the second line. Briere's a much better center than he is a wing. They need to find a true RW to slot onto JT's line. Converting a center to play up there is not a smart move.

I think Briere is going to attract a lot of interest and drive his price through the roof for a player of his age and size. In addition, I'm not so sure I want a flea sized forward on JT's wing with Moulson already playing the part of statue on the other side. Penner is a huge guy and since his production has been less than stellar over the last few years, I think he can be had at a very affordable price. At 6'4" 245 lbs, he'd be the type of guy that could take a lot of attention off JT. I'd consider then perhaps moving Moulson off that line and giving a speedster like Grabner a chance.
In the case of Jagr, he could quickly become our pp qb as he was in Boston, attracting a lot of defensive attention and giving JT room to find soft spots. Lots of options, lots of time.


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

id love to see nathan horton on this squad, but good luck signing him. i've been waiting for garth to pay up and finally bring in much needed help for line 1

All I know is its going to be an exciting few weeks cuz like keaner said all this cap clearing is def leading up to some big moves! I work the graveyard shift Thursday night into Friday and will need to will myself to get up by noon on Friday cuz with this new interview period teams have alot of deals could happen right after free agency starts at noon. I'm pumped and nervous cuz lets face it were all islanders lol

I think if the Isles sign Briere, its to be the team's second line center. Briere would fit in nicely with Grabs and ??? on the second line. Briere's a much better center than he is a wing. They need to find a true RW to slot onto JT's line. Converting a center to play up there is not a smart move.
- Jethro09

Agreed. Not to mention we're pretty loaded at center right now. I honestly think a guy like Jagr might be the best option though I'm not sure he'd even come here knowing he might only play 1-2 years more. I don't think we necessarily need a long term solution there given the prospects we have in place. I'd like to see Kabanov take some leaps in his development this year in hopes that he might provide a big push for a top six position here, but I'm starting to lose hope there.

Xxkeaner17xX

ive been talking about vanek for a year......i agree with you
- kindlyrick

Are you going to give up Reinhart to get him?

Are you going to give up Reinhart to get him?
- kear20

I wouldn't.

I can't understand why these players would not want to play with JT....you would think they would all want to. Waiver wire getting busy so Snow is happy. Its interesting about Clutterbuck being JT's buddy, it worked once with MM so I guess Garth figures why not...but do we really think he is gonna get top line time???? I really don't know if I like that idea, will know more on Friday I guess.

Are you going to give up Reinhart to get him?
- kear20

I think we'd have more choices than just Reinhart. We have several dmen that could be used in a package.

Xxkeaner17xX

Are you going to give up Reinhart to get him?
- kear20

grabner, 2014 first round, and any d prospect not in bport, and not named reinhart

grabner, 2014 first round, and any d prospect not in bport, and not named reinhart
- kindlyrick

or Pulock. Plus, I'm not trading anyone for Vanek unless he signs an extension. He's a UFA after this coming season.

Clarkson who wants six years six million per? Yeah no
- Cptmjl

agree, he's not good enough to be worth more than half that, and I don't like the idea of adding his limited footspeed to that of Moulson on the same line. Ugh.

So who are we getting that's going to fit that well and be any cheaper? Not saying I'd love 6milx 6years but if they could get him at a reasonable contract I just think he's the perfect for this team going forward
- oopsb13

They can't

Nobody coming in will make more than $5M per season. No way Snow pays someone more than the $5.5M per he's paying JT.
- Jethro09

He's going to have to eventually. It's not the teams fault JT signed that contract

Snow should just give JT an extension now. that 5.5MM he making is a steal in this day and age.

I feel like Snow going to try to work Bailey and Hamonic on the cheap and both going to be disgruntle.
- Spartiarti

book it

agree, he's not good enough to be worth more than half that, and I don't like the idea of adding his limited footspeed to that of Moulson on the same line. Ugh.
- Isles_since_6

Just like all FA's his value is being overblown by fans and teams. I like him but he's not worth anywhere near that. Leafs will be stupid enough to pay it.

grabner, 2014 first round, and any d prospect not in bport, and not named reinhart
- kindlyrick

IMO, the Isles should use their trade chips fr a goalie and top D man. They have a skilled offensive core as is, the back half is where they get in trouble. Use your strength to fill the negative. Go after a 1-2 year forward in FA until your kids are ready.

book it
- Cptmjl

Neither one deserves big money right now. Harmonic is on his way but he is not worth 4 million plus right now.