And this comes as a shock because??????
- kasperrko

Because it would seem like a nice upstart team with one of the top five players in the game. Big market area with a new arena on the horizon. Coming off a nice introduction to the playoffs.

Free agency hasn't started so i could be wrong, but it doesn't look like we'll make a big splash

Xxkeaner17xX

Because it would seem like a nice upstart team with one of the top five players in the game. Big market area with a new arena on the horizon. Coming off a nice introduction to the playoffs.

Free agency hasn't started so i could be wrong, but it doesn't look like we'll make a big splash

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

you do still remember who is running this team right?? And who our head coach is?? and that we are still in Nassau???

Miller to the Islanders?

I am hearing STRONG rumors this hour that Ryan Milller may be heading to Long Island via trade.. The Lightning is also rumored a possibility...


Ummm?????
- kasperrko

If Ek is saying it you know its not going to happen. NO MILLER!

you do still remember who is running this team right?? And who our head coach is?? and that we are still in Nassau???
- kasperrko

I'm not so sure this has anything to do with Snow or not since it doesn't even sound like Vinny even contacted us. Now I don't really think either Briere or Vinny were good fits for us, but I am a but concerned they seem to be choosing teams headed in the opposite direction.


Xxkeaner17xX

We'll have no problem reaching that even without any ufa attention. Speaking of which, it appears the Isles were never even a consideration for Briere, Lecavalier and perhaps Horton. Not a good sign that our perception has changed around the league. It makes me think that we may see very little action next week unless we score a trade.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

So if thats true and the consensus is we are moving into the Barclay center a yr earlier then anticipated .It may lead to the conclusion that NVMC wasnt the problem after all.

I have to believe any UFA will want a contract taking them well into the Brooklyn yrs!

So what do you think is the problem??

If Ek is saying it you know its not going to happen. NO MILLER!
- Jethro09

Amen. If Ek ever hits on an Islanders rumor, consider purchasing bottled water and canned goods.

Xxkeaner17xX

If Ek is saying it you know its not going to happen. NO MILLER!
- Jethro09

Everybody is dreaming about a franchise goalie but they don't come by trade or free agency. We need an adequate goaltender and with a higher GAA let the offense and defense develop like any other team. We don't need a superstar goalie to cover up an average team.

So if thats true and the consensus is we are moving into the Barclay center a yr earlier then anticipated .It may lead to the conclusion that NVMC wasnt the problem after all.

I have to believe any UFA will want a contract taking them well into the Brooklyn yrs!

So what do you think is the problem??
- SCLI

For Briere it may be strictly geography. He lives in South Jeraey and said he won't ask his kids to move. For Vinny, he sees the Flyers going all in again.. Plus he got five years. I'll wait until free agency is a week old or so before really getting upset, but I am a bit concerned.

Xxkeaner17xX

So if thats true and the consensus is we are moving into the Barclay center a yr earlier then anticipated .It may lead to the conclusion that NVMC wasnt the problem after all.

I have to believe any UFA will want a contract taking them well into the Brooklyn yrs!

So what do you think is the problem??
- SCLI

I still say it is Wang and Snow.

Everybody is dreaming about a franchise goalie but they don't come by trade or free agency. We need an adequate goaltender and with a higher GAA let the offense and defense develop like any other team. We don't need a superstar goalie to cover up an average team.
- Fan101

People don't seem to understand that Miller is not the right fit for the Isles. Plus, Buffalo isn't exactly going to give him away for second tier prospects or mid-round picks. Miller is going to cost you top prospects/picks, all to get a goaltender who is currently very good, but is signed for only one more year, is 33 years old and is going to want a ridiculous extension or he's just going to hit free agency next summer. Plus, the rumor is that Miller doesn't want play on the east coast to begin with. Why would the Isles give up top propects and picks for him?

Don Cherry @CoachsCornerCBC
1) Let me tell ya something.. the NY Islanders are gonna be the toughest team to play next year in the NHL. They got from Minnesota Cal

Don Cherry @CoachsCornerCBC
2) Clutterbuck who leads the league in hits almost every year. If he doesn't, Matt Martin will lead. Teams will come into Long Island

Don Cherry @CoachsCornerCBC
3) hearing footsteps. My type of guys. They open up the ice for guys like Tavares, Moulson, Grabner and Boyes. Smart move by the Islanders

Horton/Columbus chatter
July, 3, 2013
3:51
PM ET
By Victoria Matiash | ESPN.com

Putting the pieces together, it appears the Columbus Blue Jackets are going hard after winger Nathan Horton. And the UFA-to-be forward may be keen to join GM Jarmo Kekalainen's squad.

ESPN Insider Craig Custance: "... UFA Nathan Horton will be visiting one city during the 48-hour negotiating window. Maybe two if time permits ..."

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: "... One free agent #CBJ are definitely pursuing is Nathan Horton, formerly of Boston ..."

ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun: "... Horton visiting an NHL team/city today. He'll end up with a non-traditional hockey market I think. Wants quieter life ... (and later) ... No one with the Jackets nor with his camp will confirm this, but I believe Nathan Horton's site visit today was in Columbus ..."

If A + B + C adds up as loosely anticipated, Horton will sign with the Blue Jackets this Friday (or soon after).

For Briere it may be strictly geography. He lives in South Jeraey and said he won't ask his kids to move. For Vinny, he sees the Flyers going all in again.. Plus he got five years. I'll wait until free agency is a week old or so before really getting upset, but I am a bit concerned.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I'm just curious what your pre UFA day thoughts are. If we cant draw any UFA's or Buy outs at this point in time. With Brooklyn in the near future. With a high end talent like JT and the team a couple or three players from making some impressive strides. Then it has to be something other then the NVMC excuse we've been hearing on HB for so long.

As for Briere. There is no appreciable difference commuting from Brooklyn, LI or Northern NJ to Philadelphia. If Briere has crossed out the Isles as a possible destination for travel reasons alone. Then he has limited his choice to the Devils, Caps or the Rangers. Any other team is farther away then us.

In the meantime, as you say, we will have to wait until next week to draw our final conclusions on the subject.

People don't seem to understand that Miller is not the right fit for the Isles. Plus, Buffalo isn't exactly going to give him away for second tier prospects or mid-round picks. Miller is going to cost you top prospects/picks, all to get a goaltender who is currently very good, but is signed for only one more year, is 33 years old and is going to want a ridiculous extension or he's just going to hit free agency next summer. Plus, the rumor is that Miller doesn't want play on the east coast to begin with. Why would the Isles give up top propects and picks for him?
- Jethro09

Very well said Jethro. I have said the Isles should not give up a lot for Miller.

Sergei Kostitsyen has been waived from Nashville

For Briere it may be strictly geography. He lives in South Jeraey and said he won't ask his kids to move. For Vinny, he sees the Flyers going all in again.. Plus he got five years. I'll wait until free agency is a week old or so before really getting upset, but I am a bit concerned.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Michael Ryder for JT's RW

Michael Ryder for JT's RW
- eichiefs9

Actually I would be happy with that

Actually I would be happy with that
- kasperrko

He excels scoring goals when he has a main role with a team. When he got buried in the bottom 6 by Boston is when he scored 18 goals both years.

He excels scoring goals when he has a main role with a team. When he got buried in the bottom 6 by Boston is when he scored 18 goals both years.
- eichiefs9

With JT he will def be a at least 30 goal scorer and at least 70 something points

Michael Ryder for JT's RW
- eichiefs9

No Thanks...

With JT he will def be a at least 30 goal scorer and at least 70 something points
- kasperrko

There are other options also. Clarkson and Horton are going to get huge paydays by teams desperate to make moves and they'll regret it when a) Clarkson regresses to the mean after a huge season and b) Horton sits out 1/3-1/2 of his contract injured. I'd like both on the team but they're going to be at ridiculous prices.

There are other options also. Clarkson and Horton are going to get huge paydays by teams desperate to make moves and they'll regret it when a) Clarkson regresses to the mean after a huge season and b) Horton sits out 1/3-1/2 of his contract injured. I'd like both on the team but they're going to be at ridiculous prices.
- eichiefs9

Horton is injury prone and Clarkson I don't know about him rubs me the wrong way

No Thanks...
- jimmc7722

Your right, let's pickup Gerbe off waivers.

Don Cherry @CoachsCornerCBC
1) Let me tell ya something.. the NY Islanders are gonna be the toughest team to play next year in the NHL. They got from Minnesota Cal

Don Cherry @CoachsCornerCBC
2) Clutterbuck who leads the league in hits almost every year. If he doesn't, Matt Martin will lead. Teams will come into Long Island

Don Cherry @CoachsCornerCBC
3) hearing footsteps. My type of guys. They open up the ice for guys like Tavares, Moulson, Grabner and Boyes. Smart move by the Islanders
- eichiefs9

The Islanders lineup today and the future has size and speed. They need a serviceable RW Everyone has talked up and down the last few days about Vanek, Ryan, Neal, Briere, etc.
Ryan is a LW. So unless they're trading Moulson or Bailey, he doesn't fit.
Vanek is a LW. See above.
Neal is a LW. See above.
Briere is small, often injured and will not open the ice for Tavares. Leadership would have been great, instincts and hockey IQ would be great but unless he only signed a 2 year deal, the Isles want no part of him.
I know wingers can play either side but there is a preference and some guys feel real out of place on the other wing and it takes away from their game.

They need a top 4 D man that can take control and play on the PP. This may be Donovan or De Haan one day but to throw them out there with Streit's responsibilities is not going to happen. I hope they DO NOT go out and pick up Komisarek or Ballard. Neither are any better then what we have.

Goalie wanted. All need apply. Amazing that most people have written off Nabby. (myself included to a point) But, he has kept this team a float for 2 seasons. Last year, he put the team on his back and carried them into the playoffs. He clearly ran out of gas playing in 40 of 48 plus 6 playoff games in a shortened time frame but he did a great job. And going into last season, he had no idea who a majority of his D-men were. He had Hickey, Finley, Carkner, Viz, and Martinek all playing with him for the first time. I would love to obtain a Hiller or a Halak and let him split time with Poulin or Nillson but, I also wouldn't mind Nabby coming in and doing the same.

Horton is injury prone and Clarkson I don't know about him rubs me the wrong way
- kasperrko

Clarkson would just add another element of toughness to make this team Bruins-esque to play against. The problem is were the last two years an anomaly or is he going to continue to be a big, goal scoring power forward.