Cannot see them giving up Subban for a guy that can walk.
- ses111

That's why that call will never be made.

XxNYIxX

what Hamonic trade?
- mighty13duck

I really hope it was meant to say "injury"

That's why that call will never be made.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Shortest call in history if it was ever made.

That's why that call will never be made.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Snow makes that call and after Montreal stops laughing, the only trade he replies with is - OK Garth. You want to trade. My one and only offer. Briere for Tavares. If you ever call me again I'll let Wang know that you blow his money at our strip clubs.

what Hamonic trade?
- mighty13duck

Injury.....sorry...trying to do too much at once...

Do not want Moulson back.
- Isles_since_6

Me either...on pace for 20goals in 82 games with Buffalo...for $5 mill? Nah

Me either...on pace for 20goals in 82 games with Buffalo...for $5 mill? Nah
- keaner17

Money better spend elsewhere. I also think ego would get in a way for both Moulson and the Isles in terms of a reunion.

Here you go:

If traded, Thomas Vanek open to signing with Isles after season

With comments in recent days ranging from Steve Bartlett, his agent, to ESPN's Pierre Lebrun and then some response from Islanders GM Garth Snow on Wednesday regarding Thomas Vanek's contract status, I thought I'd talk to Vanek about it Thursday morning.

Candid as always, Vanek said he understands that the Islanders need to know in the next week or two whether he's open to signing here long-term. He also understands that, if he can't give an answer or doesn't like a contract offer, the Islanders may trade him by the March 5 deadline.

And, in a bit of a surprise, Vanek said even if he's traded, he'd consider signing with the Islanders if he hits the open market on July 1.

"I know Garth gave up a lot to get me here, so if they feel they need to get something back (by the deadline), I understand," Vanek told Newsday. "He's been great, the team has been great. No one has put any pressure on me.

"I know that we're getting close
- kear20[to the deadline] and that they want to know what I'm going to do. It's a big decision that obviously isn't just about me, it's a big decision for my family, where we're going to be."

There haven't been any substantive contract talks between the two sides, which just adds to the limbo of the situation. But even though Vanek hasn't indicated via his agent or directly to Snow whether he'd be willing to sign before July 1, saying that the Islanders "would definitely be on my list" when free agency begins could be seen as a sign he's not crossing them off to force a trade.

"Even if they traded me, sure," Vanek said. "I like it here, it's a good group of guys. This would be a place I'd consider if it gets to July 1."

To me, this article says that Vanek, while happy with the Isles and willing to maybe return, doesn't anticipate having made a final decision in time. I don't think his family has been living on Long Island with him so it's not as though he can say to them, 'whaddya think?'.

It may also lend credence to the idea that he's waiting to see what Minnesota will offer and if they aren't interested, he'll return.

Either way, I don't expect a contract by the deadline. I hope to God I'm wrong.

Me either...on pace for 20goals in 82 games with Buffalo...for $5 mill? Nah
- keaner17

Just don't see his value as a second line player who can't skate for that much dough. I like him, but we should be aiming higher and I think Nelson plays top six next year on the wing.

Money better spend elsewhere. I also think ego would get in a way for both Moulson and the Isles in terms of a reunion.
- ses111

Honestly, I don't see room for Moulson here if Vanek is still on the team. For most accounts, Lee may be ready by next year..so....

Vanek Tavares Okposo
Nelson Strome Lee
Bailey Nielsen Grabner
Martin Cizikas Clutterbuck

If Vanek doesn't resign, I think the Isles have to look for another big gun on that wing rather than a one dimensional Moulson

To me, this article says that Vanek, while happy with the Isles and willing to maybe return, doesn't anticipate having made a final decision in time. I don't think his family has been living on Long Island with him so it's not as though he can say to them, 'whaddya think?'.

It may also lend credence to the idea that he's waiting to see what Minnesota will offer and if they aren't interested, he'll return.

Either way, I don't expect a contract by the deadline. I hope to God I'm wrong.
- keaner17

I thought his family was with him now? This should be real easy for the Isles. Make him a huge offer and he says no he is traded. Make it now so he has some time to think about it. No idea what the holdup could be?

Honestly, I don't see room for Moulson here if Vanek is still on the team. For most accounts, Lee may be ready by next year..so....

Vanek Tavares Okposo
Nelson Strome Lee
Bailey Nielsen Grabner
Martin Cizikas Clutterbuck

If Vanek doesn't resign, I think the Isles have to look for another big gun on that wing rather than a one dimensional Moulson
- keaner17

I agree. Isles do better to move on from Moulson. I can see an offer to Gaborik if Vanek leaves. I'm not crazy about Gaborik's injury history though.

I thought his family was with him now? This should be real easy for the Isles. Make him a huge offer and he says no he is traded. Make it now so he has some time to think about it. No idea what the holdup could be?
- ses111

Its a joke that Snow has not seriously engaged his agent yet about a new deal

He is gone if not signed by the deadline. I really hope snow doesn't low ball him. Make him a generous offer and close the damn deal for once snow
- Vukota

Not for nothing but I think Snow should be pushing a little harder. I kniw Vanek thinks its nice they aren't pressuring him but we are talking about two weeks here bfr it starts getting a little hairy.

Its a joke that Snow has not seriously engaged his agent yet about a new deal
- Vukota

Its hard to work on other peoples deals when he is trying to stop laughing at Amac's agent.

XxNYIxX

I agree. Isles do better to move on from Moulson. I can see an offer to Gaborik if Vanek leaves. I'm not crazy about Gaborik's injury history though.
- ses111

How about Dany Heatley for 1-2 year deal?

Link? If this is true then the isles need to trade Vanek and get him in the offseason. Best case scenario Isles trade Vanek for a first and a prospect and then re sign both Vanek and Moulson in the off season.
- mighty13duck

That is way too risky.... If you can sign him now you do so.. I know what Vanek says but that never happens

Nice to see you guys have turned the corner. Should be a barn burner, they usually are when these two teams play.

If Vanek wants to try free agency, I'd call Montreal and see if they would trade Subban for Vanek and one our defensive prospects...I know its a pipe dream but what the heck...
- kear20

Any talk of Subban would include two of the following players.. Nelson,Strome,Reinhart,Pullock

One huge thing in favor of the islanders is we have Tavares and these other teams do not...

Not for nothing but I think Snow should be pushing a little harder. I kniw Vanek thinks its nice they aren't pressuring him but we are talking about two weeks here bfr it starts getting a little hairy.
- Cptmjl

I agree. It's getting late. Time for the Isles to step up.

One huge thing in favor of the islanders is we have Tavares and these other teams do not...
- Dan Petriw

I agree and with that line playing so well it's time for Garth to strike.

I agree. It's getting late. Time for the Isles to step up.
- ses111

I don't think he will be signed by the deadline but he's got to make a big play and try at least. Don't low ball the guy make him a real offer and hope for the best. At this point you make him a dam good offer. Guy has been great.

I don't think he will be signed by the deadline but he's got to make a big play and try at least. Don't low ball the guy make him a real offer and hope for the best. At this point you make him a dam good offer. Guy has been great.
- Cptmjl

Make him a great offer and it's on Vanek if he refuses. The floor is going up so might as well pay for a proven talent like Vanek and someone who works very well with JT.

Nice to see you guys have turned the corner. Should be a barn burner, they usually are when these two teams play.
- powerhouse

while we've been playing better, this team is still so far back it's difficult to see them outplaying 5 other team to the point where we pass them all.

Our defense and goaltending are still weak and our forwards need to do a better job of backchecking.

Side note, did anyone else find it hilarious on the NHL revealed show that in intermission JT was drawing on the whiteboard to teach Strome specifics, while Cappy was talking about winning battles?

which one is actually coaching?