100000% agree. They are the only ones that should be left after this season.
- Cptmjl

We have to stop making excuses that "only if we had Hamonic & Viz back" we'd play better. Bottom line is every team has injuries and key losses to players, its unfortunate that our depth is AHL quality and really have no business being in the NHL. The kids/prospects on D are going to take time to develop to understand the NHL game & speed.
Until the Isles get proven NHL D or make a trade for a prospect that's NHL ready, this team is light years away...

We have to stop making excuses that "only if we had Hamonic & Viz back" we'd play better. Bottom line is every team has injuries and key losses to players, its unfortunate that our depth is AHL quality and really have no business being in the NHL. The kids/prospects on D are going to take time to develop to understand the NHL game & speed.
Until the Isles get proven NHL D or make a trade for a prospect that's NHL ready, this team is light years away...
- Ur Not Me

I agree but I believe it's a combination of our coach and the quality of our defense. I believe a better coach could squeeze more out of these guys just by simplifying their game. It's a free for all on our blue line sometimes and that's attributed to coaching.

After watching last nights game, you have nobody on your team, with the last name MacDonald that is worth over 1 mill per, let alone 5 mil.

* which is acttually kind of funny *

I agree but I believe it's a combination of our coach and the quality of our defense. I believe a better coach could squeeze more out of these guys just by simplifying their game. It's a free for all on our blue line sometimes and that's attributed to coaching.
- Cptmjl

Well we both have stated numerous times that 1st a proven NHL coach or a system has to be instituted for this team. Until then, this team will not progress...

After watching last nights game, you have nobody on your team, with the last name MacDonald that is worth over 1 mill per, let alone 5 mil.

* which is acttually kind of funny *
- bixll

I'm convinced that the accolades amac receives from our announcers and otherwise are part of a scheme to drive up his value. I heard there were scouts from Detroit and Calgary at last nights game so I guess we can scratch their names off the list for possible destinations for him. His low cap hit is attractive for teams close or at the cap. You can juggle a little with 550,000 and make it work. Maybe as a seveth Dman for one of the elite clubs for a playoff push? I really don't give a shat if we get anything for him he just needs to go. It's the only thing that will stop Capuano from giving him 25 minutes a night and first pp time. How many games have we lost as a direct result of Capuano's refusal to limit AMAC's negative impact? It has been hard to watch for far too long now. It sucks when a sound decision by the coaching staff must be forced through a trade but that's the harsh reality for Islander fans.

Well we both have stated numerous times that 1st a proven NHL coach or a system has to be instituted for this team. Until then, this team will not progress...
- Ur Not Me

A combo of Cappy, this D and the goalies, even Nabby against a team like Pitt will not cut it. Until ownership and management steps up and is willing to do what it takes, it will be a constant struggle for the Isles.

You mean Andrew? The second goal by Crosby was a perfect example of how poor Amac's instincts are...he not only let Crosby walk into the crease, but actually appeared to step out of his way!
- keaner17

No I'm talking about colin. On the 3rd goal he just waives his stick at maata twice before he goes by and scores he did the same thing monday vs the flyers. He is terrible and he hurts that 4th line. Last I checked he was like -16 worst on the team. He sucks!!

I'm convinced that the accolades amac receives from our announcers and otherwise are part of a scheme to drive up his value. I heard there were scouts from Detroit and Calgary at last nights game so I guess we can scratch their names off the list for possible destinations for him. His low cap hit is attractive for teams close or at the cap. You can juggle a little with 550,000 and make it work. Maybe as a seveth Dman for one of the elite clubs for a playoff push? I really don't give a shat if we get anything for him he just needs to go. It's the only thing that will stop Capuano from giving him 25 minutes a night and first pp time. How many games have we lost as a direct result of Capuano's refusal to limit AMAC's negative impact? It has been hard to watch for far too long now. It sucks when a sound decision by the coaching staff must be forced through a trade but that's the harsh reality for Islander fans.
- Cptmjl

How a rep, ever came up with a 5 mil per number, is frankly insane. He should lose his players rep license.

How a rep, ever came up with a 5 mil per number, is frankly insane. He should lose his players rep license.
- bixll

To be fair, he probably figures the Isles will give a big deal to Amac to help them get to the Cap floor. They did give Bailey 5 years. The Isles are not know for making the best decisions.

To be fair, he probably figures the Isles will give a big deal to Amac to help them get to the Cap floor. They did give Bailey 5 years. The Isles are not know for making the best decisions.
- ses111

Happens a lot. Leafs gave Clarkson 5.something for far too long..

Happens a lot. Leafs gave Clarkson 5.something for far too long..
- bixll

Brutal deal. Same as Clowe with the Devils. If the Isles lose Vanek and Amac, it will be very interesting to see how they get to the floor.

Happens a lot. Leafs gave Clarkson 5.something for far too long..
- bixll

That'd be 5.5 million for seven yrs

Brutal deal. Same as Clowe with the Devils. If the Isles lose Vanek and Amac, it will be very interesting to see how they get to the floor.
- ses111

Bonus clauses + rookies= cap floor. NP

Ex; see Neiderriter, Nino

Edit; just wanted to beat the "Snow has to do something to reach the floor" BS debate from happening.

No I'm talking about colin. On the 3rd goal he just waives his stick at maata twice before he goes by and scores he did the same thing monday vs the flyers. He is terrible and he hurts that 4th line. Last I checked he was like -16 worst on the team. He sucks!!
- Vukota

Ten or so games ago he showed some glimpses of his old self but he's been shatty since then. He's expendable along with Regin and to a lesser extent Clutterbuck as far as I'm concerned.

That'd be 5.5 million for seven yrs
- Cptmjl

Yah, something like that. At this rate,he will be in the AHL for many of them.

Bonus clauses + rookies= cap floor. NP

Ex; see Neiderriter, Nino

Edit; just wanted to beat the "Snow has to do something to reach the floor" BS debate from happening.
- Cptmjl

I'm really hoping it will not be enough to get to the floor. I'm also hoping if they miss the playoffs and a year from Brooklyn will add pressure to do something this offseason. No way I'm counting on it though.

We have to stop making excuses that "only if we had Hamonic & Viz back" we'd play better. Bottom line is every team has injuries and key losses to players, its unfortunate that our depth is AHL quality and really have no business being in the NHL. The kids/prospects on D are going to take time to develop to understand the NHL game & speed.
Until the Isles get proven NHL D or make a trade for a prospect that's NHL ready, this team is light years away...
- Ur Not Me

Let's face it, any team that loses it's top two defenders for significant portions of the season is in trouble. Unless you're the Kings, Blackhawks or Ducks, losing 2 of your top four dmen is likely going to be a killer. The league itself is very thin with so many teams these days and certainly a bubble team such as ourselves is unlikely sustain those types of losses. We've now been without our number one dman for something like 39 games. Between the loss of Strait and now Hamonic, that leaves us without our #2 or #3 guy for nearly an equal amount of time. So I wouldn't call it an excuse, it's a reality that teams in this day and age don't sustain THAT type of loss unless they're a cup contender.

I'm really hoping it will not be enough to get to the floor. I'm also hoping if they miss the playoffs and a year from Brooklyn will add pressure to do something this offseason. No way I'm counting on it though.
- ses111

Well if Vanek walks, that's more $$$ that needs to be spent to reach cap floor.
The only players off the top of my head that needs to be resigned are
DeHaan - which I think Snow will lock-up long term to a favorable deal.
Poulin & Nillson
Cizikas - which might be same scenario like DeHaan

Then there's minor players like

A. Lee
M. Donovan

So there should be a ton of cap space still available, it just depends on who it will be spent on in FA.

No I'm talking about colin. On the 3rd goal he just waives his stick at maata twice before he goes by and scores he did the same thing monday vs the flyers. He is terrible and he hurts that 4th line. Last I checked he was like -16 worst on the team. He sucks!!
- Vukota

Ah...he's definitely been a huge disappointment thus far. After last season, I was really pleased with him as he seemed like the perfect role guy for this team on the 4th line. This year, he just seems to lack the knack for getting his nose dirty.

Yah, something like that. At this rate,he will be in the AHL for many of them.
- bixll

Saw that coming

Well if Vanek walks, that's more $$$ that needs to be spent to reach cap floor.
The only players off the top of my head that needs to be resigned are
DeHaan - which I think Snow will lock-up long term to a favorable deal.
Poulin & Nillson
Cizikas - which might be same scenario like DeHaan

Then there's minor players like

A. Lee
M. Donovan

So there should be a ton of cap space still available, it just depends on who it will be spent on in FA.
- Ur Not Me

I think history tells us what it'll be spent on.

I think history tells us what it'll be spent on.
- Cptmjl

DP?

Saw that coming
- Cptmjl

Yes, I see it happening as well.

Ah...he's definitely been a huge disappointment thus far. After last season, I was really pleased with him as he seemed like the perfect role guy for this team on the 4th line. This year, he just seems to lack the knack for getting his nose dirty.
- keaner17

Like some other players, he seemed to be lazy. For anyone on this team to be lazy after making one playoff in years and in a short season is a joke.

Let's face it, any team that loses it's top two defenders for significant portions of the season is in trouble. Unless you're the Kings, Blackhawks or Ducks, losing 2 of your top four dmen is likely going to be a killer. The league itself is very thin with so many teams these days and certainly a bubble team such as ourselves is unlikely sustain those types of losses. We've now been without our number one dman for something like 39 games. Between the loss of Strait and now Hamonic, that leaves us without our #2 or #3 guy for nearly an equal amount of time. So I wouldn't call it an excuse, it's a reality that teams in this day and age don't sustain THAT type of loss unless they're a cup contender.
- keaner17

It is an excuse, only bc if management have put some thought & effort into building a better depth on D, we/isles wouldn't have to rely on players who are AHL caliber or have no business being in the line-up.
Also for us to except that Viz is our #1 Dman is unacceptable in my book, only bc he's an older vet who has played decent to above average enough while being here. The issue is that the GM has lacked on providing a better solution for the teams deficiencies on D.

EDIT:

Hickey & Strait are cast-offs from other teams and we see the reason why they are cast-offs bc they are not that good. Now all of sudden we are going to think that Strait is a major part of this D, im not bc he's just not that good. Some of us fans are accepting the mediocre play/players while there is so much room for improvement.