although it isnt necessarily considered "pieces" we all know how precious wangs money is, therefore i believe the focus of where it should be spent on is in goal or on the blueline, if there is some leftover (HA!) then address forward if there is value in it. otherwise im fine and confident between Nelson/Lee that one or both of them can fill that top line role.
- LetsGoIsles

I love how we bring Cappy back and now we think Wang is going to spend big money to fix every issue on this team? Lee and Nelson are not 18 year old kids we are throwing on the 1st line. These two were big time prospects and showed promise on every level.

Sources: Islanders draw new suitors as Barroway continues efforts
http://www.sportsbusiness...14/04/0418-NHL-Shift.aspx

Philadelphia attorney and hedge fund manager Andrew Barroway is no longer alone in his pursuit of the New York Islanders.

According to a financial industry source, Islanders owner Charles Wang has received interest in his team from at least two other potential buyers.

while this is all true...it is 100% unrealistic...you can actually expect a top tier goalie, a top 4 and danny heatley to all sign during the offseason. so many issues expecting that.1) money money money
2) all 3 of those "players" will WANT TO sign here...past has shown that LI isnt the easiest sell
3) in recent history how many teams have gone out and gotten 3 really important players during the offseason via free agency?...it just doesnt happen.
- LetsGoIsles

I don't expect us to get a top tier dman at all, and I don't know why anyone else would. I also don't expect us to get a 'top tier' goalie, since I don't think there are any available. I think there are a few mid range goalies maybe. As for dman, I'd expect a vet dman capable of playing second pairing minutes, but I wouldn't hold my breath for a name.
Heatley becomes possible because he's a reclaimation project. He's not going to see close to the $7mil + he makes now. The possibility of signing a mid range contract to play with an elite center like JT may be exactly what he wants.

I think while we all know the Isles will look to fill a dman role and find a starting goalie, I'd definitely suggest tempering your expectations there. Meanwhile an acquisition like Heatley might be the best chance we've got at acquiring a big time talent. He'd need us just as much as we'd need him.

although it isnt necessarily considered "pieces" we all know how precious wangs money is, therefore i believe the focus of where it should be spent on is in goal or on the blueline, if there is some leftover (HA!) then address forward if there is value in it. otherwise im fine and confident between Nelson/Lee that one or both of them can fill that top line role.
- LetsGoIsles

So, we don't replace the coach and we don't replace the Vanek/Moulson first-line left wing role. I'm having a really hard time seeing why you guys are so keen on keeping this year's pick and expecting next year's to be much further down in the order, unless the goalie and defenseman we bring in are somehow the absolute best the NHL has to offer.

I don't expect us to get a top tier dman at all, and I don't know why anyone else would. I also don't expect us to get a 'top tier' goalie, since I don't think there are any available. I think there are a few mid range goalies maybe. As for dman, I'd expect a vet dman capable of playing second pairing minutes, but I wouldn't hold my breath for a name.
Heatley becomes possible because he's a reclaimation project. He's not going to see close to the $7mil + he makes now. The possibility of signing a mid range contract to play with an elite center like JT may be exactly what he wants.

I think while we all know the Isles will look to fill a dman role and find a starting goalie, I'd definitely suggest tempering your expectations there. Meanwhile an acquisition like Heatley might be the best chance we've got at acquiring a big time talent. He'd need us just as much as we'd need him.
- keaner17

I do not see the Isles needing Heatley. Lee scored 9 goals without JT. I would like to think he can score a lot more being on JT's line. I'm sure JT would like another guy with size and skill on the line. A guy like Lee can be the long term answer. That is not Heatley.

So, we don't replace the coach and we don't replace the Vanek/Moulson first-line left wing role. I'm having a really hard time seeing why you guys are so keen on keeping this year's pick and expecting next year's to be much further down in the order, unless the goalie and defenseman we bring in are somehow the absolute best the NHL has to offer.
- UIF

This will continue to go in circles until they figure it out....

So, we don't replace the coach and we don't replace the Vanek/Moulson first-line left wing role. I'm having a really hard time seeing why you guys are so keen on keeping this year's pick and expecting next year's to be much further down in the order, unless the goalie and defenseman we bring in are somehow the absolute best the NHL has to offer.
- UIF

before the coaching debacle happened i said there are 3 needs; new coach, goalie and dman...i said if we get 2 of those 3 ill be happy but was assuming coach would definitely be one of them...i can cross new coach off the list...so now its down to goalie and dman.

when moulson/vanek were here, nelson and lee werent (or at least hadnt played much at the time), so technically i can convince myself that the combo of lee/nelson are taking the spot of vanek/moulson. with that in mind, the offense hasnt, wasnt, and isnt our biggest problem. would a heatley or another top 6 help? sure! isnt it needed? absolutely not. not with strome, nelson and lee having a decent amount of games under the belt and now have entire offseason to train accordingly.

the value of having JT, KO, Grabner returning to the top 6 should not be forgotten. Pick your posion of who fills out the rest of the top 6 between strome, neilsen, nelson, lee, bailey(?) and thats a pretty strong top 6. im not worried about the forwards. get my a top 4 guy and a average-to-above-average goalie and the islanders are in the playoffs IN SPITE of cappy

I don't think Lee should be there. Guy's played a grand total of 24 games and now he's a lock for the first line?
- UIF

I don't think he is a lock but he is worth a look. Combo of size and strength could for well with JT and KO

I don't think he is a lock but he is worth a look. Combo of size and strength could for well with JT and KO
- Dan Petriw

A guy with Lee's size and skill will only make JT and KO even better. This line can do great things and should be given a long look.

I do not see the Isles needing Heatley. Lee scored 9 goals without JT. I would like to think he can score a lot more being on JT's line. I'm sure JT would like another guy with size and skill on the line. A guy like Lee can be the long term answer. That is not Heatley.
- ses111

I don't dispute that Lee could do well on the line, but I like the idea of adding ANOTHER elite level forward. While Heatley has had his troubles over the last couple of years, his addition allows us to keep a young talented forward like Lee in a less pressure filled role while still contributing with a very talented line of Strome and Nelson. It becomes just as important to surround Strome with a talent like Lee in that case rather than moving Lee up and sticking Strome with someone like Clutterbuck. Ultimately, I think the best idea should be to add as much talent as possible rather than ignoring available commodities just because we're convinced a dman and goalie is more important.

before the coaching debacle happened i said there are 3 needs; new coach, goalie and dman...i said if we get 2 of those 3 ill be happy but was assuming coach would definitely be one of them...i can cross new coach off the list...so now its down to goalie and dman.

when moulson/vanek were here, nelson and lee werent (or at least hadnt played much at the time), so technically i can convince myself that the combo of lee/nelson are taking the spot of vanek/moulson. with that in mind, the offense hasnt, wasnt, and isnt our biggest problem. would a heatley or another top 6 help? sure! isnt it needed? absolutely not. not with strome, nelson and lee having a decent amount of games under the belt and now have entire offseason to train accordingly.

the value of having JT, KO, Grabner returning to the top 6 should not be forgotten. Pick your posion of who fills out the rest of the top 6 between strome, neilsen, nelson, lee, bailey(?) and thats a pretty strong top 6. im not worried about the forwards. get my a top 4 guy and a average-to-above-average goalie and the islanders are in the playoffs IN SPITE of cappy
- LetsGoIsles

Nelson was here all season, and I think it's a long shot to expect Lee to pick right up where a guy like Vanek left off. And I disagree...it's in no way a lock to be a strong top-six. You have three players that have proven themselves and bring it consistently: JT, KO and Nielsen. Outside of that it's rookie projects untested in any kind of really important situation and players that have proven over three or more years that they can't bring it consistently. It could be a good top six if everything breaks right, but I thought we learned our lesson about going in with a bunch of question marks and expecting rookies to save the day. I feel the same on D. Folks already have have deHaan as a lock for a top-pair d-man in their mock lineups. Too much reliance on potential rather than resumes...again.

I don't think he is a lock but he is worth a look. Combo of size and strength could for well with JT and KO
- Dan Petriw

He definitely has the attributes of what we've wanted on that top line to go with JT, though I thought adding a wing like that was more important when Moulson was on LW, in other words Lee JT Moulson would have been a nice line IMO and likely a better fit than KO JT Lee.

That said, I'd much prefer seeing Lee stick with Strome.

Nelson was here all season, and I think it's a long shot to expect Lee to pick right up where a guy like Vanek left off. And I disagree...it's in no way a lock to be a strong top-six. You have three players that have proven themselves and bring it consistently: JT, KO and Nielsen. Outside of that it's rookie projects untested in any kind of really important situation and players that have proven over three or more years that they can't bring it consistently. It could be a good top six if everything breaks right, but I thought we learned our lesson about going in with a bunch of question marks and expecting rookies to save the day. I feel the same on D. Folks already have have deHaan as a lock for a top-pair d-man in their mock lineups. Too much reliance on potential rather than resumes...again.
- UIF

STOP!!! your making to much sense for some fans.....

I like Hamonic and de Haan as our top pairing
I just want to make sure we at least find a physical dman who can play on our 2nd pairing.....

I like Hamonic and de Haan as our top pairing
I just want to make sure we at least find a physical dman who can play on our 2nd pairing.....
- keaner17

I personally think Hamonic is more of a 3-4 D than top 2..

I don't dispute that Lee could do well on the line, but I like the idea of adding ANOTHER elite level forward. While Heatley has had his troubles over the last couple of years, his addition allows us to keep a young talented forward like Lee in a less pressure filled role while still contributing with a very talented line of Strome and Nelson. It becomes just as important to surround Strome with a talent like Lee in that case rather than moving Lee up and sticking Strome with someone like Clutterbuck. Ultimately, I think the best idea should be to add as much talent as possible rather than ignoring available commodities just because we're convinced a dman and goalie is more important.
- keaner17

This team just brought Cappy back keaner, what pressure will Lee or anyone else be under? If this team wants to add Heatley along with a top 4 man and a goalie, I will not complain at all. I just think forward is not a big need. Very good debate going on. No question about it.

Snow: Isles Likely to Retain 2014 First Rounder

Garth wouldn't 100% commit but said he would "wager any amount of money that they will retain this years first round pick #isles—
Rob Del Muro (@gmen8069) April 17, 2014


found on IPB

I like Hamonic and de Haan as our top pairing
I just want to make sure we at least find a physical dman who can play on our 2nd pairing.....
- keaner17

We need to star thinking about doing better than De Haan and Hamonic as our first pairing. With that l would live with them as a top pairing if Garth can sign a decent # 4 and a goalie who is not the worst in the league by a mile like Poulin and Nillson.

I don't think he is a lock but he is worth a look. Combo of size and strength could for well with JT and KO
- Dan Petriw

I agree it could work...but as you said about the rookie d-men before this season, let him compete for the role and take it, rather than not even looking for something outside and just handing it to him. The Isles for just about the entire season were a team that was in great need of secondary scoring. They lost one of their best primary scorers on the season in Vanek, so I'm just not as convinced as others that the offense is fine. I think it wouldn't be a bad thing at all to have Lee try to help out that secondary-scoring problem, where he wouldn't be facing the league's best d-men on every shift, and get some quality experience on the first line.

Sources: Islanders draw new suitors as Barroway continues efforts
http://www.sportsbusiness...14/04/0418-NHL-Shift.aspx

Philadelphia attorney and hedge fund manager Andrew Barroway is no longer alone in his pursuit of the New York Islanders.

According to a financial industry source, Islanders owner Charles Wang has received interest in his team from at least two other potential buyers.
- UIF

Sources: Islanders draw new suitors as Barroway continues efforts

Philadelphia attorney and hedge fund manager Andrew Barroway is no longer alone in his pursuit of the New York Islanders.

According to a financial industry source, Islanders owner Charles Wang has received interest in his team from at least two other potential buyers.

“The Islanders are a year away from moving to Brooklyn, and the lease there is good,” said the source. “Once Mr. Wang said publicly that he was listening to offers, it was inevitable that interest would pick up. The Islanders are now an attractive commodity.”

Barroway continues to line up partners to help finance a deal with Wang. Negotiations are ongoing.

As previously reported in The Shift, one scenario has Barroway starting out as a partner who holds between 30 percent and 49 percent ownership, with Wang retaining majority ownership for the 2014-15 season (the Islanders’ final year at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum) and for 2015-16 (the club’s first season at the Barclays Center).

Barroway is said to be in good standing with the NHL after he negotiated to purchase the New Jersey Devils last summer. According to a source, Barroway went far enough in the process with former Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek to have made an initial payment of $10 million, but ultimately, talks broke off after additional discovery was done regarding the purchase and ownership costs for the club — costs that would have included more than $30 million owed by the club to creditors.

The Devils were purchased a month later by Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Nevertheless, Barroway made a strong impression on the NHL and the Devils.

“He loves hockey and came across as a very likeable, sincere guy,” said a source who was involved in the Devils discussions. “From what I can tell, he wants to be an owner and just hire the best president, general manager, and sales and marketing executives that he can find. He wants to sit in the owner’s suite, enjoy the hockey, and let everyone do their jobs.”

Barroway was vetted by the NHL during his pursuit of the Devils but was never formally approved by the league because the deal fell through. In any case, the league views each transaction on its own, so if Barroway were to complete a deal with Wang for the Islanders, he would have to go through the league’s vetting and approval process again.

This team just brought Cappy back keaner, what pressure will Lee or anyone else be under? If this team wants to add Heatley along with a top 4 man and a goalie, I will not complain at all. I just think forward is not a big need. Very good debate going on. No question about it.
- ses111

Cappy coming back cannot be a reason to stick a rookie in a top line role. His coming back cannot be an excuse for not adding as much talent as possible either.

As for a forward not being a big need, I disagree. In light of losing both Vanek and Moulson, I think a top line forward is a big need. It's not our BIGGEST need, but we're talking about our best option for our top line LW being a kid who has 24 games of NHL experience...that doesn't sound like a sturdy choice.

If we are to believe that Snow will be aggressive for the first time ever, we have to consider who is available and at what price.
Truth be told, there are no true top pairing dmen out there...I see plenty of second pairing guys...so let's say Orkpik gets signed.
Then we sign a goalie like Halak. How much have we spent then...$7mil?
Considering that we're presently at $47mil for next year and only $29 mil the following year, I think even in our typical Islander cheapness, we have room for aggressive expansion.
I don't think throwing another $5.5 at Heatley would be a terrible move in that case. That still has us over $12 million below the cap for next season.

We need to star thinking about doing better than De Haan and Hamonic as our first pairing. With that l would live with them as a top pairing if Garth can sign a decent # 4 and a goalie who is not the worst in the league by a mile like Poulin and Nillson.
- mighty13duck

I'm open to suggestions on who would be an upgrade via UFA in that role.

I'm open to suggestions on who would be an upgrade via UFA in that role.
- keaner17

A good GM would have had an upgrade in the past few years. You cant tell me that there were no top pairing guys with more experience than De Haan the past few years.

Sources: Islanders draw new suitors as Barroway continues efforts

Philadelphia attorney and hedge fund manager Andrew Barroway is no longer alone in his pursuit of the New York Islanders.

According to a financial industry source, Islanders owner Charles Wang has received interest in his team from at least two other potential buyers.

“The Islanders are a year away from moving to Brooklyn, and the lease there is good,” said the source. “Once Mr. Wang said publicly that he was listening to offers, it was inevitable that interest would pick up. The Islanders are now an attractive commodity.”

Barroway continues to line up partners to help finance a deal with Wang. Negotiations are ongoing.

As previously reported in The Shift, one scenario has Barroway starting out as a partner who holds between 30 percent and 49 percent ownership, with Wang retaining majority ownership for the 2014-15 season (the Islanders’ final year at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum) and for 2015-16 (the club’s first season at the Barclays Center).

Barroway is said to be in good standing with the NHL after he negotiated to purchase the New Jersey Devils last summer. According to a source, Barroway went far enough in the process with former Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek to have made an initial payment of $10 million, but ultimately, talks broke off after additional discovery was done regarding the purchase and ownership costs for the club — costs that would have included more than $30 million owed by the club to creditors.

The Devils were purchased a month later by Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Nevertheless, Barroway made a strong impression on the NHL and the Devils.

“He loves hockey and came across as a very likeable, sincere guy,” said a source who was involved in the Devils discussions. “From what I can tell, he wants to be an owner and just hire the best president, general manager, and sales and marketing executives that he can find. He wants to sit in the owner’s suite, enjoy the hockey, and let everyone do their jobs.”

Barroway was vetted by the NHL during his pursuit of the Devils but was never formally approved by the league because the deal fell through. In any case, the league views each transaction on its own, so if Barroway were to complete a deal with Wang for the Islanders, he would have to go through the league’s vetting and approval process again.


- Vukota

Did I or did I not say that story avout Wang was not leaked purposely?

Sources: Islanders draw new suitors as Barroway continues efforts

Philadelphia attorney and hedge fund manager Andrew Barroway is no longer alone in his pursuit of the New York Islanders.

According to a financial industry source, Islanders owner Charles Wang has received interest in his team from at least two other potential buyers.

“The Islanders are a year away from moving to Brooklyn, and the lease there is good,” said the source. “Once Mr. Wang said publicly that he was listening to offers, it was inevitable that interest would pick up. The Islanders are now an attractive commodity.”

Barroway continues to line up partners to help finance a deal with Wang. Negotiations are ongoing.

As previously reported in The Shift, one scenario has Barroway starting out as a partner who holds between 30 percent and 49 percent ownership, with Wang retaining majority ownership for the 2014-15 season (the Islanders’ final year at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum) and for 2015-16 (the club’s first season at the Barclays Center).

Barroway is said to be in good standing with the NHL after he negotiated to purchase the New Jersey Devils last summer. According to a source, Barroway went far enough in the process with former Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek to have made an initial payment of $10 million, but ultimately, talks broke off after additional discovery was done regarding the purchase and ownership costs for the club — costs that would have included more than $30 million owed by the club to creditors.

The Devils were purchased a month later by Josh Harris and David Blitzer. Nevertheless, Barroway made a strong impression on the NHL and the Devils.

“He loves hockey and came across as a very likeable, sincere guy,” said a source who was involved in the Devils discussions. “From what I can tell, he wants to be an owner and just hire the best president, general manager, and sales and marketing executives that he can find. He wants to sit in the owner’s suite, enjoy the hockey, and let everyone do their jobs.”

Barroway was vetted by the NHL during his pursuit of the Devils but was never formally approved by the league because the deal fell through. In any case, the league views each transaction on its own, so if Barroway were to complete a deal with Wang for the Islanders, he would have to go through the league’s vetting and approval process again.


- Vukota

I love the bold Vukota. I'm a little worried though about Barroway having to scramble around looking for partners or maybe looking to get out of the lease in Brooklyn if true.