He has more to his game then offense. Hes a very good player. Hes not a defensive nightmare. Guy would be a legitimate first pairing defenseman on any team. Not so easy to come by these days especially at his age.
- Cptmjl

No he's not a defensive nightmare, but he's not elite in his own end, which I think is what we need. We have plenty of offensive dmen coming up through the system. We have de Haan. Hickey is good offensively. Pulock projects to be a top pairing offensive dman and with that shot I'd say he's close to a lock. Hamonic is satisfactory offensively. If anything, we've all been clammoring for a steady shutdown dman over the last couple of years, Subban is NOTHING close to that.

Orkpik has been my preferred target this year. He's made some favorable comments about the direction of the Isles so I think he would be easier to convince than most. At 33 a 5 year deal could get it done.
- keaner17

Yup...risky on the term, sure, but no one's coming here for a discount or even market value.

Im confused....


Some complain about how long the Isles rebuild is, and some complain why Snow cant obtain any good talent. Then some complain on why isles cant get, but don't trade this/him.
U cant have it both ways. To get something of value must give something of worth.

oh and RNH is waaaaaay better than Strome, so is Landesklog, Hubereau, that's why they went 1,2,3 in the draft.
Now im not discounting Strome's ability just pointing out that how long this rebuild is and now some who were impatient are going to continue to wait longer bc players take time to develop & more so on Dmen.
- Ur Not Me

I think we should all wait until the end of this coming season to draw those comparisons but I wouldn't say RNH is way better at all. Strome shot up those pre draft rankings quickly but then faded due to an injury. Many scouts felt he was the most talented player in that draft.

Yup...risky on the term, sure, but no one's coming here for a discount or even market value.
- UIF

I'd rather overpay in dollars than assets. I think Orpik is exactly what this team needs. Every team could use a top pairing juggernaut dman but none of them truly NEED one. I'd be more than happy adding a top four experienced gritty dman like Orpik to go along with our current group. Then lets see which one of our prospects is ready to join the fold and go from there.

I agree. Unless the return is a Chara LIKE "D" man who can dominate games for the next 10 yrs. Then no way do I trade Strome. Not even for PK Subban. Especially if he's in a package with our top "D" prospects.

I've been watching hockey since the late 1960's. The last rookie Islander who impressed me like Strome impresses me was Ziggy Palfy. 1st time I saw Ziggy play I knew he was special. I feel the same way about Strome. He'll be special. Soon rather then later.
- SCLI

Agree...The only scenario I would consider trading Strome would be for Shea Weber.

Could not agree more SCLI on all points. Strome should be a special player and I really like the upside for the Isles d prospects.
- ses111

I like our d prospects as well. I think we just need a veteran leader defensemen with talent to stabilize the young guys. Dan Boyle or maybe Markov UFA

Isn't Orpik an FA too? I think Pitt will keep one of Orpik or Niskanen with a big offer, but can they keep both? If the Pens don't re-sign him, I'd trade for his rights to get a head start on the market and overpay. If he doesn't take it, oh well. I know he's not as young or as good as some of the other names we're throwing around here, but I think he's exactly the type of player the Isles' D needs: someone with a bit of nastiness. Maybe if Hamonic watched a player like that every night, he'd find a way to consistently play like the tough SOB he morphs into whenever he goes against Malkin.
- UIF

If we sign Orpik its gonna be Brendan Witt all over again.

Orkpik has been my preferred target this year. He's made some favorable comments about the direction of the Isles so I think he would be easier to convince than most. At 33 a 5 year deal could get it done.
- keaner17

5 years????

5 years????
- Vukota

Well, I'd prefer a 3-4 year deal but that's not likely if when going after one of the better UFA's on the market.

I think we should all wait until the end of this coming season to draw those comparisons but I wouldn't say RNH is way better at all. Strome shot up those pre draft rankings quickly but then faded due to an injury. Many scouts felt he was the most talented player in that draft.
- keaner17

you cannot name all of those names and then not include strome...all of those kids have way more exposure to the nhl - strome just got his first licks and began to excel. another full year of playing in the nhl will go a long long way. hes got incredible hands and vision. wouldnt surprise me at all if he wound up a better all around player than RNH

Orkpik has been my preferred target this year. He's made some favorable comments about the direction of the Isles so I think he would be easier to convince than most. At 33 a 5 year deal could get it done.
- keaner17

KEaner Brooks Orpik is not coming to the Islanders. Why would you even think that after all the success we have had to woo free agents? I mean the team is still a bottom 5 team and I am sure at that age he is not going to want to see this team rebuild

I like our d prospects as well. I think we just need a veteran leader defensemen with talent to stabilize the young guys. Dan Boyle or maybe Markov UFA
- dack1972

I'd be fine with signing Markov. We drafted and have been waiting for these d prospects. I'd like to see what they can do. I know we cannot keep all of them. Still have to think Reinhart and Pulock are keepers.

KEaner Brooks Orpik is not coming to the Islanders. Why would you even think that after all the success we have had to woo free agents? I mean the team is still a bottom 5 team and I am sure at that age he is not going to want to see this team rebuild
- kasperrko

Kasper, one thing that I keep hearing is that the Isles plan to be uncharacteristically aggressive this offseason. This has me rethinking things in reference to Garth now. Many here have gotten on Garth over the last couple of years for not signing free agents. They've constantly said our not signing free agents is his fault. I've typically said that there were too many things working against him to be successful in that category (Wang, stadium, team rep etc). Based on the word that they suddenly plan to be more aggressive, maybe some were right that Garth was only half-hearted with his UFA interests over the last few years. If that's the case, and IF we really do go all in to fill the few gaps that were unsuccessfully addressed last season, then perhaps we'll actually overpay this year.

In the case of Orpik, after the Pens series he was VERY outgoing in his compliments towards the Isles franchise, their players and fans. On two different interviews he spoke at length saying they were a team that was going to be a major player for years to come. I didn't take it as lip service simply because it wasn't a typical one-liner compliment. So if he really feels that way and knows what JT brings, he may be willing to accept a rich contract to come here. Afterall, he's already won a cup.

One more thing...he's American...went to Boston College....

Let's be honest. This team is NOT in rebuild mode any longer. We have a decent young core but need to surround it with dependable veterns. Give us a top shelf goalie and dependable top four dman and I think this team is as good as any in our division except Pittsburgh

you cannot name all of those names and then not include strome...all of those kids have way more exposure to the nhl - strome just got his first licks and began to excel. another full year of playing in the nhl will go a long long way. hes got incredible hands and vision. wouldnt surprise me at all if he wound up a better all around player than RNH
- slapshot018

In all honesty, Terensako who was drafted in the teens by STL has been the best player in that draft so far, hands down...
So it really doesn't matter where you are drafted to be honest.
Like I said prior, Im not discounting Stromes talents.

Well, I'd prefer a 3-4 year deal but that's not likely if when going after one of the better UFA's on the market.
- keaner17

I like Orpik too, but feel he's on the decline. Big Dmen get slower as they get older.
Unless its a rich 2yr deal, I'll pass on having him longer.

In all honesty, Terensako who was drafted in the teens by STL has been the best player in that draft so far, hands down...
So it really doesn't matter where you are drafted to be honest.
Like I said prior, Im not discounting Stromes talents.
- Ur Not Me

I don't know about hands down....He is doing well, on a very good team. Is he a player you build around? RNH and Strome certainly are,or at least could be. VT is more of an excellent complimentary player.

I like Orpik too, but feel he's on the decline. Big Dmen get slower as they get older.
Unless its a rich 2yr deal, I'll pass on having him longer.
- Ur Not Me

He's not really that big. 6'2", but I get what you're saying. I'm simply looking for a player that would come at a decent price, mid length term and can fill the role we need. I also think this team has lacked a player who's 'been there, done that' and yet can still perform. I'd say 3 good years out of Orpik on a 4-5 year term would be a win for a team with major defensive depth on the rise. We're going to have to overpay one way or the other, be it via term or finance...or both.

Kasper, one thing that I keep hearing is that the Isles plan to be uncharacteristically aggressive this offseason. This has me rethinking things in reference to Garth now. Many here have gotten on Garth over the last couple of years for not signing free agents. They've constantly said our not signing free agents is his fault. I've typically said that there were too many things working against him to be successful in that category (Wang, stadium, team rep etc). Based on the word that they suddenly plan to be more aggressive, maybe some were right that Garth was only half-hearted with his UFA interests over the last few years. If that's the case, and IF we really do go all in to fill the few gaps that were unsuccessfully addressed last season, then perhaps we'll actually overpay this year.

In the case of Orpik, after the Pens series he was VERY outgoing in his compliments towards the Isles franchise, their players and fans. On two different interviews he spoke at length saying they were a team that was going to be a major player for years to come. I didn't take it as lip service simply because it wasn't a typical one-liner compliment. So if he really feels that way and knows what JT brings, he may be willing to accept a rich contract to come here. Afterall, he's already won a cup.

One more thing...he's American...went to Boston College....

Let's be honest. This team is NOT in rebuild mode any longer. We have a decent young core but need to surround it with dependable veterns. Give us a top shelf goalie and dependable top four dman and I think this team is as good as any in our division except Pittsburgh
- keaner17

I understand but being aggressive to GArth is getting a veteran who is 36 years old and not 38. I will believe it when I see it. It is good though to dream

I understand but being aggressive to GArth is getting a veteran who is 36 years old and not 38. I will believe it when I see it. It is good though to dream
- kasperrko

Eh, we'll see. I definitely understand everyone's decision to er on the side of skepticism. I'm just saying, if the Isles want to sign a player who will help their youth, still play a major role, not need an 8 year contract and not cost $9 million a year. Orpik is my choice. His Massacheusetts background makes him a likely favorite of Garth's New England Country Club

Eh, we'll see. I definitely understand everyone's decision to er on the side of skepticism. I'm just saying, if the Isles want to sign a player who will help their youth, still play a major role, not need an 8 year contract and not cost $9 million a year. Orpik is my choice. His Massacheusetts background makes him a likely favorite of Garth's New England Country Club
- keaner17

Orpik will probably get $5Million per on a 2 or 3 year deal, somewhat less on a longer term.

I don't know about hands down....He is doing well, on a very good team. Is he a player you build around? RNH and Strome certainly are,or at least could be. VT is more of an excellent complimentary player.
- Jeropotato

STL is a team that is grooming him well, just bc they are a good team doesn't mean VT is a complimentary player. Him & Steen have been the focal points of majority of their goals this year.

Orpik will probably get $5Million per on a 2 or 3 year deal, somewhat less on a longer term.
- Jeropotato

With a normal team. That means we have to pay him an extra year and likely half a million more.

STL is a team that is grooming him well, just bc they are a good team doesn't mean VT is a complimentary player. Him & Steen have been the focal points of majority of their goals this year.
- Ur Not Me

21 Goals is a good number,22 Assists ain't bad...for being the focal point of the teams offense ,that is not "hands down" the best production.

STL is a team that is grooming him well, just bc they are a good team doesn't mean VT is a complimentary player. Him & Steen have been the focal points of majority of their goals this year.
- Ur Not Me

no doubt hes had a lot of success in the nhl, but you have you consider these are all kids 22 years old and under still and a lot of them (strome and rnh specifically) are still playing in kids bodies against grown men, and still holding their own. i think its going to take another 3-5 years to really see the development of this class, as with most classes.

21 Goals is a good number,22 Assists ain't bad...for being the focal point of the teams offense ,that is not "hands down" the best production.
- Jeropotato

I said hands down so far from the draft, don't twist my words...
Never mentioned from team