Three years....every summer....we need a defenseman....we get forwards. He did it again this year, but at this point, if he doesn't realize he has far too many forwards, then he might as well quit. He needs to make a trade. I can't imagine he would have signed those two guys on Wednesday without that in mind.

EDIT: He also needs to jettison the crap on the back end. I just can't see any reason to keep Strait or Carkner anymore, especially if Reinhart should really be in the NHL, which I believe is the case. This is why we need a solid vet back there- those two vets are just in the way at this point.
- dcb1

I get what hes trying to do. Hes hoping he can get away without getting a d man so one of these kids step up. Its rolling the dice but id hope he would have learned by now not to do it. Yeah it can work but im not comfortable like many fans with taking that chance. As far as strait goes im fine with a 5/6 role. Carkner im ok with never seeing him in an islanders jersey again. Waste of space. Plenty of time and plenty of assets with some teams looking for wiggle room with the cap. I still say he makes a trade but ive been wrong about this every time

Question.... Do u really think that Snow knows that this team needs D? Besides that, D is ( top D ) is at a premium and most teams don't trade their assets. In FA, isles are not a preferred destination right now and/or a successful franchise. Now grant it, I don't want this team to make a trade for trade sake. Isles finally added NHL quality depth to roster and now team has assets to trade w/o having much glaring holes.

Right now the team just needs 1/2 Dmen, isles have the whole summer to do so, plus other teams still need to evaluate their roster & salary cap. If nothing gets improved on the back end by the start of next season then Snow has failed again. Trust me, I'll be the 1st blast him like I usually do....
- Ur Not Me

I agree, he has all summer to do this. My only addition to this would be, given the roster, he HAS to- there is no choice. They have 17 NHL forwards (well 16, and a pair of fists). That's just too many- I can't see them literally waiving 7 players after training camp, between them and the two useless defensemen. He's got to turn at least two players into one defensman, and move one or two players for draft picks to ease that burden a bit.

Forwards:

Tavares-Lee-Okposo
Grabovski-Kulemin-Strome
Nielsen-Nelson-Grabner
Cizikas-Martin-Clutterbuck

Bailey
Boulton
Conacher
McDonald
Skille


Minors:

Collberg
Halmo
Persson
Sundstrom


This is why we need to make a trade. They just signed someone (Conacher) who doesn't have a spot in this lineup, at all. Bailey no longer has a spot in this lineup- they should really trade him now, before the other GMs get to watch him play again next year. On the other hand....

Defensemen:

de Haan-Hamonic
Hickey-Visnovsky (This is our second pair )
Reinhart-Carkner

Brennan
Czuczman
Donovan
Strait

Minors:

Mayfield
Pedan
Pelech
Pokka
Pulock

We may look at this five years from now, and see that we had 12 really good defensemen at one point....but right now, they're mostly kids, and the adults are underwhelming. It's time to buy some time for the defensemen the way he's been doing that at the forward positions.
- dcb1

Thing is, I don't see anyone in your forward lineup where I say, "Oh man, this guy is taking a spot from Conacher." In fact, there's no one on the extra list I'd rather see in the lineup over anyone in the 12 already there. I'd be really comfortable going into the season with those forwards as is.

If it's at all possible, I'd rather find a team that can't take on salary, and have a couple of D prospects as the centerpiece of a trade rather than having a forward be the centerpiece. Our expectation of return would have to be lower.

I get what hes trying to do. Hes hoping he can get away without getting a d man so one of these kids step up. Its rolling the dice but id hope he would have learned by now not to do it. Yeah it can work but im not comfortable like many fans with taking that chance. As far as strait goes im fine with a 5/6 role. Carkner im ok with never seeing him in an islanders jersey again. Waste of space. Plenty of time and plenty of assets with some teams looking for wiggle room with the cap. I still say he makes a trade but ive been wrong about this every time
- Cptmjl

The weird thing is, why doesn't he do that with the forwards? I'm guessing it's just too hard for him to part with what he'd need to in order to bring in a defenseman.

The weird thing is, why doesn't he do that with the forwards? I'm guessing it's just too hard for him to part with what he'd need to in order to bring in a defenseman.
- dcb1

I agree. Snow is very stingy with his prospects. To an extreme. Its a quality I like to an extent... I believe there has to be a happy medium. You have to have a good handle on these kids and decide which are the right ones to part with and which ones youre not willing to let go. He may? Im not going to make believe I know. Maybe all these kids are keepers for all I know and that's why hes unwilling to part with them or maybe hes waiting on the right deal? Plenty of time left when it comes to trades....

Thing is, I don't see anyone in your forward lineup where I say, "Oh man, this guy is taking a spot from Conacher." In fact, there's no one on the extra list I'd rather see in the lineup over anyone in the 12 already there. I'd be really comfortable going into the season with those forwards as is.

If it's at all possible, I'd rather find a team that can't take on salary, and have a couple of D prospects as the centerpiece of a trade rather than having a forward be the centerpiece. Our expectation of return would have to be lower.
- UIF

I'd agree...it depends on the player, but to me, a solid 5-6 defenseman, who is making like $3M or so, for whom the trading partner already has a less expensive replacement, and just wants the cap space back, SHOULD only cost us one of those second tier prospects and a middling draft pick. That said, you still have to do something with some of those forwards, even if it's just show them the door. I'd just get what I can for Bailey- he's not going to improve that by playing, in my opinion. If someone decides they like him, and you could trade him straight up for that defenseman, even better. A decent draft pick would be fine, though.

I agree. Snow is very stingy with his prospects. To an extreme. Its a quality I like to an extent... I believe there has to be a happy medium. You have to have a good handle on these kids and decide which are the right ones to part with and which ones youre not willing to let go. He may? Im not going to make believe I know. Maybe all these kids are keepers for all I know and that's why hes unwilling to part with them or maybe hes waiting on the right deal? Plenty of time left when it comes to trades....
- Cptmjl

Yes....you also need to understand when your team is good enough that your prospects likely aren't going to make it any better, and you might as well turn them into something you DO need.

I'd agree...it depends on the player, but to me, a solid 5-6 defenseman, who is making like $3M or so, for whom the trading partner already has a less expensive replacement, and just wants the cap space back, SHOULD only cost us one of those second tier prospects and a middling draft pick. That said, you still have to do something with some of those forwards, even if it's just show them the door. I'd just get what I can for Bailey- he's not going to improve that by playing, in my opinion. If someone decides they like him, and you could trade him straight up for that defenseman, even better. A decent draft pick would be fine, though.
- dcb1

No doubt. But some could be moved for minor assets not associated with the trade for D. And two could stick around as the 13th and 14th forwards if they carry 7 rather than 8 defensemen.

No doubt. But some could be moved for minor assets not associated with the trade for D. And two could stick around as the 13th and 14th forwards if they carry 7 rather than 8 defensemen.
- UIF

Agreed again, but you are still talking about three spots for nine players- I'm fine with all of the kids being in Bridgeport for a little bit, but some of them are going to deserve to be in the NHL. I have a feeling we're going to be making a lot of use of the waiver wire this year- for the opposite reason than usual, which is at least an improvement.

Yes....you also need to understand when your team is good enough that your prospects likely aren't going to make it any better, and you might as well turn them into something you DO need.
- dcb1

Having that kind of prospect depth on the bacj end is never a bad thing. I like the idea of having a solid nhl top four and giving the kids more time to develop. I still say he makes a trade. Theres too much on the line this season to roll the dice with our defense and after what he saw laat season id like to think he learned a lesson. My main question today is why the fack do I keep getting called back into work!?!?!?!?

I agree 100% with the forwards... not sure what we are doing with the defence...

But it is nice problem to have with the forwards... to actually have 12 NHL players on our roster.


We may see Conacher make the 4th line, and one of Martin or Clutterbuck traded along with Bailey, and one of our defenceman for a solid defenceman.

Reinhart might start in the AHL... then move up.


I guess we will have to see what Snow has planned.

Still a few teams with Cap issues!!!
- jimmc7722

With the roster as it is now, he'll have to.

Having that kind of prospect depth on the bacj end is never a bad thing. I like the idea of having a solid nhl top four and giving the kids more time to develop. I still say he makes a trade. Theres too much on the line this season to roll the dice with our defense and after what he saw laat season id like to think he learned a lesson. My main question today is why the fack do I keep getting called back into work!?!?!?!?
- Cptmjl

Carrying the pager, myself, this weekend. At least they pay me....

Carrying the pager, myself, this weekend. At least they pay me....
- dcb1

Me too. Theres some kind of connection with people having strokes and holiday weekends. Stay home everyone!

I'd agree...it depends on the player, but to me, a solid 5-6 defenseman, who is making like $3M or so, for whom the trading partner already has a less expensive replacement, and just wants the cap space back, SHOULD only cost us one of those second tier prospects and a middling draft pick. That said, you still have to do something with some of those forwards, even if it's just show them the door. I'd just get what I can for Bailey- he's not going to improve that by playing, in my opinion. If someone decides they like him, and you could trade him straight up for that defenseman, even better. A decent draft pick would be fine, though.
- dcb1

Even tho I'm no Bailey supporter but in fairness he's young & signed to a cheap long term contract. So bc of that I believe Snow sees value. Bailey's salary is almost equivalent to most of NHL players avg salaries. So I wouldn't mind trading him if a deal makes sense, but not going to just bc the isles have to many F's right now and I'll waive Boulton & McDonald 1st before anything if room is needed.


If Bailey could just be consistent enough, his contract looks like a bargain, but that's not the case right now....

Me too. Theres some kind of connection with people having strokes and holiday weekends. Stay home everyone!
- Cptmjl

For me, it's just phone systems and networking equipment having strokes...

Food for thought

I know what we all think about Gallof but he thinks

Bringing in a speedster and a offensive dman prospect is no coincidence, he thinks Conacher and Brennan are here to replace Grabmer and Donovan for Grabner and Dono are coveted/asked about by other teams

Even tho I'm no Bailey supporter but in fairness he's young & signed to a cheap long term contract. So bc of that I believe Snow sees value. Bailey's salary is almost equivalent to most of NHL players avg salaries. So I wouldn't mind trading him if a deal makes sense, but not going to just bc the isles have to many F's right now and I'll waive Boulton & McDonald 1st before anything if room is needed.


If Bailey could just be consistent enough, his contract looks like a bargain, but that's not the case right now....
- Ur Not Me

If he's still here on opening night, I'd give him just about as much time as I'd give Capuano. If they get to November, and he has 1 goal and 3 assists playing second line minutes, buh-bye....

If he's still here on opening night, I'd give him just about as much time as I'd give Capuano. If they get to November, and he has 1 goal and 3 assists playing second line minutes, buh-bye....
- dcb1

Who are you going to bump to give Bailey 2nd line minutes? I want him out of the lineup and off the team.

Bailey was drafted 2008 and went right in the lineup. In 2009 JT was drafted and went right in but Bailey really never established himself as a top line center. I don't think there are many number one or two center spots in the league but he has never played on a real settled older team. He may find a spot on a team like the Rangers as more of a specialist with his six seasons of NHL experience if the Isles don't use him in that role. If he goes to a team like the Flames he may still put up points as an offensive center.

Bailey was drafted 2008 and went right in the lineup. In 2009 JT was drafted and went right in but Bailey really never established himself as a top line center. I don't think there are many number one or two center spots in the league but he has never played on a real settled older team. He may find a spot on a team like the Rangers as more of a specialist with his six seasons of NHL experience if the Isles don't use him in that role. If he goes to a team like the Flames he may still put up points as an offensive center.
- Fan101

The difference between Bailey & JT is draft selection. Usually #1 overall is considered to possibly be NHL ready which JT was, Bailey was the 9th selection (I think) which usually gets developed (which he didn't) so really cant compare that both players were #1 picks (which was) but selection & developing is the issue.

Who are you going to bump to give Bailey 2nd line minutes? I want him out of the lineup and off the team.
- David_Volek

I'm going to guess that if he's still here, they're going to put him on the ice one last time to see if he's worth anything. The 4th line won't cut it for that. I personally would ditch him for whatever I can get, as I said....but you know them.

Time to start up the blog again!!!!

I'm going to guess that if he's still here, they're going to put him on the ice one last time to see if he's worth anything. The 4th line won't cut it for that. I personally would ditch him for whatever I can get, as I said....but you know them.
- dcb1

we should try dropping JT to the second line, so Bailey can get first line mins!!

XxNYIxX

we should try dropping JT to the second line, so Bailey can get first line mins!!

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

He can be a first line centre on the Leafs!!!

I'm going to guess that if he's still here, they're going to put him on the ice one last time to see if he's worth anything. The 4th line won't cut it for that. I personally would ditch him for whatever I can get, as I said....but you know them.
- dcb1

I understand and I like the forward lines you listed. I feel Bailey and either Grabner or Martin are not long for this team. I really like Grabner, especially on the penalty kill, but with this inept coach I expect he could be gone.