I'm glad we didn't get him. I'm pretty happy with where we're at right now, forward-wise
- eichiefs9

I'd like to see a center spot open for Strome...I really think his vision and creativity would be best used there rather than the wing and I think we saw that a bit when he was making his wingers better players at the end of the season (Martin in particular). But I also wouldn't want to dump any of the centers the Isles have (Tavares-Grabo-Nielsen-Cizikas would be nice way to go into the season).

I'd be fine with Strome on the wing for now with him transitioning to center whenever a spot opens up (injury, trade at some point in the future, etc.). I wasn't the biggest believer in Strome (I only ever saw him in preseason the year he was drafted and I think I think that mediocre just stuck in my mind despite his development), but I'm sold now after seeing him get some NHL games in this past season.

From Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts column...

15. The Islanders were prepared to give Jarome Iginla four years.

16. Isles coach Jack Capuano is spending his summer working on structural adjustments to the team's penalty kill, which was 29th. "We're going to change the way we forecheck on it, and, when the puck is in our zone, we're going to pressure differently."

17. With a glut of centres, Capuano said that Brock Nelson is going to get a shot at the wing with John Tavares (who is skating again) and Kyle Okposo. Nelson played with them on the power play and spent time on the wing at the world championships. Frans Nielsen is not switching positions. "Frans is one of the smartest players in hockey. And he thinks the game as a centre."

18. As for Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, Capuano did not promise that they would be united, "But, we do know what the advanced stats say about them together." (Hint: they are good.) He added that Calvin de Haan is a going to get a long look as Travis Hamonic's full-time partner.

19. Here's the question Capuano can't answer, but is very hopeful about. New York's three goalies combined for an .898 save percentage last season, which just won't do. If Jaroslav Halak and Chad Johnson play to their career averages (.918 and .926, respectively), how many more points is that worth?

20. It's difficult to know for sure, but word last week was the sale from Charles Wang to Andrew Barroway hit a snag. What's uncertain is if it means there will be no sale, or if there will be no sale to this particular buyer. Whatever the case, things are a little cloudier than expected.
- eichiefs9

i get it, its capuano, the guy is a moron, but come on!! is this news?? the 29th worst PK in the league is finding ways to get better?? get outta here!!!

From Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts column...

15. The Islanders were prepared to give Jarome Iginla four years.

16. Isles coach Jack Capuano is spending his summer working on structural adjustments to the team's penalty kill, which was 29th. "We're going to change the way we forecheck on it, and, when the puck is in our zone, we're going to pressure differently."

17. With a glut of centres, Capuano said that Brock Nelson is going to get a shot at the wing with John Tavares (who is skating again) and Kyle Okposo. Nelson played with them on the power play and spent time on the wing at the world championships. Frans Nielsen is not switching positions. "Frans is one of the smartest players in hockey. And he thinks the game as a centre."

18. As for Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, Capuano did not promise that they would be united, "But, we do know what the advanced stats say about them together." (Hint: they are good.) He added that Calvin de Haan is a going to get a long look as Travis Hamonic's full-time partner.

19. Here's the question Capuano can't answer, but is very hopeful about. New York's three goalies combined for an .898 save percentage last season, which just won't do. If Jaroslav Halak and Chad Johnson play to their career averages (.918 and .926, respectively), how many more points is that worth?

20. It's difficult to know for sure, but word last week was the sale from Charles Wang to Andrew Barroway hit a snag. What's uncertain is if it means there will be no sale, or if there will be no sale to this particular buyer. Whatever the case, things are a little cloudier than expected.
- eichiefs9

And here's the excuse for when they don't address the defense. "we don't have to. Better goaltending will get us into the playoffs".

I agree. We need to get a D-man in here ASAP
- Vukota

Caps D-Corp is crowded and expensive
wonder what it would take to pry Alzner away?
Bailey plus a prospect?

do not want Green however

And here's the excuse for when they don't address the defense. "we don't have to. Better goaltending will get us into the playoffs".
- PeteM

Did they not offer Dan Boyle a more then fair offer? My guess is D is tough to come by and any team the isles talk to are probably asking for Strome, Nelson, Reinhart etc etc.. It's not for a lack of trying that's for sure. Plus the season is still 3 months away

Caps D-Corp is crowded and expensive
wonder what it would take to pry Alzner away?
Bailey plus a prospect?

do not want Green however
- Mike C

There are options out there. All depends what the team is asking for back

Does anyone know what number Kulemin is going to be this season?

Does anyone know what number Kulemin is going to be this season?
- paulramone

On the team website its blank. They have Grabovski wearing 84

Does anyone know what number Kulemin is going to be this season?
- paulramone

#1 in my heart

And here's the excuse for when they don't address the defense. "we don't have to. Better goaltending will get us into the playoffs".
- PeteM

Does anyone know what number Kulemin is going to be this season?
- paulramone

#69 because he is original AND hilarious.

#69 because he is original AND hilarious.
- eichiefs9

Thought I read somewhere that Kumi will wear 45 since Halak wears 41

The Iginla thing scares me
- eichiefs9

Why?? If Iginla would of sign here, his attitude and professionalism would help this team immensely and give them an identity and maybe respect around the league.

Why?? If Iginla would of sign here, his attitude and professionalism would help this team immensely and give them an identity and maybe respect around the league.
- Ur Not Me

Because I don't want to be paying someone millions of dollars per year into their 40's. Tavares' attitude and professionalism is a perfectly fine example for the rest of the team.

Paul Martin for Grabner straight up.....

Paul Martin for Grabner straight up.....
- cap1681

No, Bailey instead??

Paul Martin for Grabner straight up.....
- cap1681

Meh. I've heard worse.

No, Bailey instead??
- Ur Not Me

Nah, rather have Grabner. His speed and scoring touch would compliment Crosby really well. Always thought we would be a great winger for Sid.

Paul Martin for Grabner straight up.....
- cap1681

Martin only has 1 year left in his deal right?

Martin only has 1 year left in his deal right?
- Vukota

yes

yes
- cap1681

No deal

No deal
- Vukota

Maybe if he threw in 2 tickets to the next Pirates/Padres game it would work.

Meh. I've heard worse.
- eichiefs9

My thought process is that you guys would be pretty set in your top six without Grabner, and could use a top pairing, minute eating defenseman.

Penguins have a log jam on defense with all the young guys looking to win a spot, and uncertainty in the top 6.

It would be a pure hockey trade. I understand Martin is in essence a full year rental, but if he helps you guys turn it around and make the playoffs, he might be inclined to resign there, especially since you guys can give a big term contract.

My thought process is that you guys would be pretty set in your top six without Grabner, and could use a top pairing, minute eating defenseman.

Penguins have a log jam on defense with all the young guys looking to win a spot, and uncertainty in the top 6.

It would be a pure hockey trade. I understand Martin is in essence a full year rental, but if he helps you guys turn it around and make the playoffs, he might be inclined to resign there, especially since you guys can give a big term contract.
- cap1681

It's not that we can't live without Grabner, but the risk would be in Martin only having one year remaining. I don't disagree with your logic, on the surface, but it's the Islanders and we consistently have trouble signing people. Now most of the guys that came here, even the ones that didn't originally want to, ended up loving it and re-signing but it still worries me a little. And, frankly, at 33...I don't even know if I want to re-sign Martin.

It's not the idea of losing Grabner or that I don't like Martin's game, but to essentially piss away Grabs for a full-year rental or to give an aging 33yr old d-man a multi-year contract doesn't make enough sense to me.

My thought process is that you guys would be pretty set in your top six without Grabner, and could use a top pairing, minute eating defenseman.

Penguins have a log jam on defense with all the young guys looking to win a spot, and uncertainty in the top 6.

It would be a pure hockey trade. I understand Martin is in essence a full year rental, but if he helps you guys turn it around and make the playoffs, he might be inclined to resign there, especially since you guys can give a big term contract.
- cap1681

if the isles would consider i deal like this, id rather include a piece into a deal involving boychuk, who is younger, signed to a longer contract and quite frankly who id prefer.

grabner+donovon for boychuk