In what sense? Read my above post. Perhaps that explains better.
- kindlyrick

I stand corrected yet again. Ok. Everyone have a great day. Its been a pleasure

Oh come on. He made the move for Boyle, so you feel that his plan B was Brennan?
As for the idea that top four dmen can be had..that's a big maybe. We're not seeing a lot of action around the league in terms of top 4 dmen moving from team to team and they are in constant demand.

At this stage we definitely need a top four dman, but I'm pretty confident this team is playoff material even without such a move. I'm not saying this is the defensive corps I want to roll through the season with, but I think we are afforded the luxury of time as opposing to giving the other team all the leverage in trade discussions. Let's just sit back and see what happens.
- keaner17

I don't see it unless everyone of our defensemen plays to their highest level.

Oh come on. He made the move for Boyle, so you feel that his plan B was Brennan?
As for the idea that top four dmen can be had..that's a big maybe. We're not seeing a lot of action around the league in terms of top 4 dmen moving from team to team and they are in constant demand.

At this stage we definitely need a top four dman, but I'm pretty confident this team is playoff material even without such a move. I'm not saying this is the defensive corps I want to roll through the season with, but I think we are afforded the luxury of time as opposing to giving the other team all the leverage in trade discussions. Let's just sit back and see what happens.
- keaner17

I have a weird feeling about Brennan turning out to put up some really nice points. I could be wrong but I just feel like he's going to surprise us.

You said both were traded by the same team who had no use for them. I said ironically both players who werent "usable" on the ducks were top pair dmen on the isles. In other words, the other teams trash was the isles gold.

To further explain, both Wisniewski and Visnovski are PP dmen who could play against other teams top lines. Both are experienced dmen who are more experienced and better dmen than anyone on the isles. (Hamonic isn't a better PP option than either Visnovski or Wisniewski)
- kindlyrick

Wiz was acquired to help the team on D, unfortunately it didn't work and he wasn't that much better on a lousy islander team at that time than what they currently had then. Wiz had his flashes but he was trying to become more of an offensive Dman bc he was looking to get paid ( which he did ). If my memory serves me correct but ever since he signed in Columbus, he hasn't been irrelevant at all.

Viz almost the same issue except some differences. But Viz hasn't been able to stay on the ice for the team and has become almost irrelevant as well.
So if you think those 2 trades has helped, I tend to disagree bc it hasn't in my opinion. The isles have been bad for a while, so if a trade is not possible, go with what you have and see what might stick. The isles were not able to obtain better/good players thru trades without possibly being fleeced and Snow didn't give into any demands for mediocre players at best.

Oh come on. He made the move for Boyle, so you feel that his plan B was Brennan?
As for the idea that top four dmen can be had..that's a big maybe. We're not seeing a lot of action around the league in terms of top 4 dmen moving from team to team and they are in constant demand.

At this stage we definitely need a top four dman, but I'm pretty confident this team is playoff material even without such a move. I'm not saying this is the defensive corps I want to roll through the season with, but I think we are afforded the luxury of time as opposing to giving the other team all the leverage in trade discussions. Let's just sit back and see what happens.
- keaner17

I'm not really sure what your point about Boyle is as he's not in the mix. When I read snow praise Brennan's numbers on the PP in the A then yes I feel he's Garth's answer to an anemic pp.
You're not seeing a lot of action because a lot of teams are waiting to see how arbitration pans out.

As for seeing what happens, this d core is what the isles had last season....and we saw how that went.

I don't see it unless everyone of our defensemen plays to their highest level.
- Cptmjl

I consider it like this...
De Haan now has a full season (nearly) under his belt...he'll be even better than last season, which left me confident that he was already the best dman on our roster.
Hamonic, once being paired with De Haan and separated from Amac, returned to prior form and looked fine in a top four role.
Visnovsky 'should' start the season healthy. We have a TON of dmen available for the bottom pairing roles and out of those there will be a stiff competition for a top four role. Mayfield and Czurczman both now have a taste of the NHL and will come back bigger and stronger if called upon.

Point being, with all of the talent we have developing in this system and nearly ready to join up with the big club, I think there's a solid chance one of those guys could step into that role. So we should feel no need to race into a deal for a 'non elite' top four guy at the expense of a massive overpayment. Time is actually on our side in this case.

I'm not really sure what your point about Boyle is as he's not in the mix. When I read snow praise Brennan's numbers on the PP in the A then yes I feel he's Garth's answer to an anemic pp.
You're not seeing a lot of action because a lot of teams are waiting to see how arbitration pans out.

As for seeing what happens, this d core is what the isles had last season....and we saw how that went.
- kindlyrick

This defensive core will be playing with a better forward corps, which makes a huge difference. We also had a substantial upgrade in both starting and backup goaltending. This relieves a lot of pressure.

As for Boyle, it's relavant because it shows that Garth considers upgrading that position a priority. I wouldn't consider Brennan as the fall back, but simply an investment. A 'maybe'. I'm pretty confident the team is still searching for a top four guy, but won't be pressured into a bad deal.

Wiz was acquired to help the team on D, unfortunately it didn't work and he wasn't that much better on a lousy islander team at that time than what they currently had then. Wiz had his flashes but he was trying to become more of an offensive Dman bc he was looking to get paid ( which he did ). If my memory serves me correct but ever since he signed in Columbus, he hasn't been irrelevant at all.

Viz almost the same issue except some differences. But Viz hasn't been able to stay on the ice for the team and has become almost irrelevant as well.
So if you think those 2 trades has helped, I tend to disagree bc it hasn't in my opinion. The isles have been bad for a while, so if a trade is not possible, go with what you have and see what might stick. The isles were not able to obtain better/good players thru trades without possibly being fleeced and Snow didn't give into any demands for mediocre players at best.
- Ur Not Me

I'm sorry but do you mean "hasn't been relevant"? Because "hasn't been irrelevant" means he's relevant which is my point.

If my memory serves correct Wisniewski was very solid on the isles and had offensive ability with grit. How can you even chirp him. He's the quintessential dman

This defensive core will be playing with a better forward corps, which makes a huge difference. We also had a substantial upgrade in both starting and backup goaltending. This relieves a lot of pressure.

As for Boyle, it's relavant because it shows that Garth considers upgrading that position a priority. I wouldn't consider Brennan as the fall back, but simply an investment. A 'maybe'. I'm pretty confident the team is still searching for a top four guy, but won't be pressured into a bad deal.
- keaner17

Plus an exponentially more reliable goaltender to pick up on their occasional lapse.

I am in no way defending the defense last year or prior, but in fairness everyone makes mistakes...some of their's were just put front and center because we have had goaltenders that are completely inept at making up for them.

I have a weird feeling about Brennan turning out to put up some really nice points. I could be wrong but I just feel like he's going to surprise us.
- eichiefs9

The good news is he appears to be fully developed now. I was sort of surprised that Buffalo let him get away. For the Isles it's easy, fish or cut bait. He has the skill to be a great find and will get the chance to prove he belongs. I still think if the opportunity arrives, we'll make a move for an upgrade.

Sportsnet ‏@Sportsnet 7m
#Islanders avoid arbitration with goalie Kevin Poulin, settle on two-way deal: http://ow.ly/zxwrC #NHL

The good news is he appears to be fully developed now. I was sort of surprised that Buffalo let him get away. For the Isles it's easy, fish or cut bait. He has the skill to be a great find and will get the chance to prove he belongs. I still think if the opportunity arrives, we'll make a move for an upgrade.
- keaner17

I agree, and I think that the defense isn't as incomplete as most are saying. I would certainly love to get another quality guy back there but I don't hate what we have right now.

Sportsnet ‏@Sportsnet 7m
#Islanders avoid arbitration with goalie Kevin Poulin, settle on two-way deal: http://ow.ly/zxwrC #NHL
- UIF

To the playoffs!

This defensive core will be playing with a better forward corps, which makes a huge difference. We also had a substantial upgrade in both starting and backup goaltending. This relieves a lot of pressure.

As for Boyle, it's relavant because it shows that Garth considers upgrading that position a priority. I wouldn't consider Brennan as the fall back, but simply an investment. A 'maybe'. I'm pretty confident the team is still searching for a top four guy, but won't be pressured into a bad deal.
- keaner17

Nicely said and makes sense.

I still think with Patrick Roy in net the isles still don't make the playoffs this year.
Does any other team in the NHL have a worse d core than the isles? Serious question there. Lets say Visnovski and or DeHaan gets hurt which is a very likely possibility. What do the isles do on the PP?
Do Carkner, Hickey, Strait, or Brennan make any other NHL team? I think it's debatable at best.

To the playoffs!
- eichiefs9

I think it's good they avoided arbitration though. On the perhaps dwindling chance that Poulin pulls himself together this year, finds his game and becomes a legit option going forward (starter or backup), there won't be any hard feelings that you can get with an arbitration hearing when it comes to working on the next deal.

Maybe Sportsnet could have found a better picture instead of reminding us that Poulin scrambles a lot after letting bad-angle shots go by...

I'm sorry but do you mean "hasn't been relevant"? Because "hasn't been irrelevant" means he's relevant which is my point.

If my memory serves correct Wisniewski was very solid on the isles and had offensive ability with grit. How can you even chirp him. He's the quintessential dman
- kindlyrick

Yea sorry not thinking/or typing straight w/so much crap going on
Wiz was ok at best, wasn't a fan then or now

Yea sorry not thinking/or typing straight w/so much crap going on
Wiz was ok at best, wasn't a fan then or now
- Ur Not Me

No worries man....
I liked Wisniewski....he was a good teammate and literally better than anyone on the isles d right now.

I agree, and I think that the defense isn't as incomplete as most are saying. I would certainly love to get another quality guy back there but I don't hate what we have right now.
- eichiefs9

I'm not so sure. I'd be surprised if Vis plays more than 60 games. Once he goes down I think they'll be in trouble again.

I'm not so sure. I'd be surprised if Vis plays more than 60 games. Once he goes down I think they'll be in trouble again.
- JimmyP

A lot hinges on Visnovsky staying healthy, I won't argue that. I'll be clear and say that I do want Garth to preferably add another piece on the blueline before camp starts. I just won't lose it if we start the season with what we have now.

I agree, and I think that the defense isn't as incomplete as most are saying. I would certainly love to get another quality guy back there but I don't hate what we have right now.
- eichiefs9

I think the real x factor will be Czuczman and Reinhart. Both are big kids (who reportedly added a lot of muscle this offseason) and are good stay at home dmen. I was very impressed by what I saw from Czuczman in terms of quickly adapting to the NHL game last season. Reinhart is coming of a huge performance last season and both have the talent and size to be significant contributors. Throw in Mayfield and Pulock getting his feet wet and I think folks are underestimating just how much some of this talent and size can overcome some of the defensive lapses.

IN addition, this teams backchecking was AWFUL last year. The addition of defensively responsible impact forwards like Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski will make the backpressure all that better and dmens job easier. Our defense was bad last year, but they were made worse by our forwards underperforming. It's like football, your corners look terrible without a pass rush..they're asked to cover too long and too much ground. Add a pass rush, and the corners look like a different unit.

Nicely said and makes sense.

I still think with Patrick Roy in net the isles still don't make the playoffs this year.
Does any other team in the NHL have a worse d core than the isles? Serious question there. Lets say Visnovski and or DeHaan gets hurt which is a very likely possibility. What do the isles do on the PP?
Do Carkner, Hickey, Strait, or Brennan make any other NHL team? I think it's debatable at best.
- kindlyrick

You're throwing out two dmen getting hurt, which most teams don't survive if over significant time. That said, if they do, I expect Brennan and Hickey would be asked to fill in. Czuczman also might since he got experience there last season. Hamonic is fair on the pp as well.

I disagree about the playoffs. i think the addition of Halak alone gets us on the bubble and Kulemin/Grabovski have us there. Add in Strome getting better and our young big time prospects growing into their roles and I think this is a dangerous club. Not a contender, but definitely playoff worthy.

I think the real x factor will be Czuczman and Reinhart. Both are big kids (who reportedly added a lot of muscle this offseason) and are good stay at home dmen. I was very impressed by what I saw from Czuczman in terms of quickly adapting to the NHL game last season. Reinhart is coming of a huge performance last season and both have the talent and size to be significant contributors. Throw in Mayfield and Pulock getting his feet wet and I think folks are underestimating just how much some of this talent and size can overcome some of the defensive lapses.

IN addition, this teams backchecking was AWFUL last year. The addition of defensively responsible impact forwards like Nikolai Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski will make the backpressure all that better and dmens job easier. It's like. Our defense was bad last year, but they were made worse by our forwards underperforming. It's like football, your corners look terrible without a pass rush..they're asked to cover too long and too much ground. Add a pass rush, and the corners look like a different unit.
- keaner17

Great post....well said!

I can't even believe this is a discussion. The isles have 5378 forwards signed to one way deals......and about 6 out of 8 unproven dmen, yet fans on here are offering top prospects for a forward?

Tell me, isn't everyone on here in agreement that the Vanek trade last year didnt address the need the isles had?
- kindlyrick

if you need $1,000 but someone offers you $100, are you not going to take it?

I consider it like this...
De Haan now has a full season (nearly) under his belt...he'll be even better than last season, which left me confident that he was already the best dman on our roster.
Hamonic, once being paired with De Haan and separated from Amac, returned to prior form and looked fine in a top four role.
Visnovsky 'should' start the season healthy. We have a TON of dmen available for the bottom pairing roles and out of those there will be a stiff competition for a top four role. Mayfield and Czurczman both now have a taste of the NHL and will come back bigger and stronger if called upon.

Point being, with all of the talent we have developing in this system and nearly ready to join up with the big club, I think there's a solid chance one of those guys could step into that role. So we should feel no need to race into a deal for a 'non elite' top four guy at the expense of a massive overpayment. Time is actually on our side in this case.
- keaner17

Youre expecting improvement on all fronts as far as our defense and from former first year players. Doesnt always work out that way. In fact as islander fans we've seen it not work out more often than not. Though its completely possible that what you suggested happens( and I hope youre right) if I were betting on it id stick with what I said. This defense even with an upgrade in goal wont get us to the playoffs imo.

Your throwing out two dmen getting hurt, which most teams don't survive if over significant time. That said, if they do, I expect Brennan and Hickey would be asked to fill in. Czuczman also might since he got experience there last season. Hamonic is fair on the pp as well.

I disagree about the playoffs. i think the addition of Halak alone gets us on the bubble and Kulemin/Grabovski have us there. Add in Strome getting better and our young big time prospects growing into their roles and I think this is a dangerous club. Not a contender, but definitely playoff worthy.
- keaner17

I hope you're right.....but in order to make that next step you need to score on the PP.
I really liked what I saw in Czuszman last season. Hickey to me is not a factor and Brennan is the X factor.

In a perfect world there wouldn't be as many what ifs or reach players but I'm an isles fan and I'll cheer whoever dons the sweater.