Going to be a lot tougher to even get to the 2nd round again without making the proper additions. JT will not likely be happy with just 2nd tier guys added. Winning a round up the stakes for everyone whether Garth and Cappy want to admit it or not.
- ses111

Agreed...

Dude u twist posts, I never said me, I said management could look at it the way I've described. So Im on record of hating Snow & Cappy but I get ur love fest with them...
- Ur Not Me

Ledecky and Malkin just need to do the opposite of Wang. They need to watch that Seinfeld episode.

I was never a big fan of Frans myself, but I can see brining him back on a fair deal. 6 Mill is not a fair deal at all.
- ses111

Me too, I get his role with team but Franz is replaceable, I don't understand the love fest with him....

What player ( that's available) are you going to sign, or what FA are you going to sign that can play PP, PK, score 20 goals, play against the other teams best offensive line and Does a good job of it again chipping in 20 goals offensively. On top of that a very cerebral player. It's a big mistake IMHO to let him go.
- nyisles7

I don't disagree that he's a versatile player, but I also don't think casey was signed to that deal to play 4th line center. I'd like nielsen back but that's too high imo.

I don't disagree that he's a versatile player, but I also don't think casey was signed to that deal to play 4th line center. I'd like nielsen back but that's too high imo.
- Isles_since_6

I might be going to Vancouver around late Oct/early Nov, how the weather at that time?

I don't disagree that he's a versatile player, but I also don't think casey was signed to that deal to play 4th line center. I'd like nielsen back but that's too high imo.
- Isles_since_6

Way too high for Nielsen, but I'm starting to be a little concerned about the plan here. None of Okposo/Nielsen/Martin are going to make or break this team, but Snow is going to have to fill those spots and if he fills them with inferior players, that's a major problem.

Me too, I get his role with team but Franz is replaceable, I don't understand the love fest with him....
- Ur Not Me

I feel the same way about KO. KO and Frans have not shown to be core guys you sign to big money deals. I get wanting to bring back Frans though at the right price. If the Isles can find a top wing for JT having Frans on the other side for his D is not a bad idea.

Way too high for Nielsen, but I'm starting to be a little concerned about the plan here. None of Okposo/Nielsen/Martin are going to make or break this team, but Snow is going to have to fill those spots and if he fills them with inferior players, that's a major problem.
- eichiefs9

It's tough to not get that sinking feeling. I think the Isles needed to make that trade for a #1 wing ahead of FA to take some of the pressure off. Isles miss out on Stamkos and the pressure really goes up.

It's tough to not get that sinking feeling. I think the Isles needed to make that trade for a #1 wing ahead of FA to take some of the pressure off. Isles miss out on Stamkos and the pressure really goes up.
- ses111

Doesn't seem like Stamkos is a real option. That's fine, but they need to add some serious talent. I'm not freaking out but the concern is there. They didn't make a move this weekend, but nobody else did either, so that's cause for some mild concern. I'll give free agency a few days before I really start to worry.

Doesn't seem like Stamkos is a real option. That's fine, but they need to add some serious talent. I'm not freaking out but the concern is there. They didn't make a move this weekend, but nobody else did either, so that's cause for some mild concern. I'll give free agency a few days before I really start to worry.
- eichiefs9

I doubt Stamkos is a real option. It would be great to add him, but it would not be a crushing blow as the Isles would not be the favorites to land him. Other teams did not add #1 wings so I cannot get on Garth yet. I'll also really worry if no big moves are made a couple of days after free agency. I'm just pissed because we get the same talk every year that this is the year for big moves to be made and it never happens.

Doesn't seem like Stamkos is a real option. That's fine, but they need to add some serious talent. I'm not freaking out but the concern is there. They didn't make a move this weekend, but nobody else did either, so that's cause for some mild concern. I'll give free agency a few days before I really start to worry.
- eichiefs9

I'm way ahead of you there, been worrying since the draft ended.
And where the (frank) does Nielsen come up with a self worth of 6 mill? Then again if Andrew Shaw ends up signing for 4 mill...

She's growing so quickl do you know any good divorce attorneys?
- Cptmjl

I'll give you mine, he's #2 on speed dial.

Doesn't seem like Stamkos is a real option. That's fine, but they need to add some serious talent. I'm not freaking out but the concern is there. They didn't make a move this weekend, but nobody else did either, so that's cause for some mild concern. I'll give free agency a few days before I really start to worry.
- eichiefs9

If they lose Frans, KO, and Martin, I'm not sure it would be so smart to sign Stamkos to $10-11 million per anyway. Those three were making a combined $6.6 million last year. Losing all of them and adding just Stamkos would limit the amount they can spend on wingers whether it be trade or free agency. Having Stamkos would be great, I'm not saying that, but you can't replace those 3 guys with one.

On the other hand, being how cheap they were, it's going to be extremely difficult to replace their production while adding to make the team better. That's why it's going to be really important if they can clear some salary (Halak, Grabo, Kulemin, Bailey)

If they lose Frans, KO, and Martin, I'm not sure it would be so smart to sign Stamkos to $10-11 million per anyway. Those three were making a combined $6.6 million last year. Losing all of them and adding just Stamkos would limit the amount they can spend on wingers whether it be trade or free agency. Having Stamkos would be great, I'm not saying that, but you can't replace those 3 guys with one.

On the other hand, being how cheap they were, it's going to be extremely difficult to replace their production while adding to make the team better. That's why it's going to be really important if they can clear some salary (Halak, Grabo, Kulemin, Bailey)
- NYI44

I'm going to try to even forget Stamkos at this point. He would be a great add it's just not looking good.


I was hoping clearing salary would have been step one. Have a hard time believing one team would not take a chance on Bailey. Halak might be tough to move now and we might be looking at 3 goalies again unless Berube gets moved in a package?

I'm way ahead of you there, been worrying since the draft ended.
And where the (frank) does Nielsen come up with a self worth of 6 mill? Then again if Andrew Shaw ends up signing for 4 mill...
- Wildschwein

Because they know there's always a sucker that will pay that kind of money.

Frans is a really, really nice complimentary player and a great piece to have, but he's not worth that kind of coin.

The conundrum becomes: do you risk letting him walk and possibly striking out in free agency? Or do you risk overpaying on money and term and having him turn into a major anchor in a few years?

I might be going to Vancouver around late Oct/early Nov, how the weather at that time?
- Ur Not Me

same as it is from october to may, lot of rain, but rarely any snow. the city is fantastic, make sure you have some time to do some sightseeing!

Don't really lend much credence to what Jimmy Murphy says, but here you go anyway:

Jimmy Murphy
‏@MurphysLaw74
An NHL exec who just read my tweet on #Stamkos frontrunners: "Don't sleep on the #Islanders! They will make a push!"

Don't really lend much credence to what Jimmy Murphy says, but here you go anyway:

Jimmy Murphy
‏@MurphysLaw74
An NHL exec who just read my tweet on #Stamkos frontrunners: "Don't sleep on the #Islanders! They will make a push!"
- eichiefs9

I have no doubt the Isles will make a big push. Question is will it work?

Hey Is there a reason why none of these discussions are posting under the Islanders Thread at hockey buzz?

Also curious to you guys think on two things
1) Bellows - was this a great pick for us. Anyone know anything about other kids we got too?
2) Jason Chimera, LW, Washington Capitals as UFA pickup. this guy still can play, is fast and has great experience. could he be a suitor for Martins spot on 4th line?

I have no doubt the Isles will make a big push. Question is will it work?
- ses111

The bigger question is when it doesn't what stupid move does Snow make? He will be scrambling to save face b/c he let all 3 UFA's walk and then did not get his prize.

I could care less about Ok leaving.. he will get 7 mill a year...fine. I am even OK with Franz leaving if he is going to make over 6 mill a year. I am still furious that he is letting Martin leave. Guy wanted 2.5 mill? He is worth that no matter what you guys think. This team will regret not signing Matt Martin.... they will either have a good that can't skate or you will all be complaining how soft they are game in and game out. Absurd to let him leave for that money.

Hey Is there a reason why none of these discussions are posting under the Islanders Thread at hockey buzz?

Also curious to you guys think on two things
1) Bellows - was this a great pick for us. Anyone know anything about other kids we got too?
2) Jason Chimera, LW, Washington Capitals as UFA pickup. this guy still can play, is fast and has great experience. could he be a suitor for Martins spot on 4th line?
- Spartiarti

I really liked the Bellows pick. I cannot say much on the other guys drafted. To be honest, I'm not focused on these prospects that are years away. It's all about what trades and signing we could make.

I really like Chimera as an option for the Isles on the 4th line.

I really liked the Bellows pick. I cannot say much on the other guys drafted. To be honest, I'm not focused on these prospects that are years away. It's all about what trades and signing we could make.

I really like Chimera as an option for the Isles on the 4th line.
- ses111

Chimera isn't a fourth liner.. Could easily play on the the third line.. And while i do like him.. He is 37

Chimera isn't a fourth liner.. Could easily play on the the third line.. And while i do like him.. He is 37
- Dan Petriw

I can see a one year deal for Chimera. Isles have other bigger fish to worry about though.

The bigger question is when it doesn't what stupid move does Snow make? He will be scrambling to save face b/c he let all 3 UFA's walk and then did not get his prize.

I could care less about Ok leaving.. he will get 7 mill a year...fine. I am even OK with Franz leaving if he is going to make over 6 mill a year. I am still furious that he is letting Martin leave. Guy wanted 2.5 mill? He is worth that no matter what you guys think. This team will regret not signing Matt Martin.... they will either have a good that can't skate or you will all be complaining how soft they are game in and game out. Absurd to let him leave for that money.
- niteislander

The report is not that he will get at least three which is even more absurd. He is a 1.5-2 million player tops. I love Martin but you can find a cheaper replacement that can do the same thing. I think Halmo gets a real shot

The report is not that he will get at least three which is even more absurd. He is a 1.5-2 million player tops. I love Martin but you can find a cheaper replacement that can do the same thing. I think Halmo gets a real shot
- Dan Petriw

Team will still need an enforcer type player (just in case) bc Boulton's gone, Martin leaving and wouldn't mind Ryan White as an extra or someone like him....