This entire blog is a classical example of the Islanders. It is late in the season and the team is tanking towards mediocrity while the fans fantasize some Draft Kings trade is going to instantly fix this.
A team of yes men, overpaid vets and players afraid to speak up are what is wrong with not just this team but just about any mediocre franchise.
I liked the Ladd signing because he brought the level of professionalism and discipline that may be lacking on this team. I also liked the Grabo and Kulemin signing because the four year window may have been enough to allow for rookie development. Grabo when he was healthy added a lot of spark and Kulemin's value has been proven by his absence especially on the pk.
Teams need to be fixed in the offseason as they did with the trade for Eberle and the recent drafts.
The only thing that will fix them now are Cizikas, JB, De Haan and Kulemin. I doubt there is a player on some other NHL roster right now hoping for a trade to the Islanders.
This entire blog is a classical example of the Islanders. It is late in the season and the team is tanking towards mediocrity while the fans fantasize some Draft Kings trade is going to instantly fix this.
A team of yes men, overpaid vets and players afraid to speak up are what is wrong with not just this team but just about any mediocre franchise.
I liked the Ladd signing because he brought the level of professionalism and discipline that may be lacking on this team. I also liked the Grabo and Kulemin signing because the four year window may have been enough to allow for rookie development. Grabo when he was healthy added a lot of spark and Kulemin's value has been proven by his absence especially on the pk.
Teams need to be fixed in the offseason as they did with the trade for Eberle and the recent drafts.
The only thing that will fix them now are Cizikas, JB, De Haan and Kulemin. I doubt there is a player on some other NHL roster right now hoping for a trade to the Islanders. - Fan101
I feel like I'm stuck in the loop that Murray was in Ground Hog Day with this (frank)ing team. Even of Snow does something at this point it's most likely too late. It would have to be something pretty significant to turn this disaster around.
I feel like I'm stuck in the loop that Murray was in Ground Hog Day with this (frank)ing team. Even of Snow does something at this point it's most likely too late. It would have to be something pretty significant to turn this disaster around. - Cptmjl
There are only 12 points separating first and last in the Metro and only 6 points between second and seventh (the Isles). It's going to be a tough fight for the wild card teams. They're not out of it, but time is running out.
Who the heck are these players they keep bringing up? We're down to people I've never even heard of now. Trade for a friggin defenseman and put Ho-Sang back in. They know he's the best option they have for the third line. We know it. And Ho-Sang knows it. This is the most idiotic stubborn "prove a point" thing I've seen...probably since the last time the Islanders tried to idiotically prove a point to a prospect. - UIF
Come on UIF we have a tough guy now. The 3rd and four line and defensive problems all go away.
There are only 12 points separating first and last in the Metro and only 6 points between second and seventh (the Isles). It's going to be a tough fight for the wild card teams. They're not out of it, but time is running out. - JimmyP
Just for the privilege to play TB, Vasilevsky or WAS, Holtby in the first round.
Just for the privilege to play TB, Vasilevsky or WAS, Holtby in the first round. - Fan101
If they get in I don't think they'll get out of the first round. With this defense they'd be lucky if they could lose the series 4-2. I was only pointing out they are far from out of contention.
I hope they get in because it may make JT more likely to sign.
If they get in I don't think they'll get out of the first round. With this defense they'd be lucky if they could lose the series 4-2. I was only pointing out they are far from out of contention.
I hope they get in because it may make JT more likely to sign. - JimmyP
I have to think JT is just as sick if not more sick of this never ending merry go round. It's the same shat every year with zero progression. It's actually a step back the last two seasons. He may be saying all the right things to the press but I can't imagine him being ok with this teams (in)direction. Even if they make the playoffs and get shalacked I don't think for a second JT is thinking yeah ok let's sign here for the rest of my career. I know he's saying what he's saying but color me a bit skeptical that he's being truthful. Everything we're seeing he is plus whatever negative b.s. were not privy to that's happening behind closed doors which I'll just assume is a helluva lot. Unless this team does a complete 180 (not happening most likely as we all know)he's as good as gone.
I have to think JT is just as sick if not more sick of this never ending merry go round. It's the same shat every year with zero progression. It's actually a step back the last two seasons. He may be saying all the right things to the press but I can't imagine him being ok with this teams (in)direction. Even if they make the playoffs and get shalacked I don't think for a second JT is thinking yeah ok let's sign here for the rest of my career. I know he's saying what he's saying but color me a bit skeptical that he's being truthful. Everything we're seeing he is plus whatever negative b.s. were not privy to that's happening behind closed doors which I'll just assume is a helluva lot. Unless this team does a complete 180 (not happening most likely as we all know)he's as good as gone. - Cptmjl
It's hard to get a read on JT as he keeps things so close to the vest. You really have to think though he is beyond frustrated at this point. I think JT would like to re-sign but it will be very difficult once he gets to FA and can hear from other teams.
It's hard to get a read on JT as he keeps things so close to the vest. You really have to think though he is beyond frustrated at this point. I think JT would like to re-sign but it will be very difficult once he gets to FA and can hear from other teams. - ses111
Either he's an idiot or he's fed up. How can anyone that supposedly wants to win be happy with this club and it's lack of progression. There's literally not one thing that says contender besides Barzal and himself. Holes in the bottom 6, goaltending, and the defense is an obvious mess. That's nothing that gets fixed in a season and we have e a coach who seems incapable of having the team play defense in any sense of the word. None of this should inspire him to sign a contract. I know we all hope he does but really think about it.
What exactly would make him want to sign at this point? There's nothing there besides the arena and as we've seen and contrary to what some blow hard blogger said and a couple people on here it couldn't be more obvious that wasn't his main concern. Theres literally nothing left and no reason for him to sign. It's not negativity it's reality. This isn't being written in some kind of panic or anger sometimes emotion gets misconstrued with text. I've been saying this consistently before the season even started.
Location: Coming to a jail near you Joined: 10.14.2014
Jan 19 @ 5:46 PM ET
It's hard to get a read on JT as he keeps things so close to the vest. You really have to think though he is beyond frustrated at this point. I think JT would like to re-sign but it will be very difficult once he gets to FA and can hear from other teams. - ses111
Yup, JT is keeping all his options open. Not all of the teams who are Cup contenders are going to be able to fit him under the Cap. So my guess is that he will be evaluating all offers on the various criteria we have discussed on here........salary, chance of winning a Cup, etc. Being a loyal guy, he will probably give the Isles a slight advantage over other teams. However, I am guessing that that only improves the Isles' odds of re-signing him to about 1 in 5. Those odds could improve if this season ends on a happier note than it appears to be heading, but I think that is unlikely given who is in charge.
Either he's an idiot or he's fed up. How can anyone that supposedly wants to win be happy with this club and it's lack of progression. There's literally not one thing that says contender besides Barzal and himself. Holes in the bottom 6, goaltending, and the defense is an obvious mess. That's nothing that gets fixed in a season and we have e a coach who seems incapable of having the team play defense in any sense of the word. None of this should inspire him to sign a contract. I know we all hope he does but really think about it. What exactly would make him want to sign at this point? There's nothing there besides the arena and as we've seen and contrary to some blow hard blogger and a couple people on here it couldn't be more obvious that wasn't his main concern. - Cptmjl
As much as I might like the area, I would not re-sign if I were JT unless Garth was removed as GM now. The building question was answered and now the management question needs to be answered. JT needs to ask to himself whether he wants to look back with regret if he re-signs with the Isles and never gets to a Cup. JT seems to be a loyal guy so again it's tough to know what he is thinking. JT may see the top 6 forwards and think the team has a lot to work around? I just hope the team does not lose JT for nothing.
Yup, JT is keeping all his options open. Not all of the teams who are Cup contenders are going to be able to fit him under the Cap. So my guess is that he will be evaluating all offers on the various criteria we have discussed on here........salary, chance of winning a Cup, etc. Being a loyal guy, he will probably give the Isles a slight advantage over other teams. However, I am guessing that that only improves the Isles' odds of re-signing him to about 1 in 5. Those odds could improve if this season ends on a happier note than it appears to be heading, but I think that is unlikely given who is in charge. - JohnScammo
Canes with the new ownership will be going all in to try and get him. New practice facilities going up soon, new plane, new nutritional and rehab staff... Dundon is real good friends with Mark Cuban and is going to lean on him to figure out what works on what doesn't for players.
I don't think JT will sign in Raleigh, but if he doesn't, it won't be because they got outbid.
Dundon himself has said he's willing to make an irrational financial decision if it means he gets to win.
Yup, JT is keeping all his options open. Not all of the teams who are Cup contenders are going to be able to fit him under the Cap. So my guess is that he will be evaluating all offers on the various criteria we have discussed on here........salary, chance of winning a Cup, etc. Being a loyal guy, he will probably give the Isles a slight advantage over other teams. However, I am guessing that that only improves the Isles' odds of re-signing him to about 1 in 5. Those odds could improve if this season ends on a happier note than it appears to be heading, but I think that is unlikely given who is in charge. - JohnScammo
Ledecky can really show JT something by replacing Garth now. The worse thing the Isles can do is let the season fall apart without doing something. I know this is a baseball saying, but they really do not want to leave the bat on their shoulder watching the 3rd strike this season. Give up a 2nd round pick for a dman or forward to help the 3rd line. Start with smaller type moves. Forget thinking about a star dman right now.
As much as I might like the area, I would not re-sign if I were JT unless Garth was removed as GM now. The building question was answered and now the management question needs to be answered. JT needs to ask to himself whether he wants to look back with regret if he re-signs with the Isles and never gets to a Cup. JT seems to be a loyal guy so again it's tough to know what he is thinking. JT may see the top 6 forwards and think the team has a lot to work around? I just hope the team does not lose JT for nothing. - ses111
Been saying all year that's exactly what I think will happen unfortunately. Garth Snow is an idiot.
