Well looking at the schedule the next 3 weeks we have a game just about every other night. If they were ever going to make a push for a spot in the playoffs this would have to be the time. Unfortunately as per usual we have lost a bunch of guys in the one area we cannot afford to lose anyone. Hamonic, Jurcina, and now Reese out.... un friggin real.

On the upside we may get to see Matt Donovan (anyone else notice Wishart not even considered an option at this point).

You can't let Frans go, or sign him to a shorter term deal, based on prospects. Until guys are proven, you can't rely on them like that.
- isles10289

Not relying on the prospects at all. I'm pretty sure there's no law that says they can't sign Frans to another two-year deal after the first one's up.

I don't see the harm in going shorter term with players pegged for the bottom-six, especially ones relatively untested in big games that matter. I could be wrong, but I think Frans would be easy enough to re-sign after a shorter term deal if it's still worth it...it's not like Tavares where you definitely want to get a long deal done right away to keep the rest of the wolves in the league at bay.

Not relying on the prospects at all. I'm pretty sure there's no law that says they can't sign Frans to another two-year deal after the first one's up.

I don't see the harm in going shorter term with players pegged for the bottom-six, especially ones relatively untested in big games that matter. I could be wrong, but I think Frans would be easy enough to re-sign after a shorter term deal if it's still worth it...it's not like Tavares where you definitely want to get a long deal done right away to keep the rest of the wolves in the league at bay.
- UIF

While I don't strongly disagree with your point.. 2.7 is not that big a deal and he really has earned it. His best in shootouts in NHL alone is worth something. Think of it this way.. Sean friggin Avery made 4 mill a year. He is a very solid 2 way center and if in 2 years they don't want him in the mix it doesn't kill you to pay him out. (4 years at 2.7 is a LOT different from 50 years at 4.5 dp)

Well looking at the schedule the next 3 weeks we have a game just about every other night. If they were ever going to make a push for a spot in the playoffs this would have to be the time. Unfortunately as per usual we have lost a bunch of guys in the one area we cannot afford to lose anyone. Hamonic, Jurcina, and now Reese out.... un friggin real.

On the upside we may get to see Matt Donovan (anyone else notice Wishart not even considered an option at this point).
- niteislander

according to who??? us??....lets be real, despite what most people here think, we have no idea who is coming up. most of the options are nothing more than speculation or hope.....

according to who??? us??....lets be real, despite what most people here think, we have no idea who is coming up. most of the options are nothing more than speculation or hope.....
- LetsGoIsles

Wishart has been nothing sort of awful this season...his play in bport has been god awful..Donovan has been good

While I don't strongly disagree with your point.. 2.7 is not that big a deal and he really has earned it. His best in shootouts in NHL alone is worth something. Think of it this way.. Sean friggin Avery made 4 mill a year. He is a very solid 2 way center and if in 2 years they don't want him in the mix it doesn't kill you to pay him out. (4 years at 2.7 is a LOT different from 50 years at 4.5 dp)
- niteislander

Very true. But Trent Hunter's cap hit was even lower at 2 mil, and I remember most calling it a good deal at the time when we were all saying he was "a beast" and he was one of our best penalty killers. Fast forward to this year, and we were grateful to ship him out for Brian friggin' Rolston. Sometimes the years become more of a bother than the number if a player no longer really fits anywhere and you have others you'd rather see in that spot. I'm not saying that will happen with Frans. I'm saying it could happen, and GM UIF would have went with fewer years. Of course, GM UIF has been wrong many, many times and would probably be more unpopular with you guys than Mad Mike, so take my opinion for whatever it's worth

Very true. But Trent Hunter's cap hit was even lower at 2 mil, and I remember most calling it a good deal at the time when we were all saying he was "a beast" and he was one of our best penalty killers. Fast forward to this year, and we were grateful to ship him out for Brian friggin' Rolston. Sometimes the years become more of a bother than the number if a player no longer really fits anywhere and you have others you'd rather see in that spot. I'm not saying that will happen with Frans. I'm saying it could happen, and GM UIF would have went with fewer years. Of course, GM UIF has been wrong many, many times and would probably be more unpopular with you guys than Mad Mike, so take my opinion for whatever it's worth
- UIF

The one difference I would point out about Trent is he had Martinek/DP disease. He could never make more than 10 games without getting hurt. I would be I have been wrong more than you.. by the way.

The one difference I would point out about Trent is he had Martinek/DP disease. He could never make more than 10 games without getting hurt. I would be I have been wrong more than you.. by the way.
- niteislander

Yep, that's true too. Started happening out of nowhere too, I think. His first four or five years I don't think he played any fewer than 75 games or so. Then he just fell apart.

Very true. But Trent Hunter's cap hit was even lower at 2 mil, and I remember most calling it a good deal at the time when we were all saying he was "a beast" and he was one of our best penalty killers. Fast forward to this year, and we were grateful to ship him out for Brian friggin' Rolston. Sometimes the years become more of a bother than the number if a player no longer really fits anywhere and you have others you'd rather see in that spot. I'm not saying that will happen with Frans. I'm saying it could happen, and GM UIF would have went with fewer years. Of course, GM UIF has been wrong many, many times and would probably be more unpopular with you guys than Mad Mike, so take my opinion for whatever it's worth
- UIF

no sarcarsm....i truly enjoy your comments....you make an argument, state some facts, stand by them and admit youre wrong if proven wrong. and you dont take yourself so seriously....id hire GM UIF

no sarcarsm....i truly enjoy your comments....you make an argument, state some facts, stand by them and admit youre wrong if proven wrong. and you dont take yourself so seriously....id hire GM UIF
- LetsGoIsles

You're kidding right!!!
- jimmc7722

can't argue with these people. Some people just will never be happy and always have to complain about something.

Well looking at the schedule the next 3 weeks we have a game just about every other night. If they were ever going to make a push for a spot in the playoffs this would have to be the time. Unfortunately as per usual we have lost a bunch of guys in the one area we cannot afford to lose anyone. Hamonic, Jurcina, and now Reese out.... un friggin real.

On the upside we may get to see Matt Donovan (anyone else notice Wishart not even considered an option at this point).
- niteislander

That's because Wishart sucks.

Not relying on the prospects at all. I'm pretty sure there's no law that says they can't sign Frans to another two-year deal after the first one's up.

I don't see the harm in going shorter term with players pegged for the bottom-six, especially ones relatively untested in big games that matter. I could be wrong, but I think Frans would be easy enough to re-sign after a shorter term deal if it's still worth it...it's not like Tavares where you definitely want to get a long deal done right away to keep the rest of the wolves in the league at bay.
- UIF

He probably gave up money for the term. Frans loves Long Island and wants to be a part of this team going forward. He could have gotten more than $2.75M on the open market; he took a pay cut in exchange for more years. I have no problem with that. Besides, it's not rewarding him for a sub par year, like someone earlier said. It's rewarding him for being a key cog on this team and a great leader through the tough times by making sure he will be here for the good times.

He probably gave up money for the term. Frans loves Long Island and wants to be a part of this team going forward. He could have gotten more than $2.75M on the open market; he took a pay cut in exchange for more years. I have no problem with that. Besides, it's not rewarding him for a sub par year, like someone earlier said. It's rewarding him for being a key cog on this team and a great leader through the tough times by making sure he will be here for the good times.
- isles10289

I'm surprised some think 4 years is too long for Frans. He is still one of the better 2 way centers in the league. Our forwards in general aren't good in their own zone but Frans gives us that ability and also knocks in 40-50 points. Also it's another good sign that snow and Wang aren't lying to us about spending a little. I have been slightly worried the last couple years that Tavares, okposo, Neilson etc would all be moved for draft picks. Also the fact that every player has stayed on and wanted to stay is a good sign that it isn't as disfunctional as it appears from the outside. Good signing in my opinion.

Wouldn't consider signing Franz Neilsen a big signing but he is a good 3rd line center/ defensive specialist so that's good.

I think the Islanders are going to trade for a defenseman in the next couple of days...a 3rd rd pick should be able to get you something decent. Would also like to see Snow trade for a 2nd line center that has another year on his contract. It would help the development of Strome...ses Josh Bailey...

Be really nice if Nabby decides to stay for another year or 2...he is absolutely the best goalie we've had since Billy Smith...great job Nabs, truly great job.

I'm surprised some think 4 years is too long for Frans. He is still one of the better 2 way centers in the league. Our forwards in general aren't good in their own zone but Frans gives us that ability and also knocks in 40-50 points. Also it's another good sign that snow and Wang aren't lying to us about spending a little. I have been slightly worried the last couple years that Tavares, okposo, Neilson etc would all be moved for draft picks. Also the fact that every player has stayed on and wanted to stay is a good sign that it isn't as disfunctional as it appears from the outside. Good signing in my opinion.
- Isles316

Yeah, some people are just never going to be satisfied. 4 years, $11M is perfect.

Be really nice if Nabby decides to stay for another year or 2...he is absolutely the best goalie we've had since Billy Smith...great job Nabs, truly great job.
- bhockey47

LOL. Great game last night, but don't overreact. Tommy Salo was pretty good. I will say, I love how Nabokov is handling his distaste for the Island from last season. This is how every athlete should handle a contract he is unhappy with (NBA, I'm talking about you). Play your butt off, then pick your location. I've gained a lot of respect for Nabokov this season.

LOL. Great game last night, but don't overreact. Tommy Salo was pretty good. I will say, I love how Nabokov is handling his distaste for the Island from last season. This is how every athlete should handle a contract he is unhappy with (NBA, I'm talking about you). Play your butt off, then pick your location. I've gained a lot of respect for Nabokov this season.
- isles10289

I'd gain even more if h stays on a wants to bridge the gap for Poulin.

He probably gave up money for the term. Frans loves Long Island and wants to be a part of this team going forward. He could have gotten more than $2.75M on the open market; he took a pay cut in exchange for more years. I have no problem with that. Besides, it's not rewarding him for a sub par year, like someone earlier said. It's rewarding him for being a key cog on this team and a great leader through the tough times by making sure he will be here for the good times.
- isles10289

source? link? who the (frank) are you? where do people get off making this poop up?!?

I am glad that they resigned Nielsen to stay here. Wow! Tavares, Moulson, Nielsen and unfortunately Grabner are still here for couple of years. Things are looking up. I would love to keep Parentau here. Resign Nabby for two years. I like him. Get rid of Montoya and DP. Trade a first round pick for a defensive player!

I'd gain even more if h stays on a wants to bridge the gap for Poulin.
- Isles316

Nabokov is as good as gone come July 1. He wanted no part of Long Island last spring and likely doesn't want any part of it now. He's been incredibly professional all year, saying all the right things and, more importantly, playing his a** off and apparently being a good influence in the locker room. I just don't see him wanting to stay on after this year. He's going to be 37 years old next season. He is going to get an opportunity to sign with a true contender next season. I wouldn't blame him one bit for jumping at that opportunity instead of re-upping with the Isles. Nobody could fault him for doing that.

I am glad that they resigned Nielsen to stay here. Wow! Tavares, Moulson, Nielsen and unfortunately Grabner are still here for couple of years. Things are looking up. I would love to keep Parentau here. Resign Nabby for two years. I like him. Get rid of Montoya and DP. Trade a first round pick for a defensive player!
- ISLES1119

if you want everyone on this years team to be on next years team than where do you predict the team will finish next season?

source? link? who the (frank) are you? where do people get off making this poop up?!?
- LetsGoIsles

Breathe. Take a few deep breaths. Alright. I'm nobody; go read any article about it and listen to it FROM FRANS'S MOUTH. Anytime he's been asked, he's said "I love Long Island and want to stay there." As for the term, I'm speculating. He could have gotten more than $3M per year on the open market, and gave the Islanders a hometown discount. Perhaps he took less money for more years. Take it easy, lunatic.

I am glad that they resigned Nielsen to stay here. Wow! Tavares, Moulson, Nielsen and unfortunately Grabner are still here for couple of years. Things are looking up. I would love to keep Parentau here. Resign Nabby for two years. I like him. Get rid of Montoya and DP. Trade a first round pick for a defensive player!
- ISLES1119

Not quite. I'd rather sign a free agent and not give up possibly the next Spezza, Chara, etc. Trading young players and early first rounders is how we got into this decade long mess. Also, considering last season's mess, I'm not sure Nabokov wants to be here two more years.