i agree with all of this but dont be a fool and believe the same poop people here believe when PA says he wants to stay....bottomline is parise/pa are going where the money is and OF COURSE they will both say they love playing in their respective cities because the money might come from their current teams. dont forget he also made it VERY clear he is waiting to cash in

....oh, and im not sure how one can "measure" any team regarding how far away they are from winning a SC but thats another story.....if you think a brand new stadium and a highly respected gm/coaching plays much of any impact on the talent on the ice, youre wrong
- LetsGoIsles

These guys live in those buildings. Practices, workouts, games. If you think a new stadium and new facility doesn't matter, you're wrong. As far as the gm and coach, those are HUGE factors for a player.

Not for nothing but half of those prospects you named will not be vying for a roster spot next season.

We all might as well take a deep breath and realize that Parise and/or Suter will not, and never will, sign here. It's best to move on now and not get your hopes up, because you'll only be let down in the end.
- eichiefs9

Lets for argument say you are right. Then Snow HAS to go and get a guy under contract for a long time. Someone on a team who needs cap room or salary dump desperately. We have lots of those prospects u just mentioned to get this done if the UFA path fails.

These guys live in those buildings. Practices, workouts, games. If you think a new stadium and new facility doesn't matter, you're wrong. As far as the gm and coach, those are HUGE factors for a player.
- WayneZ

Agreed on Coach arguement.. not so much GM. I am guessing Cap will be coach for about 1 more month. As far as the facilities.. Wang spent a ton of money in 2011 re-doing the Isles Locker rooms, work out facilities, and every other player area. The arena is a dump.. .not the players area. http://islanders.nhl.com/club/gallery.htm?id=16695

The Isles HAVE to spend about 20 mill this summer to get to the cap. I will guarantee they offer Parise the biggest number by far. Do you really think he will turn down playing with JT on the team his Dad played? do you really feel they have ZERO shot. I would say to completely say the Isles have zero shot is just foolish.
- niteislander

History says, big money offers aren't enough to entice top end talent to play on Long Island right now. The instability caused by the douche's in Nassau County have really handcuffed the organization. I wouldn't say they have zero chance, but it isn't likely.

finally.. someone is talking sense.
- niteislander

There will be 30 teams throwing money at him, so this is not a selling point. He'll get around 7 million no matter where he goes, and if you think offering him an extra million is going to be the deal breaker, i think you're off on that assumption.

Jack will be the next guy with a 15 year contract.

Oh and bottom line is this. IF YOU WIN HOCKEY GAMES PLAYERS WILL COME. They dotn care if they are playing in my back yard that was frozed over with ice. IF the Islanders start winning and show they are dedicated to winning guys will sign here. All they want is Lord Stanley no matter where that chance might be

There will be 30 teams throwing money at him, so this is not a selling point. He'll get around 7 million no matter where he goes, and if you think offering him an extra million is going to be the deal breaker, i think you're off on that assumption.
- WayneZ

you are right.. 1 mill will probably not make a difference.. but 2 will.

There will be 30 teams throwing money at him, so this is not a selling point. He'll get around 7 million no matter where he goes, and if you think offering him an extra million is going to be the deal breaker, i think you're off on that assumption.
- WayneZ

I'll be shocked if he doesn't get 8+ just based on the current contracts handed out. He's making 6 now. With his ability and production he is going to cash in big.

I'll be shocked if he doesn't get 8+ just based on the current contracts handed out. He's making 6 now. With his ability and production he is going to cash in big.
- BringBackBalky

I love the guy, but he isn't worth 8, not even close. I hope if he gets that much money its not in NJ. He is a great all around player, but if i had it my way he wouldn't get a penny more than Kovy.

I love the guy, but he isn't worth 8, not even close. I hope if he gets that much money its not in NJ. He is a great all around player, but if i had it my way he wouldn't get a penny more than Kovy.
- WayneZ

Staal is making over 8 and I think Parise is just as good if not better. But based on the current contracts being handed out, I can easily see some team breaking the bank open. That team however, will not be the New York Islanders!

half of them will not like who? granted some will be going back to college but by my count that is 3 or 4. Kabanov, Petrov, Dehaan, Donovan, Strome, Nino, Casey C. and Ulstrom are pretty definite to by vying... and Lee, Brock, Pedan, and Mayfield are possibles.
- niteislander

Lee, Nelson, Pedan and Mayfield are definite no's. Lee, Nelson, and Mayfield aren't even allowed to come to the main training camp. Pedan is still years away, he was a project pick.

Petrov may not even be living on this continent next year. Kabanov will get his time in training camp, but will be playing with Bridgeport in all likelihood, there's no way he's ready to jump into the NHL.

Strome isn't a lock by any means. In fact, if he's not 100% ready to play second line center or move to a top-6 wing, I'd rather see him go back to juniors. He's not suited for a bottom 6 role.

Nino, Cizikas, and Ullstrom are the only forwards that are truly "vying" for a roster spot. They all have NHL experience, they've all had a roster spot this year, and they are all still young and inexperienced enough to have it be perfectly acceptable to start the season in Bridgeport.

The opportunity will be there for the taking for deHaan and Donovan, but my guess is they will start the year back in the Bridge. Reese and Katic will be truly "vying" for a roster spot next year, and one or both could very well get a spot, assuming Eaton, Staios, and Jurcina all leave. If Jurcina gets re-signed, my guess would be that Reese gets a spot, leaving 1 spot open for a free agent.

I love the guy, but he isn't worth 8, not even close. I hope if he gets that much money its not in NJ. He is a great all around player, but if i had it my way he wouldn't get a penny more than Kovy.
- WayneZ

you said yourself the Isles have had trouble signing someone. They need to make a big statement. They have proved this year it would be better to spend 8 or 9 mill on a parise than spend the money they HAVE to spend to reach the floor on a bunch of washed up bums.

Lee, Nelson, Pedan and Mayfield are definite no's. Lee, Nelson, and Mayfield aren't even allowed to come to the main training camp. Pedan is still years away, he was a project pick.

Petrov may not even be living on this continent next year. Kabanov will get his time in training camp, but will be playing with Bridgeport in all likelihood, there's no way he's ready to jump into the NHL.

Strome isn't a lock by any means. In fact, if he's not 100% ready to play second line center or move to a top-6 wing, I'd rather see him go back to juniors. He's not suited for a bottom 6 role.

Nino, Cizikas, and Ullstrom are the only forwards that are truly "vying" for a roster spot. They all have NHL experience, they've all had a roster spot this year, and they are all still young and inexperienced enough to have it be perfectly acceptable to start the season in Bridgeport.

The opportunity will be there for the taking for deHaan and Donovan, but my guess is they will start the year back in the Bridge. Reese and Katic will be truly "vying" for a roster spot next year, and one or both could very well get a spot, assuming Eaton, Staios, and Jurcina all leave. If Jurcina gets re-signed, my guess would be that Reese gets a spot, leaving 1 spot open for a free agent.
- eichiefs9

I think out of these 3, CC and DU will be with the big club out of camp. They've shown what they can do at the NHL level and it looks good. Nino should be at BP next year and if he tears it up and we need a boost, call him up.

Lee, Nelson, Pedan and Mayfield are definite no's. Lee Nelson and Mayfield aren't even allowed to come to the main training camp. Pedan is still years away, he was a project pick.

Petrov may not even be living on this continent next year. Kabanov will get his time in training camp, but will be playing with Bridgeport in all likelihood, there's no way he's ready to jump into the NHL.

Strome isn't a lock by any means. In fact, if he's not 100% ready to play second line center or move to a top-6 wing, I'd rather see him go back to juniors. He's not suited for a bottom 6 role.

Nino, Cizikas, and Ullstrom are the only forwards that are truly "vying" for a roster spot. They all have NHL experience, they've all had a roster spot this year, and they are all still young and inexperienced enough to have it be perfectly acceptable to start the season in Bridgeport.

The opportunity will be there for the taking for deHaan and Donovan, but my guess is they will start the year back in the Bridge. Reese and Katic will be truly "vying" for a roster spot next year, and one or both could very well get a spot, assuming Eaton, Staios, and Jurcina all leave. If Jurcina gets re-signed, my guess would be that Reese gets a spot, leaving 1 spot open for a free agent.
- eichiefs9

which was kind of my point.. no? They only have about 1 D-man spot open and Forwards i don't see any way these 10 don't make the team:

Moulson, jt, PA
Ok, Nielsen, Grab
Ulstrom, CC, Nino
MMartin,

(obviously I am assuming PA resigns.. which could be dumb).. but that leaves 2 spots.. 1 for a UFA and 1 for all those guys we mentioned trying to make the team (for the love of God please put Haley on the team) ..

That is an awful lot of money for 2 spots

Staal is making over 8 and I think Parise is just as good if not better. But based on the current contracts being handed out, I can easily see some team breaking the bank open. That team however, will not be the New York Islanders!
- BringBackBalky

I would agree with u if there was no cap floor.. there is which means they HAVE to.

Lets for argument say you are right. Then Snow HAS to go and get a guy under contract for a long time. Someone on a team who needs cap room or salary dump desperately. We have lots of those prospects u just mentioned to get this done if the UFA path fails.
- niteislander

The beaten down, cynical part of me says we're probably looking at this or something similar...a guy on the back end of a bad contract who has a bigger cap hit than the money he's actually making. Then they'll backload some ridiculous contract for PA so they don't have to pay a lot next year...maybe they do the same with Nabby or else they find some other decent old goalie other teams pass over and sign him to a bonus-filled contract. All of a sudden that $20m to get to the floor is down to about $5m or $6m. Add in a "promise" from Garth to Strome about playing in the NHL whether he's ready or not, with the line that he has nothing left to learn in juniors, and there's another $3m cap hit with an actual cost of about $900k, and round it all out with a couple of passed over "veteran leaders" signed to about $1m with unattainable bonuses that get the cap hits to match the floor. Throw out a "competitive offer" to a star who will reject it so you can say you tried, and there's your 2012-2013 Islanders.

Hopefully I'm wrong...but I'm setting my expectations in line with the Standard Islanders Offseason Template to avoid disappointment. If they actually approach the offseason with a hockey mindset rather than like Steve Martin when he played the frugal James Bond on SNL, then I'll be pleasantly surprised.

I think out of these 3, CC and DU will be with the big club out of camp. They've shown what they can do at the NHL level and it looks good. Nino should be at BP next year and if he tears it up and we need a boost, call him up.
- BringBackBalky

I'll reserve my final opinion of Cizikas until the end of the year. I've liked his game so far, but 7 games is far too small of a sample. I'd like to see how he rounds out the final 15. I agree they both should have a roster spot next year, but they definitely have to earn it in camp.

The opportunity will be there for the taking for deHaan and Donovan, but my guess is they will start the year back in the Bridge. Reese and Katic will be truly "vying" for a roster spot next year, and one or both could very well get a spot, assuming Eaton, Staios, and Jurcina all leave. If Jurcina gets re-signed, my guess would be that Reese gets a spot, leaving 1 spot open for a free agent.
- eichiefs9

Let that clown walk, I'd rather see them sign Shaone Morrisonn to replace him

which was kind of my point.. no? They only have about 1 D-man spot open and Forwards i don't see any way these 10 don't make the team:

Moulson, jt, PA
Ok, Nielsen, Grab
Ulstrom, CC, Nino
MMartin,

(obviously I am assuming PA resigns.. which could be dumb).. but that leaves 2 spots.. 1 for a UFA and 1 for all those guys we mentioned trying to make the team (for the love of God please put Haley on the team) ..

That is an awful lot of money for 2 spots
- niteislander

Reasoner is signed for next year too...

edit -- Bailey as well.

I'll reserve my final opinion of Cizikas until the end of the year. I've liked his game so far, but 7 games is far too small of a sample. I'd like to see how he rounds out the final 15. I agree they both should have a roster spot next year, but they definitely have to earn it in camp.
- eichiefs9

Oh absolutely, both have to earn their spots regardless. Cizikas just has the grit alone in his game. I know 7 games is a small sample but he was tearing up BP as well. Don't expect anymore than a 3rd line center at most anyway.

Let that clown walk, I'd rather see them sign Shaone Morrisonn to replace him
- Killer' Carlson

Agree on letting Jurcina go. He's useless for his size. And he misses the net from the point as much as (dare I say) Rolston did.

Reasoner is signed for next year too...

edit -- Bailey as well.
- UIF

I think that 3rd line should be OK instead of Nino. Nino should go directly to BP, do not pass Go. Do not..........you get the point.

which was kind of my point.. no? They only have about 1 D-man spot open and Forwards i don't see any way these 10 don't make the team:

Moulson, jt, PA
Ok, Nielsen, Grab
Ulstrom, CC, Nino
MMartin,

(obviously I am assuming PA resigns.. which could be dumb).. but that leaves 2 spots.. 1 for a UFA and 1 for all those guys we mentioned trying to make the team (for the love of God please put Haley on the team) ..

That is an awful lot of money for 2 spots
- niteislander

You left Reasoner out, he will be here. Nobody like's it but it's a fact. Bailey too.

As far as the "awful lot of money for 2 spots", there are plenty of guys in the system and on the team that need to be re-signed. The money won't be an issue. Assuming we re-sign absolutely nobody at all, we're $10mil below the cap floor. If we re-sign PA and Nabokov alone that will almost get us there. Add in the fact that we have to/should re-sign: Martin, Reese, Koskinen, Katic, Rak, Wishart, Haley, Colliton, and around 8 other guys from Bridgeport. Add in "maybe's" for Montoya and Jurcina, and we're looking perfectly fine as far as reaching the cap floor. This is leaving out any potential free agent signings, also.

Reasoner is signed for next year too...

edit -- Bailey as well.
- UIF

Reasoner is not on this team next year. If he is I will cancel my season tickets. No islander has ever played this many games with that little production.. ever. He is gone.

I can't believe I forgot Bailey.. me of all people.

Jurcina blocks shots.. but He and his 1.6 mill is gone. So is Eaton and his 2.5 mill, pando and his 1.4, Rollston and his over 5, Staios and his 1.6, and if there is a God in heaven.. DP will be gone and will get us at the very least another 2 mill ish of cap space.

http://www.lighthousehock...k-zenon-konopka#storyjump I enjoyed this mainly b/c none of them are doing a dang thing.