But I believe he will thrive in Montreal and the Isles will be left linking their wounds if we dont legitimately replace him.

I dont see anyone within the organization that can duplicate PAP's numbers at present. So unless we trade for or acquire someone thru UFA (which is gonna cost the same money that PAP wants ) we lose a heck of a lot of offense this coming yr. Also, our top line becomes history. Some new chemistry may take some time to brew up.

Hope they dont rush Strome up before he's ready.
- SCLI

Top line didn't seem to miss a beat when KO was there instead of PA. I don't think it's going to be a horrible loss. I'm not saying PA is a bad player or anything. But for whatever reason, he just doesn't strike me as mission-critical. Obviously he needs to be replaced though. I'd be fine with someone putting up not quite as many points if they brought some other skill to the table that PA lacks...size, toughness, more speed, better defense, etc.

Top line didn't seem to miss a beat when KO was there instead of PA. I don't think it's going to be a horrible loss. I'm not saying PA is a bad player or anything. But for whatever reason, he just doesn't strike me as mission-critical. Obviously he needs to be replaced though. I'd be fine with someone putting up not quite as many points if they brought some other skill to the table that PA lacks...size, toughness, more speed, better defense, etc.
- UIF

That's a good point. But didnt KO cool off after a fast start on the top line and PAP returned as top wing?

I agree with you here 100% but where is that player going to come from? Certainly not from within and if we have to scope the NHL to find that player. Its going to be costly whether we acquire that player thru trade (costing players and picks) or UFA (which is doubtful) and costing a boat load of money. (which I really could care less about) But some fans feel that it will throw the Islander Pay scale into disarray.

Anyway, we agree that if PAP leaves. He has to be replaced.

That's a good point. But didnt KO cool off after a fast start on the top line and PAP returned as top wing?

I agree with you here 100% but where is that player going to come from? Certainly not from within and if we have to scope the NHL to find that player. Its going to be costly whether we acquire that player thru trade (costing players and picks) or UFA (which is doubtful) and costing a boat load of money. (which I really could care less about) But some fans feel that it will throw the Islander Pay scale into disarray.

Anyway, we agree that if PAP leaves. He has to be replaced.
- SCLI

PA leaves who do we replace him with? Not many FA this year are first line players and the ones that are will most likely not sign here.We better hope Bailey finally has a great year along with Okposo and Grabner or we are in for huge disappointment again. Anyways bring back konopka and sign Prust!

PA leaves who do we replace him with? Not many FA this year are first line players and the ones that are will most likely not sign here.We better hope Bailey finally has a great year along with Okposo and Grabner or we are in for huge disappointment again. Anyways bring back konopka and sign Prust!
- mighty13duck

Shane Doan testing free agency according to Maloney. He is the guy that would be more perfect for this team than anyone available. Over pay for 3 years. He would change culture overnight

Shane Doan testing free agency according to Maloney. He is the guy that would be more perfect for this team than anyone available. Over pay for 3 years. He would change culture overnight
- Isles316

If not Doan I would try Penner.

Some tweets regarding Bobby Ryan...

Hockeyy Insiderr ‏@HockeyyInsiderr
Ball is in #Sabres court right now for landing Ryan but they don't want to give up too much to the #NHLDucks. Would like Roy instead of Adam

Hockeyy Insiderr ‏@HockeyyInsiderr
#Sabres and #NHLDucks discussions HEATING UP. ANA putting pressure on Buffalo to up its bid; discussing Luke Adam, Stafford, Grigorenko.

While the Islanders sit on the sidelines...
- kear20

As they should.

XxNYIxX

If not Doan I would try Penner.
- ses111

Huge risk with Penner. Do you want regular season Penner? I sure don't.

As they should.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I just traded Bailey to Chicago with a mid level prospect for Hjarmalsson and Stalberg....

I just traded Bailey to Chicago with a mid level prospect for Hjarmalsson and Stalberg....
- kear20

I'd trade Bailey to Colonel Sanders for a bucket of his Extra Crispy. And an Extra large Sweet Tea!

Its finger licken Good!

PA leaves who do we replace him with? Not many FA this year are first line players and the ones that are will most likely not sign here.We better hope Bailey finally has a great year along with Okposo and Grabner or we are in for huge disappointment again. Anyways bring back konopka and sign Prust!
- mighty13duck

If only dreams did come true!

I'd trade Bailey to Colonel Sanders for a bucket of his Extra Crispy. And an Extra large Sweet Tea!

Its finger licken Good!
- SCLI

awww come on! I'm giving him one more season!

If only dreams did come true!
- SCLI

I'm hoping for Prust. Some of the things I'm reading(none from reliable sources)say he's asking for a lot. I know, what do I care but when this team is a contender I don't want it counting against the cap

I'd trade Bailey to Colonel Sanders for a bucket of his Extra Crispy. And an Extra large Sweet Tea!

Its finger licken Good!
- SCLI

btw, I'd trade just about anything for this. Only fast food I eat!

awww come on! I'm giving him one more season!
- Cptmjl

Have you smelled the Extra Crispy? Take a deep sniff. No way can you hold out for a whole season.

I'm hoping for Prust. Some of the things I'm reading(none from reliable sources)say he's asking for a lot. I know, what do I care but when this team is a contender I don't want it counting against the cap
- Cptmjl

More then he is worth.

More then he is worth.
- SCLI

2 and change per season? That's not astronomical for a player who actually has a use. I'd rather see Prust here for even $3m/year than pay a clown like Rolston $5m/year.

2 and change per season? That's not astronomical for a player who actually has a use. I'd rather see Prust here for even $3m/year than pay a clown like Rolston $5m/year.
- UIF

Of course but your comparing apples to oranges. Or a hockey player to a useless piece of poop.

2 and change per season? That's not astronomical for a player who actually has a use. I'd rather see Prust here for even $3m/year than pay a clown like Rolston $5m/year.
- UIF

Is Prust worth 3 times what Konopka gets paid? I think "Z" made $700k last season.

If only dreams did come true!
- SCLI

They do for me!!

XxNYIxX

Is Prust worth 3 times what Konopka gets paid? I think "Z" made $700k last season.
- SCLI

$2.1 million? I guess I'll put it this way...given the current makeup of the Islanders, and what I think they really need, I'd actually rather give a tough checking forward with reasonable skill that much than give the same amount to an 18-22 goal scorer who approaches the game the same exact way as most of our other forwards did this past season. That might sound crazy, but I really think our skill players play a whole lot better when they have some muscle out there to back them up. I think we saw that the season before this one. The addition of an exact replica of, say, the 2011-12 version of Michael Grabner doesn't make the team any better than it was, imo. A tough player that can actually take a regular shift, add some physicality, chip in an occasional goal and be a heart-and-soul type...I think it would elevate the entire team. I'd pay a premium for that, considering you have to pay a premium in free agency, and especially if you're the Islanders and hope to lure anyone here.

My question to you...asked more out of curiosity than to prove any point...Would you pay $2.1m to Matt Martin if it was the only way to keep him here? I know he's an RFA who was qualified, but say he was going to free agency and wanted $2.1m...would you give it to him or pass and let him walk?

More then he is worth.
- SCLI

The NY Post reported Prust want $6.6 million over 3 years...Rangers thought it was too high...

My question to you...asked more out of curiosity than to prove any point...Would you pay $2.1m to Matt Martin if it was the only way to keep him here? I know he's an RFA who was qualified, but say he was going to free agency and wanted $2.1m...would you give it to him or pass and let him walk?
- UIF

With the make up of our team & the need for grit & salary.. i would give it to him.. If he were on the Rags & I ran them... id let him walk.

XxNYIxX

why do all the other bloggers offer insight into their respective teams and the isles have no coverage on here. Stop trying to be the class mom and start adding some real insight
- mrock

Standing ovation

PA leaves who do we replace him with? Not many FA this year are first line players and the ones that are will most likely not sign here.We better hope Bailey finally has a great year along with Okposo and Grabner or we are in for huge disappointment again. Anyways bring back konopka and sign Prust!
- mighty13duck

stempniak is a possibility

Shane Doan testing free agency according to Maloney. He is the guy that would be more perfect for this team than anyone available. Over pay for 3 years. He would change culture overnight
- Isles316

I've been saying this since our season ended.