The team has yet to announce it, but look for Kirill Petrov to be signing with the Islanders on July 1st. For some odd reason it cannot be official until then but the big Russian is coming and will be in training camp this October.
Petrov joining the Islanders makes a forward expendable. The question will be, which forward. From everyone that I have talked to, it appears the Isles may move Michael Grabner, Josh Bailey or Frans Nielsen. There is also a chance, depending on the deal that two of these players may be dealt to address other needs.
Speaking of large Europeans, Latvian Miks Indrasis has been invited to the Islanders’ training camp this fall. Another large forward, the winger stands 6’4… and has spent the last five seasons playing in the KHL for Dinamo Riga. In 59 games this season, Indrasis scored 16 goals and added 15 assists. It is still unclear if he will return overseas if he fails to make the team or would report to the Islanders AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.
Finally in a minor league move, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers have signed winger Colin Markison. Markison is an alumni of the University of Vermont where he posted 62 points in 127 career games for the Catamounts. Markison joined the Sound Tigers at the end of last season on an Amateur Tryout and scored one goal in six games.
With the lack of forward in Bridgeport and the uncertainty of many who were their last season I would expect we will see more minor league moves throughout the summer. Bridgeport is solid in net and on the blueline but they could really use an influx of talent throughout the forward lines. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.