The Islanders have hit that point of the offseason where there is little tangible news and thousands of rumors are flying from every direction. It appears that every player who is available is being linked to the Isles. I thought today we would wade through this sea of rumors and dismiss some of the outrageous ones while breaking down a few that might peak the interest of Isles’ General Manager Garth Snow.
The biggest fish in the pond is Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban. I have been told that the Habs are not as weary to lock up P.K. as many believed. Perhaps it is because the d-man is playing at a Conn Smythe level during the playoffs. I have been told that the Habs will work out a long-term deal with Subban, and one source said they would be “shocked… if Subban was dealt. I think from an Isles perspective, this is probably best for all parties, as I believe it would have taken a king’s ransom to acquire the Norris winning defenseman.
Two other rumors that have surfaced out of western Canada involving the Islanders are just flat out false. The first is a report out of Edmonton that the Oilers should pursue Griffin Reinhart. I have been told the Isles have zero interest in trading Griffin Reinhart to the Oilers for the third pick in the draft. The second comes out of Winnipeg where the Jets look to be busy this offseason. The Isles have little interest in acquiring the Jets headaches Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien. However, I have been told that Zach Bogosian would garner interest from the Isles but it is unclear if the Jets are going to completely strip down their team and rebuild.
The final two names on the trade block are Senators forward Jason Spezza and Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf. The Isles have no interest in an aging Spezza, who has declining stats and a bloated contract. Phaneuf would fill a need with the Islanders, but his attitude and contract both raise some red flags. However, the Isles have plenty of room to take on this type of deal, and despite Phaneuf’s distractions in the locker room, he would help this roster. Phaneuf does have a cap hit of 7 million dollars, which can be looked at in one of two ways from an Isles perspective: You can have no interest in Dion and look for other options ( because he is very expensive and has been known to be “difficult…). Or, if the Leafs are desperate to move this contract, Phaneuf may be acquired at a reasonable price. If I was Isles GM Garth Snow, I would kick the tires and offer the Leafs Josh Bailey, either Scotty Mayfield or Ville Pokka, and a draft pick. The Isles would be doing the Leafs a favor by taking on that contract, and overall, Phaneuf is a good d-man who would help the Isles on the ice.
I can see both sides of the story when it comes to Phaneuf. I have no problem steering clear of him, but if the price is right he would certainly fill a hole on the Isles blue line. As more names and rumors are floated I will continue to track them and keep Isles Nation informed on what is real and what is not. As always, for more on all things hockey, please follow me on Twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.