Here's the real question: Who gives a s**t? Its a question that can't be answered, one that is irrelevant anyway. I love me some PAP jokes as much as the next guy, but its time to let it go.

Its also time to let go of the "Brad Boyes sucks" crap. Fact is, Boyes makes $1M. He's got 34 pts in 45 games. That's 12 and 16 points more than KO and Bailey, respectively. Everyone here (myself included) has been pleased with KO and Bailey the past few weeks, so I don't understand where all the hate comes from for Boyes.

The guy makes less $ than quite a few guys he's outscoring right now on this team. The team is playing well right now. Boyes and the first line were carrying thie team in the early going. I don't think anyone, including Snow, thinks Boyes is the long-term solution on the top line, but he's fine for it now. But from what you read on these boards everyday, you'd think Boyes was Marty Reasoner or Jeff Tambellini (or Scott Scissions).
- Jethro09

I'm willing to put up with him until the Isles win the cup (over the top optimism) or are eliminated from this years playoffs, but I don't have to like him or overlook the lazy turnovers and shoddy backchecking.

Truth is, I can see him being re-signed, for the right $$. A re-signing of Boyes doesn't preclude the team from signing a better UFA or to go trade for a better RW to man the top line. It also doesn't preclude a kid like Nino or Strome or whoever from ascending to the top line if they earn it in camp. It would be a signing for depth.
- Jethro09

it's a possibility, but if he's playing on the third line I don't see him as defensively responsible or scoring enough from there to be an asset. I see him playing like he did in Buffalo and caused them to let him walk. He's benefited greatly from playing on the top line and hopefully someone else will sign him to the multiyear contract he's after.

What would Moulson be doing?
- canadianpenfan

Scoring 30 goals

Truth is, I can see him being re-signed, for the right $$. A re-signing of Boyes doesn't preclude the team from signing a better UFA or to go trade for a better RW to man the top line. It also doesn't preclude a kid like Nino or Strome or whoever from ascending to the top line if they earn it in camp. It would be a signing for depth.
- Jethro09

But...what happens if they do make a trade or signing, and two of Strome, Nino, Nelson, Lee make the team out of camp...then you have Boyes signed to a multi-year contract for higher dollars (he believes he's earned it, per Staple) as a "depth" signing that goes where? Tougher to trade if he gets what he wants contract-wise, and doesn't really fit anywhere other than as a temporary placeholder next to JT. That would be my biggest concern with re-signing him as a "just in case" -- the potential of a Rolston-like situation of a player making enough money to keep him in the lineup, who doesn't seem to fit anywhere.

But...what happens if they do make a trade or signing, and two of Strome, Nino, Nelson, Lee make the team out of camp...then you have Boyes signed to a multi-year contract for higher dollars (he believes he's earned it, per Staple) as a "depth" signing that goes where? Tougher to trade if he gets what he wants contract-wise, and doesn't really fit anywhere other than as a temporary placeholder next to JT. That would be my biggest concern with re-signing him as a "just in case."
- UIF

this is how I see it as well, he's served his purpose and he'll get a better contract from someone else, but he needs to go

But...what happens if they do make a trade or signing, and two of Strome, Nino, Nelson, Lee make the team out of camp...then you have Boyes signed to a multi-year contract for higher dollars (he believes he's earned it, per Staple) as a "depth" signing that goes where? Tougher to trade if he gets what he wants contract-wise, and doesn't really fit anywhere other than as a temporary placeholder next to JT. That would be my biggest concern with re-signing him as a "just in case" -- the potential of a Rolston-like situation of a player making enough money to keep him in the lineup, who doesn't seem to fit anywhere.
- UIF

I'm not saying I want him re-signed, I'm saying if Snow did re-sign him, it would likely be as a depth guy, not a guy to plug into the top line RW spot going forward. My guess is they let Boyes hit free agency, and the team will then try to upgrade the position. If they can't upgrade it and he hasn't signed elsewhere, the team may re-visit Boyes.

Truth is, I can see him being re-signed, for the right $$. A re-signing of Boyes doesn't preclude the team from signing a better UFA or to go trade for a better RW to man the top line. It also doesn't preclude a kid like Nino or Strome or whoever from ascending to the top line if they earn it in camp. It would be a signing for depth.
- Jethro09

Really? So what would be the point of signing him then. He's not playing on the second line, that's for sure. He doesn't hit, has no defensive game whatsoever to speak of so whats the point of him playing on the third or fourth line? There is no place for him on this team.

it's a possibility, but if he's playing on the third line I don't see him as defensively responsible or scoring enough from there to be an asset. I see him playing like he did in Buffalo and caused them to let him walk. He's benefited greatly from playing on the top line and hopefully someone else will sign him to the multiyear contract he's after.
- Isles_since_6

Just stated the same exact thing, there is no place for him.

But...what happens if they do make a trade or signing, and two of Strome, Nino, Nelson, Lee make the team out of camp...then you have Boyes signed to a multi-year contract for higher dollars (he believes he's earned it, per Staple) as a "depth" signing that goes where? Tougher to trade if he gets what he wants contract-wise, and doesn't really fit anywhere other than as a temporary placeholder next to JT. That would be my biggest concern with re-signing him as a "just in case" -- the potential of a Rolston-like situation of a player making enough money to keep him in the lineup, who doesn't seem to fit anywhere.
- UIF

I was pissing myself when I read that

But...what happens if they do make a trade or signing, and two of Strome, Nino, Nelson, Lee make the team out of camp...then you have Boyes signed to a multi-year contract for higher dollars (he believes he's earned it, per Staple) as a "depth" signing that goes where? Tougher to trade if he gets what he wants contract-wise, and doesn't really fit anywhere other than as a temporary placeholder next to JT. That would be my biggest concern with re-signing him as a "just in case" -- the potential of a Rolston-like situation of a player making enough money to keep him in the lineup, who doesn't seem to fit anywhere.
- UIF

Exactly

Really? So what would be the point of signing him then. He's not playing on the second line, that's for sure. He doesn't hit, has no defensive game whatsoever to speak of so whats the point of him playing on the third or fourth line? There is no place for him on this team.
- Cptmjl

If you can't upgrade over him, you can re-visit him. That's all I'm saying. He actually puts up points on this team, whether you like it or not. Those are the facts. You can call him lazy and defensively irresponsible all you want to, but he's the third-leading point scorer on the team. Whatever he is, he works with JT and MM.

Nice little update on our prospects

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=667126

XxNYIxX

Just stated the same exact thing, there is no place for him.
- Cptmjl

I find it odd we used to disagree so often, when it appears we think alike!

I find it odd we used to disagree so often, when it appears we think alike!
- Isles_since_6

That happens when you are passionate about the same thing

XxNYIxX

If you can't upgrade over him, you can re-visit him. That's all I'm saying. He actually puts up points on this team, whether you like it or not. Those are the facts. You can call him lazy and defensively irresponsible all you want to, but he's the third-leading point scorer on the team. Whatever he is, he works with JT and MM.
- Jethro09

I think as a worst case emergency plan in the event that snow can't:
sign a better ufa
trade for an upgrade
none of the kids are ready
no one on the current roster gets moved up

then I might be willing to accept Boyes back. However, I wouldn't do it until after training camp and at that point if there was no better option I'd offer him another one year deal at 1.5 mil. Grudgingly. I'd also probably punch a kitten.

If you can't upgrade over him, you can re-visit him. That's all I'm saying. He actually puts up points on this team, whether you like it or not. Those are the facts. You can call him lazy and defensively irresponsible all you want to, but he's the third-leading point scorer on the team. Whatever he is, he works with JT and MM.
- Jethro09

He looks like he's holding that line back if anything. Moulson has looked like a pile of turd with him. The guy is terrible. If snow can't upgrade over Boyes he needs to find something else to do with himself. With that said I'm done with the Boyes conversation for the day.

I find it odd we used to disagree so often, when it appears we think alike!
- Isles_since_6

We agree on most things, it was just those few little points that you and I would harp on

That happens when you are passionate about the same thing

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Exactly. Two things my friends talk to me at their own risk. Politics and hockey

This is Hilarious!! Fired on the first day. My guess is he'll be hosting the Islanders Pregame show starting this fall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_uX1RczgQA

i legit found myself cringing at the end of the game on saturday when tavares line was on the ice...they are a step behind the other 3 lines; they are TERRIBLE defensively. i found myself saying i dont want them on the ice when they need to play defense. if you are legit 100% sure that first line has worked, i got a bridge to sell you.
- LetsGoIsles

It "legit" worked enough to get us where we are in combination with a few other things - mainly Nabby.

You said it yourself in another post - would you rather start over with PA or be where we are now with who we have? Take what we have and keep the main parts in place until a better solution presents itself.


BTW...If anyone wants to watch Buff/Jets here's the stream.
http://www.firstrow1.eu/w...res-vs-winnipeg-jets.html

Just wait 25 seconds for the ad to close and you'll get the Buffalo broadcast.

I think as a worst case emergency plan in the event that snow can't:
sign a better ufa
trade for an upgrade
none of the kids are ready
no one on the current roster gets moved up

then I might be willing to accept Boyes back. However, I wouldn't do it until after training camp and at that point if there was no better option I'd offer him another one year deal at 1.5 mil. Grudgingly. I'd also probably punch a kitten.
- Isles_since_6

He'll be gone by July 5th the latest if he's not signed.

He's going to be one of the top sought after wingers in UFA just like Streit will be one of the top sought after D men on July 1, Nabby will be up there as well. That's why we need to sign all 3 the second the season ends.

Who you guys hoping for in rd 1?

Who you guys hoping for in rd 1?
- Slimtj100

Montreal for me. Either them or Toronto if we can manage to move up? How about you?

Montreal for me. Either them or Toronto if we can manage to move up? How about you?
- Cptmjl

Kinda hoping for the Bs. 7 seed.

Want no part of wash or pitt

Kinda hoping for the Bs. 7 seed.

Want no part of wash or pitt
- Slimtj100

Really? You can have them. None of us want any part of that team.