With Arnott, you're top 9 would be:

Moulson-Tavares-(Boyes or Okposo)
Bailey-Arnott-(Boyes or Okposo)
Ullstrom-Neilsen-Grabner

Not great, not bad...doubt a playoff team...but all their assets will still be in place...plus a better defense...
- kear20

Okposo does not belong on a second line, so he should not be considered for the first line. Just saying

Since you are a walking dictionary please give me the definition of prospect and how it is relevant to my team called the New York Islanders in the NHL???
- kasperrko

walking dictionary might be a bit much...all i had to do was google "prospect definition"

pros·pect (prspkt)
n.
1. Something expected; a possibility.
2. prospects
a. Chances.
b. Financial expectations, especially of success.
3.
a. A potential customer, client, or purchaser.
b. A candidate deemed likely to succeed.
4. The direction in which an object, such as a building, faces; an outlook.
5. Something presented to the eye; a scene: a pleasant prospect.
6. The act of surveying or examining.

what does it have to do with the islanders??? these are the islanders prospects OR "possibilities", "candidates deemed like to succeed", "outlook" if you will.....prospects have to do with the future therefore it is an unknown but if you have GOOD prospects the unknowns chance of failure decreases

Since you are a walking dictionary please give me the definition of prospect and how it is relevant to my team called the New York Islanders in the NHL???
- kasperrko

noun
1.
Usually, prospects.
a.
an apparent probability of advancement, success, profit, etc.

I think our overall core is a core that will be very competitive in the league within a few years, but the problem like last year remains that they aren't ready to compete now. There in lies our problem as the Isles need a couple of impact players brought in. You could really get a good sense of just how far away we were when you watched the 2012 playoffs. The Isles simply don't have that mix of talent/intensity on the big club right now.

I'm pleased with our additions thus far (Boyes included) and feel we'll be improved simply based on the maturing of some players. Still, we've got way too many "if's" on our present roster.

Bailey looked like a player after his move to the wing late last season. IF he can keep that up and IF Okposo can pick up where he left off, the Isles can be a tough team to play against (considering our defensive additions). Still, we so desperately need a top tier player to come here to take the pressure off JT. I'm afraid we're not going to see that player materialize in 2012. Perhaps Strome or Kabanov can become that player next year. Unfortunately that may be our only option.

noun
1.
Usually, prospects.
a.
an apparent probability of advancement, success, profit, etc.

- eichiefs9

Must be one of Wangers favorite words..

noun
1.
Usually, prospects.
a.
an apparent probability of advancement, success, profit, etc.

- eichiefs9

So it is probable not guarenteed. I am sorry I cant get excited over probably especially with this team

Okposo does not belong on a second line, so he should not be considered for the first line. Just saying
- kasperrko

Okposo is a shining example of one of the biggest problems for this franchise, player development. While he's a decent skater, he lacks the leg strength and sound balance to be an effective 'power forward'. He's constantly thrown off balance, down to one knee, stumbling in traffic. I knew he never would come here but I thought the best option to help Okposo would have been Jagr, as no one ever in the NHL (IMO) had the leg strength/balance that Jaromir did. Unfortunately I see no reason to believe the coaching staffs will ever get Kyle on the right track. He'll probably become another late bloomer with another team that knows how to teach their kids.

So it is probable not guarenteed. I am sorry I cant get excited over probably especially with this team
- kasperrko

if it said on the news that its probably going to rain, would you carry an umbrella?

what if they said there is a GREAT prospect (read: chance) its going to rain? more convinced to bring an umbrella or will you not believe it to be true until it smacks you in the face?

if it said on the news that its probably going to rain, would you carry an umbrella?
- LetsGoIsles

Nah I like the rain never used one.

On a serious note I think that some of the guys on here are sick of hearing that this team will be good in a few years. Could it happen? Sure anything is possible but I think they pretty much have run out of patience and want a winning team now. I dont like the way the Islanders organization have taught the prospects who are playing now. Ruined some of them through the years, so in some minds there is nothing to get excited about.

Said that pick one who is our BEST prospect???

Okposo is a shining example of one of the biggest problems for this franchise, player development. While he's a decent skater, he lacks the leg strength and sound balance to be an effective 'power forward'. He's constantly thrown off balance, down to one knee, stumbling in traffic. I knew he never would come here but I thought the best option to help Okposo would have been Jagr, as no one ever in the NHL (IMO) had the leg strength/balance that Jaromir did. Unfortunately I see no reason to believe the coaching staffs will ever get Kyle on the right track. He'll probably become another late bloomer with another team that knows how to teach their kids.
- keaner17

Keaner I will say this we never agree on much but you are 100% correct and that is why I have no faith with our "prospects"

So it is probable not guarenteed. I am sorry I cant get excited over probably especially with this team
- kasperrko

Nothing is guaranteed. You can sign a top player in the league but there's no guarantee he's going to continue to be a top player in a new system. Would anyone consider Alexander Semin a 'guarantee' here? At least you know that the deeper your prospect pool is, the better your chances are.

I think our overall core is a core that will be very competitive in the league within a few years, but the problem like last year remains that they aren't ready to compete now. There in lies our problem as the Isles need a couple of impact players brought in. You could really get a good sense of just how far away we were when you watched the 2012 playoffs. The Isles simply don't have that mix of talent/intensity on the big club right now.

I'm pleased with our additions thus far (Boyes included) and feel we'll be improved simply based on the maturing of some players. Still, we've got way too many "if's" on our present roster.

Bailey looked like a player after his move to the wing late last season. IF he can keep that up and IF Okposo can pick up where he left off, the Isles can be a tough team to play against (considering our defensive additions). Still, we so desperately need a top tier player to come here to take the pressure off JT. I'm afraid we're not going to see that player materialize in 2012. Perhaps Strome or Kabanov can become that player next year. Unfortunately that may be our only option.
- keaner17

Agreed on just about everything. I also still think we need some competent veterans to lead by example on the ice. Not just some guy who used to have it and no longer does who can provide moral support and show players how to be a professional and how to handle life off the ice. That's important too, but I feel like some of our players who appear to have stalled or regressed a bit could really benefit by playing with a respected player who, say, always goes to the dirty/tough areas in front and along the boards to make plays. Someone who knows when to step in and stand up for a teammate and when to remain disciplined and let something slide. Someone who knows how to be physical at the right times to wake the team up and provide a spark. Stuff like that is infectious. I like a lot of our players, but I think they could use a catalyst to get going. St. Louis appeared to be in a similar position. Their catalyst was Hitch coming in to coach. Ours, I think, should be in the form of a real leader on the ice who has been in the trenches.

Keaner I will say this we never agree on much but you are 100% correct and that is why I have no faith with our "prospects"
- kasperrko

I have confidence in some of them. Naturally gifted kids like Kabanov, Strome, Nelson, Mayfield and maybe a couple of others will find there way here one way or the other. They will be NHLers. Now whether they reach their full potential or not is another thing. For this team to reach the next level, I'm afraid we have to have a coach a bit more experienced with actual NHL coaching.

Agreed on just about everything. I also still think we need some competent veterans to lead by example on the ice. Not just some guy who used to have it and no longer does who can provide moral support and show players how to be a professional and how to handle life off the ice. That's important too, but I feel like some of our players who appear to have stalled or regressed a bit could really benefit by playing with a respected player who, say, always goes to the dirty/tough areas in front and along the boards to make plays. Someone who knows when to step in and stand up for a teammate and when to remain disciplined and let something slide. Someone who knows how to be physical at the right times to wake the team up and provide a spark. Stuff like that is infectious. I like a lot of our players, but I think they could use a catalyst to get going. St. Louis appeared to be in a similar position. Their catalyst was Hitch coming in to coach. Ours, I think, should be in the form of a real leader on the ice who has been in the trenches.
- UIF

And that's a BIG problem. The type of player your asking for (and we certainly need) is typically someone approaching a later age but still effective in the game. That type of player rarely goes to a young gun team to help. They're normally looking for contenders. A catch 22 if you will.

And that's a BIG problem. The type of player your asking for (and we certainly need) is typically someone approaching a later age but still effective in the game. That type of player rarely goes to a young gun team to help. They're normally looking for contenders. A catch 22 if you will.
- keaner17

Yup. It'd have to come through trade, not free agency, and even then, it's not all that common for a player like that to be available. But maybe there's a team that puts itself in cap trouble, or is looking to retool and get younger, or something. Player like that would do wonders for the consistency issues we talk about here all the time.

Edit -- I think we have our future version of that player in Tavares. But there's a ton on his shoulders now as it is. It'd be nice to give help to him for a change.

Yup. It'd have to come through trade, not free agency, and even then, it's not all that common for a player like that to be available. But maybe there's a team that puts itself in cap trouble, or is looking to retool and get younger, or something. Player like that would do wonders for the consistency issues we talk about here all the time.

Edit -- I think we have our future version of that player in Tavares. But there's a ton on his shoulders now as it is. It'd be nice to give help to him for a change.
- UIF

That's precisely where I think the Isles got stung last year. They expected some big name players to become cap casualties and it never happened. With the cap actually increasing, I don't envision that being a legit prospect for us this year either.

In regards to the second bolded comment, I don't think we'll see that guy show up via trade or free agency. I think Strome will eventually become our 1B guy and Tavares (ironically) will be his help. Doan is out there and he'd be the perfect fit for this team, but there's no way in hell he's coming here with 10 other teams expressing interest.

To all the Wang bashers, understand this, if he had not bought this team they would already be gone. He was told(promised) by then Sen D'Amato that a new building would be no problem once he bought the team. So keep killing the man that has at least kept this team on the island as long as he has. You folks are just plain ignorant about his situation. It's a losing proposition anyway he he goes at this point. As for the Tavares contract, no one put a gun to his head to sign it. Tavares made a commitment to the team because he WANTED to.

Any one that has a better idea of who should own the team throw out some names, Tell me what billionare/corporation wants to take on this ridiculous political challenge to keep this team here. So keep bashing the owner while your head stays in the sand.
- 19inarow

I agree 1000%. The man has tried several different incarnations and the elected politicians have screwed the pooch at every opportunity. Penny-wise and pound foolish. Actually, if the county execs and TOH weren't all so corrupt, there'd be enough money to build it without raising taxes or putting the county further into debt. Sadly, a project like this will take time to actually re-pay the $$$ borrowed and show a profit. Politicians want instant success/revenues because they are only concerned with their next election and not looking 10 or 20 years down the road. All we can hope for is that they all step in front of an oncoming bus.

That's precisely where I think the Isles got stung last year. They expected some big name players to become cap casualties and it never happened. With the cap actually increasing, I don't envision that being a legit prospect for us this year either.

In regards to the second bolded comment, I don't think we'll see that guy show up via trade or free agency. I think Strome will eventually become our 1B guy and Tavares (ironically) will be his help. Doan is out there and he'd be the perfect fit for this team, but there's no way in hell he's coming here with 10 other teams expressing interest.
- keaner17

Yeah, from what I read, he actually wants to stay in Phoenix, but wants some certainty with the situation there. He wouldn't leave uncertainty there for uncertainty here. It's why I didn't even mention his name.

I think the Isles waited a bit too long last year. There were some cap casualties, but they were sorted out kind of quickly. I know the room here is split on Campbell, but he was one. Personally, I've followed him since he was in Buffalo and love what he brings. That contract is a tough stumbling block though, but if you're talking cap casualty, that's usually the tradeoff...you're left with someone else's bad contract decision. I think there'll be a few of those this year, but I'm not sure the Isles will pounce unless the cap hit is higher than the actual salary. And if you're limiting yourself to only trades, and only very specific salary structures, then yeah, it's tough to find what you need.

Okposo does not belong on a second line, so he should not be considered for the first line. Just saying
- kasperrko

Neither does Boyes but until Snow make a trade for a #1 RW, Okposo and Boyes is what you have right now...

Just to play devils advocate, why trade anything for one more goal and the exact same point total as Nielsen had centering the second line last year?
- eichiefs9

I think Bozak would help make the top 9 deeper and will makeup some of the goals we losing with PA...doesn't matter if Bozak centers the 2nd or 3rd line...I would thing during most games, Crapuano will start the game with Neilsen- Ullstrom and Grabner, then JT's line and then Bozak line (if they got him)..I don't think Bozak would cost a lot and he's cheap $alarywise... .

Keaner I will say this we never agree on much but you are 100% correct and that is why I have no faith with our "prospects"
- kasperrko

ok fine..but if he average 20-24 goals the next ten seasons does that make him a bad pick? if he is just a 45-50 point guy is he a bust because he never developed into a 40 goal scorer? i dunno..i think a healthy Okposo will be fine and if he is only a 50 point 2nd 3rd line tweener..i'm ok with that as well. we'll see this year the pressure is on bailey grabner and okposo to provide secondary scoring

I think Bozak would help make the top 9 deeper...doesn't matter if Bozak centers the 2nd or 3rd line...I would thing during most games, Crapuano will start the game with Neilsen- Ullstrom and Grabner, then JT's line and then Bozak line (if they got him)..I don't think Bozak would cost a lot and he's cheap... .
- kear20

Fair point. I would rather have Nielsen play on the 3rd line, personally. Defense is his bread-and-butter.

ok fine..but if he average 20-24 goals the next ten seasons does that make him a bad pick? if he is just a 45-50 point guy is he a bust because he never developed into a 40 goal scorer? i dunno..i think a healthy Okposo will be fine and if he is only a 50 point 2nd 3rd line tweener..i'm ok with that as well. we'll see this year the pressure is on bailey grabner and okposo to provide secondary scoring
- NYI78

I actualyl see Bailey doing better this year. I saw some great stuff from at the end of the year. I know no pressure but I am goign to stay confident about him. Okposo really needs to show me more. I mean 50 points ok but do some hitting and all the other stuff you know. Grabner if he can bury some breakaways he is fine

I actualyl see Bailey doing better this year. I saw some great stuff from at the end of the year. I know no pressure but I am goign to stay confident about him. Okposo really needs to show me more. I mean 50 points ok but do some hitting and all the other stuff you know. Grabner if he can bury some breakaways he is fine
- kasperrko

like i said..okposo is healthy...i think he'll be fine..also maybe he isn't a power forward,,,,even in college he didn't hit anyone..so who knows but if these three are floundering around the trade deadline i would shake it up

Yeah, from what I read, he actually wants to stay in Phoenix, but wants some certainty with the situation there. He wouldn't leave uncertainty there for uncertainty here. It's why I didn't even mention his name.

I think the Isles waited a bit too long last year. There were some cap casualties, but they were sorted out kind of quickly. I know the room here is split on Campbell, but he was one. Personally, I've followed him since he was in Buffalo and love what he brings. That contract is a tough stumbling block though, but if you're talking cap casualty, that's usually the tradeoff...you're left with someone else's bad contract decision. I think there'll be a few of those this year, but I'm not sure the Isles will pounce unless the cap hit is higher than the actual salary. And if you're limiting yourself to only trades, and only very specific salary structures, then yeah, it's tough to find what you need.
- UIF

My problem with Campbell would be that as of last year he wasn't capable of bringing what the Isles truly needed on the blue line which was a big tough nasty defensively responsible dman. I don't think Campbell qualifies in any of those categories.

With the Isles, the bottom line seems to be that we can't even attract big names by overpaying. Trades become difficult because we then start the vicious circle of depleting the very farm system we've tried so hard to restock. It seems our only recourse is and has been to remain patient and watch our prospects grow.