Snow has no problem holding onto guys and then letting them walk for nothing come July so I wouldn't hold my breathe come March and the Isles are 20 points out of the 10th spot in the east
- Vukota

Not necessarily defending the move, but I think Garth felt that he had every reason to believe PA would re-sign. I'm well aware of the general distaste for Garth around here, but any human with half a brain isn't going to let an asset that he knows, or suspects, is going to walk...run away and get zero in return.

As far as Streit, it's a totally different situation. My guess is that they try to extend him a year (or two tops), because they're not sure any of the young guys are going to be ready to step in and fill his shoes. If that's not the case, Streit is 35 at the end of this season and likely doesn't have many productive years left in him. If it were me I'd try and flip him at a premium to either a bubble playoff team or a sure-shot team that is lacking a true offensive defenseman/PP QB.

Why? Just curious
- Vukota

Speaking for myself personally...because that's the only way we're going to attract a high level free agent, with gross over-payment. I would have trouble offering Doan that contract, because he'd be making a bigger paycheck than Tavares, but frankly if Snow sacked up and made the offer and he accepted...I wouldn't be calling for any heads on here either.

You're not use to those types of signings or invites yet? Its been going on for years now
- Vukota

no i am....which is why its funny and sad at the same time

Hamonic is our brightspot. I have high hopes for Reinhart and Mayfield too, though that obviously does us nothing for the next season. I liked what I saw from AMAC two years ago but he was God-awful last year. It seems we've gotten so used to watching subpar talent over the years, that as soon as we see someone on the team who'd only be average elsewhere, we elevate thim a few notches. The Isles really made a big deal about AMAC two years ago and I think the bar was set too high. He's a #5 or #6 IMO.
- keaner17

I also fell for the AMAC hype two years ago as well

Not necessarily defending the move, but I think Garth felt that he had every reason to believe PA would re-sign. I'm well aware of the general distaste for Garth around here, but any human with half a brain isn't going to let an asset that he knows, or suspects, is going to walk...run away and get zero in return.

As far as Streit, it's a totally different situation. My guess is that they try to extend him a year (or two tops), because they're not sure any of the young guys are going to be ready to step in and fill his shoes. If that's not the case, Streit is 35 at the end of this season and likely doesn't have many productive years left in him. If it were me I'd try and flip him at a premium to either a bubble playoff team or a sure-shot team that is lacking a true offensive defenseman/PP QB.
- eichiefs9

I understand what you're saying but when you don't spend and can't attract outside help, you can't take that chance and let an asset walk away for nothing. That's all. As far as Streit goes if he continues to put up points and they are out of it you would have to think Snow won't get caught with his pants down again but in Islander country you just don't know

Why? Just curious
- Vukota

Respected veteran, physical, proven NHL track record, heart and soul player, captain, top 6 forward, can finish, drives the net, hits, will stick up for jt, EXACTLY the player the islanders need....

Sorry for my copout answer there in the interest of making a point, keaner. Off the top of my head, here are some things I have supported in recent years:

Claiming Tuomo Ruutu back when he was a (I think) 25-year old put on waivers by Chicago.

As I mentioned earlier, jumping all over the Hawks' RFA situation.

Keeping Sutton until the team had a legitimate replacement for his size and physicality.

Taking a chance on some talented players that have an attitude issue in their current location (though I waver on this from player to player).

Re-signing Comeau before last season (which was done and was a disaster, probably why I'm not a GM, and also why I don't claim to have all the answers!)

Trading both PA and Nabokov for assets, anything, even second and third round picks. Those could be combined and traded at a later date for an asset or to move up at the draft.

Overpaying some mid-range players who are known for being hard workers, good-character players and who still have something left in the tank (I'm a big fan of the Carkner signing even though the price tag and term are well over what Ottawa offered...we need more signings like that, imo).
- UIF

As everyone so energetically argued about PA earlier, I'll say if we weren't going to keep him with an over the top offer, it's inexcusable to have not traded him. I remember there being rumblings that Snow was trying to deal him and NAbby (not together) but got nothing in the way of offers. I wonder if Snowy has a inferiority complex when it comes to trading based on the flak he gets for being a backup goalie turned GM. Maybe he's just not willing to give a little more for fear of being stung.

As for your suggestions. I was with you on Sutton, but was more than happy to watch Comeau go for the same reason I was willing to let PA and Blake go. I simply didn't see any of them being capable of matching that type of production on teams that may have other players capable of filling some of their key offensive roles.

Speaking for myself personally...because that's the only way we're going to attract a high level free agent, with gross over-payment. I would have trouble offering Doan that contract, because he'd be making a bigger paycheck than Tavares, but frankly if Snow sacked up and made the offer and he accepted...I wouldn't be calling for any heads on here either.
- eichiefs9

Do you still think Doan is a high caliber player at age 35 or is he just the best of what's left out there? I wouldn't cry if they signed Doan, I just think if you're going to throw big money out there why not Semin? The guy has isssues I get that but they are so desperate for offense that I think he would light it up playing with JT. Just my opinion. Not crazy about either but I think at this point Semin would help us more

I also fell for the AMAC hype two years ago as well
- Vukota

How could you not? They guy did pushups with CHAINS on!

Speaking for myself personally...because that's the only way we're going to attract a high level free agent, with gross over-payment. I would have trouble offering Doan that contract, because he'd be making a bigger paycheck than Tavares, but frankly if Snow sacked up and made the offer and he accepted...I wouldn't be calling for any heads on here either.
- eichiefs9

i believe its an easier pill for JT to swallow if the over payment is for a well respected player like doan as opposed to a young guy like parise...

(dont misinterpret what im saying)

Respected veteran, physical, proven NHL track record, heart and soul player, captain, top 6 forward, can finish, drives the net, hits, will stick up for jt, EXACTLY the player the islanders need....
- LetsGoIsles

Fair enough.

How could you not? They guy did pushups with CHAINS on!
- keaner17

Do you still think Doan is a high caliber player at age 35 or is he just the best of what's left out there? I wouldn't cry if they signed Doan, I just think if you're going to throw big money out there why not Semin? The guy has isssues I get that but they are so desperate for offense that I think he would light it up playing with JT. Just my opinion. Not crazy about either but I think at this point Semin would help us more
- Vukota

I'll tell you one thing, I've been very impressed with the level of intensity Doan brings even at this age. Semin on the other hand has disappointed. I wish Doan was 3 years younger but I'd be happy to have him, even at a ridiculous price

Do you still think Doan is a high caliber player at age 35 or is he just the best of what's left out there? I wouldn't cry if they signed Doan, I just think if you're going to throw big money out there why not Semin? The guy has isssues I get that but they are so desperate for offense that I think he would light it up playing with JT. Just my opinion. Not crazy about either but I think at this point Semin would help us more
- Vukota

are the numbers that much different?

Semin
2009-2010 73 40 44 84 36 66
2010-2011 65 28 26 54 22 71
2011-2012 77 21 33 54 9 56

Doan
2009-2010 82 18 37 55 3 41
2010-2011 72 20 40 60 5 67
2011-2012 79 22 28 50 -8 48

I'll tell you one thing, I've been very impressed with the level of intensity Doan brings even at this age. Semin on the other hand has disappointed. I wish Doan was 3 years younger but I'd be happy to have him, even at a ridiculous price
- keaner17

I agree, I just think at this stage of his career Doan is the final piece to a team that is looking to do some damage, not one rebulding. Where as Semin is just entering his prime years but he has many issues but I think it would be worth the gambe because JT needs a pure finisher, but I can also see why people want nothing to do with Semin. In a perfect world the Isles would want nothing to do with him either but we all know its not perfect in Islander country

are the numbers that much different?

Semin
2009-2010 73 40 44 84 36 66
2010-2011 65 28 26 54 22 71
2011-2012 77 21 33 54 9 56

Doan
2009-2010 82 18 37 55 3 41
2010-2011 72 20 40 60 5 67
2011-2012 79 22 28 50 -8 48
- LetsGoIsles

Not to mention he (Semin) plays on a pp with guys like Ovechkin and Green!

are the numbers that much different?

Semin
2009-2010 73 40 44 84 36 66
2010-2011 65 28 26 54 22 71
2011-2012 77 21 33 54 9 56

Doan
2009-2010 82 18 37 55 3 41
2010-2011 72 20 40 60 5 67
2011-2012 79 22 28 50 -8 48
- LetsGoIsles

Not drastic but like I said earlier one is entering his prime and the other is near the end. Its a no brainer if Doan was 3 or 4 years younger but his style at that age catches up to you quickly. If the Isles were close to competing for the cup I would take him over Semin even at 36 yrs old but the Isles aren't close. I love Doan I just wonder what he had left in the tank

I agree, I just think at this stage of his career Doan is the final piece to a team that is looking to do some damage, not one rebulding. Where as Semin is just entering his prime years but he has many issues but I think it would be worth the gambe because JT needs a pure finisher, but I can also see why people want nothing to do with Semin. In a perfect world the Isles would want nothing to do with him either but we all know its not perfect in Islander country
- Vukota

Agreed on Doan totally, we won't see him here...ZERO CHANCE.

I've heard some wild reports of Semin having strange demands for his contract. I'd be willing to give him a try but I have a feeling he'll take less to go somewhere like Detroit.

agreed, having said that ill throw out a name and an offer than if the islanders were the ones to have offered the 30 million/4 year deal to doan id be ALL for it!! (assuming the rumor of it happening is actually legit)
- LetsGoIsles

He would be a good fit for Tavares for sure..........however, I dont think that offer was from the island. My guess is, it was the Devils, being that they just lost their captain, and have money to spend.

I also dont think a guy like Doan who only has a few good years left in him, is going to be willing to come to a rebuilding team. The guy wants a cup....

Do you still think Doan is a high caliber player at age 35 or is he just the best of what's left out there? I wouldn't cry if they signed Doan, I just think if you're going to throw big money out there why not Semin? The guy has isssues I get that but they are so desperate for offense that I think he would light it up playing with JT. Just my opinion. Not crazy about either but I think at this point Semin would help us more
- Vukota

You cannot put Alex Semin and Shane Doan in the same sentence. There is no statistic for heart, and you cant teach it, but its the most relevant aspect to this game of hockey. One of the aforementioned has none, and the other is the definition of heart.

You cannot put Alex Semin and Shane Doan in the same sentence. There is no statistic for heart, and you cant teach it, but its the most relevant aspect to this game of hockey. One of the aforementioned has none, and the other is the definition of heart.
- kindlyrick

I didn't put them in the same category.

Do you still think Doan is a high caliber player at age 35 or is he just the best of what's left out there? I wouldn't cry if they signed Doan, I just think if you're going to throw big money out there why not Semin? The guy has isssues I get that but they are so desperate for offense that I think he would light it up playing with JT. Just my opinion. Not crazy about either but I think at this point Semin would help us more
- Vukota

http://www.youtube.com/wa...-J5yig7nY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDRCpN4OMpM

This is the difference between.........who ya got between Semin and Doaner???

Agreed on Doan totally, we won't see him here...ZERO CHANCE.

I've heard some wild reports of Semin having strange demands for his contract. I'd be willing to give him a try but I have a feeling he'll take less to go somewhere like Detroit.
- keaner17

I don't think anyone thinks Doan is/was really coming here. My guess is Semin goes to the KHL because they're going to give him upwards of $8m/year to come back.

As far as the "strange demands" my guess is that it was from the spoof article that Lighthouse Hockey put out a week or so ago, listing fake comical demands that Semin "wanted" included in his contract.

I didn't put them in the same category.
- Vukota

You said......if you're going to throw big money out there (i presumed you meant on Doan), then why not go after Semin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I-J5yig7nY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDRCpN4OMpM

This is the difference between.........who ya got between Semin and Doaner???
- kindlyrick

Forget it. I'm not going to rewrite what i've been saying this whole time.