Date of birth: January 02, 1981 (2010-11 Season Age: 29/30)
Place of birth: Niagara Falls, Ont., Canada
Height: 6'0
Weight: 211
Shooting Hand: Left
Full (50+ games) NHL Season: 2nd NHL Season
Drafted: Undrafted
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent by the Isles in 2010
2010-11 Season Stats:
Short-Term Status:
I am really hoping the Islanders decide to re-sign him and if they do, Konopka would take on the exact same role he had last season. He will be a 4th line grinder, who takes most of the important face-offs for the team. Also he will see some PK time, as he did this past season as well.
Long-Term Status:
I believe he could be a bottom-six forward for the Islanders for a few years if he is re-signed. Unfortunately, there is a chance he won't be brought back for next season which in my opinion, would be a tremendous mistake. Contract Status:
| LENGTH: 1 YEAR(S) VALUE: $600,000 TYPE: STANDARD EXPIRY STATUS: UFA (2011) ****CONTRACT EXPIRES THIS OFF-SEASON**** | ||||||
| SEASON | AHL SALARY | NHL SALARY | P. BONUSES | S. BONUS | CAP HIT | |
| 2010-11 | $600,000 | $600,000 | $0 | $0 | $600,000 | |
Review:
When the Islanders signed Zenon Konopka last off-season, I was beyond excited just for the pure fact that he fights a lot, which happens to be one of my favorite parts of the game, but I was even happier to find out that he was much, much more than just a fighter. "Z" was an incredibly useful player in so many aspects of the game. The thing I found the most impressive with him was his leadership and how he really became an intricate part of the locker room within just a few weeks of joining the team. He was the leader of the player's petition to get "live is life" as the team's goal song just a week into the season and from that point on it seemed as though his role in the room was an important one. Whether it was yelling to TSN reporters "We're not a doormat anymore. Stop calling us a doormat.", or influencing the Islanders beat-down on the Penguins on February, 11th, it became blatantly obvious that the team really respected and liked Konopka. Not only was he vital to the locker room, but he provided a lot on the ice as well. Out of the entire NHL, Konopka had the 4th best face-off percentage with a 57.7% and a 620-455 record. That wizardry in the face-off circle was vital to the team and in almost every must-win face-off it was Zenon that Jack Capuano would put out to take it. The determination he showed throughout the year was impeccable and he was willing to sacrifice his body for the team, as shown by his 52 blocked shots which were 2nd most of any Islander forward. Now to the aspect of his play that I was excited for when the Islanders signed him; his toughness. He did an effective job as an agitator, and was not afraid to drop the gloves with anyone. He had the 2nd most fighting majors in the entire NHL with 25 which were 8 less than his total last season. According to Hockeyfights.com, he had a decent record in those 25 fights with 9 wins, 9 losses, and 7 draws. What I like about his fights is that they aren't at dumb times and he is very good at choosing when to drop the gloves, when it would be the biggest advantage to his team. As we all know, in hockey momentum is a huge aspect of any game and by having a guy who knows exactly how to manipulate that momentum shift positively for his team, it really can make a difference. Whether you consider it a good thing or not, I find it absolutely amazing how many penalty minutes Konopka had this season. He led the league in PIM with 307 and just to show you how large that really is, the player with the second most (Chris Neil) had 210 which is 97 less. No one has had that many penalty minutes since the 2007-2008 season when Daniel Carcillo put up 324. Konopka also led the league in misconduct penalties with 10.
Season Grade (A+ to F-): B+
I was very happy with Zenon Konopka this season and in my opinion, he deserves another contract with a decent raise. He is more than just a dime-a-dozen grinder and it would be a big loss if the let him go.MAIN SEASON REVIEW PAGE:
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