Flyers Acquire Bryzgalov

Flyers Acquire The Rights To Ilya Bryzgalov
Press Release

To Flyers:
Ilya Bryzgalov








To Coyotes:
Matt Clackson
2012 3rd round pick (Flyers)
Conditional Draft Pick




Review:
This deal was a surprise to me as I was expecting the Coyotes to really try and bang out an extension until the absolute last second. The fact that they gave up this early indicates to me that they had to have been extremely far apart on what both sides were hoping to get. Bryzgalov was the back-bone of the Coyotes organization and its very interesting they would let him go easily. Apparently, there are rumors going around that he was asking for a huge amount of money and years and was very hesitant to budge in negotiations. The latest figure thats been circulating is $49 Million over 7 years which is $7 Million per year. For a goaltender, its over the top to say the least. Despite his big demands, there is no denying that he is one of the best goaltenders in the world. The Flyers have had trouble in net for at least a decade and if they are able to come to an agreement, it will solve that issue finally. The Flyers right now have only $430,845 in cap space so they will have to move out some cap if they would like to get him under contract. The conditional pick depends on if the Flyers end up keeping him, if not they will not lose anything more than the 3rd in 12' and Clackson. If the Coyotes were guaranteed to lose Bryzgalov, it was decent asset management to trade his rights for a 3rd round draft pick. Clackson's involvement mainly is due to the fact that the Flyers have the most players under contract in the NHL and right now they are just trying to create some more flexibility. Clackson's contract expires this July 1st, so it will be interesting to see if the Coyotes will re-sign him. I actually do like this deal for both sides.

Jason Clark 2010-11 SEASON REVIEW:

Jason Clark 
Date of birth: February 27, 1992 (2010-11 Season Age: 18/19)
Place of birth: Eden Prairie, MN, USA
Height: 6'2
Weight: 180
Shooting Hand: Left
NCAA Season: 1st NCAA Season (Freshman Year)
Drafted: New York Islanders in the 3rd round (82nd overall) of the 2010 Draft
Acquired: Originally Drafted By The Isles

2010-11 Season Stats:

University Of Wisconsin        WCHA:  GP: 14 G: 0 A: 1 P: 1  PIM: 6

Short-Term Status:

Hopefully he gets some more games under his belt next season and if he does, he will  be given bottom-six duties and will have limited ice-time

Long-Term Status:

At best, he will be a 3rd line center who is not afraid to drop the gloves and get in the face of opponents. The most likely path his career takes is he will be a fringe NHL'er who splits time between the NHL and AHL 

Contract Status:

NO NHL CONTRACT AS OF JUNE 6th 2011

Review:
He had a very rough season and was definitely a bit of a disappointment. Now, I know he wasn't expected to be the biggest point producer, but having only one point in 14 games will not cut it. He did at times throw his body around effectively in the offensive zone on the forecheck, but sometimes he ended up out of position trying to make the big hit at the wrong times. He ended up being scratched almost as much as he played. Despite being a freshman, its still not a positive thing that he was scratched for almost all of the 2nd half of the season. As of right now, his future is hazy and it may be smart of him to look into leaving Wisconsin. The Portland Winterhawks hold his CHL rights, so there is a possibility that he could leave and join them in the WHL. I think his physical style of play would really get nurtured in a league known for its hard nosed style of play. Hopefully he looks into the switch because thus far it has not worked out in the NCAA. 

Season Grade (A+ to F-): D-
Rough season and there was very little positive to take out of this year for him. He must find a way to improve his play in all three zones as well as his physical play. He played the body well but sometimes over did it. He must pick his spots more and use what talent he has

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Nothing Better Than The Stanley Cup Finals

Tonight's a big night for the Bruins, and I think its safe to say people are beginning to think the Canucks are going to take this series easily. I have a feeling the B's are going to pull of quite the upset, I may end up being wrong, but its just a feeling. Anyway, while I was thinking of upsets I found a pretty nice list of the biggest upsets in hockey history. Check it out for yourselves: http://www.toponlinecolleges.com/blog/2011/10-greatest-nhl-playoff-upsets/
Love the Islanders getting a spot. Just something I thought you all might be interested in.

Corey Trivino 2010-11 SEASON REVIEW:

Corey Trivino
Date of birth: January 12, 1990 (2010-11 Season Age: 20/21)
Place of birth: Etobicoke, Ont., Canada
Height: 6'1
Weight: 170
Shooting Hand: Left
NCAA Season: 3rd NCAA Season (Junior Year)
Drafted: New York Islanders in the 2nd round (36th overall) of the 2008 Draft
Acquired: Originally Drafted By The Isles

2010-11 Season Stats:

Boston University       HE:  GP: 37 G: 8 A: 20 P: 28  PIM: 23

Short-Term Status:

I'd expect him to stay in college for his senior year and get top-six minutes. The Islanders will need to see even more improvement offensively for Trivino to earn an ELC.

Long-Term Status:

It all depends on how he does next season. If he is able to keep his offensive production at a high level, he may get a contract. Once that happens, his NHL potential will be accurately judged by his play in the AHL. To be honest, as of right now it doesn't look as though he has any NHL future, but you never know. 

Contract Status:

NO NHL CONTRACT AS OF JUNE 3rd 2011

Review:

In his first two years at BU, Corey Trivino went from a high-end NHL prospect to a "bust" who would be lucky to even get a contract from the Islanders. Luckily for Trivino, this season was much better than his previous two. His point total this season of 28 points, is the exact same amount of points he had in his freshman and sophomore year's combined. Some could look at that as a sentiment to how bad his first 2 years in college hockey were, or how good this season was. In my opinion, it's a little bit of both. Don't only look at the improvement because the total itself is impressive. It was good enough to earn the 2nd highest total on his team which includes 13 NHL prospects (one of the highest amounts in college hockey). Another aspect of his game that doesn't seem to be talked about nearly as much as it should is his face-off taking ability. Every team needs someone who can win the important face-offs and Trivino was the guy for Boston University. He led everyone on his team who took at least a two hundred face-off's in face-off percentage with a 54.3% and a record of 382-322. The next highest was Charlie Coyle with 47.2%, which means Trivino was the only player on his team, who was a consistent center, that won more face-off's then he lost. Next season is going to be insanely important for Trivino if he wants to be considered for an ELC. Despite his improvement this year, it alone, will not erase his disastrous freshman and sophomore year's. He is going to have to put up some more goals and play an even more well-rounded game. 

Season Grade (A+ to F-): B

Had the type of year he needed to keep his NHL dream alive, but he must continue his solid play and improve upon it. Before this season, I labeled him a 'bust' so the fact that he found a way to prove me wrong, at least for the time being, is a positive. 

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PLAYER REVIEWS

Rangers Acquire Tim Erixon From The Flames

Flames Prospect, Tim Erixon Traded To The Rangers

To Rangers:

Tim Erixon

5th Round Draft Pick in 2011 (CGY-133rd Overall)

To Flames:
2nd Round Draft Pick in 2011 (NYR-45th Overall)
2nd Round Draft Pick in 2011 (WAS-57th Overall)
Roman Horak




Review:
Tim Erixon was the Calgary Flames top prospect and most people assumed that he would get signed by the June, 1st deadline for sure, but in a surprising turn of events they were unable to come to an agreement. Closing in on the deadline, they were facing the chance that Erixon would re-enter the draft and because he was a 1st round pick, the Flames would get the compensation of a 2nd round pick in this upcoming draft in the spot he was taken in the 1st round (so for example a player was drafted 8th overall, the team gets the 8th overall pick of the 2nd round). So had they not traded him, they would have received the 53rd overall pick in this year's draft. The Rangers were willing to offer not only a 2nd rounder higher than the one they would've received, but also another 2nd round pick and a middle of the road prospect. Now despite getting more than they would have gotten, its obvious the Rangers were able to pull of a heck of a deal right here. Erixon, whose father played for the Rangers, is a big-minute puck-moving defenseman, who seemingly has a ton of potential. In the Swedish Elite League, he put up very impressive numbers with 24 points in 48 games and was very solid on both sides of the puck. In my opinion, he may possibly be ready to push for an NHL job this fall. As an Islanders fan, the group of young guys the Rangers are putting together on the back-end is scary. Erixon adds to the group and jumps in as one of the players with the most upside. Although the Flames lost a hell of a prospect, their fans should not be all upset. The two 2nd round picks will be very useful in a few weeks, whether they want to use them as is, move up higher in the 1st round, or ship them out for an NHL ready player, they will be a big asset. The prospect that was sent to the Flames is Roman Horak, who is a solid, offensive minded forward who may be a bit of a long-shot, but had a very good year down in the WHL. 


Trade Winner:
Definitely the Rangers, they got a high-end prospect for package that may not amount to anything. Impressive work by Sather.

Casey Cizikas 2010-11 SEASON REVIEW:

Casey Cizikas
Date of birth: February 27, 1991 (2010-11 Season Age: 19/20)
Place of birth: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Height: 5'11
Weight: 184
Shooting Hand: Left
OHL Season: 4th OHL Season
Drafted: New York Islanders in the 4th round (92nd overall) of the 2009 Draft
Acquired: Originally Drafted By The Isles

2010-11 Season Stats:

Canada            WJC:  GP: 7 G: 2 A: 1   P: 3  PIM: 6

Mississauga       OHL:  GP: 52 G: 29 A: 35 P: 64  PIM: 40

Short-Term Status:

I'd expect Cizikas to be a major factor for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers next season. He will get a lot of time on the Penalty Kill and as a top-six winger which means he will have every opportunity to showcase his skill. There also may be an outside chance that he see's SOME time in the NHL if there are any injury troubles throughout the season.

Long-Term Status:

Casey Cizikas will be an NHL'er, but he most likely will not be a top-six forward. I see him being a premiere bottom-six center who kills penalty's and plays a great two-way game. I liken him to someone similar to Kris Draper. Those type of players are needed to be successful in any game especially in the playoffs.

Contract Status:

LENGTH: 3 YEAR(S)     VALUE: $2,380,000     TYPE: ENTRY LEVEL     EXPIRY STATUS: RFA
** CONTRACT DETAILS AND BONUSES (IF APPLICABLE) NOT OFFICIAL — CHECK BACK SOON **
SEASON	AHL SALARY	NHL SALARY	P. BONUSES	S. BONUS	CAP HIT
2011-12	$67,500	$690,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333
2012-13	$67,500	$790,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333
2013-14	$67,500	$900,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333

Review:

Casey Cizikas is an intriguing prospect, but one who I believe will have a big impact down the line for this Islanders club. Being a defensive minded center, his point totals were surprisingly impressive and he displayed a much higher end offensive potential. Of everyone on his team, he had the 2nd highest point per game with a 1.23, and despite playing 14 games less than either player in front of him, he had the 3rd highest point total. He emerged as quite the leader and was given the captain duties to start the season, which he utilized terrifically. Every opportunity to block a shot or take the body, he took advantage of and his teammates and coaching staff took notice. That bravery and awareness, that Cizikas showed this season is evident from his stunning plus/minus of plus-43. In the playoffs, he was an absolute beast and carried the team on his back. In 16 playoff games, he put up 19 points which were the 7th most of anyone in the OHL. Of those 19 points, 14 were assists which was the 2nd most of any player in the league. Whats interesting is the players that are rated 1st and 3rd in playoff assists all played 6 games more than Cizikas which means had he played as many games as them, he would probably have the lead. Despite some worry that he wouldn't get signed, the Islanders and Cizikas were able to come to an agreement yesterday on the last day to sign a deal. He will play a big role on the Sound Tigers and may see some time in the NHL. 

Season Grade (A+ to F-): A

Just an all around solid year. Offensively he really was terrific, especially given the fact that his role on the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors was not one that was giving him many offensive opportunities. His leadership and heart was a huge aspect of his game and he became the unquestioned leader of this team. 

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PLAYER REVIEWS

Casey Cizikas Signs ELC With Islanders

Islanders Sign Casey Cizikas To An Entry Level Contract
Press Release 

"Tuesday, Islanders prospect Casey Cizikas came one step closer to fulfilling his life-long dream of playing in the National Hockey League. The 20-year-old centerman inked his first NHL Entry-Level contract with the New York Islanders, one day before he would have been put back into the amateur draft. “It’s exciting,” Cizikas said. “Just writing your signature on those papers, it’s something that you’ll never forget. I think everyone will remember their first contract, and my family and I are extremely happy right now. My mom started crying when she found out. It’s something that I’ve worked my whole life to achieve.” Cizikas has had more than his share of uphill battles. Despite personal obstacles that could have ended his career before it began, Cizikas credits his family for being there every step of the way. His parents Peter and Wendy, and his younger siblings Samantha (19) and Keegan (9), supported him as he worked towards his dream. “They’ve been there with me my whole life,” Cizikas said. “They brought me to practices, they brought me to games in minor hockey, and they supported me throughout juniors. They came to every single home game, and just to have them there has been unbelievable.” The signing capped a memorable OHL season for Cizikas, who has been on quite a ride these past few weeks, captaining the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors to the Ontario Hockey League finals and to the Memorial Cup finals. “Not too many people get to play in the Memorial Cup,” Cizikas said. “It’s one of the hardest tournaments to get into. It was definitely a fun experience. That last game, it didn’t go the way we wanted, but we look at ourselves and we’re the second best team in Canada right now. With the experience I had there, it definitely made me a better player.” As a member of the Majors the last four seasons, Cizikas worked his way up through the ranks and showed that he’s capable of being a strong leader. “I had great captains before me,” Cizikas said. “Through my eyes, I feel like I’m a captain on the ice. I’m that guy who, hopefully guys can see blocking shots, taking the body and doing anything to win. So I think my play on the ice is showing what type of captain I am.” With Cizikas leading the way, the Majors had a remarkable season, finishing the OHL regular season first overall with a 53-13-0-2 record and 108 points. In 52 games, Cizikas finished third on the team in scoring with 64 points (29 goals, 35 assists). What has Cizikas excited about the development of his game, maybe even more than points, is his +/- rating (+43 rating). His +43 mark this season reflects his attention to improving his defensive game. “The player I wish to develop into is a two-way forward, someone that can play in the offensive zone as well as and even better in the defensive zone,” Cizikas said. He continued, “Growing up I always played on a highly offensive team. We were always good growing up so we didn’t have to work on defense. Then when I came to the OHL, I needed to work on it a lot. It was definitely one thing I thought I improved in a lot this year, my defensive game.” Cizikas’ final year in junior also featured a spot on Canada’s Silver Medal World Junior Championship team. “It’s definitely been a roller coaster,” Cizikas said. “It was a fun year this year and it was definitely one of the most exciting ones of my junior career. It was definitely a fun way, I guess hopefully, to end things off in juniors, and with my signing (Tuesday) it’s definitely been a very, very exciting year.” Cizikas will take the next week off to rest before resuming his training. The center knows he’ll have one more giant test later this summer, when he flies to Long Island from his native Toronto, ON, to attend Islanders Training Camp. “I hope I make the team,” Cizikas said. “That’s my number one goal going into camp, and I’m going to stick to that right now. It’s up to me on how I handle myself this summer. I have to eat right. I have to be in the gym everyday. It’s definitely going to be a big summer for me and I just have to take it day-by-day.”"

PattyB Thoughts:
This is big news for the Islanders as Casey Cizikas really has established himself as a legit prospect for the future. This season was an impressive one for Casey as he not only was a huge factor in the OHL, but he was one of the most important players for the Canadian World Junior Team. Then when you also consider the fact that he basically carried his team, the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors, deep into the playoffs and you have a terrific prospect for the future.


Contract Terms:

LENGTH: 3 YEAR(S)     VALUE: $2,380,000     TYPE: ENTRY LEVEL     EXPIRY STATUS: RFA
SEASON	AHL SALARY	NHL SALARY	P. BONUSES	S. BONUS	CAP HIT
2011-12	$67,500	$690,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333
2012-13	$67,500	$790,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333
2013-14	$67,500	$900,000	$0	$90,000	$793,333