Islanders News & Notes (10/5/2011)

Islanders News & Notes (10/5/2011):

Islanders Sign Jay Pandolfo To A One-Year Contract.

CONTRACT DETAILS:

Length- One Year Base Salary- $600,000  Bonuses- $800,000 (Based On Performance) Cap-Hit- $1,400,000

Reaction:

Jay Pandolfo came to training camp as an invite and many believed he had no shot at making the club. In my opinion, he did not prove enough on the ice to warrant that thought to change, but apparently the Isles felt differently. They liked his locker room presence and his defensive style game, and felt he would be a good addition to the Islanders 4th line. The Islanders liked the idea of having a seasoned veteran who knows how to win on the 4th line over younger candidates Micheal Haley and Matt Martin. Although I disagree with that choice, its understandable. Pandolfo will be a bit of a question mark though mainly because he is thirty-six years old and hasn't played in the NHL since the 2009-10 season. His durability will definitely be tested throughout the season, and will probably be a bit of a problem down the stretch. Regardless of that, he should be a nice addition to the PK, and to the Islanders locker room.

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Islanders Sign Ryan Strome To A Entry-Level Contract

CONTRACT DETAILS:

Length- Three Years Base Salary- $925,000 (NHL); $70,000 (AHL) Bonuses- $850,000 (Performance Based); $92,500 (Signing Bonus) Cap-Hit- $1,775,000

Reaction:

Ryan Strome is going to be one heck of an NHL player, but not yet. I believe he is too frail and unequipped physically for the NHL at this time. If this signing was just a formality and he was going to be returned to juniors before Saturday I'd be fine with it, but it looks like Strome will stick around the big club for a bit. He might get his full nine game try-out, he might not. Either way, I think it would be a mistake to even give him one game. Strome has HUGE potential and I think it would only create problems if they were to give him any time before he is ready. Hopefully they just want to give him some experience through practice and traveling and not with actual games. Aside from that, this is a standard ELC for a player who should be a star in this league in just a few years.

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Islanders Cut Kirill Kabanov

Reaction:

Kirill Kabanov is a great hockey player, and an even better person, but lets face it, he's not NHL ready just yet. The Islanders made him the absolute last cut which is something he should be proud of. Now here is where it gets interesting…according to the Islanders they returned him to the QMJHL to play for the Blainville-Boisbriand, but he is NOT going to be playing for that club or any QMJHL club for that matter. Despite numerous attempts by Blainville-Boisbriand management, he has in fact decided to play in Sweden in the Swedish Elite League. Which team I am not sure of, but I am sure he will be there. He wants to play against men so he will be fully prepared to play in the NHL next season, and he and his agent agreed that this would be the best way to do that. It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out.

Leafs Acquire Steckel From Devils

Trade Details:

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded their 4th-Round Draft Pick In 2012 To The New Jersey Devils For David Steckel

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Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire:

C- David Steckel CONTRACT: $1,100,000 Cap-Hit (Expires: 2013) Important Facts: - Big 6'5'' Center - In the past year has been a part of three different organizations - Has not hit 20 points in his six NHL seasons - During 2010-11 led entire NHL in face-off percentage with 62.3%

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New Jersey Devils Acquire:

4th-Round Draft Pick In 2012 Important Facts: -Toronto's own pick

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Analysis:

This is an interesting deal for quite a few reasons, but the most obvious one is the swap itself. David Steckel is a defensive forward who takes that role to an extreme (In David Steckel's 309 NHL games, he has only had 59 points). He kills penalties well too, but his real talent is his face-off taking ability. He is, in my opinion, the best player in the NHL when it comes to taking face-offs. Unfortunately, because of his lack of offense and physicality, and slow foot speed, he is nothing more than a 4th liner who can kill penalties and take those face-offs. Now don't get me wrong, a good 4th liner is a valuable asset to any team, but lets face it, they are not high value trade pieces which is why I think its a bit misguided to move a mid-round draft pick in one of the best drafts in years for one, regardless of how 'good' of a 4th liner he is. The deal in-itself seems to favor the Devils, but I feel like you have to question the motives of this trade from both sides. From the Devils perspective, they were lacking depth down the middle before this move so by getting rid of Steckel they are now in SERIOUS need of some center depth. I am assuming they were not shopping Steckel, but when the Leafs approached them with the offer of a 4th-round pick, they had to say yes. I would look for the Devils to claim Blair Betts on waivers, as he would fill that hole perfectly. From the Leafs side you have to think there is something brewing, mainly because they already had 5 NHL centers before this move. So by bringing in Steckel they have created quite the logjam down the middle. Does that mean they are moving one of those five? Does it mean Matthew Lombardi's come-back is not as guaranteed as they have led us to believe, or could Tim Connolly's injuries be haunting him again? Whatever it is, I think there is something up with the Maple Leafs that we should see unfold in the next few days.

Waiver Update-10/4/2011

Waiver Update-10/4/2011:

Players Placed On Waivers Today:

D- Jordan Henry (Flames)  G- Curtis McElhinney (Coyotes)  D- Nathan Oystrick (Coyotes)  LW- Sean Avery (Rangers)-- HAHA many NHL fans are very happy right now because of this....and that of coarse, includes me.  C- Blair Betts (Flyers)-  Some team will want a good defensive center like Betts. D- Oskars Bartulis (Flyers)  D- Matt Walker (Flyers)  D- Stu Bickel (Rangers)  D- Brendan Bell (Rangers)  D- Michael Kostka (Panthers)  RW- Mike Blunden (Montreal)  D- Mike Moore (Sharks)  RW- Victor Oreskovich (Canucks)

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Claimed Off Waivers:

RW- Dale Weise (Waived By Rangers)(Claimed By Canucks)--  Dale Weise will never be mistaken for a top-six forward, but the twenty-three year old right-winger has a legitimate future in the NHL as a bottom-six forward. He is a big boy at 6'2", 202 pounds, and he uses that body effectively. He is a hard worker and he always gives what ever he has. He has put up some points down in the AHL, but he probably won't get many in the NHL. Despite of his lack of scoring, he has found a way to be effective in the offensive zone; forechecking. He is a great forechecker, mainly because of his great work ethic as his feet are always moving.

Cleared Waivers:

Adam Cracknell (Blues)  Ryan O'Marra (Edmonton)  Ryan Keller (Edmonton)  Josh Green (Edmonton)  Gilbert Brule (Edmonton)- Pretty surprised about that one. I thought someone would bite on him. Garnet Exelby (Detroit)  Chris Connor (Detroit)  Doug Janik (Detroit)  Joey MacDonald (Detroit)  Logan Pyett (Detroit)--Surprised to see he cleared as well. He has some nice potential, and Detroit should be very pleased that they still have him.  Ryan Russell (Columbus)  Kyle Wilson (Nashville)  Darryl Boyce (Toronto)  Matt Lashoff (Toronto)  Joey Crabb (Toronto)  Anton Khudobin (Bruins)  Alexandre Picard (Penguins)  Jason Williams (Penguins)  Matthew Corrente (Devils)  Peter Harrold (Devils)  Jay Leach (Devils)  Tim Sestito (Devils)  Stephane Veilleux (Devils)  Vladimir Zharkov (Devils)  Mark Fraser (Devils)  Rod Pelley (Devils)

Isles Talking Trade With Bruins

Isles Talking Trades With Bruins...Bergeron A Possible Target?

The Islanders always seem to be discussing trades that never materialize into anything, and this particular instance will probably end up in that same category, but never-the-less there is definitely SOMETHING being discussed. As of right now it seems to be just preliminary discussions, but I could see it progressing further tomorrow. For the past few days or so, the Isles have been talking to the Boston Bruins about a trade that would be fairly significant. I am not too sure of the details surrounding the deal aside from the player the Islanders are targeting. That player seems to be Patrice Bergeron, whom the Islanders have had interest in for a few years. The twenty-six year old, Bergeron is extremely talented offensively and has proven himself as a big-time point producer in the NHL throughout his career. Along with that, he does a real nice job in his own end. There is no doubt that the addition of Patrice Bergeron would do wonders for the Islanders, but the question needs to be asked...what would the Isles have to give up? You would have to think the return to the Bruins would be significant considering Bergeron's value to their club and I for one, would hope that Garth Snow doesn't sacrifice any top prospects just yet. Regardless of what ends up happening, it will be very interesting to see if anything materializes out of these negotiations

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Islanders Make Many Cuts

Islanders Make Big Cuts; Assign Many To Bridgeport

Players Cut:

C. Sean Backman (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He had a decent camp, but he was one of the more unsurprising cuts. This will only be his 2nd year of pro-hockey so it will be interesting to see his performance now that he knows what to expect. I don't think he will see any NHL time this season though.

C. Casey Cizikas (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He really impressed me throughout training camp, but I think he needs at least a year in the AHL before being a serious contender for an NHL job. He could possibly see limited NHL time as a call-up.

LW. Justin DiBenedetto (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  The Islanders coaching staff thought very long and hard about what to do with Justin DiBenedetto. Islanders management love him, and they think he will be a 4th line agitator for the Isles as soon as next year. We will see him a bit this year.

C. Brett Gallant (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He has no NHL deal with the Islanders, so it was a "give-in" that he would be back in Bridgeport once training camp ended. I don't believe the Isles will give him an NHL contract.

LW. Tyler McNeely (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He played well during training camp, but it was expected that he would be cut from the beginning. After he plays a full season in the AHL, I think we will be able to more accurately judge his NHL potential.

C. Tony Romano (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He has struggled to put together even one full AHL season with success, so this cut was expected. He needs to have a good year or he can say goodbye to his dreams of an NHL career/

C. David Ullstrom (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He made a solid push during training camp, and the Isles management took note of his excellent shape he came into camp with. I think he will have a hell of a season with Bridgeport.

C. Micheal Haley (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  This has to be the biggest surprise cut of any the Islanders made this season. Haley established himself as a HUGE fan favorite last season, and to have him not start the season with the Isles is a major blow to those fans. I, along with many other Isles fans, would really like to see Haley re-called soon.

D. Calvin de Haan (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  This is good news…I was very worried that the Islanders were going to rush de Haan, and to hear that they are going to let him develop in Bridgeport a bit more is great. He will need at least one season in Bridgeport, but thats not to say he will not see NHL time this year because I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a few call-ups.

D. Matt Donovan (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He looked really good throughout training camp, and impressed me even more than de Haan. He looks like a keeper, but definitely needs some time in Bridgeport. He could see some NHL time.

D. Anton Klementyev (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  Anton thought he was going to push for an NHL job, but unfortunately, he was not nearly as close to making the cut as he thought. Never-the-less, he has got to play a solid and full, season down in Bridgeport if he wants to make the club.

D. Aaron Ness (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He looked good in his pre-season time, and during drills throughout camp. He worked hard and played well, but he is a bit raw in his own end. A full-year down in Bridgeport will do him good and will make him a contender for an NHL job next year.

D. Benn Olsen (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He has no NHL contract, and looked unimpressive in camp. His return to Bridgeport was inevitable.

G. Mikko Koskinen (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He did not play well in camp, I think he will end up being loaned out to some team in the ECHL.

G. Anders Nilsson (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  His first season in North America will be a good one. I expect him to do great, but it will take him a few months to get fully accustomed to the North American rinks.

G. Kevin Poulin (Assigned To Bridgeport)--  He will get a lot of starts and I fully expect him to continue his great success that he had last year. The Islanders believe he is the goalie of the future for their organization.

Waiver Update-10/1/2011

Waiver Update-10/1/2011:

Placed On Waivers:

Waiver Wire Players Of Interest:

RW- Viktor Tikhonov (Coyotes):  Tikhonov was drafted towards the end of the first round in 2008 and is still loaded with potential. He is a two-way forward, that is impressive in all three zones. He might be a very nice value pick up for any team, especially for the Islanders who seem to do well with their diamond in the rough acquisitions. He should get claimed and I would be shocked if he wasn't.

Other Players Placed On Waivers Today:

RW- Mark Mancari (Canucks) LW- Mike Duco (Canucks) D- Ryan Parent, (Canucks) C- Marc Pouliot (Coyotes) C- John Mitchell (Rangers)  C- Kris Newbury (Rangers) C- Tim Stapleton (Winnipeg) C- Martin St Pierre (Blue Jackets) LW- Alexandre Giroux (Blue Jackets) D- Nick Holden (Blue Jackets)

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Cleared Waivers (Waived On 9/26/11):

D- Tyler Sloan (Predators) D- Brett Festerling (Winnipeg)  LW- Spencer Machacek (Winnipeg) D- Andrew Campbell (Kings) RW- Guillaume Desbiens (Flames) LW- Patrick Maroon (Ducks) RW- Kaspars Daugavins (Senators)

Islanders 2011-2012 Pre-Season Game 5

Islanders 2011-2012 Pre-Season Game 5:

Bruins @ Islanders (Webster Bank Arena)

Where To Watch: Islanders Website

Islanders Roster:

Forwards:

Matt Moulson

John Tavares

PA Parenteau

Michael Grabner

Frans Nielsen

Kyle Okposo

Blake Comeau

Marty Reasoner

Micheal Haley

Jay Pandolfo

Casey Cizikas

Josh Bailey

Defensemen:

Mark Streit

Mike Mottau

Mark Eaton

Dylan Reese

Andrew MacDonald

Travis Hamonic

Goalies:

Evgeni Nabokov

Al Montoya

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Boston Bruins Roster:

Forwards:

Defensemen:

Goaltenders:

Tim Thomas-Will Start For The Bruins

Tuukka Rask 

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Game Overview:

The Islanders are dressing a lot of everyday players, so it should be a pretty solid game from them. I think this we'll be a pretty fun game to watch.