Over their past three games, the Islanders have managed to score only three goals, and you can hear the frustration in coach Ted Nolan’s voice. Following their shutout loss to the Devils on Thursday, he said, “We’re not going to outscore teams, 7-6.” Even after their 2-0 shutout win over Philadelphia on Tuesday, Nolan observed, “We haven’t got the firepower of a lot of teams.”
So, despite the loss of defenseman Radek Martinek for four to six weeks with a fractured lower left leg, it’s clear the Islanders’ top priority as they approach the Feb. 27 trade deadline is to add scoring punch. Whether they are willing to give up the necessary players and draft picks to land an established scoring threat is another matter. It could be that they decide the price is too high, in which case, general manager Garth Snow might settle for a minor deal.
But what the Islanders really need is a top-line winger to go with All-Star Jason Blake and, when he’s ready to return from the injury list, center Alexei Yashin. With Yashin out, it’s obvious Blake’s frustration is mounting. In reality, the Isles’ top goal scorer is on what amounts to the third line with Randy Robitaille and Chris Simon. Lately, opponents have treated the Viktor Kozlov-Miro Satan-Jeff Tambellini line as the most dangerous scoring threat with the Mike Sillinger-Trent Hunter-Andy Hilbert line right behind.
Although a number of smaller deals have been made recently, most of the sellers seem prepared to wait until just before the deadline to give themselves time to either re-sign their pending free agents or to drive the price up. As one Western Conference personnel expert told me recently, most teams would rather keep their top free-agents-to-be rather than give them away for junk to help a playoff contender. After all, you never know how the contract landscape might change in the offseason.
As I said in a previous blog, the major prerequisite for any player the Islanders hope to add to their core group is a level of competitive grit. That’s why I doubt they have much interest in someone like Montreal’s slumping Sergei Samsonov, who recently cleared waivers, or Chicago’s Bryan Smolinski, who didn’t do much in a previous tour on the Island. Phoenix’s Ladislav Nagy has nice numbers and will excite a lot of teams, but I doubt he fits the profile to play for Nolan, either. The Coyotes’ Shane Doan would have been great, but it’s clear they want to re-sign him because of his importance to the fan base.
Philadelphia’s Peter Forsberg is at the top of the list for many teams despite his foot problems. But since he gets to pick where he goes if he decides to leave the Flyers, I find it difficult to believe he’d choose the Islanders because they need several more pieces to contend for a Cup.
So, the most obvious possibilities are St. Louis forwards Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk, not just for the Islanders, but for many teams. It appears the Blues are focused on determining whether they can re-sign goaltender Manny Legace and defenseman Eric Brewer before they decide what to do with Guerin and Tkachuk. Of course, the Islanders would have to decide if either is worth a long-term investment and take the risk of not being able to re-sign them this summer.
Two other possibilities who could fit the Isles’ needs are Boston forward Marco Sturm, whom they face Saturday night, and Columbus forward Frederik Modin. But the availability of Modin or Blue Jackets forward Anson Carter, who has gone downhill in the estimation of many, depends on whether new Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock sees them as part of the future or is content to go the longer route with prospects.
Tampa Bay is in the hunt for another Cup, so, fantasy GMs can stop dreaming about Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards because they aren’t going anywhere. In fact, the Lightning is looking for defensive help. But don’t be surprised if some older forwards long past their prime move for a low price. Geoff Sanderson, who underwent abdominal surgery earlier this season, wants out of Philadelphia, and he would be a short-term fix who might come at a low cost. There are others in that category.
Most sellers haven’t really shown their hands yet. Snow has been ready to deal since December, but obviously, potential trading partners have been asking for the moon to this point. With little more than two weeks left to deal, teams should get realistic very soon.
Comments (28)
I don't want the Isles to give up on their youth ...
It's clear to me the Isles are best served to stick with the group they have now for a possible playoff run this season, then take their chances with free agency over the summer. None of the so-called available players right now would do much to bolster their chances. Sure, anything can happen once you get in the playoffs, but realistically, they are more than just a Peter Forsberg away from being a serious Cup contender this year. One more thing. Robert Nilsson should definitely be brought up immediately. Look at the spark Tambellini has provided. Especially with Yashin out of the lineup right now, it's a perfect chance for them to evaluate his level of readiness as a top-six NHL forward. A skill player needs to play with other skill players to get the most out of them and when the Isles are healthy, their isn't a spot on the top two lines, but their is now, so they should give the kid a shot.
we should be sellers soon--get some value and chalk up the season as a lesson in mediocrity. We can dram of Cup contention, but its a pipe dream. Ted Nolan has done a great job--and we need to position the team for the future...a future hopefully withouit the 7mm cap hit of Yashin. Wholesale changes on that front are needed---when the Isles are actually good we barely fill the stadium...sell sell sell!!
Greg - I think you missed an obvious point in discussing Blake's de facto demotion to the 3rd line. Aaron Asham. You forgot to mention him, even tho it was obvious from the past few games that Nolan was using Asham and Simon interchagably on Blake's line - and Asham was clealy more effective. In fact, when Yashin comes back from his benching Nolan should give Asham an exclusive look in that role. (Yes I realize Asham and Blake play the same wing, but does it really matter?) And until Yashin returns, I agree with Scott Akanewich. Nilsson should be brought up and used with Blake and Asham. It provides a good chance to view Nilsson with a top line player, and it also provides a look at Blake's worth in mentoring the younger players - a role he would presumably be called upon to play in the later years of his new contract. If he fizzles with Nilsson's talent that might be a clue that we shouldn't commit to him for big dollars over many years.
Just a note to JP who posted a comment to Logan's previous blog about offering to eat a piece of Yashin's contract in order to move him. I'm not sure if the numbers would make sense. If we eat 40% as suggested it would count more against the cap than the 66% we could buy him out for, since the 66% against the cap would be spread over 10 years instead of the 3 remaining years of his contract. It actually works out to about 13% of Yashin's salary against the cap each year for 10 years. So if you take the difference between 40% and 13% interms of Yashin's salary (40-13 x $7 million), we'd actually be paying about $2 million more against the cap, plus whatever salary was paid to the player received in the trade. I know it's just a round-a-bout way of saying that a buyout is the only alternative.
DIPIETRO BLEW IT TONIGHT IN BOSTON! He showed again, that he is just a KID in a MANS game. Sure he shows glimpses, but when is he gonna be mature enough to just RELAX and let the pucks come to him. That wasnt even the main concern tonight. You cant let player like Tenkrat and Chara score on you. Especially that Tenkrat goal. Just awful. Ricky still has some maturing issues to get through to be a legit elite NHL netminder.
Smitty... put the stick down buddy. DP had a pretty good game between the pipes.... his problem was when he was not between the pipes. They can not contend until he starts making better decisions when it comes to handling the puck. He will. And give teh guy a break on the Shootout... I think they went 8 deep. The SO is entertaining, ut not much more when it comes to a true test of a hockey team.
Dp did blow it, but so did the rest of the squad. Boston's first goal was a result of a breakout that was attempted to be started with a fancy between the legs pass. Not exactly through the legs though Second goal dp gave the puck away. We were lucky to get a point out of this game. We were giving pucks away in our zone all day... and don't get me started on our inability to score... these are fundamental skills that pro players should exibit on a consistant basis... this game and the one against wash last sunday really hurt
Anyone read Blake's comments? I was shocked to read those ...I hope they sign him but the 5 years he wants is pretty long (he'll be 38 at the contracts end) ...he says he'll test the market and probably leave if he's not signed by the deadline ...do you think the Isles should trade him or sign him long term?
Greg, what do you make of Blake's comments? I would be SERIOUSLY disappointed if they do not keep Blake. He's by far my favorite player because even as the rest of the team gives up and stops working, he's always very visibly giving it his all. It's hard to pay to see games and see your team not even trying. At least Blake always works hard. They really better keep him or I will definitely not go to as many games next season.
Let him walk. I can't stand this guy, his attitude is total sh*t and has been since the day he got here. He rubs his teammates the wrong way, he's showed up the coaching staff on more than one occasion, dating back to the Stirling days, and let's face it, he's reached his prime and will be all downhill from here. Although I thought he peaked last season, he obviously proved me wrong, but surely we've seen the best of Jason Blake and it's all downhill after this year. Let the little terd leave, we'll get good value for him at the deadline and I'd rather use the money he wants toward a better free agent this summer.
Time for a trade, thanks for the memories Jason.
Keep talking to your Buddy Parrish, he did the same thing in the middle of the season by saying he wanted to play in his hometown.
Way to play as a team!
Does Nolan know what he is talking about when he says "We are not going to beat teams 7-6"? The fact is, in games where the 2 teams combined have scored 6 or more games, the Islanders record is 17-12-4 while in games that the teams combined have scored less than 6 goals, their record is 9-10-4. The Islanders are MUCH BETTER in high scoring games than low scoring ones. Maybe Nolan falls asleep during the game and doesn't know what is going on. Personally, I think the guy is clueless. When it comes to the mathematical part of coaching, Nolan is horrible. He always pulls his goalie way too late, (the Islanders were down by 2 goals against the Devils and they had a power play with 1:35 left and he didn't pull the goalie until there were 50 seconds left.) and he necver uses his timeouts unless it is the last 2 minutes of the game. I am not one of those who believes that the Islanders record is only becuase of Nolan, I think it is in spite of him.
Joe-
Stop doing drugs
Thxs
Manny
You want to dispute my numbers, go crunch them yourself. You can't argue with facts, and the fact is the Islanders have a better record in high scoring games than low scoring games. Only one on drugs is you. Everyone in society shouldn't have to suffer becuase you never learned how to do arithmetic in the second grade. Only one on drugs is you.
Any of you actually watch the games or just the highlights so you can get to your complaining early.
DiPietro was the best player on the ice for the Islanders and made at least a half-dozen huge saves to get the Islanders one point.
Hey Greg Logan, a followup in your blog on Blake is required sooner, not late next week.
Is anyone actually watching the games? DP played brilliant in Boston and The devil game would have been 8-0 if not for him. I have blasted dp in the past but I cannot do that this year. He has played like a #1 and is maturing. If this keeps up the Islanders will contend. The organization needs to realize that dp is starting to hit his prime and the window is now opening. Please do not waste this precious time and deal all of the propects. The formula works: Develop propsects and make smart deals via trade and free agency. Ask Bill Torrey and Lou Lamarello. One player that is not getting any attention is Jason Allison. In Dec TSN reported that he was healthy and looking for the right fit before he signed with anyone. Most teams are staying away because of his injury history but he would cost no prospects and most of all he is a point per game player for his career and has the grit and toughness Nolan and Garth are looking for. I would Inquire his availablity.
Nolan had claimed how they don't have have any "natural 50 goal scorers" and how they have "to work for everything they get" ...now I'm surely not suggesting that Nilsson is a 50 goal scorer, but would it kill the Isles to bring him up for the PP? Would it kill them to have a balance of hard working grinders with some finesse players?
"We've been like that all season," coach Ted Nolan said. "We don't have natural 50-goal scorers. We have guys who work for everything they get. That's the way we play."
This team will never be a true threat until they get a guy like Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Crosby, Heatley who can take a game over and dominate. You can't rely on garbage goals to get you to the playoffs and win a stanley cup. Let's face it - this group of guys is nothing more than a 8-11 seed team with no shot in the playoffs against a team like NJ or Buffalo.
IC, was dipietro the best player on the ice when he came out of the net, weakly cleared the puck up the boards leading to a turnover AGAIN then never re-set himself in net and gives up a weak goal? Yes, there were parts of the game he was very good but he still makes too many mistakes coming out of the net. How many times has Brodeur been burned this year on weak clears leading to turnovers?
DIPIETRO played horrible in the BOSTON game. Are you kidding?! The 2nd and 3rd regulation goals he allowed were horrible. And in the shootout?! Goals by Tenkrat?! and Chara!? He was clearly trying too hard in that game. To say DP played "brilliant" in that game is to say you did not see the game or you are as sharp as a pillow in your hockey knowledge. Dipietro is still a boy playing in a mans game. He has all the potential in the world (but he needs to mature alot more)to become a legit elite NHL netminder. I believe he is capable, he just needs to stay calm, focus and stay in the net and let the puck come to him.
We can't have it both ways on a youth movement so I'll bite my tongue on the DP mistakes. The mistakes are part of the deal; let's hope they all keep learning and give us a team to be proud of within a few years. It's encouraging to see talent like Tambellini and Campoli FINALLY playing. Now make a decision on Nillson; use him or trade him.
The Isles have one all-star this year. He's in the final year of his contract, but he's a late bloomer at 33. The Isles are a team clearly in need of a number of missing components to compete with the top teams, but their cost structure is somewhat handcuffed by a huge long-term contract of their underachieving captain. So there's lots of speculation about whether or not to sign their all-star and, if so, for how much and for how long.
Now, to complicate this very interesting set of circumstances, we hear vague "reports" that this all-star is actually disliked by many of his teammates and routinely pisses people off. Now he comes out and says he's gonna walk if not signed to a FIVE YEAR DEAL by the 27th of this month. I've been following this team for the last 6 years of this player's tenure, and first of all, I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHY HE'S DISLIKED, OR WHAT HE'S EVER DONE TO PISS PEOPLE OFF!!! IT'S 2 DAYS SINCE HE'S MADE HIS DEMAND, AND MY ONLY REPORTING LINK TO MY FAVORITE TEAM ON THE PLANET IS SILENT. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON, GREG LOGAN???? This is easily the biggest story affecting this team so far this year and you've given me SQUAT. You've been lacking in information in the past, but this is absolutely inexcusable.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one thing.
Miggsey, Campoli was the best player on the ice Saturday night.
dump blake
I have a feeling that coming out of the closet is the right thing to do. Im gay.
I would have to say that keeping Blake for the next 5 years is a good move because first of all the man has heart and he is a true Islander. In hockey 34 years of age is nothing just look at Sundin, 36 years old and no one can tell they would not take a guy like that. The Islanders have 2 weeks before the trade deadline and need to get someone who can score on a consistent basis. The defense is as good as it is going to get. You cannot win too many games with guys like Hilbet who cannot backhand goals properly (missed 4 times in the last 3 games), Simon who is slow and Robatille is just not that good. Hopefully the fire sales that are coming up will get us one person who can turn it on to help out Blake and set up a proper number one line.
You clowns should really ease up on Greg. How do expect him to fall for the Islanders when the so-called faithful sound like a bunch of smug comic book nerds. You don't know what's going on his life. Maybe he can't monitor your comments all day and night. I love the Islanders as much as anyone, enough to know we shouldn't run the one true Isles beat writer out of town because he's not breaking trade news a few months into his first year. Why don't you instead focus your anger on rallying Long Islanders to sell out the coliseum. There's 4 million people out here, 5,000 more at a hockey game is not a lot to ask.
With St Louis looking to unload two IMO major players in the game today send Blake, 2 prospects and a couple picks to St Louis and lets see this team make an honest run for the cup. Bill Guerin and Keith Tkachuk, funny how those were two players that Milbury always drooled over but never got a hold of.