Islanders fans know what was lost from last season’s surprising playoff team – Jason Blake’s perpetual hustle and career-best 40 goals, Ryan Smyth’s competitive instincts and inspiration, Tom Poti’s unsung two-way play on the blue line, Sean Hill’s grit, Arron Asham’s toughness and, last but not least, the enigmatic play of former captain Alexei Yashin.
Starting with the first practice of training camp on Sept. 14 in Moncton, New Brunswick, the Islanders must begin to understand how they’re going to replace all that. They’re giving free agent forwards Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedotenko, Josef Vasicek and Jonathan Sim a chance to prove their ability in expanded roles. Defenseman Andy Sutton was signed to clear the crease for goaltender Rick DiPietro, and oft-injured defenseman Bryan Berard, who will attend on a tryout basis, has a chance to show he has something left in the tank.
But the most significant change might be the one at the top with veteran goal scorer Bill Guerin stepping in as captain to replace Yashin’s highly skilled play and reluctant leadership with his more physical and direct style that fits the vision coach Ted Nolan and general manager Garth Snow have of the team they want to build. It’s not often a playoff team undergoes such sweeping changes.
“It will have an all-around influence on everybody from top to bottom in terms of chemistry,” veteran forward Richard Park said after a conditioning skate Thursday with several teammates and a few players from other NHL teams. “That’s a word you’ll hear a lot. We added really quality players. Every one of them brings something to the table to help us get to where we want to be.
“I’m sure a lot of fans and media were hard-pressed, wondering who was going to come in. It’s a new opportunity for the guys that have come in. Even though they’ve been around for awhile, they could play a different role, possibly a more expanded role. The bottom line is that the backbone of the organization is as strong as it’s ever been. When you have that, you’re going to have success no matter who you bring in and who leaves.”
Considering what the Islanders stood to lose on the free-agent market, Snow, Nolan and owner Charles Wang took a bold chance in choosing to cut ties with Yashin via a $17.63 million buyout. But if they needed courage to make the move, all they had to do was recall last February when the Islanders were at their best while Yashin was off the ice rehabbing his sprained right knee.
“It’s hard to tell because we haven’t started camp, but I’ve heard great things about Billy Guerin, our newly appointed captain,” Park said. “In terms of Alexei, he was in the shadows, so to speak, that had been cast above his head for a number of years. I don’t think there’s a guy in the locker room last year that would have anything bad to say about Alexei. Things just didn’t work out; he had an injury.
“It’s not about bad-mouthing leadership in this locker room last year. The onus isn’t on one guy, and it never has been. It doesn’t matter if you have a letter on your jersey or you don’t. Everybody is a leader in their own way. If you say we’re going to have a better locker room this year, does that mean we had a bad one last year? I’m not going to say that because I was part of that locker room last year. But the guys we’ve added are very good character guys and have a lot of dignity, and we should be better off for it.”
Assistant captains Mike Sillinger and Brendan Witt were part of last season’s wave of free agents who were brought in to support Yashin. It was their leadership and the addition of Smyth that kept the Isles driving toward the playoffs when all seemed lost after DiPietro was sidelined near the end of the regular season because of a concussion.
Although Smyth was the first choice as Yashin’s replacement, Guerin’s credentials fit neatly with the Isles’ approach under Nolan. Forward Andy Hilbert said the character shown by the Isles when Yashin and DiPietro went down last season, should be enhanced by the new additions.
“When you bring a guy like Billy Guerin in, his reputation and what he’s done in the league speaks for itself,” Hilbert said. “Witter and Silly were big leaders last year. We have a great locker room. I’m just looking forward to getting to meet all the new faces. I’m a believer that chemistry in the locker room translates to the ice, and the players we brought in this year have great personalities.”
As the Isles demonstrated a year ago, preseason predictions don’t matter. It’s the chemistry in the locker room, be it combustible or coherent, that decides whether a team has the right stuff to succeed.
Comments (161)
GO ISLANDERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bottom line is that the backbone of the organization is as strong as it’s ever been.
What!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lets Go Islanders! I can't wait for hockey again.
Let's Go Isles----------Men of the Orange Sleeve
The Isles got better with addition by subtraction. We have gone nowhere since 2001. We needed a new facelift. Nolan & Snow will now begin to build thru the draft, which is always the right way to build playoff teams. These new players will carry us in the playoffs and teach our good young players how to win.
We're almost there. Whatever happens, this season is sure to be one for the books. What happens in camp will be key. Welcome home Greg.
this season will be slowly revealing. nobody can say what this team will do. the Captain and alternates will provide great leadership and we should have more than a couple 20 goal scorers and an in your face, snadpaper like D and Ricky in net. anything is possible.
Lets Go Islanders!
PLAYOFFS 2008!
Newsday, will you please make this a user name and password blog. I am getting tired of the dumb and immature posts. The board needs to be monitored!
Anything is Possible, but if you look at the rest of the eastern conference it looks like the Islanders will be lucky to get a sniff of the playoffs.If everything fell right maybe another 8 seed.
On top of the that, the last few days the Islanders organization is trying to Sugarcoat this year's team and are predicting 8 sellout games by midseason.(too much turnover of the roster).. Personally I would be shocked...Most People are not going to pass up watching playoff baseball (in person or on TV)to attend the first few weeks of an unknown Islander team. They better start getting the HAVOC ZONE tickets ready.
Is there any truth to the rumor that Josef Vasicek is a clone of Oleg Kvasha? I know one thing they are both Enigmas
Early Prediction, the 2008 Stanley Cup Final will be:
Sharks vs Penguins
Welcome back Greg. Good to have you back. Let begin by saying I agree with Philly Mike - this comment section really does have a need for monitoring.
Anyway, a quick thanks to 'FROM ESPN 2006' for the link to that ESPN article. Hradek had every reason to write what he did, considering the apparent circus involving Wangs decisions at the time. But re-reading that piece today is quite ete-opening. Why would such a seasoned hockey guy like Smith get into a dispute with his new coach over an equipment manager? Sure, Smith wasn't crazy about Wang's decision-making matrix. But is it possible that Smith was already envisioning himself as an omnipotent autocrat? In other words, could it be possible that his release ultimately was the best thing for this team and organization and effectively avoided further back-office turmoil?
Greg, great to have you back. Hope you had a restful summer and am looking forward to great coverage at training camp. Terrific piece to start us off.
Thanks,
Nick D.
Welcome back, Greg
but Newsday really needs to do something about the trolls..what happened to the monitoring service last spring?
I Love the knock on Wang.
What most of these idiots don't get, is that this guy came from the streets of Queens a built a multi billion dollar software company. His Daddy didn't hand it to him.
He could probably buy all these idiots stupid pathetic lives and no one would miss them.
Everyone who keeps on beating Snow, remember one thing... He was Sports Illustrated Executive of the Year for the NHL. Every year 1 team gets it right and 29 others get it wrong. I've always liked to see something different and if the comitee works out, you will see many other teams adopt it. Garth got the stones to make moves, with a little experience, I'm convinced he'll excel...
As far as chemistry... Thats why the Isles singed the guys they did... Hard working, stand up players... Under the same philosophy and mind set, I think they can gel into a grind machine, that will give opponents fits... But only time will tell, That time is soon.... :-)
Last thing, please do something about the trolling. Greg, you're the only Islanders beat writer, you're blog shouldn't have to deal with all the garbage that posted.
"The bottom line is that the backbone of the organization is as strong as it’s ever been." ???
are you kidding?
I hate the way they're sugar-coating this seasons team. It's tragic what's gotten away from us and if you've visited any other teams boards (not just crappy rangers fan boards) you'll see they just about all think our team is laughable. I think snow fell asleep at the wheel during the UFA signings. Thanks alot Snow now please wake up.
I keep having the same dream over and over again!
Victor Kozlov throwing beach balls at me and I can't stop them. So I run as fast as I can but the beach balls keep coming, I'm running as fast as I can but I'm not moving. Then my mother reaches out for my glove hand and says "give me your hand, you can't catch anything with it anyway". So I grab her hand and she pulls me thrue the Ranger locker room, out onto the streets of Manhattan and back to Gothenburg in Sweden, inside the volvo factory and back on the assembly line where I belong.
For anybody who says the isles are the only one with this type of front office (having to got to the board for approval) and its all screwed bugs me. The Leafs have the exact same thing and nobody ever says anything that they board is crazy like they say about Wang. I know that doesn't say much b/c the leafs suck and haven't won in 40 years, the point is other teams have the same structure as the isle.
Wang is pretty smart business man. He knows what he's doing. Here are 2 examples
1. The past 9 years he's been buying a lot property in Oyster Bay here on the Island. The Town of Oyster Bay is trying to put a stop to it. I'm not sure what he plans on doing with all the property. But I did here him say in an interview he wants to build a centralize place for business, and entertainment for Long Island. He wants the focal point to be the renovated Coliseums, and expand to the rest of the property surrounding the coliseum.
2, The other is he has surround himself with people who are pure hockey people. He's also started to attract most of the old Islanders back to Island Like Bossy and Trottier. I just read on HockeyBuzz.com that Mike Duhman was offer a goalie coaching job by the Islanders.
Wang is also a pretty loyal guy as you seen with the whole Milbury fiasco. After all the bad moves he made, Wang keep in the fold. Which is why I think they gave Rick DiPietro the long contract.
His old company CA has offices all over the world and yes he could of picked and moved the Isles to any of those places in the country or world , but he choose to buy the Isles and the build up the property around the coliseum.
After reading the latest blog it really makes you realize how much better the Islanders were last year.
Smyth is better than Guerin
Blake is better than Comrie
Poti is better than Sutton
Kozlov is better than Vasicek.
I am a die hard Islanders fan, but its hard to imagine them being anything better than the 8th seed. I can't believe I am saying this but they should have kept Yashin.
That does not make any sense.
Long Island has population of 1.5 million. It's a huge market, it's the same market as the Mets, Jets, Yankee, Giants, and Knicks.
To move it to small market is not smart. Wang not going to sell or move the team. He's got to much invested.
Well, to respond to your statement. Yes you are wrong,
Long Island and the greater Metro area is huge market. Well being from Canada your not a NY fan. You don't understand the NY fan. The NY fan supports a team that is on a rise and a team that has sustain a winning success for while. You start to see a lot flip flopping. Fans that used to support the Islanders in the 80's started to support Rangers in the 90's. I guess it's kinda of mixed now with the Rangers owning the majority of the share,(they do play in the NYC which is has about 10 Million people in it and they did make it to the the playoffs 2 years in the row.) but the Islanders are on the rise again. What's interesting you see they Yankees are 1 in NY but the Mets are starting take a 40% share in NY, but just in NY, not the rest of the country. Yankee own the nation with the Red Sox starting to close in. If Mets get a championship than it will change. If any team was in trouble it's the Devils even though have won three cups in the last 20 years and had a 10 year playoff run they can't crack the fan base of the Isles, Rangers, and Flyers.
Oh forgot about the comment about the Jersey. Every team in the league is changing the Jersey. Wow this guy is off the mark
"Smyth is better than Guerin
Blake is better than Comrie
Poti is better than Sutton
Kozlov is better than Vasicek."
Not too sure bout that
Smyth only scored 5 goals for the Islanders
Comrie and Blake are basically a wash. They will both score 30 + goals this year with Comrie probably getting more assists than Blake.
When the Isles signed Kozlov no one thought he would have a career year like he had. Who's to say Vasicek cant do the same? Dont forget Vasicek before the lockout was developing into a good # 2 center. I agree that losing Poti hurts but Sutton is huge and will be really good for Ricky. The loss of Poti is offset by the continued development of Campoli, Gervais an the addition of Sutton.
Poti did not have a good season last year. But improve when he under Nolan right.
I liked the moves Snow has made. He took a gamble with Smyth and didn't work out. He tried to keep but Sakic who is Smyth buddy convince to go to Colorado.
You can win the Cups with a bunch regular guys like what the Devils.
Yea right.. The rangers only had one jersey in their entire history. What bunch retards you guys. You guys make no sense..
I'm going to reserve judgement of this year's team until I see it perform on the ice. As for all you smack-talking idiots hiding behind your keyboards, why don't you find something better to do than bashing someone else's team. This blog is for INFORMED, INTELLIGENT, SOPHISTICATED Islander fans who have a true passion for the team -- not a board for haters to vent their own pathetic frustrations, so BUG OFF!
I love smacking rangers and their little simple minded fans around. This is for you.
http://www.nyrangerssuck.com/
Clark Gillies
look I got more for you..
http://www.nyrangerssuck.com/pictures_&_sounds/pictures/farmr/TheFacts.bmp
Clark Gillies
Oh you want more? here it comes. Stop calling for your mommy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE-Fx63xxrE
Clark Gillies
Here is an oldie but goody.
http://fourhabsfans.blogspot.com/2007/08/10-things-i-hate-about-rangers.html
Clark Gillies
There was a line around the coliseum today to buy tickets. They waited for hours in the heat. I guess there are a lot more Islander fans than you people thought. I guess the team does have a fan base that is passionate about hockey, and this team. No matter what. And as far as goals go. If you do the math the fowards alone have the potential (based on their last season's performance) to produce 240 goals. That's JUST the forwards. Last year's team produced 240 total. There is reason to be optomistic.
If there was so many people at the Coliseum today were there any sell outs like the Islanders Expected?? I don't think so, it would have already been pasted all over the Islanders Website....they can over promote as much as they want but you can't trick all of the fans - this team is not as good as last year...Jason Blake is better than any of the forwards we picked up...Comrie is nothing but a crybaby, and doesn't know what the word backcheck means. We still haven't replaced Poti's offensive talent on the bluline...Andy Sutton is a practice cone, I don't know who is faster him or Eric Cairns...Berard hasn't really played in the last 3 years...I would be shocked if he made any impact....The Islanders should have signed Danny Markov instead of Sutton.(3years for 9 Mil - what was Snow thinking) I am a big Islander fan and one of the biggest head sratching moves had to me the signing of Fedotenko for 2.9....this guy did nothing with talented offensive players in Tampa Bay, so what makes everyone think he will do anything with the islanders..we have no one that is as good as Lecavlier, St. Louis, or Richards....Another questionable move was the resigning of Chris Simon (Suspension - bad situation), why would they want the guy over Aaron Asham...the reason why he was probably resigned over Asham is his relationship with Ted Nolan..I would have rather given his spot to a young player...Another joke of a move if true, is the signing of Mike Dunham as the Goaltending Coach...(One of Garth Snow's Buddies)...they couldn't find a better canidate anywhere...what will Dunham teach DiPietro how to start out the year strong then fold up like a cheap tent as the season goes along....If available a guy like Olli Jokienen would be a good pick up.
You need friends to send them to.
Look at how many time the Rags fans posted on a Saturday night.....LOL....Get a life boys. Time to leave home and get a girl or some friends at least.
We LOVE OUT ISLES.....All the samck in the world will not change that. Move on.
Post all night on a Saturday...... LOL LOL LOL LOL
I am in a way different time zone so, forget about a 2am comeback comment!
Really? They were Ranger Fans? Wow!! I didn't know they all had their own Isles Jerseys and T-shirts. Would you like to see the photos? I guess they were incognito! Who knew!
Yeah show me the photos.
Keep posting Rags fans...Show the world how lonely and pathetic you are...It is COMICAL!
What is with all the Blake haters??? Blake gave his heart and soul to this team. Every shift he had was an exciting one. He is basically the only consistent scoring threat the Islanders have had since Ziggy Palffy. Snow blew it, he should have gave him an extension at the beginning of last season.
Not signing Ryan Smyth is the best thing that ever happened to this team. He is a glorified Adam Graves. He cant carry a team. Losing Blake and Poti is what hurts. I dont expect much from the guys they got. Like I said another year of striving for the 8th spot.
This team needs a star. A Hossa, Kovalchuck, Ovechkin, etc. Until they get one it will be just more of the same.
I have always been an Islander fan.
I smell a Ranger fan!
Just think, if it wasn't for the Islanders you pathetic Ranger fans wouldn't get see any hockey at all. Your mommies won't let you take the LIRR after 8:00 PM.
"NOW BILLY I MEET OVER BY THE BUS STATION AFTER THE GAME."
The next time there is an Islander/Ranger game I'll give you boys a honk as I pass you by. Standing in the rain waiting for mommy.
I guess I hit a nerve. truth hurts, is that the best you can do a mother joke.
Isn't a school night??
No, Guerin or Comrie cant carry the team. But they didnt sign them for 7 years and give them over 7 million per like they would have given Smyth.
Its like the hockey world has gone mad. Can someone please tell me what Ryan Smyth has ever done to merit over 7mil per???
I'm not saying the Isles are going to be anything great next year or that Comrie and Guerin are better. But Ryan Smyth is not that good. He just stands in front of the net ala Mark Parrish, Adam Graves. He's a nice team player but to think he is a franchise player and to give him over 7mil per??? He's not that good.
I like how all you rag-fags have to come here to make yourselves feel good. Look at your line-up...you guys look stacked. But seriously... Your lineup hasn't even set up for a face-off yet. What happens if a shitty team like the isles owns you this year?(Stop rolling your eyes because it happened last year). You guys are setting yourselves up for a huge disapointment. Maybe that's the best thing that could happen so you could finally GET THE F+CK OFF OUR BLOG!!!! LONG LIVE THE RAGFAGS...PAPER CUP CHAMPIONS!!!
lmao just called - I was informed "good seats are still available"
Does anyone want to talk hockey or are you pathetic losers still getting your thrills with your infantile and pedophilic rants - it's really disgusting and borderline criminal.
I feel sorry for your parents... if they only knew what pathetic children they raised.
DOC
Where am I? WORKING and being a productive member of society. Unlike some others, I have a life and cannot spend ALL my free time spewing verbal garbage at strangers.
I agree that on paper the moves (loss of key players and the signing of tier 2 and 3 type UFA's) don't seem to inspire optimism in this years team... but I am going into this season as a hopeful fan of the Islanders and won't be surprised if the outcome is much better than expected.
I do think there is more overall depth and better speed, size and physical toughness to this team vs. last years team.
Yashin, Kozlov and Poti were gifted offensive players, but not tough.
The loss of Blake hurts. Smyth well... we hardly knew ya... so what's the big deal? Asham was tough but inconsistent. Sim apparently is a hard working character guy and has a bit of a scorers touch in limited playing time. Hill was gritty but Sutton is a definite upgrade.
Vasicek, Fedotenko, Bergenhiem, Guerin, Tambellini and Comrie all add a little more speed, toughness and a willingness to battle. Who knows what they will produce as far as goals and chemistry... but hopefully they can either continue producing in the case of Guerin and Comrie... and in the case of the others.... maybe they can rebound and be productive again - Fedotenko and Vasicek or step up to the next level ie: Bergenhiem and Tambellini.
DOC
And for those that still care... there is obviously an imposter "DOC" that still thinks posting under someone elses name is somehow funny.
I only post realistically pro-Islanders and never insulting to those posting on this blog.
Intelligent hockey debate vs. Ranger fans... absolutely... GARBAGE... Absolutely NOT!
You won't ever see pedophilia, homophobic or sexual garbage posted under the real DOC name.
Thanks,
DOC
this blog really needs hockey to start, and also hopefully some new people posting
Doc,
The normal posters here know which posts are yours. The imposter fools no one. Once the season starts he will be drowned out by hockey talk.
Can't wait for the season to start.
i read a rumor about this a week ago and i was afraid it would come true..and now the islanders have officially annonced it...MIKE DUNHAM IS NAMED GOALIE COACH...oh lordddddddddd
People put too much time, energy and stock into this. Who really cares if Dunham is the goalie coach?
Also, why is it such a bad thing?
I'd bet good money that no one is capable of naming the goalie coaches of all thirty teams.
Obviously Dipietro is comfortable with Dunham. In the end, that's how these decisions are made.
Nothing to see here.
Really.
Move on.
for you dumbass raghead fans, if dp's career ends due to injury, then the remaining years of his contract are voided. why don't you losers go out and look at getting an education, it might make your life a little better you know.
go islanders go!!!!!!
Now we have someone impersonating me. Lovely. Although at least you included equations in your false post showing at least some intelligence.
Two more weeks and your playground will be closed.
Way to go Fans First...(claps)
As for RAG CONTRACTION. You are one sad little kid. Leetch's ceremony an attempt at a sell out?
Despite Gary Bettman and Versus' best efforts, the NHL still does have a fan base with beating hearts. When was the last time you heard the words "frenzy to buy tickets" tied to an NHL team? Well, you have now. The New York Daily News reported on Saturday that there were only 350 tix left for any Rangers game ... and the Brian Leetch retirement celebration game was already sold out. "It's unbelievable. I've never seen anything like it," Brian Lafemina, the club's senior VP/team sales said. Good for you, puckheads. Don't wait for network or media love ... just support your teams, and the ink will follow.
That is all over the news:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=271143
I know your response, nobody but suits fill the seats. LMAO! You can't even get suits in your building!
I think we'll be lucky to even make the playoffs this year.
To Rag Contradiction:
1. Explain to me how the Rangers "bought" the cup in 1994.
2. Leetch, a loser who needed a map to play D ? Think whatever you want. The guy played his heart out for the Rangers AND for USA Hockey. Perhaps you dont care enough about hockey to care about players from the US.
All the time, all I see you vomit the same garbage on these message boards. I think you need some fresh material. Better yet, focus on the team you root for.
Rag contradiciton idiot wrote "Leetch and Richter were trashing hotel rooms and disgracing our country in Nagano."
Get your facts straight. Tkchuck and I believe Guerin were the guys who did that. How many Isles players were on that Olympic team ?
The one thing I do remember is Milbury saying that "We got the better of the Lindros'"
Im supposed to go to dinner with DP later, but I forgot where I parked my car.
Wow, that was a fast reply Mr. Rag Contradiciton.
Guerin wasnt on the Isles back then. Im sure you knew what I meant. Name 1 American Isles player on that Nagano Olympic squad.
Mr. RAG CONTRACTION only types and writes his name in CAPS.
Come on impostor do a better job
Pettri Nokelainen Traded to Boston for an unknown Prospect Named Ben Walter and a draft pick??
We trade a former 1st round pick for a former 5th round pick in the same draft??? Our last 4 1st round picks have now been traded, what does that say about the Isles Scouting Staff.
For all bloggers looking for a rational hockey debate, you're in the wrong place. Any facts not glowingly positive about the Blue & Orange are just wrong & the person writing it is either a degenerate Rangers' fan or a hockey know-nothing. You can't confuse these Islander twerps with facts. If you point out a media analyst doesn't think the Isles (with such significant off-season moves) will fair that well during the season, you'll find "oh, he never writes anything positive about us". Most Islander bloggers will tell you their team is stronger than last year & expect to earn 95 points. When I ask how, I'm told, "get off the blog". Facts, facts. What are tangible Islander positives going into the season- & ideas such as "Fedotenko will score 25-30 goals" is a wish. Fact- the Islanders'dynasty in the '80s was one of the best in NHL history. Fact- this year's Rangers' team is better than this year's Islander team- as are 11 other teams in the East.
Ms. Rag Contrawhatever (no wonder you're a "Ms.")
you've still not mentioned how the Rangers "bought" the cup in 1994.
Nice rant above. Its obvious you need to up the dosage of your meds.
Nokelainen was too injury prone and isn't defensively responsible like Walter. You will be very surprised to see how well he fits in with us. The addition of a second round pick allows us to package a deal for a top player if Snow sees an opportunity. Walter will be our 2nd line center in a year or two.
YOUR RIGHT GUYS. I AM NOTHING BUT A HOMETOWN HOME LIVING IN MY HOMER WORLD.
I CAN'T AS WELL CHEER ON THE ISLANDERS AND THEIR EVER GROWING STAFF OF BACKUP GOALIES. SO I SMASH MY KEYBOARD WITH CAPS LOCK ON AND TALK NONSENSE. TRYING TO RATIONALIZE AND CONVERSATE WITH ME IS LIKE, WELL TALKING TO A 5 YR OLD. DUH!
THE ISLANDERS HAVE BEEN SAD SINCE THE 80'S.
THE RANGERS HAVE BEEN BETTER.
MY DAD BEATS ME AND MOM.
ALL THERE IS TO IT. I WISH I COULD SIT IN THE GARDEN JUST ONE NIGHT THIS YEAR. BUT, I STILL HAVE FAITH IN MY ISLANDERS AND CAN'T JUMP SHIP JUST YET. BUT, THEN AGAIN I DON'T BUY TICKETS TO HOME GAMES AT THE CR@P HOLE EITHER SO WHAT AM I WAITING FOR!
LETS GO RANGERS!
NEW YORKS ONLY HOCKEY TEAM THAT WILL MATTER IN 07-08.
ISLANDERS SUCK!
DUMB FAN CONTRACTION NOW!
I like the trade. I don't know much about Nokelainan because all he had was a short stint before he got hurt but he didn't impress as much as Bergenhiem, Tambellini, or Nielsen did in their short stints. Perhaps he will grow into a great player but as for now, I'd rather have a second line center who will be ready to play in a year or two who was a Hoby Baker finalist and MVP of his team last year.
Nokelainin's stats last year:
GP:G:A:PTS:+/-
60:6:10:16:-11
Ben Walter's:
GP:G:A:PTS:+/-
73:24:43:67:+23
I am curious why they made this deal, any have an idea? Is Nokki's upside that big?
BECAUSE WHAT THE PAPERS SAY IT ALL AND KNOW IT ALL. DUMB ISLANDERS FANS.
I TAKE BACK THE BAD I TALKED ABOUT LEETCH THE GUY IS HEADED TO THE HALL OF FAME. OF COURSE YOU RETIRE HIS NUMBER.
ISLANDERS SUCK!
LETS GO RANGERS!
DUMB FAN CONTRACTION NOW!
Anon:
Sorry but you have it wrong. People won't find intelligent hockey discussion because the Ranger trolls/imposters/etc litter every discussion with gay remarks and other such trash. The sensible Islander posters aren't bothering to waste their time with all the crap, hopefully they will be back when the season starts and there is more hockey to discuss. Until then its this sideshow we've all seen.
HEALY IF YOU TURN ON YOUR CAPS LOCK AND TALK NONSENSE YOU CAN JOIN MY GANG.
ISLES SUCK
LETS GO RANGERS
DUMB FAN CONTRACTION NOW!
the first rounders that we have traded have only been praised by our own organization and not by anyone else.