On the Islanders Beat

I'm going to have to call in sick that day.

I am back. I know you missed me. I think that Snow is in the absolute worst position in this draft. The top four players are clearly defined and Snow has the fifth pick. What to do?

I do not like Filatov. He is to slight and he is not Malkin or Ovetchkin. I also do not trust the Russians or Soviets as you may refer to them. When have they ever played by anyone elses rules?

I do not want another "stay at home D man." The Isles need a puck mover and a PP QB not a Brendan Witt clone.

So the answer as I see it is to explore the possibility of trading the pick to number 6, 7 or 8 ( whichever team wants Filatov) and take a shot a Wheeler at 6, 7 or 8. Snow should be able to grab an additional pick or player and still walk away with the player that he really wanted.

Of course all this goes out the window if Filatov gets taken at number 3 or 4. Then Snow has to grab the remaining D man and scratch the deal.

19 Isles, I am curious about this Julian. How did Snow go from being the sports exec of the year to 3 rd from the bottom of the NHL. Seems like quite a slide to me. Perhaps that is why Julian is a low level scout or worker. And who are the two worse than Snow? Name and shame.

505 sorry I won't be around for you draft party. Maybe next year. Hope you guys enjoy it and that the Isles emerge stronger and don't leave you scratching your heads......Sir William

Whoops I meant Wilson not Wheeler.............Sir William

Reading Spector's column, I see that the Maple Leafs want Filatov. Perhaps Snow could get a player (McCabe) for the right to switch places with the Leafs if Filatov is still available at number 5.
Also this from Spector:

"Filatov is a skilled winger but drafting him could be risky given the lack of a player transfer agreement with Russia and the determination of the newly formed Russian KHL to retain their best young talent."

I think this transfer agreement is more trouble than some of you guys think that it is.............Sir William

I head you missed me so I'm BACK! For one year at 4 big, large ones.

Ya know ... I really gotta watch what I drink on Saturday nights ... because I could of sworn I was greeted with a Headline that said the Islanders were considering bringing back Alexi Yashin ... Haaa ... Ohhhh that is a good one.

Greg ... It's Father's Day .... not April Fools day ... check the calander buddy ... LOL!!!

Oh .... and to all the Dads out there ... Have an OUTSTANDING and SAFE Father's Day!!!!

Oh boy ... I can't wait to see AZS's, 505's, Steady's, Nick's, Sir William's, D$'s, KH's, Tonysac's, JP's, Upstate's ... Oh ... I can go on ... I can't wait to see everyone's reaction to that article.

Come on Greg ... you're putting us on aren't ya .... you just had to create some controversy to get the hits to your blog didn't ya Greg ... wink wink ... Well ... this ought to make for an interesting week on TSN, NHL Network, Oh boy ... Rag fans are gonna be all over this .... HA .... Hey ... sign Trotts ... please.

Our 1st rd pick for Streit who is a UFA, makes no sense. You need some new sources. Also Okposo for the first pick and a couple o 2nds is even funnier.

the isles offense can't really get any worse than it was last season, so bringing back yashin probably won't hurt. on the other hand, whether or not it helps is certainly questionable.

Sir W ~ ... I can't speak for Julien's resources because I don't know where they come from.

Julien himself isn't a quote - unqoute ... "scout" ... he is a scouting analyst. The difference? A scout goes out to the rinks ... collects the data and focuses on certain players.

Julien works for a pro-scouting service. He started working the Junior ranks in the mid 60s when his Junior career was ended by injury ... but his coach kept him because he recognized his passion for analyzing opposition talent .. and he's worked in NHL circles for years.

He's been around the game since his childhood in the 50s. Now he's off the road ... and office bound ... and his main job is to analyze games, teams, and players at all levels that have already been signed or drafted by NHL / AHL / IHL / ECHL teams.

Quite frankley Sir W .... He has a lot more experience working in hockey front offices ... including the Hab's and Nordiques' at one time than Snow had when he became a GM ... and still has more experience judging talent than Snow.

Julien is off for the next few days ... but I'll buzz him during the week when and if they order a link from us.

In the mean time .. I think you can answer your own question ... You asked ... "How did Snow go from being the sports exec of the year to 3 rd from the bottom of the NHL. Seems like quite a slide to me." .... Well ... you are the one that cancelled your season ticket subscription ... that pretty much sums it up ... doesn't it?

Oh .. and I know that some of the criteria for how they rated the GMs was experience, the team's records under their tenure, the sum effects of trades and the impact of draft picks (yeah .. I know) .... and a bunch of other factors ... so I can't give you the answer of how he was rated.

I don't know what two were worse ... he did mention Tampa's Feaster & LA's Lombardi .... but he said Snow's been overshadowed more by the deals that didn't happen and trades that didn't work out for him ... he did give Snow props for his short term contracts which keep his options open.

Oh... and FYI ... he's one of about 50 analysts (not low level) that gather data and rate everything from a player's face-off techique to how a player grinds it out along the boards for the puck... so that 3rd worst wasn't HIS rating ... it's a compilation.

He half joked that soon they may rate fan / arena effects on energizing the home team.

****
Oh ... I'm with you and 505 on Filatov ... as dynamic as he is .. I think he'll be neutralized more in the NHL ... but I agree about picking 5th .. it's not as clear cut as the top 4 ... Filatov is a legit top 5 ... but is he the fit for the Isles .... right now ... I say know ... because he'll need a tough two way center to play with ... or he'll get his coconut rocked night after night... Patty LaFontaine had a tough bunch of Isles to play with. This team is lacking in the enforcer dept.

Well Greg ... You really gave Isles fans lots to talk about on Monday afternoon with that Yashin story ... you better get plenty of rest tomorrow morning.

Welcome back Greg....Hope you are ready for me on Monday, cause I will be coming out swinging a bat at the bobbleheads! :):)

All eyes are upon the "suits" and Garth......Too many chefs ruin the kitchen. We shall see. Wonder if Wangers son in law has a say on who we draft???? Would not doubt if the kid that does not know where center ice is, is being groomed for the GM position.

Ohhhhhhhhhh the pain! Fuego Snow! Lol 505....See u got my back on the other blog? hint hint !

ROUND 2????? ROUND 2?????? ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? This article has to be a JOKE!!! I woke up to my normal routine...Grab a cup of coffee and the paper, and right to the sports section...To my suprise, there was a hockey headline...I rubbed my eyes for about 2 mins..pinched myself at least 10 times to make sure i wasnt dreaming...ROUND 2??? JESUS MARY AND KEVIN!!! I swear if the Islanders resign YASHIN to a one year deal, well i dont know what i will do, but i know that i will be extremely aggravated by the decision of...for the very first time i will say this...the BOBBLEHEADS!!!! iM am cutting this article out and putting voodoo spells on it every night... I WILL NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO US AGAIN!!! YASHIN IS the debbie downer of this organization..I compare him to Kirk Muller..Kirk muller was the 2nd biggest debbie downer of this organization... I am compeltey and utterly disgusted WE would even consider RESIGNING YASHIN....WE BOUGHT HIM OUT FOR A REASON DIDNT WE??????????????????? FOR THE LOVE OF BILLY BOB THORTON, DO NOT RESIGN HIM!!!!!

Everyone have a HAPPY FATHERS DAY...

I spit my Sunday morning coffee out when I saw the sports headline!!!! In his last year on LI, he benefited from a career year by Blake. At 35, he's DONE........too slow, no leadership skills.........I can't see how he could contribute to the youth/rebuilding phase we've started. But the article said that the #1 Bobblehead is close with him.........so who knows.

Looking forward to draft day, although feeling more nervous than before based on them considering a Yashin return.

Let me get another cup of coffee.

Happy Father's Day all.

Ya know ... all Greg Logan's article regarding Yashin was missing was a mention of .... HABS Inside out reporting that the Isles are considering bringing back Yashin. ... I mean ... come on ... that is how ridiculous this sounds the more I think about it.

They'd rather have Yashin back then to scope out the UFA market?? .... As thin as it is .. Yashin still doesn't even rate on it.

505 right now is probably reading the Yashin article and questioning his sanity and second guessing that some of the folks in 505 land aren't to far off about UFO sightings ... because Yashin is one UFA signing that he'd rather not see.

Wow!!!! Scary thought.... If I was in the "management team" I would consider it an insult to have his buy-out along with a new contract going against the cap.

We need to move forward... this guy shouldn't be signed even if he's asking 1.2mil. Seems like a great dude... but lets leave the past where it should be

Let's hope Logan has prepped for this upcoming live chat with a speed reading course.

Otherwise there will be time for one question from 19Isles and that's all.

And if there is enough time for a question from Steady....well, I hope Logan is already sitting on the floor when it hit's his monitor.

And who's this Ya-shin guy everyone is talking about?
Has Wang already got the Chinese hockey program up to speed?

19 got your voice mail. You weren't kidding brother. Geeze-uhz!! What the hell are they thinking?

Now before we all go ballistic. It was Yashin's agent that contacted Snow. As if to say. Hey. Is our timeout over?

Snow shouldn't give him more than $1.5M if that is the case. And then he has to double as the stick boy's assistant. Yashin's agent thinks he's worth about $4.5?? He's just as nuts as he was when he thought Yashin was worth 7.5M over 10 years. That's the original deal, right? Tell him that maybe Ottawa will take him back?

Well I'm off to celebrate Father's day with the fam. Happy Father's Day gents.

If Yashin comes back I am gonna root for Hillary Duff and the Ice Girls to take out Carol Alt.

Only one hot looking celebrity type chick per team.

Rule 69.b line 3 of 505's "How to Build A Winning Franchise".

Everyone please check Chris Botta's blog for his impression on this whole He Who Shall Not Be Named mess....Gandler is trying to play the media and already issuing threats to the Islanders.

Garth, despite the U of Maine education (I had to do it...college rivalries die hard), can't possibly be crazy enough to think this will do anything but cause the fans to abandon ship. It's ludicrous, it won't happen, and I refuse to waste any of my energy thinking about it.

But if he does come I'll have to go back to Belgium, since I was there when the news of the buyout broke.

Here's Botta's blog posting, so you guys don't have to navigate over there:

***

The Mark of Lack-of-Finesse
Mark Gandler is a rather original and entertaining fellow. He is the agent for Alexei Yashin and Sean Bergenheim and others, but he wasn't all business when we'd speak. He has other interests besides hockey and he certainly has a unique view on some things. Mark always returned calls immediately and always spoke his mind. He's a reporter's dream.

But Mark sometimes doesn't do his clients any favors, as today's story in Newsday about the possibility of Yash coming back illustrates. In his public comments about teams, his players and negotiations, Mark tends to have the touch of Quentin Tarantino and the subtle voice of James Hetfield. He can be as tone-deaf as the kid at the back of a chorus scene in a junior high production of "Fiddler on the Roof."

Assuming there have been more-than-courtesy discussions between the Islanders and Gandler about Yash - an assumption we should hold judgment on until someone from the Islanders speaks to it - if I'm Mark Gandler, I consider not saying anything at all. And if I'm going to talk to a reporter, I would have gone with this:

"Yash loved his time on Long Island, enjoyed being part of the community and his relationship with the fans. His only regret was how it ended. After a year back home in Russia, he really wants to return to the Islanders. Yash told me he is willing to do anything to contribute to get them back into the playoffs and challenging for the Stanley Cup."

Instead, in his comments to Greg Logan of Newsday, Mark took a swing at the team and made it about - my God, of all things - cash.

"We've had discussions. But it's been very slow because I told them in the beginning how much I wanted. They're obviously not happy about that. But clearly, they missed him. They didn't have a first line last season."

Later on in the article, oops, he did it again.

"My premise is that he should get what his market value is ...Now, there is a new year and a new market, and if they want him, this is the price."

And then, as if Islanders fans had not been bloodied with more bullets than Sonny Corleone took at the tollbooth, Mark fired off another round:

"First, it's up to Ted whether he wants him or not, and second, it's up to Charles and Garth whether they want to pay him what we think he should get paid."

These comments do not help my friend and former colleague Alexei Yashin. However, if my friends and former colleagues at the Islanders needed an immediate market survey of their fan base, I have a feeling this will help them tremendously.

****

Someone can always argue that there was a method to Mark's madness with his quotes. You can definitely win the debate that Mark is infinitely wiser than me. It's only fair that I point out Mark Gandler has made more money - perhaps on Yash alone - than I may make in my lifetime.

But what's not up for debate is that Newsday - specifically, an editor at the sports desk last night - screwed up. The front page of the sports section has a box at the top that reads: "ROUND 2? Isles say they've talked to Yashin about coming back."

Geez, can somebody at the sports desk please take 5 minutes to read the frickin' article? There is not a single comment from an Islanders person in it. Logan even writes that he couldn't reach Garth Snow. This is unfair to the Islanders. More so, this is really unfair to the arteries of any Islander fans who hoped for a quiet Sunday morning.

(I will hold my opinion on Yash coming back until it actually happens. If it happens).

Sportswriters like Greg are quick to accurately point out that they do not write the headlines, editors do. This proves what we've also known for a long time: some editors don't even read the articles.

505 said ... "And who's this Ya-shin guy everyone is talking about?
Has Wang already got the Chinese hockey program up to speed?"

That was BRILLIANT!!! LOLOL!!!

Nick ... GREAT POST!!! Thanks for sharing Chris' blog ... what Botta says makes complete sense.

I also noticed that Greg indicated that Snow hadn't even contributed any comments to his article since he couldn't be reached. My whole thing is that Gandler actually acknowledges that there has been discussions. Why? Why even bring that up for discussion? At most if / when the Isles make a decision on Yashin .. they shouldn't be in any rush because Gandler is in a rush. Then if they do decide to sign him ... offer him the difference between the $4M or so he wants and what the Isles are paying out to him this season. I believe that is about $2M. Even that much he's just not worth it. Otherwise just tell Gandler he can go scratch.

Kevin .. great post your $1.5M is probably about right.

Personally I have to agree with Botta ... I think after Gandler's remarks ... he has done a dis-service to his client ... and he is a very poor barometer for how much the team really missed him. We lost 5 regular forwards and our PP QB ... and if injuries didn't crush the team .. the Isles had a shot at the playoffs.

Sure Yash is a serviceable player ... just not for the money he's asking.

Snow will make the right decision I'm sure ... he doesn't need this BS the week before the biggest draft in his life ... yes .. bigger than even when he was drafted himself.

I can't beleive anyone here took Logan's article seriously. You guys are far too smart to fall for that. That's just Yashin's agent trying to drum up some interest in his client. If I didn't know better I would have sworn that it was April Fools Day not Fathers Day.

19 Isles, The fact that Snow went from Sports Exec of the Year to third worst in the NHL tells me that he was either not deserving of the award in the first place or that he has been unfairly pushed to the bottom of the pile in one year.
My giving up the tickets has more to do with the overall running and direction of the entire organization than just Snow alone. Wang is the real culprit here, not Snow. It was Wang who kept Milbury too long, who gave Yashin a 10 year deal, who came up with the "committee" idea, who fired Smith and who hired an inexperienced back up goalie to be a GM.
So don't blame Snow for me giving up the tickets. Put it where it belongs, squarely on Wangs shoulders. I didn't like the effort that I saw this year and I don't think that the team has the right coach or is moving in the right direction. Unless Snow pulls a rabbit out of his hat, this year will be another miserable, insufferable season.

If Snow signs Vrbata and Liles or Strait does he move back to the top of the list again? It sure would make this year a lot more tollerable.

I am sure your Julien is a nice guy and a devoted student of the game and probably knows more than all of us put together about prospects. I'm sure he is a good source for scouting prospects.
I'll leave it at that............Sir William

Sir William said ~ "My giving up the tickets has more to do with the overall running and direction of the entire organization than just Snow alone. Wang is the real culprit here, not Snow. It was Wang who kept Milbury too long, who gave Yashin a 10 year deal, who came up with the "committee" idea, who fired Smith and who hired an inexperienced back up goalie to be a GM."

Sir William ... you seem to be about 8 years too late to take out Wangs mistakes on the Islanders.

BTW ... I read an article last month on TSN ... regarding team "committees" ... basically almost EVERY team ... including the Rangers uses a committee system and has done that for years. Milbury didn't ... that is why it has been so bizarre to us. The Devils ... DON'T use a committe system ... I'll try to find that article for ya ... I actually should of posted it here ... it showed how the NHL's management systems have evolved the past 25 years .... BTW .... Torrey, Devellano and Arbour was given credit as a committee team back in the 70s and 80s.... so the Isles were once successful using a committee system ... so we need to find something else to blame for the Isles' woes.

Sir William also said ~ "I am sure your Julien is a nice guy and a devoted student of the game and probably knows more than all of us put together about prospects. I'm sure he is a good source for scouting prospects. I'll leave it at that............Sir William"

Julien isn't just a student of the game ... he's made his living off of it since the 60s ... also his main focus isn't prospects ... he's a pro-scouting analyst ... they only keep track of drafted prospects for the possibility that they get called up to the bigs. You think every NHL team can have a scouting staff keep watch on their opposition's prospects?

Your suggesting that he isn't aware of what's going on in the NHL ... when infact he's more atuned to the NHL than anything else. The company he works for tracks the NHL teams' prospects so there is a book on the players when they get called up.

Also, how do you think sportscasters get all their info? You think a guy like Howie Rose has had the time to follow all these players that he seems to have a book of info to intergect about? I worked the booth for those kinda people ... they get their info from companies like the one Julien works for. The NHL also has their scouts use 3rd party scouts to gleen info on players ... it's outsourcing.

I'll leave it at that.
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BTW .... I agree with you on getting Vrbata and Liles or even Strait ...

The more I think of it ... the more I'm thinking Filatov is going to drop in the draft ... I think his size makes an Eastern Conference team very nervous .... he may go to LA anyway ... but I've been reading the sites of the teams infront of us ... and their links ... they seem to be coveting the Defensemen more than Filatov .... they recognize his skills ... but seem to be nervous about his size and how long it will take for him to fill in.

If Filatov is on the table at #5 ... the Isles should talk to the next 3-4 teams following them and ask them if they're interested in trading up if they want Filatov. Then grab Colin Wilson, Mikkel Boedker or Cody Hodgson.

We need a skilled big forward... Wilson or Hodgson at center would be the best option. Boedker is a Winger.

Sir William ... you seem to be about 8 years too late to take out Wangs mistakes on the Islanders.

Really? Was Smith fired 8 years ago? Was Milbury let go 8 years ago? Was Snow hired 8 years ago? Was Nolan hired 8 years ago?
I think you may have your dates mixed up.

As for so called "committees" in hockey thats really not the same thing that Wang purports to employ. While Bill Torrey used Jimmy D and Arbour as resources, was there ever any doubt about who was in charge? I think not.
Your comparison to what Wang brought forth is apples and oranges. All teams have a collection of people who offer insight and advice. But they all have (except Dallas) one person who calls the shots. That is the difference.

As for your friend Julian, you should be old enough now not to assume anything. I did not disparage him in any way. If you took it to mean something else or read into it then thats your mistake. I left it as that........Sir William

19 Isles, About Filatov. This is what I posted yeasterday about trading down. It appears that the Leafs at number 7 want him. If Snow can make the deal and grab a prospect or player he should go for it. The Isles need an impact player right now. Wilson appears to fit that bill. Beach is always a fall back choice if Wilson is gone at number 6.

I strongly beleive that the Isles will swing a trade, not neccessarily involving the number 5 pick before July 1 st.......Sir William

What do you guys thinks about Nigel Dawes? He is a RFA this year and could be a target for an offer sheet. I watch a lot of Ranger (and Devils) games and I think that this guy is the real thing. He has a nose for the net and always seems to be in position to score. I think he has a tremendous upside and would be worth the couple of picks that he would cost.

Thoughts?.................Sir William

Comment at 15:00 was not me.

Neither is the 12:41.

SIR WILLIAM!!!!!

HAPPY Father's Day old man.

505 Happy Fathers Day to you. After what happened to Tim Russert it makes you appreciate it a little bit more......Sir William

Sir William I have to agree with 19 Isles. Not just because he's a friend and teammate. Your comment about his contact Julien was designed to belittle his contribution to the conversation, and you know it. The condensending way you said, "Nice Guy and Devoted Student" of all things wasn't meant to support the acknowledgement that you were discussing a person of authority and inside knowledge of the game's players.

Then following that up by saying he's probably good in regards to prospects.

I'll leave it at that.

Regarding 19's assertation that the committee system is common and him happening to mention an article in TSN saying that it's common practice for almost every team in the NHL. Then you had to disect what he said by your obvious inside information on how clubs run their oganizations.

I'll add that the reason we may be having a more difficult time accepting this current committee system is the fact that we were used to having a type A personality in Mike Milbury in control for over 10 years, obliterating what took 20 years to build in the process I might add. Snow is definitely a yes man, or Bobble head as someone here puts it. That is why the Isles' version of the committee system doesn't work. 19 is right though. It's nothing new. Depending on the status and experience of the coach and the level of ownership participation, there are various versions of the committee system. For the dynasty Isles Torrey called the shots because the buck stopped with him, however he wouldn't draft a player that Arbour didn't like. The ownership at the time also used to keep his nose out of hockey affairs.

19 don't get your garters all twisted because I said something in your defense. I just had to. You know me. I'm a pest, and you know I hate seeing that kinda self ordained authoritarianism.

NHL.com should have a live tracker as the picks are made

Kev you nut job ... don't get yourself all worked up. Sir William is good people. He's got a unique way of expressing his disagreement ... but all in all he's all good.

Ya gotta have a thicker skin Kev. ... Sir W just wants what we want ... a formidable Islander team ... he's a life time full season ticket holder ..... well .. till this year ... he's been through it all. Good and Bad ... cut him some slack.

Most of us have had good lively disagreements with him before ... and I'm sure we will again.
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Nick ... that would be a great idea ... and they should have links to the selected players as they are picked with stats ... bio and vitals.

Nick: Thanks for posting Botta's blog. I didn't realize this guy was such a real fan.. I have to admit that I've never read his blog but I thought he was doing it for his position with the Isles... Now I realize this guy is just like us...a REAL fan. How they made him step down to be replaced by Wang's daughter's husband is a smack in the mouth to us...just like any other move the last 15 years. His is infinitely more of a fan than Dey will ever be....damn.

I just hope that rebuilding with youth is their actual plans and not just stupid propaganda used to keep us interested... Its been said before but it would be better watching a bunch of kids struggle than Tank, JoVas, and Satan... Someone said that there is no way that a team with a healthy DP will never end up in the bottom five of the league... I agree 100% and fully expect replacing the bums with Tambs, Okposo, and other young players will yield a much better team... if Rick can play a full season....

Oh... and please... no one vote for DP in the allstar game... for the love of God... don't do it.. lol

themass, I've met Chris Dey and I've been very impressed with him as a businessman. I don't think this was necessarily nepotism, and I hope he does a good job.

19Isles, when I said "should" I meant they should do it because they've been doing it for years. However, it's just the basic info, your idea takes it to the next level. They should add your idea to the current format.

Though they never should've let Botta go...that was a terrible move.

themass...

"Oh... and please... no one vote for DP in the allstar game... for the love of God... don't do it.. lol"

I didn't like it then....I don't like it now....If DP never made another All-Star team, that would be fine with me.

Putting your franchise goalie in the nets of an All-star weekend is like having the the French Army protect your left flank.

You're gonna get killed.

KEVIN M Both you and 19 Isles should know that if I have something to say then I am not shy about saying it. If I wanted to belittle Julian then I would have gone straight at it. But I didn't. I respect the guy's opinon and have no right to say anything about a guy I do not know or wil probably never meet. If he wasn't any good at what he did then he would not be employed by the combine. Both of you took it the wrong way. I rarely infer anything. If I have something to say, I'll come right out with it.
And I'll leave it at that.

19 Isles What do you think about Dawes? Of all the players who could add instant offense to this team it seems to me he would be the perfect fit. Young, talented and could be had for the right offer sheet. I think that one day he will blossom into what Tambellini has not. He has sniper written all over him.

By the way you need the "pest" to defend you? Don't you have an enforcer on your team?

Just kidding, you hosers........Sir William

Blow smoke Gandler, your client will never return to this team for more than a ceremony 25 years from now celebrating the day he was bought out!!!

Back to you Kevin M, As far as having a committee on most NHL teams that's nonsense. Of course the coach, the scouts and the assistant GM all have input but on every other team the GM has the final say. When the coach or assistant GM disagree generally they are replaced.
Sather answer to a committee?
Lou Lamorillo?
Brian Burke?
Bryan Murray?
Gainey?
Sutter?

Ken Holland may be the closest because he takes Jimmy D's input seriously. But if they disagree, I am sure Holland would make the final decision.

Did Don Maloney have a committee when he drove the team into the ground before Milbury?

In fact the only team that answered to a committee were the Maple Leafs and look how horrible they are.

So don't confuse Wangs idiotic idea about how to run a team with using your subordinates as they were meant to be used.

Apparently LaFontaine saw it that way, too.....Sir William

SW - what does Dawes cost in draft picks...could be interesting given our sheer number of 2nd and 3rd rounders...if that's what it would cost.

I like Dawes....but I think you guys are crazy to think that Sather would allow him to Head East.

Don't know 505, Snow's got plenty of cash to play with...a big offer and it could really give Sather a fit. That would be worth it alone wouldn't it?

DMONEY Here is the scale of what it costs a team in terms of picks if the RFA signs an offer sheet and the club that owns his rights refuses to match. Seems kind of steep, but thousands of draft picks never work out. I don't know if Sather would match or not but it would certainly increase his salary cap limit......Sir William

OFFER COMPENSATION
$551,076 or below None
Over $551,076 - $757,729 Third-round choice
Over $757,729 - $895,498 Second-round choice
Over $895,498 - $1,102,152 First-round choice
Over $1,102,152 - $1,377,689 First-and third-round choices
Over $1,377,689 - $1,653,227 First-and second-round choices
Over $1,653,227 - $1,928,765 Two first-round choices
Over $1,928,765 - $2,342,071 Two first-round and one second-round choice
Over $2,342,071 Three first-round choices
Each additional $1,377,689 One additional first

Anyone else think that Yashin's agent was trying to interest the Washington Capitals in his client? I think that this is Yashin's ultimate goal to be re-united with his buddy Kozlov and to play with Ovetchkin and Federov.
Yashin would put up massive numbers playing with Ovetchkin and the burden of the spotlight would be off him. If I'm Alexi that's where I want to be............Sir William

Going after Yashin does not make any sense at all. It does not fit the "Plan" that Snow is trying to implement. Yashin's agent is probably looking for the same amount last year, and he won't get it from anyone else again. Plus Yashin's agent put a time limit on the Islanders......not a good business move.

Sir William: Dawes is interesting and like the thought process, but realistically, the Rangers could match any offer, now that several free agents will not be resigned by them, so there should be plenty of wiggle room for the Rangers. Unless the Rangers go spend crazy on other players in the UFA pool. Wheeler is on their radar, so Dawes would be a steal if we signed him. I don't like the idea of losing a first round pick again though. We'll just have to wait and see. Nice thought though.

Sir W ~ None of us need an enforcer on our team. We're all enforcers. ;) ... and basically ... that's not far from the truth. Even our goalie plays with an edge.
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I like Dawes ... good solid player with upside to boot. I thought of the prospect of the Isles or some other team probably giving Sather fits by offering him a sheet.

I think if the Isles go after Dawes they have to ask themselves this ....

What is the chance that Dawes helps the Isles compete for a playoff spot?

Are the Isles really that much better than they were last year with Dawes considering last season's team looked better on paper?

And here's the kicker ..... What if? What if the Isles finished deadlast next season ... and the Rangers use the Isles' compensatory pick to select John Tavares? That would bring down the Islanders Kindom in one sentence. "The New York Rangers select with the first overall pick... John Tavares."

Now that being said ... I doubt the Isles will finish dead last ... but that is a scenario I'd dread.
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Also ... TSN should of read Botta's blog ... They actually have a huge mention that says "According to Newsday, the Islanders have discussed the possibility of bringing their former captain back for one year after buying out the final four years of his $10 million contract" ... besides .... they also got the amount of money wrong. Logan clearly mentioned that the Islanders have balked at Yashin's agent's offer.

I doubt after the Newsday article that any deal will happen anyway.

Another thing we have to remember is, as Botta mentioned, Gandler represents Sean Bergenheim. It's very likely that in the middle of discussions for a new contract for Bergy, who's an RFA, Gandler might have tried to sell them on Yashin....Garth is likely still laughing at that, but hey...

As for Nigel Dawes, I'm with 19Isles on this one. I'd take him on my team any day, but if they lose a 1st rounder as compensation and the Rags end up getting Tavares with it, I don't know if I could recover from that,

Islander season ticket holder who seriously debates where this franchise is headed before renewing each year. Just renewed recently before this Yahsin news. If Yashin is resigned, I can safely say I'm through. ... Now all fans think they would make better owners and GM's than the people actually doing it. That's the nature of fan-hood. But signing Yashin again......that would just prove that Islander fans really are MUCH smarter than Islander ownership and management. Even admitting that they have been talking to Yashin's agent proves that this is one seriously mismanaged franchise. How embarassing for all of us who remember when the Islanders ( players and management) were feared, revered and respected around the league.

Is there any chance that the Isles heavily front load a deal for one or two of the better UFA's this coming July? Is that the only way real talent will come to the Island?

Thanks, Tom from Keller, Texas.

Why did you put out that article with Gandlers silly Yashin talk without providing some unbiased information? And why did you make only one attempt on a saturday night to get any sort of response from the Islanders about it?

Again, the transfer agreement won't be an issue. If they (Russians) were that hell bent on keeping Filatov they'd likely have tried to prevent him from interviewing with 25 NHL teams and working out at the combines. Filatov has said he will 'do anything' to play in the NHL. If that means pulling a Frank Abigail like Malkin did then so be it.
As for his being too small. He's 5'11" and 175lbs. At 18 years old he'll probably end up filling out to near 6' tall and 195 lbs. That's a decent size for a skill player.

Just came out of hibernation: Yashin back to the Isles??? Time to go drink myself back into a deep sleep.

I'm psyched about the upcoming draft. Go with Filatov if he is available. There have been plenty of succesful skilled players who were thought to be undersized.

Peace all.

Regarding Filatov:

I read in an article on NHL.com today that its been his dream from the beginning to make the NHL and that since he is not under contract next year with any Russian team, the fact there is no transfer agreement is a moot point. I don't know how much homerism goes on at NHL.com so I take it with grain of salt but I don't think getting him over here will be an issue at all.