The Need for a Center
As Snow continues to round out the Isles' opening night roster, a quick glance reveals a glaring need for a 2nd line center. If we assume that Mike Comrie will be given first line duties, then that would leave the Isles with someone like Sean Bergenheim as the most probable candidate to be the 2nd line center. I would feel much more comfortable starting the season with Bergenheim as the 4th line center, with Silinger as the 3rd line center, and a player to be determined as the 2nd line center. The most prominent two names that appear to be surfacing to fill this void are Josef Vasicek and Jason Allison. Let's take a look at what each of those players would bring to Ted Nolan's team.
Vasicek will probably never be a real threat to put points on the score sheet, so it might sit funny seeing Vasicek as the leading candidate to center the Isles' 2nd line. Vasicek has been well known in recent years for a tremendous work ethic, even though the points never seem to be there at season's end. However, you can't take away Vasicek's size, as he stands at a listed 6'5". Adding a player of this stature would immediately increase the Isles' size at center. However, if I were Snow, I wouldn't be too inclined to add Vasicek mostly because he offers little punch to the offense. And punch is what the Isles clearly need the most. Vasicek's production and work ethic could probably be equated by someone like Bergenheim. So if I were Snow I would turn my attention to Jason Allison.
Now this would be a risky maneuver. Allison has played only one full season in the last four seasons, albeit a productive one at least. In 2005-2006, Allison racked up 17 goals and 43 assists for 60 points after sitting out the previous 2 seasons. And now after missing the entire 2006-2007 season, it's very possible Allison could return with the kind of production he had in 2005-2006. That would easily balance out the point totals that Alex Yashin would have put up, at a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the headaches. More incredibly, Allison notched 9 power play goals and 30 power play assists in his last full season in the NHL.
If Snow and Nolan, who have been given the opportunity to see Allison skate, become convinced that he is healthy enough to return to the NHL once again, then I think the Isles need to take a chance here. It's another one of those low-risk/high-reward chances that really could elevate the Isles into a legitimate playoff contender.
I hope Allison is healthy and he has put all the issues stemming from a messy divorce behind him. Stat of the weekend: Allison has had 4 seasons where he has scored 70+ points. That's 4 more than Drury/Gomez combined.
Posts
36 comments:
Bergenheim is listed as a left winger. I think Sillinger is 2nd line center, Bates (until he's injured) is the 3rd. I have no idea who the 4th line center will be, Park?
Yes, Bergenheim is not a natural center, but he will probably be the most likely candidate to fill that hole on the 2nd line.
Bates will not play above the 4th line (yes until he is injured when he will play above the ice - that is play cards in the press box). Silinger will be on the 3rd line with Hunter and Hilbert most likely. Park? Please Ted, keep him on the 4th line wing. No more experiments with 4th liners on the 1st line.
This is the problem with having 6 or 7 fourth line players.
I would rather see Allison for one year, with a club option for a second. I think that way we can be protected against eating a second year if things don't pan out.
No matter who Snow signs, there is still a glut of "spare parts."
This does not bode well for Noke, Neilssen and the rest of the forwards ready to move up to the NHL level.
Can someone explain to me how a team that squeaked in the last playoff spot, lost it's top 5 players from that team, has no room for it's top prospects?
This is a horrible situation and it lays squarely at the feet of the GM and his rookie hating coach.......Bill
The overwhelming amount of "spare parts" is quite problematic. I would love to see Bergenheim Nokie and Nielson take on 4th line duty from the get-go and see them rewarded with more playing time if they work out. Now there is nowhere for them to move up to. Park, Bates, Hilbert, Simon all fit this 'spare part' role. There is an argument for Simon's return at least - if you buy the idea that his leadership is important to the team. But I don't think anyone can understand why Hilbert was brought back. Total mindblowing.
I know I am one of the few and far between but I see Hilbert having a big year this year. I don't really know why but just a gut feeling.
The reason for spare parts is simple, hockey is one of the most physically demanding sports, injuries are bound to occur during the course of the season these spares fit in when needed.
While we may have lost our top 5 scorers from last year we also replaced them with equal if not better players to fill their roles (Guerin - Blake, Comrie - Yashin, Tank - Kozlov)
The assessment of Vasicek is spot on. Here in Raleigh we had been waiting for him to have a break out season. 2005-06 (when the Canes won the cup) he started out living up to everything that had been hoped for - then tore up a knee. Wasn't the same after that. Canes got good trade value for him (getting Scott Walker) but then re-aquired him - still a disappointment.
i thought last year was going to be the year that we brought all our youth up and tried to build with teddy. Then we signed, kozlov,simon, park, poti, hill. I had a feeling that we would bring in a few veterans to help steer the youthful ship (sillinger witt) but let noki, tambi, grebeshkov, bergi, campoli and gervais get a chance. Im glad we saw 2 of those basically full time but i was hoping this year we would start to implement that. I want to see noki tambi and bergi start to get some minuets but it appears only one may, and that is bergi because he go a one way contract. I think we do need more youth. They create a spark that sometimes veterans cannot provide.
Jeff,
Spare parts are definitely good for injuries. The problem is we are starting off our opening night roster with spare parts. What happens when the parts go bad (as you know Bates will). Then we are stuck using spare spare parts.
I couldn't agree with you more about the replacements this year. You've already proven how the goals will equal out based on last years performances. I think we will be in for a better year without the non-motivation of Yashin and the puck-hogging of Blake.
Guys,
Here's what I wrote on my blog regarding the need for a Centerman.
"Top three most frustrating aspects of being an Islander fan:
1. Watching your team get pushed around by more physical teams.
2. Watching your team consistently blow leads late in the game.
3. The fact that your team doesn't score enough.
The Isles have addressed these needs a bit in Free Agency so far with the additions of Bill Guerin, Andy Sutton and others. However, there are still gaps to be filled (and money that could be spent wisely).
On all the message boards, everyone is clamoring for the Isles to add a #1 Center, fearing that Comrie isn't up to the task at hand.
However, #1 Centermen don't grow on trees. There are none left in the UFA pool (with the possible exception of Forsberg, but I really can't see him going anywhere except to play for a Cup, which we are not ready to do yet) that are really appealing.
I've heard Jason Allison, Josef Vasicek and Jeff O'Neill mentioned as possible targets. I am not in favor of signing any of these players.
Allison and O'Neill have far too much tread on their tires to be #1 Centers. Vasicek has never scored more than 45 points in an NHL season.
Trading for someone like Marleau would deplete the roster in a devastating way and the last thing the Isles need is another Ryan Smyth situation.
So, with improvement to the offense a long shot, I think the way to go is to continue to bolster the defense so that the team can hold leads and win 2-1 games on a regular basis. Sexy? No. Effective? Yes.
Markov is not the answer either. He costs too much. No, there are two better options out there:
1. Ossi Vaananen: Another banger who will intimidate and clear the crease.
2. Nolan Pratt: He's a Stay at Home d-man who has won two Cups and would be an excellent tutor for our young guys.
Both of these players would be cheaper and, in my opinion, as effective as Markov would be.
We already have offensive defensemen like MAB, Campoli, and Martinek. Pair one each with Witt, Sutton and Vaananen/Pratt and you have balance and snarl on all three d-lines.
Garth, please don't overpay for Forsberg, Allison or any of the others. They will not solve the problem. Pick up one of the d-men I mentioned for 2-3 million a year and save the money for a forward until later."
Opinions?
-Frank
Frank,
I am on board with adding another Dman. Adding either of the players you mentioned above would surely help the Isles backline.
As of now I am very concerned with a top-6 D-unit including Witt, Martinek, Sutton, MAB, Gervais and Campoli. My concern is two-fold.
First, I am not yet convinced that Gervais and Campoli will both be ready to handle the full time responsibility of being an NHL everyday defenseman. Both of those guys have shown the potential to be very capable NHL Dmen, but they are a long ways from being considered established players. If we add another proven defenseman, we could then hope that either 1 of either Gervais/Campoli works out, and then the other could be kept in reserve in case of injury.
Second, in case of injury to our current top 6 Dmen, we are looking at bringing up Fred Meyer, Aaron Johnson, Boxin' Bootland, etc. Doesn't look good. I would feel much better bringing up Campoli when Martinek breaks an ankle.
Moreover, I think you have underestimated the value of a strong offense. Actually, I don't even mean strong - I mean legitimate. Right now the Isles don't possess a legitimate capable offense with out the addition of a second line center. Allison wouldn't command much money (maybe $1 million) so I wouldn't worry about overspending here. I'm just kind of hoping the Isles get lucky with this one. You can't expect the first line to be the only legitimate scoring line and still have a chance to make the playoffs.
I would prefer to see Snow trade for D.Morris. If he is never going to give the youngsters a chance to play, he may as well trade them.
Since he signed Campoli for 3 years, I don't see him moving. I would hope that Gervais will stay, so that leaves FM V and either Bates, a pick or a prospect to Phoenix for Morris.
Morris has been listed on several sites as trade bait. I think he would be an excellent fit, here.
As for offense, I think people are overestimating what the new guys bring. All of them would have to have seasons equal to thier best years, in order to replace the scoring we lost. In my view, it is optimistic to think that will happen.
Having watched what has developed this year, I am beginning to think that Nolan has far too much influence on Snow. Nolan seems to rely on these fourth line players far too much. He appears to have a bias against younger players. Even when they were called up last year, they never played more than a few shifts.
I know I keep saying this, but how many players on the current roster were Islander draft choices?
DP, Gervais, Campoli and now Bergy.
That's ONE forward on the entire team. This is no way to run a hockey team........Bill
Bill,
What a stellar point regarding the Isles inability to develop quality NHL forwards.
You are dead right about Nolan. He loved to play Hilbert last year. I can't understand why - the guy just isn't that good. He constantly promoted Simon, Park, and Asham to stints on the first line. Why?!
Tambellini seemed to provide a spark whenever he was in the lineup. He made the Isles opening night roster last season, but then was immediately send to the Bridge. In his first game back he tallied 3 points, but never saw his playing time increase.
Nolan has got to play Tambellini. Even if that means eating Hilbert's contract.
Hi Justin,
I'm not underestimating the value of a legitimate offense. I just don't feel that Allison or Vasicek makes our offense any more legit than it is.
Since Ted Nolan's reputation is that he is capable of getting the best from every player, I say let him get the best from one of our young centers. Bill is right: Find a way to fit a prospect in and see what he can do.
The money can be better spent or kept for taking a run at someone at the trade deadline.
We already have plenty of potential for a number of 20 goal scorers. That's enough to produce 2-3 goals a game. With a really strong defense, we can hold on to a few more games and possibly win a playoff series.
If we can morph into a legit playoff contender, it will be easier to attract UFA's next season.
-Frank
Frank,
I guess you misunderstood my point. My intention is not to sign an Allison or a Vasicek and not play a Tambellini. I would want Snow to sign one of Allison/Vasicek as a 2nd line center, knocking someone like Bergenheim to the 4th line, and thus knocking someone like Bates off the team. The kids need to play and we have too many "spare parts."
The value of a legitimate offense is what propels good teams into the playoffs. Sometimes your goaltender has an off game or gives up a soft goal and you need an offense that will come to the rescue. Right now the Isles have one line who can probably contribute offensively (Comrie-Guerin-Tank?) and one line who will work hard (Silinger-Hunter-Hilbert). And we have one 2nd line winger - Satan. We have an overwhelming amount of 4th liners so I'm not worried there.
What we need is a 2nd line capable of creating quality scoring chances on a nightly basis. I'm not sure any of the kids (Tambellini, Nielson) are a surefire means to make that happen. Park, Simon, Sim surely aren't the solution there either. So I say take a chance on Allison and hope that his skills haven't deteriorated and that Nolan can keep him motivated for an entire season.
Justin,
Understood...and your point is well made.
I just don't see Allison producing anything worthwhile. His complete lack of speed (yes, I know that Sutton is slow and the other d-men I proposed are no speedsters either, but I think it's more important that a centerman be able to keep up with his linemates)makes him a dinosaur in the new NHL.
Vasicek, I admit, has some possibilties in the scenario you outline.
I also agree that Bates' time is past. He was Milbury's hand picked boy and he had a couple of reasonably successful seasons. But it's time to cut the cord.
Bill...what makes you like Derek Morris over a more defensive defenseman? Do you feel he brings more to the table offensively/defensively than who we already have?
Pigskin,
I like Morris because he can rush the puck and we lack that ability. How many times did I watch Campoli or Gervais throw the puck blindly around the boards. Or Witt and Hill just fire it out of the zone. Poti was the only D-man to skate the puck out across the blue line and he didn't do it nearly enough under Nolan.
Morris can skate with the puck and he has the ability to make that first pass out of the zone to start the counter attack.
Martinek is a decent first passer but he always seems to be injured. I don't believe Sutton will make anyone forget Kenny Jonnson, who was probably the best passer and puck rusher, we have had since Denis Potvin. I hold my breath every time MAB touches the puck in his own end.
Snow and Nolan are collecting the same type player at both ends of the ice. We need a D-man who can freewheel.......Bill
1) If the Isles are going to have 'kids' on te roster, they need to either play them regularly(the tp 3 lines) or send them back to the AHL so they can develop.
2) 4th liners typically get very limited ice time. The Isles and their fans may need to bite the bullet and let the 'kids play', get a high draft pick and then next fall watch as Okposo, and some of the other kids come in a be the real future of this franchise. No more short term fixes!
Bill,
And if Morris is actually on the block, what do you propose it would cost the Isles to land him? Probably either one of Campoli/Gervais perhaps. I'm not sure Snow is ready to go there. Can you come up with another package?
Faux,
Good point. Then I guess if I re-work my scenario I would have Allison centering a line with let's say Satan and Bergenheim. Then I would knock Hilbert off the 3rd line and put Tambellini there.
So my top 3 lines would look something like
Guerin-Comrie-Tank
Satan-?Allison?-Bergenheim
Hunter-Silinger-Tambellini
Bates-Park-Sim-Simon-Hilbert
Justin
Regarding an earlier post you had...I don't see the need for any additional defensemen. That last game against Buffalo (with no Hill) both Campoli and Gervais played extremely well. They were down and given the freedom to press and they didn't look out of place.
With Witt, Sutton and Martinek providing defensive stability you are able to let Bergeron, Gervais and Campoli be what they are...offensively inclined D-men. I'm very comfortable with that top 6 and the fill-ins (Meyer, Johnson, Kohn, etc) are not that shabby.
Center, however, is another story.
Iron,
Well your assessment banks on the idea that both Campoli and Gervais will play for an entire season like the way they played in one particular game. Neither player has shown that sort of consistency thus far. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm just abiding by the law of averages here, and I would say one of them will work out while the other will struggle. That's why I would love to add a guy like Morris, as Bill sugested.
In terms of your D-pairings, I coulnd't agree more. Match an offensive defenseman with a defensive defenseman. That's common sense and smart hockey coaching. I could not fathom why Nolan was pairing Hill with Witt and Campoli with Gervais and Poti with MAB last season. Along with a continuous need to repeatedly start Dunham after DP's injury (and refusing to give Dubie a chance)left me wondering if Nolan suffered some sort of dimentia at some points last season.
Justin
I agree it's not much of a sampling but in the short time I've watched them both I've come away impressed. I would just be reluctant to have one of them stunt their growth in the "A" when they are ready to play now.
Morris scares me a little...when he came up with Calgary I thought he had all the tools but since then he's bounced to Colorado and Pheonix without really distinguishing himself.
As for center, I take a flyer on Vasicek and hope he's like most power forwards and develops late.
We are still a good amount under the cap and it would be nice to add another defenseman to the mix. I don't want to terrify everyone, but I'm still a fan of bringing McCabe back. He's a high energy type of player who's great on the power play and isn't afraid to drop the gloves. Overpaid or not, we need something to get excited about this season. Adding a 60 pt producer from the blue line who had a plus +/- rating last season certainly can't hurt. Say what you want about helping the Leafs get under the cap, I'm more concerned about the Isles.
Regarding prospects, here's a new blog entry I wrote entitled "Thanks a bunch, Mad Mike"
Granted, drafting in the NHL can be a crapshoot at best. Attempting to predict which superb minor league prospect will be an All Star in the big league (Sidney Crosby notwithstanding) is a task that is as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack sometimes.
However, the best teams in NHL history have always used the draft wisely, holding on to to their best prospects until they had matured and could contribute. This process may take some time, but if the draft homework is done properly, it can pay off with huge dividends.
The former Islanders GM, Mad Mike Milbury, didn't see things that way. His rash decisions regarding prospects became a boon for other NHL teams. His rationale bordered on the bizarre and I've often wondered if he didn't play just one year too many without a helmet.
Below is a list of an entire team comprised of Islander Draft picks from the last 16 years. Try not to get ill as you peruse what COULD have been.
C1: Jason Spezza
LW1: Todd Bertuzzi
RW1: Ziggy Palffy
D1: Wade Redden
D1: Zdeno Chara
G: Roberto Luongo
C2: Tim Connolly
LW2: Raffi Torres
RW2: J.P Dumont
D2: Bryan McCabe
D2: Eric Brewer
G2: Rick DiPietro
C3: Andreas Johansson
LW3: Taylor Pyatt
RW3: Juraj Kolnik
D3: Brad Lukowich
D3: Dick Tarnstrom
G3: Tommy Salo
Reserves:
Darius Kasparitis
Jan Hlavac
Radek Martinek
Bruno Gervais
Chris Campoli
A first line of Spezza, Bertuzzi and Palffy? Luongo as the starting goalie backed up by DP? Redden and Chara as first line d-men?
Excuse me while I chug the Pepto Bismol straight out of the imaginary Stanley Cup we would've won around 2003 with this lineup.
Garth Snow should take heed: His last trade involved sending Nilsson, O'Marra and and a first round pick to Edmonton for Ryan Smyth....great player, but I've attended more Islander-Ranger games at MSG in the last 10 years than he played in a Islander uniform.
Whitney Houston was right: The children ARE our future.
Don't trade away the prospects and you won't have to go crazy overpaying free agents.
After Ziggy left the Isles, he was often injured. Last season he retired from the NHL.
Justin,
Agreed. And, to be fair, this speculative post takes for granted that all these players would've been in their prime when put together.
Still...a pretty sick lineup, no?:)
-Frank
I do agree that the prospects should be guarded. I also concur that the Smyth trade was ill-advised...everyone knew he was a western guy. However, I don't think they'll get hurt by what they gave up. Nilson is painfully one-dimensional, O'Marra seems to be always hurt and likely no better than a third liner and this past draft was weak. (I know everyone is on the Cherepanov band-wagon but then he should have gone higher)
As for McCabe, unless you only give up something like Meyer and a pick, I don't touch it. He plays reckless and he's 32...an injury is right around the corner. Karberle, I'll take.
If Toronto would take that, I would pull the trigger. Im glad you would consider fitting McCabe into this team.
There were nothing but the best intentions behind the Smyth trade, but in retrospect it was obviously a poor decision. We lost 3 high-end prospects and have nothing to show for it. While each of Nilson, O'Marra and the draft pick might be busts, they still had trade value.
Frank,
Interesting lineups, but they are not as potent as I would have imagnined. Wha't more stunning is a lineup consisting of all the players we passed up (Heatley, Gaborik, Spezza...and even further back in Forsberg, Sakic, etc.)
I wouldn't count Spezza in your lineups because he was never drafted by the Isles.
Justin,
I cheated a bit with the Spezza listing.
I was only consumed with what might have been.
Please...I don't have the strength to tackle all the picks we might have made throughout the last 16 years.:)
-Frank
Lucky for you I did just that. Check out my post in July entitled Isles Draft History - Self Torture.
But caution, do not eat beforehand.
Justin, I would trade your entire fourth line for Morris LOL LOL.
Seriously, I would hope it would consist of Campoli or Gervais, a pick and a throw in (Bates, Park or Hilbert).
Morris is a top two D-man and you have to give something to get something. I know there are people who feel we should get Morris for FM V but it's unrealistic.
Besides, Don Baloney OWES the Islanders from all the damage he did while he was GM here.
Well, I can dream, can't I?...........Bill
Hockeybuzz is reporting a big trade between the Isles and Bruins may be happening. I know Eck is full of it, but sometimes he gets it right.
Supposedly, picks and prospects for one player. Any thoughs?....Bill
HAHAHA I agree Bill. And I also agree about Morris. I would be excited about adding Morris for someone like Gervais. You do have to give to get and Gervais doesn't have the potential, size, or skills to be a top-2 Dman.
Regarding the rumor you mentioned, I hope/think it would be for a center. That is the Isles most pressing need. The 3 names that come to mind are Kessel, Savard, and Bergeron. I hope it's Bergeron so we can have a monopoly on all the Bergerons in the NHL.
I think this trade is pure speculation.
It's well known that the only prospect the Isles have that everyone wants is Okposo and it would be tantamount to sacrilige to trade him for anyone outside of a truly elite young player. He really does have that much potential.
People were throwing around Bates, Nokie and Tambellini as the possible prospects to be included. I can't see anyone banging down our door for any of them, can you?:)
I know I posted a whole thing before regarding not trading away prospects. I really do believe in that. However, I have a huge man-crush on Savard and would waive my own "No trade" rule for him...LOL
-Frank
Frank,
I hope ur crush is only hockey related. Just kidding!!! Actually, I am a former victim of having a man crush on savard also. I remember all the hype when he got traded to calgary. However, thats all it was hype. He never hit 30 goals, and most disconcerning is he's a perpetual minus in +/-. In fact, if memory serves, I dont think he was ever in the positive. I think nothing more than Meyer and a pick for him.
Can someone tell me why were not going after Peca? I understand the whole injury thing, but Peca is a classic two way player who can change a game in an instant. Im sure he still has lots left in the tank.
Great posts by the way , all around.
Looks Garth wasn't reading this blog -
The Islanders have agreed to terms with center Josef Vasicek on a one-year contract.The 6-4, 200 pound Vasicek who will turn 27 when training camp opens next month, fills the Islanders' need for a strong two-way center.Vasicek's best NHL season so far was in 2004-04 when he was 19-26-45 in 82 games with the Carolina Hurricanes.With added responsibility and under Ted Nolan's direction, Vasicek could be poised for a breakout season.Check newyorkislanders.com and IslandersTV later this morning for complete details fo the signing of Josef Vasicek.
We got Vasicek...1 year $750K
Not bad....TSN has him projected as a 3rd line Center. He gives us depth anyway.
I guess we're going with Comrie for the 1st line.
I hope we can get 5-6 20 goal scorers out of this bunch. With an improved D and a healthy DP, we should be able to win 7-8 more close games this year and latch on to the 8th spot again.
Post a Comment