Sunday, February 24, 2008

The Day After Tomorrow

As we close in on 48 hours before Tuesday's trade deadline, us residents of Islanders Country can only imagine which way Snow will move this team. We have all read the countless reports that Snow is neither a buyer or seller for this upcoming deadline but rather a builder. This builder status Snow has taken took its first step when Snow signed Trent Hunter to a 5 yr, $10 million deal on Friday. As we have all discussed over the course of the season, Hunter was a player we all liked when he played in his proper role of 3rd line winger. This deal solidifies that Hunter will be with us for the next 5 years, but also begs the questions as to whether he will be used properly. Personally, I am happy Trent is able to stay on the Island for this contract. I don't believe that the Isles are overpaying him although his lack of production was alarming.

Looking ahead to Tuesday, there are still many moves that this franchise can make. Of the players to be moved include: Comrie, Satan, Vasciek, Fedotenko, Berard and our own favorite MAB.

Mike Comrie: I personally think that moving Comrie at this point would hinder any type of playoff push we are at least attempting to make. Prior to this season Comrie was basically passed around the league like the teams were playing hot potato with him. He has stated numerous times that he enjoys LI and is comfortable on this team. If put on the market, Comrie should be able to have a 1st rounder or a solid prospect in return for him.

Miro Satan: Miro would probably be the most likely to be traded Islander if not for his No Trade Clause. As we have learned with his time on this team, Satan is a very streaky goal scorer at this stage in his career. Over the past couple of games, his play has seemed to picked up (maybe he wants to be traded to a Cup contender), which could only benefit us if he waives his NTC. In return for Satan, we should be able to receive a solid prospect and 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Joe Vasicek: At a more than reasonable price, teams will be calling about Joe V because he wont do much to their cap. If the Isles are serious about making a playoff push, Vasicek is not going anywhere.

Ruslan Fedotenko: Between his hot play of late and his prior playoff experience, I expect Snow to receive many calls regarding Tank. Due to Satan's NTC, Ruslan moves into the spot of Islander most likely to be traded by Tuesday. In return for Ruslan, we are once again looking at solid pick or prospect in return.

Berard and MAB: While each could go in separate deals, I doubt they will be traded unless packaged with one of the above forwards and a mid level prospect to a team looking to unload a marquee player (Tampa and Toronto come to mind).

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Peca is only a shell of his former self. I do not see Snow giving up anything to get him. Remember that Snow was part of that split Islanders locker room back then and he may not hold Peca in as high regard as some fans do.

I recall Mike Milbury telling me that Peca was not the player that he had hoped he would be and that he was not the leader that he was advertised to be.

Anyway, I want to get younger, not older. The only deal I want the Isles to make is to bring McCabe back. He is a natural fit for what we need..........Bill

Candyman said...

Good point about the locker room days of Peca. It hasn't even been rumored, it's just an idea I wanted to float around. I don't think Snow will go down that road so it's probably a moot point.

McCabe seems like a perfect fit, especially with all of our injuries at D.

McCabe would probably only waive his NTC for a trade to one of the NY teams. Let's hope it's our team.

Candyman said...

Also I am hearing Tanguay could be moved to the NY Islanders tonight. (e2)
- from Hockeybuzz

Trying to find out the latest, staty tuned. What would we offer for Tanguay?

Anonymous said...

Tanguay is an underachieving, overpaid player who's best days are behind him. I doubt that Snow is looking to add him to this mix.

Haven't we had enough of this type player?

If Snow does anything at all, it should be to get younger and faster.

McCabe only makes sense because of Suttons injury and the real need for a PP shooter. It would make MAB and Berard expendable and perhaps something could be gained in return for either of them.

Personally I think that Snow will not be a rental buyer again. If he can pick up a player who is not a UFA next year he may go for it. He got burned badly by the Ryan Smyth deal and will not let that happen to him again. He also got toasted by Zednik who was a total non factor last year.

Snow is claiming to be a builder, so let's hope he isn't building a house of cards......Bill

Candyman said...

Bill,

Tanguay is only 28 and is one of the fastest guys in the NHL. If you want to get faster and younger, he would fit that mold.

Anonymous said...

Justin, by younger, I was l talking about 20-23 year olds.

It is true that Tanguay is only 28 and is apparently a solid player, but why would Calgary dump him?
And who would you have to give up to get him?

I know that Calgary is going to have some cap issues with the big contracts they have given out, so perhaps it is possible thay would like to move him. I just don't see the Isles as a good match.

Who do you think that Calgary would want?.....Bill

J Picker said...

I could see Calgary wanting a cheap player or two in return. After quickly looking over their roster and stats I see us sending Berard or MAB along with vasichek for Tanguay, who I would love to get on this team

shinkdew said...

Kennan doesn't like Tanguay, that's why he's on his way out. He doesn't fit into Kennan's system very well.

Candyman said...

He is signed for next season, and let's not kid ourselves here. If we were to sign Tanguay over the summer, many of us would be psyched. On a team of talentless overachievers, it'd be nice to have a talented underachiever. Perhaps Nolan could spark Tanguay's play.

This is probably a salary dump for next season, so they might take on a player who can help them this season, but whose contract is set to expire. Satan comes more to mind before Vasicek.

Candyman said...

And even more on Tanguay, he has averaged close to a point per game over his entire NHL career. The Isles don't have anyone close who can claim that kind of production. As we have seen this season, skilled players don't grow on trees.

shinkdew said...

A first line of Tanguay-Comrie-Guerin wouldn't be that bad. The only thing I wonder about is if he couldn't fit into Kennan's system, would he be able to fit into Nolan's system.

The NHL Network is carrying TSN's trade deadline coverage beginning tomorrow at 8AM.

J Picker said...

So we all don't go crazy over the next day and half, here are two links, the first is TSN's trade deadline trade tracker and the second is a mock trade simulator.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/trade_deadline/feature/?fid=2324

http://cxreg.genericorp.net/drambro.html

Anonymous said...

Sutter just announced he is NOT trading Tanguay, as per TSN....Bill

Anonymous said...

Someone else is posting on Logans blog as "Bill". It's another guy, not me. If I post over there, it will be as Bill B&O from now on.

As for McCabe, Toronto is not throwing in it's first round pick for us to take McCabe. That's ridiculous. They are dumping salary to rebuild, so why would they give away their pick for nothing. They can always buy McCabe out at the end of the year if they have to. It's not as if Toronto lacks for funds.
I expect Fletcher will want a prospect and/or a pick for him. Perhaps Walter or Tambellini and a 3 rd or 4 th round pick would get it done.....Bill (the real Bill)

Candyman said...

Hahaha I knew it was fake when the "fake" Bill kept bringing up Peca. I agree the Leafs will not throw McCabe to us as per Malakhov a few seasons back.

I would trade a prospect and a pick, but def not our first rounder.

Candyman said...

Forsberg to the Avs. Let's see if the domino effect begins now...

shinkdew said...

Does anyone believe the rumor on HB that Comrie rejected a 4 year/$16m contract? It fits in with Logan's article that Snow offered Comrie second line money.

I think tomorrow is going to be a bust. With Sundin, Tanguay, McCabe, Kaberle and Blake all saying they don't want to be moved, I don't think much is going to happen. Theoretically, it should make Comrie, Satan and Tank more valuable, but if you're a GM is getting Satan, Comrie or Tank really going to put your team over the hump? Especially in the East where pretty much nobody has made any moves. I guess a GM in the West could get desperate. I hope I'm wrong though because I'd like to get a few more draft picks or prospects.

Bill - you seem to have the hot hand with the predictions, tell us all what's going to happen.

Anonymous said...

Shink, Here is what I think.

McCabe is a good bet to be moved either here or to the Rangers. Toronto will not be giving him away and we will part with a prospect or a second round pick or both.

Fedetanko will go to a Western Conf. top four team for a prospect or pick.

Comrie will sign here. I think he may be getting tired of moving around every year and he seems to like it here.

Satan will be moved (again to the West) for a pick or a young roster player.

Tambellini and or MAB/Berard will also go. Perhaps as throw ins in another major deal.

Snow will acquire several young prospects, including some roster players, and will grab a few picks
that he may turn around and deal for more prospects.

There will NOT be any rental players coming here. Every trade will include signed players for a few season.

How's that?.....Bill

shinkdew said...

Ziggy Palffy is tearing up the Slovakian league. He had 6 points in his last game (3G, 3A). He is the leading scorer in the league with 65 points (27G, 38A) in 43 games.

He's probably a bit too old for the NHL now.

Anonymous said...

After getting thumped again by Toronto, I wonder if Ottawa will be looking for Satan or Fedetanko to bolster it's playoff run?. Just a thought.....Bill

Anonymous said...

Logan is reporting that Snow has firm contract offers to Comrie, Satan, Tank and one or two others.

I hope Satan decides to stay and signs. He has been a good soldier here and has proved how tough he is by always playing hurt. My own opinion is that his scoring is down because of the failure of the team to provide a center who can get him the puck. He seemed to bounce all over the lines this year and never appeared to settle in with a fixed set of linemates.

Anyone else want to see him stay?.....Bill

Anonymous said...

TSN reports Comrie signed a one year deal......Bill

J Picker said...

As per TSN Comrie is close to signing a 1 year deal to stay on the Island. I don't mind this at all as it keeps him here for another season while also increasing the value of both Satan and Ruslan, who are also both in contract talks as well, at the same time.

As far as Satan goes, he has been great while here but I think we need to convince him to waive his NTC so we get something back in return for him since I don't believe we sign him in the offseason. If we do sign him to an extension to bring him back next year where would Okposo play since he too is a RW. It would give us Satan, Okposo, Guerin, Hunter, Bates?, as well as Tambs.

shinkdew said...

Dan Boyle signed a 6 year $40m extension with TB.

Comrie deal is official according to TSN, 1 year $4m.

shinkdew said...

So far nothing with the Islanders:

STL traded Bryce Salvador to NJ for Cam Janssens

TB traded Richards and Holmqvist to DAL for Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern.

BUF traded Brian Campbell to SJ for Steve Bernier and 1st round pick.

MON traded Cristobal Huet to WAS for 2nd round pick.

Supposedly Montreal is close to landing Hossa.

J Picker said...

The sooner Hossa is dealt, the more likely we will be able to make some moves...I feel like some teams who want to be buyers are waiting for Hossa to go through.

Candyman said...

Well the longer this goes, the more desperate teams might become. Then again, the longer Garth waits, teams might fill their voids elsewhere. Double edged sword.

shinkdew said...

Islanders traded a 7th round pick to San Jose for Rob Davison.

Candyman said...

Anyone is better than AJ

shinkdew said...

Simon to Minnesota for 6th round pick.

Candyman said...

GOOOODBYE SIMON!!!!!!!

shinkdew said...

Bergeron to Anaheim for 3rd round pick.

Candyman said...

:(

shinkdew said...

There are no remaining trades involving the Islanders, according to TSN.

Tambellini was called up and is expected to be in the line up tonight.

Anonymous said...

Well, I don't really know how to feel about today. I was very much hoping to get McCabe and it didn't happen. In fact nothing really happened.

Getting rid of Simon is a plus, no matter what you got for him.

MAB for a 3rd rounder seemsa bit short. He was, after all, our leading D-man goal scorer.

I know nothing about Davison. He may turn out to be a good deal or not. Didn't really give up much to grab him.

I am surprised to see Satan and Tank still here. I thought one or the other would be moved. I still hope that Miro will resign. I think that Tank will depart for nothing.

As for my predictions, I did get Comrie and MAB right and Snow did pick up some picks. Wrong about Satan, Tank and McCabe.

I guess .500 isn't bad.

Why is it that I feel so empty about today?........Bill

Candyman said...

B/c losing MAB/Simon while only picking up Davison leaves the Isles worse off in the present AND worse off in the future...

shinkdew said...

How are they worse off in the present and future? Bergeron was a nice PP QB but is among the worst +/- for defensemen in the league, despite playing 20+ fewer games. You can't trade Satan or Tank if nobody wants them or is willing to give you a fair return.

Candyman said...

And until I hear confirmation that was the case, I will presume Snow chose to held on to them b/c he is a "builder."

shinkdew said...

If he was a "builder" why would he have held onto them if he had been offered something reasonable for them? The can both walk at the end of the season.

Snow basically traded Bergeron, Simon and a 7th round pick for Tambellini, Davison, a 3rd round pick and a 6th round pick. I don't see how that could possibly be bad for the present or the future. They now have five picks in the first three rounds of this years draft, which is the same amount they had in the entire draft last season.

shinkdew said...

Tambellini is playing a great game, easily his best as an Islander. I really like Neilsen, he makes a lot of very smart plays.

J Picker said...

What was bergs thinking on that mini breakaway, he needs to keep his head up...Franz and Tambs look good. When was the last time we had 40+ shots and more then 2-3 legit scoring chances?

Anonymous said...

Berard is AWFUL out there. He consistantly makes forced passes and is very lazy on the puck

We get a 5 on 3 and never get a decent shot. Pitt gets a 5-3 and scores ten seconds later. That tells you everything you need to know.

How many PP'S? Most without a serious threat. Everybody stands still looking at each othere to do something. Bill Guerrin grows roots out there.

Hey Ted, when you get nothing on your first 8 PP'S why not try the only line that scored in the game up till that point?

This team needs a PP QB desperatley. How good would a McCabe slapshot have looked out there tonight?

DP needs to sit out a game. He is lunging again and he looks like he was fighting the puck all night. He is getting beat high glove side
consistantly. Normally, he catches or blocks those. He looks tired.


It's getting a bit late to be losing these games that were there for the taking........Bill

Candyman said...

Bill, touche. Agree with everything that you wrote.

The 5-3's are pathetic. It cost us another game tonight.

I can't stand hearing anyone who attribute's this game to Conklin's "heroics." Puhhhleeaseee.

Guerin needs to come off the PP. Did anyone else hear Jaffe say something like "Look how smart Nolan is, he put Park and Bergenheim out there after realizing his main PP group wasn't getting the job done, see that's what a good coach does during a game, he adjusts."

Yeah takes one real genius to try a new line when your PP is 0-9. Good one Jaffe.

Snow should have pushed for McCabe. Toronto's GM indicated there was no interest.

DP was not good.

But good news...as we head to play ATL it appears we dodge Hossa twice in back to back games.

Nyisles82 said...

Aside from the PP debacle last night, I'm OK with the deadline moves.

We've pretty much gotten what we asked for all year...

MAB was a whipping boy for fans & teammates alike- he's gone. I wouldn't be surprised if that decision was made because he's a cancer in the locker room. He clearly rubbed people the wrong way, and Snowlan were probably just happy someone took him.

Simon was the subject of almost every Islander fan's disgust, and he's gone. I can't believe it actually; apparently the Wild think Simon is better than Boxin' Boogard. Ha!

We got another D man, who should provide support if (when) another guy goes down.

Finally, the team HAS to play the kid line more often. Tamby is up here to stay, and don't be surprised to see Okposo down the stretch either. I'm most excited about that.

I'm obviously interested in seeing how the rest of season goes, but to me, Snow has cautiously thrown in the towel; and I'm fine with it. TO wanted a high pick/prospect in return for McCabe, and that wasn't going to happen for us. We have our pick, and we are giving our young guys good experience down the stretch. Don't be surprised to see Satan & V-cek resign; Tank as well.

Hopefully, they play exciting Hockey, we get good gate revenue,and fans see some of the future. I'm fine with not making the playoffs; we have a lot of money for the off season (see you soon Hossa & Campbell!) and I'm predicting a top 10 pick. Maybe we can even wheel and deal a sign n' trade with Satan/Tank at draft day and pick up another late 1st rounder.

With all the divisional games coming up, we have a good chance to play spoiler for the Rags & Flyers. Both teams went all out in the offseason, and I'd love to see them on the golf course in early May.

Anonymous said...

nyislels.....Sorry but I do not understand your thought process. I am not a fan of this team so that then can play spoilers to someone else. I want to see them win the damn Cup again!

It is inexplicable why Snow couldn't get McCabe from Toronto. He is signed for 2 more seasons after this one. If you didn't see how abysmal our PP is then you were not watching last night. McCabe was the right fit for this team and once again Snow screwed up.

Do you REALLY think Hossa or Campbell is coming here? Really?

You won't see Okposo until there are 9 games left. If he plays 10 games his contract kicks in for this year. Even Snow is not dumb enough to waste a year of his contract for an extra 10 game. It's not happening.

This expectation of losing is exactly what's wrong with this franchise. Most of us on this blog were calling for the kids to be brought up at the halfway point. Instead Nolan stuck with Simon and his buddies until the season was on the edge. Now, it will take another miracle to make the playoffs again.

More awful management, planning and coaching. Year after year.....Bill

Nyisles82 said...

Bill- Simon played 1 or 2 games after being reinstated. How is that sticking with him? They used that as an chance to show the league he could still skate/wasn't injured, and then traded him for nothing. It was a complete dump, and I'm sure Tamby was told this when sent back to BP.

Who else did we stick with that you could be talking about? Sillinger sure, but he wasn't THAT bad (not Simon bad, obviously), and he's been out for a while now too. That was also just 1 roster spot. We now have all our "kids" up; and there is nothign left to see in BP.

Also, while I agree the PP was horrible, McCabe is/was not the answer in any way. The issue is the forwards. No one is driving the net, and everyone seems content to cycle cycle cycle. Its easy to defend against, and simply increases the chance for an errant pass (which is exactly what happened on every single PP the other night).

TO also wanted a 1st round pick in return. Would you have given that away? I would NOT. Not for McCabe and his salary.

There are 20 games left, so don't be surprised to see KO up here for 1/2 of the remaining games. Snow isn't going to do 10, but he probably will do all 9.

When I said throwing in the towel I didn't mean I was happy with it. I'm just saying that is what happened. And given our current team, and the options available at the deadline, I have to say its better than once again trying to buy a victory like last year. We had nothing to give up, and what little we do have we NEED to hold on to.

I strongly disagree that this has been horrible planning & management. Besides McCabe, what could have gone differently?

Anonymous said...

NYISLES, said "I strongly disagree that this has been horrible planning & management. Besides McCabe, what could have gone differently?


What SNolan should have done in mid season and that was to dump Simon, sit Hilbert place Sillinger on I/R and gone with the kid line instead of using the BP express like a yo yo.

Snow is lying when he says he traded Simon for Tambellini. He could have waived him, sent him down or outright released him at any point in the season and brought up Tambellini.

Hilbert and Sillinger could have been sat down and Neilsen and Comeau brought up. I believe that's called "Coaches Decision".

And not once did Nolan have the guts or brains to do it.

Playing favorites at the expense of the team, is what Teddy boy is all about.
Aren't you proud to have Andy Hilbert as you first line winger? This guy couldn't make most other NHL clubs. On a team with a real coach he would be a PK player and that's it. But on the Island he's a first line player. Are you kidding?

It's painfully, obvious that DP can't play as many games as he does. But does Nolan sit him down? No, he lets DP call the shots.

Did you happen to see Neilsen's goal on Tuesday. I was a thing of beauty created by speed and going to the net. This is what Tambellini and Neilsen bring to the table. So what does Ted do? He saddles them with Comeau who is slower and much more deliberate. He holds the puck forever and endlessly cycles while Tambs and Neilsen stand around watching. This effectively kills whatever attacking skills they have.
Anyone can see that Bergy belongs with them to create a real speed line that attacks. Comeau is the perfect fit for Comrie and Guerrin who like to set up in the offensive zone and cycle. Yet Ted is the only one who fails to see this.

And how can you say McCabe was not a perfect fit here. We have no PP QB and no one with a shot that they can get through to the net.
He fit the bill perfectly.
Where did you hear that Toronto wanted a first round pick? My take was that the Islanders wanted Toronto's first pick to take McCabe, which was a totally unreasonable position. So instead we got nothing except more of the same year after year....mediocrity.

Counting on draft picks is an illusion. How well have the Isles draft picks worked out in the last ten years? If you not drafting a Malkin, a Crosby or an Ovetchkin then you are not really changing you team dramatically. And you are waiting another 3 or 4 years for him to develop. Great in theory but not as great in reality.

Once again we are stuck in the mud , spinning our wheels looking out the window at the emperor Wang who is wearing no clothes....Bill