Look around the NHL. Teams that want to keep their top players from testing the free-agent market this summer have been signing them to contract extensions in advance of tomorrow’s NHL trade deadline. Frederik Modin. Marco Sturm. Darcy Tucker. Shane Doan. Tomas Holmstrom. And on and on.
Jason Blake and the Islanders never got to that point. They talked concepts. Some numbers went back and forth. But Islanders general manager Garth Snow didn’t share Blake’s urgency to do a deal by Feb. 27, which led Blake to suggest he might not return if he reached free agency on July 1.
And here we are. With less than 24 hours remaining to the 3 p.m. deadline tomorrow, Snow is considering offers for Blake from Western Conference powers Nashville, Vancouver, Detroit, San Jose and Dallas.
“Obviously, I knew this day was coming,” Blake said this afternoon following practice, “and we’ll just see what happens.”
Blake anticipated this scenario long before he expressed his impatience with the slow pace of negotiations to Newsday a little more than two weeks ago in Boston. No doubt, Snow saw it coming, too.
If the Islanders go ahead and trade their leading scorer for a package of prospects and draft picks, as it appears they are prepared to do, it’s a huge risk as far as their chemistry and playoff prospects are concerned. Yes, the addition of veteran winger Richard Zednik this afternoon in a trade with Washington is a nice pickup that allows the Isles to add a potential scorer to a line with Miro Satan and Viktor Kozlov. But he’s no Blake.
Maybe Blake still will be an Islander at 3:01 p.m. tomorrow, but based on what I heard today at practice from Ted Nolan, I seriously doubt it. The Zednik trade had not yet been announced, but it was obvious Nolan knew he had that one in his pocket when he was asked about Snow’s promise to add scoring. When I asked if he worried about disrupting the Islanders’ 10-2-4 roll if they decided to trade Blake, Nolan said, “No.
“Jason, as well as he’s been playing, has only had one or two goals in the last [11] games. I don’t think he’s scored a whole lot. Our team relies on different people on different nights.”
Nolan said he still believes the Islanders can compete for the Stanley Cup this season even if they do decide to deal Blake. At the same time, Nolan said early on in his first season that he hopes to build a farm system like the great Montreal teams used to have where they always had talent available in the pipeline.
So, the situation is this: the Islanders’ leading scorer is their most valuable asset on the trade market.
Snow and Blake are on the same team for the moment, but they actually have competing interests. It’s the one chance Blake has to get the best contract of his career, and it’s Snow’s chance to stockpile more assets for the future at the possible expense of the present hot streak the Islanders are on.
At this point, Blake is intrigued with the idea of finding out what he’s worth on the open market this summer. He believes he can maintain his current level of production over the next five years that he is seeking. Snow is intrigued by the thought of turning a player who will be 34 when training camp opens in September into multiple assets for the future. Maybe he can find a younger Jason Blake-type in the market this summer. Maybe not, which is why Blake should fetch close to his asking price from some other team.
Maybe Snow will decide to keep Blake and all these questions will be moot by this time tomorrow. But I don’t think so. I think the handwriting is on the wall. And has been for some time.
Comments (52)
Jason Blake is what every sports fan loves; A player who gives 110% every shift of every game.
I would hate to see him go but he does seem to be asking for a lot. Maybe if the market isn't as good as he is expecting he could resign with the Islanders in the offseason.
If Snow moves him it better be for something more than "future considerations"...
nice knowing ya blakey...
i really hope this isn't for draft picks though
This is a hard decision either way, and no matter what the final outcome is there will be plus's and minus's. Regardless, Ted Nolan has done an incredible job this year, and either way this summer; after having a full year of evaluating a team and adjusting to the new NHL, snow and nolan will both have alot of room to get the pieces they need from other teams, and bring up the young players who have already shown potential with the team. We have all waited a VERY long time for successful team and right now we have one, losing blake wont change that, it might just set us back until the summer. I'd say a majority of us are all realistic and know that the team we have now could probably win a playoff series MAYBE even two. But that's about it. We all are in the same boat here no matter what side the fence you are on about the blake. We want to win a playoff series this year and just be back on the map, and have a little more respect around the league. Nolan has won everywhere he goes guys, and he does it with whatever he has. Big things are coming...with or without blake
I am really going to miss Jason Blake and I think trading him right now is a big mistake. This team is on fire and trading Blake could end that run. Making any major moves is a mistake in my mind. Hopefully if he does get traded, we get a nice pacgage though.
blake's as good as gone...I would have been happier to get Smolinkski rather then Zednik as 'smokes' numbers are a lot better. maybe it's a nolan thing. I'm hoping to get a young NHL forward and a d prospect for Blake. I think we'd all be ready to keep him but I guess we'll see.
Just heard a rumor that Blake is going to be traded to the ducks and that the deal is almost done. I'm looking into it. stay tuned.
Garth - you better get 2 players & a draft pick for Blake!!
Make a trade with San Jose!
Please get some of these young players:
LW - Michalek
RW - S. Bernier
LW - R. Clowe
D - Vlasic
G - Bernier
2nd round Pick
(Dallas, Detroit, Vancover have nothing)either trade with San Jose or keep Blake and sign him! 3 yrs 10.5 Mil. is fair
What would be the circumstances if Blake was traded to the Ducks... Im guessing a fair trade would be two younger players with decent skill and a pick... Does anyone know who we could grab from Anaheim...Getzlaf?!
Blake just wants too much effing money. He's having a career year. He simply doesn't truly command the money he wants. I say make a reasonable offer: 3 mil per year for 3-5 yrs. If he says no, he must be traded. He's forced the team's hand already. He needs to play with real talent to be productive. After Yashin went down, Blake is well below average for a top line winger. Let him be someone else's problem.
Blake at 3 years, $10.5 million is worth less than two high draft picks and a prospect. The way Blake plays, besides that he's one-dimensional, won't last for a a three year contract. People underestimate the value of a farm system (New Jersey '90s) and the Islanders prospects (has anybody actually watched Nilsson play?).
Won't miss you Blake! I wish I could say you'll be missed but not by this Islanders fan. You're all all about yourself. It's Jason Blake first, team second. Whether it be showing up Stirling a few years back or Laviolette the year prior to that, you're all about yourself. You're not a true Islander. And wake up, you're not getting nearly your asking price come this summer by any team. The only team stupid enough to pony up that money for you at 34 would be the Rangers. So long punk!
I cant believe someone is going to give up much for Blake. A player his size, at his age, who may just be having a fluke season scoring goals.
I thought he would be a dynamite threat three years ago with his blazing speed but he could never finish.
I agree with Snow on this, trade him, he aint worth the money he is asking for.
I agree with pretty much everyone here on this topic ...Blake is having a career year and has really been a non-factor for the past several weeks. Until he's traded I'm going to assume he'll be here after the deadline. I do think they should trade him however ...his desired contract is for too much money and too many years - although I do realize that Wang hasn't had a problem with those issues before (see Yashin and DiPi) ...if the Isles are able to aquire any top level prospects - Offense or D - and/or some picks (1st rounders) then I feel like you have to make it ...
I realize that people feel with Blake we have a sure thing and that picks and prospects aren't always a sure thing ....a lot of people have mentioned that we already have a lot of prospects, but who's to say they'll all turn out to be quality players ...I feel like you can never have too much young talent to try and build around. I want the Isles to be contenders on a yearly basis and building a core of high end talent is the way to do it ...and as much as I love Blake's hustle and determination he's not a "high end" player ...so imagine if the Isles can turn Milbury's trade for Blake (as much as we bash him he did do well there) into acouple of top flight young talent?
Make the trade ...
good riddance midget
yes, I do believe I like this. Good move garth. We have tambellini, this will bring nielsen up. Save your money....for Hunter.
Source on the Anaheim rumor? I can't seem to find it
are we watching the same games...? most nights blake is the best player on the ice.... by far! both ends. maybe not the greatest finisher, but he creates problems for the opposing teams... wake up Islander fans... you'll miss him when he's gone!
I don't think many of are doubting what he's braught to the team. I know I certainly recognize the problems he can cause for opponents, but there's a real chance that if he's not dealt he'll leave the team after the season and then they'll have missed out on a great chance to pick out some quality young players. Or, he'll be signed to a deal that's too long for too much $$ ...wouldn't you trade a guy who "isn't a great finisher" for some young players who could very well be high end talent?
I don't understand where all this hate is coming from. This guy has given it all the past 5 or so years. Works his a** off everynight and leads the team in goals! Who cares about draft picks right now. Aren't you guys sick of stock piling picks. We have a team now that looks great. And taking one of the teams top 3 players off it is a horrible move at this point of the year
Blake plays with great energy and intensity but can anyone guess why he's not an alternate captain on this team and has never been with 4 different coaches ? he's a malcontent and dresses it up for the media, he's a 3rd liner on a cup team, this team is overachieving and it's great (Thanks Ted) now let's get something good for him and move on. Ray Ferraro all over again.
don't panic, management is finnaly getting it, look at Parrish, they offered him a contract at the deadline and he never called them back, now he's a fourth liner on the Wild and we have Tambellini. We lost with Parrish and Blake we could lose without them but I have a feeling we won't "go Ted go"
if the isles trade blake for "prospetcts and draft picks" (in other words, possibly nothing at all down the line) and sacrifice the possibliity of not only making the playoffs but actually winning a series for the first time in what... 14, 15 years... this team is back to being the laughing stock of hockey and will only continue its role as the "farm team" of the NHL - constantly giving away current talents for the next generation - only problem is thats ALL we ever do - this team develops them in the farm system then gives them away for more prospects - we train every other teams stars. im done with it. if they trade blake as we make a serious and legitimate playoff push for the first time in decades - ive been a fan since the long island DUCKS and i will finally have no choice but to turn my back on this team the same way it turns its back on the few fans still supporting the team.
another thing - we arent talking about one or two teams inquiring - there are BIDDING WARS going on over this player - why do other teams see the value of him on the roster but the isles management sees nothing but fantasies - a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush... and if DETROIT is bidding for blake, you KNOW there is value there.... im tired of seeing our talent go on to win elsewhere while we nurse more children in the farm system.
There is value for him because he is a UFA at the end of the year and can leave and they won't owe him any money ...obvioulsy they also like him because of the hustle factor, but as Paul said earlier - he's a 3rd liner on a Cup contender ...I want the Isles to make it to the playoffs this year and win a series ...hell, I want them to win the Cup, but I also have to be realistic ...do I think the Isles will win the Cup with Blake as their leading scorer? I think the Isles will be set up for consistant success if they trade Blake for a lot of high end future considerations ....
Not everyone who things it's a smart move to deal him is bashing him or not aware of what he's done for the team ...
And Blake Waldman, actually we're going to be taking other teams future stars this time ...we're famous for giving up on young players/prospects over the past few years and watching them blossom on other teams. Do you really think that Blake, who's 33 (38 at the end of the desired contract he wants) will have improved to more than he is right now?
I can understand the fact that people want him to stay, but how can some of you atleast not see why this could be a good thing for all parties concerned?
AND, while it does appear he's going to be dealt until it happens I think we should all take deep breaths and go to our "happy places" ...because it's clearly going to take some good prospects/picks ...Montreal got a quality D prospect/2007 1st rounder for Rivet ...Greg makes a point in his article this morning - if that what Rivet braught Blake should bring more ...Snow doesn't look like MM ...if he can't get FAIR value then he won't deal him ...lets also remember that other teams probably realize that the Isles stand to lose Blake at the end of the season ....
QUESTION FOR ALL (Those in favor of a deal and those who aren't)
Do you think Blake is worth the 5 year $18 million he's looking for?
trading your top scorer at this time of year seems to be a foolish move. IF they're serious about a playoff run it would be a mistake. But.. This is the Islanders, and CONVENTIONAL wisdom never prevails. If a trade comes to pass, it will just be one more in the history books that fans will harp on.
I'm so upset by this. I feel like I wasted so much money this year on Islanders games only to have them end the season waving a white flag just when they're competitive to get back in the playoffs. It's also obscene how they are treating the only player to really show devotion to the team.
Greg, if you've known about this for some time, why didn't you let us know before the comments in Boston? This blog was the perfect opportunity for you to share your thoughts with us. This is all hitting me pretty fast. If this goes through, I don't expect to attend too many Islanders games next year.
If they trade Blake, I am no longer a fan. He's their most exciting player, it is incompetence, and anyone who agrees with the trade is a rangers fan. TIP TO GARTH: Don't make any more appearances at Nassau Coliseum, because I will not be the first toi take a swing at you.
Yeah, Greg, great job witht he blog, dont let the fans favorite player know, we could have more time to show support you idiot. Stay of huntington, I will personally see that you are beaten in a dark alley.
This came out of Blake's comments in Newsday:
"Some guys only get unrestricted free agency once in their career," Blake said. "So this is an opportunity for my agent and I and my family to sit back and see what happens in front of us instead of being restricted to a team. Whatever happens, I have to keep doing the things I do to be successful, whether it's here or somewhere else."
That's the polite way of asking to be be traded if I dont get the contract now by 3:00pm.
Also i put in a comment about Blake going to Anaheim last night. IF the Ducks cannont get there hands on Geurin, then blake is the next option. But who will they give up? sounds like a firt rounder. But I would like to see the Isles get their kid Cory Perry.
If trading Blake ends the mindless drivel coming from Mitchell, I say do it in a heartbeat. Our most exciting player is likely DP and if Snowy can improve the overall team chemistry by trading Blake, it's a win/win situation.
The fact the people are saying if they trade Blake they are no longer fans is ridiculous and it does not signify that they are waiving the white flag. They just acquired a guy in Zednik who is skilled and can provide a lot of what Blake provided. Blake is not this team's best player and it makes sense to make a move like this. Blake is having a career year and his value is extremely high, plus when you consider what other teams have gotten for their rental players, they would be stupid not to entertain offers. I applaud the team for considering it and I think Snow has done a nice job thus far.
I also think that while the casual fan will be upset that the Isles traded their leading scorer, the diehards will understand the move and see the value that it presents.
From what I understand, Blake is not well liked by other players and management(as a person). The fans may like the way he plays and his tenacity but as a person, he's an idiot. I doubt he'd resign regardless of what the Isles offer him so get rid of him now.
According to the Detroit Free Press The Islanders have called the Wings to offer Blake.
The bottomline for the Isles is to win the Stanley Cup not one series with Blake. Is blake the difference maker? yes but will he win the stanley cup this year and that is no. I know that Islander fans have been patient for a lot of years and this is one of the most exciting years I have experienced in quite sometime. I think Garth would be smart to dump Blake now and build a stanley cup contender and be like the Pens and flyers as Perenial cup contenders every year instead of one and done.
I hated seeing Mark Parrish go and I'll hate seeing Blake go too. We need scoring right now and I just don't think it makes sense to trade your top scorer, but I do believe he will leave as a FA so if they can get a really good return, I guess you gotta do what you gotta do.
If he is traded, our playoff frustration will certainly continue. Man, I long for the days of Trots, Bossy, Gillies, Billy Smith, Denis Potvin....
I've always been a die-hard fan and will continue to be. But thinking that Zednick can provide what Blake did in terms of the visible effort on the ice and goal production is not believable. I don't think it's reasonable to be anything but pessimistic about our chances once Blake is gone. I think it says something about the team's culture when players that skate like zombies night after night get awarded cushy contracts and the one guy out there who seems to care about what's happening gets shown the door. It's reason to be pessimistic for the future. I can be nothing but a die-hard fan, but I'll do that from home without the trip to Uniondale.
Its not happening
Just back from b-fast with Jiggs. Said Snow only being ofered picks. No go.
Absurd! Everyone who is whining knows nothing of the business. Trade him while you can get something bc hes gonna walk away in the end anyway. Take what you can get esp. at the high price others are going at. I commend Snow for proving all the doubters wrong and doing a great job for our final push. I won't stop being an Islanders fan bc Jason "don't worry I'll skate fast and not shoot" Blake is gonna go. LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
I am so sick of hearing so called Islander fans say they are not going to be fans if Blake is traded... So what is better, keep him and then lose him for nothing! Hello idiots! Jason Blake has all but said that he will TESTthe market. He WON'Tbe back. BLAME him not snow, blake.
newsday is the only site that is reporting that there is a strong chance blake will be traded
sorry i dont blame blake for voicing his dissatisfaction with management.... here is a guy that gave his all to this team, is the only one out there that cares every shift, has seen mngmt hand out record-breaking contracts first to a under-achieving zombie by trade (yashin) and then to an unproven rookie - this time the longest contract in ANY sports history - and he gets nothing but jerked around and left to wonder about his future with the team - he is talking free agency ONLY because the team is showing him the door and has been since the "shut up and play hockey" comment snow made a few weeks ago - he is right - free agency only comes along once in most players lifetimes, and he has done everything he had to do to show the isles that he was in it to win it - and they took a crap on him. his family will always come first as it should be for any father/husband - and the isles have basically told him his hard work and loyalty means nothing. of course he is NOW going to seek the best deal with ANYONE. the isles told him to go look by giving him the brush off when it was time to resign - notice OTHER teams have not thrown up the white flag - hell even TORONTO is signing and we have a better playoff shot then they do!
NOON... no deal yet.
I can't find anybody except Newsday reporting that offers for Blake are "flooding" in.
I'd like to see Blake end his career as an Islander, but at a reasonable cost. I'm sure he'll do the best for himself and his family. I'd also like to know that Garth is shopping him like a fake rolex.
I just don't see the value in "selling" him for draft picks...(rather than signing him)
Is it me, or can anybody name the ISLANDER first round draft pick that is lighting it up for the team right now.
Okposo - 2+ years away
O'marra - 1+ years away
Nokelainen - really thought he was going to be with the team this year. I can only assume his injuries have slowed him down. He may never make it to the NHL. Just not sure.
Nilsson - NOT EVEN A SNIFF THIS YEAR. Another guy most of us thought was poised to make some noise. Nolan doesn't see it, which means we won't either. He might be gone before 3:00.
Bergenhiem - EXILED. Another guy who looked NHL ready last year. But then came Hilbert, Park, Simon, and a one way ticket across teh pond. He's a MAYBE... and might be a 3:00 casualty.
Stillman(not even a first rounder, just a first pick)..Having an outstanding year for the arizona sundogs. EXCELLENT.
DP.. LOCKED UP
If you go back any further you can put a nice team together, but none of them are with the organization.
3 hours to go...
This just in: Garth Snow has said he was just punishing Jason Blake for going to the press. He wanted him to sweat it out. There will be a press conf. informing us that Blake will sign with the Islanders for 3 years 15mil. We can all rest now.
5 million a year is way too much for him michele.
it may be too much, but thats what Isle fans want. They want to keep Blake...So Garth Snow is trying to accomodate them...
Since when do the fans run the team? I understand that he is a fan favorite, but just because the fans like him doesn't mean the Isles should overspend. You want to give him 3-3.5 for 5 years, that is reasonable. For 5 million a year I'd grab Drury or Briere or one of the many free agents available at the end of the year. That just doesn't make sense to me.
Hey, I agree with you. I'm just trying to help the people that want Blake.They will argue that DP got outrageous contract, and Blake deserves that too....
I don't know whats right? Its a guessing game.You try and do the best for your team. I hope Garth makes the right decision. No matter what it is. I just hope true Islander fans, support him. One player does not make a team...then again one player can make a diff.
don' know if this is try, heard that campoli and 2nd rounder poss for svatos
blake is staying, now will they sign him or lose him for nothing
we got ryan smyth tsn reports
Blake: 3 goals, 1 assist.... so how all you Blake haters feel about him now. Did you listen to his postgame comments... "I love LI and want to stay here as long as they will have me" "this is where I call home and this is where I want to play" "once an Islander always and Islander"... "I love Charles Wang, Garth and the rest of the organization and the best fans in hockey" Once again, Blake was the best player on the ice for either team. Fools all of you for thinking otherwise.