Back on April 2 when the Islanders still needed a highly improbable four straight wins to qualify for the playoffs, I interviewed Ryan Smyth about his brief time as an Islander, thinking I would write it for the blog the next day before the Isles played the Rangers. As fate would have it, I spent that morning in a hospital emergency room receiving treatment for a painful ailment so I could attend the game that night. Next thing I knew, the Islanders started the winning streak that extended Smyth’s stay a couple extra weeks through the first-round loss to Buffalo that ended last night.
Now that Smyth’s Long Island experience has ended after 24 games, one of which he sat out with an injury, it’s the right time to share his comments about what it has been like to wear another uniform since his stunning trade on Feb. 27 from Edmonton. My first question to Smyth was about a recent poll conducted by The Hockey News in which the Islanders were rated as the third-worst team to be traded to in the NHL. Oddly enough, they finished behind Buffalo and Smyth’s beloved Edmonton.
“Ever since I’ve been here, the organization has been great, the players have been good,” Smyth said. “I have no regrets. The longer you stay, the better you feel.”
The poll indicated the Islanders have a poor perception around the NHL. They also were one of six teams that received no votes (along with Atlanta, Columbus, New Jersey, St. Louis and Washington) when players were questioned about places they would want to be traded.
Smyth suggested that notion might change if the decision by Islanders owner Charles Wang to hire Garth Snow as general manager and Ted Nolan as coach pays off. “I wouldn’t say that,” Smyth said of the negative vibes regarding the Islanders’ image. “With what went on in the start of the year and over the last little while, I think a transition is being made now. You see Teddy and Garth and Mr. Wang taking over and wanting to better this club. You’re seeing a whole new transition of a lot of great things.”
Smyth acknowledged talking with Snow and Nolan about the direction of the franchise. “Obviously, they want to build a winner here,” Smyth said. “I wasn’t here before, so, I don’t have that other side of it. But what I see now is their determination from their standpoint, and hopefully, that can creep into this locker room.”
With 15 free agents on the roster and only 10 veterans under contract for next season, the Islanders clearly have room to make more major changes. Considering they have goaltender Rick DiPietro signed for another 14 seasons, Smyth said he’s certain there is a serious commitment to put a good team in front of DiPietro.
When Smyth first arrived, there still were a lot of empty seats at Nassau Coliseum. But that gradually improved, and he got a sense of what it might be like after getting the opportunity to play in three games against the Rangers plus two home playoff games. No matter what the current condition of the Coliseum, Smyth at least can appreciate the history of the franchise whose dynasty preceded that of the Oilers.
“There’s a lot of speculation as far as a new rink and the surroundings,” Smyth said. “People love their hockey up here. You look around this room [at the practice facility in Syosset] and the Coliseum. Four Stanley Cup says a lot about the history.”
Asked how he felt about the bold move Snow and Nolan made to get him, by trading away former first-round picks Robert Nilsson and Ryan O’Marra plus this year’s first-round pick, Smyth said, “I was an added, extra piece of the puzzle. I just want to fit in and be a part and win.” Referring to his experience last season, when he reached the Stanley Cup Finals with the Oilers, Smyth added, “I was that close last year, and that’s what I wanted to bring in here. For me to comment on what happened in the past, I can’t. But they’re trying to do all the right things.”
Wang, Snow and Nolan are trying, but there’s still one big thing at the top of their to-do list: Sign Ryan Smyth ASAP.
Comments (387)
I hope the Isles make a strong play for Ryan Smyth, give him the "C" and let him lead this team the way he has shown he can during the last part of this season. The more I watched him play the more I respected his overall game. I hadn't seen him much being that he played in Edmonton, but he impressed me. I really hope he signs here.
I hope we can keep him too. He's not the final piece to the next Cup, but he sure can help us get some more pieces to help us get closer.
Did anyone else see what former Islander Jamie Maclennan did in the Red Wings/Flames game today? It was a pretty strong, ugly slash to the mid-section of a Detroit player during the third period. He received a 5 minute major and when Barry Melrose was asked if he'd be available to Calgary in their next game, Barry replied that he's sure he'll be back without any review from the league! Granted, it's only Melrose's opinion, but imagine if that was DiPietro on Briere!
Good show boys!!! Cant wait until next year....finally a meaningful offseason with high hopes for next year.
That poll shows why Wang has to sign people to silly contracts (Yashin). He has to overpay to get players here and to show the rest of the league that the Isles are trying to compete.
Hopefully this season will have changed a few player's, and fan's, minds about this organization.
The Isles do need to buy out Yashin's contract and resign Smyth and Blake if possible, but I think Smyth is the priority. I like Blake, but if I had to choose between the two I would chose Smyth.
This offseason is the most important one in recent memory ...they really do need to also sign Hunter (RFA) and Poti (UFA) ...but, there could be a lot of turn over this offseason ...this is where being a GM is difficult ...
I'm very glad that you guys liked Ryan Smith. I think he is a kind of player who sets the tone and attitude. Team that has Ryan Smith gives more than expected, gives 100%. NYI play this year was very similar to Oilers play last year, when enthusiasm beat skills. We from the West was very glad finally to see NYI games in play off. I'm not sure if Smyth will sign with NYI, but this type of player would benefit any organization and that what captain should be like. RS doesn't have top points, but he helps to ignite.
I was in Edmonton when NYI wasn't even in play-off yet and everyone who came to fan store asked Ryan Smyth's jersey from NYI. So they (fans) probably will want him too. Hope he will not come back and hope it was a good experience for him.
Good luck and thank you for the great season. And don't forget Dubie, he is this kind of player too. He deserved to play in NHL.
Sorry, I meant I hope he will not come back to Edmonton.
A Note to Ryan Smyth:
February 27, 2007:
I will remember the day for the rest of my life. I was at work, with the TSN web site on the computer screen in front of me, hoping the Islanders would do something before the deadline. As the deadline approached my hope began to wane. Then as if it was a dream come true, the blockbuster was blared through the speakers of my computer that Ryan Smyth was indeed becoming an Islander.
As a season ticket holder, I cannot express in words what you have meant to this franchise during your short time here. I have never seen a player represent himself with such determination, hard work, and grit on the rink and such class off of it. In a matter of weeks you became the face of the Islander franchise and provided immediate respect for this team from Long Island.
I remember seeing your press conference before you headed to Long Island and it ripped my heart out; I was immediately a Ryan Smyth fan. While I know a majority of your heart remains in Edmonton, I hope a small piece of that heart has come to love Long Island and the fans that support the team.
You are the “shot in the arm” that this franchise needs. Throughout the years we have had players come and go, but none of them have given this franchise such hope and had such an impact, as you have. From what I have seen, from your play on the ice and the various interviews you have given off the ice, you are a true “old time” hockey player. You work your tail off each and every night, respect the game to the fullest, and do whatever it takes for your team and your teammates.
If I was to list the Islanders of the 80’s, your name would fit right in with likes of Trottier, Bossy, Gillies, Nystrom, and Tonelli. These guys gave their blood and guts every night and would do whatever it took for their teammates and this franchise. They embraced the Long Island community and ultimately brought us the Stanley Cup.
I hope during your brief stint here you have seen what dedicated fans we have here on Long Island. When it comes time for you to make a decision, I hope that you choose the New York Islanders, a team with tremendous tradition and an equally bright future. We desire a championship beyond belief, and you are the player that can lead this franchise to the Stanley Cup that all of us “Islanders” covet.
If you choose not to remain with us I want to thank you personally for the time you did spend here and wish you and your family all the best in the future. You will be forever part of the Islander family.
foxi, if you are calling him RS, then I assume you are from Alberta. I agree Westerners were thrilled to see the playoff games, but why would you say...
"I hope he will not come back to Edmonton."
Are you upset about the contract negotiations with Edmonton. Or are you a "What's good for hockey is OK by me", kind of person.
Anyone who knows any hockey history knows how important NYI is to the league. I want the cities with passionate fans to succeed!
AZS, I saw a few games where Blake looked so incredibly fast. But he didn't look as fast in the playoffs. Maybe that will help the Isles sign him for less money.
Kevin T.
Mike S. that is why the Canucks are going into Game 7 with Dallas. No gritty old time hockey player on the team that says follow my lead. Their skill may pull them through, but I doubt if they have the stomach to make it through the finals.
The Stanely Cup is all about heart and who wants i t more!
Kevin T,
I think foxi meant he doesn't want him coming back to NYI...
I agree with a much earlier post of yours...if he resigns with Edmonton, it would reduce Lowe's credibility with the Islanders...and personally I think he wants a team he can call his own...
He will not be captain as long as Jason Smith is in Edmonton and I can't think of many other teams that are designed like the Islanders which are catered to his playing style.
Where else could he be made captain immediately?
He's 31 and he knows that now is the time for him to lead a team to a championship...winning on Long Island would certainly be a great opportunity for him to be in the Hall Fame.
If he was Captain of the Islanders and we won a Cup...he'd be in the Hall.
And that's the only way he'll ever end up in Toranna.
I would just like to interject a little about a Mr. Ryan Smyth. I can honestly tell you as a fan of these New York Islnaders for the better part of 18yrs. I never had the privaledge to see Lord Stanley's Cup lifted on Long Island as I was too young for the cup years.
When Smyth was brought to this squad I thought, alright we have a chance to do something here. Unfortunetly DP got injured and the team suffered through a collapse in confidence. Even through that stretch of losing, crucial game after crucial game, it seemed that Smyth gave everything he had for this team. Not to take anything away from the rest of the guys on the team and Dubie, but Smyth was the driving force of this unprecidented(sp) playoff hawking.
He showed as much heart and pride in his 26 games as an Islander, as any of our other great players over the years have. It seems that the Isles haven't had that "Face" of the team that a lot of good teams have. It's not about one player, but everyone on the team buying into a system or determination style of playing. Smyth sweats that out on a regular basis and other need to follow that mode.
I just hope the "powers that be" sign this guy and brand him the "C". The time is now to restore respectability to this franchise as well as the community of Long Island. Face it this is our only true sports franchise. We were once a powerhouse in this frozen game, and if we secure Smyth, then I see no reason why the orginization couldn't return to that form. Just rambling, but I said my peace.
The Isles should also consider going after Mike Comisarek and Chris Higgins from Montreal. Both are RFA. Bring back home to LI. There's your physical defenseman and speedy foward.
I meant RS will not be back to Edmonton, since they didn't appreciate him too much. He didn't want to be traded, but he brought his heart to Long Island. I'm from Calgary, but I become Oiler's fan last year because of their play and their efforts. When they traded RS it became obvious to me that I'm RS fan and I started cheer for NYI. I don't want RS to sign with Calgary, it will be unfair to Edmonton fans. So I wish he stays with NYI, because fans welcomed him and it seems a good organization. I don't think I'm only one fan from West that your team aquired this year. Hope you don't mind.
foxi -- Don't mind at all. Speaking for myself (a native LIer and lifelong Islander fan), I love Canada and say welcome to western Canadian (and all Canadian) fans. Except for Ken Morrow and Dave Langevin, ALL the significant players who brought 4 cups to Long Island were Canadian. And many were from the west... Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies and Bob Bourne were from Sask, the Sutter brothers were from Alberta, Gord Lane and Butch Goring were from Manitoba, Steve Tambellini was from BC, and Bobby Nystrom, though born in Sweden, grew up as a hockey player in BC. Personally, I would favor singing "O Canada" before every Isles home game (esp. if it would convince Ryan Smyth to stay here, hehe).
Let me get this stright...... Hill was cheating, the Isles knew he was cheating, the league knew he was cheating, and they let him play pending an appeal. And the ISLANDERS are claiming to be a victim???? Don't tell that to the people of Toronto, they were screwed of a playoff spot.
Advice to Charles: Want to really make a statement about the type of players you want?
Buy out Yashin NOW! Not as a fallback if Smyth and/or Blake sign. It may even make it more likely they will both will want to stay ...
Up here in Canada TSN is reporting that Smyth won't be playing for Canada in the world championships because he had been playing with a strained knee ligament for the past month. Imagine what damage we could have done versus buffalo if yashin had some of smyth's heart.
foxi, glad to have you. I am from Victoria, BC, and I have been welcome here. I guess you feel the same, that Smyth will sign with the Isles.
Alf, I reported here that TSN stated that Smyth was playing injured. I suspect they knew the injury but had respect enough to not report it. That is pretty cool on TSN's account.
Kevin T.
Ryan Smyth has shown me the kind of hustle I haven't seen in a while. I love his work ethic... and its a pleasure to see him play. I don't think its up to the isles to sign him. If he gives us a chance I'm pretty sure its getting done. Its up to R. Smyth. Need to be smart though... can't go out and sign more grinders instead of skill. Also we can't keep the 3 SSSLLLLLOOOOOWWWW skilled fowards. At least koslov and satan are clutch in the shoot out. Yashins a bum and brings nothing to the team..look how manning restructured sh*t around to save the colts like 10 mil... that's a real franchise player... yashins just dead weight... he played great games 4 and 5, but f+ck him... I was at game 3, and saw the effort there.
Interesting comparison to Peyton Mannin.
I'd rather go with Clark Gilies. Perhaps the best move he ever made as captain was giving up the "C" to Potvin. The rest, as they say, is history.
A true captain --a true leader -- has to step up, even if that means losing a bit personally (whether it's money or glory).
I honestly wouldn't mind for Yashin to stick around if he gave up the "C" and took a pay cut. If he really wants the Islanders to be a winning franchise, that's the least he could do.
But I doubt he'd step up like that. A buy-out is the only realistic option. And the captaincy must pass to Smyth, should he choose to sign.
Even if Smyth doesn't sign, though, I'd like to thank him for playing like the sweater actually means something. He's got an undeniable and admirable sense of honor, which you can't help but appreciate. I'm one of the many that became an instant fan.
Whoops, that's Clark *Gillies*. I left out the second L.
Sorry about that. I was there the night we retired his jersey. I'm an idiot.
The Islanders we have signed at least through next year (the core):
Yashin
Satan
Sillinger
Bates
Park
Witt
Martinek
Bergeron
Meyer
DiPietro
Is there anyone on that list that we can afford to trade off? Meyer jumps to mind, but what could we possibly get for him? I never really liked Zhitnik, but it looks like the Flyers got a bargain in that deal (considering they got Coburn for him at the deadline. I definitely liked his play). After Meyer's mediocre play this season, he needs a second chance to prove his worth to the Islanders--or at least make him worth a trade.
Anyone think there's a chance we could offload Yashin instead of buying him out?
I say we keep Sillinger, Satan, Witt, Martinek, and Bergeron. I know Shawn Bates is a fan favorite for his Volek-like goal over Toronto in '02, but I don't think there's room for both him and Richard Park next year. Bates played well while healthy, I don't think it'd be hard to make a deal.
Add to the above the two guys we brought up from Bridgeport that got good ice time--Gervais and Tambellini.
Islanders that become FAs on July 1:
Blake
Hunter
Asham
Kozlov
Smyth
Hilbert
Zednick
Robitaille
Poti
Hill
Campoli
Dunham
Dubielewicz
Simon
The one to sign at any cost- Smyth.
Sign if the terms are reasonable, but we can live with them taking off- Blake, Zednick, Asham and Poti.
The ones we should have no problem signing, and who should be signed- Hilbert, Hunter and Campoli.
Finally, the ones we shouldn't sign. Dunham's a no-brainer--regardless of fault, how can anyone trust him in a clutch again, which is the point of a backup goalie? I like Kozlov, Simon and Hill, but they've served their purpose to the team. And Robitaille had some good moments, but he consistently made strange decisions. For all he was touted as a playmaker, most of the plays I saw him make were crappy. Nothing against his occasional flash of breakaway brilliance, but we can and should do better.
Anyway, that leaves us with about half a dozen roster spots. I second the suggestion of going after Komisarek, especially if we lose Poti--there's a great second shot for the power play. Higgins would be nice, but I don't see Montreal giving him up for anything.
Anything I missed? Anything you'd change?
The Islanders constantly make headlines. This spring and summer will be no different. And whatever the committee ends up wanting, that's exactly what they'll get. We will all just have to wait to be witness to it. I too would like to see Smyth stay, but to lose Blake would be a mistake.
It looks to me like Hill's career is over. He's what 37? Not many teams will want to sign him knowing that he can't play the first 19 games of the season.
Does anybody know what the deal was with Zednick in Slovakia? He never really got a chance to gel with this team because of his family emergency. It's a shame because he does have skill and a decent amount of speed. I'd like to see him signed for at least next season if not more.
going over the salary cap for next year if we buy out yashin and resign blake 4 mill per year and smyth 5.5 mill per year our payroll will only be 43 million which is 6 million under next years cap. this is how it breaks down.
cap hits 3 million
2.3 yashin 700k snow
goaltender 5 million
dp 4.5
doobie 500k
defense 11 million
witt 2.8
poti 3.5
martinek 700k
gervais 500k
campoli 800k
bergeron 1mill
meyer 500k
bouchard 500k
forwards 24 million
smyth 5.5
blake 4 mill
satan 4.5
sillinger 2.2
bates 1.2
hunter 1.5
kozlov 1.2
park 500k
hilbert 800k
robitaille 800k
tambellini 800k
comeau 800k
now this is assuming we resign poti with a million dollar raise and we resign hunter with a half million dollar raise because he is a rfa.
i would rather sign briere to a 4 yr 22-25 million dollar deal and let blake walk due to the fact he is 3 years younger and has scored much more in the past. that would put us at 45 million. that would give us a legitimate shot at a cup the next few years with some flexibility at the trade deadline to get a big time defenseman.
you can see everyone staus with salaries at the link below
Let me know what you think.
http://www.nhlnumbers.com/nyi.html
There's no reason to sign eight defensemen, not when you have a couple of decent call-ups from Bridgeport (Fata, Rourke) in case of a problem.
I'd also rather see Nielsen, Bergenheim or even the guy they just signed, Trevor Smith, in the lineup before Comeau.
Someone in Newsday mentioned that Okposo would be better off staying at Michigan for another year, but they didn't back it up. Can anyone justify this?
Oh, and I don't think we're going to keep Dubielewicz at half a mil next year, not after he's been such a hit with the fans. Not saying he's greedy (he strikes me as the complete opposite, just happy to be playing pro hockey), but he'd be stupid not to turn that around into a solid paycheck. Expect him to aim for something closer to $3 million/3 year deal.
Ryan,
How Dubie performed in 6? or 7? NHL games, no matter how good would never translate into 3 mil a year. A pay raise for him would be to make 800k from 500k, not 3 mil. No team would pay that, almost all of his experience and play is at the AHL level, he is too untested as an NHL player to command over 1 mil.
I agree with Dynasty, and I think we have a tremendous pool of young forwards from whom we can choose. As I've said many times I'm a BU alum so I've spent many a time watching Trevor Smith at UNH. Let me tell you, the kid is a beast, and he will fit in very well on the Island, hopefully next year. Okposo may need another year of seasoning at Minnesota (not Michigan, just for clarification), but I'd love to see him up sooner rather than later (let's remember Buffalo let Vanek play in college a second year and that worked out very well). Bergenheim is a Ted Nolan player, and I think he can mend some fences to get back in management's good graces.
On the backline, we should sign Wes O'Neill from Notre Dame (draftee a few years back) and bring him in with a shot to take a spot on the blueline. He's a big, physical defenseman who could legitimately fill the void left by Sean Hill, who will surely not be back.
We have many options for the young guys on this team. I re-iterate my plan from back in February: Keep Ryan Smyth at all costs (many people are starting to think we can do that). 6 years, $36 million plus the C should be enough to do that. I'd offer Chris Drury about 5 years/$28 million to ride shotgun with Smyth and help build a winner here. Those 2 guys locked up long-term will change the culture even more than Yashin/Peca did in 2001/2. We need to make clear that this is a team for guys like Smyth rather than Yashin (and that's why I honestly wouldn't bring Kozlov back either....he had a good season but he gives me too much of an Oleg Kvasha vibe).
I'm very excited about the future direction of this team, and I hope they can make the right moves. Now, if we could just get the Coliseum renovations through the Town of Hempstead to solidify this team as a destination once again.
Positive things are happening with this team. The pieces are coming together.
Why Not Us...in 2008?
Dude, I said $3 million over 3 years. And I said approaching it... $800k is about where I'd guess he'd end up.
Minnesota, you're right. Isn't it all the same once you get further west than Chicago?
Do you really think it makes sense to have both a Smyth and a Drury? I'd see them more as an either/or situation. Both are phenomenal players I'd like to see on the Island next year, and both are capable of wearing the C with distinction. Would doubling up really provide double the value?
I think they provide double the value because they're different play styles...Drury fits the need for a #1 centerman, and he's very much for the speed and playmaking side of the game. He and Smyth can play together and lead the team in much the same way Drury and Briere lead the Sabres right now. I think Drury provides the extra bonus of being a winner everywhere he's gone, so I think the Stanley Cups on his resume (in addition to the national championships in college, etc.) would have him add another dimension in addition to what Smyth offers. So yes, I think both are pretty essential.
Yashin and Kozlov should go because they didn't play with desperation or fire when it counted the most Just read the quote from Ryan Smyth. THese are the guys he was referring to (along with Satan). Guys like Drury, Briere, Guerin would foot the bill. We also need a true #1 D-man. I'd prefer a stay at home guy who can punish people in front of the net. You'll never get that out of Gervais, Campoli or Meyer (their role is to cover speedy forwards and play the PP).
think kozlov is valueable enough to sign for another 2 years...for all of his kvasha like moments, I still think he is strong on the puck (even though he may hog it at some points), and usable in shootouts..
Noticed in game four when they mixed up thier strategy on the PP that he was one of the few guys capable of carrying the puck into the zone instead of using the dump and chase...for that, i think hes worth bringing back...
http://www.newyorkislanders.com/pressbox/archive.asp?id=1605
SMYTH SPEAKS
Ryan addresses the prospect of becoming an unrestricted free agent
At Breakup Day this afternoon -- where the Islanders packed their sticks, said farewell for the summer and had their final meetings with the coaching staff and general manager -- veteran forward Ryan Smyth spoke to the media on a number of topics. But, of course, what was foremost on everyone's mind was his potential unrestricted free agency. Here are some of Smyth's comments.
On his first impression of the Islanders:
"From the moment we got here, the organization treated me and my family really well. I got the lay of the land and got used to everybody in the organization. Obviously, it was short. We would like to have played a little longer and made a run for the Stanley Cup."
On the potential of becoming a free agent:
"We just got over losing out, so that's still fresh in my mind. It's discouraging because last year, being so close, yet so far. We'll reassess the situation and go from there. It's been a long year. I want to win just like any other NHL player out there. Unrestricted free agency comes only once in a lifetime. I want to make sure I sit down with my family and my agent and assess everything."
On the Islanders' season:
"We didn't quit and we had that drive to reach the postseason. But just to make it isn't good enough. There was a lot of positive in the fact that a lot of people counted us out and eliminated us from the playoff picture. Some take it as momentum or that we burned out. That's what an 82-game schedule is all about. You have to make the most of your opportunities throughout the year.
On whether he will wait until at least July 1 -- the first day of free agency -- to decide what to do:
"I'm sure they're (Islanders management) not going to make it easy. I want to explore the next couple of weeks with my family and my agent."
On the Islanders tradition:
"I came from a place where I loved to play in Edmonton and came to another historical team that sees and knows about the Cup. Even the ex-players are still around, so it's nice to see them still pulling for the team. It's pretty special having talked to some of the guys like Bossy and Trottier. I came from the West side of the rivalry, knowing all those Oilers. Now I'm getting to meet the other side, which has been great. I still remember when Gretz wrote in his book about when he walked down this hall and the Islanders were wearing ice bags and they weren't even celebrating when they beat the Oilers. They knew how hard it was to win and what it took. That's the reflection you get when you see the other side of it. Seeing how these guys are and how they deal with everyday life. It's been a great opportunity to get to know them all."
On Rick DiPietro and whether he has tried to convince him to stay on Long Island:
"There's been some talk, but that stays between us. Rick's obviously going to be around here for a while and you can understand why the franchise would want that. Ricky's work ethic is awesome. There's no doubt in my mind you can build a championship team around him."
The Rangers? Get serious. Even if they had the cap room (and they don't right now, not without some serious clearing) I can't see how the Rangers as a team are any more appealing than the Isles. Most importantly, they lack the sense of identity that everyone in the Isles management seems intent on pursuing.
I'm not sure that Gervais doesn't have it in him to make the jump into a more powerful defenseman. Watching him in the playoffs has been like seeing a different player. He's always had the drive, but the last five games he seemed to have the ability to back it up. I can see what Nolan liked about him all year that he was pretty much the only young player with a secure roster spot from the get-go.
I can live with Kozlov getting another year, but I just didn't see the impact this year. He's a skilled player, but he's slow on the trigger and slow on his feet. The second half of the season he started throwing his weight around more. That definitely helped on his line, but the numbers still weren't there. His money isn't huge enough to reject keeping him on out of hand, but if all we need is someone who can carry it over the blue...
I can see Witt needing to step up even more. He's consistently been the toughest guy on the ice; with Hill and Simon gone, he'll need to turn the aggressiveness up a notch to compensate.
Classy article D#ck!!! Way to make yourself feel better about being a transgender.
http://www.sportsline.com/nhl/story/10142636
that's reporting?????? that's the kind of stuff we write everyday on this blog. who the hell employes these morons.
That 's a garbage article, written by a garbage reporter, on a garbage paper (ny post) which only sells because of page6. It has no relavance or merit, just ignore it. I'd read the the national enquire or one of those " alien steals from citibank to preform plastic surgery" papers before I read the garbage post.
I was reading on another blog, that another reporter (Pierre Maguire) supposedly close to Smyth said he will not sign with the Isles and is looking at the Flames as a possible destination. To paraphrase "Ryan has to much class to let his intentions be known"...
Why hasn't there been an announcement that Yashin has been traded, bought out, deported, released or shot? This should have been done by now. Show Smyth and anyone possibly being considered for signing that we mean business.
Ok, hockey isn't over, .. Lets Go Buffalo! :)
just wanted to thank the folks here for some great reading over the last few weeks. i never posted because i am a ranger fan who lives in nj and i agree that ranger fans have their own blog and should stay there, especially when their only objective to posting here is to be an ass. there are a lot of smart hockey people on this blog and a lot of class was shown by most who never got into it with the idiots who came her just to taunt. it is especially impressive when compared to the unbelieveable vast majority of devil fans i run into who know absolutely nothing about hockey - but that's an entirely different topic. the rivalry between the rangers and islanders is back in a big way and i can't wait to keep it going next year. i hope the islanders re-sign all the players you guys want to keep and get rid of who you don't. the sport is so much better when the ranger-islander rivalry is intense. have a great summer and i hope the rangers aren't joining you too soon. i know i'm alone on that one!
Hockey (of the playing variety)is over for the Islanders. The focus for the fans now becomes who we'll sign and who we'll release. Any information Greg can gleen from management would surely be of interest to the dedicated bloggers. What type of Ryan Smyth deals/ discussions/options/ took place prior to the actual trade? How much did Yashin's pending release/buyout equate into the Smyth calculations? How high are we prepared to go to keep Ryan here? What type of back up plan did Snow have IF Smyth decided to bolt after the season? Are we prepared to chase Drury, Briere or over FA's if Ryan heads back west? Are we prepared to over pay the over stated Poti or just let him go? Will Bergeron's penchant for offensive zone turnovers continue to be accepted for PP production? Does Hill getting busted for drugs thankfully, formally shut down his Islander days? Which 3rd/4th liners will be set free and who will they be replaced with? will Tambellini finally get a spot? Will we get younger up front or patch holes through free agency? Will Campoli and Gervais finally get some real ice time minutes next year or will the vets like Witt be over played? Will Garth and Ted have more say in running the team or will puzzled looks continue to be the M.O. of the team????
must have:
Smyth - did i mention MUST? End of story.
Blake - I dont care what anyone says. Trading this speedy little guy is a HUGE mistake. Bare minimum 110% every night. he's got heart, intensity, and the ethic that we're looking for. Players dont want to come to LI and he LOVES it here. he can show others why this place is so great, too. oh yeah - and you'd let 40 goals walk out the door? Major mistake.
Wang dug deep for Ricky - there's got to be a way he can swing both these guys.
keep:
Hunter
Dubie
Campi
must toss:
Yashin - did i mention MUST? End of story.
also wont miss:
Poti - leading in assists aside, this guy has no heart and i can count on one hand the times he's actually shot on net. He loves to pass and when it comes to him, so would I!!! He could probably good on another team so might be great material for a trade.
Dont trade:
Witt - duh.
Park - he's come up big at key times. he has a lot to learn but there's def potential there and he's a good fit for the image we're going for.
Sillinger - faceoffs and leadership. Not bad for an old guy. I like him on and off the ice.
Bergeron
I'm up in the air on Miro and Ash. Anyone want to weigh in on these two?
Obviously DP's not going anywhere - everyone else is trade material as far as I'm concerned.
Mark S. - great post earlier.
prumclazy: thanks for the good words about the Isles. But I think you're wrong... you should feel free to post here whenever you want. As long as it's good hockey-talk, or even if you want to talk some informed, good-natured smack about the rivalry, that's ok. Best wishes in the 2nd round, but I'm going for Buffalo.
Part of Ted and Garth's pitch for Smyth to stay here, should certainly include the fact that hockey fans know how great he is, but his name recognition isn't as big in the U.S. as say Jagr, Forsberg, etc...He's already been 'Captain Canada'..so now he can be Captain NHL' if he stays here, dominates the Atlantic Division and East as one of the great Captains of the East, having already been there, done that in the West...Hopefully he has that kind of vision to be the premier ambassador of the sport for both Canada and the U.S...As in the past, most great Canadian players need to be on a U.S. team to capture that timeless Hall of Fame significance...Yzerman, Lemieux, etc...Something he can't do if he goes to the Flames so he can be Captian Alberta...in my opinion that would limit his potential as one of the greats... but we can't be surpsied if he goes back to the Oilers though...His basement is a shrine full of old Oilers memoribilia, etc... so Smyth signing with any other team than Oilers, Flames or Isles means he went for $$$, and dissed the Isles...because we really do have the foundation/style/coach/type of team he fits in with. Would the Leafs part w/ Sundin to make room for him? That would be scary...He needs to be reminded it's New York he could play in for the next 5-6 years...not someother podunk market!
It's hard for me to find a US equivalent to Pierre Maguire. He's a guy that oversteps his bounds, making outrages statements, even during a game. Pierre barely mentioned Ryan's name until he came out east. So that it a whole lot of hot air that he is in tight with Ryan.
Having said that, it is good speculation. I could see it happenning if Ryan was really pissed with Edmonton. He would be signing with Edmontons main rilvary and say "In Your Face" every night he played them. Plus his family life would remain pretty much the same.
But does Calgary want him enough to pay what he wants? They are just as tight with their money as Edmonton.
Ryan will never be given a bigger opportunity to lead a team than he has with the Isles.
Ryan will take his time with this decision. I think it will be pretty close to July 1 (Canada Day) before we hear anything.
Kevin T.
I agree Kevin....we wont hear word of this situation again till late June.
The only selling point, albeit it is a good one is that he will be the captain, highest paid player and lead the Islanders and even then that is no sure thing he will sign. My feeling is that they offer him 5 yrs 30 million and a chance to be the face of the franchise and then it will be up to him. Right now I think its 50-50. My heart tells me he will stay but reality says he is 31 and wants the cup and will go to a team that is closer to winning it all then the Islanders. If he leaves then sign Blake, buyout yashin and make a run for other free agents who can come in and get us to the cup. We rolled the dice on smythe he leaves so what move on and get better. Two glaring holes in the Islanders against buffalo were speed, skill and a top dman. One trade that could happen is Satan for Samsonov. Samsonov hates montreal and satan just doesnt fit here. Problem for a problem trade but samsonov is skillful and Nolan will get the most out of him. Should be an itneresting summer.
Buying out Yashin has to be the first priority, and done quickly. If he's on the team I seriously doubt Smyth or Blake will want to return. If we lose them, who would want to come here through free agency?
I like some of the suggestions about the young players who should be given a chance at training camp. I would let Kvasha (oops, I mean Kozlov) go, along with letting Robitaille go.
Last but not least, I would let Milbury go. Perhaps someone will give us a bag of pucks, or an old shoe for him. :-)
When the Smyth deal was dont i was overwelmed with joy.....but then soon to be disheartend when i realized he would not be back after watching the press conference. I have to say i thought the makeup of this years team was great....if everyone stayed healthy and played up to their potential we could have been a powerhouse in the league.....but as all of us Islander fans realize that didnt happen..we backed into the playoffs and lost both homeice games we had, which wpuld have been huge even if we had won just one of them.
I must say i finally saw the damage this team could do with fifteen minutes to go in game five of the quarterfinals....although i saw that spark of excellence i felt this team would have for that brief 15 minutes.....i think the team needs a serious makeover, bringing back Smyth should be the first part of that process but i dont think it will help much...speed seems to be the key along with a little bit of grit and over all great teamwork, is what todays contenders show (ie red wings, san jose, buffalo, ducks) the change within this oraganization needs to come from the top down. I dont think Garth Snow is the right man for the job although he made a few good moves this season. I guess we will have to wait and see what he does this offseason.....but one thing is for sure, he has credibility with the powers that be in this league. (i.e. Colin Campbells comments)
Well with that off my chest i can only hope we take steps forward and not back
Joe
Would someone explain to me why McLennan gets five games while Simon got 25 and potentially more?
Oh, Colin Campbell and the NHL are sending a message, right?
Sure they are.
McLennan's act was a premeditated as one can get, while Simon's act was the result of someone whipping around in anger and doing something stupid (and very, very wrong) as an immediate retaliation. Simon was wrong, no doubt about it: but look at the penalties given out before that incident and since that incident and tell me how to reconcile the reasoning in these cases.
Could not AGREE more with the Mclennan comment above. How does he only get 5 games and Simon who was knocked out get 25 ??? This has got to be questioned by the bobbleheads in our back office....IF we all see it, how can they not as well?
Imagine if we sign Smyth and took Drury or Briere from Buffalo??? Payback for Lafontaine? LOL
Rags have a good shot against them....Should be a fun series to watch...If Buffalo does knock them out, then I do not want to hear word one from their fans about beating that poor Atlanta team!
OTTAWA ~ VANCOUVER
OTTAWA in 7 !!!
Merrick, Cincy, Steady, DP......everyone.
How much longer can we realistically wait before offing Yashin???? Has Smyth already headed back west or are we courting him???? Who stays and who's to go. Who else can we sign???
Thanks for the website on Isles and other salaries.
Isles in 2007/2008 if you want it.
Steady, how would that be payback for LaFontaine? We got Turgeon in that deal; it was pretty even-up (maybe even a win for us) until Dale Hunter worked his magic.
As for the McLennan comment, I couldn't agree more. I was WILD when I saw that, for the exact reasons we saw here. McLennan had just come in the game and was already taking a penalty for slashing Franzen before he wound up and fired. It was pre-meditated in every sense of the word, whereas Simon's vicious shot was done as a reaction to what he thought was a dirty hit. It was spur of the moment rather than a conscious decision.
The NHL has a lot of explaining to do on this one. You can't even begin to tell me Simon's vicious shot was 5 times worse than McLennan's vicious shot. Give me a break.
As for Miggsey's question, I think they will either wait until after the Cup finals out of respect or, a la the Smith/Nolan hirings, announce Yashin's buyout DURING the Cup finals to garner the most attention.
He can't be back...regardless of Smyth's fate, Yashin can't ever come back to the Islanders. Snow and Nolan need to send a message to the current players and to the league that this is not Yashin's team anymore.
As for Smyth, they need to start the hard sell IMMEDIATELY, if not sooner. I will personally drive him around the North Shore and the Hamptons, as well as take his family to the beach whenever they want, if that's what it would take to keep him. On July 1 I would throw everything we had at Chris Drury and, beforehand, see if we can keep Blake for something like 3/$9 million. We need to man up and show this is a tough team, in the mold of its coach and the proud Islanders tradition.
I would give a shot to many of the young'uns like O'Neill, Trevor Smith, Tambellini, Nielsen, et al and let guys like Kozlov walk. We need to re-make this team, continuing the progress from last year.
I agree his suspension is not justified either, but i can see the reasoning already......Collin Campbell is going to say that Simon went for the face as Mcclennan went for the body......not that it matters but im sure that will be his reasoning.
The Mclennan topic. Knew this was coming. This started this morning on the XM hockey channel. All those analysts said that his punishment fit the crime.
a. Being that if you see the right angle. It was nothing more than a slash on the wrist.
b. He has no history. Simon...well his speaks for itself.
Do I agree? Not sure because I haven't seen the angle they talk about.
Rangers do have a great shot and surprisingly they are getting alot of the votes.
As a Rangers fan they get mine and not just because I am a fan. Here is why:
a. They got the Presients trophy curse. Now that may not be a reason. I stick with it though because, while they are a huge offensive threat I don't think they are built to make it out of this round.
b. Henrik vs. Miller, I think anybody can agree that Henrik is the better goalie between the two and more suited to take his team to the next level.
c. Finesse (Buffalo) vs. All around team (Rangers), Buffalo has nothing but scoring goals when compared depth wise to the Rangers. The Rangers are HOT! Scorers, Much better Defense and better team defense and all around contributions heading into the series.
d. Avery Factor. Buffalo does not have this. They don't have a player like this. You will see Hollweg play this series and Orr sit because he is a faster body banger. Avery and the other checkers will wear buffalo down. Avery will be facing all the type of guys that he is effective against in this series. I look for him to be taking the pretty boy goal scorers right off their game a soon as the puck drops.
Rangers in 6 MAYBE 7.
KH wrote this -
foxi -- Don't mind at all. Speaking for myself (a native LIer and lifelong Islander fan), I love Canada and say welcome to western Canadian (and all Canadian) fans. Except for Ken Morrow and Dave Langevin, ALL the significant players who brought 4 cups to Long Island were Canadian. And many were from the west... Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies and Bob Bourne were from Sask, the Sutter brothers were from Alberta, Gord Lane and Butch Goring were from Manitoba, Steve Tambellini was from BC, and Bobby Nystrom, though born in Sweden, grew up as a hockey player in BC. Personally, I would favor singing "O Canada" before every Isles home game (esp. if it would convince Ryan Smyth to stay here, hehe).
Posted by: KH | April 22, 2007 03:07 AM
KH - i also am a lifelong ISLES fan, and i considered stefan persson and tomas jonsson to be "significant" members of the cup tea