Just got the call. Rangers are having a conference call in a few minutes to announce the signing of both Chris Drury and Scott Gomez. Coupled with the Islanders’ loss of Jason Blake to Toronto (5 years, $20 million), Tom Poti to Washington (4 years, $14 million) and Viktor Kozlov to Washington (2 years, $5 million), the imminent possibility of losing Ryan Smyth and the mega-deal Daniel Briere received from Philadelphia, the NHL’s cupboard of top free-agent talent is draining fast. The Islanders aren’t the only ones who have been hit hard this afternoon. Imagine how they must feel in Buffalo, where the Presidents’ Trophy winners just got gutted.
The Islanders Web site is reporting they signed a three-year deal likely worth a total of $3 million with LW Jonathan Sim, who totaled 17 goals and 12 assists in 77 games with Atlanta last season. As of 9:45 p.m. ET, they still were engaged in active talks with Smyth and his agent, Don Meehan.
Comments (163)
Breaking SIGNING- We just signed Jon Sim. Great move Garth. we lost blake and poti and our first signing is Jon Sim. Here's Garths predicted quote "well we fell Sim is a Ted Nolan type player and will fit in and succeed with our system." Realistically now, we need at least 2 top 6 forwards and a top 2 D-man.
Crazy day. Toronto giving Blake a 5 year deal, the Rangers giving 2 players $7 million each, Rafalski getting $6 million a year.... Sim was a good signing but I think fans are just disappointed that it's not a more known name. Smyth, Hannan, Souray, Zubrus are on my wishlist.
What the hell is going on???
we just also lost Viktor Kozlov. Any chance in reinstating Yashin's contract?
now lets count our losses=yashin, blake, poti, kozlov, zednik. Thats well over 100 goals lost and a power play unit as a group. its not over yet smyth's next to go. but hell we got SIM!!!
We have no cap room for dumb decisions. Stop the whining.
Luis, here's what the hell is going on...in my opinion.
The Isles bought out Yashin's contract. The NHLPA did not like it. No players are signing here.
Not a good day to be an Islander fan, not a good day at all.
Good Luck to Jason Blake who gave is all night in and night out. You'll be missed.
I'm holdin' out for a miracle...
to change the mood, lets steal shanny and nylander from the ranjerks. kariya and smyth. then get souray and hannan. then moods will change. Whiners, shut your trap.
rangers get drury and gomez....islanders get sim.....evens out
rangers get drury and gomez....islanders get sim.....evens out
rangers get drury and gomez....islanders get sim.....evens out
hannan signed with colorado
hannan already signed 4 year deal with colorado for 18 mil
Very discouraging news with the Islanders making no news besides Sim. (who even knew he played in the NHL) Colorado signed Hannan which still gives us hope for Smyth however there is no doubt the top guys are being picked up in a hurry for loads of money lets all cross our fingers. Rangers made some huge news today which is pretty unforunate for us isles fans
Am I right in thinking that the Rangers have half their cap in 4 players? How is that going to work?
Not a good day.
This is BLACK SUNDAY, what the hell is going on, are they planning on tanking the season, who is going to score, Jon Sim??!!!!! Garth Snow is proving to be as incompetent as Milbury,,, Hey Garth, how about signing Bob Sweeney to center the first line, I heard hes planning a comeback.
Kristie,
Go back to the kitchen and make us all some sandwhiches!
Steady laughed at me when I said to bring back Peca, make a pitch for Kariya, and to add maybe Petr Sykora or Roman Hamrlik.
But I bet you all wish those guys were coming to Long Island next year. I DO. Come on Garth, it's now or never, we need some players, let's get this going.
Feelin sour,
This day is off to a terrible start. We have to hope Garth is lining up a few so called "tier-2" players to fill the roster. It won't be too bad is he can get 3 or 4 of Zubrus, Nagy,Kariya, Souray, Priessing, Nylander. That would still let us ice a playoff worthy team. Don't forget that we have a top 5 goalie here in DP. And unfortunately i think Smitty is going to Colorado, just a hunch. Go Isles Go!!!!!!!!
WE ARE DONE!!!!!!!!!!
WHO IS THE TOP PROSPECT IN NEXT YEARS DRAFT?????
Long time Isles fan, been reading the blog for a while.
Enjoy the following predictable quote:
"Jon Sim is an aggressive, hard-working veteran forward with good offensive skills who fits in perfectly with Ted Nolan's system," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "We're extremely pleased Jon chose to become an Islander." (from newyorkislanders.com)
The Atlantic Division just got a lot tougher today. While we might call Long Island home, we have to recognize that it’s not a premier hockey market anymore. With our recent track record, it’s going to be a challenge attracting elite talent, even with offering well over market value. It's hard not to be disappointed with these developments today. However, it’s only Day 1. Let's hope Garth has a plan.
Long time Isles fan, been reading the blog for a while.
Enjoy the following predictable quote:
"Jon Sim is an aggressive, hard-working veteran forward with good offensive skills who fits in perfectly with Ted Nolan's system," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "We're extremely pleased Jon chose to become an Islander." (from newyorkislanders.com)
The Atlantic Division just got a lot tougher today. While we might call Long Island home, we have to recognize that it’s not a premier hockey market anymore. With our recent track record, it’s going to be a challenge attracting elite talent, even with offering well over market value. It's hard not to be disappointed with these developments today. However, it’s only Day 1. Let's hope Garth has a plan.
Long time Isles fan, been reading the blog for a while.
Enjoy the following predictable quote:
"Jon Sim is an aggressive, hard-working veteran forward with good offensive skills who fits in perfectly with Ted Nolan's system," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "We're extremely pleased Jon chose to become an Islander." (from newyorkislanders.com)
The Atlantic Division just got a lot tougher today. While we might call Long Island home, we have to recognize that it’s not a premier hockey market anymore. With our recent track record, it’s going to be a challenge attracting elite talent, even with offering well over market value. It's hard not to be disappointed with these developments today. However, it’s only Day 1. Let's hope Garth has a plan.
As the clock struck noon today, I was very confident that Snow would be able to make some improvements. I had confidence in him to at least make a run at some of the better D-men available.
Now, closing in on nine o'clock at night I do not understand what the plan is.
With all the cap room because of Yasin, Blake, Poti, Kozlov, and Zednick departing, why have we not signed Preissing or Hamrlik?
Smyth is going to call his own shot, so I can't blame Snow for that. But it does appear that Garth put all his eggs in one basket. As of right now, Snow looks greatly overmatched by the other GM's.
As for Gomez and Drury, the Rangers paid way too much for them. They are not much of an upgrade over Nylander and Shanahan.
Philly is the team that really helped themselves.
HEY PHIL,
DIDNT I HIT GARTH'S QUOTE DEAD ON IN MY FIRST POST????? YOU GOTTA GIMMIE CREDIT 4 DAT. READ THE VERY 1ST POST ON THIS BLOG. I AM GLAD WE THINK ON THE SAME LEVEL. WHATS NEXT YOU THINK?
Garth needs to sign Peter Forsberg 5 minutes ago in order to have any shot at keeping Smyth or getting anyone else to sign here. On the bright side we may get the first overall pick next year.
Garth is SIM-ULATING A GM! Some of these comments are "classics" Hysterical!...Party on Garth!
Garth needs to sign Peter Forsberg 5 minutes ago in order to have any shot at keeping Smyth or getting anyone else to sign here. On the bright side we may get the first overall pick next year.
Why would players want to play infront of empty seats. I go to every game, and while I know it's not fair to assume every can do that it's a sad state at the NVMC. Then, when the Isles over pay for people fans go nuts, but unfortunately that's what Wang needs to do.
I hope they get that Hub deal taken care of and that fans start showing up - win or lose - so that people will want to play here. I mean if you were offered the same contract to play either here or toronto where are you going to choose?
do you guys realize that we are not even at the minimum cap level for a team. at this point our late season aquisitions of deron quint and todd simpson are gonna have to be signed to 5 mill each. HEY GARTH, JUST SIGN YOURSELF FOR 10 MILLION and dump quint and simpson
do you guys realize that we are not even at the minimum cap level for a team. at this point our late season aquisitions of deron quint and todd simpson are gonna have to be signed to 5 mill each. HEY GARTH, JUST SIGN YOURSELF FOR 10 MILLION and WATCH THE MOVIE SLAPSHOT. IF PAUL NEWMAN CAN PLAY AND COACH SO CAN YOU.
This team is a joke. NEVER should they have let the Rags get both IDIOTS. Smyth will NEVER sign here. This team may set a futility record next season. I would be thrilled with 10 wins. What a disgrace!
I never thought we had so many negative fans out there. You have to realize we are not a mecca of hockey like T.O. or MSG. We will still fight for a playoff spot.
Go Isles GO!!!!!!
why are there posts claiming that the isles can steal shanahan? shanahan said he will play for the rangers or not at all. it's been reported that shanny will play for the rangers for $2 million against that cap and maybe even double it on easy incentives (games, goals,etc) that won't hit the cap. i can't remember the exact ruling but it has to do with 1 year contracts for players over a certain age. sorry but shanny stays at msg, too.
i hate you jon sim
I would like to see the isles sign tom preissing
Jon Sim!
Jon Sim!
Jon Sim!
Oh I get it, only three letters to sew on the jersey. It's a cost saving move.
Who is Jon Sim?
Does Jon Sim's mother know who Jon Sim is?
how about getting lang and bringing back the new bertuzzi, if bert aint a nolan type player then who is. what is priessing gonna do, he is a replacement for poti. no improvement there. heres some hope, there is still those 2 forsberg, nylander, shanny, kariya, souray, etc
9:25 And OF COURSE Smyth to Calgary is again on the Radar...Sharks gaining speed with Ryan as well....ISles still in it
I know our feelings on Eklund, but you have to like what that said right there. We still have a chance here, and there are other guys out there that could contribute to this team. I'm not ready to go off the ledge yet; let's trust our GM has a plan and we can still make some noise here.
Forsberg is shot!!!Bertuzzi is going to sign with the Wings. There is NO WAY Shanahan is signing with the Islanders, he wants to win a Cup and the Rangers just got a lot closer. Souray is a sieve on defense and wants crazy money. Its looking very bleak friend.
can we please stop with this nolan type player crap, we sound like idiots as isles fans
can we please stop with this nolan type player crap, we sound like idiots as isles fans
even if we keep smyth, do you really think that is enough remotely. nylander is a playmaker put him on a line with smyth. guess what? still not enough. NICK, start walking the plank.
MAH,
are you smart enough to realize sarcasm? to clarify for you, jon sim is a f'in joke.
Ok, as of 9:45 they're still in talks, but at what price are they going to bring him back? I want him back, but I don't think the Isles should over pay for anyone they way they're going to have to over pay (probably) to get Smyth to stay
Snow: Pleeeaaase stay?
Smyth: Nah
Snow: Pleeeeaaase ...I'll be your best friend!
in all seriousness, with the money being thrown around today guess what? were are headed for another lockout. that is gonna happen in 2 years. just watch. gomez is good but 7 million for 13 goals and briere getting frontloaded 10 mill this year and rafalski 6 mill. come on now. nyr, philly, and det are ruining the sport again
It seems Ted is looking to build a blue collar team. A team of 2nd and third tier guys. We need at least 2 blue chips. Our farm is depleted and even if we sign Smyth we are looking at .500 at best.
What is wrong with you folk? Its this "instant gratification" short term thinking that got us screwed to begin with!Smyth can sign for a ton, and we still have zero shot at being beyond mediocre IF we overachieve. Snow is new, and has been solid. He cant go do what Wang did and saddle us with more incomprehensible salarys. Gomez, Smyth, etc...aint worth 7mm. Thuis is silly. Stop the complaining .
how in the world does Sim get a 3yr deal with $3 million ...he made 600k last year ...only the Isles would give him a raise and a three year contract ....it's so frustrating ...
Snow is doing what Maloney did - saddling us with an incomprehensible lack of talent.
Shawn Bates, 1st line center!
agreed 100% with akeem. 5, 7, and 8 year contracts for these guys??? wasn't the ENTIRE nhl laughing when we signed yashin, who by any standard was a better player than briere & gomez, and possibly drury ever will be when we signed him to 10 years at a crippling salary? Now everyone is doing it again, just to avoid having to deal with RFAs? Ok, trades are always a possibility, but were we able to trade yashin? Forget becoming upset about NYI management- we really should be upset about NHL management (but I guess we already are, right?) This is a depressing day for all the other have-nots of the NHL, because Wings, Colorado, NYR & Philly are once again running the league into the ground. I'm never giving up hope though...
What kind of deals could Garth still have going on?
All the good ufa's are gone....and to allow the rags two prime players...a disgusting day for us fans....but we are used to it, arent we????....The spirit of milbury is still alive....I am 99% closer to cancelling my season tickets.....Dark days are ahead...Is there anyone out there that can shed some light on this terrible day??????????
Hey garth maybe you could bring Kirk Muller back??...He's better than anyone you have on your first line now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Isles lose Blake & Poti...
Smyth most likley gone to Colorado.If they Keep Smyth, I would be shocked
Rangers Sign Drury & Gomez
But Don't Worry the Islanders big free agent signing is....John Sim...
a career 3rd line player.
What is this guy going to do for us
John Sim - 3 year deal for 3 mil?? This guy will be at Bridgeport by the end of the year.
This is what the big Islander Management team (that Wang put together) came up with!!
It took 4 people to say John Sim! He is the new face of the franchise!!
Bad Job Isles, way to be creative!!
You lose Blake...You Lose Poti & Kozlov (not that of a Big Deal)...I'm also assuming Ryan Smyth is gone!!
Don't try to give the fans the stance of Ted Nolan making the roster into a gritty playoff team!! Just own up and say you made a mistake and came up empty!!
This Team is not a playoff Team...So far Philly, Florida, Rangers, Toronto have improved their teams the Most in the east.
Players to Sign:
Kariya
Nagy
Peca
Guerin
Aaron Asham
Vasicek
Souray
Markov
Stuart
Vishnevski
Sykora
Hamrlik
Tanabe
Eric Belanger
Nolan Pratt
Don't Sign:
Zubrus
Slava Kozlov
Mike Comrie
Preissing (had a career year - not proven)
Nylander
Sign some Group 2 Free Agents:
Vanek or Parise
What time is the John Sim Press Conference Tomorrow??
Wow!!
The rags got drury and gomez! unbelievable. I thought this might happen when the cap increased to 50 mil. Big market teams have the money UNDER the cap to pay these guys we dont. I am not going to call garth and nolan to the carpet. I thought last year would be bad but it wasnt so I would think we will come out just fine when the season starts. We can also take runs at some RFA and trades. i like weiss and ryder both RFA and could fit nicely here. Lets get Smythe signed and Souray. Souray can make up the lack of scoring up front from the point. Not many dman put up 20+ goals a year. Islander fans just calm down and lets play this out. So far it has not gone good but last year didnt go well either. This has nothing to do with yashin being bought out and other nhlpa conspiracies its about the $$$$$ and the flyers, rangers, leafs and wings have more of it. Still a long way to go. Philly made all the big splashes last year in fA and look where they ended up. Its about team so everybody calm down and lets wait and see. We are still in this.
You totally called it Anthony. I'm getting sick of hearing this line over and over again. It's beginning to sound like an excuse or a tired rationalization for signing unknown players.
Howard Berger Fan 590
Smyth Narrows To Four Teams; Blake Happy In TorontoToday @ 10:12 PM ET | Comments (7)
*** AS OF 10:18 P.M. EDT: RYAN SMYTH IS LEANING HEAVILY TOWARDS SIGNING WITH COLORADO; AGENT MEEHAN TALKING TO AVALANCHE AS WE SPEAK; SAKIC WORKING OVERTIME TO GET SMYTH IN AVS JERSEY; MORE TO FOLLOW***
TORONTO (July 1) -- As of 9:45 p.m. EDT tonight, a good source tells me Ryan Smyth has narrowed his list of teams to four -- Colorado, Calgary, Montreal and the Islanders. The Canadiens have the most tempting offer on the table at $39 million over six years, which means Smyth would be guaranteed to make $6.5 million in the final season of the contract at age 37. Not a bad number. But, neither Smyth nor his wife are said to be happy with playing in Montreal. Smyth reportedly told his agent, Don Meehan, that he didn't like the Maple Leafs' depth, and does not believe the Canadiens or the Islanders will be strong enough teams in the immediate future. The Islanders have a five-year, $32.5 million deal ($6.5 million/season) on the table.
Right now, it appears to be between Colorado and Calgary. Avalanche captain Joe Sakic is pushing Smyth hard to sign in Denver. The Avs have offered Smyth $31.25 million over five years ($6.25/season). The Flames have two offers on the table -- five years at $6.15 million per season, or six years at $5.67 per season. Privacy could be an issue with the Smyth family, which might take Calgary out of the picture; Smyth would be swamped in every corner of that hockey-mad city if he signed with the Flames.
Meanwhile, new Leaf Jason Blake spoke to the media via conference call this evening. He's happy to be in Toronto because he thinks the Leafs are making a big attempt to win, having acquired Vesa Toskala before him. Blake feels his scoring ability and competitive edge will help the Leafs and said he'd obviously be thrilled to play alongside Mats Sundin. Late in the conference call, I asked him about the reputation that he is not a popular player among his teammates. Blake did not flatly deny the claim, saying only that he has a fierce desire to win and isn't shy about making that known to others in the dressing room. Which shouldn't be a bad thing in the Leafs' room after two consecutive playoff misses.
GM John Ferguson felt he was done for the night, but said he has other oars in the water and would not rule out making a trade in the next 24 hours to free up some cap space. Though Ferguson, typically, would not comment on specific players (Slava Kozlov, for instance), bet on another card falling before the Leafs call it quit
Jisles makes a good point. Wait and see. This has only been the first day of free agency, and it's not even done yet.
If thing don't work out, we can all be depressed in the fall.
By the way, I'd be very happy with a Zach Parise signing. He should've been an Islander already.
you fans are such babies
zip it and realize that the Isles have a long way to go---and dumb money on FA's is suicidal. Grow up Isles fans
Hey Garth...This is what you got rid of Yashin for????????????
SIM?????
UNGH.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8380
*** AS OF 10:18 P.M. EDT: RYAN SMYTH IS LEANING HEAVILY TOWARDS SIGNING WITH COLORADO; AGENT MEEHAN TALKING TO AVALANCHE AS WE SPEAK; SAKIC WORKING OVERTIME TO GET SMYTH IN AVS JERSEY; MORE TO FOLLOW***
TORONTO (July 1) -- As of 9:45 p.m. EDT tonight, a good source tells me Ryan Smyth has narrowed his list of teams to four -- Colorado, Calgary, Montreal and the Islanders. The Canadiens have the most tempting offer on the table at $39 million over six years, which means Smyth would be guaranteed to make $6.5 million in the final season of the contract at age 37. Not a bad number. But, neither Smyth nor his wife are said to be happy with playing in Montreal. Smyth reportedly told his agent, Don Meehan, that he didn't like the Maple Leafs' depth, and does not believe the Canadiens or the Islanders will be strong enough teams in the immediate future. The Islanders have a five-year, $32.5 million deal ($6.5 million/season) on the table.
Right now, it appears to be between Colorado and Calgary. Avalanche captain Joe Sakic is pushing Smyth hard to sign in Denver. The Avs have offered Smyth $31.25 million over five years ($6.25/season). The Flames have two offers on the table -- five years at $6.15 million per season, or six years at $5.67 per season. Privacy could be an issue with the Smyth family, which might take Calgary out of the picture; Smyth would be swamped in every corner of that hockey-mad city if he signed with the Flames.
Hey acdc,
We have been trying to grow up for many years. I think we have a right to complain.
It is true that we shouldnt throw so much cash at fa's. But to allow the rags two????
We should have at least recieved one to overpay a litte. As of now we have nothing to show. Especially with Smyth most likely going with Colorado.
Smyth To Colorado Done, Pending Avs' AcceptanceToday @ 10:37 PM ET | Comments (2)
TORONTO (July 1) -- Ryan Smyth has instructed agent Don Meehan to proceed with the Colorado Avalanche, accepting a five-year contract worth $31 million. Contract breaks down as follows:
Year 1: $8 million ($4 million salary/$4 million signing bonus)
Year 2: $7.25 million
Year 3: $6.5 million
Year 4: $5.25 million
Year 5: $4.0 million
Contract has a no-movement clause.
Meehan has told Avs' GM Francois Giguere that Smyth is his if he accepts all terms of his deal. Should be done soon.
This is disgusting--if you let Smyth get away, then I am done. I mean no Souray, no Stuart, and not to mention getting bitchslapped by the Rangers. As it stands right now this could be the worst team in NHL history. If Wang does not wanna spend money then sell the damn team. Of course Smyth doesn't wanna come back here. Why should he? What did we do to get better? Build a team, show him that you are serious. You are not serious Garth, you are a joke and this team is quickly becoming one. Jon Sim is your big signing? Wow great job. At least Milbury made deals, you won't even sign a free agent? This is disgusting and I am fed up with this. WHat a disgrace to lose Smyth, Blake, Kozlov, Poti, Zednik...Wow Garth so glad we made you GM. You sucked as a goalie and you suck worse as a GM. Please resign now!
Well, that's it. Today has to go down as one of the worst days in Islander history. Do Islander fans think it was:
1) Snow's inexperience as a GM or
2) Players just do not want to play for the Islanders
What do you think?
i want my season ticket deposit refunded.....i threw up all over the computer screen...garth got steamrolled
smyth just signed with avs
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8381
smyth just signed with avs
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=8381
what i wanna know is why would snow spend time on the phone talking to sim when he could be talking to players who will actually make a difference
The Isles dont have time. With no free agent signings no one that is left on the market will want to come play in the coliseum. We dont even have 3 guys you can put on the ice to say oh thats our best line. Well have 3 third lines. Ive been an islander fan forever been through it all but this book is closing. They had a tough time putting people in the seats when we had Yashin, DiP, Blake, Smyth etc. Now lets see whats gonna happen well be lucky to put 5k in the seats every night. Wangs gonna be on the hook for whats rumored to be $500 mil in CA screwups. The team will be gone before you know it. At least the Spice Girls will be doing their reunion tour at the coliseum
I think it is apparrent that smythe is going to Colorado. Very unfortunate i would have loved to see him here and wear the C. Anyway Garth and Nolan have to attack this FA period to spend the money at many players to fill the roster. There are still very good players available Karya, Souray, Guerin, Stuart, peca, I think that should be the approach now. This is just very disaappointing that we could not land 1 major FA and the rangers and flyers teams in our division landed multiple ones. It is pretty apparrant that no one wants to play here on long island so I say dont go crazy and overpay for a FA lets build the farm system and add quality FA and build a tough winning team. LIke I keep saying last summer didnt go well last year and it worked out with a playoff berth. lets go islanders
i am as big an isles fan as you will find and i am puking right now. but at least i didnt spend $200 or whatever on smyth jerseys when he came here for 24 games. anyone who bought one how does it feel to be suckered? BOYCOTT THIS TEAM AND LET THEM FOLD. OUR MISERY WILL BE OVER. OR MAYBE WITH THE LOSSES US AND THE DEVILS HAD TODAY WE CAN COMBINE OUR TEAMS AND PLAY IN THAT NEW ARENA IN JERSEY. I LIKE THAT
I am very angry at this management team. I am tired of constant rebuilding while the Rags get the Jagrs and so on....Charles must hear from all of us now, especially season ticket holders!!!!!
If this keeps up then the Isles will move to KC. Perhaps that is what they want!!!!!!!
The team as it stands has no leaders to help the youth. The current isles youth are merely potential periphery players who need an impact player on their line.
Even by overacheiving with fine goaltending this current group unfortunatley will lose much more than win!
That's right Garth...Keep the blood letting flowing out of your team....soon to announce the loss of Ryan Smith and of course the three picks...
Did I say blood letting? I meant butchering!!!!!!!!
KC here we come!!!!!!!!!!!
Today should serve as a reality check for all Islanders fans. This is the reason why hockey on Long Island is a thing of the past, and that this team will never, NEVER, win another Stanley Cup.
Did any of you actually believe that Ryan Smyth, Captain Canada, a big-time elite NHLer would sign a free agent deal with the New York Islanders? Why would any elite player sign with a team that plays in Uniondale, Long Island, in the crappiest building in the NHL, with a tiny fan base, and absolutely NO media exposure on a national or even local level. The Islanders are so bush league that they're often stuck in the TV guide channel. And the only time you'll ever get on NBC or VS is if you're in the playoffs (good luck with that) or if you're playing the Rangers. Oh and not to mention, the Islanders have no future whatsoever. They're old, slow, and have an owner who before signing DP to a contract larger than Kobe Bryant's, believed that sumo wrestlers would make great goaltenders. When 29 other teams are calling your name, you'd hang up the phone on Snow and laugh your ass off.
Now contrast the Rangers to the Islanders' situation. They're an original six team playing in historic Madison Square Garden, in the largest and greatest city in the world, with an enormous fan base spanning the country (watch Ranger games in visiting arenas), and local, national, and international (thanks to Jagr and Lundqvist) media exposure. And on top of that, the Rangers have a talented, driven team with not only solid veterans but loads of young and upcoming talent, and oh, the best young goalie in the NHL.
So dream on Islanders fans. You will not sign Smyth, or any other big name. The only chance you have to get good is to draft talent and win before they hit free agency, or to force them onto Long Island by trading for them, which as we saw in the case of Ryan Smyth, can bring any great player to tears.
AH, disgruntled Isles fans efuse to face reality: the team would suck with or w/out Smyth. The claim to fame this decade is going 7 with the leafs in 1st round....LOSING THE 1st round is the claim to fame---thats pathetic. The Rags overspent but can win it all this yr...Avery was a great pick up: Sather is going for it now. Why hate them? there is no rivalry! There are no fights or hatred...just crazy $$ flying at athletes who want nothing to do with Long Island hockey. It aint garth guys: its the WHOLE franchise. Give garth credit for not capitulating to the 5000 fans we have praying for a HUGE signing. We'd get yashin all over again.
How long til the move talk starts? Winnipeg? Hamilton? Vegas? I think we all need to take an add out in THIS Newspaper and express our disgust. I am SO ANGRY. This team is a joke. They need to move or fold if they can not compete. Jon Sim? Why? Who gives a damn about him? And the Isles website is a joke--everything is rosy over there. This may very well be the last time we care-because they could be gone after this year. I know I won't be going to any games this year, I am surely not alone. They better make a splash soon!
WOW! What a day!
I am shocked all around at what happened today. The players that my team signed and the players the Isles didn't make the effort to. I can't figure out what the hell the front office over there at the coliseum was thinking or doing today.
The only other comment I got is for the people that want to cry about the $. Please it is early to start that, there is a salary cap. Just because the Isles sat on their hands today, don't start crying foul. Because, you know that if they had signed Blake and Smyth, or Smyth and any other combo you wouldn't be.
Somebody call Garth and let him know today was the start of free agency. Nobody left out there will keep or put fans in the seats. Glad I didn't renew my season tix; it makes no sense to do so now. They can pay Jon Sim without me.
lol jisles, those players u mentioned (FAs available)..DONT WANT TO PLAY FOR THE ISLANDERS!!..get that thru ur thick skulls.
so not only did u trade ur future for smyth...along with him u lost poti, blake, kovlov and zednik in the same day. but at least u got jon sim..LMAO!!
wats DP thinkin now, 14 more years of misery?..SO BEAUTIFUL!!