On the Islanders Beat

Greg:

How can the Islander organization insult their fan base and think about bringing one of the laziest hockey players to ever don an Islander sweater back. Alexei Yashin stole nearly 60 million dollars over 6 years, let him rot in Russia.

Secondly, as far as the draft is concerned, there are only two options. 1. Draft Nikita Filatov and bring him in now. This organization, besides Kyle Okposo, doesn't have a player that resembles a first liner, so Filatov would be a major upgrade. 2. Trade down to between 8-10 and draft either Cory Hodgson or Mikawl Boedker, while accumulating more assets (draft picks or youngsters) for the future.

Thanks,

Al

Greg,

Can you elaborate on who from the Islanders seems to be the driving force on Yashin? I ask because it seems Wang had to be convinced by Nolan and Snow and even Smyth to a degree, so it would only make sense that Wang is fueling a return.

Also, any chance the Ilsanders could be in the mix for Marleau?

LAstly, how real is the interest in Avery?

THANKS!!!!

Greg,

Is there any chance this team will acquire any legitimate scorers for next year? Okposo should (eventually) be great...but we need some established scoring. Too bad about Doobie...he was a very capable back up.

-Steve

Are the Isles looking to deal the #5 pick? If so, how far down are they willing to go?

First line for the Isles next year....

Comeau/Wilson/KO

You read it here first

First line for the Isles next year....

Comeau/Wilson/KO

You read it here first

Hey Greg,

Just wondering who you think the Isles will target this upcoming free agency? I would like to see one of Liles, Campbell, or Redden, but the latter two will probably be overpaid.

Thanks

H07

505's Opening Day Lineup

Up front

Comeau/Wilson/KO
Bergy/Comrie/Guerin
Sim/Sillinger(?-Park if Silly retires)/Hunter
Hilbert/Park/an enforcer to be named later.

D-men

Witt, Sutton, Martinek, Gervais, Campoli, Meyer and Hillen. (Somebody spends time with Deb in the booth).

Tambellini, Gervais and Campoli are trade bait to bolster the center and wing positions.

Go for Langkow in UFA season.

Just my opinion.....from 2 time zones away.

Hey Greg,

Alexi @#$$@ #$!@&^$%%# Yashin, tell me this isn't true...

Why don't the Islanders just package Dipietro and Okposo so they can trade up and select the best goaltender in the draft...oye vey...maybe even bring back Milbury so he can pull the trigger on the deal. Please ask Garth if he's taken one too many pucks to the noggin.

Long suffering embarrassed isles fan..

How could this team possibly even consider signing Yashin again? Bought him out for a reason! Sometimes, even if the player is great, you have to move on and go in another direction. What is the Islanders real interest in Yashin? Is this just a case of agent trying to pump up his client for interest elsewhere?

WE NEED HOSSA AND AUCOIN.

RELAY TO GARTH HE DOING A TERRIBLE JOB.

Yashin? are you kidding me? Time and time again I watch this franchise sink deeper and deeper and I remain loyal. If the Islanders do in fact sign a washed up 15 goals (if we're lucky) a season player well past his prime I might, just might have to start rooting for the Rangers. They need someone who knows what the hell it takes to run a successful franchise. PATHETIC

My plan hasworked great. I was once and always will be a Ranger. Ever since I got my hooks into your organization you have had problems. Nice move with Doobie. He was too good for you guys. Bringing Yashin back is brilliant. I here you might be able to get Bossy and Potvin back too. Only difference is they worked hard and made my team look bad.

Hey I didnt have a chance to get on here at 1 p.m. Has newsday posted the transcript anywhere so I can read the questions and Greg's answers?

Thanks.

Again, the transfer agreement won't be an issue. If they (Russians) were that hell bent on keeping Filatov they'd likely have tried to prevent him from interviewing with 25 NHL teams and working out at the combines. Filatov has said he will 'do anything' to play in the NHL. If that means pulling a Frank Abigail like Malkin did then so be it.
As for his being too small. He's 5'11" and 175lbs. At 18 years old he'll probably end up filling out to near 6' tall and 195 lbs. That's a decent size for a skill player

Note that Sidney Crosby is 5'11" 200 lbs. With proper training Filatvo will reach that size as well.

Patrick Kane is even smaller and look what he did. You have to understand these are still kids. He seems to have terrific skills. That said, I wouldn't mind Colin Wilson. I'd love to trade down slightly, graby him or Hodgson and pick up a pick or a player (McCabe?).

WOW!! Nobody asked about Blaker Wheeler?

I was curious to see if the Isles talked to him since he was eligible to talk to other clubs.... oh well.

Zipay is reporting on his blog that the Ranger's have signed some kinda Dirty Swede.....an agitator in the Avery model.

Which is either sending a warning shot across Avery's bow or is telling Avery to take his 4 mil/year demand on a long hike.

Anyone know of any teams out there with 4 mill to throw around?

I am torn on signing Avery.
On the downside...
A/Is he recovered from the spleen injury?
B/Does signing him fill the need for an "enforcer"? NO.

On the plus side,....
A/I don't care about the distractions if he puts up 25 goals a year.
B/Allow Bergy to focus on point production rather than being a "pest", besides Avery is better at it.

In conclusion?
I would neither be particulary excited nor disappointed if Avery was signed...

Avery is not a good pest, he is a GREAT pest. With that said, he does not fit on the Island. He has tasted NYC and will not look back. He is not the type that will be a team player on a team with sooooo many holes. He belongs on a team on the brink of winning it all. Like ruttu on Pitt.

The questions today were softballs.....Horrible....Not sure if they only picked the ones they wanted, or if no one was able to join the mix. I was caught up in the US Open and completely forgot! My fault!

My question was going to be about Mr. Chris Dey and how this moron has a job. I think someone did touch on it....If this geek has any say in the hockey decisions than the team MUST be sold immediately.

Is it me or does Wang surround himself with people that are new to their positions or are in need of a job???? A little insecure or what????

p.s As predicted the team is going ALL YOUTH and we can expect a very young experienced team this year....Get ready for an empty building.......A few trades and a few years to late huh !!!

I pasted this from Hockeybuzz....I've been saying this for mont
hs now. Pitt CANNOT afford both. We need to make a run at Malkin!

According to a source who is among those attending the BOG this Week, At least one owner has told his GM and team people to give "whatever they need to" to get the Penguins #2 Center......

The source told me that the deal would consist of one top three winger one top six forward and two #1 picks....

UPDATED: The source just gave me some clues to follow up on. I believe the team to be an eastern team...which does make this more complicated to say the least.

I am also told the owner cut short a family vacation to discuss this, so that is another big-time clue that I can follow

Hmmmmm, malkin to an eastern conference team. Wouldn't it be a dream come true to land Malkin on Long Island. I have a hard time believing that Pittsburgh would deal him to an Eastern conference team but who knows. I still have a hard time believing they'll deal him at all but it's nice to dream.
I speculated on another board that the Isles talking to Yashin could signal they were attempting to bring in a Russian player. Since Malkin doesn't speak English, it would be interesting if Yashin were being courted as a guide.

"Since Malkin doesn't speak English, it would be interesting if Yashin were being courted as a guide."

Yashin is perfectly welcome to come back and work off his current contract and become the world's most expensive interpreter.
He can hang out on the bench and be Nolan's voicebox to Malkin and Martinek. He can even skate a little during practices and bring along Ms. Alt for fun.
Don't ever put a jersey on him again.

Just my opinion.

505 .. I'll add to your post by saying ... The Isles have a lot more inexpensive options if they need an interpreter for Malkin.

I've already seen a TSN article that states the Pens fully intend on making Malkin an offer ... and that Malkin WANTS to remain a Penguin ... he's not looking for Crosby money ... and the Pens can project a higher cap year over year ... the problem for the Pens is can they sign their level two players .... they offered MAF arbitration ... so that salary is going to be a ??? for now ... so they really don't know what they can afford to pay Malkin until MAF's arbitration hearing.

Also ... the Pens can't extend Malkin's entry level contract until the current deal expires .... so Malkin dreamers .... don't hold your breath ... besides ... even if he's dealt ... long shot he's headed to the Island .... the Isles lack the prospect assets to trade for a player of that level.

UPDATE FOR THIS FRIDAY:

Attention NIMBY's.

Due to an apparent scheduling change in the last month by NHL HQ...the start of Friday's Draft is now starting at 7PM. As such, the organizing committee of the First Annual NIMBY (Newsday Islander Mainstream Blogging Yahoos - Trust me, we love things in our backyard) Pre-Draft Gala, after lodging a furious protest with Gary Bettman's office for not notifying us (it's an Islander conspiracy thing), have changed the times for our event to 5PM-7PM, still at the Marriott.

We encourage all Newsday Islander Mainstream Blogging Yahoos to stop by and say Hi!!

Thanks for your patience and understanding...

The NIMBY organizing Committe

Blake Wheeler has agreed to sign with the Bruins .... any news there Steady?

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/20001569.html?location_refer=Gophers:highlightModules:3

There are a few Ice Girl Swings that would look very nice in my backyard.

Look forward to meeting everyone at the Marriott on Friday....
Starting at 5PM.

The invitation to Mr. Bettman has been recalled.

As I said before, I have a hard time believing that Pittsburgh would actually trade Malkin however it is reported that Hossa will sign a 7 year $52 million deal soon. If this is in fact the case, with Fleury heading to arbitration, and the Pens still in need of signing half the team, it may be interesting to see what happens. Still, Malkin is arguably the best player in the NHL (at leat one of the top three) so they'd be fools to let him go.
I certainly don't want Yashin back although in the lovely dreamland in this Malkin-senario it would be an acceptable purpose for him. That being said, if Malkin were dealt (and the Pittsburgh Tribune has speculated so as of today) it most certainly wouldn't go to a division rival.

In the end, this whole Yashin situation almost seems like media relations on Yashin's behalf by the Isles. It's no secret that Snow was friends with Yashin and Charlie loved 'posting up' with him. It wouldn't surprise me if the Isles were willing to allow Yashin to use their name in hopes of drumming up interest from other teams. It would be an utter PR nightmare for this team to actually bring him back. I never questioned his effort like so many have, it's his ability I question. Yashin was never a true 40 goal scorer despite his stats. Big, slow, forwards with average puckhandling skills and good wrist shots don't fair to well in today's NHL. $7.6 has to buy more. With them reportedly asking for 'Guerin money' (+$2.2 for the buyout) his salary hit would approach the albatros-like $7.6 hit. There's no way this is really going to happen..

Calm down. There is no chance of Yashin returning here. It is simply his agents way of stirring the pot to see if any other interest floats to the top.

I can never remember a guy so big that was so easily knocked to the ice as Yashin. He and Kozlov were two powderpuffs who fell over if you looked at them with a mean face. And they are both big guys. I used to wonder what Jason Blake would have been like if he had Yashins size........Sir William

Sir William ~ Couldn't of said it better myself ... Yashin was an over paid and perhaps unfairly tagged with big expectations ... but that is the price to pay when you get a huge contract.... that I'm sure his agent demanded ... I don't think Milbury was just being nice when he signed that deal .... he got roped in by Yashin's agent considering the recent history of the Isles at the time of Yashin's signing ... Gandler (Yashin's agent) ... knew Milbury was desperate for stability and proposed a contract that would hold the Isles hostage to Yashin for 10 years and the ransom was Wang's millions.

Yashin was the most expensive powder puff in the NHL.
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Kman ~ Think about this for a second .... if you are the Pens.... who would you rather sign for big bucks? Malkin ... a 21 super star in the making for 7 years and perhaps $60M? or Hossa ... a 29 year old fading star ... for 7 years and $52M? Who gets you the best return?

I'm not sure if you saw a posting I made a couple of months ago that linked an article that showed that NHL players' skills begin diminishing at around 28 years old. To compare that finding with actual stats I took the top 20 scorers of all-time ... and all of them averaged less points per year vs. their respective all time best year .. some of them still posted good numbers ... but just weren't at where they were in their peak years between 25 and 28.

That being said .... look at Hossa's #'s the last 5 seasons...

29 yo 29G 37A 66P
28 yo 43G 57A 100P
27 yo 39G 53A 92P
26 yo Lockout
25 yo 36G 46A 82P
24 yo 45G 35A 80P

Clearly as it stands right now ... Hossa's point totals in his peak years validate that study... Last season was his lowest point total since he had 66P in 2002 ... and his lowest goal output since he last scored 29G in his first full season.

Hossa most likely will produce lower than what he averaged the last 6 seasons of his career over the next 7 years ... and he definitely doesn't deserve a 7 year locked in raise .. wouldn't the Pens be smarter to give what was suggested to Hossa plus a bit more to Malkin ... who at 21 y/o only has his best years ahead of him?

I really think that when we ALL read these speculative articles around the league ... rumors and all we have to take it with a grain of salt. Even Logan's article about Yashin was kind of twisted in the media ... no where in that article was there a mention from the Isles point of view that they were seriously considering Yashin .. just the fact that Yashin's agent said they talked ... and the Isles weren't happy with the figure. Nor should they be considering what Yashin's agent hinted at. Maybe he can be the Isles' locker oom attendant???

RE: Guerin's Surgery ...

I think we already figured out that he had some time of surgery when he was seen with a sling on his arm. The question now is ... which arm? I believe a photo showed it on his left shoulder... I can't recall... nor can I find the original web page I saw it.

I don't think it's much of a big deal..... for the record ... my brother noticed back in early February when Guerin returned after he left the ice after putting on a hit ... that he seemed to be favoring his shoulder kind of like Comrie was .... again ... my brother is a defenseman that looks to recognize these weaknesses in forwards.

I'll worry more about Guerin in Sept. ... only his age and recovery time should really be a concern

You know the thing that annoys me about the injury disclosure is why the team doesn't just comment on injuries. It's not the playoffs, why do we have to hear about this stuff when DiPietro inadvertently lets it slip on the radio or Newsday presses them about it. Just seems strange to me, why not be as transparent as possible?

In my mind, the Pens would be absolutely wrong to let Malkin go. He was their best player this year and while I know he faded in the playoffs, he might end up being a more dominant player than Crosby when you consider his size and ability to score goals. They won't let him go. Somehow, they'll find a way to make it work.

With regard to Yashin, I agree with most of the folks here that the agent is trying to make up for the money that Yashin lost because of the buyout and trying to stir the pot to get the Isles to bring him back. While I appreciated his skill and didn't hate him as much as most of the fans, I do feel that the organization would be taking a step back by bringing him back. I do want to say though, I haven't met a nicer guy when it came to autographs or spending time with the fans. It's a shame the way it played out, because he was a dominant player prior to coming here. He was actually an MVP runner up.

See you at the draft party.

Previewing your Comment
19 Isle- No question I'd rather sign Malkin. I consider Malkin quite possibly the best player in the NHL. That being said, I'm not the Penguins, and the rumors of this deal aren't just coming from one source. They've come from several including the local Pittsburgh outlets. I'm sure Montreal will still try to become players in the Hossa deal but I actually think that Pittsburgh, despite the salary woes, will try to sign BOTH Malkin and Hossa.

As for referring to Hossa as a 'fading star' I think you couldn't be further off. Hossa is a premier talent in the NHL and will remain so for another 5 years or so. Yes I think Malkin will be better but it becomes a question of filling needs. Pittsburgh has their big time center with Crosby and they would be quite happy to ensure that Hossa will be there to play by his side.
In regards to players skills diminshing at 28, I think you'll see that begin to change with time. Scientifically we are finding that adult males are lasting in their 'physical prime' beyond the conventional ages and with the NHL now being more about skill and less about the clutch and grab physicality, players will last a bit longer. In additon, nutrition and conditioning is better than ever and we're seeing more and more players remain at older ages and continuing to be effective. 3 of the top 10 scorers in the NHL are around 33-35 years old (Alfredsson, Kovalev, Iginla) with St. Louis just missing the top 10 at 33yo. 5-7 years of Hossa is a very sound investment if the price is right. Remember that Hossa has also said he'd take less to remain in Pittsburgh.

you know it's an even sad-er day on the Island when you wake up to read the Snow and the Bubbleheads are considering resigning Yashin.
brings back the bad dreams of the Smyth trade...

just as i was sure a gamebreaking offensive player (darren mcfadden) would be taken before my jets this year, i will bet the ranch that filatov will be scooped up before the isles go on the clock....its just the way my life as a fan goes. my teams all suck balls and cause me pain. in fact, id say he goes the pick before and the isles pick a dman who is a stiff...

The Mick,

Stop by the Marriott beforehand to meet the NIMBY's

Free admission if you are wearing a NBR 7 and pinstripes.

Don't be so sure of that....watch for my boy Colin Wilson if Filatov is off the board at 5.

I 100% agree these speculative articles are in part just to get readers. I just don't think the Penguins of all teams could afford two #1 priced centers. I don't think Malkin after this past year where HE not CROSBY is in the running for the MVP is going to take a pay cut to play in PITTSBURGH. The penguins put all their stock in crosby as they should but Malkin could turn out to be as good or better.

I just don't think you will see Malkin in Pitt jersey after next year and the Islanders should go full force whatever it takes to go get him.

We do have some prospects that teams would be interested in. Tambs was a top goal scorer in the AHL last year even though he did nothing on the top level teams could see promise there. Plus we have draft picks. I just don't think its out of the realm of possibility like most bloggers have treated it.

Why doesn't Wang bring in Jerry Yang from Yahoo! to be GM. We could have the Wang and Yang show.

Ok,

I read the TSN mock draft and player rankings and here is what the islanders should do:

trade the #5 and campoli for McCabe and their #7. With the #7 take Kyle Beach. I am paraphrasing but TSN ranks him 10th and is a Owen Nolan power forward with a Claude Lemieux nastiness. He scored 27 goals and totaled 60 pts with 220 penalty minutes. He is the ideal power forward, willing to get into the tough areas to score, will drop the gloves, and is the best competitor among the top ranked guys. HMMM we had a player who fits that category I think his nickname was Jethro? This is exactly what the Islanders need. Wouldnt that look great. Beach patrolling the ice while KO does what he wants. Then go the UFA/RFA route to bring in a top forward. I still believe going the youth route solely is a recipe for disaster because you need guys who can play at the nhl level and it is a risk that can set your franchise back years if your drafts are not strong and smart.

Toronto wants Filatov so they can take him at #5, the top dmen the islanders are focusing on will not be there at 5. So you get a top forward and your PP dman with McCabe. Your D corp looks the following:

Marinek/Witt
McCabe/Sutton
Meyer/Gervais/Hillen/Fata/Spiller

Not bad Jisles...Not bad at all...Like your thinking!

I have said all along they should take a page from the Pats and trade that pick for more picks or a pick and a player!

Absolutely no Kyle Beach. No way, no how.

The kid has serious attitude questions, and he can't be considered a "big-time enforcer." His foray into fighting this year resulted in recurring concussion problems.

Wouldn't do that deal. The Isles are better off staying put and drafting Filatov (if still there) or one of the big defensive prospects. I don't know what it is with this site (Newsday) but so many of you are huge on McCabe. Toronto can't get the kid out of there fast enough. He is a defensive liability that has not adjusted to the 'new' NHL. Notice how poorly his defensive play has been since the NHL cracked down on the can-opener.
As for Kyle Beach, there are major concerns about his attitude and temper.
As for "Then go the UFA/RFA route to bring in a top forward", until this team has a new stadium you can pretty well kiss that idea goodbye. They weren't exactly knocking on the door last year after the 'statement trade' the Isles made. No NHL star wants to sign a deal to play in a building that has Shi# leaking on the excecise equipment. Build it...and they will come (whispers 'go the distance')

I've just got to repeat my feelings on this, so incase it happens you can all imagine the tirade I'll be making ...

I'm actually very open to who they draft - O or D...but they better not draft Schenn or any other "stay at home" D-man ...I'll be open for trades, or other players to be drafted, but a stay at home d-man with the #5 pick will cause a melt down in the AZS household ...

I thought only my old post can cause an AZS melt down ??? LOL

That's a fair assessment ;-)

But, atleast when you and I were exchanging pleasantries I knew I was talking to a fan of the team ....a fan that made me want to yank my hair out, but a true fan regardless ;-)

I just don't want to see this pick wasted on something that could be aquired in a later round ...

I've seen many mock drafts, some involving trades up to #2, some involving trades down ...some involving us taking almost everyone lol ...I just want it to happen already!

the Pittsburgh Tribune has now CONFIRMED the Hossa offer.

"The Penguins have made signing right wing Marian Hossa to a long-term contract their No. 1 priority, according to several players, agents and team officials who spoke to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the condition of anonymity.
All other offseason moves will be determined by the Penguins' success or failure in this pursuit of Hossa, who scored 12 goals and recorded 26 points in 20 Stanley Cup playoff games skating alongside star center Sidney Crosby. Hossa said after the Stanley Cup final that he would "take less to play on a good team.
The Penguins, a Cup finalist, plan to test that claim. Their offer is likely to be worth nearly $50 million over seven years - a marginal raise on his 2007-08 salary of $7 million"

No to stay at home d-men at #5

If Doughty, Bogo and Filatov are gone trade down (to get the offence we need) and get additional 2nd rounder, don't want someone else's trash.

I'll take last place next year and a chance for the first pick in the lottery, and alot of experience for the kids (God help Nolan)

Got to restock the farm, we have neglected and wasted it for too long.

Posting something now incase I don't have time to post tomorrow morning ... gotta hit Dallas for a few days ... so this could be my last post before the draft if my access to the internet is limited.

Kman ... thanks for the update regarding Hossa ... If the Pens do land Hossa for $7M @ 7 years ... they'll have space to fit in Malkin ... but will be waving bye bye for Malone who'll be lookng for at least $4M per .....

Also ... adding to your list of 30+ year olds (ok .. Iginla is just 30) that play close to their peak #'s beyond 28. but I'm adding Jason Blake to your list ... but look at him this year ..... In my previous post I never said that ALL players can't match their peak numbers beyond 28 .... I said they begin diminishing ... and there are many other factors for players' decline in ability (injuries, ability to rebound from injuries and teammate skill level).

You even acknowledged that I mentioned dimished skills ... I never said a player doesn't remain a star ... I said ... fading star ... they start to have a bit of tarnish to the luster that define their career after 28 .... Alfredson as an example is a great example of a player that excelled more as the talent surrounding him improved .. not to mention he's the type to step it up.

However .... as I mention ... the top 20 all time NHL players have NEVER matched their peak performance after age 28 .... and they all AVERAGED .... doesn't mean they didn't have a great season thrown in there .... but AVERAGED ... less production in the 7 years following their 29th birthday than they did the 5 years prior to their 29th birthday ... it's just a fact .... Gretzky and Lemiuex weren't even immune to this fact .... YES they were still stars ... just of a lesser magnitude than their peak ....

That being said ... was my arguement for resisting giving Hossa a raise for the next 7 years was based on the fact of having to choose between him or Malkin if they could only pick one or the other .... I think that choice is clear ... especially since you also mentioned that Malkin will be better over the longer term.
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Beach ... NO WAY!!! ... Not a top 8 pick ... maybe #10 ... definitely not a #5 .... as others have mentioned here he's got an attitude problem, and repeated concussion problems ... I'm not going to want to risk such an important pick on such a risky selection.

YES ... we need a bruiser with some offensive upside ... but not like this ... Gillies as great as he was at all parts of the game NEVER would of made the HOF w/o Bossy, Trotts and Potsy along with Smitty .... just wouldn't of happened ... and that isn't to diminish Jethro's contribution ... it's just a fact .... and we can't assume we'd pick up those other parts after drafting Beach ... Gonna leave it there.

I'm for picking Filatov if we can't trade down closer to the 6th - 7th place ... I don't think Wilson will be on the table at #8 ... just my feeling... and I think we might have to take Wilson at #5 ... I don't envy Snow at this draft ... tough choices.
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Kevin and I are going to try to make the draft party on Friday ... I already changed my plans for Friday afternoon and am flying back in to Newark instead of Atlantic City.... thank God ....

The fact that the NHL moved up the draft time .. will thusly make my attempt to make the NIMBY pre-draft primer close to impossible to make since I'm scheduled to be arriving at EWR at 4:25 .... as long as the flight stays ontime that is .... but it should still give us time to make the draft party.

Don't know what I'll be wearing yet to ID me .. but Kev said he's wearing his Kelly Green Islander's cap ... YES ... he does wear it in the City for St. Patty's Day ... and usually gets into it with Rags fans at NYC bars ... LOL!!

I'm going to make every attempt to get online before the draft while in Dallas.... I'm not taking my laptop .. so I'll have to figure out how. I'm sure my company's new facility as I-NET ....

Till then ... lets have a great draft .... 1st Round Offensively Gifted Blue Chipper ... Very Important .... 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th round diamonds in the rough ... VITAL!!

Okay, here I go with my thoughts on draft day. Since i'll be working for the rest of this week, I may not have time to do this later.

Above the the Islanders, only the Kings are rumored to being interested in Filatov. If the Kings do take him, I think the Islanders will likely pick Pietrangelo, since he'll probably be the remaining top defenseman, the Islanders have been looking at.

If Filatov, is available for the Islanders, and if the Islanders don't want Filatov, then the only team I'd be willing to trade with would be Phoenix. They hold the 8th pick overall, and have a few assets, the Islanders could use.

I would trade the 5th overall pick, and Gervais for LW/RW Vrbata (assuming he would agree to sign with the Islanders), Ballard (Powerplay Quaterback, top 4 d-man potential) and their first round pick. With the 8th pick, i would go with Hodgson, if Wilson was not available.

If Phoenix does want to trade, drafting either Filatov or Wilson improves the depth chart.

Dont trade with Toronto. They're a financial mess, keep them that way. Columbus is looking to trade down and get some proven players, so they're building for "Now." Phoenix is losing Vrbata to free agency, and have enough powerplay quaterbacks, in Jovanowski, and Morris. The key to my trade is Vrbata if he agreed to sign with the Islanders.

We'll see.

Last post from me for a while .... Newsday breathes a sigh of relief as they will have no bandwidth issues to contend with...

Netminder good post ... and food for thought. Your idea is worth considering...

Just got off the phone with Julien ... they've been busy pouring over the clips and rankings of ALL the players in the draft ... he said the concensus is ... (you can stop reading here Sir W ... since you probably aren't interested in his opinion) ... anyway ... the concensus from most scouts in his company is that the following players resembled the following players when they were 18 ...

Doughty ... Cam Neely
Bogosian ... Denis Potvin
Pietrangelo ... Coffey / Leetch

Now before we all get excited ... and start criticizing / praising these comparissons .... Julien emphasized ... #1 ... it's a different game now ... so different parameters .... and #2 the above HoF players all were very unique unto themselves ... these prospects might even become better than the past stars they were compared with ... depends on who they end up playing with during their careers ... but that all 3 of those D-men have that potential to be super stars. They do each have their own challenges to conquer in order to fulfill that potential though.
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If we take a forward ... who do we take?
Wilson? Filatov? Hodgson? Boedker?

Do we trade down for more picks / prospects / veteran skill?

Lots of questions ... lots of paths to take.... ONE thing for certain ... I have a feeling that no matter what is decided ... Snow is going to get jumped all over for his choice .... We all think we're smarter than Snow ... and ya know what? I bet some of us might make a better choice ... mostly by "guessing" the right choice ... we'll know that answer down the road.
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Hope to catch up with some of you guys at the draft party ... I'll try to get online access while away.

Here is a draft preview from Hockey Futures regarding the Islanders .... I tend to take these with a grain of salt... a bunch of Julien's sit in a room and come up with this .... wink

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/10427/islanders2008_draft_preview/

If Drew Doughty falls to the Islanders I will burn offerings to the hockey gods for years and years and years.

If he's off the board, and so is Filatov, WILSON WILSON WILSON.

However, Netminder's idea might not be bad...honestly, as I told 505 earlier, I just want the draft to happen so we can move straight to 1/3 of the fan base crucifying Snow over the pick and swearing to never support the team again.

Looking forward to seeing all the NIMBY's on Friday.

If Phoenix does NOT want to trade, drafting either Filatov or Wilson improves the depth chart.

Sorry typo on my end.

Isles-19, you make some great points on the 28 and over club however as I mentioned before, that number is going to continue to rise with better conditioning and evolution in it's own right. Gretzky and Lemieux's stats didn't hold up post 30 for a few reasons. For Gretzky, no longer playing on the most potent offense in NHL history tends to drag down your numbers a tad. For Lemieux, cancer and severe spinal issues will tend to deteriorate your numbers as well. Also both players entered their 30+ years when the NHL reached the clutch and grab stage that dragged EVERYONE's numbers down. As you mentioned some players expereince bumps at 30+ (Brett Hull comes to mind). In sports players physical prime is generally considered to be between 27-32 however that number is rising these days with more and more players playing until 40.
As I said originally, I fully expect the Pens to sign both players (consider Malone already with Columbus).

How about this scenario. ESPN is reporting that the Kings might be looking to shop their #2 overall pick as they have been bringing in prospects that fall anywhere between #5 and #15. Maybe the Isles can package their 5 and something (no idea) and move up to grab Bogosian or Doughty. I have a feeling we are going to end up with either Wilson or Hodgson. Filatov likely will be gone to St. Louis.

Kyle Beach intrigues me but his potential concussion history and lack of maturity scares me for this high a pick. I agree with most of the NIMBY's that Snow will get criticized for this pick no matter what he does. Hell, I was of the mindset that they should have taken Mueller over Okposo a few years ago, but we'll see how that one plays out. I just hope they don't trade out of the top ten and this player that is picked turns out to be a good one.

Islander 505, I'll have a black Roger Federer Nike hat and 1980 Mitchell and Ness Isles home throwback jersey on, on Friday. See you all at the draft party.

Mick, you can stop by the Marriott beforehand and meet all of us, as per my announcement above.

Since late February we have all pretty much agreed that Snow can't go wrong with the 1st pick. (Although I would prefer if he stayed away from Filatov and Beach---BTW I am gonna go out on a limb and say that Beach goes no higher than 15).
It has been stated many times by a number of us that the key to the draft for the Isles is what Snow does with the 4 picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds

I have not read any possible scenarios from anyone with those picks.
I realize that looking that far into the draft requires some SUPREME research. Bordering on an obsession that matches 19Isles comment lengths and my frequency on this and other Newsday blogs.

Anyone have any wherewithal to make some suggestions for the second and third rounds?
Something beyond the "best athlete available"?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11476

This has a nice link to the guys we can expect to look at in the 2nd round. Some intriguing people on there, to be sure.

Regarding Filatov:

I read in an article on NHL.com today that its been his dream from the beginning to make the NHL and that since he is not under contract next year with any Russian team, the fact there is no transfer agreement is a moot point. I don't know how much homerism goes on at NHL.com so I take it with grain of salt but I don't think getting him over here will be an issue at all

Just got off the phone with 19 Isles.

He told me to write some stuff for him on the blog, but I told him I only have 2 hours of spare time this evening so no go. :-) J/K

Actually I read back what he wrote this morning to him, and he said he made a huge typo. He put Cam Neely down for Doughty instead of Ray Bourque. He said he had Boston on the brain, and meant to put down Colin Wilson as a Cam Neely type but as for comparing Wilson to another center it was a Francis / Arnott type with more offensive upside. He neglected to put that this morning. Quite frankley I'm shocked to tell you the truth.

I told him that 505 was wondering who the Isles should take in the 2nd round. He actually had a few answers. I never heard of em so I'll try to do this and test my short term memory.

Forget it. I just got him back on the phone. Don't ask me how he remembers this junk.

19 said that if the Isles get a forward (Filatov, Wilson or Hodgson), then the Isles should make the 1st pick in the 2nd round a defenseman. He was concerned about this because the second round is deeper at forward. So depending on who's available they should grab D- Colby Roback if he survives the first round. He's supposed to be a good puck moving defenseman, but questions about his competitiveness makes him a questionmark.

He said if he's not on the table then they should get another forward and go for defense later in the 2nd round. That forward should be LW Luke Adams (if avail) or Jared Stall if the Isles took Wilson or Hodgson, or they should take a center. Dallton Leville or Maxim Suvea if they got Filatov in the 1st round.

Then for the late 2nd round pick which he thinks is 52nd or 53rd. They should grab that D if they got 2 forwards with the 1st two picks. That Dee-man should be Brandan Burrlon. 19 Isles said he remembered that somewhere it mentioned him having a good shot and moves the puck well, but needs to be more responsible in his own end. If he's not on the table then he doesn't remember all the names. He said the guys he just mentioned are just names he remembed. There are other good guys too, but he's not near a computer to look it up right now.

I knew I shouldn't of asked him.

As for me? I'll keep it simple. I've only been concentrating on the first pick. I like Filatov, Wilson or Hodgson. If they go defense. Then I'm pretty satisified with any of the top 3 defensemen. Doughman, Boggyman or Pietr the angeloh. I think the Islanders need a skilled forward more than defense right now. But then again. I know diddly squat about the prospects in Isles land right now. So I'm not the best person to ask.

Are you people crazy. Signing Yashin cheaply would be a great deal. I know, I don't like his work ethic and his underachieving status, but with that small contract, he'll be much more efficient. You know, getting what your worth. Possibly more motivated. This means with that contract he basically can't underachieve. So basically, now with a new contract we can't fault yashin for not scoring 70 points. The legacy you guys are pinning him to is based on his money not that he's still an effective hockey player.

And by the way, I think yashin putting up 50-60 points with a much cheaper contract is a lot better than any of that garbage already on the island.

Posted some threads here for discussion in regards to the latest goings on. All are free to join and discuss.

Trade up or trade down?, I say stand at five and add another 1st
http://z9.invisionfree.com/IslandersPirateHaven/index.php?showtopic=82&st=0

Snow should avoid Avery at all costs, Low class dirtball can stay at MSG
http://z9.invisionfree.com/IslandersPirateHaven/index.php?showtopic=81