Speculation on Isles at deadline

New York Islander Fan Central | 2/24/2008 03:42:00 PM | |
This is a really tough call for me because the Islander management is hard to read but there are a few trends.

Seems the Isles committee would rather let someone walk away as opposed to overpaying to keep them, but that does not mean it will work like last year when the Isles were in sixth place, added two players and kept everyone until they signed with other clubs in July.

My speculation is we will see that with a few players, but not all of them.

I do not think they want that many open spots come July and want a core group in place for potential free agents who may want to sign.

We know the circumstances are not as good as a year ago when they were in sixth at the deadline and that may influence them to try and get something back for a veteran but it's hard to say what they are looking for and who they are willing to move but it all seems to start with Satan and Fedotenko.

I also do not see any special dispensation to Mike Milbury's former draft picks.

Here is how I see it:
Ruslan Fedotenko-Toughest call of the bunch given his playoff success and recent scoring outburst which has been critical in the winning streak. My guess is he stays and the Isles take their chances on signing him later unless the offer is too good to turn down.

Is he expecting the Isles to give him a contract for three million again given the inconsistent season he has had, even with injuries being a factor?

This would become Tambellini's spot if he's traded but it's fair to speculate if Fedotenko is moved the Isles see themselves as sellers because his current offensive play will be hard to replace on a roster that does not score enough unless the incoming return plays here now and can produce.

Miroslav Satan-For a trade to happen he must approve it and that's far from a given at this time. If he agrees to go the Isles lose a key player in terms of offensive production and leaves them with a line of Park, Bergenheim and no right wing in the organization who can replace his offensive skills. Blake Comeau does not look comfortable as a right winger even though he played the position as a prospect, Kyle Okposo is not that kind of right wing in terms of shooting skill.

Bill Guerin-With Sillinger now virtually un-tradable does this change the captain's status as someone who they do consider trading? I doubt it.

Josef Vasicek-Considering the injury to Sillinger who would take his spot?

Even if he cannot be resigned and seems too inconsistent to produce as a second line center he's getting the job done at present. If someone calls asking about him you have to listen, especially with Jeremy Colliton and Ben Walter deserving a full look and Frans Nielsen looking good.

Andy Hilbert-Has done a good job as a first line left wing and producing very well but was this a showcase and could he be a throw-in to a bigger trade? I think it's very possible.

Mike Comrie-I see Comrie as the players the Isles keep and will go until July to try and resign. I expect the Isles have made close to their best offer but do need him for the stretch unless he's traded for a center who can score.

Brendan Witt-You never know what offers are coming and if the right young players
with skill are offered how do you not take a chance here to improve your roster?

Richard Park-Unless another team wants him in a trade it's hard to see the Isles including him.

Sean Bergenheim-No doubt other teams will be interested but unless his agent is threatening another holdout or a great young player is part of the return I cannot see Bergenheim moved.

Blake Comeau-A great prospect would have to be part of the return and given the gm's comments on keeping the prospect's it tough to see any deal involving Comeau despite other clubs who will want him.

Frans Nielsen-Only seems to be getting better and not a player you throw into a deal unless a ton of potential comes the other way.

Jeff Tambellini-Teams will be asking for him, if Fedotenko, Bergenheim, Sim, Comeau are all left wings and in the teams plans how do you not listen? Of course how do you let him go without him playing fifty-sixty games at left wing in the NHL.

Chris Simon-Given his playoff experience and how popular he is with other clubs I can see the Islanders moving him and interest from a few gm's. Isles have done their part and beyond to support him but you always look to improve your team, but they do need someone to fill his role because the team has been bullied a few times.

Shawn Bates-He's the player you demand another club take back in a deal if you add salary.

Campoli-Gervais-All depends on the return but it has to be a great one, not for a defensive liability like McCabe who will eat cap space and likely not be as good as eiher one of these players in two years.

Radek Martinek-Teams would have to anti-up big time to take his cap friendly contract and strong defensive play.

Andy Sutton-His recent play and now his injury takes any possible trade off the table unless someone will take his contract to offset one the Isles add.

Jon Sim-Same as Sutton and Bates in that this is a contract you make another team take as filler if you take another club's big contract. Unwritten rule is it takes a year playing to fully recover and we have seen it with Peca, Martinek and Nokelainen.

Bryan Berard-Depth problems on defense make this a tough trade unless you add a defender you can play here now. This is a player who had to sign a tryout contract who will be available again in a few months.

Freddy Meyer-Isles just extended his contract, he cleared waivers twice and is doing a good job.

Aaron Johnson-Depth issues and some good upside make this a player you consider trading if another team is interested if you acquire something to make your team better but it's hard to see huge demand for Johnson considering he was a free agent.

Wade Dubielewicz-Doubtful he will be in big demand.
Rick DiPietro-Not going anywhere.