Next Years Depth Chart

New York Islander Fan Central | 4/02/2009 09:05:00 AM |
Obviously some things will change but I would take Garth Snow at his word when he says, " Next year's team will be very similar to the one we have now ".

I also expect with the Lighthouse-TOH clouds only growing darker and a bigger story than the opening of next season the team will most likely function with a minimal NHL payroll so for those thinking free agents and big bucks even for one player don't count on it with Alexei Yashin (in the KHL finals) cap hit going up to 3.2M next season and the contract obligations they have already.

Our depth chart can mean little for Scott Gordon, we found that out with Blake Comeau who did not make his opening roster last season while Nate Thompson did. No lock for even Bailey to make the club if he has a poor camp.

Here is the forward depth chart on paper of signed players:

Sean Bergenheim-Josh Bailey-Kyle Okposo
Blake Comeau-Frans Nielsen-Trent Hunter
Jeff Tambellini-Richard Park-Tim Jackman

That leaves a lot of players on the outside for now with Andy Hilbert, Doug Weight, Dean McAmmond, Nate Thompson (pick a prospect) including that top pick maybe taking up a spot at forward.

Do we even talk about Joensuu, Marcinko, Figren, or an older player like Iggulden, McLean, Trevor Smith-Sean Bentivoglio breaking through and winning a spot. Rob Hennigar had a good year in the ECHL when he got settled and is hardly a kid by age.

There is also competition for spots on Jack Capuano's squad with more prospects on that teams radar.

All I know is unless a player among those nine listed with contracts for next season are moved the Isles have three spots to fill up front with a top draft pick coming if Hedman is not the pick.

Defense we have gone through recently with all six locked up for at least next year and some for multiple years.

Martinek-Witt
Gervais-Streit
Meyer-Sutton

On the outside: Pock, Hillen (restricted) Dustin Kohn and several prospects.

Depth chart is very crowded already.




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