Utah ECHL Partnership With Islanders Over

Utah Grizzlies: Announced on 7/22 they have expanded their role with Calgary, and have parted ways with the New York Islanders organization, whom they had been affiliated with since 2007.

ECHL.com: Has Former Islander-Sound Tiger, Director of Hockey Operations, Kevin Colley comments on the expanded agreement.

NYIFC Comments:
This is an important event folks, Islander affiliates in the ECHL have bounced around for years, shared or otherwise from Atlantic City, Trenton to the franchise that had to cease operations because of Hurricane Katrina, days following the announcement.

In Utah, they finally had a stable ECHL affiliate.

When Bridgeport recalled a player, Utah was where most players came from or were assigned.

For those who follow NYIFC, it was reported several times Calgary shared this affiliation with the Islanders last season, after it was completely an Islander run before this. Utah, long ago was an Islander affiliate, before the team decided to go back there in 2007, with Kevin Colley named head coach, who is now/also the Director of Hockey Operations.

Mikko Koskinen played some games there in their playoffs, and won a deciding game before being recalled.

At this time my speculation is the Isles partner with another ECHL affiliate, in a shared agreement or otherwise. On the groundbreaking news scale it rates a 1.5 because teams go through ECHL affiliations often. It could simply be a matter of wanting an affiliate on the East coast.

The bad news is this concludes any working relationship with Kevin Colley.

As for 6/1/10 the CHL Odessa Jackalopes continue to be an Islanders affiliate. here.

Regretfully, I will have to change the prospect blog to reflect this.
(done)



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Billy Jaffe's Contract Not Renewed

Bob Raissman, of the Daily News reported via industry sources that Islanders color commentator, Billy Jaffe, would likely not have his contract renewed for the 2010-2011 season by Msg Network, who employs him.

Cablevision's Newspaper confirms via Msg, who issued a brief statement so in this instance we can allow source game, because the fact's are confirmed.

NYIFC Comments:
Everyone who appears on an Islander, Devil or Ranger broadcast is an Msg employee.

If Msg decides Sam Rosen is out, and wants Mike Emrick, he calls Ranger games or is out of a job.

Very disappointing day because Mr Jaffe was such a positive with his energy, personality, and he did connect with many of the fans. No doubt he will be quickly hired elsewhere, given his work on Versus/NHL Network, and missed by New York Islander fans.

I don't know what happened behind the scenes, but we all know who regulates all aspects of New York Islander coverage and perception, and who all the people covering games are paid employees of.

It's up to you to decide for yourself who is accountable for this decision.

We are all more than familiar, with coverage double-standards, or what happened to staff members/editors, who decided to print information about Cablevision's teams that reflected anything negative, which former Newsday employee Wallace Matthews, made very clear months ago.

Msg's track record is a mile long with questionable/poor decisions regarding the New York Islanders, but this is about holding down ratings/perception.

From the games taken off television a decade ago, to the club hidden from primary network as often as possible, Metro Guide playoff games, the Metro Ice Challenge fiasco a few years ago over fifty thousand dollars, the pre-game pulled for the first month a few years ago, virtually no summer programming, Msg-Ranger centric coverage some years for Coliseum games, Joe Micheletti's departure to Cablevision's hockey team a few years ago.

The past is a mile-long Msg is not the Islander partner in any decisions, even the final post-game was pulled off live television during an interview in April, on Time Warner outlets.

This is the same network that did not care to go live for Ilya Kovalchuk's press conference when most of North America/New York/New Jersey hockey fans would have tuned in, and would have been good for local hockey. The legendary stories of why Marv Albert was fired from the Knicks speak for themselves.

If some folks want to put this on the New York Islanders, there is nothing I can do about it.

All I can do is point out the long-track record.

There is nothing our team can do in response as long as they are paid until 2030 for broadcast, as Devils/Sabres are also, especially given this is the same outlet reporting on LightHouse coverage.

As for those reporting the story, most are Cablevision employees and need their job, many others now need Msg to make a living, and cannot be critical for fear of losing access, and will be self-muted.

Finally, if you really believe the Islanders wanted Billy Jaffe out and had any control of who Msg hires, you can bet Scott Gordon would have asked management to find someone to replace Rob Carlin, or a more professional road post game interview process involving entire media.

These are my thoughts on this decision, you have to make up your own mind.



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Owner Speaks on Arena Issue: Surcharge On Tickets To Finance Construction

Toronto Sun: The Owner has finally spoken on the arena issue, after two years and nineteen days, and the teams lease which expires in 2014 along with who controls the revenue from the facility.

Among the Highlights:

Under no circumstances would the team play here when their lease runs out in 2014.

"As you know, I've invested $200 million to buy the team. At that time I made a commitment to invest $100 million towards the development of a new arena. In addition, I still fully intend to invest at least another $100 million in leading the development of the arena."

"It's about sustaining the NHL -- it's about our team for the long term ... which today it is NOT," he said.

"We are the only team in the NHL that does not control its arena and the only team that does not receive the non-hockey-related revenues from the facility in which they play. For the sake of comparison, in Calgary, they do not go to the Stampede Board, they go to the Flames," said Marcaccio and then revealed that the team had lost $9 million in each of the last two seasons.

NYIFC Comments:
For our less astute followers, this was about Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz, as he unloaded on Edmonton City Council this week, who play in the third oldest NHL arena, right behind the Nassau Coliseum, the Canadian media does not call the Oilers home arena a dump, nor does the Detroit News/Free Press about the Wings home.

Cooler heads have prevailed in the last day or so as Mr Katz talked up how many hundreds of millions is he willing to spend, while Edmonton politicians are considering a surcharge on tickets to partly pay for financing.

However Mr Katz, is not budging on a new arena, he wants Edmonton to pay for part of it, and he wants full control of revenue from all events.

Edmonton's version of Smg is Northlands, who Mr Katz made clear have to be out, some may recall this building was once named Northlands Coliseum.

As everyone knows it's not NYIFC style to put up a somewhat misleading headline, or article, however there was an obvious purpose behind this that our team is not alone in some of these issues.

Also that this day is likely coming very soon for Charles Wang.

Obviously this is how Mr Wang could have played things from day one of his ownership. AP: for some reason does not recognize the Cablevision Garden as the league's oldest facility.

Now it get's tricky here, Oiler/Canadian media fans, are not going to take Mr Katz comments and twist them (like Charles Wang exploring his options) into a threat to leave, despite Katz very real interest in a Hamilton facility, plus folks able to connect the dots as he has put up a construction deadline.

The Edmonton Sun/Journal need the Oilers to sell newspapers, the loss of the Oilers would be a major hit to their papers so a far different spin than it is here.

I thought folks would be very interested in the similarities, this was my intention behind posting this entry in this manner.
*********************************

Meanwhile on the New York front, the Shinnecock's if they receive federal recognition this year (likely despite being blocked for now) have announced their intention to decide among thirty possible locations by end of calendar year.

Considering they have said they will only go where they are wanted, and it's obvious TOH/Hofstra do not want them, that will likely put an end to any discussion of a Casino on the Coliseum site.

Which leaves Kate Murray having her town meetings, approving FPC limited development (after dragging things out as long as possible), having hearings, and finally telling Wang-Rechler, we have done our part, yes or no?

In short, a project re-done at taxpayer expense only to force someone to say no because it does not work financially.

Perhaps Charles Wang and Mr Katz should have a long talk at the next BOG meeting because make no mistake, and I will write again, the day is likely coming where Charles Wang will have to say many of these things.

For those wondering, Tom Gulotta's final act as Nassau Executive was to slap a surcharge on Islander hockey tickets/other events, which was not to finance a new Coliseum.

Hopefully Ed Mangano is also following some of this too, because he is going to have to break the bad news soon about how taxpayers need to step up for a new Coliseum to preserve Kate Murray's suburbia.




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Matt Moulson's Arbitration Hearing Preview

NHLPA: Released it's arbitration schedule, Matt Moulson if a contract cannot be worked out will have his hearing on 7/27.

NYIFC Comments:
A little unsettling seeing Buffalo walk-away from an arbitration award yesterday, sometimes teams in general set precedents that other teams follow, sometimes not.

Buffalo has had their own past arbitration trends under Darcy Regier.

Player negotiations under Garth Snow's tenure have been first class and out of the media, so far same pattern has held with Moulson, who was at the draft party, and who has been first class in interviews representing the franchise.

After all the supposed problems with Trent Hunter a few years ago, he signed quickly and quietly with both sides praising the other at the end of negotiations.

Brendan Witt when he was given an early extension, was surprised the team did not wait, but was very grateful at the time.

Having written this it's about business for both sides, who have to make the best deal for themselves, whether it be shorter or longer team.

For our purposes we have to leave out locker room impact, because as fans we are not part of that.

What Moulson's agent/representative will argue:
This player was tied for 19th in the NHL in scoring, with no high scoring veterans on his line, with twenty two goals at even strength, who had his share of game winning goals. That he also played all eighty two games, on a team that allowed many goals, had only a negative one rating.

It can also be argued pulling Moulson from Tavares line took him off what was a ninety point pace.

No doubt players making more money/similar production/AHL players with similar breakthroughs will be used as a comparative, including the teams improvement in the standings.

What the Islanders will argue through attorney/representative or Garth Snow, who will not make anyone cry:

Mike Milbury did represent the club for Garth Snow in his first days as general manager at an arbitration hearing, but supposedly did not speak.

You can bet the Islander reps are going to argue comparative players who had thirty goals like former waiver wire fodder, Jussi Jokinen and their salary. That the team wants to see more production in the assist department. I'm not sure where else the club can go in the negative department beyond signing him and giving him an opportunity unless they want to make the point Moulson was paired with a franchise prospect which is why he did so well.

Outcome:
Make no mistake, Snow and the Islanders are at a disadvantage given his production on such a young team. Plus if a one year deal is awarded and Moulson hits UFA next summer, he may well remember the downside of this meeting so things have to be handled very carefully.

Also anyone who watched the games (not hockey arbitrators) may not understand all of Moulson's deflection goals vs quality setups for slam dunk, open-net goals.

Bottom line, Moulson will get a healthy raise. I expect the Islanders to accept the award.

Now that I have written this, no doubt by tonight we will get an announcement of a contract extension with Moulson.

Which suits me fine.




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RICK DIPIETRO RUMOR OF ACCIDENT FALSE PER GARTH SNOW

Per Katie Strang's twitter, Garth Snow spoke with Rick DiPietro tonight, who has not been involved in a car accident.

Bill Daughtry of Espn 1050 also reported DiPietro is perfectly fine as of 10:25pm.

NYIFC Comments:
Nothing else to add, let's get back to hockey.



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ESPN 1050 NOT REPORTING RICK DIPIETRO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CAR ACCIDENT BUT FOLLOWING UP HOWEVER NO CONFIRMATION

ESPN 1050: Bill Daughtry says ESPN is NOT reporting Rick DiPietro was seriously injured in a car accident on Wednesday 7/21, but following up on information they have received.

NYIFC Comments:
Details to follow when/if available, Mr Daughtry was adamant on the air about this as of 9:50pm, with business as usual on the telecast with this not even on their periodic updates.



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New York Signs F Jeremy Yablonski

Islanders website: Reports the club has come to terms with terms on a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract with forward Jeremy Yablonski.

General Manager, Garth Snow comments on the signing.

AHL.com: Has statistical background on Yablonski.

NYIFC Comments:
Obviously a depth signing for Bridgeport, but begs the question, why buy-out a younger enforcer-type, who was given a three year contract in Joel Rechlicz, with Trevor Gillies also likely being used in Bridgeport?

I have no knowledge of Jeremy Yablonski, but added in Mr Fornabaio's blog entry here with his thoughts on this signing. He has wondered if there is a strategy to replace Greg Mauldin, Trevor Smith, and for now Sean Bentivoglio's production, which are very fair questions.

Bridgeport was not a high scoring team with those veterans.



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DiPietro's Contract Still A Good One For Islanders, Quick Hits/Notabes

So much misinformation out there between the poor media coverage, or those who simply look at the length of the deal, and do not understand or care to understand in the media.

Rick DiPietro receives 4.5 million each year for the full length of his contract as long as he is an active player.

If he retires, his contract is over and cap hit eliminated, you don't get paid, and the team does not get a cap hit for a retired player.

If he cannot play insurance pays for whatever terms were agreed to by team at time contract was insured.

Problem obviously right now is until his future playing/health status is determined he is paid at times by insurance, and at times by team. It's tough to know when cap hit goes up or down for one specific year depending on time that player is on injured reserve over six months.

At some points insurance does pay contract when he is out for a long amount of time.

DiPietro was right back when he signed, he left a lot of money on the table because if he were making 10m dollars in a heavily front-loaded deal as he was injured, that would be a far bigger hit to team when insurance company was not paying contract.

Of course, there is always the Cablevision way, just sign a basketball player to a guaranteed max contract of a hundred million dollars, who cannot get insurance because of injuries which means you are on the hook for the entire length of the deal, whether he is injured or not.

If Charles Wang agreed to give Rick DiPietro that kind of contract, everything written about it would be justified.

Of course, it's not in the best interest of media selling select teams/players to the public to play up that aspect.

Quick Hits/Notables:
Martin Brodeur was not very classy about Nassau Coliseum yesterday or Islanders, and it was very disappointing on a day, his team was the focus.

Too bad Cablevision did not give it Knick-like television coverage for a staff that comes in weekly to discuss hockey on their network, and had a national event on their doorstep that demanded coverage, but we have discussed that enough.

Newark paid for a big part of Prudential Center, and handed Devils big part of arena revenue.

With Ilya Kovalchuk, a first place team, and a guaranteed playoff spot the Prudential Center was not sold out often. It was packed with opposing fans during playoffs, or final CAA game where Islander fans were loud in a building not sold out on Easter Sunday.

When New York was a winning team, they sold out every single game, in 2002, they sold out most of the second half.

Devils in their new building are still losing money per owner James Vanderbeek NY Times & Newark Star Ledger.

As for Martin Brodeur, have a cup-cake and go to the Hall of Fame with some class, that was not called for.

Funny, but I did not see NY Times do an article on Dolan's Msg tax exceptions or interview workers around Msg struggling in this economy when they sign free agents but the Times had a reporter in Newark Tuesday for public reaction to Kovalchuk's signing.

Where was the NY Times to interview the public on economy when Yankees needed hundreds of million in tax exemptions, the exact same week they spent 500m on three baseball contracts?

That's right, the same NY Times was reporting on additional bonds that in-effect paid baseball players for both the Yankees and Mets being approved, that helped them finance their stadium construction.

I wonder who NY Times interviews when it's the Giants-Jets, given they claim them as New York, but New Jersey residents pay for the building?

So do some of you still want to keep blaming Charles Wang?
******************************************************
NHL.com: Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly's statement regarding Kovalchuk contract rejection.

NYIFC Comments:
No doubt the " sources " will be out in force for page views/attention.

Lou Lamoriello vs NHL on-paper is a nice battle, but precedent has been set, and approved with many recent front-loaded contracts, it will likely only require some mild tweaking to final years of how Kovalchuk's money is distributed, and a contract will be approved.

Unless Jay Grossman turns into Mark Gandler.

As for Mr Gandler, what part of his claim the New York Islanders had an interest in Alexei Yashin did he really believe translates into any interest in actually signing him, after he did this two years ago?

At least Greg Logan/Newsday were not around to botch the headline and issue another retraction this time.
**************************************************
A little less than two months until training camp, a lot of time to sign or trade for that one scorer Garth Snow indicated he needed when he contacted Kovalchuk's agent by his own words.

Niederreiter, Petrov, Joensuu/Figren could be better than some of those options too, so could giving Trent Hunter's spot to one of them, and adding a scorer in return.

From what I see no chance Travis Hamonic and Calvin deHaan are brought to the NHL at the same time, no chance one of them stay under contract out of the NHL for the next two years.

One of them will have to make this team with a five preseason game window, and split squad games where regulars will have to play those games.

Hint:
If player is in Coliseum lineup, he makes team.
If he is in the Quebec City lineup, no.





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