New York Roster Breakdown Entering UFA

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/30/2012 05:36:00 AM |
Free Agency opens at noon 7/1 Est.

How many real job openings are here for Garth Snow to target free agents/trades?

For this entries purposes anyone entering UFA is not coming back. 

Final Words On Islanders Likely Departing UFA

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/29/2012 06:00:00 PM | | | | | | |
Virtually nothing out there on Islanders soon to be likely departing unrestricted free agents, so why not a few words/thanks, best of luck for them moving forward in the hope their NHL careers continue in some cases.

New York's Plan For Free Agency on 7/1/12

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/28/2012 10:00:00 PM | | | | | | | | | | | |
On Thursday, the New York Islander prospects played a game on ITV at Iceworks.

It's almost fair to ask are the players developing here a better choice than who will make up a very weak UFA market again that opens at noon on Sunday?

But let's take an outsiders look at how the New York Islanders likely will operate when the market opens.

2008 NYIFC Exclusive E-Mail Exchange With John Rolfe of SI.com

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/28/2012 07:10:00 PM |
SI.com: New York Islander Fan Central exchanged several e-mails with John Rolfe in July 2008 where we discussed the club's coverage at this publication.

 The Islander Follies gallery, by the way, was the idea of a fellow Isles fan in our photo department who has known only the struggle and the handful of modest successes like the recent playoff appearances.
 From time to time, our writers have looked at other franchises -- Jim Kelley frequently takes the Maple Leafs to task for their incompetence and Al Muir has gotten after the Blackhawks and Bruins, although not to the extent of putting a photo gallery together.
         -John Rolfe SI.com July 2008

NYIFC Comments:
SI.com had their unknown person in their photo department update their page for the first time since 2008, so I re-released my blog entry so you understand what's behind this according to John Rolfe of SI.com

Given that SI.com is not budgeted for exclusive full-time New York Islander coverage and operates at the John Spano level in terms of New York Islander spending, this is all they can apparently afford in 2012.

More like SI.com follies. 

Brent Thompson Named Assistant/Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/27/2012 04:18:00 PM | | | | | | |
 Islanders website: announced today that Brent Thompson has officially been named an assistant coach.

 “Brent did a great job in Bridgeport last year molding our young prospects into a division-winning team,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. “With his coaching experience and defensive expertise, we’re excited for him to join our coaching staff.” 
Thompson did an ITV interview.

 Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports Bridgeport is also losing Matt Bertani to the Islanders, he will be the team’s new video coach, and that Eric Boguniecki is expected back. 

NYIFC Comments:
You can go in ten different directions with this because many organizations keep assistant coaches through several coaching changes, while others do not.

Is this another potential successor for Jack Capuano if the club does not start well, should he have had the right to pick his own head coaches as many NHL organizations do permit, even thought his experience since 2005 has only been with this organization?

Capuano was sent down to Bridgeport after Steve Stirling's dismissal.  

Bottom line does a rookie AHL coach in 29th place at the end of the calendar year 2011, that takes a team to fifteen games over five hundered/first place deserve a promotion or do you want him teaching prospects in what will largely be a different Bridgeport team?

Is this coach who was a successful ECHL hire a year ago ready to be an NHL assistant? 

Despite what happens with the NHL CBA, Bridgeport will need a head coach at some future point.

Unless something changes the Islanders bench will carry one less assistant, but three assistants in many cases were one extra.

On a related note, former assistant, Dean Chynoweth has been named head coach of the Lake Erie Monsters an affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche AHL.com

NYIFC Comments:  
Thrilled for Dean Chynoweth, now let's see if Scott Allen can land a head coaching job. 
********************************
Griffin Reinhart did his first interview since draft night.

NYIFC Comments:
Outside of the ITV interview draft night beyond Tsn entertainment interview, we never got to see him get a formal interview on stage during the draft.
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Tsn.ca: Report Blake Comeau (not qualified) was resigned by the Flames which was no surprise given management's comments they wanted him back.

New York Mini Camp Roster Announced

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/25/2012 11:39:00 PM |
Islanders website: Released their official mini-camp roster with profiles/background.

Invited Forwards:
Adam Berkle, Andrew Calof, Remy Giftopoulos, Dmitri Goldenkov, Josh Holmstrom, Beau Lardner, Max MacKay, Johnny McGuire, Michael Pereira, Hiromichi Terao, KJ Tiefenworth.

Jason Clark, Mitchell Theoret are the unsigned drafted prospects participating.

Invited Defenseman: 
Sean Escobedo, Patrick MacGregor, Joe Marciano, Bennett Schneider, Oleg Yevenko.

Andrey Pedan, Robbie Russo, Scott Mayfield, Brenden Kichton are the unsigned drafted prospects participating.

Invited Goaltenders:
Kevin Boyle, Ken Reiter, Alex Vazzano.
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All seven defenders drafted on Saturday are in camp.
********************************
* NCAA players may attend NHL summer development camps, or prospect camps, but must pay their own way (transportation, lodging, food, etc for those wondering about Anders Lee, who attended last year's camp.


New York Blue-White Game On ITV

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/25/2012 06:00:00 PM |

Islanders website: Report 6/28/12 Blue-White game at Iceworks is a sellout and will be on ITV.

ITV broadcast will be a live stream on NewYorkIslanders.com beginning with warm-ups at 6 p.m. for a 6:30 puck drop.

Blue team members include Kirill Kabanov, Scott Mayfield, Brock Nelson, Griffin Reinhart, Ryan Strome and Johan Sundstrom, while some of the top prospects suiting up in white jerseys this year are Casey Cizikas, Nino Niederreiter, John Persson, Mike Halmo and Ville Pokka.

NYIFC Comments:
It should be noted many of the prospects from Bridgeport (Ness, Donovan, Ullstrom, Persson) are part of this camp also. Isles did a terrible job advertising a prospect camp for 2011-12, even if possible CBA issues forced some changes, many teams announced their camp. 

The Nassau Coliseum is not available this week for those wondering why Thursday's game was not scheduled there.

The mystery for me would be who's playing goal in the Blue-White game (or any on-ice workouts) unless Nilsson, Koskinen flew in from Europe with the later highly unlikely because he only has a qualifying offer, and played for a team in Finland last season after leaving Bridgeport?

Kevin Poulin was at the draft party, he is shown participating in workouts.

Cody Rosen played one game for Clarkson last season.

To my knowledge veteran NHL players are not permitted to participate in prospect camps.

Likely the Isles are bringing in some walk on tryout goaltenders.

New York Qualifies Eight Players

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/25/2012 04:19:00 PM |
Islanders website reported the team has tendered qualifying offers to Sean Backman, Justin DiBenedetto, Mark Katic, Mikko Koskinen, Tomas Marcinko, Matt Martin, Rhett Rakhshani and Ty Wishart.

NYIFC Comments:
The Islanders retain NHL rights to all qualified players who signed with teams in Europe for 2012-13. 


About what I expected, a team selects no forward prospects at the draft, the future forward depth must be retained along with Wishart, who is capable of playing in the NHL.

Based upon this Yuri Alexandrov, Sean Backman, Tyler McNeely, Yannick Riendeau,, Tony Romano were not qualified, this does not mean the Islanders cannot revisit signing these players at some future date, simply they were not give a raise.

Alexandrov is an NHL-level player from dead line trades with Boston playing in the KHL, it's likely he was not qualified but perhaps not included in today's update.

Calgary Herald reports Blake Comeau was not qualified by the Flames.
Nashville Tennessean reports former Islander, Jack Hillen, who play the entire season for the Predators was not qualified.

Petteri Nokelainen was also not qualified. 

6/28 Qualifying Offers Deadline 5pm...EVEN MORE VISNOVSKY

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/24/2012 10:59:00 PM | |
Not much to write about this beyond sidebar link with the Qualifying Offer Rules Per CBA to explain where things go if a player is qualified..

The Deadline is 5pm on Monday.

This applies only to the Group II free agents, who can all be qualified, even those who signed in Europe so the Islanders retain NHL rights, which is how Jeremy Colliton came back to the team along with Jesse Joensuu. 

With Mark Katic signed in Germany a group II player it could mean Ty Wishart receives an offer, both Katic/Wishart can both be qualified. 

Isles put a lot of time/expense/top picks into Mikko Koskinen, who found playing time in Europe but was still the first goaltender selected in his draft class.
**********************************
Four more articles from Visnovsky, including the primary paper that interviewed him Saturday, a mixed bag of information that's far from a lock he's coming, and likely playing his last NHL season.


I translated the links on Sulia and went right to most the important items, these were again all direct quotes and included the links for everyone.

Mentioned Jurcina, perhaps calling Satan, still has to decide on KHL, will not come until later in summer for place to live.
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Some minor blog changes:
Islanders website/ITV/Transactions/Social media picture links moved to toolbar.
Improved news readers for faster page loading.

Sunday Visnovsky Update

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/24/2012 02:02:00 PM |
Some items I now have to add to my 6/23 entry on Lubomir Visnovsky:

The interview on the Slovak site  Hokejportal.net. was not before Visnovsky was traded.

Other sites in Slovakia/Europe also referenced this article. I included all three sites that reported on this to be as clear as possible for my readers, only using Visnovsky's direct quotes. 

There is no doubt Visnovsky received his offer from the KHL, and had discussions with Slovakia while he was still a member of the Anaheim Ducks at some earlier point before he was traded. 

Having written that all the articles I translated and referenced on Saturday, were printed in those papers on June 23rd, with specific questions he responded to about the New York Islanders after he was traded.

He is directly quoted about how he learned of the trade, to discussing whether he would play here, and considering his KHL offer. Visnovsky's quoted comments say the Islanders would likely be disappointed if he decided his accept an offer to play in the KHL, but he has to make his decision, as was asked about the percentages of what he would decide to do. 

Matt Moulson's post-trade comments from the Islander website about Visnovski were included in those articles.

Visnovski also made very clear he was not disappointed to learn of being traded to New York. 

Bottom line Visnovsky can say what he wishes today. James Dolan's Ranger centric beatwriter can finally pick up a telephone, and do a twitter update, however Visnovsky absolutely said these things after he was traded to the New York Islanders. 

As anyone who regularly follows New York Islander Fan Central know, this blog does not play source card on anything, my entries concerning information like this only uses direct quotes.

Visnovsky was directly quoted after the trade, this is why a blog entry was written here for others to read/reference.

Regarding his Sunday comments if  it's Visnovsky's first choice to really come to the Isles (of course I hope it is) he does not need a second choice or to consider any KHL offer as he said on 6/23, he should have told Staple he is coming to camp with the Islanders which ends all discussion.......Staple's work was lazy and obviously never referenced his post trade comments or pushed harder on these points.

Of course if Visnovsky's ultimate choice to play in the KHL (or play at home in Slovakia if a lockout) I wish him the best of luck. 



Visnovsky Has Offer From KHL May Not Be Coming To New York

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/23/2012 06:13:00 PM |
Given there are now three June 23rd articles with Lubomir Visnovsky's quoted comments since his rights were traded at the NHL draft (please Google translate for yourselves) I feel this now requires a separate blog entry.

NYIFC Comments:
Bottom line Visnovsky could report to the Islanders under the terms of his NHL contract, accept his offer from the KHL (lockout or no lockout), however he can only sign as a player in Slovakia  if there is an NHL work stoppage because there is a standing transfer agreement.

He can retire which would allow him to work for a team in Slovakia regardless of the CBA. 

Visnovsky has only played in Los Angeles, Edmonton, and Anaheim. 

Now we know why he was dealt for only a second rounder, but this could take several months until it's settled, plus it's time sensitive with the CBA because if games are lost he has no reason not to accept the contract offer made already made by the KHL.

The KHL season begins before the NHL CBA expires. 

There are also the circumstances involving the tragic loss of fellow countryman, and friend of over twenty years in Pavol Demitra in the KHL plane crash less than a year ago here.

Absolutely no blame whatsoever to Islander management if he decides to play in the KHL or retire. 

Visnovsky was interviewed by Sound Tigers announcer Phil Giubileo, not Chris King on ITV.
************************
hokejportal.net: Does a full interview 6/23 with Visnovski with the following:

 Islanders certainly not leading the NHL club. Do not take it as a disappointment?
"Certainly not, want to reinforce the defense, so they took me. They have a team in a lot of clever young players and would like to strengthen. I have basically a veteran and want to get them there a bit steered. You never know what might happen in the NHL, after all, who is now expected that all the Kings win the league? I'm not disappointed. "

Have you even live in Edmonton Kalifornni. What gives you the feeling of New York?
"In the east, I have not played, now it will be the first time. My Family But we love California, but New York could be interesting. 

In early May, you said that you expect in the NHL last season. Still this is true?
"Still, but I can say that I get a bid from Russia and I think about them. He and his wife have already talked about the fact that in New York can not not go and I'll take any offer from the KHL, and because I have such opportunities. We'll see where I end. KHL has signed a contract for some of the NHL and Europe is the only league where I could play in the NHL despite the contract. "

An interesting approach. Can you give a percentage, where you play next season?
"While I do not know it really well so I think in the head. NHL is certainly paramount, but we need to discuss this at home. But as I said, the KHL is a possibility. "

 Certainly expect that you will be asked for your interviews with managers of the Slavs.
"We met, but I did not get an offer. Maros knew that I still have a contract in the NHL, so it probably did not address. But I think also the fact that I finished a career at Slovan, because this is my Heart. In the meantime, do not want to end a career, perhaps waiting for me last season in the NHL, but I hope and believe that it will not last season in his career. "

 And when you offer, that official will come, it is possible that the longer you play next season in Slavic?
"It's possible, this option also exists. But not really in a very theoretical. I do not know if I Slovan wants. "

If we say that the season 2012/13 occurs in the Islanders, it's part of our bold claim?
"Would it be so, so you can write it. However, there are other ideas, as I would like to address. "

The Islanders would probably be disappointed, right?
"Of course. But now I have these things to pass, it's business and I'll deal with it according to what is best for me and for my coming. "
 *************************************************
 Sportky.topky.sk: Repeats many of the quotes above (translated)
 Visnovsky is considering offers from KHL, end career in Slavic.

"NHL is a business and I deal with everything depending on what is best for me and for my coming. I understand that the Islanders would probably be disappointed, however, other ways I would like to address," concluded the interview Visnovsky.
**************************************************
Sport.aktuality.sk: Visnovsky addition to considering the offer from the Islanders KHL

 "I get a bid from Russia. A fairly even thinking about it. And his wife have already talked about that in New York or not go and I'll take any offer from the KHL, because I have such a possibility. We'll see where I end. Has signed with the KHL no NHL contract in Europe is the only league where I could play in the NHL despite the contract. Well you gotta think in the head. NHL is certainly paramount, but we need to discuss this at home. But as I said, the KHL is a possibility , "he admitted in an interview Hokejportal.net Visnovsky, who also met with the manager Slav Maroš Krajči.

The offer of cooperation on the contract but did not get overseas. "I'm thinking also of that career, I completed the Slavs, because this is my bleeding heart. In the meantime, do not want to end a career, perhaps waiting for me last season in the NHL, but I hope and believe that it will not last season in his career," admitted to Hokejportal.net.

"I'm basically waiting for the exchange, is questionable for me was the only club. Neither of which I am not disappointed. I say, it could be expected. With some guys, I was just out for dinner a few minutes after midnight I first phoned Anaheim manager Bob Murray. He told me about the classic sauces how I thank for their cooperation and just informed me that I was traded to the Islanders. soon to my manager phoned Islanders to tell me that looks forward to working and several other greeting phrases. So It goes in the NHL, it's a carousel, I experienced it a few times and after changing to Edmonton to have been either very troubled, "he said in an interview hokejportal.net Visnovsky. Islanders want to strengthen the defense and therefore resorted to the Slovaks. the team need experienced player who would guide the youngsters.

Final Thoughts on 2012 Entry Draft

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/23/2012 02:53:00 PM |
 Updated 6/23: ITV Posting Video Interviews for most of the players selected during day two (Adam Pelech via phone) Trent Klatt comments on selections..ect

****************************************

Posted my comments on Sulia.com with my final thoughts on 2012 entry draft for the New York Islanders.

All blog entries/video now final. Prospect Blog contains profiles of entire draft class. 

Wang, Snow, Visnovski audio interviews. No doubt more coming from Islanders website/ITV.

Next up finding out who is qualified with that deadline Monday. (hopefully we find out earlier)

Likely the heavy concentration on defense means some defenders will not be qualified or stocking up for a trade.

Thank You Very Much......hope everyone enjoyed entries here----also asked Mark Katic on twitter to respond for our German visitors waiting final confirmation, however Mike Mulryan is an excellent professional journalist for the Timmins Times, who covers Katic often in his hometown paper, he had several updates leading up to his detailed report on the signing or I would never post it here.

New York Selects D Jesse Graham/Jake Bischoff

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/23/2012 12:02:00 PM | |
New York has selected D Jesse Graham with the 155th selection in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Niagara IceDogs Profile
Niagaraadvance.ca 6/21/12

Picked the best skater in the OHL Eastern Conference coaches poll, the Toronto native often effortlessly gets the puck out to the Niagara IceDogs blue-line, then shifts into another gear to move into the opposition’s end.

The 18-year-old Toronto native is ranked 125th heading into this weekend’s NHL draft in Pittsburgh, but there has never been any talk of him moving to a forward position because of his 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame.

“Nothing has ever come up like that,” he said, almost bristling over the telephone line at the thought. “In the NHL right now, there are a lot of smaller defecemen who are good skaters and puck movers, so I think that’s my role and I think I play it pretty well.
 
“My skating definitely is a big part of my game, for sure.”
 “Most teams like my skating ability and my strong play with the puck — I’m a good puck mover,” he said with confidence. “They’d kind of like to see me work on my size and get stronger, just add some muscle to my body.”

“Just talking to the guys on the team, (Ryan) Strome and Oleksiak always gave me advice,” he said. “They told me not to get caught up in it all and just kind of wait for your time — and it’s going to come.”
**********************************************
New York has selected D Jake Bischoff with the 185th selection in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Grand Rapids Hockey Profile
Omaha Lancers Profile
Star Tribune: Verbal Commitment to Minnesota  

New York Selects D Doyle Somerby

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/23/2012 11:34:00 AM |
New York has selected D Doyle Somerby with the 125th selection
Espn.com
Will be attending Boston University in 2012-13. (verbal commitment)

Doyle Somerby, Kimball Union, D
Scout’s take: “He’s got great size, as a forward turned D-man, so he’s a pretty good puck mover. He’s more of a stay-at-home defenseman, but a big, rangy kid. Good smooth stride for a kid his size and good speed in flight.”
Twitter account
St Mary Joseph Prep Profile

Doyle Somerby is one of four Boston University men’s hockey recruits eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft. He agreed to take over the WTBU Sports Twitter account on the second day of the draft Jun. 23 — and tweet about his draft day experience.

Somerby was selected round 12 #215 overall by Québec Remparts in the QMJHL Entry Draft.

New York Selects D Loïc Leduc

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/23/2012 11:10:00 AM |
New York has selected Loic Leduc in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL entry draft here.

Eliteprospect.com Profile
Capebretoneagles.com Profile
QMJHL Profile

Capebretonpost.com Defenceman Loic Leduc is ranked No. 209 among North American skaters. Leduc, a 6-6, 190-pound native of Châteauguay, Que., recorded two goals and eight assists in 65 games this season. He’s hoping an NHL team will be looking for a towering defenceman with shutdown ability.

 “I think my defensive ability and I can use my long reach,” said Leduc, who had interest from 10 teams. “They don’t have any huge defencemen in the rankings. I think there are two defencemen that are 6-6.”

New York Selects D Adam Pelech

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/23/2012 10:35:00 AM |
NHL.com: New York Selects D Adam Pelech in the third round.

Erie Otters Profile

Islanders Website profile:
 Ryan Strome, Islanders first round pick in 2011

Adam Pelech is real steady. We played Erie a lot. They had a bad team, but he was one of the rocks that kind of held them together. He is a real solid two-way guy, and is only going to get better.
Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development
Pelech doesn’t look pretty on the ice, but seems to find a way to make the play. He is not afraid of physical contact.

New York Selects D Ville Pokka 34th Overall

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/23/2012 10:13:00 AM |
NHL.com New York Selected D Ville Pokka with 34th selection in 2012 NHL draft.

Eliteprospects.com Profile

NHL.com 6/20: Six Finnish sleepers in upcoming NHL Draft

Ranked seventh among European skaters, Karpat Oulu defenseman Ville Pokka is already a regular starter in the SM-liiga and played at the 2012 World Junior Championship (one goal, four points in seven games) as well as the Under-18 Worlds (one goal, six points). A Western Conference scout compared his NHL upside to that of countryman Toni Lydman.

A smooth puck-moving defenseman with a right-handed shot, Pokka is not flashy but gets the job done. Although he is not especially aggressive in the physical department, the 6-foot, 196-pound defenseman does not shy away from contact.

Pokka started 35 games for Karpat's senior team this past season, recording three assists and 12 penalty minutes. The 18-year-old is likely to remain in Finland for two or three more seasons, and has already signed a contract extension for next season with Karpat.

Islanders website profile:

 Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development

Ville Pokka is a puck-moving defender. His passing and accuracy is good. He has a decent shot from the blue line and is a steady player.

New York Selects D Griffin Reinhart

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/22/2012 07:40:00 PM | | |
The New York Islanders have selected D Griffin Reinhart. with the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NHL entry draft.

Islanders Website: Griffin Reinhart's comments with Garth Snow
Tsn.ca: Has a post draft interview with Reinhart in an Islander uniform. (toggle to Islander uniform)

 Edmonton Journal: Has more from Reinhart and the call he received from John Tavares after the draft

“I was a bit star-struck when he called me. I didn’t think they’d do that,” said the Vancouver native, “but it’s really cool that they’re already welcoming me.”

 “I think my playoff run definitely helped. Being on a winning team can’t hurt and, I think, my play just kept picking up. I got a more intense, more physical, and just kept improving,” said the six-foot-four blue-liner. “I knew I needed to improve on that because, when I’m physical, I’m playing my best hockey.”

 “I hadn’t talked to them much through the year, so for me to be picked here is quite a shock. I wasn’t really expecting to go anywhere. I was just having fun with the moment,” he said.
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 **************************


Islanders Website: Garth Snow's comments on selection.
“Our organization is fortunate to have already developed a formidable young core, which gives us the flexibility to allow elite prospects like Griffin to develop,” Snow said. “He is a highly skilled defenseman who has been very impressive in his first two WHL seasons. Griffin’s size and defensive instincts will be another piece to help solidify our lineup for years to come.”

Islanders website pre draft profile with Trent Klatt's comments.

Will make several edits to this posting as more information becomes available.

New York Islander Fan Central will also be twitter/sulia/updating during day two along with the prospect blog.

Charles Wang did an interview on the Coliseum, and last years team in Dolan's paper which I posted on Sulia. 

New York Trades For D Lubomir Visnovsky

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/22/2012 07:25:00 PM |
Islanders website announced today that they have acquired Lubomir Visnovsky from the Anaheim Ducks, in exchange for the team’s second round selection in the 2013 National Hockey League Draft.

 


Tsn.com Scott Cullen has a fair breakdown of the trade for a player who will become a free agent at the end of 2012-13.

NYIFC Comments:
Obviously a boom or bust pick for an aging defender, with a high contract/cap hit. His 2011-12 season not very good, his 2010-11 season outstanding. You look at what the Devils gave up for Zidliclk from Minnesota (Washington’s second round pick at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Nick Palmieri, Stephane Veilleux, d-man Kurtis Foster, and a conditional 3rd round draft pick in 2013) this seems like Snow did very well on paper.

On paper Snow landed a top four defender with offensive ability. 

Bottom line it comes down to what happens on the ice. 

Garth Snow's Comments

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/22/2012 01:48:00 PM |
For an outlet like the NY Post that goes out of it's way not to cover the New York Islander hockey games, (when they are not ripping the team) or even providing them a team page, Garth Snow continues to speak to them here.

Snow is also using that rebuilding word he said he hated to use virtually every time he is interviewed. 

Here is what Snow had to say entering Friday's draft:

“All options are on the table,” If we can move prospects to get a player that is going to come in and going to help us and get us where we want to be, we’re going to make that move. It’s a situation where we’ve gone through a rebuild, we have one of the best prospect pools in the NHL, so now it’s an easier decision for me to make moves to get us help immediately "

“We’re looking the trade route, and if we don’t have success in that area, then free agency starts in a week.”
“We’re looking to add two or three veteran defensemen,” Snow said, noting that Mark Eaton, Steve Staios and Milan Jurcina all are purged from the payroll as they become unrestricted free agents.
  On Calvin deHaan, Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan making the 2012-13 defense: 
         “If two come out of training camp and deserve it, great,” he said. “Right now, we project at least one of those guys to step up.”
“We can use the selection [or] we can trade the pick and get a player that’s ready right now,” Snow said. “I really don’t have a clear picture right now.”

Steve Staios Possible Job Scouting For Maple Leafs

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/21/2012 11:39:00 PM | |
Toronto Sun : Has comments from senior vice-president of hockey operations Dave Nonis, on the possible future of Steve Staios.

Steve Staios was spotted walking around Toronto’s draft hotel headquarters on Friday with a Maple Leaf golf shirt on, but he’s not coming as a player. The team has some sort of off-ice role in mind for the 16-year NHL veteran defenceman, who played his 1,000th game at the end of the 2011-12 season.

“He could be scouting for us,” said senior vice-president of hockey operations Dave Nonis. “We’re looking at a couple of things.”
The Hamilton native was set to retire last year when agent Pat Morris made a strong case to have the New York Islanders give him a chance at camp.

NYIFC Comments:
Like Mike Sillinger, Bill Guerin, Doug Weight, Staios would be a valuable asset for any organization in this league with his experience of over a thousand games. Despite my criticism, he was in a role beyond his ability at this point in his career, but worked to the maximum of his ability.

TBN News: Has comments from a goaltender named Matt Murray that the Isles were one team that visited him.
“The (New York) Islanders have sent somebody up here strictly to talk to me. He came in for a couple of hours just to watch me and then went right back to New York.

Thanks And Best Of Luck: Katic, Rakhshani, DiBenedetto, Gillies

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/21/2012 01:40:00 PM | | | | |
 NHL.com released it's 2012-13 schedule quickly and quietly.

Just as quietly the team announced it's blue-white scrimmage game will be played on 6/28 for prospects the team never formally announced are having a mini-camp despite player tweets here.

That game will be played at Iceworks,  there are only 250 tickets available for the scrimmage due to seating capacity. The Nassau Coliseum is booked June 26th-30th.
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One thing I have been a bit regretful for over the last few days in somewhat of a rush to put out entries, is not thanking our players who have signed with other organizations.

Whether they are qualified, or not by 6/25, Mark Katic, Rhett Rakhshani, Justin DiBenedetto, and Trevor Gillies were here for a long time, and gave everything they had to offer.

Katic/Rakhshani were all stars for Bridgeport, all of them were part of the Sound Tigers only first place team since their inaugural year. DiBenedetto had twenty goals/forty one points in fifty five games last season.

Ct Post Michael Fornabaio had DiBenedetto's comments.
 "I just think it's a good opportunity for my development as a player. I'm looking forward to it," DiBenedetto said. "I just explored all my options at the end of the year, and this opportunity came. I'm just looking forward to getting over there. The main thing's to become a better player every day, every year. That's the main thing, and go from there."

Folks can argue the suspensions of Gillies, which could not be defended based on his actions, but he was a very popular team player here, and will be missed at the Coliseum on Friday.

Zenon Konopka's comments did register with me last year here.
" You look at Trevor Gillies,” Konopka said, according to the Ottawa newspaper. “He’s a first-time offender. He hits a guy, throws a few punches, he gets a nine-game suspension. The guy’s got a wife, two kids and plays in the East Coast Hockey League and AHL most of his career and now he’s going to lose $35,000. And it’s not right. Obviously, the league has their job and not mine, but in here, we feel for him. It hurts not to have Trevor in lineup for nine games. It hurts me, personally, my buddy, out $35,000.”
Their new teams will be even better with them, the enormous reaction from Berlin over Katic signing makes me nothing but thrilled for their fans.




I wish them nothing but the best of luck moving forward, which of course extends to any future departures.

Mark Katic Signs With Berlin

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/20/2012 07:15:00 PM |
Timmins Times: Mike Mulryan reports Mark Katic has signed in Germany.

Mark Katic has signed to play for Berlin next season. Katic has more than one reason to play there next season and they are all good. Katic was much coveted by many elite teams in Europe. He has settled for Berlin and is happy with his choice. I talked to more than one team in Europe that were extremely interested in getting Mark’s name on a contract for this season. Now the pressure of getting a deal done is off and he can concentrate on his upcoming wedding.

NYIFC Comments: 
Timmins Times is the hometown paper or record that covers Katic regularly, even on the ice time he was able to get earlier this month. Mr Mulryan reported Katic's new contract would be announced this week. 

Like Rakhshani, this is a significant loss because he had a realistic chance of making the NHL roster, but no doubt his shoulder injuries held down his opportunities, and perhaps younger picks were now ahead of him on the depth chart. Having written that the defense depth chart in Bridgeport may be thin come September depending on who makes the Isles from that group.

Again, we have to see what the Isles decide in terms of a qualifying offer to retain Katic's NHL rights, his 2010-11 cameo showed a player with NHL level skating/puck handling.

Justin DiBenedetto Signs With Red Bull Austria

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/20/2012 12:36:00 PM | |
NYIFC Sulia Entry with Austrian Red Bull release on signing translated.

Just to be clear check our Sulia channel or twitter feeds for these kids of stories moving forward.

NYIFC will not post an entry anywhere until we have official confirmation from the team itself or a professional media outlet. 

NYIFC Comments:
Nothing I can add that was not already written about the loss of Rakhshani on Tuesday.

It all comes down to who the Isles qualify out of their restricted free agents by 6/25. DiBenedetto knows the Isles depth chart, and despite a very good year for Bridgeport has to make the best possible decision for his career moving forward as do all players.
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Bridgeport Sound Tigers released a partial list of their 2012-13 schedule 

Rhett Rakhshani signs with HV-71 for 2012-13

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/19/2012 02:20:00 PM | |
HV 71 SEL  Official website reports they have signed Rhett Rakhshani for the 2012-13 season.

NYIFC Commets:
This is a big loss to the Islanders, and why you never have enough prospects.

Their number one scoring right winger on a point per game pace the last two seasons, who improved every year in college. Like Jesse Joensuu who signed with the same team, if the Isles qualify Rakhshani, they retain his future NHL rights.

This could also make the Isles negotiations with Parenteau more urgent for them unless they have an alternative.

Bottom line a lot of players who have waited for years see the depth chart, there is a reasonable chance of an NHL lockout, the players need a guaranteed income.

Our Sulia feed has translated article on Trevor Gillies official signing in the KHL.

New York Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/18/2012 01:51:00 PM | | | | | | | |
Monday's entry has a few words on the NHL draft, a preseason split-squad against Edmonton, the latest taxpayer handout (including selective editorial coverage) to subsidize a local sports team, with a few other items.

Hofstra's Stuart Rabinowitz Biggest Threat To Coliseum Future

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/15/2012 11:39:00 PM |
Simply put our fans need to understand right now there is a new/improved version of Kate Murray, they need to learn very fast what Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz represents which we detailed here on 5/28.

I'm now convinced Stuart Rabinowitz is a the biggest threat to the Coliseum/Islanders future at this time. 

Things are only getting worse, our fans need to quckly learn what this man represents, and the power he currently has with regard to the Nassau Hub. 

#isles Folks need to get informed fast about Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz, he's the next Kate Murray and has his own plan for the HUB which does not include the Coliseum or a hockey team. Thursday in a meeting with reporters and editors at Dolan's Newsday in Melville on engineering: "Frankly, it is where the jobs are now and will be in the future," The region needs more engineers." Friday Dolan's Newsday claims he said any future plan for the Hub will include business incubators and laboratories for technology businesses. This is the man who will have a big say on funding from Albany and it seems like the only thing he wants is his 40 year neighbor gone for Hofstra's benefit?  

Our fans need to finally put this man under the spotlight, and question his motives here, and as the Mayor of Floral Park said, request his removal from any say in the HUB's future because he wanted to move the Coliseum to Belmont earlier.

In 2005 this Met fan made clear he liked the Sterling Equities/Mets " University Town " development.

Time for Stuart Rabinowitz to go.

Brief Coliseum Update/Joensuu Resigned

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/15/2012 05:23:00 PM |




NYIFC Comments:
This is why the prospect blog follows Jeremy Colliton/Joensuu when they are qualified despite playing in  Europe.

Our advice is tread carefully on one way contract/European out clause discussions, Michael Fornabio reported the same thing last summer with Tomas Marcinko and he played in Bridgeport anyway.
 
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As folks know this blog wrote about the 6/15 deadline for proposals for State funding, and the 6/20 meeting at Stony Brook by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council.

Long Island Business News today reported a second round of funding will be conducted later this year, although companies must submit their projects to the state through the CFA process by July 16th.

The last of three workshops explaining the CFA online application is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at Stony Brook University which is the 6/20 meeting.

Dolan's Newsday in May reported $750 million in new state funding for economic development projects is available this year, and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council must receive project proposals by June 15. They also claim Mangano back then said he will have a proposal for the site that could compete for state funds and meet the June 15 deadline.
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Bottom line to all this is there may be a 6/15 deadline in some regards, not others.
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There is also a contradiction with regards to the Isles having pick #50 in the NHL draft.

NHL.com reports no, while Isles draft central page has 50th selection. We'll ask. 


Garth Snow's Drafts Since 2007 Success Or Failure?

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/15/2012 12:34:00 PM |
A lot of folks like to bring up the point the prospect pool was left empty by Mike Milbury when he announced his resignation as general manager in January 2006, that would be somewhat unfair because Milbury/Tony Feltrin selections Ryan O'Marra, Robert Nilsson, Blake Comeau, Chris Campoli, Bruno Gervais, Rick DiPietro, Frans Nielsen, Petteri Nokelainen, were/still part of the organization.

The class of 2006 right now is looking like Kyle Okposo, Andrew MacDonald, it's been far from a fantastic result with Ted Nolan getting the universal credit for selecting MacDonald. 

Rhett Rakhshani, Tomas Marcinko require qualifying offers by 6/25 from the 2006 class.

Troy Mattila has never been seen at a prospect camp or  mentioned by the Islanders since his selection, however technically is listed until he graduates which will likely require a contract by 8/15/2012, this information is confirmed by Dartmouth University here.

Either way let's look go back and do an accounting of how the Islanders draft selections have panned out whether it be Tony Feltrin, Ryan Jankowski, or other members of the Isles scouting, for some ground work for how Garth Snow's staff has done since his first draft in 2007.

Notable Days Ahead For New York

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/13/2012 01:24:00 PM |
Things are about to pick up for the New York Islanders, and not just because of the NHL draft.

Today we present an agenda of events folks should follow:

New York Signs Johan Sundstrom

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/11/2012 04:28:00 PM |
Islanders website: announced that Johan Sundstrom, the second round, 50th overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft has agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract.

NYIFC Comments:
A nice early surprise signing if he comes to North America and potentially plays for a Sound Tiger team where fewer spots will be available everywhere if a lockout. Also it can potentially mean one of the restricted free agent wingers in Bridgeport will not be qualified.

Three of the Islanders eight selections in the 2011 draft have now been signed. 

New York/NHL Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/08/2012 08:04:00 AM |
 New York Notables is something written here often about Islander or around the league items.

Ed Mangano's Arizona Plan For New York Islanders

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/05/2012 10:17:00 PM | | |
The New York Islanders/Charles Wang got one of those from Tom Suozzi around the time of the 2002 playoffs. 
Mr Mangano also posted this on the county's facebook page.

Mangano is also throwing Mets baseball around again, not New York Islander Hockey.

New York Notables: Looking Back Right or Wrong?

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/05/2012 02:39:00 PM |
Today is the day we go back, look at our speculation around the league, and see what we got right/wrong.

I write this with the disclaimer NYIFC did not go around the league much.

New York Islander Fan Central Update

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/04/2012 07:57:00 PM |

A quiet time for the New York Islanders, not at New York Islander Fan Central.

Here is a full list of the major changes with our fantastic new look & format for those interested.

Why New York Lost In 2011-12

New York Islander Fan Central | 6/01/2012 09:54:00 AM |
In May 2011 New York Islander Fan Central did a two part feature on why New York Will Win/Lose in 2011-12. 

Our standard at the time of a winning or losing season was playoff qualification in 2011-12.

This blog in subsequent entries late in 2011-12, gave total support to Charles Wang because he signed all of Garth Snow's core players last summer long term.

We also had separate entries supporting Garth Snow, and endorsed the return of Jack Capuano as head coach.

Today we look at why the team lost.