7/1 A Mixed Bag After Day One For New York

New York Islander Fan Central | 7/02/2012 01:30:00 AM |
One sure thing that can be written about day one of UFA is Doug Weight does not have some ceremonial title of Senior Advisor to the General Manager, he had a lot to say, and was obviously heavily involved.

On paper after day one of free agency the New York Islanders are moderately improved in one area, but weaker in others.

Games are never played on paper.

The picture is incomplete, that's the way it should be after one day, and it's likely going to stay that way.

It's a long summer, training camp, preseason, then you see what it looks like on opening night. 

The teams highest scoring right wing is gone, with a reclamation project in Brad Boyes getting a chance. No doubt  Kyle Okposo (the likely opening night winger with Tavares) with perhaps Bailey, Niederreiter, Joensuu also getting a chance.

Brad Boyes is quoted about how he was moved around in Buffalo, it sounded like what Josh Bailey will likely say if moving him to wing does not work out, which he has supported. 

Kyle Okposo is absolutely suited to the first line right wing role, it was his spot before his injury, Tavares won player of the month for part of the time he was temporarily placed back on that line.

Brad Boyes may turn out to be an improvement, however not on paper today,  if he replaces Pandolfo in the worst case that would be an improvement.

The defense got tougher with Matt Carkner, but is not faster (or more durable) but a big part of how things play out will come down to Visnovsky coming to camp or talking his offer in Russia.

Dylan Reese signed a two-way contract with Pittsburgh, Snow has a decision to be a little more patient or sign/trade for another middling defender to protect his prospects or increase the scoring. 

Snow made clear one of his defensive prospects should make the team which should be Calvin deHaan.

Eric Boulton could be glued to the bench here or play for Bridgeport.

Long way to go.