Have to be honest here folks, I have not been into the rumor or speculation game regarding most of the UFA who will be available come 7/1 because it's the usual suspects being named as the clubs they are going to and considering the tampering rules no club can speak to any potential free agent without permission so as usual there is not much to this.
Also the professional writers on many levels are doing a poor job with the speculation and rumor game.
A lot of fancy, little or no fact.
New York Islanders roster as set up does not allow for such a signing (beyond maybe a first/second line center without a Bailey signing) unless they make trades that involve veterans or prospects.
I cannot see a prospect being moved unless Snow just does not see a roster spot here for that player as in Nokelainen last August.
On the veteran front a trade does not seem likely either given Snow said Guerin will be on the team and Mike Comrie was given a contract extension, sure a Jon Sim could be moved but with two years left on his contract coming off that injury why would another club take that chance until he proves himself productive?
I guess Garth Snow could move a Mike Sillinger but he's coming off a significant injury. If he did sign a UFA center on 7/1 that could put him at a disadvantage when it comes to a trade of a Mike Sillinger.
Of course an Andy Hilbert could go, but even with his subtraction why not give a prospect that job?
For what this is worth an organization that signed rw Joel Rechlicz and gave rw Tim Jackman a two way contract extension does not seem likely to play both in Bridgeport.
Colliton and Nielsen were drafted in 2002/03, Walter has waited a long time for a chance, Tambellini too.
Defense we went through the other day. Six full time defenders are signed who played significant roles last season. Martinek, Campoli, Meyer, Sutton are all signed for more than a year. Witt has a year left, Gervais is restricted and qualified.
You sign a Wade Redden or Brian Campbell someone has to go from that group or last years regular becomes this years scratches.
Point Blank: Mr Botta has a very funny lead in to some of what I have been writing regarding UFA and what will happen regarding the media off the usual Espn Scott Burnside speculation.
NYI Fan Central Comments:
Always seems like Mr Burnside updates based on what cities have Espn Zones among his criteria. We all know our version of New York does not fall among his favorites.