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.
Al Montoya-Not one word anywhere about the teams number one goaltender on paper going into last season, Capuano's first choice out of camp? A year ago many saw him as the clubs permanent starter, now he's likely gone without comment?
Not sure how it plays out for Montoya, he proved he can play at a high level for an extended period when healthy, but his overall record suggests he's not an effective backup or was in any kind of demand when Phoenix traded this struggling AHL backup here.
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Mark Eaton-Hal Gill resigning with Nashville for two years? Eaton must be wondering if being injured on a defense that was mostly old, slow, non-physical hurt him here. Eaton in the right circumstances can help a team as he demonstrated on a cup team. Even in 2010-11 during the Isles free fall he was an even rated defender.
I absolutely believe there is place for Mark Eaton to continue his career in this league.
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PA Parenteau-Not sure how this plays out once he begins to test the market, but he earned the right to make the most possible money, and became a full time successful NHL player here so it's been an excellent signing for both sides despite the standings.
The Isles had their contract number while Parenteau/Alan Walsh have their own. The Isles have Okposo, Niederreiter, and some excellent forward prospects.
I expect the same questions Islander fans had will surface for Parenteau depending where he's signed/how he's used?
He could become a franchise player, or a steady second/third line player.
Unlikely, however no law he cannot test the market, and decide his best career alternative is resigning here.
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Milan Jurcina-He played to his career trends on a struggling defense with some good flashes of play, he was not as poor as his plus/minus suggests, but you wonder why keep him?
He's got a quality shot, he has games where he's hitting/playing physical.
Not sure how it plays out for Jurcina, but I expect he has one more shot in the NHL somewhere, but may have to take a two-way contract.
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Jay Pandolfo-He played all three forward positions for the first time in his career, and was a lot better defensively than his minus fourteen suggests after being out of the NHL for a year.
Hard to see his NHL career continuing at his age, because he's not a scorer, but his defensive play is absolutely suited to this level.
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Dylan Reese-Isles kept him in Bridgeport while the defense struggled, then kept him off the Sound Tigers playoff roster. His play is steady enough at this level, but is there someone better for his role?
That's the question we find out soon.
Reese has cleared waivers many times.
Jon Sim/Andy Hilbert did not like the UFA waters and resigned with the Islanders. ******************************
Our recent entry on Steve Staios thanked him.
Al Montoya-Not one word anywhere about the teams number one goaltender on paper going into last season, Capuano's first choice out of camp? A year ago many saw him as the clubs permanent starter, now he's likely gone without comment?
Not sure how it plays out for Montoya, he proved he can play at a high level for an extended period when healthy, but his overall record suggests he's not an effective backup or was in any kind of demand when Phoenix traded this struggling AHL backup here.
***************************
Mark Eaton-Hal Gill resigning with Nashville for two years? Eaton must be wondering if being injured on a defense that was mostly old, slow, non-physical hurt him here. Eaton in the right circumstances can help a team as he demonstrated on a cup team. Even in 2010-11 during the Isles free fall he was an even rated defender.
I absolutely believe there is place for Mark Eaton to continue his career in this league.
****************************
PA Parenteau-Not sure how this plays out once he begins to test the market, but he earned the right to make the most possible money, and became a full time successful NHL player here so it's been an excellent signing for both sides despite the standings.
The Isles had their contract number while Parenteau/Alan Walsh have their own. The Isles have Okposo, Niederreiter, and some excellent forward prospects.
I expect the same questions Islander fans had will surface for Parenteau depending where he's signed/how he's used?
He could become a franchise player, or a steady second/third line player.
Unlikely, however no law he cannot test the market, and decide his best career alternative is resigning here.
****************************
Milan Jurcina-He played to his career trends on a struggling defense with some good flashes of play, he was not as poor as his plus/minus suggests, but you wonder why keep him?
He's got a quality shot, he has games where he's hitting/playing physical.
Not sure how it plays out for Jurcina, but I expect he has one more shot in the NHL somewhere, but may have to take a two-way contract.
*****************************
Jay Pandolfo-He played all three forward positions for the first time in his career, and was a lot better defensively than his minus fourteen suggests after being out of the NHL for a year.
Hard to see his NHL career continuing at his age, because he's not a scorer, but his defensive play is absolutely suited to this level.
*****************************
Dylan Reese-Isles kept him in Bridgeport while the defense struggled, then kept him off the Sound Tigers playoff roster. His play is steady enough at this level, but is there someone better for his role?
That's the question we find out soon.
Reese has cleared waivers many times.
Jon Sim/Andy Hilbert did not like the UFA waters and resigned with the Islanders. ******************************
Our recent entry on Steve Staios thanked him.