Islander News Articles 7/1

First off my thanks at the NHL for moving the start of free agency to 12pm as opposed to midnight.

Newsday: Greg Logan has Garth Snow's comments that he just does not want to bring in older players that would force some young players to Bridgeport and that he wants to give the young players an opportunity to come into training camp and earn their spot. The gm also said if some of the young players perform at the level they finished at last season, it won't be an issue but that he has to strike a balance between veterans and young players. He also was quoted that many clubs in this league win with a young roster and does not buy it will be a season of losing and learning.

The gm was asked about offer sheets to group II players but said it's not something he's looking at but will never say never.

Mr Logan for his part speculated about a dozen or so players and added although Garth Snow might bid on a high-end goal scorer such as Marian Hossa it would be a long shot to sign him, but he might add an experienced veteran who could mentor young kids who will be playing to take some pressure off them. He also notes an opening at center and mentions Doug Weight because he played with Bill Guerin in Edmonton.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I hope like the draft no one expected Garth Snow to tell us his exact plan. We will see if he is interested in bidding on any unrestricted free agents today and in the days ahead by his actions but it seems he needs one player up front and one on the backline unless he expects his current roster to replace the forty goals that seem to be departing in Satan, Fedotenko and Vasicek up front to go with Berard and even Bergeron who was moved at the deadline.

As for Mr Logan he did a lot of speculation on players after reminding us who left last July 1st (when the Isles decided not to resign them) and had a few names I did not have on my list and some good ones. He did correctly ask Snow if his comments about prospects mean a season of losing and learning which the general manager did not buy but could turn out that way and has to be written.

Note:
Mark Everson reported on the Devils, Larry Brooks reported on the Rangers like he draws a second salary from Cablevision. New York Islanders did not have one word written about them going into the first day of free agency. The Daily News was it's usual Islander no-show with coverage. It is hysterical reading Mr Brooks defend Jagr for the same things he used to bash Alexei Yashin for, even after Jagr admitted he picked his spots last season.

Good news is Mr Brooks was so busy playing rotisserie Rangers he did not have space to bash the Isles. Although it does beg the question why did the Post interview Snow before the draft and not before free agency?

Point Blank: Mr Botta writes in his blog the Islanders will sign Doug Weight within the next two weeks and makes a case for why he should be added to the team. He also has another blog about why the club should make a run at UFA Brian Campbell.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Not much else to add if Mr Botta says the club will sign Doug Weight within two weeks and writes it as if it's a done deal.

I'm not a big fan of the move at all because he did not have a good season last year and is the kind of player who needs talent around him to generate his numbers at this point in his career. Contrary to Mr Botta's perspective he just does not seem like the correct center to ride shotgun for Mike Comrie next season if your plan is to work in prospects or go with franchise talents to replace veterans.

If your going to sign Weight it begs the question why not just give Vasicek another contract extension because he is younger and outproduced him a year ago?

Brian Campbell I gave my comments on yesterday, not much else to add other than Mr Botta is going all out as usual and whether I agree or disagree with the blogs I sure appreciate the hard work and effort.

Tsn.ca: Bob McKenzie reports because the current cba is only four years until the NHLPA decides whether to extend it for two more years it will be tougher for teams to include bonus money in contract offers because it would have to count against this years salary cap.

Kukla's Corner: Paul Kukla's site from the NHL has a list of all outlets to watch/listen to free agency coverage on Tuesday.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I picked out the two free radio/webcast outlets and put them on the sidebar for everyone to access. Many of these other outlets require pay subscriptions (XM) or to this point have not provided a live feed like Tsn who will only be on television for a limited time because of Wimbledon.

Note:
My thanks to the folks over at Kukla's Korner who were kind enough to add tonight's live chat here to their list of hockey-related events. Anyone who is having a live blog (I know Tony Stabile at Islesnation.com) is having one around 12pm or 1pm feel free to contract them and ask it be included and as always Tony will do a great job.

NHL Network here is scheduled to show XM radio from 12-2pm, with Tsn's free agency show scheduled from 5-6pm & 7-8pm.

Note-If anyone has anything free for folks to access on live radio/webcast please respond and tell me so everyone has some access.

Boston Globe: Kevin-Paul Dupont reports former Islander Petteri Nokelainen, agreed to terms with the Bruins on a two-year contract that will pay him an average of $850,000 per season according to a league source.

Courier Post: Chuck Gormley speculates among a bunch of players listed the Flyers could have an interest in Bryan Berard.

Times & Transcript: Neil Hodge reports the Russian Federation is threatening some of its best young players if they come to North America and don't make the NHL next season, they will be suspended from playing for Russian national teams for four years with Nikita Filatov's quoted comments in an article that mentions Islander pick Kirill Petrov but also has a few words on this from former Islander assistant coach, Danny Flynn.

Journal News: Rick Carpiniello in a sports uppdate takes a little shot at Garth Snow asking that somebody tell Islanders GM Garth Snow that the object of the NHL draft isn't to see how long you can go without making a pick.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Journal News with writers like Andrew Gross used to give the Isles the same amount of coverage the News and Post do now. Mr Carpiniello always was good for a few cheapshots at the Isles and always seemed a big time Ranger homer.

CBS Sportsline: Wes Goldstein apparently has done a lot of his reading in Newsday as he reports the Nassau Coliseum is why free agents will not take the Islanders money in a thirty team review heading into free agency where this is the only NHL club that had this written about them.

Medford Local/Transcript: Christopher Hurley has a few comments from former Medford High hockey coach Charlie Driscoll, who coached Bates while with the Mustangs on his being bought out by the Islanders.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has a blog update and is promising more for Tuesday.

Finally:
I wanted to add a poll for today but blogger has been having problems with this feature.

Islander News Articles/Quick Hits 6/28

Edmond Sun: Jeff Harrison has a full feature on Islanders draft pick Matt Donovan with his comments about the draft and a few words from his father Larry Donovan, who is the head coach of the University of Oklahoma hockey team.

NY Post: Devils beatwriter Mark Everson in the generic NHL Post blog reports on Shawn Bates buyout, but more importantly reports Alexei Yashin has re-signed to play for Salavat Yulaev in the Russian league.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
It should be noted the Post track record is not too good on rumors and as of today neither Elite Prospect or European Hockey confirm this. Take that for what's it's worth but it's in line with what Marc Gandler has said all along that Yashin would be off the market before 7/1 and resign in Russia if he could not find an NHL club willing to meet his price.

What else is happening?
Leaf media is all but bullying Bryan McCabe in print to agree to waive his no trade clause so the Islanders can be ripped off for his services in a deal.

Between the denials and confirmations on some player rumors someone should split the difference and have them play at a neutral site. I sure appreciate Jeremy Roenick making things easy on everyone with a quiet resigning.

Isles website put up a media summary of the folks (professional media/otherwise) who approved of their overall draft.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I saw Kevin Allen's blog the other day and it was from 6/21 so even I did not bother posting something that outdated here on him ranking the Isles third for a good draft.

I'm not blaming the Isles, they take such a beating on the p.r front regardless of what they do (starting in Newsday) almost anything that they do forces them to reach out and put together content to tell their part of the story.

One thing I will write is not one of those prospect writers would have given the Isles a good review if they did not think the club had a good draft in their professional opinion.

The media spin doctors like a Stan Fischler you take with a big grain of salt.

And the bottom line is overall they did a good job but they have taken a risk trading down because on paper Filatov and the other forwards were rated higher than Josh Bailey.

Of course in the end Islanders may be the biggest winners or losers of all. Again, ask me in three to five years when we see if they are in New York helping the club win a Stanley Cup.

Islander News Articles 6/27

Newsday: Greg Logan reports in Newsday Islander blog that forward Shawn Bates is expected to be bought out Friday with general manager Garth Snow's comments that even though he is completely healthy a buyout will be done so more young players can get an opportunity.

Note-The print edition has this in the briefs section of the paper. The on-line paper does not carry this information, only the blog.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
If Bates is healthy as the general manager reports, why not try place him on waivers/re-entry waivers? I would guess the general manager did try to include him in a deal or two for virtually anything.

Nothing bad to write about Bates, he gave all he had and more the entire time he was here. That first year it was an excellent signing where he produced as a second line player with Mark Parrish and Michael Peca and he provided a highlight for the ages in the 2002 playoffs that even included his first career fight. I wish him luck and hope he is healthy enough to continue his career.

Updated:
Islanders website: Report Bates was placed on waivers with Garth Snow's comments.

Timmis Daily Press: Vincent Man has director of player development Bryan Trottier's comments as he particpated in fourth-annual Mushkegowuk Council Youth Golf Tournament where he was the guest speaker at the tournament's banquet.

Ottawa Citizen: Thulasi Srikanthan has a few words about NHL prospects graduating high school yesterday which include 2007 Islander draft pick Simon Lacroix.

European Hockey.net: Has the list from the CHL import draft which include Islander draft pick Jyri Niemi was again selected by the Saskatoon Blades.

Updated:
Islanders website: Has second round pick Corey Trivino's comments about why he choose hockey over soccer in a feature.

NYI Fan Central Final Review of Shawn Bates

In honor of tax deadline day a mini review of Shawn Bates.

2007-08:
Not much to write here, he worked his back from the previous season's injury, scored a goal at Bridgeport in a conditioning assignment before another injury struck which again forced surgery, ending his season. It was notable Ted Nolan did not commit to a full time spot for him when he was recovering but injuries/Chris Simon suspension created a spot for him.

Looking ahead:
Bates enters the last year of his three year contract. No updated reports on whether he can continue to play. If he can return my guess is with Richard Park and Andy Hilbert signed combined with many young forwards needing an opportunity it's fair to speculate Shawn Bates Islander career could be coming to an end regardless. As a left wing/center Isles seemed well stocked in that department with the same kind of player and Jon Sim with two more years on his contract and better scoring ability.

Of course I wrote this last summer so we'll see. We all know Bates is not going to help this club with his offense beyond a few games but can help a team with his hard work, skating and penalty killing. His class and character is always something you want on your team.

Bates in, Berard out?

Newsday: Greg Logan confirmed Shawn Bates will be in the lineup at wing on the fourth line with Richard Park and Sean Bergenheim. Mr Logan also speculates because Bryan Berard met with the Ted Nolan after the pre-game skate, he would be the healthy scratch on defense.

“I’m definitely hungry,” Bates said. “There’s no question about it. I’m going to come in and do what I do, skate, hit and chip in if I can and try to bring in some energy to the game.

“It’s been a long time. My last game was almost 10 months ago to the day. It’s been a battle. Mentally, it’s been frustrating, but it’s nice to be back with the guys and get into a game.”

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has a quick blog on Darryl Bootland getting through practice.

Islander News Articles 11/28

Newsday: Greg Logan's article in on Mike Comrie playing his former team, the Islanders record against Ottawa, the club's scoring problems and Bates likely return to the lineup.

"The frustrating thing is that we're not getting a lot of goals," Comrie said of the Isles' recent drought. "It's not from lack of effort or the chances ... You just have to keep your focus and get pucks to the net."

NY Post: Dan Martin did a pregame article with comments from Shawn Bates on the upcoming games.

"Now, maybe we have a more difficult stretch."

"But we have enough experience, enough grit on this team to go through that, and hopefully we will."

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has an Sound Tigers notebook that has comments from a few former Sound Tigers in Jamie Johnson and Brandon Nolan. Pascal Morency is expected to miss two-four weeks after cutting his hand in a fight.

Ottawa Citizen & Ottawa Sun: Have Senators coverage with some interesting comments from former Islander Randy Robiaille who was signed by Ottawa.

"Everything starts from the goal on out and they've got a good one in Rick DiPietro," he said, also crediting the work of coach Ted Nolan. "Teddy got in there last year and did a great job of turning things around. A lot of people said they overachieved last year and that was pretty thrilling making the playoffs in the shootout against the Devils. I'm not as surprised by their start like a lot of people would be."

Edmonton Sun: Jason Hills reports Islander prospect Robin Figren missed his last game with a wrist injury, is expected to be out for an extended amount of time and there is concern he could be left off team Sweden's roster for the World Junior Championships. Figren has twenty two points in twenty three games for the Oil Kings after he returned from a hernia injury that kept in shut down in Moncton during Islander training camp.

"I haven't had good timing with my injuries at all this season. In a couple of days I will go for another x-ray and hopefully it's just sprained and not broken and I'll be back in 10 days."

Bates expected to play Wednesday/Notables

Islanders Website: Reported Ted Nolan said after practice that Shawn Bates is likely to return to the lineup Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators.

"Shawn has worked extremely hard on his conditioning and spent a few games down in Bridgeport," said head coach Ted Nolan. "So we'll probably more than likely see him tomorrow night."

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's blog has an update on injuries to Paul Morency, Darryl Bootland, Drew Fata and Kip Brennan.

YahooSports.com: Ross McKeon dropped the Islanders from fifth to tenth in his league power rankings.

Islander News Articles 11/18:

Newsday: Greg Logan's Sunday article is about the change in leadership since last season and what Bill Guerin brings to the locker room. He writes people from one end of the organization to the other credit the subtraction of Yashin and the addition of Guerin for creating a new sense of togetherness and purpose.

"He's been great in our locker room," said enforcer Chris Simon, who is close to Nolan and understands better than anyone what kind of leadership is required to play the coach's style. "Billy's play speaks for itself," Simon said. "He plays in the hard areas. He's not a perimeter player. When a guy plays the way he does and carries himself the way he does, everybody listens from young guys to older guys. That's a real good thing."

"The biggest thing to me was the chemistry and the camaraderie on the team, making sure everybody wanted to be there and wanted to be a part of the Islanders," Guerin said Saturday. "I think we have that. We've got a great group of guys. We support each other, and we're trying to make it like a family.

Asked what needed to change, Guerin answered quickly. "It's just a feeling," he said. "There's more a sense of unity this year than there was last year. There's not 17 guys on one page, two guys on one and one on another. Everybody's on the same page."

NYI Fan Central Comments:
No direct quote from anyone regarding Alexi Yashin which is unfair if Logan is going to make such a claim on a team with so many new faces.

No doubt Guerin is a huge positive in the locker room but Guerin himself said it's what you do on the ice, the rest is just words.

Simon's comments are interesting but Guerin has been almost entirely a perimeter player all season who's offensive contribution has been one game Olaf Kolzig struggled where he took a lazy shot from long distance on a five on three that squeaked through. His only goal in front of the net was against Kevin Weekes in overtime on another players hard work. To this point Yashin's season a year ago has been better on the ice than Guerin's.

Alexei Yashin's Islanders made four of the last five playoffs, only he knows how much he wanted to be captain or what he failed to do in the job behind the scenes but it's fair to say Yashin did not have anyone like a Comrie, Guerin to work with either and he's scapegoated for not be supported. He also has to be given credit for a good statistical year from Blake, Simon and especially Viktor Kozlov.

As Blake said himself when he signed in Toronto, Yashin was expected to perform miracles. Kozlov praised Yashin when he signed in Washington also.

Let's not pull punches here either, Yashin was not good with the media and that's not going to win him points with someone who's on a deadline and needs material.

Guerin's grade as captain comes down to the club's record, not how players get along off the ice.

Newsday: Greg Logan also did a second feature on Josef Vasicek who leads the NHL in shooting percentage.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's blog has comments from Bates about his first game and the loss against Hershey.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article in the paper.