New York's Game Plan Moving Forward In Free Agency:

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The deadline for players filing arbitration is 7/5 at 5pm EST. Blake Comeau will be the player to watch here, we could find out here if Haley/others accept their qualifying offers.

Updated:
Comeau has filed for salary arbitration.

Updated 7/5:
Islanders website: announced today they have agreed to terms with center Trevor Frischmon on a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract.

Colorado Springs Gazette: June 30th had his comments about playing in the NHL and why he was considering moving on from Columbus.
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The best move so far by the New York Islanders is the one they have not made.

Still, Garth Snow has spots to be filled/key players to be signed/re-signed.

Forwards:
Given the forward prospects that have left Bridgeport, the current open roster spots, with the possible chance of Blake Comeau in a year going UFA, Snow should be working hard to sign left wing Jason Gregoire.

Grand Forks Herald: who broke Gregoire's leaving school reported he was at the draft, and interviewed with nine teams.

Gregoire is not Blake Wheeler, even if he used his clause to explore UFA, but he is a talented prospect with scoring ability.

If Gregiore signed here and did well in camp, it could open the roster for a possible Comeau trade (if he cannot be signed) without some of the contracts comparable left wingers were given on 7/1.

Unless Snow and his staff have targeted another Matt Moulson or P.A Parenteau for Bridgeport, this is the best move to supplement his AHL prospect base after losing Figren, Joensuu.....likely Tomas Marcinko, unless he makes the NHL per his new contract.

Another thing to consider is before Matt Martin uses up his NHL waiver eligibility (160 games) it would be only prudent to seriously consider him returning to Bridgeport and rediscovering his offensive game on the top lines, while Marcinko receives a full look here, who has been signed.

Martin was not as visible as he was offensively the previous year (granted a five game sample) on a regular basis, perhaps it being on the fourth line/perhaps not?

Bottom line here, the Islanders second/third round picks in 2006 are gone, one of the fourth rounders from that draft is signed to play only in the NHL or Europe.

Martin needs to play more, Gregiore would be a good player to have in your system, Marcinko should get an NHL chance before departing likely for good.

Backline:
This team has Eaton, Mottau, Jurcina signed for next season, they CANNOT afford another middle of the road veteran blue-liner like McCabe, Kaberle ect taking a spot in this lineup. Their limited offensive/defensive ability, with declining skills makes that a non-starter at this point in their careers.

The players in Bridgeport are better potential options, especially Calvin deHaan, perhaps Wishart and Katic right now.

Katic's speed/skill flat out impressed me.....a lot.

If Snow wants to trade Eaton, Mottau or Jurcina, then sign McCabe or Kaberle that's acceptable, not before.

There are twenty eight other teams interested in trading for Keith Yandle, it's not happening unless he's signed long-term in advance and Garth Snow includes a top prospect, or a top draft choice.

You cannot trade for Yandle as a rental, Phoenix needs to win immediately so someone will purchase the club and keep it in Arizona. Don Maloney is likely not going to be retained if the franchise is moved, so his personal best short-term bet is Yandle.

Goaltender:
No one is trading a top defender for Nabokov, who's 500k right now looks expensive compared to what Vokoun got, but a steal compared to what so many others received.

What's Next:
For the moment getting contracts done with Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, perhaps Frans Nielsen beyond one year, along with the move stated above, should be the priority.

If something cannot get done with Nielsen or Comeau, you can include both in a trade for a quality defender. Nielsen's trade value may never be higher, if he has another year struggling on offense it will decline.

No law Tavares-Strome-Bailey cannot be your three centers by fall 2012.

The Dany Heatley NHL tour has now stopped in Minnesota for Martin Havlat here in a late Sunday trade.

From The Hypocrisy/Double Standard Or Selective Amnesia Department:
NY Daily News: decided on an unnamed editorial blasting the Coliseum project 7/4 that is so pathetic, it ignores the same NY Daily News article Yankee Stadium and Citi Field are the Houses That You Built from January of 2009.

NYIFC Comments:
Would not shock me at all if Cablevision picked up the phone and asked for a negative editorial as the LIBN did on June 30th displaying some very selective amnesia regarding other local teams.



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Tomas Marcinko Resigned...Dustin Kohn/Jack Hillen Not Qualified

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Bridgeport Sound Tigers website reported Tomas Marcinko, signed a one year, two-way contract on Monday.

2005 second round pick, Dustin Kohn and Jack Hillen have not been qualified.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has a list (no idea if complete/final) of all NHL/AHL players not qualified here that apparently includes Robin Figren/Rob Hissey, who both signed overseas, but were eligible to be qualified anyway as Jeremy Colliton was.

Rob Schremp was not qualified by Winnipeg.


NYIFC Comments:
These players will likely enter the market come 7/1, however any player not qualified can be re-signed at any time.

Not surprised about Jack Hillen. It was a good risk Snow took signing him at the cost of giving up a year of eligibility, which is why he played his first two games two games in the NHL. The depth chart speaks for itself that there is a lot of competition for jobs here on defense.

Former prospect Jared Spurgeon was not signed here after being drafted, he was initially invited to Minnesota's prospect camp last July. Some organizations are a better fit than others.

A lot of quality players around the NHL, were not given qualifying offers. Roster spots/cap space are tight.

2005/second rounder pick, Dustin Kohn, not being qualified means the final draft class of Mike Milbury's tenure can now be written here.

Outside of Ryan Smyth's brief time here, no positive impact on the NHL organization from the the class of 2005. Obviously not a formula for sustained success.

Islander scout Trent Klatt: discussed the Islanders draft for six minutes.

Garth Snow had a brief video on Bruno Gervais, who was signed by Tampa Bay on Monday to a one-way NHL contract.

Free agency section opened at NYIFC. 2011 Draft section moved to prospect area before being deleted. (all new draft picks, in NYIFC prospect blog)



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UPDATED: Next Up For New York 6/26 Qualifying Offers/Notables

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New York Islander Fan Central Prospect Blog: Has more updates/articles on 2011 draft class.

Working on newspaper/website comments from all the new players selected, and a perfect image of that great looking 40th Anniversary logo.

The NHL Draft is concluded, but business is ongoing.

The deadline to make qualifying offers to the teams restricted free agents is Monday at 5pm.

If Garth Snow was asked about who he qualified (as many professional beat-writers have asked respective general managers around the NHL), it did not make the local paper that controls New York Islander coverage as of this time. The beat-writer covering our team, keeps writing Ryan Jankowski, was dismissed two months after the Canadians hired him per their website?

In short: Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, Michael Haley, Jack Hillen, Dylan Reese,
Ty Wishart, Dustin Kohn, Tomas Marcinko must receive qualifying offers Monday for the team to retain their rights.

Updated:
Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, Micheal Haley, Jesse Joensuu, Dylan Reese and Ty Wishart were qualified. Jack Hillen was not as of this time, but subject to change before deadline.

Michael Fornabaio tweeted: Dustin Kohn not on that list of qualified as of Sunday. Tomas Marcinko only other unsigned RFA, not likely to get qualified, this is also subject to change before deadline.

Ct Post: Mr Fornabaio has a bit more, but nothing new on qualifying offers to the Bridgeport centric-players.

Bruno Gervais, must now be qualified by Tampa on Monday.

Rob Hisey, Robin Figren are restricted, however both signed in Europe. It is possible Snow could qualify them, as he did with Jeremy Colliton.

Some quality players are already salary-cap casualties, who will not be qualified and on the market as unrestricted free agents on Friday.

NYIFC 6/12/11: Entry went into more depth on qualifying offers process and what is next in that process.
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It was quite an interesting few days on the trade market with so many clubs scrambling to add/subtract cap space, or those which made outright huge trades, especially Minnesota-San Jose. Dale Tallon, who signed Brian Campbell to his contract with Chicago, traded for it once again in Florida.

As I wrote the other day, the CBA needs some changes, but it's working.

Hopefully Nikita Filatov becomes a star in Ottawa, same as I hoped he did with Columbus. Only issue here is the Columbus Dispatch beat-writers constant digs at the New York Islanders, but not the team they cover, for what was a player clearly mismanaged by the Bluejackets.

Fliatov also bears responsibility.

A lot of that going around this league in the media, knock other markets, not the one where paper needs local team advertising money.
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All I ever read is the Islanders are scrambling to reach the cap floor. Really?

The Islanders seemed to subtract Wisniewski/Roloson and still were over any cap floor last December? Hamonic's NHL contract was added early last season, Wishart's first-round contract was called up 2/5/11. Koskinen was called up with his contract, same with Poulin?

Don't believe everything you read in newspapers guessing, or fans sites doing cap numbers, that are not official NHL affiliate outlets. I understand in the absence of official league information folks will accept anything, however that does not make it correct.

How do you think Forbes decided to become NHL experts with only estimates?
Our professional media also uses these kinds of sites now also, very sloppy.
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No issue here with Ryan Smyth doing whatever he is allowed to do within the framework of his contract. The Kings can always refuse his request. This is another advantage of front-loading, because Colorado paid the bulk of his money early, Los Angeles paid less, and now if he goes back to Edmonton they will pay the least.

His average cap-hit only helps Edmonton, it's money they will not pay him.

Updated:
Smyth is finally a confirmed trade to Edmonton.

Darcy Regier really needed Ales Kotalik's three million salary that badly? Robyn Regehr is a solid player, but either Regier was watching old game films of Kotalik or he caught Terry Pegula in the honeymoon spending period?

Color me skeptical Ted Nolan, lasts very long now that Rochester is the Buffalo Sabres affiliate. Regier/Ruff go back to Nolan's time or replaced Nolan. Terry Pegula has his work cut out.

The lack of thanks/praise to former owner Tom Golisano, who kept that franchise going is not appropriate.
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The Islanders website coverage was frankly not good this weekend, virtually nothing archived (at least yet) from the scouts, or Snow in articles. Seemed to go video centric, and a lot of that was NHL-related.

A lot was done live with a team centric-ITV feed, it has not been made available as of yet.

Having written that those folks have been working very hard, and have had to go above and beyond for a while. Press conferences with Mangano at Coliseum, coverage in Las Vegas, in Minnesota, from the draft party.

Hopefully Wang meant his employees, when he praised the folks working round the clock, the other day. They sure do deserve it.
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I understand the hype will start soon to add UFA.

Look at the current roster and how many players are signed? Not immune to trades, or signings, but as I have written every year, to add, you must subtract.

No folks, this team does not need Brad Richards front-loaded, likely over 50m dollars/hopefully without concussions. Tavares, Bailey, Nielsen, Strome, Nelson, Cizikas, Ullstrom, and all the other centers under contract are good enough unless Snow is looking ahead to UFA for Nielsen, who is not a five on five scorer.

If Snow trades Nielsen, includes in a defender (Eaton/Mottau/Jurcina) in a deal and them wants to make a run at Richards, that risk makes more sense.

You qualify Josh Bailey, put him at center, and leave him there, unless a team is offering a star player at Bailey's age.
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No idea what will happen with the goaltending. I do not like the idea of three top quality players, who need to be number one goaltenders sharing the work in Bridgeport, who's head-coaching search just got much tougher with all the AHL hiring by their parent teams.

I more than understand two are coming off surgery, same as at this level. No doubt the Islanders do not know how to proceed either.
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As for NYIFC a free agency section will be setup Tuesday/Wednesday.
I like the new sidebar format for information, sorry the old one failed during draft.
Considering a twitter box for Islander centric/former players only here.




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Niederreiter Signed by NY/Media Press Conference/Notables

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Playing catchup, sorry but not available Tuesday, or a good part of Wednesday.

Islanders website: Reports Nino Niederreiter signed a three year entry level contract, with comments from GM, Garth Snow.

NHL.com: Brian Compton had a feature on Niederreiter signing.

NYIFC Comments:
Congratulations to Nino Niederreiter, this is a player who just turned eighteen.

We have seen this with Bailey, Tavares and both played immediately in the NHL, in Niederreiter's case that may not happen beyond the nine games. I believe the available depth here now gives the Islanders time based on what they will see from Neiderreiter/prospects in camp or what players may become available to Garth Snow from clubs desperate to get under the summer cap in possible trades.

Islanders website: Tuesday has it's media day/or lack thereof given few questions from same people, with Owner Charles Wang, GM, Garth Snow, Head Coach, Scott Gordon with Cablevision/Newsday employees.

NYIFC Comments:
Charles Wang said the team will be here through it's 2015 lease, that's another five years. Mr Wang did it in a way where it seems whatever happens off the ice will not be a distraction for hockey, and to me that is the perfect way because he left media sitting there with nothing to add or speculate on.

Given the outbursts in Edmonton from Mr Katz, subsequent owners, this man who years ago said this is a church that will not be open forever, seems to love owning this team enough to stick with it for the time being.

He has more patience than even I would frankly, a lot of other owners in markets with far more financial resources/media to sell product have been far more critical.

Scott Gordon after a while got some hockey questions, while Snow gave stock answers on many subjects which is fair enough and what we have heard before for the most part. The approach with DiPietro in terms of working himself back was a big part of early questions, the gm will decide if the coach will remain beyond the final year of his contract, as it should be.

Gordon on players/rebuilding comment being over was his best moment. All in all a good media conference, whatever it's spun into by our laughingstock of a hockey media, is another matter entirely, and reflect on them more than the club.

Tsn.ca: Also had a very brief article on Mr Wang's statement.

Islanders website: Released television schedule in Cablevision-Msg stock release. At least seventeen games will be on Msg+2 where access is limited/ratings will be lower. It appears Stan Fischler Msg's contract will again have him attending more Islander games as what is being called an " NHL correspondent", which in effect means no Islander personality will be hired to replace Butch Goring's Msg contract in their studio.

That means this scam with Jaffe/Goring absolutlely saved Msg money on a contract above all.

Did not see the New York-New Jersey preseason games scheduled to be televised from the Coliseum on 10/2 on that pdf. Msg is of course spamming the house team on television.

Not sure what IMG is and what they will be doing with club in terms of some kind of future television show. Hopefully they can keep it entirely out of Cablevsion/Msg access.
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Kirill Kabanov, was late for warm-up and was again disciplined by club, it's his NHL career and frankly he's pushing his luck.

Tom Poti, received a two year extension of over five million from Washington.

QMI Agency: Steve MacFarlane has Flames coach, Brent Sutter on, Tim Jackman, on both winning the Bob Nystrom award with the Islanders.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio, had an interview with Tomas Marcinko, and a few other items.

Hopefully that catches us up.

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Islander News Articles 2/3

Newsday: John Jeansonne covered practice with his article on goaltender Yann Danis who will apparently start in goal against Tampa Bay. Head coach Scott Gordon reports Joey MacDonald is set to return having completed his rehab from his groin injury but will not commit to a number one goalie beyond whoever is starting that day.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Anyone who watched, listended or read the reports on camp knew Danis and MacDonald were solid goaltenders who did not look out of place at this level. That may mean nothing in the future but it's been obvious this teams goaltending has been solid all season even without Rick DiPietro with very few poor efforts in goal.

NY Post: Dan Martin's six short paragraphs talks about a goaltending battle between Danis and MacDonald where only a very small part of Danis/Scott Gordon's comments made the paper.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Those heart of a cash grab ads for Adam Graves surround the Islander article, class act off the ice but not even close to having his jersey retired based on his career.

St Pete Times: Damian Cristodero is not sure of the goaltending story on the Lightning with goaltender Mike Smith injured not flying to New York with the team. Gm Brian Lawton saying he probably won't be able to play which means Mike McKenna and Karri Ramo will suit up but the later is on AHL suspension. The newspaper version has the injury report for Tampa here.

According to the writer McKenna was just called up and signed Monday here.

Tampa Bay — G Mike Smith (upper body), D Jamie Heward (concussion), D Marek Malik (ankle), LW Gary Roberts (elbow), F Paul Szczechura (lower body) and G Olie Kolzig (arm) are out.

Tampa Tribune: Erik Erlendsson also reports on Tampa goaltending problems with head coach Rick Tocchet's comments he would have no problem going with McKenna.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Best way to attempt to explain all this would the equivalent of Nate Lawson being recalled to start a game for the Islanders while the AHL has suspended him?

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article is on Tomas Marcinko with Jack Capuano's comments about the big wingers physical play and potential.

Stamford Advocate: Patrick McNamee has a feature on career day with AITE students visiting the Sound Tigers offices working in community relations, ticket sales, advertising and media relations. The workers gave insight into running charity-themed games, selling advertising and the overall challenges of running a sports franchise.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Given the attendance with no television and very limited media, team President Howard Saffan and the entire staff have done an amazing job this year in this tough economy.

Islander News Articles 1/20

Newsday: Greg Logan's game recap of the Islanders 2-1 ot loss to Washington with secondary article here that includes Kurtis McLean's comments on his NHL debut.

NY Post: Dan Martin's game recap has comments from Brendan Witt, Yann Danis and head coach Scott Gordon.

Daily News: Peter Botte has comments from head coach Scott Gordon, goaltender Yann Danis and defenseman Brendan Witt on his overtime penalty.

Washington Post & Washington Times coverage of the Caps ot win.

Times & Transcipt: Brent Mazerolle has reaction from local officials on the team leaving Moncton for training camp.

Star Phoenix: Kevin Mitchell has comments from Toronto businessman John Graham, who brokered the deal between the Islanders and Credit Union Centre to hold camp in Saskatoon.

Leader Post: Corey Wolfe has comments from Blake Comeau about Islanders having camp in Saskatoon.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's Sound Tigers weekly notes head coach Jack Capuano called a team meeting while the beatwriter had five questions for Tomas Marcinko.

Islander News Articles 10/18

Newsday: Greg Logan's latest article can only play the speculation game as to when head coach Scott Gordon starts Rick DiPietro with the coaches comments on his possible timetable for a start, the goaltenders comments praising Joey MacDonald and his teammates along with what he is doing to get ready.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
No idea, not worth speculating. I would give DiPietro another five full days of full practices/rest instead of a start here against a club MacDonald is just as capable of beating. DiPietro did play and lose vs Florida in his only appearance to date in 08-09.

Craig Anderson came in and relieved Vokoun in a 6-2 loss at home in Florida's previous game. New York and Panthers split the preseason series with the Isles winning in Summerside.

Sound Tigers.com: Recaps the Sound Tigers 4-3 shootout win against the WBS Pens Friday night.

Bridgeport lost a 3-1 lead in this game. (radio link through AHL.com did work for free for those wondering)

Jesse Joensuu, Tomas Marcinko and Tim Jackman scored for Bridgeport. Blake Comeau had an assist and a fight (several players involved) here.

Yann Danis was in goal for the Sound Tigers and had twenty one saves, he was perfect after allowing a goal in the first shootout attempt.

Still five round shootout in AHL.

Trevor Smith-no goal, Mike Iggulden, no goal, Kurtis McLean (former WBS Pen) goal, not sure, no goal, Rob Hennigar, no goal, Kurtis McLean goal.

First five shooters can go a second time in AHL shootout if tied after five attempts
e which is all Bridgeport needed with McLean scoring two goals on two attempts against his former club.
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Ct Post: Michael Fornabauio recaps the Sound Tigers shootout win with comments from Kurtis McLean, Jesse Joensuu, Tomas Marcinko. .

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio previews Bridgeport's home opener against Albany on Saturday night.

ON THE AIR -- No radio; Webcast and Internet pay-per-view at www.soundtigers.com
RECORDS THROUGH THURSDAY -- Albany 0-1-0-0; Bridgeport 1-1-0-1

Ct Post: Mr Fornabaio's blog recap includes Blake Comeau's comments on his fight.

Times Leader & Citizens Voice has WBS Pens coverage of their shootout loss.

Islander News Articles 9/3

Newsday: Katie Strang has an interview with Rick DiPietro regarding his health from last season through the summer and whether he will be at a hundred percent for the season opener, also a few words about Scott Gordon and how much he wants to play this season.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
What's never brought up is how well DiPietro played after the all-star break, how his surgically repaired hip reportedly had no problems all season nor did he suffer any concussions. I did not read all these things about his health when he returned for the playoffs against Buffalo last summer despite having surgery after the series.

One other huge difference no one has written about is DiPietro will have a lot more breaks in the schedule during the second half this season unlike last year where the club did not see one three day break after December aside from the ASG which is why all this talk about locking him into a set schedule now makes little sense just like it would for any other starter.

You can bet the folks in the media who have problems with DiPietro will make sure to always point out the downside first because part of this is about his relationship with the media and his contract.

You see the negative parts about Brodeur played up in the media as soon as he struggles but when he does well we read how under-rated he is or it's outright ignored. When Henrik Lundqvist plays with a family member sick he is praised or given excuses for mediocre play over a few months but when DiPietro suffers a loss in his family he is portrayed as a selfish player regardless of what he does.

Barrie Examiner: Ian Schantz speculates Tomas Marcinko will not be back with Barrie because he's signed by the Islanders.