Isles Info:
2004-05 Update:
Martin Chabada
returned for his first full season back with HC Sparta
after leaving the Sound Tigers and proved he is one of
the better players in the Czech Republic. He tied his
career high for goals with 19 and recorded 34 points in
50 games. What does that mean for his future with the
Islanders? Probably nothing.
Update: 2003-04
Chabada began his
second season in the Islanders system with the
Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. Unfortunately he
decided to ask the Islanders organization if he could
return to Europe in late October of 2003 and the
Islanders granted him his wish. Chabada was reportedly
unhappy with the fact he had not been given a chance
with the Islanders after being signed to a deal before
the 2002-03 season.
islesinfo comment:
Personally I think this was a bad move on Chabada's
part. But to each his own when it comes to career
decisions. I believe if he had stuck around he would
have seen action for the Islanders in the 2003-04
season. Just how much action though is debatable. It's
most likely he will not return after rejoining HC Sparta
Praha of the Czech Extraliga. Chabada will most likely
join a list of previously signed Europeans draft picks (Salficky,
Upper) who eventually did not make it to the
Island.
LW Martin Chabada: 6-1, 202 lbs. Born June 14, 1977
in Kladno, Czech Republic. While Stonkus is a long term project, Chabada
may be the real steal of the draft for the New York Islanders. Already 25
years old, this big winger has tons of international experience and has
even played with Radek Martinek and Dusan Salficky in a few tournaments
over in the Czech Republic. Chabada had a breakthrough season offensively
in 2001-02 with the Extraliga champions Sparta Praha and the Islanders
believe he could come over and compete for a spot in training camp for the
upcoming season. If he does he has to be signed to a contract by July
15th. "He had a very good year," said Isles' European scout
Karel Pavlik, who once coached Chabada. "He skated on the first line
with the league champion. That is impressive. I like his offensive
instincts. They are very good. He can skate and handle the puck." This
past season with Sparta Praha, Chabada scored 19 goals and 40 points in 51
games along with a +29 rating and 113 penalty minutes. It was a far cry
from his 2000-01 numbers, just nine goals and 19 points in 43 contests.
"He has international experience with Czech Republic," said
Pavlik. "It goes back to when he was a junior that he got a lot of
experience. Now, he has become a top player on the Czech League's champion
club and he's played some games on their National Team." Chabada
broke into the Sparta Praha lineup as a regular during the 1997-98 season,
scoring eight goals and 12 points in 40 games. After a steady progression,
the Czech, who shoots righty, broke out. "He's not afraid to go into
the corners and sees the ice very well," said Pavlik. "He hasn't
had any major injuries and I like him a lot." Likes to often wear
#15.
Update: July 17, 2002
The Islanders have come to
terms with LW Martin Chabada from the Czech Republic. Chabada was
recently drafted in the 8th round of the 2002 draft. He just came off a
big breakout season with league champion Sparta and is looking forward to
joining the Islanders. He was signed to a two year, two way
contract.
"The Islanders sent me an offer after the draft," Chabada,
25, said, "and I thought it was good, so I decided to give it a
try. I've spent six years with Sparta, and I felt it was time for a
change. Besides, I had a good season, so I'd be leaving with good
memories. There is a clause that I could return to Europe, but I'd
rather not," Chabada said.
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