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The tale is reality. Blake and York are going through exact opposite seasons for the blue, orange and white. While Blake has been asked about the contract recently, he stated he rather not think about it and just go out there and play hockey. The contract stuff will take care of itself. On the other end of the spectrum, Mike York has been MIA since the Islanders returned from Anaheim on October 11th, when he scored the game winner in a shootout vs. the Ducks. Is the contract weighing on York's mind? Does he want to be an Islander? Those are interesting questions, but what we do know is York just does not seem to fit into the Islanders system. The team has been experiencing some success this season under new head coach Ted Nolan. But York often seems detached from the Islanders success. He hasn't really been a part of it. With each passing game he finds himself more and more in the doghouse, with fans....and Islanders employees. It has been observed that a supposed Islanders employee has been posting messages on a semi well known message board stating that Islanders employees make jokes about York whenever he touches the puck. The employee in question doesn't claim to be a member of management, but the remarks are still a reflection of the organization. It is very unlikely that York will remain an Islander past the March trade deadline, which is about 3 months away. Nolan has a very strong first line with Alexei Yashin, when he returns, Blake and insert third member here. York-Satan-Hunter was arguably the Islanders best line last season. While Satan and Hunter have played important roles on the team this year, York has become a third wheel. So Nolan has gotten by through pretty much interchanging the second and third lines. What the Islanders could really use is a second line center. Well, that's not the only thing the Islanders need. Their GAA a couple of weeks ago was down to a paltry 2.50. It is now up to 2.75 and the Islanders have struggled all season, especially at home, on the penalty kill. The Islanders need a solid two way center, or a penalty killer who can turn things around. Could that be acquired through one player? Who knows. But as long as the Islanders continue to be one of the most penalized teams in the NHL, they have to do something to improve on the PK. It may be a big risk, but one possibility is to trade York for whatever the Islanders can get for him. Perhaps a prospect can be acquired. Then, perhaps the Islanders could sign Jason Allison for the remainder of the season. Allison's knees may still be a question mark, but he might provide the Islanders with a jolt if he works out and performs well under Nolan. Or maybe we're all wrong about York and he will eventually get hot. Time will tell. But we won't hold our breaths. Bogus Rumors There have been so many bogus rumors swirling around the net that islesinfo.com hasn't even wanted to discuss some of them. There was a rumor going back about a month that the Vancouver Canucks were interested in acquiring RW Trent Hunter because of his perceived slow start. But we all know this season Hunter brings a lot more to the Islanders with his physical play and shot blocking skills. There's been some rumblings this past week that the Islanders were close to signing Peter Bondra. That never happened, and to be honest was highly doubtful in the first place. Bondra signed a couple days ago with Chicago.
Komisarek recorded 2 goals and 6 points in 71 games played during 2005-06. Since the recent signing of goaltender Manny Legace to the St. Louis Blues, the Islanders have reportedly turned their attention to another American to backup Rick DiPietro(who is still unsigned by the way). Former Flyer Brian Boucher has been mentioned as a possibility for the Islanders. Mike Dunham is still in the running. Boucher, 29 years old, has an edge on Dunham in the age department by 5 years. Up front, the Islanders are reportedly very interested in slow footed, yet gritty power center Jason Allison. They've also been mentioned to be interested in face-off specialist Yanic Perreault.
"He's on the board [of possibilities] Dunham was injured for most of 2005-06. He compiled an 8-5-2 record, a 2.77 GAA and an .893 save percentage with the Atlanta Thrashers last season, who paid him $750,000. He recently turned 34 years old. Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported Sunday that Snow has talked a number of times with Manny Legace. Recent reports have Legace's asking price at about $1.5 million. Legace is also being courted by the St. Louis Blues, where Legace may feel he has a better chance to be a #1 still. In 2005-06 with Detroit, Legace put up impressive numbers going 37-8-3 with a 2.19 GAA and .915 save percentage. He is 33 years old. Also, according to Brooks the Islanders offered Mike York a four year deal believed to be worth $9.5 million ($2.375 million a year) prior to his arbitration hearing. York declined and instead received a one year deal through arbitration for $2.85 million and a ticket to unrestricted free agency in 2007. islesinfo.com comments: Mike Dunham is 30 games under .500 for his career and has always been a very up and down goaltender. If he was signed he'd be a clear cut #2 behind DiPietro. That may not be what DiPietro truely needs to push him to the next level. If the Islanders want somebody to challenge the kid, they need to try and convince Legace to sign. As for York, we are glad he was NOT signed to a 4 year deal by the Islanders. A two year deal would have made more sense, especially if York thrives under Nolan's coaching. If he does, the Islanders can still negotiate with York come January of 2007.
Simon is regarded as a tough guy but also has proven he can play the game. He's accumulated over 1,600 PIM's over his career but he's also scored 133 goals and 275 points in 677 games played. His best season in the NHL came in 1999-00 with Washington when he tallied 29 goals and 49 points in 75 games played. He scored 14 goals for the Rangers in 2003-04. In 2005-06 with Calgary Simon went 8-14-22 in 72 games played. Simon is an Ojibwa Indian and shares that in common with new Islanders coach Ted Nolan. Simon played for Nolan back in 1991-92 with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, a year they went on to capture the Memorial Cup. The Islanders believe his signing will bring character and grit to the lineup that the team has lacked over the last few years. In 2005-06 with Calgary, Simon earned $1.216 million. Grebby Out of NY: According to a report out of Russia, Islanders defenseman Denis Grebeshkov has signed on to play for Lokomotiv of the Russian League next season instead of re-signing with the Islanders. Apparently the Islanders wanted to re-sign Grebeshkov to a 2-way contract. Grebeshkov was looking for a one way deal. Instead of the possibility of playing in Bridgeport, which was likely after the Islanders signings of Brendan Witt and Tom Poti, it seems Grebeshkov will not be available to the Islanders in 2006-07....In other news, the Islanders re-signed D Allan Rourke to a deal worth $475,000.
Poti is from Worcester, MA and his vitals are 6'3" and 202 lbs. The former Boston University graduate was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, for whom he played for from 1998 to 2002. During the 2001-02 he was dealt to the Rangers for now current Islander Mike York. Three times he has reached the 10 goal mark in his seven year career including a career high 12 for the Oilers in 2000-01. Poti recorded a career high 37 assists and 48 points for the Rangers in 80 games played during 2002-03. Confirmation: newyorkislander.com has confirmed they have signed D Tom Poti. More in a little while on the islesinfo.com free agent signings page. islesinfo.com comment: Not extremely happy about this to be honest. I hate adding former Rangers to our lineup. If it's just for one year I guess I can deal with it. $2.75 seems a little bit high. Basically he gets the same amount of money as Brendan Witt got. Poti has garnered a tepid relationship with the fans everywhere he has gone. The Oiler fans whistled and booed him out of Edmonton and the Ranger fans booed him often in 2005-06. He often struggles making decision with the puck and that is something the Islanders have seen too much of in the past with some of their d-men. If you want to look at a positive, Poti was one of the top defensemen on a playoff team last season that finished one point out from winning the division. Still, even though he's old I would have rather had Brian Leetch for his veteran presence(and the fact that he is the only Ranger player I've ever personally met, totally by chance in an airport prior to the 1991 Canada Cup. He was nice enough to give me an autograph despite the fact I was wearing an Islander shirt at the time. He even waited for me to buy a pen and signed my receipt!).
With that news, and the fact the Islanders signed Mike Sillinger, it's hard to believe now that Peca will be back on Long Island. Berger did say there were some other teams still involved in Peca's services, and that the talks with Toronto were only preliminary, but Peca in an Islander jersey in 2006-07 seems more and more unlikely.
The Islanders obviously would be hoping that one of them would return to put up some better numbers as they have in the past. Yet Leetch at age 38 may not have much ice time left in his skates. Don't have anything new to report on Michael Peca. While many believe the Islanders are the perfect destination for the former Selke winner, some believe the signing of Mike Sillinger makes Peca's return less likely. Important Message from islesinfo.com regarding Rumors Hockeybuzz.com: This was posted by someone on hockeybuzz.com who claims to have an inside source: "It's a tug of war between Dallas, Edmonton, Toronto and the Islanders. According to my sources, Peca is leaning towards an Island redux. Isles talking to Markov and Samsonov. Not looking great, but they are talking. Leetch is considering the Devils and Islanders. Like I said, the Isles didn't want to give Witt 3 mil. So they gave him 2.76. DiPietro's contract is being worked out. It will be announced within the next few days. 3 years is what I hear. No terms yet."
Chris Pronger goes to Anaheim for Joffrey Lupul, a non roster player(D Ladislav Smid) and about three draft picks. Shocked Anaheim gave up Lupul, but the Ducks are going to have some incredible defense with Pronger teaming up with Scott Niedermayer. Perhaps the two best defensemen in the league. Still waiting for some news on defense for the Islanders. Perhaps that will come today as well. Brendan Witt is still out there. After him there is a bit of a drop off.
As far as the Islanders, if they were to make this deal it most likely would mortgage some of their future. That is something the Islanders are very weary about doing. The possibility is a very, very long shot at best. They may be better off looking at guys like Brendan Witt or Ruslan Salei. The Senators, Coyotes, Rangers and Leafs are all also rumored to be interested in acquiring Pronger. Edmonton's GM Kevin Lowe is taking his time on this and he will most likely make sure the Oilers get an equal package in return. Pronger's salary is about $6.5 million. In other news, now that the Islanders signed checking center Mike Sillinger that may be it for the rumors of the Islanders bringing back Michael Peca. Just in: RDS.ca is reporting Salei has signed with the Florida Panthers.
- The only other rumor I have heard from the Eklund board is that the Islanders are looking at maybe signing Eric "the better" Lindros. Last season he had an injury riddled year that saw him only play 33 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In March he went down with a wrist injury. But he did score 11 goals and 22 points in that span. Lindros is 33 years old and I'm not really sure how he would help the Islanders. He would become either the first or second line center behind Alexei Yashin if he were to be signed. Reportedly the Bruins and Florida Panthers are also interested in Lindros, though I can't see Boston being interested anymore after signing Chara and center Marc Savard to lucrative long term deals.
It is rumored that the Islanders will go strongly after McKee, but the New York Rangers are also expected to give him an offer. The Rangers are also believed to be the frontrunner for Zdeno Chara's services, who most likely will be looking to make $7 million a year. The Islanders would absolutely love to add stud defenseman to their lineup like Chara or Chris Pronger. Unfortunately the Islanders don't have any assets to give up for Pronger and Neil Smith will not give up any of the Islanders promising prospects. That being said Chara would only cost money, but it's doubtful the Islanders will outbid anyone at that high a price tag, especially with Alexei Yashin still on the roster. Whatever happens, the Islanders desperately need one of these two players in 2006-07. Else they will have to settle for a plan two, or second tier of defensemen which includes Ruslan Salei and Brendan Witt among a few others. The Brian Leetch rumors still won't go away as well. After the Islanders take care of their defense, they also need another addition on offense. There was some buzz about our report yesterday that the Islanders may consider bringing back Mark Parrish. While we agree with the general assessment that the Islanders and their new management should probably, and most likely will go in a new direction, the fact of the matter is there are not a slew of offensive players available. Parrish is actually among the best goal scorers on the open market. So while I don't think he will be coming back, don't dismiss it as a possibility. Obviously the best option would be Patrick Elias, but the bidding is going to be fast and furious for his services. As far as a new enforcer, George Laraque is a considerable upgrade on Eric Godard. Yes, they both notched only 2 goals in 2005-06. But Laraque can take more of a regular shift on the third or fourth line and he is a much better skater.
The Islanders need defensive help bad and will most likely be the first thing they look for on July 1st. With this summer being a market for defensemen, the bidding might come fast and furious for the blue-line help. Scratch off the Islanders list any chances of bringing back Bryan McCabe or Wade Redden as both have re-signed with their respective clubs. McCabe will receive $5.75 million for the next 5 seasons from Toronto along with a no-trade clause and Redden got $6.5 million for the next two years. Zdeno Chara, most likely headed for the market will likely command more than Redden. It will be interesting to see if the Islanders make a bid for Chara. The reality is that the Islanders could use two steady defensemen. Jay McKee should be on the Islanders radar screen and marked as a high priority. Lately it seems like everyone and their grandmother believes that the Islanders will go out and sign every player available who once played for Ted Nolan: for example the recently bought out Matthew Barnaby and Curtis Brown. For that matter, they also are rumored to be interested in every player who once had ties to Neil Smith: example Brian Leetch. Don't go thinking that these rumors will actually come to fruition. Those two players were bought out for a reason in Chicago and Leetch has stated before that he didn't want to play for the Islanders. Finally, the Islanders may be on the market for a new enforcer. Reports are they didn't tender Eric Godard a qualifying offer. Even though he is four years older than Godard, keep an eye on George Laraque possibly coming East. The Islanders could still re-sign Godard, BUT he was already making the league minimum and it would seem hard to believe the Islanders would want to save that 10% on a league minimum contract.
If it was to happen, it would most likely have to be at a reduced cost. Peca is in the final year of a contract he signed with the Islanders that has him earning $4.99 million a year. Clearly the Islanders would love to bring him back at half that at a deal for no longer than 2-3 years. Peca would make a very good third line center. Once he accepts that role he could continue to excel as the defensive star that he is, while also serving as a leader for the Islanders younger players. One player who could stand to learn a lot from Peca would be center Ryan O'Marra, who has been compared to players like Peca and Rod Brindamour. In other news, a reported deal between Leaf's unrestricted free agent D Bryan McCabe and Toronto has reportedly hit a snag. The deal was to supposedly include a no trade clause for McCabe, but the two sides have not signed off on the deal leaving McCabe still unsigned. It is believed the Islanders are still interested in bringing yet another former captain back as McCabe is an option from a list that includes fellow former Islanders Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden, among some other worthy defensemen who will be available come July 1. The wildest rumor out there right now is that the Islanders could be involved in a deal that would see them acquire former NHL MVP Martin St. Louis from the Tampa Bay Lightning. St. Louis slipped in 2005-06 from 94 points in his MVP year of 2004-05 to 61 points in 2005-06. Still, he cracked the 30 goal plateau for the third straight season. Plus, he has done nothing but killed the Islanders in every game they played against Tampa Bay since the 2004 playoffs. He's a heart and soul type of player with a lot of grit and the Islanders would only gain by adding him to their lineup and taking him away from a conference rival. The only thing is, what would they have to give up in a deal for St. Louis. This rumor was recently posted by Eklund of Hockeybuzz.com and he stated that St. Louis was also rumored to be going to Montreal, with the Islanders as a second option. He also believes that there will be a lot of trades at next weekends draft.
- It has been rumored that the Detroit Red Wings want Lukowich. If the Islanders do deal him to Detroit or another club it is tough to say they can get more than a draft pick. If they can somehow get Detroit to give up a prospect, an interesting name is Valtteri Filppula, a center who is considered a playmaking center. I mention this as a backdrop for a bigger deal. If the Calgary Flames come calling with interest on Mike York, a playmaking center himself, it's still possible the Islanders can pull off a deal where they get defenseman Jordan Leopold and prospect Eric Nystrom. Perhaps they throw in Kvasha, or even Lukowich to offset the loss of Leopold. If the Islanders can avoid giving up Lukowich in the deal then the Detroit trade is still a possibility. I don't think the Islanders should give up Asham. He's only 27 years old and brings more to the dance besides chipping in offense here and there. Currently he is fifth in the NHL with 161 hits. 2:45pm Update: Well, only 15 minutes left to the 3pm trade deadline. But remember, trades can always be announced late. It doesn't seem though that the Islanders might be making anymore moves. I suggested the Mike York move to Calgary lately because the Islanders really need to add another good young defenseman. Jordan Leopold would be a perfect fit. Right now with Lukowich gone the Islanders defense corp. looks like this: Alexei Zhitnik, Chris Campoli, Radek Martinek, John Erskine, Joel Bouchard and Denis Grebeshkov. They also have Bruno Gervais waiting to get in there and Tomi Pettinen as depth.
- The report did not seem to make any mention as to who or for what Parrish was dealt for. Update: Howie Rose stated during tonight's telecast that a Washington Capitals intern saw an administrative person with the Islanders carrying a couple of Mark Parrish's sticks after the game and just from that assumed that Parrish had been traded. The intern reportedly told someone, who told someone else and before you know it the report ended up on RDS.ca. Parrish was later told he was traded, ask to where...but nobody knew. Once again, Parrish was not traded. islesinfo comment: This seems to happen often because sources are trying to be the first to report deals. But it really does make that source look silly. Obviously it look like the Islanders will be dealing their biggest trade commodity in Parrish instead of re-signing him like they did yesterday with his teammate, Shawn Bates, who signed a three year extension through 2008-09. If he is dealt don't expect Parrish to come back to Long Island via unrestricted free agency this summer. This scenario has been brought up a few times, but honestly, it rarely ever happens. Most of the time the player holds a bit of a grudge, or just feels better off excepting a deal with the new club for a change of scenery. If GM Mike Milbury does deal Parrish, I really hope he gets something good back in return. Milbury has historically not been a very good dealer in the recent past. If he just comes back with a second round pick, he would most likely stress how important that pick will be for the team's future, but in reality the validity of it would not be known for at least 3-5 years. The Islanders need some kind of prospect or roster player back in return in addition. March 8, 2006 Rumors: According to Newsday, Mark Parrish has been courted by Colorado, San Jose and Minnesota. Among those three, only the Avalanche currently hold a playoff spot in the West. The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly interested in defenseman Brad Lukowich. Colorado: Among their prospects the most intriguing is C Wojtek Wolski. A late first round pick in 2004, Wolski played briefly for the Avalanche at the start of the 2005-06 season, but eventually was sent back down to Brampton of the OHL. Wolski has since been lighting up the OHL when the Islanders returned Luch Aquino back to the Battalion. The Lanche also have some good young American prospects in their system like Ryan Stoa, Paul Stastny, and T.J. Hensick. Their best defensive prospect is 6'2", 215 lbs Johnny Boychuk from Lowell of the AHL. I don't think the Islanders would be able to pry John-Michael Liles. San Jose: Defenseman Matt Carle(6', 190 lbs) from the University of Denver is a solid defenseman. Not too big, but a good leader as he has taken over there in the years since Ryan Caldwell left. They have a couple of bigger defensive prospects in Doug Murray(6'3", 225 lbs) and Tim Conboy(6'1", 205 lbs). Murray has an assist in 28 games with the Sharks this season. I don't see them giving up Milan Michalek. Minnesota: It's doubtful they would give up on Patrick O'Sullivan and you can forget about Benoit Pouliot. As far as big defensive prospects, the Wild have Erik Reitz(6'1", 210 lbs), Clayton Stoner(6'3", 225 lbs), who they are very high on, and A.J. Thelen(6'3", 210 lbs) who is too much of a question mark. Kurtis Foster is big and would be a nice addition to the Islanders but the Wild are probably keeping him. Filip Kuba's name has come up before in trade possibilities but rumors of an abdominal injury could nix anything involved with him. Plus Kuba is an UFA at the end of this year. Mikko Koivu, Saku's brother, could be a wild card in a deal. It's doubtful the Islanders would get more than a draft pick for Lukowich from the Red Wings. Niklas Kronwall would be a great addition to the Islanders but I don't think Detroit would give him up especially after his good fill in performance for Sweden at the Olympics. Jakub Kindl(6'2", 199 lbs) defenseman who was a first round pick in 2005 is also doubtful. Defenseman Kyle Quincey(6'2", 206 lbs) might be a young player that could be had.
- I mean hell, if Pat Quinn can come out Sunday and state that he still believes the Maple Leafs, with 59 points - 1 point ahead of the Islanders, can still make the playoffs then the Islanders should believe they still have a shot as well. It was only about a 2 months ago that the Islanders were 1 point behind Toronto for eighth place and went on a slump under Steve Stirling that dropped them out of contention. Now the Islanders are 1 point behind Toronto once again, only this time it's for 11th. But the bright side is they still caught back up. Ok, enough of that. Back to the trade rumors. Names for the Islanders that have come up in rumors are unrestricted free agent to be Mark Parrish, defenseman Brent Sopel, defenseman Brad Lukowich, and just recently Mike York, who will be a restricted free agent this summer. In his article, Duhatschek suggests the Calgary Flames may be interested in York, who is a playmaking winger. The Islanders gave up their captain from 2003-04 in Michael Peca to get York. For the most part he has been good for the Islanders. He's had a few very cold streaks surrounding one or two very hot streaks, especially in December when he had a 5 point game. The article suggests that both York and Parrish would make good rent a players down the stretch at a portion of $2.05 and $1.9 million this season, but from all the inforamtion I have gathered York is NOT unrestricted at season's end. With that said, the Flames are rumored to perhaps have interest in dealing some of their prospects, and certain roster players, for some help up front. Most interesting among their prospects is Eric Nystrom, Bobby's son, who is considered a future power forward in the NHL. Also rumored to be available is American defenseman Jordan Leopold. The 6' 193 lb former Minnesota Gopher, Leopold is a solid defenseman who scored 9 goals in only his second full season with the Flames in 2003-04. The Islanders could definitely use another offensive defenseman in their lineup as their offense from the blue line has been horrible this year. Also mentioned as possible trade bait for the Flames was goaltender Brent Krahn. They also have some good young future talent in D Matt Pelech of the OHL's Sarnia Sting, LW Kris Chucko of the University of Minnesota, and even more desirable C Dustin Boyd of the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors and Team Canada hero in the most recent World Junior Championship's. In recent interviews, Calgary coach Darryl Sutter has scoffed that the Flames would make another deal since he has already made about three significant trades already this year. The Flames have put it out there that they will most likely be quiet come the trade deadline. But you can't rule it out. Any time a team deems they have a chance to improve they are going to take a hard look. Just what it would take to pry a Leopold and Nystrom from the Flames is something that definitely makes for some good conversation.
- The Kings are currently in the market for a defenseman. Much of the talk has them searching for a defensive defenseman, which some would consider Zhitnik not to be. But Zhitnik brings a good blend of both the defensive and offensive game. There are some players the Kings may be looking to peddle to get that defenseman they covet. Sean Avery is rumored to be on the block and could provide another physical edge to the Islanders. Though he could be a risk because he often opens his mouth when he shouldn't, clashes with Los Angeles coach Andy Murray, and takes a lot of penalties. But, if the Islanders do not think they will be able to make a playoff run by the trade deadline, the Kings may be willing to take Zhitnik off the Islanders hands for two of their young prospects. Defenseman Denis Grebeshkov, 6-1 and 195lbs, is a skilled player with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. Only 22 years old, he currently has 19 assists in 33 games with the Monarchs and 2 assists in 8 games with LA. He was recently rated as the 26th best prospect in the world by the Hockey News and the Kings may be willing to part with him. Grebeshkov was drafted 18th overall by the Kings in 2002 and would look pretty nice on the Islanders future blue line along with Chris Campoli and Bruno Gervais. But the possibilities don't end there. Reportedly the Kings may look to move Jeff Tambellini, son of former Islander Steve who is rumored to be a leading candidate to take over the GM duties when Milbury steps down. Jeff Tambellini recently played in the AHL All-Star Game and has gone 21-24-45 in 41 games with Manchester this season. With the Kings he is scoreless in 4 games played. Tambellini is considered a sniper, he always has been since his days at Michigan. He could be groomed as a good offensive replacement should the Islanders be forced to part with Mark Parrish at the deadline. Of course, a Zhitnik for Grebeshkov and Tambellini deal may be asking for too much. But the Kings would be getting an NHL calibre player while the Islanders would be getting rid of a lot of payroll and gaining two minor league players, with the potential to be very good NHL'ers. Therein lies another question. Would the Kings take on Zhitnik's $4 million/yr contract which has 3 plus more years on it? They might not care about adding to their payroll if they get what they want. The Kings are down around the $35 million mark, so it would be doable. I guess we will see what happens when the deadline comes and goes. Just throwing this out there. Wish List Get me Jarko Ruutu! I just watched the Olympic game between Finland and the Czech Republic in which the Finns won 4-2 to go up with a record of 3-0. In that game, Vancouver Canucks Jarko Ruutu just PLASTERED Jaromir Jagr in what had to be the New York Rangers worst nightmare. I'm sure Jagr will come back, but he was bleeding profusely after the hit and looked wobbly. I also have to disagree with the announcers during the game. I honestly thought the hit was clean. Ruutu did not take strides leading up to the hit as the announcer reported. He coasted into the hit for at least three full strides. Perhaps he could have let up a bit, but the Rangers don't apologize when Darius Kasparaitis, the dirtiest hitter in the NHL, runs other players knees and elbows guys in the head. Czech players after the hit took some time to remark how Ruutu is known for his dirty hits. Ray Ferraro said during the break that he's not a team player. What? He took the supposed best player in the world out of the game! I'm not condoning running other team's best players out of the game, but it was what it was. A plus for Finland. Anyways, if the Vancouver Canucks are still into the idea of adding Mattias Weinhandl to their lineup and reuniting him with the Sedin Twins, perhaps they would trade Ruutu straight up for Matty. Ruutu would add an extra bit of drama every time the Islanders play the Rangers. Something they need to regain a bit of edge they've been missing in Islander/Ranger match-ups as of late. When you add the fact the Vancouver Canucks scout Lorne
Henning was present at the Islanders last game before the break at the
Meadowlands, if there has been any talk at all between these two teams
perhaps a Weinhandl for Ruutu deal could be a possibility.
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1998-2007 Tom Mascioli
