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Prior to last season, Vasicek had spent 5 seasons with the Hurricanes which culminated in a Stanley Cup Championship in 2005-06. His best season was in 2003-04 when he contributed 19 goals and 45 points in 82 games played. In his NHL career, Vasicek has recorded 61 goals and 148 points in 379 games played. Vasicek is known as a two way third line forward. He has great size and athleticism. Is tough, intelligent and displays a strong work ethic. Yet he doesn't always utilize his size and strength in the corners. Since having left knee surgery during the 2005-06 season, Vasicek has not been able to contribute offensively on a consistent basis. “Josef is an extremely talented center who’s 6-4, strong in his own zone, been in winning situations and, at age 26, just entering his prime,” said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. “What makes this an important signing for us is that no one questions his work ethic and determination. I remember when I was playing giving him a shot because he was too close to my net. He went right back at me and let it be known that just because I was a veteran and he was a kid, he wasn’t going to take it. We’re really looking forward to giving him an opportunity to take his game to the next level.” “You look at Vasicek’s career so far and he’s been to two Stanley Cup Finals with Carolina, winning one Cup, so he has seen what it takes to win,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. “That’s invaluable experience for a player this talented and who is still so young. As a staff we like his character, so we know he’s a player we can work with to maximize his potential.” “From the beginning, I thought the Islanders were the right team for me and I really wanted to come to Long Island,” said Vasicek. “Ted Nolan is known for being a great players’ coach and I feel I can learn a lot from him. I’m also really happy to be on the same team as my buddy Radek Martinek. There are only about 25,000 people in the town of Havlickuv Brod, and now we are going to have two players from here on the Islanders. Radek and I have been working out together in the summer for the last seven years and it’s going to be so great to be his teammate.” islesinfo.com comment: Not really crazy about this signing. But I guess it's cheap enough and short enough to deal with it. He's a bit in the mold of Oleg Kvasha and Viktor Kozlov in that at times people have expected more from a European with such size, yet still hasn't put all the pieces together at the NHL level. He's considered a third line center, but since his knee surgery two years ago his numbers have gone down and he may be more like a fourth line center on some nights. Even though there were rust and speed issues, I much would have rather had Jason Allison over Vasicek. But we will have to wait and see what happens.
“Andy adds a little bit of everything both on offense and defense and we really like what he brings to the table,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. “We talk about heart, grit and character and Andy Sutton has a ton of it all. He’s a big guy who plays big and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. He fills a big void for us and our fans are going to love to watch him in an Islanders uniform because he’s a competitor and hard worker.” In 432 NHL career games Sutton has scored 27 goals with 78 assists for 105 points. He broke into the league as a free agent with San Jose during the 1998-99 season following a four year college career at Michigan Tech. Three times he has recorded over 100 PIM's during a season and twice he has tallied a career high 8 goals. Sutton is very good at blocking shots which is something the Islanders hope will help keep Rick DiPietro from facing 40 shots a night. “We’re very pleased to bring Andy Sutton to Long Island on a long-term deal,” said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. “He fits the personality of the team Ted and I are putting together.” Sutton only played in 55 games in 2006-07 with Atlanta after missing 2 months with a torn ankle tendon which needed surgery to repair. He was traded by the Wild to Atlanta for forward Hnat Domenichelli on Jan. 22, 2002. Sutton earned $2 million with Atlanta during the 2006-07 season. islesinfo.com comment: A great move. Sutton, as many of you may recall, was listed highly on the islesinfo.com free agent list for defensemen. Very surprised he lasted this long but a good move. The Islanders could not just bring back last years defense crew and hope for better success. There has been some rumors that the Islanders were going to sign Danny Markov, but that may die down now as it seems unlikely the Islanders will consider bringing in both. Markov has reportedly been on the fence about going back to Russia. Plus, with this signing the Islanders are now pretty much at their salary cap limit which is around the low $40 million range. Wang normally does not go over this mark.
"Aaron is an important addition for the Islanders," said Ken Morrow, the team’s Director of Pro Scouting. "He is a talented, dedicated player and, at 24 years old, he’s just coming into his own as a defenseman. His acquisition gives us some depth on the blue line at the NHL level. Our scouts and our coaching staff are very enthusiastic about Aaron. He could eat up a lot of minutes and run our power play in Bridgeport (AHL) and he’s also a young player you’ll see in an Islanders uniform." Over three seasons of minor pro with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, Johnson played 175 games and was 17-56-73 with 345 penalty minutes. Johnson was named the Crunch’s winner of the AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Syracuse community during the 2005-06 season. "It was a tough decision," Blue Jacket's GM Scott Howson said in late June about the decision to not tender Johnson a qualifying offer. "But (Johnson) was going to get a one-way contract in an arbitration hearing, and we just weren't comfortable with that decision." Under a one-way deal, Johnson would receive major-league money even if he were playing in the minors. "We like the player. That's not the issue," Howson said. "We weren't willing to sign a one-(way) contract at this time." Johnson was touted by the club for the past many seasons as a future NHL star, a two-way defenseman and power-play quarterback. Before he was fired, former president and general manager Doug MacLean said late in the 2006-07 season that the Blue Jackets were certain to extend Johnson a qualifying offer. But Johnson never panned out, at least in the eyes of Howson and coach Ken Hitchcock. In 116 NHL games, Johnson had seven goals, 19 assists and a minus-2 rating. This season, his first under Hitchcock, he bounced between defenseman and fourth-line right wing. After Jan. 18, Johnson didn't play more than 15½ minutes in any game. Johnson made $450,000 in 2006-07, requiring a $495,000 qualifying offer from the Blue Jackets to keep him. He signed with the Islanders for $475,000. AHL Backup: The Islanders have also agreed to terms with former 2002-03 AHL all star G Maxime Ouellet. Once a highly touted prospect out of the Quebec League, Ouellet was drafted 22nd overall in the 1999 NHL Draft. The 26 year old goaltender from Beauport, Que., is 6'2" and 195 lbs. He will most likely compete with Michael Mole for the backup position with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Right now it is assumed Joey MacDonald will be the Sound Tigers #1 goaltender. Ouellet missed practically the entire 2006-07 season. He was signed by the Portland Pirates of the AHL in December of 2006, but released in January. He then played for the Kassel Huskies of the Deutsche Liga in Germany. Ouellet has played in 12 games in the NHL between the Flyers, Washington and Vancouver posting a record of 2-6-2. He was once part of the trade that saw Adam Oates dealt from Washington to Philadelphia. "We have created a competitive goaltending atmosphere for both the Islanders and Sound Tigers training camps," Sound Tigers president Howard Saffan said. "Max's signing will insure we have the two best net-minders filling our crease for each respective team." "I look forward to competing for a spot in training camp," Ouellet said. "I plan on coming into camp in my best shape and ready to help the team win games next season."
Comrie was a third round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 1999. The six year NHL veteran has twice recorded 30 goals in a season. He scored 33 goals with Edmonton in his second NHL season in 2001-02. Comrie also scored 30 goals and 60 points with Phoenix in 2005-06. He played two years with the Michigan Wolverines prior to joining the Oilers in 2000. "We really wanted Mike Comrie because Ted Nolan, the scouts and I were unanimous in wanting to bring his offensive production, creativity and competitiveness to our team," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "At 26, Mike has already produced a lot of points and still has the potential to develop into one of the best centers in the game. I know Mike had a lot of options, but he understands the kind of team we're putting together on the Island and we're so glad he chose to be an Islander." Comrie earned $3 million last season. islesinfo.com comment: Even though I think Comrie would be best suited as a second line center, he may be the Islanders top liner next season. So with Comrie and Guerin in the fold the Islanders have the making of a #1 line and right now things are starting to look alot better. The Islanders could still use another d-man. Hopefully they can get Danny Markov or someone to shore up the D. I'm still not sure if the Islanders are as good as the rest of the teams yet in the Atlantic Division. I don't mind Comrie signing a one year deal. We'll see what happens during the season. Hopefully he can return to the 60-70 point plateau at least. He wasn't too good in the Senators run to the finals. But if you remember, he did put an incredible in/out move on Islanders defenseman Deron Quint during the last week of March that has Quint still looking for his equipment today.
Guerin twice has scored 40 goals in a season. The first time was in 2000-01 between Edmonton and Boston and the second time he recorded 41 goals for the Boston Bruins in 2001-02. Guerin signed a one-year contract with St. Louis last summer and was traded to the Sharks at the trade deadline for a first round draft pick in 2007, Ville Nieminen and Jay Barriball. Guerin won a Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 1995 and has played in three all-star games. He also played for the United States in two Winter Olympics (1998 and 2002), two World Cups (1996 and 2004), and two World Junior Championships (1989 and 1990). "My family and I are so happy to be
coming to Long Island," said Guerin. "Garth Snow first contacted
me on Sunday and was so positive, so persistent right from the outset
explaining to me why I would be ideal for his team. Ownership's commitment
to winning at almost every cost and Garth making it clear to how
determined he is to build a winner is why I'm an Islander today." Guerin only earned $2 million in 2006-07 between St. Louis and San Jose ($4.235 million if you include the Dallas buyout). The deal with the Islanders reportedly includes a no-trade clause and a $2 million signing bonus in the first year. He's actually slated to earn $6.735 million next season since he is still owed $2.235 million from a buyout by the Dallas Stars last summer. islesinfo.com comment: At this point, this is a very good move. AND, as I mentioned earlier today in the rumors section of islesinfo.com, I didn't want to see anything longer than a two year deal. So the length of the contract and the price tag I like very much. Hopefully Guerin can score 30-40 goals next season for the Islanders. In some actuality Guerin might be better for the Islanders than Jason Blake because he's bigger and plays with a little more grit. Now the Islanders have to go out and get Mike Comrie. Update: I originally reported the deal as $4.5 million for two years. Sorry about the error. Actually, I think TSN.ca's first report was an error as well.
Last season was his first action in the NHL. MacDonald played four years for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins and posted a record of 88-57-7 in 164 appearances. MacDonald will most likely take over in Bridgeport as their #1 goaltender. He will replace Wade Dubielewicz, but there could be some competition between the two at the Islanders training camp come September. In 1997-98 MacDonald played a season with the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads before moving on and playing three years for the OHL's Peterborough Petes. He's also seen action with Toledo of the ECHL. MacDonald signed with the Islanders for $475,000. He earned $550,000 from Detroit last season. "Joey MacDonald is an excellent young goaltender who fills a major need for us as a No. 1 for our AHL team in Bridgeport and adds depth for us in goal at the NHL level," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "Our staff is very confident Joey's best hockey is ahead of him." "We are committed to putting a winning team on the ice in Bridgeport and with the addition of Joey, we will be able to do just that," Sound Tigers president Howard Saffan said. "Losing an all-star like Dubielewicz is tough but we are excited to add a player with Joey's skill and experience to the Sound Tigers next season." "I am thrilled about this opportunity that the Islanders have given me," MacDonald said. "Filling the crease that Wade Dubielewicz occupied for the past few seasons is going to be a tough job but I look forward to entering training camp and battling for the position." Another Signing: The Islanders have signed 25 year old RW Darryl Bootland. The 6'1", 194 lbs. forward from Toronto, Ontario is described as a player that hits everything. Last season he played in 6 scoreless games for the Detroit Red Wings. Bootland scored 18 goals and 31 points in 68 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins. In his NHL career he has scored a goal and 2 points in 28 games played all with the Red Wings. He's spent most of the last four years with Grand Rapids. Bootland played his junior hockey in the OHL with the Barrie Colts and predominantly with the Toronto St. Michael's Majors. Plays with alot of energy and is not afraid to drop the gloves. A reserve winger for the NHL, Bootland will get plenty of ice time with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
In his 6 year NHL career, Fedotenko has scored 107 goals and 206 points in 465 games played. His best season was in 2005-06 when he contributed 26 goals and 41 points in 80 games played with Tampa Bay. "Ruslan brings so much to our team with his speed, versatility, work ethic and ability to score big goals," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "He was one of Tampa Bay's most valuable players when they won the Cup and at only 28 he's just entering the prime of his career. I strongly believe Ted Nolan is going to get the most out of him." "I'm very happy to be an Islander," said Fedotenko. "Last season was a disappointment for me and I'm determined to show the Islanders and our fans what I can do. We have a very good team of talented young players and experienced guys and I really like Ted Nolan's style of play. I looked at a lot of offers, but I know I've come to the right team." Fedotenko earned $1.35 million with the Lightning in 2006-07. islesinfo.com comment: Eh, not a bad signing I guess. Fedotenko is a Russian but he plays a North American style of game. He does plays hard. $2.9 million was a bit much for a guy who has only scored 20 goals once and came close three other times. But it's only a one year deal. Will we see Snow start to sign a bunch of one year deals again? We don't want the same thing to happen next summer that's happening right now.
RW Tim Jackman: 26 year old from Minot, ND is 6'4" and 210 lbs. In 2006-07 with the Los Angeles Kings he was held scoreless in 5 games played. With their AHL affiliate in Manchester, Jackman scored 19 goals and 33 points in 69 games played. He has scored 1 goal and 3 points in 32 career NHL games played between Los Angeles, Phoenix and Columbus. Jackman is a former second round pick of the Blue Jackets in 2001. He played college hockey at Minnesota State U. - Mankato in 2000-02 and prior to that in the USHL for the Twin City Vulcans. "Tim will add the important element of the power forward to our team next season," Sound Tigers president Howard Saffan said. "He brings a high level of commitment, grit and accountability to our lineup." "I could not be happier joining the New York Islanders organization," Jackman said. "I gained a lot of experience playing deep into the playoffs with the Monarchs last season and look to transfer my leadership qualities to the Sound Tigers." D Matthew Spiller: 24 year old from Daysland, Alberta is 6'5" and 230 lbs. In 2006-07 he played for the San Antonio Rampage and scored a goal and 8 points in 80 games played. He last played in the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2005-06 and recorded an assist in 8 games played. In his NHL career Spiller has recorded an assist in 59 games played. He was a second round pick of the Coyotes in 2001. Spiller played his junior hockey with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds from 1999-03. Spiller was drafted by Phoenix using a pick they acquired from Tampa Bay that the Lightning acquired from the Islanders in the 2001 draft day trade of G Kevin Weekes that saw the Islanders gain the #5 overall pick and select Raffi Torres (if you can follow all that). "With the addition of Matthew, our blue-line immediately becomes younger and stronger," Sound Tigers president Howard Saffan said. "Our goaltenders will have a much easier time seeing the puck with Spiller clearing the front of the net." "I owe a lot to the Phoenix Coyotes but am excited for a fresh start in the New York Islanders organization," Spiller said. "I had one of the most productive years in my career last season and look to continue my development with the Sound Tigers next season." LW Kip Brennan: Soon to be 27 years old from Kingston, Ont. is 6'4" and 222 lbs. Split the 2006-07 season between the AHL's Toronto Marlies, Hershey Bears and the ECHL's Long Beach Ice Dogs. Brennan last played in the NHL with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in 2005-06 and recorded an assist in 12 games played. He's also seen action with the Atlanta Thrashers and the Los Angeles Kings. In his NHL career Brennan has scored a goal and 2 points in 58 games played. He was a fourth round pick of the Kings in 1998. Brennan played his junior hockey with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires and Sudbury Wolves from 1996-01. "Kip is a power forward who will be counted on to go into the corners, chip in with a few points while keeping our opponents honest," Sound Tigers president Howard Saffan said. "Playing against the Sound Tigers last season, I got to see the talented prospects that are playing in Bridgeport," Brennan said. "I look forward to my role with the team next season, putting a winning team on the ice and bringing a Calder Cup to the Islanders organization." In Bridgeport news, W Pascal Morency has signed a two-way deal with the Sound Tigers. If he doesn't make the Sound Tigers he will most likely be sent to the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies.
"Jon Sim is an aggressive, hard-working veteran forward with good offensive skills who fits in perfectly with Ted Nolan's system," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "We're extremely pleased Jon chose to become an Islander." "I really like Jonathan's game and I believe he's an excellent addition for us," said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. "He's a tenacious player who doesn't take off a shift. He's exactly the kind of player we want for the Islanders." Terms of the deal is $3 million for three years ($1 million a year). islesinfo.com comment: Sim earned $610,000 last season and we're hoping the Islanders didn't give him more than $700G. Sim did contribute 17 goals each of the last two seasons as a third line player so he's not a bad depth guy. The Islanders like him because he's tenacious and a Ted Nolan hard working type of guy. But he's not exactly the guy Islanders fans were waiting to hear get signed. With the Rangers signing both Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, and the Philadelphia Flyers getting much better today, the Islanders are right now looking up at the rest of the division. Update: $1 million a year is a bit steep. I could have settled for $800,000 annually. In the big picture it won't break the bank though.
If there is one thing the Islanders need most this summer, it's guys who WANT to win and will do whatever it takes to do it. Some guys just know how to play when the playoffs come around. Some guys don't. In losing to the Sabres in the first round, the Islanders witnessed first hand those types of players whose game goes to the next level when it's all on the line. There is no doubt the Islanders number one priority will be re-signing Ryan Smyth to a lucrative long term contract. As Snow stated when he acquired Smyth is that if he could ice an entire team of Ryan Smyth's he would do just that. Most likely it will take at least a 5 year deal worth $30 million to keep Smyth on Long Island. If he does re-sign, the Islanders would most likely name him their next captain. Which leads us to the Islanders current captain, Alexei Yashin. Coming off yet another poor playoff performance, the question for yet another summer heading into June will be will owner Charles Wang finally cut the cord on Yashin and the remaining four years of his contract. In June, the Islanders will be given the option to buyout Yashin for 2/3rds of his remaining contract value ($26.45 mill.) which comes to $17.63 million. That money would be spread out over an 8-year period which is double the length of the remaining years on the contract. So in essence the Islanders would have to take a cap hit of $2.2 million for the next 8 years if they decide the buyout is the best option. islesinfo.com believes this would be the best route the Islanders can take. Do we really know if the Smyth signing would be further possible at the expense of Yashin? No, but early consensus is that the answer may be yes. But let's face it. Yashin is no longer a part of the direction the Islanders want to go in. The Islanders don't want to emulate other styles like the Sabres or the Devils, but they do want to go in a more grittier, skilled and speed type of style that will mirror the style Ted Nolan wants to play. The Islanders have a few players who have slowed the team down and they have a few Europeans who don't get what it takes to win consistently in the NHL. So if the Islanders do part ways with Yashin, they will gain close to $5 million on the cap next season to spend in other areas. Obviously they will need a centerman and that is what we alluded to earlier from the series against Buffalo. Chris Drury was the Sabres' best player in the series. His Stanley Cup experience and will to win will make him a very sought after commodity come July 1st. But he is just what the Islanders need going forward. His attitude would fit in perfect with the likes of the Smyth's, the Sillinger's and the Hunter's. And, what better way to avenge the Islanders playoff loss by plucking Drury away in free agency. This will be an interesting summer as they usually are in Islanders Country. The Islanders need MORE character, grit, depth and speed up front. Here are the possibilities (centers):
Michael Peca: In the land of can he still contribute, Michael
Peca will be available this summer. If Alexei Yashin is gone, would he
consider re-joining Ryan Smyth and the Islanders? If the Islanders would
rather go with another option for a checking center, they may take a look
at Minnesota's Wes Walz. Wingers:
Depth/Role Players:
Second Tier Depth:
Honorable Mention: The Islanders could go after RW Teemu Selanne, who
even though will be 37 years old next season, his 48 goal season this year
proves he is still a threat to score every game. Though, after winning the
Cup Selanne has hinted at retirement and he's always been a West Coast
player. The Islanders didn't really give
Players recently not qualified: Update 7/1/07: The Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to
terms on a two year deal with Michel Ouellet. The Carolina Hurricanes have
agreed to a two year deal worth $800,000 a season with Jeff Hamilton. Update 7/2/07: Todd Bertuzzi has signed a two
year deal with the Anaheim Ducks. Update 7/3/07: Dainius Zubrus signs a 6 year
deal, $20.4 million, with the New Jersey Devils.
Defense The Islanders defense corp still has some holes in it that the Islanders would love to strengthen going into the 2007-08 season. It may be tough for the Islanders to find that elite all around #1 defenseman they need, but there is always room for a possible trade. There have been some rumors the Islanders may be able to pull off a Yashin for Bryan McCabe deal that could change the look of the Islanders defense drastically. The Islanders could also use a reliable defensive defenseman. Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek are the Islanders two best defensive d-men on the team. But It wouldn't hurt to have another. Someone like Mike Komisarek would be ideal, but once again the Islanders won't be able to acquire his services unless a trade is made. Sean Hill led all defensemen in hits this season, but his inability to skate and his recent suspension makes it doubtful he will be back in an Islanders uniform. So here are some possibilities on defense for the Islanders through free agency (defensive d-men):
Possible #1 d-man:
Second tier:
Third tier(tough blueliner): Nolan Pratt: He's not Komisarek or Brendan Witt, but Pratt is a solid defenseman with good size and always plays hard. Depth D-men:
Honorable mention: The Islanders will most likely not be in the running for
What about Kenny?: Kenny Jonsson's contract with Rogle in Sweden is up and there is some question as to whether he may return to the NHL. He'll be 33 years old in October and he still may be interested in trying to win the Stanley Cup. The big question is, would he return to the Islanders? Could Garth Snow talk him back? Update 7/6/07: As mentioned today in
the rumors section, the Islanders will most likely be looking to add a
defenseman through free agency very soon. islesinfo.com didn't originally
list too many Europeans because we believe that the Islanders should stray
away from them. But that may be the only options left at this point. Two
European defensemen on the market who play a relative rugged game are Danny
Markov and Update: Brian Rafalski has signed a 5 year, $30
million deal with the Detroit Red Wings. The Islanders reportedly tried
for Scott Hannan, but he went to Colorado for 4 years and $18 million.
Goaltending We all know Rick DiPietro is the #1 man in the Islanders net for many years to come and with his performance this past season he has proven he is an elite level goaltender in the NHL. Unfortunately though, DiPietro went down with concussion problems during the final month of the regular season. With him out, the Islanders put their trust in Mike Dunham, who had some good performances during October after he was signed during the Islanders training camp. Dunham failed the Islanders when they called on him and while it wasn't totally his fault, if the Islanders had played a little better in the games he appeared in down the stretch they may have finished higher than 8th place and it wouldn't have taken to the last day of the season to make the playoffs. Which leads us to the guy who DID get the Islanders into the playoffs. Wade Dubielewicz, the third string goaltender who originally thought he would be DiPietro's backup entering the season, became an Islander hero when he backstopped the Islanders to 4 straight wins to get them into the playoffs. It took an exciting game #82 shootout in which Dubie used his patented poke check to foil the Devils shooters, just as he did a week earlier against the Rangers. So if he is re-signed (Dubielewicz is an unrestricted free agent), he automatically should finally be given a chance at the backup job to DiPietro, right? Well, not so fast. There are some who believe that perhaps Dubie is too small to play in net in the NHL, even if it will be most likely for 15-20 games max. If Dubielewicz doesn't return to the Islanders, they may set their eyes on a couple of veterans available in a very sparse market: Jussi Markkanen: the 32 year old Finn posted a 5-7-1 record with Edmonton in 2006-07. His most memorable performance to date came in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006 and he was a teammate of Ryan Smyth.
Former
Islanders Jamie McLennan, Update: Kevin Weekes signed with New Jersey to backup Martin Brodeur. He will become another player to have played for all three metropolitan area teams. Wade Flaherty signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 11th.
islesinfo.com's wishlist roster for 2007-08 Reinprecht - Comrie - Guerin Bergeron -
Morris/Campoli DiPietro * Satan has a no trade clause, so the Islanders would have to work something out there to try and move him at the draft hopefully. Maybe for a first round pick if there are any takers? McCabe is in there with reference to the recent rumors of Yashin getting traded to Toronto. Yeah, I know, pipe dream. I'll make changes accordingly if something different happens, for example he just gets bought out. In that case it would open up a spot for a Sarich or Sutton signing, an offensive defenseman signing like Mathieu Schneider, or just a separate trade. * There is a consensus which I agree with that Blake Comeau may need at least another half a season in Bridgeport. Combine that with the possibility that Okposo may not be ready yet to turn pro and that opens two roster spots. That creates the possibility for other free agent signings or the possible return/re-signing of some of the Euros the Islanders had last season like Kozlov, Zednik or Satan.
Free Agent Tracker July 1, 2007, 2:20 pm: Richard Zednik has signed
with the Florida Panthers today. The Islanders acquired the NHL 10 year
veteran at the trade deadline from the Washington Capitals for a 2007
second round pick. Zednik went 1-2-3 in 10 games played for the Islanders
down the stretch. He had to leave the team for a few weeks due to the
illness of his mother. Zednik returned in the playoffs against the Buffalo
Sabres and went scoreless in 5 games played. It is believed by many that
Zednik was acquired by GM Garth Snow prior to realizing he had a deal for
Ryan Smyth a couple days later. In the end the move for Zednik turned out
to be a waste of a second round pick for the New York Islanders. Zednik
signed a two-year deal ($1.5 million and $1.75 million) with Florida. July 1, 2007, 2:30 pm: The Islanders definitely
have a hole to fill on the blue line as Tom Poti has signed a four year
deal with the Washington Capitals worth $3.5 million a year. Last season,
the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Poti had six goals and 38 assists in 78 games. The
Worcester, Mass., native was a fourth-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in
1996 and has played with the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. Poti
had a surprisingly very good season with the Islanders after being a late
summer signing last year. As far as deficiencies, Poti does not shoot the
puck much and he's average defensively. The Islanders will have to upgrade
now. July 1, 2007, 3:55 pm: An unconfirmed rumor has Jason Blake signing a 3-year deal with the Minnesota Wild. More to come if anything unfolds..... July 1, 2007, 6:15 pm: According to the Denver Post, the Colorado Avalanche are very close to signing Ryan Smyth. More to come if anything unfold.... July 1, 2007, 7:20 pm: The latest report had Blake close to signing with Toronto. But as of now both Blake and Smyth remain unsigned. July 1, 2007, 8:00 pm: TSN has confirmed that Jason Blake has signed a 5 year deal for $20 million ($4 million a year) with the Toronto Maple Leafs. So the Islanders now have to find a way to replace those 40 goals and the free agent market is quickly dwindling. Blake finishes his Islanders career after 6 full seasons. He's 21st on the Islanders all time scoring list having scored 127 goals and 258 points in 426 games played from 2000-07. July 1, 2007, 8:10 pm: The Washing Capitals have
taken another Islander off free agency. They have signed Viktor Kozlov to
a 2 year, $5 million deal ($2.5 million a year). Washington already signed
Tom Poti earlier today. July 1, 2007, 11:45 pm: Ryan Smyth has signed a 5 year deal with Colorado for $31.25 million. Reportedly the Islanders offered $32.25 million. Anyway, his Islanders career lasted only 18 games in which he scored 5 goals and 15 points. He also scored a goal and 4 points in 5 playoff games against the Buffalo Sabres. July 6, 2007: Defenseman Sean Hill,
as rumored, signed a one year deal today with the Minnesota Wild. The Wild
issued the following statement: "Sean tested positive for the
anabolic steroid boldenone during a league screening last season. Sean
acknowledges the use of a testosterone booster for which he was issued a
therapeutic-use exemption by the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing
Substances Program Committee. We have talked to Sean at length, and he
denies knowingly taking any banned performance-enhancing substance. We
also researched the situation and the substance Sean tested positive for
and found that boldenone can be ingested inadvertently through health
supplements and foods. We cannot determine the source of Sean’s test
failure. However, we believe Sean did not knowingly take any banned
performance-enhancing substance." Hill has 19 games remaining on a
substance abuse suspension. Last season with the Islanders he recorded a
goal and 25 points in 81 games played. He's the all time leading scorer in
Islanders history for players who only recorded 1 goal. August 7, 2007: Arron Asham signs with the New Jersey Devils after four seasons with the Islanders. In his Islanders career, Asham scored 47 goals and 105 points in 300 games played. "Arron Asham is a veteran forward who brings a level of toughness, intensity, and feistiness to our lineup," said Devils' general manager Lou Lamoriello. Asham signed a one year deal worth $700,000, which is $250,000 less than what he earned last season with the Islanders.
The Minnesota native appeared in all 82 games last season with the New York Islanders, setting career highs in goals (40) and points (69). Blake was signed by the Los Angeles Kings as an undrafted free agent in 1999 after playing college hockey with the University of North Dakota. He was named the WCHA player of the year in 1998-99 and was twice as a Hobey Baker Award finalist. After three seasons with the Kings, he was traded to the Islanders for a fifth round pick in the 2002 entry draft. Blake's career flourished in New York where his speed and forechecking ability made him a valuable penalty-killer for the Islanders, he shared the league lead with four shorthanded assists in his first full season on the Island. The 33-year-old posted back-to-back 20-goal seasons with the Islanders in 2002-03 (25) and 2003-04 (22) seasons. In 2003-04, he tied for fourth in the league with four shorthanded markers. The speedster has appeared in 508 regular-season games over his nine-year NHL career, recording 134 goals and 286 points, while collecting 304 penalty minutes.
After playing his entire career with the Edmonton Oilers, Smyth was traded to the New York Islanders at the February trade deadline when the two sides were unable to reach a long-term contract. In return, the Oilers received prospects Ryan O'Marra, Robert Nilsson and the Islanders' first-round pick in 2007. Smyth appeared in 71 games this past season, scoring 36 goals and 68 points. In his 18 games with the Islanders, he scored five goals and added 10 assists and helped lead them into the playoffs where he tallied four points in five games. The Banff, Alberta native was drafted sixth overall by the Oilers in the 1994 entry draft. He has appeared in 788 regular season games, posting 270 goals, 294 assists and 621 penalty minutes. Smyth received the moniker Captain Canada because of the many times that he has represented his country on the world stage. He's played on the 2002 and 2006 Olympic teams, 2004 World Cup team and seven different World Championship teams. Update 7/6/07: Here is the breakdown of the five-year contract signed by Ryan Smyth with the Avalanche on Sunday: Smyth will make a base salary of $5 million this season, and he received an additional $2.5 million signing bonus. His salary for the following four years will be $7.25 million, $6.5 million, $5.5 million and $4.5 million. His averaged salary cap number for the full term is $6.25 million. ( from the Denver Post). islesinfo.com comment: What a miserable set of circumstances. I remember the day we dealt for Smyth and I was absolutely elated. Today I feel like the exact opposite. I want to commend Garth Snow for going for it and making the deal, but in hindsight it turns out to be a horrible, horrible move. 23 games does not equate to Ryan O'Marra, Robert Nilsson and the 15th pick overall in the recent draft. I'm also very angry with Ryan Smyth. Yes he was an unrestricted free agent and had every reason to test the market. But the Islanders and their fans did everything for this guy. They bent over backwards to make him feel welcomed and happy. And this is how he treats us knowing what we gave up to acquire him? I'm angry at the Islanders and their management for acting SO DAMN Confident last week and not seeing what kind of move they could have made to salvage something in return for Smyth. Why didn't they make a deal? We mortgaged the future for this boneheaded move. NEVER EVER again should we pull off a move like this. I REALLY hope Snow has learned a lesson with this one. It turned out too costly. Next season is starting to look bleak.
Per the Islanders official website: - Snow received a call from Don Meehan, the agent for Ryan Smyth, at 10:45 tonight with the news Smyth was going to sign with the Colorado Avalanche. "It was obviously not what we wanted to hear, but I appreciated the call," said Snow. "Don said we were right in it for Ryan's services until the very end and it was one of the hardest decisions he'd ever been a part of. "Ryan decided it was best for him and his family to sign with Colorado. The Avalanche are very fortunate to have him and we wish Ryan and his family the best. I said when I made the trade to acquire Ryan from Edmonton that it's a deal I'd do over and over again. My feelings on the move to bring Ryan Smyth to Long Island have not changed." - At least one offer is out at this time to a veteran all-star. At least one. - Smyth was not the only player the Islanders wanted that was signed by Colorado. Highly-regarded defenseman Scott Hannan was seriously courted by the Islanders before the former Shark opted to sign a four-year deal with the Avalanche. "We had a few conversations with Hannan and made him an offer right on par with what he signed for," said Snow tonight. "From the beginning, Scott told us he was flattered by our interest and intrigued by the opportunity to play for Ted Nolan, but his first choice was to stay in the West. We weren't surprised when he went to the Avalanche. Tip your hat to them. He's a great addition for Colorado." islesinfo.com comment: So, so far the Islanders have tried to sign Smyth, Schneider and Hannan according to the Islanders and were turned down by all three. Not very promising. - Snow on Jason Blake going to Toronto on a five-year deal: "This organization has nothing but the utmost pride in Blakey and a deep appreciation for the player he became on Long Island. Except for when he's battling against us, we wish the best to Jason, Sara and their children."
Free Agent List NY ISLANDERS
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1998-2007 Tom Mascioli
