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The Islanders originally took 8 defensemen with them on their west coast trip, which begins with a game Thursday night in Phoenix as the new season opens. Joel Bouchard is still questionable so the Islanders starting six Thursday night is shaping up to be: Gervais, Alexei Zhitnik, Brendan Witt, Tom Poti, Sean Hill and Radek Martinek.
According to Newsday, the Islanders could be about to saddle themselves with the Rick until 2020-21. The deal would all but make DiPietro untrade-able. Wang, who apparently hasn't learned a thing from signing Alexei Yashin to a horrible long term deal, is ready to make his next move towards proving to the hockey world that he knows all. At least in his own mind. The deal is believed to be the longest in NHL history and second in the history of major North American professional sports behind the 25-year deal worth $25 million that Magic Johnson signed with the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers in 1981. The positives are that DiPietro's projected $4.5 million deal would only rank him 8th among the highest paid goaltender's in the NHL. Plus, depending on how the salary cap changes in the future it looks like it would be a bargain for the Islanders. But the soon to be 25 year old has yet to really prove himself in the NHL since being drafted #1 overall in 2000. He's definitely not worth $4.5 million now, and while he may soon be a bargain, how bad will this deal look in 10 years when he's way past his prime? Or will it matter? It looks good for DiPietro in the PR department as it seems like he is willing to accept less to remain an Islander. But don't exactly let that fool you. The longterm stability of a 15 year ludicrous length contract guarantees DiPietro gets paid no matter what, unless he gets hurt. And it pretty much guarantees he'll get it from the New York Islanders. What bothers me is what poor foresight Wang and company have. Why do they want to saddle themselves down with one goaltender for 15 years? What if somebody better comes along? Things change so much in the NHL. Who knows what their needs may be three years from now let alone 12? Yet they won't be able to move DiPietro out of the Islander goal for 15 long years? It's mind boggling. The DiPietro talks have increased the last couple of days as the media reminded the hockey world of Wang's imposed rule of no contract, no play when training camp begins. Rick was slated for unrestricted free agency in 2 years. He'll never have to worry about that again. "Charles Wang is trying to show he's committed to a building project, and DiPietro showed he's committed to the team and wants to be on Long Island," an NHL executive said. (must have been an Islander executive. only an Islander exec could spin a positive light out of this latest fiasco). Considering the Isles' losing record and porous defense last season, DiPietro ranked as one of the bright spots in compiling a 30-24-5 record with a 3.02 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. His 63 games played tied for sixth in the NHL, and he also had a 2.28 goals-against average in four starts for the U.S. team at the Turin Olympics in February. For his career, DiPietro has a 58-62-13 record, a 2.85 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. Newsday reports it was DiPietro who approached the Islanders about a long term deal. Of course, the ever gullible Wang agreed to the matter. It was reported yesterday that DiPietro was growing frustrated with the signing process, or lack thereof. Even though new Newsday Islander beat writer Greg Logan wrote an almost favorable article today about the subject, he did add this paragraph: "Neil Smith was fired because he couldn't work within Wang's management structure, which calls for decisions to be made by committee. In this case, Wang appears to be a committee of one, and he just made DiPietro his most important partner in determining the future of the franchise." Again, the monetary value is not the problem. But you just DO NOT sign players to long term deals like this. It is islesinfo.com's belief that no player is worth a signing of over 5 yrs. But as we have come accustomed to with the Islanders, they do not do things the right way. Our leader is Charles Wang, and that is no longer a good thing anymore. 3 pm Press Conference Announced The Islanders have scheduled a 3pm Press Conference to announce their embarrassing signing of Rick DiPietro to an unprecedented 15 year contract worth $67.5 million. If it is televised in the Metropolitan region, islesinfo.com will attempt to have the taping of the press conference up shortly after it takes place.
Statement from Charles Wang: Islanders owner Charles Wang announced today that Neil Smith has been relieved of his duties as general manager.
Former Islanders goaltender Garth Snow has retired as a player to become the new general manager of the New York Islanders. islesinfo.com comment: How does Charles Wang know Garth Snow has an eye for talent????? This is the most craziest thing I ever heard. The Islanders franchise is in true shambles. It's like a nightmare that you never wake up from.
Smith worked as a television analyst after being fired by the New York Rangers after the 1999-2000 season. Smith replaced Mike Milbury, who announced in January he would step down from the position after helping find a replacement. Over the last three weeks, Smith made quick improvements to the lineup by adding free agent forwards Chris Simon, Mike Sillinger, and Andy Hilbert, as well as defencemen Brendan Witt and Tom Poti. islesinfo.com comment: This is an absolute shock! What is going on? I really cannot believe this. This is the last thing the Islanders and their fans need right now. Lots of speculation as to why will surface until the Islanders announce what the reason is behind this. They should make a statement soon today. Perhaps Smith was uneasy with the new hierarchy the Islanders had set up with him and Ted Nolan reporting directly to Charles Wang. Or have the Islanders found somebody they are more comfortable with? Can't think who that would possibly be. Or is it some medical reason? Like I said we can only speculate right this moment. More to come on this later in the day. Update: TSN.ca has changed their report to reflect that Neil Smith has definitely been relieved of his duties(read Fired) by the Islanders. Some of the rumors going around are as follows: - Michael Peca signed a one year deal for $2.5 million with Toronto today. Reportedly the Islanders offered him a 3 year deal for $7.5 million. Ted Nolan and Mike Milbury really wanted Peca back and Smith wasn't as involved. Supposedly they were working on the deal without Smith. - Smith and Nolan were already clashing heads. Nolan, who has often been blamed for the firing of John Muckler as GM in Buffalo years ago, has the spotlight put on him again as a possible reason. Owner Charles Wang asked for a scenario like this by hiring the GM and coach all at the same time and not creating a natural order of hierarchy.
But you have to figure there is a good chance they won't return. The Islanders wouldn't be saving a whole lot by not giving these players a 10% increase. Especially in the case of Godard, who was making the NHL league minimum of $450,000. If Godard and Erskine are not resigned the Islanders most likely will be in the market for an enforcer as both players were the only two on the Islanders who stuck up for anyone by dropping the gloves. Godard went 2-2-4 in 57 games played in 2005-06. He accumulated 115 PIM's and missed most of the final month of the season after receiving a concussion during a fight. Erskine was a pleasant surprise after his acquisition from Dallas. The Islanders and their fans were no disgusted with the play of Niinimaa that just about any kind of effort would be valued by the faithful, and Erskine played hard. Yet, if the Islanders are going to improve in 2006-07, their defense corp needs an infusion of talent. In 34 games played on the Island Erskine recorded one goal and 99 PIM's. Islanders who did receive qualifying offers were: Rick DiPietro, Chris Campoli, Trent Hunter, Sean Bergenheim, Mike York, Denis Grebeshkov, Arron Asham and Ryan Caldwell. As for DiPietro, word is his agent is working on a long term deal with the Isles. DiPietro has stated that he wants to spend his entire career with the Islanders. This would be a good move, but DiPietro still has a lot to prove and no way should he be signed to a ridiculous long deal like the rumored 15 year deal that came up last year. Because if he doesn't get something done with the Islanders real soon he could see himself on the trading block at some point in the not too distant future.
Owner Charles Wang was said to have discussed the position with Trottier at the 1980 Stanley Cup Celebration back on March 4, 2006. Apparently, Wang discussed the General Manager position with Trottier but Bryan was uncomfortable taking a position he is not yet qualified for. "I don't think I have enough experience," he said. "I've been away too long to jump into those shoes. I don't want to be Superman overnight." This will be Trottier's first job in the NHL since 2002-03 when he was fired 54 games into the season as head coach of the New York Rangers. Since then he has spent his time on various business ventures and spent time with his 4 year old son Christian. Trottier, who has won the Stanley Cup 7 times, 6 as a player and one as an assistant coach with Colorado in 2001, has a long term plan to get into management but right now says he is totally devoted to player development. He will be working very closely with the incoming coach and staff, whoever they may be. Trottier said his role will be similar to what he did as an assistant with both Colorado and Pittsburgh. He is especially credited with helping groom young players in Colorado like Milan Hejduk, Alex Tanguay and Chris Drury. As far as the GM, Trottier says he is eager to work with whoever Wang hires. "I'm sure he's going to make the right choice," Trottier said. "He's certainly made this abundantly clear to me: He wants a hands-on, personal involvement on it . . . And when he does make the final decision, whoever it is, I'm looking forward to working with him." Another former Islander was brought back to the organization last week when the Islanders hired 31 year old Steve Webb as director of grass roots hockey programs. Webb will be responsible for the creation of programs to promote and develop youth hockey around Long Island. More Quotes: "I've always considered myself an Islander, but it's an amazing feeling to be back home in an official and important capacity,” said Trottier. "The relationship I have with the people of Long Island is very special to me. I want to thank Charles Wang and Mike Milbury for making this happen." "Just as I was mentored when the Islanders drafted me,” said Trotter, "I want to help talented and eager kids like Jeremy Colliton, Ryan O'Marra and Petteri Nokelainen become the best players they can be.” "This is exactly the role I was looking for – to bring young players along but also be an integral part of the Long Island community again,” Trottier said. "We've wanted to bring Bryan back to the Islanders for some time,” said team Senior Vice President Mike Milbury. "The timing just worked out perfectly for Bryan and the organization, and we couldn't be happier. In his years as an assistant in Pittsburgh and Colorado, Bryan developed a strong reputation as someone who was very effective mentoring young players. This is a great day for the Islanders and our fans.” "To learn from a legend like Bryan Trottier is the chance of a lifetime,” said Islanders 2005 first round pick Ryan O'Marra. "When someone like Bryan has something to say, you listen." islesinfo.com comment: Very excited by this move. Bryan Trottier is a quality hockey coach. He is one of the former Islander greats who does have a good coaching pedigree. There were some rumors that he was considered for the head coaching position and as it was written today Wang talked to him even about the GM position. But this will be an important role for him. And it will be a lot more important than the position the Islanders gave him about 10 years ago which some may remember was only a publicity stunt. Hopefully he will learn more where management in concerned and the Islanders will always have him to fall back on if a situation arises like the current situation the Islanders are in(searching for a GM for 6 months, etc).
York recently missed two games with what was diagnosed as a mild concussion when he was hit in the head by Andy Sutton of the Atlanta Thrashers. He scored the game winning goal Saturday night in the Islanders huge 5-1 win over Atlanta. As for Collins, he was returned from the Islanders before last weekend and recorded a 5 point game(1 goal, 4 assists) in a 6-3 win over the Hartford Wolf Pack Saturday night. The Islanders remain 8 points behind both Montreal and New Jersey for 8th and 7th in the Eastern Conference with a game at hand on both clubs. The Islanders have 12 games remaining in the season. New Jersey is in Ottawa tonight.
Zhitnik out for season ATLANTA -- The Islanders' playoff hopes took a major hit
when it was revealed on Wednesday that the team's top defenseman, Alexei
Zhitnik, will be out the rest of the season with a fracture to his left
ankle. Zhitnik, who leads the team in ice time with 24:30 per
game, suffered his injury midway through the second period of Tuesday's
6-1 win over the Devils at Continental Airlines Arena. His ankle crumpled
under his body weight and he had to be helped off the ice. Zhitnik had
just recovered from a high-ankle sprain to his right ankle in February.
That injury caused him to miss playing for Russia at the Olympics. islesinfo.com comment: Well this really sucks! I don't know how the Islanders are going to replace these guys, especially Zhitnik. They may have to keep an eye out on the waiver wire, or Milbury might have to go out and see if there is anything he could sign. It's a bit late in the season so that will be pretty much impossible. Asham is listed as 4-6 weeks, but there are only 5 weeks remaining in the season. Who will replace these guys Thursday night in Atlanta? Well, there's the usual guys: forwards Jeff Hamilton, Rob Collins and Jeremy Colliton; Bruno Gervais on defense. I know some people may be apprehensive about inserting more rookies into the lineup but the Islanders need to replace Asham with an up and down banging winger. That's why I think they should perhaps give a look at Steve Regier or Masi Marjamaki. This is Regier's second year in Bridgeport and he may be ready for a look. On defense the Islanders need a veteran to replace Zhitnik and maybe Bouchard. Allan Rourke has yet to get a look and there's always Tomi Pettinen, much to Islander fans dismay. If the Islanders have to call up two d-men Gervais will most likely be one of them. Ryan Caldwell hasn't proved to be ready yet. Update - 5:30pm: The Islanders have called up D Bruno Gervais and C Jeremy Colliton. I'm glad they are sticking with the kids. Another two hungry young guys added to the lineup.
- This season Weinhandl seemed to suffer from Mikko Makela Syndrome. He only produced 2 goals and 6 points in 53 games played. While he did see very limited ice time, when he was given the opportunity to shine he never could. In his NHL career, Weinhandl scored 16 goals and 49 points in 155 games played. He did see some success as a part time player back in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 season's, usually on a line with Alexei Yashin. With the Bridgeport Sound Tigers from 2002-04 Weinhandl went 12-18-30 in 33 games played. The Islanders selected Weinhandl in the third round (78th overall) in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. islesinfo.com comment: This is a shame. Honestly I'm worried this could turn out to be a Raffi Torres situation. Obviously the Wild still view Weinhandl as a promising young winger. I don't know if that will come out in Minnesota. It will be interesting to see how much ice time he gets. I think if he had ended up in Vancouver or Detroit, with all that other talent, he may have broken out. Maybe even Edmonton with the more faster pace and open ice. But I still would have given Weinhandl until the beginning of the 2006-07 season. If he didn't break through at that point then it's understandable that you can't wait forever. At the same time he wasn't bringing anything to the Islanders this year. I've never seen a player get bumped off the puck more than Weinhandl which is an obvious sign of being soft. The offensive talent he had given us a glimpse of in the past was nowhere to be found this season. Wild waive ineffective Daigle
- General Manager Mike Milbury released this statement
regarding Colley: "It's always difficult when the career of someone
as special as Kevin Colley comes to a premature end. When you consider
that Kevin gave everything he had every time he stepped on the ice, it's
especially sad. There's no other word for it. Colley played in 16 NHL games for the Islanders in 2005-06. He was a -2 and had 52 PIM's. This was his third season with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In his career with Bridgeport he scored 28 goals and 65 points in 158 games played with 394 PIM's. Colley originally signed with Bridgeport in July 2003 and then signed his first NHL contract with the Islanders in the summer of 2004. He was brought back in the summer of 2005. Colley spent three years with the Oshawa Generals from 1996-99 which culminated in a 101 point season in 1998-99. From 1999 to 2003 he spent most of his time in the ECHL with sparse visits to the AHL. His best season came in 2002-03 when he recorded 71 points in 50 games with the ECHL's Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. In 2004-05 with Bridgeport, Colley provided some gritty play and was 11-13-24 with 212 penalty minutes in 59 games before, interestingly, a neck injury ended his season in mid-March. Colley made his NHL debut on October 27, 2005 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. He was returned to Bridgeport following the game, but was recalled a little over a month later as the Islanders embarked on a four game West Coast trip, December 3, 2005. islesinfo.com comment: Of course this is a real shame. His career only spanned 16 games with the Islanders but I will always remember him for one hit. December 6, 2005 in St. Louis. Blues star Keith Tkachuk has just returned from some injury he had been out of the lineup with a while. On his first shift of the game Tkachuk round his defending net, reached the face off circle and with his head down was hit by a freight train named Colley. Tkachuk got up looking around like he didn't know what just hit him. Unfortunately we won't get to see Colley do this again. It's almost as if he tried too hard to impress the Islanders. He said the second time he got called back that he never wanted to go back to Bridgeport. He accomplished that, but not in the way he wanted. P.S. I hope the Washington Capital's and ex-Islander defenseman called Colley or at least will in the future and talks to him. I'm not saying he owes Kevin an apology or anything but in my eyes he did help the injury along a little the way he pitchforked his stick underneath Kevin's legs, thrusting him head first into the boards.
Colley broke the fifth cervical vertebrae in his neck
but there is no paralysis. The surgery will repair and stabilize his
spine. islesinfo.com comment: This is a real shame. Our prayers are with Kevin Colley and we hope he has a full recovery. Hockey right now might be the least of his worries. It's odd that he actually got up and skated off the ice with a little help. But that doesn't always mean something is wrong. Obviously Colley wasn't out cold like Jason Blake was when he was taken off on a stretcher about a month ago after receiving a concussion when he got hit by Minnesota's Kurtis Foster. The word on Colley is he's a very tough guy. I know he's had some injury problems in the past down in Bridgeport but he's really had some bad luck trying to stay in the Islanders lineup. It almost seemed like it was only a matter of time as his style of play is extremely wreckless. At the same time, I'm not saying it was a dirty play by former Islander Jamie Heward, but he did practically pitchfork Colley into the glass. No call was made.
In those 136 games, Niinimaa recorded 140 PIM's. His 62 PIM's this season were from 31 minors.
"Dallas gets a very good defenseman in Janne, whom we wish nothing but success. The move allows us to provide an opportunity for Bruno Gervais, who by all accounts is ready for the NHL. Obviously, it adds cap space. We also get a hard-nosed competitor in John Erskine and a very valuable second round draft pick in the next draft." The Islanders may be looking at Erskine as a possible replacement to Eric Cairns. Gervais has played in four games with the Islanders this season, but has yet to record a point. In 33 games with the Sound Tigers, Gervais is the team's second leading scorer this season with 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points. He is also a +7 and has collected five power play goals. Gervais is first among AHL defenseman in goals scored and fifth in scoring. ''Janne is a veteran player who will help upgrade the depth of our defensive corps,'' Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said in a release. ''He has a great deal of experience at the NHL level and has proven he can play at a high level in this league.'' According to the Dallas Stars website, they believed that in order to get something they had to give something of value.
Who will he name captain of the 2005-06 New York Islanders? Well, it should be an obvious choice: Alexei Yashin. It's his team now. It's time the Islanders put their faith in the man they committed a ten year contract to. Michael Peca's gone. Adrian Aucoin's gone. The Islanders have a new face and a new identity. It's time for Yashin to take another step and become the team's ultimate leader. New Look Defense: Following the scrimmage on Friday coach Stirling split up the groups into three with the A Group consisting of the current front runners to make up the 2005-06 opening squad. Alexei Zhitnik, Brent Sopel, Janne Niinimaa, Radek Martinek and Brad Lukowich make up the top five. The Islanders have given Chris Campoli the early front runner position of gaining the sixth spot. Also in Group A is Tomi Pettinen and youngster Bruno Gervais. Youngsters Impress: Up front, the Islanders have been very impressed with the audition's of Robert Nilsson, Petteri Nokelainen, Blake Comeau, and Sean Bergenheim. Jeremy Colliton has also turned some heads during the scrimmages. Among the veterans Oleg Kvasha, Jason Blake and Mike York have had steady camps. Yashin and Miroslav Satan have already showed signs of developing some chemistry together. For more on the Islanders training camp and scrimmages in Yarmouth go to the islesinfo.com's Training Camp 2005 page.
Soon to be 24, DiPietro is the cornerstone in goal for the Islanders franchise and he could very likely play upwards of 60 games in 2005-06. In 2003-04 he posted a record of 23-18-5. - Currently Rick is one of three Islanders ( Jason Blake & Mark Parrish the others) attending Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp under former Islander coach Peter Laviolette. DiPietro's contract leaves the Islanders with about $4 million under the cap, which should be enough now to re-sign Parrish. Whether it was a management ploy or not, earlier this week it was rumored that the Islanders offered DiPietro a 15 year deal worth $67.5 million. The deal was frowned upon by the NHL and apparently it never got off the table because of high insurance premiums. "It's great news that Ricky's in the fold," said Islanders head coach Steve Stirling. "He is a very important player for our franchise's present and future." In 80 career appearances with the Islanders, DiPietro has posted a record of 28-38-8 with 5 shutouts. Dubielewicz Signed: The Islanders also signed G Wade Dubielewicz today to solidify the organization in goal. Dubielewicz will once again get the reigns as the #1 stopper in Bridgeport for 2005-06. The 26 year old graduate of Denver University joined the Islanders system in 2003 and became an AHL All-Star and Rookie of the Year in 2003-04 after posting a 20-8-5 record in 33 appearances. Wade seemed to have the inside track to the Islanders back up job until the NHL lockout sent him back to Bridgeport in 2004-05. But a poor sophomore season and non-playoff birth with the Sound Tigers last season along with a 18-23-1 record forced GM Mike Milbury to re-sign UFA Garth Snow to a three year deal earlier this summer. Wade posted a 1-0-1 record with the Islanders late in the 2003-04 which included a 40 minute shutout streak against the Philadelphia Flyers.
At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Pettinen will provide depth on the Islanders blue line. He'll compete for a spot in camp and will be there should there be an injury. "Tomi has had two strong seasons for us in Bridgeport and was outstanding last season back home in Finland," said Islanders general manager Mike Milbury. "We'll see what happens in camp, but we feel he could be ready for the NHL." Pettinen appeared in four games for the Islanders in 2003-04 going scoreless. In 71 games with Bridgeport he scored a goal and nine points. Since 2002 he has appeared in 6 games for the Islanders and has scored 18 points in 146 games with the Sound Tigers. He originally re-signed with Lukko for the 2005-06 season back in July but it apparently had an out clause in case he re-signed with the Islanders. Pettinen deified the odds making it to the NHL as he was a
ninth round pick by the Islanders in 2000. With Pettinen, the Islanders now have
five Finns under contract with Janne Niinimaa, Peterri Nokelainen, Sean Bergenheim and Masi
Marjamaki.
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1998-2007 Tom Mascioli
