Gameday & Hockey Night Long Island

Another reminder that I will be guest co-hosting the Hockey Night on Long Island show today with Steve. We will be interviewing Bill from NewYorkIslanderFanCentral.com.

You can find a link to the show on the HNLI web page at hockeynightonlongisland.blogspot.com.

I know I didn't post anything following the game Thursday night against Pittsburgh. It was so frustrating to watch and in my mind may have been one of the most embarrassing games in Islanders history. Watching Crosby & gang laughing it up all night long and Pascal Dupuis, let alone Petr Sykora, notch hat tricks was quite humiliating. Lets hope the gang puts up a little better defensive effort in Columbus tonight.

Sim Clears Waivers; Scratched

Just in as reported by Newsday...Jon Sim has cleared waivers. He has been scratched for tonight's game in Pittsburgh in favor of Mitch Fritz and Nate Thompson.

Some more fallout over Josh Bailey remaining with the Islanders today and not having been sent to Ottawa for the WJC's. The Islanders happen to be paying Robin Figren $585,000 to play in Sweden this season and Jack Hillen $875,000 to play in Bridgeport, so this can't be a money issue. It's only 3 weeks guys....send the kid to Ottawa.

Chris Botta in his blog today mentioned another Islanders veteran could be on the way out before the Christmas trade freeze. I know the losing is tough but I feel the Islanders would gain more from another team by waiting until February or March at the trade deadline to start dumping veterans.

Here's who I feel should go:

Andy Sutton: was much needed a year ago for his size and toughness on defense. But he doesn't play a smart physical game and takes too many penalties. Mike Komisarek would look much better at that position next season. If the Islanders can get him for $5 million a year I would make the offer in a heartbeat.

Brendan Witt: Garth Snow just extended him for 2 more years before the season started. Even though he provides leadership, Witt is terribly slow, often injured and no longer drops the gloves. I'm not sure he's really useful anymore.

Weight & Guerin: These guys are having very good seasons for the Islanders. But if the Islanders could get something for them you'd have to consider it. It would be nice if maybe they would possibly agree to coming back next season as free agents because lets face it, the Islanders are going to need some kind of leadership in 2009-10 since the team could likely be even younger than it is now. There will also be a cap minimum to reach.

Mike Comrie: Doesn't fit the Islanders and Scott Gordon's system. Too much flash and dash without results. Too inconsistent. He has to go.

Mike Sillinger: I'm not in the same opinion on Sillinger as some others are. I would love for the Islanders to keep him. He's a quality person, a great leader as witnessed by his mentoring of Chris Campoli and other young players, and plus Sillinger could be 50 years old and he will still win 10 out of every 15 faceoffs. That being said, I think Sillinger should consider retiring soon and moving behind the bench as an assistant to Gordon.

Sim/Hilbert/Park: These guys in my mind don't have much open market value and will get weeded out in time. Hilbert and Park actually do have some value as fourth line penalty killer type players, but shouldn't be used as anything more.

As far as tonight's game, it should be a tough as the Islanders will attempt once again to contain Malkin and Crosby. Pitt is starting rookie netminder John Curry in net so it should be interesting.

Jon Sim Waived

Jon Sim has been placed on waivers as reported by Point Blank, and Islanders blog run by former Islanders VP of Marketing Chris Botta.

If you saw the play that led to the Flyers first goal against the Islanders last night then you probably can understand why. Somehow, Sim found himself the lone man returning to retrieve a puck dumped into the defensive zone by the Flyers. He skated in gingerly only to get plastered behind the net by an opposing player. Sim attempted to drop the puck back but it ended up going nowhere and the player who hit Sim sent it back up the middle to former Islander Arron Asham, who then rifled it past Yann Danis to begin the Flyers comeback.

Clearly, it was a play that would normally get a player traded or benched.

Botta also reports that this could be the first of a roster re-shaping.

Sim is currently in the second year of a three year deal in which he makes $1 million a season. If he is not claimed within the next 48 hours he will apparently remain with the Islanders. The organization is obviously hoping he will be taken off their hands.

This season Sim has recorded 5 goals and 7 points, including 3 power play goals. He has 8 points in 30 career games as an Islander, a short stint after missing all but 2 games in 2007-08 due to reconstructive knee surgery.

Josh is a Keeper, but right Now?

Well, I've been wanting to post something about Josh Bailey for a while now and I am finally getting the opportunity (or time). Last summer you all may remember how the Islanders traded down twice in the draft after holding the 5th pick overall. And pretty much everyone, including me, raked the Islanders over the coals for not selecting Nikita Filatov. Well, it's time I gave the Islanders credit for finally making a good selection. Josh Bailey is a keeper.

Not only has he shown signs of maturity at such a young age, but he's shown flashes of brilliance with a high level of ability and skill, as well as hockey sense. I am finally giving GM Garth Snow and the scouting staff a thumbs up on this one.

That being said, I am worried about the kid. He only has one assist in the last 5 games and he's still struggling to score his first NHL goal. Recently, in a big interview involving former NHL coach Barry Melrose, he remarked on #1 overall pick Steven Stamkos and said he believes the kid is not ready to play in the NHL. Melrose believes Stamkos is not yet physically mature at 18 years old to beat out defensemen in the NHL who are 6'3" and bigger. I don't know if the same can be said for Bailey, but there may be some validity to it.

I'm on the fence because I don't believe Bailey had nothing left to learn from going back to junior and playing with the Windsor Spitfires, who are a powerhouse and possible Memorial Cup favorite this year. And I think he could have received a great experience in going to the World Juniors.

Now that he and the Islanders are struggling a little, there are some whispers he still could be sent to play with team Canada in the upcoming weeks. My question is would the Islanders reconsider and bite the bullet of the first year of his contract by sending Bailey back to Windsor following the tournament? The time for the Islanders is not now. It is the future as they rebuild. Josh Bailey is part of the Islanders future. I just don't want to see the Islanders rush a kid like they have so many times in the past.

HNLI Appearance: I am pleased to announce that I will be co-hosting the Hockey Night on Long Island Show this coming Saturday, December 13th at 3:30pm. I will be joining Steve with what should be another packed hour of Islanders talk. So make sure you tune in. Just follow the link I've provided to the show page.

Other news & notes: I am pleased to see Blake Comeau back up and scored a goal last night at Philadelphia. Sorry to see that it was at the expense of Jeff Tambellini, who was sent down to Bridgeport for a 2 week conditioning stint. Time is starting to run out for Tambellini, who can't seem to translate his AHL game to the NHL. It seems to me that he is just not big enough to get to where he needs to be on the ice so he can get off that great shot of his.

I am so jealous of the Boston Bruins and all their fast, big, young talent with guys at every position like Lucic, Kessel, Wheeler, Chara, Krejci and Savard. If only the Islanders could build a similar team.

When the Islanders drafted Bruno Gervais and Chris Campoli in the late rounds they saw something they liked about these kids but lets face it, they both were project defensemen. In my book, it takes a project defenseman a good 200 games in the NHL to really take that next step. Last night Campoli played his 200th game. What bothers me is I feel like they both still can be useful players but neither one has really stepped it up consistently yet. Plus, they both as witnessed by their horrible plus/minus are constantly on the ice for opposing goals.

I saw the recent articles by Chris Botta and Darren Dreger about the two unsigned college seniors that the Islanders and reportedly just about every one else are interested in. From everything I have heard, Matt Gilroy, the BU defenseman grew up on Long Island AND was an Islanders fan. So I believe if the Islanders offer him a fair deal it should be a given that he will sign on board here. Like everyone else I'm not so sure about Tyler Bozak.

Something that I really believe will be a savior for the Islanders going into the future will be the development of home grown Long Island talent. Just like the Islanders thanked him in 1980, you can give another big thank you to the efforts of Bob Nystrom, and Gerry Hart, for beginning to plant the seeds for youth hockey back in the late 1980's. Now we are seeing a boom in hockey players from Long Island good enough to turn professional. The Islanders need to capitalize on this movement. It is something that I believe can continue to revitalize the organization as they move forward into the future. Adding a kid like Gilroy and making a summer pitch for Mike Komisarek, if he is still available, would be a start in the right direction.

Goodbye Batsy, HNLI & Free Agency

I will be making an appearance on Hockey Night on Long Island today for the second straight week. The second half of the show is going to include a round table discussion about the upcoming free agency period and what the Islanders plans should be.

RW Shawn Bates has been placed on waivers by the Islanders and is most likely headed for a buyout of the remaining year of his $1.2 million contract. under NHL buyout provisions, he will receiver two-thirds of that amount in equal installments of $400,000 spread over the next two seasons. He finishes his Islander career 42nd all-time in scoring with 58 goals and 170 points in 330 games played.

It is sad to see Bates go, but it was a move that had to be made by the New York Islanders. The chronic groin injury he has is just too far gone as it limited him to only 4 games last season, only two of which were with the Islanders. The one time member of the Lucky 7's line with Mark Parrish and Micheal Peca will always be remembered for scoring the biggest goal of this decade for the Islanders, if not one of the biggest goals in franchise history, when he blasted a shot by Toronto's Curtis Joseph (pictured above) in Game 4 of the 2002 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at the Nassau Coliseum. Thanks for that great memory Shawn. But like I said it is time to move on.

Just learned today that LW Eric Nystrom re-signed with the Calgary Flames. So a potential free agency steal is off the board. I honestly don't see the Islanders doing much in free agency. Garth Snow recently came out and stated Mike Comrie was his #1 center next season and Mike Sillinger was his #2. If that's true the Islanders are in for a long season and that could solidify a high pick in the 2009 draft. The only thing that puzzles the brain is Snow's unwillingness to admit the team is in a rebuilding phase. Personally, I don't think that unwillingness means he's going to be active in free agency. It means he has alot of faith in the youngsters currently on the team and their ability to keep the Islanders competitive. In the end it just may not be enough.

The Islanders recently announced they have submitted qualifying offers to the following restricted free agents: Sean Bergenheim, Bruno Gervais, Jeff Tambellini, Frans Nielsen, Jeremy Colliton and Ben Walter. All of these players fit perfectly into the Islanders current youth movement. Not given a qualifying offer was Aaron Johnson, Drew Fata and Steve Regier.

Islanders Free Agent List

Here is just a list of the players I think should be on the Islanders free agent radar come July 1st:

RW Eric Godard - Still a good enforcer
LW Kristian Huselius - Isles need offense
C Daymond Langkow - might cost too much
LW Eric Nystrom - would be a great steal
C Trevor Letowski - good 4th line C if Colliton doesn't make it
C Pavol Demitra - had a down year last season with only 15 goals
LW Brian Rolston - great player, great speed
RW Michael Ryder - down year last season; former 30 goal man
RW Arron Asham - still serviceable fourth liner
LW Sean Avery - a jerk, but he does make things happen
C Cory Stillman - could be a cheaper alternative down the middle
RW Radim Vrbata - scored 27 goals & 56 points last year with PHX
RW Marian Hossa - doubtful; top UFA on market will get $7 mill.
LW Ryan Malone - could end up in Columbus
C Brendan Morrison - a set up man capable of doing more
LW Markus Naslund - could provide offense; 25-30 goals

The Islanders may be looking at some depth on D:

D John-Michael Liles - a good friend of Rick DiPietro's
D Ron Hainsey - very underrated d-man
D Steve Montador - another underrated d-man
D Mark Streit - will be coveted on the open market
D Mike Commodore - a warrior
D Jason Smith - tough sob; doubtful coming to Isles
D Wade Redden - doubtful, will cost too much
D Brooks Orpik - big time hitter
D Brian Campbell - may cost too much
D Doug Janik - a good depth signing

Goaltenders

G Stephen Valiquette - doubtful if Isles stick with MacDonald
G Ty Conklin - would he accept starting off in Bridgeport?

Three More Third Rounders

Islanders select LW David Toews 66th overall. The Islanders select the younger brother of Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews. So just like last season with Blake Kessell, the Islanders grab a younger brother.

Is the brother of Chicago Blackhawks' Jonathan Toews and credits his brother for having had the most influence on his career – "we always used to play together on the outdoor rink and he's always been there to help me better my game". Played his minor hockey for the Dakota Lancers, St. Vital Victorians and the Winnipeg Warriors and started playing hockey at the age of four – "once my brother started playing I wanted to be just like him and play as well". Patterns his game after Ottawa's Dany Heatley – "he is strong on the puck and has a very good sense for the game".

From THN: It's not that he's not a solid prospect, but Toews' status has taken a hit because of unfair comparisons to his brother, Chicago super-rookie Jonathan Toews. Like Jonathan, David has been a star at the Shattuck-St. Mary's prep school and hockey factory as Jonathan did, David will play at North Dakota next season. In the minds of scouts, however, David does not possess the top shelf talent Jonathan does, despite his stats. In fact, David is seen as more of a checking forward; see Wayne Primeau versus Keith. "He's OK. He's just OK," one scout said. "He's not really fast and he's not really big, but he's smart." Toews is a solid second-rounder who plays a very tenacious game. "He doesn't have the offensive upside, but he can be a very solid two-way guy," another scout said. "He has tons of character and he's a competitive, hard-working kid."

Isles Active in Second Round

The Islanders selected C Corey Trivino with the 36th pick overall. Another skilled playmaking center.

From TSN: The Jr. A player from Ontario stepped up his play at the Under-18 tourney in April and scouts are confident he's on the right development track as he prepares to head off to Boston University next season. While there is a little talk he could sneak into the bottom end of the first round, the consensus is that he's a solid second round pick.

From NHL Central Scouting: He has the ability to see the ice well and to move the puck. He needs to get stronger -- he's willing to battle, but isn't always winning the puck. He's got a good goal-scoring touch and he's good on face-offs with good skating ability, not necessarily high-end skating, but good.

From THN: Another prospect from the Ontario Jr. A Ranks, Trivino has committed to Boston University. A far better playermaker than goal-scorer, his skills with the puck are something to behold. But Trivino has some filling-out to do. There is no doubt he is highly skilled and could be a steal depending upon how well he develops with the Terriers. Trivino could be a three or four year player in the college ranks and that will give him plenty of time for his all around game to take shape and mature. "He could be a home-run guy," a scout said. "There isn't a whole lot of difference between him and (Zac) Dalpe." Trivino also possesses good foot speed and an ability to make pinpoint passes. His puckhandling ability makes him a threat off the rush and he's crafty around the net. "He's pretty weak physically," another scout cautioned.


The Islanders selected Minnesota's Mr. Hockey winner D Aaron Ness 40th overall. A smallish, but quick & skilled defenseman.

From TSN: So good, so small. That's what the scouts say about the diminutive defenceman from Minnesota. He has speed and skill and is fast-tracking his way to the University of Minnesota. It would take a team with multiple first round picks and/or a great deal of faith in the undersized blueliner to choose him in the first round.

From NHL Central Scouting: Aaron is flamboyant and colorful. He is very quick, everything about him is quick -- his hands are quick, his feet are quick. He is a very good skater and he is gritty and physical. He'll step right in to you without fear -- he picks his spot when he does it. He's a little more polished than some of the other high school defensemen with his passing and playmaking. He is quicker than Brian Leetch was at this age and he's as fast as John-Michael Liles was at the same age.

From THN: There was a time when a defenseman such as Aaron Ness wouldn't have gotten a second look from NHL scouts, forget about consideration as a second round pick. But 5-foot-10 defenseman aren't as out of fashion in the NHL as they once were and Ness's skill package is too overwhelming to ignore. Some say he's the most naturally gifted prospect in Minnesota. Still, some scouts are wary of the player, who will go to the University of Minnesota next season. "He's really good, but he's tiny and you can't change that," one scout said. "Taking this guy with a high pick is a risky thing to do." Scouts have likened Ness to Kris Russell of Columbus and Keith Ballard of Phoenix. Among his talents, Ness is an excellent skater, which prevents him from getting caught up ice when taking chances. "He's really smart and poised with the puck," another scout said.

Islanders select D Travis Hamonic 53rd overall, a bigger d-man from the WHL. He is 6' and 195 lbs. Will have to post more on him later.

Disappointment

I don't get it. After having the horrible season we just endured the Islanders should have came out with something to make fans feel better. Nikita Filatov could have put fans in the seats. Luke Schenn could have been a shutdown d-man that could hit like a Darius Kasparaitis and in a year or two replace Brendan Witt on the blueline. Yes, the Islanders did not come away with one of the big three defenseman. But what did they need? A scorer or a d-man. So they drop down and take a playmaker? A safe pick?

The last safe pick the Islanders took was Ryan O'Marra and we all know where Garth Snow sent him. Once again for another draft we had to listen to all the critics praise a team other than the Islanders for making a great deal at the Islanders expense.

I don't want to bash Josh Bailey. I will be praying he turns out to be a great pick. If he turns out to be the next Adam Oates I will be ecstatic. I don't know if what the Islanders needed was a Cory Stillman type. They needed something more to get the fans excited. I'm not sure they did that. Garth Snow recently stated he was tired of being mediocre....but he selected the safe pick? I don't get it.

Isles Select Josh Bailey 9th Overall

The Islanders have selected Josh Bailey with the 9th overall pick after dropping down twice from fifth and seventh. TSN called it a safe pick. We will need a few years to realize if the Islanders did the right thing by making a safe pick or if they blew it by not selecting Schenn or Filatov.

Bailey did have a very impressive 67 assists last year which was second most in the entire CHL. First impression is that he may be more of a set up man, possibly down the line for Kyle Okposo perhaps.

From TSN: Regarded as a skilled playmaker, the Windsor Spitfire centre is a good, solid two-way player who is conscientious in his effort at all times although scouts would like to see a little more grit to his game.

From NHL Central Scouting: Josh is the quarterback on the power-play, from down low, for the Windsor Spitfires. He is a good play-making centerman with the ability to feed his linemates when he needs to and shoot the puck when the play requires that.

RLR: Hart and soul type of player every good team needs. Has excellent leadership intangibles and was a big key in the massive turnaround by the Spits this year. We've always liked his work ethic, leadership, and sound defensive game, but he elevated his offensive game in a big way this year. Terrific playmaking center with the ability to get his wingers the puck in good scoring positions - has a knack for holding onto it that extra split second to give his mates time. Good vision and can saucer touch passes through traffic off either wing. Plays with smarts in all three zones. Strong in puck pursuit on the forecheck, but would boost his stock if he'd add a physical element to his game and finish off more checks.

THN: Bailey exploded for 96 points in Windsor after posting just 26 and 61 points in his first two years, but the concensus is he won't be a big offensive producer as an NHL player. However, in a draft that is overflowing with safe draft picks, Bailey is viewed as one of the most reliable in the group. "He's just a smart and responsible two-way player," one scout said. "I'd think in the NHL he'd probably max out as a 60 point guy." Bailey had to deal with the death of teammate and friend Mickey Renaud, but even though they were close, it didn't affect his performance. He's regarded as a low-maintenance player who could be future captain material and will be a mainstay on the checking line and penalty-killing unit. Think Matt Stajan. "He's a smooth skater," another scout said, "but I don't see the skill set of a high-end offensive player."

Compared in talent to Cory Stillman.

Revised 2008 Islanders Picks

1st round - 9th overall: C Josh Bailey
2nd round - 36th overall
2nd round - 40th overall
2nd round - 53rd overall*
2nd round - 60th overall (or 3rd round, 68th)
3rd round - 66th overall
3rd round - 73rd overall~
4th round - 96th overall
5th round - 126th overall
5th round - 148th overall^
6th round - 156th overall
6th round - 175th overall#

Total: 12 selections

WHY?!? WHY?! WHY?!

8:30pm update: Ok, let me take a breath for a minute. Maybe this won't turn out too bad. We are stock piling some picks. Perhaps the Islanders go after C Cody Hodgson or C Zach Boychuk. I hope they don't go after Kyle Beach. I think the Isles may be looking at Josh Bailey as well. We have four second round picks.

I just don't understand why the Islanders would trade out of the top 5 for just two later picks!! Only the New York Islanders could screw this up. I just can't believe what they have just done. They handed Luke Schenn to Toronto and let Columbus skate away with Nikita Filatov. I just can't take it. This mess starts from the very top. Charles Wang will never get it. Only an unknowlegable person could orchestrate the complicated bad deal he just let Garth Snow pull off.

#5 for #7 and the Islanders choice of #60 this year and a third round pick or #68 this year and a second round pick in 2009.

Now the Islanders have just traded #7 to Nashville for #9 and #40. They are stock piling picks. But have the Islanders traded their chances of an impact player?

What are the odds we trade #9 now???

Here We Go!

7:55pm update: Was just announced that the Islanders have swapped the #5 pick with Toronto for the #7 pick overall. This may mean that Bryan McCabe has waived his no trade clause and could be coming back to the Island. Stay tuned....

7:35pm update: Well, the obvious is over. Steven Stamkos went to Tampa Bay. Dre Doughty went to LA. So that nixes the previous rumor of an LA\NYI swap. I'd be shocked if Bogosian doesn't go next to Atlanta. That should leave Pietrangelo or Filatov for the Islanders depending on what St. Louis does at #4.

The 2008 NHL Entry Draft is 15-20 minutes away! Stay tuned to the islesinfo blog and islesinfo.com for updates of all the action and Islanders picks!!!

Former players drafted 5th overall in New York Islanders History

1992 - Darius Kasparaitis
1997 - Eric Brewer
1999 - Tim Connolly
2000 - Raffi Torres

Players rated 5th for 2008

THN - D Alex Pietrangelo
ISS - D Alex Pietrangelo
RedLine - LW Mikkel Boedker
USAToday - LW Nikita Filatov
McKeens - D Luke Schenn
TSN - LW Nikita Filatov

Holy Day of Hockey: 2008 NHL Draft

Today's the big day folks. In the past I would normally post all the Islanders picks and player reviews in the Draft Central section of islesinfo.com, but I most likely will be posting all the information here this weekend.

It's going to be an exciting weekend with the Islanders owning the #5 pick along with two second round picks and two third rounders. Will the Islanders use those picks to add to their crop of growing young talent? Or will they use those extra picks to possibly trade up or down? It will all unfold tonight.

Latest Rumor

I saw one that has Los Angeles taking Zach Bogosian at #2, waiting to see if the Islanders get Nikita Filatov at #5, and then swapping players with the Islanders sending a second and fifth round pick the other way. Personally, I think Bogosian is the best defenseman available, and losing Filatov would be disappointing. But I would accept ONLY Bogosian in a deal like that.

Tidbit

I was doing some research on Islanders 2006 draft pick Brian Day, who recently finished his freshman season at Colgate. There was this article on the impact of freshman players and it mentioned how Day is best friends with a defenseman on the team name Kevin McNamara, who is eligible for the draft but not rated. In the article, McNamara had this to say:

“Getting drafted anywhere would be great,” McNamara said. “If the Islanders are interested then it would be awesome to get to play with Brian and keep hanging out with him. Otherwise, I would love to go somewhere else and beat him some more. If I get drafted, then great. But if not, then I’m just going to keep helping Colgate win.”

Just a little something I found.

Thoughts

I still want to see the Islanders come away with Filatov. I think they would have a chance to pick up a quality defenseman or two within the second or third rounds. There has also been some talk that the Islanders could trade down and take Colin Wilson out of Boston University and the son of former NHL'er Carey Wilson.

Draft Relations

I usually post this in the CSB section of islesinfo.com.

Alex Pietrangelo, Niagra - second cousin of former Penguin Frank Pietrangelo
Colin Wilson, BU - son of former Ranger & Whaler Carey Wilson
Jamie Arniel, Sarnia - son of former Sabre Scott Arniel
Maxime Sauve, Val d'Or - son of Jean-Francois Sauve
Jared Staal, Sudbury - brother of Eric, Jordan & Marc Staal
Philip McRae, London - son of former North Star Basil McRae
David Carle, Shat.-St. Mary's - brother of San Jose's Matt Carle
David Toews, Shat.-St. Mary's - brother of Chicago's Jonathan Toews
Anton Gustafsson, Frolunda - son of former Cap Bengt Gustafsson
Viktor Tikhonov, Cherepovets - grandson of Russian coach by same name
Joonas Rask, Ilves, Jr. - brother of Boston's Tuuka Rask

Trade Winds Blowing?

With a little over 24 hours remaining until Islanders GM Garth Snow prepares to make a huge decision with the #5 pick overall, the big question is will he use it, trade up, or trade down?

As you probably saw in my previous post, I'm very high on Russian super skilled LW Nikita Filatov. But in recent days it has been more and more emphasized that defense wins championships and a top flight stud defenseman is rare to come by. So there are many supporters who believe if one of Zach Bogosian, Drew Doughty or Alex Pietrangelo are available at #5 then the Islanders should snatch him up.

Recent rumors have the Islanders thinking about moving up to the #2 position in a trade with Los Angeles so they can take Bogosian, who I believe is the best of the top three d-men. I don't believe that trade is likely. Unless LA is willing to take one of the Islanders extra second & third round picks along with a swap of first rounders, the Islanders don't have much else to give up as they would surely have to give up a young player. That is not the direction the team is looking to go in.

On the other foot, if the three d-men are gone and Filatov is not for the Islanders accroding to Snow, they may decide to trade down by receiving a young prospect from another team, and then grab a guy later on in the draft that they still may have rated high on their list.

If you ask me though, the top three d-men along with Filatov are all capable of being franchise to impact players. So I don't see a reason to trade down unless it is a REALLY good offer.

Other Rumors

Forget the Islanders getting Bryan McCabe and the #7 pick from Toronto. With the state Toronto is in, even if dumping McCabe's contract would help them down the line, I don't see the fans in Toronto accepting the Leafs coming away with nothing Friday night.

2008 Islanders Picks

1st round - 5th overall
2nd round - 36th overall
2nd round - 53rd overall*
3rd round - 66th overall
3rd round - 73rd overall~
4th round - 96th overall
5th round - 126th overall
5th round - 148th overall^
6th round - 156th overall
6th round - 175th overall#

Total: 10 selections

* Acquired from EDM in Bergeron/Grebeshkov deal (was a third round pick; later became 2nd round pick for Allan Rourke + the 3rd)
~ Acquired from ANA for Bergeron
^ Acquired from PHI in York/Robitaille deal
# Acquired from MIN for Simon
& 7th round pick dealt to SJ for Davison


Blog News: You need a google account to leave comments on the blog. It might be slow coming at first because I don't know if anyone knows about the blog yet. But I wanted people to sign up so I don't get anonymous entries.

2008 Draft Fast Approaching

I'm very disappointed this year that I wasn't able to produce a draft preview as I have over the past. I always enjoyed it and the draft to me is the biggest hockey day of the year. So since it is basically too late I thought I would add my two cents right here in the new blog.

So first question is, who would I like to see the Islanders draft? The young man pictured above...Nikita Filatov.

Filatov has become the consensus pick, or should I say desire, of most Islander fans among the internet. But if I may toot my own horn, some listeners of the popular web show Hockey Night on Long Island may recall I was a supporter of his back as far as April. There is no denying his skill set. He can fly and has tricks that can wow you. Just one look at the youtube videos posted and the first thing you will probably notice is Filatov possesses a toe drag move that would make even Trent Hunter stand up and applaud in awe.

Yes, there are some worries. Will Filatov suffer the same fate as Alexei Cherepanov did in 2007. Cherepanov was rated as a top 5 pick. But he slipped to the Rangers at #17 because of the lack of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia. Now, there is no transfer agreement at all between the NHL and any European countries.

There's also the question as to if Filatov can handle the NHL. If any of you readers saw him at the recent draft combine, the young Russian was a little bit overwhelmed. Even he admitted it. But the combine is not a measure of hockey skill. Filatov still has a few years to fill out. If the Islanders do decide to take him, they can't expect him to make the NHL next season. Even if he does want to come to North America right away, and the Islanders are able to get him out of Russia for whatever monetary amount they will have to give up, he does not seem physically ready yet to handy the rough rigors of the NHL.

And while this is the year of the defenseman, we all know the Islanders lacked some offensive punch last season. The fact that Filatov is a left winger, and the possibility of adding a talent like him to go along with Kyle Okposo and the rest of the youth movement, it should be something too good to pass up if he is available at #5.

At the same time, I always believe you build championships from the goal out. The Islanders are hopefully solid with Rick DiPietro in net. But they obviously do not currently have a stud defenseman. One of Drew Doughty or Zach Bogosian would truely fill that spot. And you could probably throw Alex Pietrangelo in that group as well. But will they be available when the Islanders step up to the podium. If not, and Filatov is not their choice, do they look at a defensive defenseman like Kelowna's Luke Schenn or Tyler Myers.

So many questions to be asked. But we will all find out Friday night in Ottawa.

islesinfo.com News!!

Hello fans! Yes, I am still alive, hehe. I'm am most certain by now everyone is wondering what is going on with islesinfo.com. Well, to basically get straight to the point and as honest as I can be....there hasn't been much time in my life as of late to update it the way I use to and would normally like. Work has taken much of the time away that I use to spend on the site.

Also, to continue being honest....I just don't know if I am interested in keeping it going. Over the past 10 years the site has built up from just a few pages to well over 300. I found myself at times feeling like I had to update and compete with everyone. But lately I have asked myself why I need to do it. It was fun, and by no means am I taking the site down or anything. Because there is a lot more to islesinfo.com than just daily news updates. And I will always continue to work on the site. But at my own liesure.

It is also the reason I thought of starting this blog. Everyone has one nowadays. And quite frankly it's a hell of a lot easier to keep up with. So here it is. My simple islesinfo blog. Right now, it's just what I said. Simple. Not chalk filled with pictures or scrollers. Perhaps as time goes on I will add to it and even match up the coloring. I just wanted to get this up as soon as possible before the next few days activities.

So with all that now said I hope those who have grown to enjoy islesinfo.com will continue to visit and understand the situation.

Thanks