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.