Former Islanders: Hunter, Trottier, Kessel Updates

Former New York Islander forward Trent Hunter has accepted an offer from the Los Angeles Kings to come to training camp on a pro tryout basis. After a multitude of injuries over the past few seasons and dwindling skills, Hunter was traded by the Islanders to New Jersey for Brian Rolston and then bought out by the Devils, becoming a free agent.  

AT: I always liked Trent from his time at Bridgeport to his outstanding rookie campaign, but his time to leave the Islanders had come. It's unfortunate what had happened to him and his health, but that is simply how pro sports go. I'm glad another team (and a team that will definitely compete this year) is giving him a shot, and I hope that a guy like Trent, who was one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, finds a permanent home. Best wishes to Mr. Hunter!


It was also reported that Islander legend Bryan Trottier is part of a group helmed by Max Chambers (who once attempted to buy the Phoenix Coyotes) attempting to buy the St. Louis Blues. 

AT: The Blues have been up for sale for a while now, but I'm very happy that Trottier is not only attempting to stay in the hockey world, but be a part of an ownership team so he can once again have a team he can call his own. After attempting to coach without much success, it looks like that time has come once again. Best of luck to Trotts in his business endeavors and we hope the Blues become very successful under his group's ownership. Except when they play the Islanders, of course.

Finally, former Islander prospect Blake Kessel signed an entry level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The former UNH defenseman was a sixth-round draft pick by the Islanders in 2007. He opted not to sign with the team by finding a rarely used loophole in the NHL CBA.

CH: No harm, no foul. Kessel is an average prospect, and should get some good playing time on a bad Adirondack team. The reality of the situation is that while the Islanders could use him (who can ever have enough depth?), he probably saw how crowded the chart is becoming and opted to go test the free agent waters instead of joining the competition. Of course, it took him until September - so he's probably just happy to have a job now.

Former Islanders: Dave Scatchard, Duane Sutter Updates

A couple of quick updates on some former Islanders:

Dave Scatchard announced his retirement on Twitter earlier this afternoon due to recurring concussion symptoms. 

Scatchard played 11 NHL seasons with the Canucks, Islanders, Bruins, Coyotes, Predators, and the Blues. He scored 128 goals in 659 NHL games, including 81 goals in 347 games with the Islanders.

CH: Very unfortunate that Scatch couldn't end things on his own terms. He was a model citizen while he was here on Long Island, and was a pretty good third line center for some quality Islander teams to boot. Not much else to say other than that Scatchard needs to take care of himself and his family first, and we wish him the best in his retirement.

AT: Easily one of my all time favorite Islanders, at least in my time as a fan since the '01-'02 season. Brought a boatload of leadership with him and was an all around great guy who could put up 40-45 points. Still remember when he wore his FDNY hat onto the ice when the Isles played the Wings for opening night at home right after 9/11. Best of luck to Scatch in his post-playing endeavors. 

In other news, Duane Sutter was named a scout for the Edmonton Oilers, joining GM Steve Tambellini and Player Development Director Mike Sillinger as former Islanders in the Oiler front office.

Former Islanders: Scott Gordon Named Assistant Coach in Toronto

According to Brian Compton, former Islander coach Scott Gordon has been hired as an assistant coach in Toronto.

AT: Didn't really see him getting a head coaching job anywhere due to his lack of success with the Islanders. Was never a fan of his coaching style and welcomed his departure, but he's a really nice guy and I hope for nothing but the best for Scott. He worked with Brian Burke and Ron Wilson in the 2010 Olympics so obviously the connection was there and they trust him to work well with this growing Toronto team. In addition, the Maple Leafs hired Greg Cronin, the now former head coach at Northeastern University and former coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Overall, two great adds at assistant coach for Toronto. Should prove to be a solid mix up in coaching.

CH: I always liked Scott Gordon, and have to admit I was very frustrated when he was fired. However, clearly I was wrong as it turned out to be exactly the relief the Islanders needed going forward. I still believe that Gordon taught the Islander players a ton during his 2+ years here. Those lessons have already been used going forward under the tutelage of Jack Capuano.

Looking forward, this is a great opportunity for Gordon. He did a great job as an assistant during the 2010 Winter Olympics for Team USA. He knows Brian Burke and the Toronto staff through his involvement in other international tournaments including the World Championships, in which he coached Team USA in 2010 and 2011. I think Gordon was a little over his head during his first job with the Islanders. This will be a good step for him back into the NHL coaching world. There's already talk about Gordon being the replacement for Ron Wilson. Time will tell about that. What we do know is with Gordon and Greg Cronin, the Leafs have set themselves up very nicely on the bench.

Former Islanders: Pittsburgh Hires Bill Guerin as Player Development Coach

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today they have hired former Islanders captain Bill Guerin to be their new Player Development Coach. Guerin will assist Penguins prospects at both the junior hockey, college, and professional levels. He last played in the NHL for the Penguins in the 2009-10 season, and played for the Islanders from 2007-2009.

CH: To start, I'm very happy for Billy. He was a great American player and I'm happy to see that he's still involved in the game. This will be a great opportunity working for a good organization with some solid prospects coming through the ranks. In a way I'm kind of surprised, however, that Doug Weight didn't recruit him for a similar role with the Islanders. Guerin still lives on Long Island full-time (near Weight), and the two have a very close relationship. That said, this is a great position for Guerin and hope that he does very well with the Penguins.

AT: Just awesome for Guerin. Very happy for him and I knew he'd catch on somewhere. I did hope he would come to Long Island as well, but he won the Stanley Cup recently with the Penguins. I guess he feels he "owes" it to them, so to speak. Good luck, Bill!

Blog Note: We are planning on recording our first podcast tonight. If all goes well, it should be up and ready to go by tomorrow.