With the news that Trevor Gillies has been placed on waivers which is clearly to make room for the return of Nino Niederreiter and the total lack of scoring aside from two games this season, it appears that the need for a line change has become absolutely essential to restart this powerful offense.
Obviously, we know the first line clicks very well. John Tavares is probably going to have an 80+ point season, P.A. Parenteau has improved upon his flaws from last season and has been a very efficient playmaker, and Matt Moulson's stick handling and sniping abilities remain fully intact as he goes into his prime. Of all the lines, we know this one should remain intact for the time being, although nothing is ever set in stone. The only player from this line who should remain there eternally barring some shocking drop in play is John Tavares. Realistically, this line is staying the same and should not be broken up right now.
The second line is questionable. While Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner have picked up their games substantially from earlier in the season and are returning to form, the drop off in play of Kyle Okposo leaves room for improvement with the return of Nino Niederreiter. Both are strong power forwards who aren't afraid to get physical, although Niederreiter's offensive ability is far superior to that of Okposo's, in my opinion. He fills the role of a power forward on this defensive line quite well and I think would mesh well with the hockey vision of Nielsen at center. While some have called for Niederreiter being placed on the 3rd line, I believe he would make much more of an impact on the 2nd line and really be a sparkplug for this team's offense.
The 3rd line has been troubling all season long. Comeau had his best games of the season the past two games, but hasn't done much to prove his worth so far. Josh Bailey has been 90% invisible in the games he's been in and generally floats around without getting vigorously involved down the middle like we had seen from him in the beginning of last year. While I'm pretty confident that this is mental and not based on lack of ability, it's trouble. Brian Rolston has been showing his age and has been generally inefficient all season long. My solution for this troubling line would be moving Kyle Okposo down to the third line with Bailey as his center and Comeau on the opposite wing. You have two strong power forwards with offensive instincts and a playmaker who has great potential, yet hasn't shown much of it yet. I believe Bailey is one of the main reasons this line isn't producing right now, but unfortunately it's doubtful he'd be placed on the 4th line considering their consistency. As for Rolston, he should be scratched until an injury comes along. His contract should not matter whatsoever.
The 4th line has been one of the most consistent lines all year round. Between Martin's consistent hard play and vicious forechecking, Reasoner's faceoff wins and PKing ability, and Pandolfo's veteran prescence, PK skill and shot blocking supremacy (so many adjectives in the last sentences), the 4th line must not be broken up right now. It's as simple as that.
As for the defense, there needs to be a change as well. Staios has been solid, but his age is showing. He's a solid bottom pairing defenseman at this point in his career, but much like Eaton last year, he's being asked to do too much compared to what his abilities and endurance will allow him. Although his health is a concern, based on his play since his return, my best bet for the defense would be to move Jurcina to the top pairing with Streit. There, you have an outstanding offensive defenseman with above average defensive abilities and a big, strong defensive defenseman with a rocket of a shot. Streit is a lefty and Jurcina is a righty as well, so it creates a dynamic situation when setting up in the offensive zone. The Hamonic-MacDonald chemistry should not be broken up and should be left alone. As for the bottom pairing, Mark Eaton has been very solid this year, but is a very stable bottom pairing d-man and needs to stay there. I believe he and Staios would be a great bottom pairing, with both providing solid defense in their own end.
As for the goaltending situation, Montoya should continue to be this team's #1. He is the most durable of all 3 (considering Nabokov's recent injury) and has the best stats thus far. Why he continues to be scratched or back up is extremely confusing, albeit not completely surprising. With 73 games remaining, Montoya should play 40 games for the rest of the season, Nabokov 25, DiPietro 8.
With these changes, if adapted, the lines would look as follows:
Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau
Grabner-Nielsen-Niederreiter
Comeau-Bailey-Okposo
Martin-Reasoner-Pandolfo
Streit-Jurcina
Hamonic-MacDonald
Eaton-Staios
Solid all around, keeping the chemistry that has worked, changing and tweaking the lines that haven't. It should be painfully obvious to Jack Capuano that what the lines are as right now are simply not working. Hopefully, he has the hockey intelligence to be able to realize that if the offense continues to fail in producing, a mix up must be made. If, even after these changes are made, the offense continues to struggle... there should be no hesitation in making a drastic line shift.
- AT
Showing posts with label Trevor Gillies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trevor Gillies. Show all posts
Oct 31, 2011
Sep 14, 2011
Season Preview: Trevor Gillies
Trevor Gillies
Position: LW
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 236 lbs
Birthdate: January 30, 1979 (Age 32)
Birthplace: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent, 2010
2010-2011 Team: New York Islanders
2010-2011 Stats: 39 GP - 2 G - 0 A - 2 P - 165 PIM
2011-2012 Team: New York Islanders
Team Role: 13th Forward
Last year: Gillies joined the Islanders organization for hs first full year with the team last year. He appeared in 39 games, scoring twice including one against the rival New York Rangers. Gillies season, however, was overshadowed by dangerous hits on Eric Tangradi and Cal Clutterbuck that netted him 19 suspended Ganesh for the season. As you would expect, Gillies spent much of the game on the bench but always fought when called upon.
Expectations: Gillies accepted a new one year contract from the Islanders over the summer, in which he will play the same role as he did last year. It's more likely, however, he spends some of the year at Bridgeport unless the Isles face a lot of early injuries. Even if e is sent down, there is certainly reason to believe he will be called up to face divisional rivals and other physical opponents. Don't expect much on the scoresheet or on the ice, as Gillies true value is in the locker room.
Projections: GP 43 - 0 G - 1 A - 144 PIM
Thoughts:
CH: As many know, I was not much of a fan of bringing Gillies back this season. I personally feel the role of the goon is redundant, especially with guys like Matt Martin and Micheal Haley who can both play and throw down whenever. However, we don't interact with the players on a daily basis so it's certainly very possible that Gillies has way more influence in the room as a "big brother" type. It's always easy to overlook that. Either way, training camp will give a much better indication of how Jack Capuano sees the rosier going forward. We will see where Gillies fits in that plan.
AT: Considering he will be the 13th forward, I had no problem re-signing Gillies, as long as the other players on the team were okay with it and so was management. Clearly he's still a fan favorite as well (as we could both easily tell you from last night) so in the end there really wasn't too much harm bringing back Gillies. Will he have a target on his back from the refs? Probably. Yet, I doubt he sees more than 30-40 games in the NHL, if that. There's not really much to expect out of Gillies this season except for a fist in the face of Eric Godard.
Position: LW
Weight: 236 lbs
Birthdate: January 30, 1979 (Age 32)
Birthplace: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent, 2010
2010-2011 Team: New York Islanders
2010-2011 Stats: 39 GP - 2 G - 0 A - 2 P - 165 PIM
2011-2012 Team: New York Islanders
Team Role: 13th Forward
Last year: Gillies joined the Islanders organization for hs first full year with the team last year. He appeared in 39 games, scoring twice including one against the rival New York Rangers. Gillies season, however, was overshadowed by dangerous hits on Eric Tangradi and Cal Clutterbuck that netted him 19 suspended Ganesh for the season. As you would expect, Gillies spent much of the game on the bench but always fought when called upon.
Expectations: Gillies accepted a new one year contract from the Islanders over the summer, in which he will play the same role as he did last year. It's more likely, however, he spends some of the year at Bridgeport unless the Isles face a lot of early injuries. Even if e is sent down, there is certainly reason to believe he will be called up to face divisional rivals and other physical opponents. Don't expect much on the scoresheet or on the ice, as Gillies true value is in the locker room.
Projections: GP 43 - 0 G - 1 A - 144 PIM
Thoughts:
CH: As many know, I was not much of a fan of bringing Gillies back this season. I personally feel the role of the goon is redundant, especially with guys like Matt Martin and Micheal Haley who can both play and throw down whenever. However, we don't interact with the players on a daily basis so it's certainly very possible that Gillies has way more influence in the room as a "big brother" type. It's always easy to overlook that. Either way, training camp will give a much better indication of how Jack Capuano sees the rosier going forward. We will see where Gillies fits in that plan.
AT: Considering he will be the 13th forward, I had no problem re-signing Gillies, as long as the other players on the team were okay with it and so was management. Clearly he's still a fan favorite as well (as we could both easily tell you from last night) so in the end there really wasn't too much harm bringing back Gillies. Will he have a target on his back from the refs? Probably. Yet, I doubt he sees more than 30-40 games in the NHL, if that. There's not really much to expect out of Gillies this season except for a fist in the face of Eric Godard.
Jun 17, 2011
Signing: Islanders sign Trevor Gillies to a 1 year, 2-way deal
The Islanders reported today that they have re-signed forward Trevor Gillies to a 1 year, 2 way deal. Financial details have not yet been released.
AT: No problem with this one as I'd been saying. As the 13th forward and spending a good majority of time in the AHL, Gillies fits his role perfectly. He'll inevitably be called up for divisional rival games, especially against the Penguins and Rangers. After knocking Godard out in the "bury Gillies" invasion game that Penguin fans orchestrated, I welcome him back with open arms.
CH: I've made it clear that I am not a fan of bringing Trevor Gillies back. That said, he is on a two-way contract this year. All this means is that Gillies will now make an NHL salary in the NHL and an AHL salary in the AHL. But it could be a significant sign that Gillies will spend most of his time at Bridgeport next year. If that is the case, I have no problem whatsoever with this. In the NHL, well, there's other options, and I think he is a waste of a roster spot. But we are talking about the 13th forward at the NHL level, at the absolute best, so in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal.
As far as the comparisons to Zenon Konopka go, it's not the same thing at all. Konopka is a fourth line center who will play every game. Gillies isn't that at all - he's a depth call-up for games pretty much only against division rivals. So the fact that they are bringing back Gillies but not Konopka is pretty insignificant, in my opinion. If you want to question the move, question bringing back Gillies as a whole without comparing him to Konopka.
AT: No problem with this one as I'd been saying. As the 13th forward and spending a good majority of time in the AHL, Gillies fits his role perfectly. He'll inevitably be called up for divisional rival games, especially against the Penguins and Rangers. After knocking Godard out in the "bury Gillies" invasion game that Penguin fans orchestrated, I welcome him back with open arms.
CH: I've made it clear that I am not a fan of bringing Trevor Gillies back. That said, he is on a two-way contract this year. All this means is that Gillies will now make an NHL salary in the NHL and an AHL salary in the AHL. But it could be a significant sign that Gillies will spend most of his time at Bridgeport next year. If that is the case, I have no problem whatsoever with this. In the NHL, well, there's other options, and I think he is a waste of a roster spot. But we are talking about the 13th forward at the NHL level, at the absolute best, so in the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal.
As far as the comparisons to Zenon Konopka go, it's not the same thing at all. Konopka is a fourth line center who will play every game. Gillies isn't that at all - he's a depth call-up for games pretty much only against division rivals. So the fact that they are bringing back Gillies but not Konopka is pretty insignificant, in my opinion. If you want to question the move, question bringing back Gillies as a whole without comparing him to Konopka.
Jun 9, 2011
Opinion: Fourth Line Scrappers
Today on Islanders Point Blank, Chris Botta writes about how the Islanders are looking to bring back Trevor Gillies and Micheal Haley, but let Zenon Konopka go. Let's go down the line, one-by-one:
Big 2010-11 Moments: Scoring vs. NYR, Eric Tangradi Hit, Scrap vs. Eric Godard
CH: Let's start with Gillies. I don't like this decision at all. By all accounts Trevor is a great guy and a great teammate, but he just doesn't bring enough to the table. Forget the fact that his hit on Eric Tangradi was the one deplorable Islander decision during that game. Forget the fact that he was suspended for 19 out of 20 games on two separate incidents. The fact of the matter is that there are about 50 other guys that can provide the same aspects to the team, on the ice and off it, that Gillies can. From a PR perspective, this makes no sense. Public relations and perception shouldn't matter, but we aren't talking about buying out Alexei Yashin here. This player is a minor role player, so it can be taken into account. This summer has widely been considered a major coup for the Islanders. Why ruin that by signing a goon?
AT: I think the major part of this was the fact that he was a huge locker room guy and very "in" with management. The difference between him and Z even though they both hold those traits is that Gillies knows he's a #13 and two-way player and will be his entire career. I don't think Z would be very happy with that, so the decision to bring back Gillies seemed logical. Again, as a #13 and on a two-way, I have absolutely no problem with this. Just don't pull a Sim on us, Trevor.
CH: Bringing back Haley should be an absolute no-brainer. I don't necessarily think he should be a full-time NHL player, but he certainly is capable of playing at the level when he needs to. For division games, he is a major asset to have on the fourth line. He can scrap and he can play. Haley provides organizational depth where he can produce at Bridgeport and produce on Long Island in different roles. I still would look to upgrade the fourth line as far as point total and defensive play goes, but if the bottom-6 needs a fill-in, this is your guy for 2011-12. Love this idea, as long as it is two-way and he doesn't play every game.
AT: Haley is one of my favorite Islanders of recent years. He brought back that "snarl" so to speak that the Islanders were missing. He sticks up for his teammates without being stupid about it, he's not afraid to drop the gloves and does so quite efficiently, and he has a scoring touch. He did have 12 goals on the Sound Tigers. A two way deal is the best option and I'm really hoping he gets it. He'll be at the draft party and Botta indicated it shall be done soon, so we should see it happen soon.
Big 2010-2011 Moments - Changing the culture of the Islanders, Teaching Max Talbot a lesson, "We are not a doormat"
CH: I liked Konopka a lot, but fact is letting him go is not the end of the world. The Islanders finished 27th place in the NHL last year, which means no spots are safe - especially that of the fourth line center. Konopka is a face-off whiz, but after that his play leaves a lot to be desired. He isn't good defensively or offensively, and sometimes lets his mouth run a little more than he should. He did so much for this team this year, as far the locker room goes. I do believe Konopka was the driving force behind the belief the Islanders now have in themselves. If the Islanders can go out and get a guy like Craig Adams (signed with PIT today) to play on their fourth line, they will be in a much better position for 2011-12. Fact is they have guys who can fight in that role already (Martin), which is what Konopka is really good for. Now, they need a defensive minded player who can take face-offs. If he has a mean streak, all the better.
AT: I originally wanted Z back, but honestly he doesn't bring much to the table once he takes the faceoff. He's not really a "good" hockey player. Great guy, great locker room presence, but big locker room guys are a dime a dozen in this league. I thank Konopka for being part of that re-ignition of snarl that the Islanders seem to have back, but his time here is up. The Islanders need to improve. Z's not going on a two-way. It's time to part ways.
Trevor Gillies - 39 GP, 2 G, 0 A, -3, 165 PIM
Big 2010-11 Moments: Scoring vs. NYR, Eric Tangradi Hit, Scrap vs. Eric GodardCH: Let's start with Gillies. I don't like this decision at all. By all accounts Trevor is a great guy and a great teammate, but he just doesn't bring enough to the table. Forget the fact that his hit on Eric Tangradi was the one deplorable Islander decision during that game. Forget the fact that he was suspended for 19 out of 20 games on two separate incidents. The fact of the matter is that there are about 50 other guys that can provide the same aspects to the team, on the ice and off it, that Gillies can. From a PR perspective, this makes no sense. Public relations and perception shouldn't matter, but we aren't talking about buying out Alexei Yashin here. This player is a minor role player, so it can be taken into account. This summer has widely been considered a major coup for the Islanders. Why ruin that by signing a goon?
AT: I think the major part of this was the fact that he was a huge locker room guy and very "in" with management. The difference between him and Z even though they both hold those traits is that Gillies knows he's a #13 and two-way player and will be his entire career. I don't think Z would be very happy with that, so the decision to bring back Gillies seemed logical. Again, as a #13 and on a two-way, I have absolutely no problem with this. Just don't pull a Sim on us, Trevor.
Micheal Haley - 27 GP, 2 G, 1 A, -4, 85 PIM
Big 2010-11 Moments: Goal vs. Pittsburgh, Fighting Max Talbot and Brent Johnson in the same game, Fighting Sean Avery
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| AP |
AT: Haley is one of my favorite Islanders of recent years. He brought back that "snarl" so to speak that the Islanders were missing. He sticks up for his teammates without being stupid about it, he's not afraid to drop the gloves and does so quite efficiently, and he has a scoring touch. He did have 12 goals on the Sound Tigers. A two way deal is the best option and I'm really hoping he gets it. He'll be at the draft party and Botta indicated it shall be done soon, so we should see it happen soon.
Zenon Konopka - 82 GP, 2 G, 7 A, -14, 307 PIM
Big 2010-2011 Moments - Changing the culture of the Islanders, Teaching Max Talbot a lesson, "We are not a doormat"CH: I liked Konopka a lot, but fact is letting him go is not the end of the world. The Islanders finished 27th place in the NHL last year, which means no spots are safe - especially that of the fourth line center. Konopka is a face-off whiz, but after that his play leaves a lot to be desired. He isn't good defensively or offensively, and sometimes lets his mouth run a little more than he should. He did so much for this team this year, as far the locker room goes. I do believe Konopka was the driving force behind the belief the Islanders now have in themselves. If the Islanders can go out and get a guy like Craig Adams (signed with PIT today) to play on their fourth line, they will be in a much better position for 2011-12. Fact is they have guys who can fight in that role already (Martin), which is what Konopka is really good for. Now, they need a defensive minded player who can take face-offs. If he has a mean streak, all the better.
AT: I originally wanted Z back, but honestly he doesn't bring much to the table once he takes the faceoff. He's not really a "good" hockey player. Great guy, great locker room presence, but big locker room guys are a dime a dozen in this league. I thank Konopka for being part of that re-ignition of snarl that the Islanders seem to have back, but his time here is up. The Islanders need to improve. Z's not going on a two-way. It's time to part ways.
Jun 4, 2011
Opinion: Remaining Isles UFAs/RFAs - Who to sign, who to let go?
AT: Well, with UFA period coming up and with the Isles facing a myriad of players either under RFA or UFA status, the question comes down to whether to resign certain players, whether to trade the rights to certain RFAs or whether to cut ties all togethere. Here's my breakdown:
Micheal Haley, C, UFA
AT:A name everyone in Islander-land knows, and everyone in Penguin-land wants to eviscerate from the Earth. I'm almost abnormally high on Haley Haley brought back a much needed toughness to the Isles in that infamous February brawl, and showed that if you go after our players, it will not go unnoticed. The notice being in the form of Haley's fist in your face. Haley showed he can score, he has some wheels and is a piece in this Isles team that should and will be quintessential to any future Islander playoff team.
Verdict: Re-sign, 2 years, $550K each..
CH: I like Haley, but I don't know how important he is to the future. Once you get to the fourth line, the parts are all relatively interchangeable. I think the Islanders are best served getting a fourth line veteran with playoff experience like Ryan Johnson (the Pens did this with Craig Adams via trade in 2009). Haley, in my opinion, is a depth call up type of player who can fill in when necessary, especially against division opponents.
Verdict: Re-sign, 1 year, 2-way contract for $550K
Josh Bailey, C, RFA
AT: This is a no-brainer for me in terms of resigning, the question is how much and for how long. We know the talent with Bailey is there. We saw it in the beginning of the season and in sporadic points throughout. His inconsistency was the problem. I believe Bailey will turn into a solid 55-60 point center, and could be a staple in the organization if that skill ever comes to fruition. Worst case scenario, if Garth sees things how I do, he'll draft a center in this year's draft and said center will take Bailey's place in 2 years after his deal is up. I believe in Harvey D--, er... Joshua Bailey.
Verdict: Re-sign, 2 years, 2.5m deal.
CH: Oh, the Josh Bailey argument. I'm sure there will be plenty more of that to go around here for quite a while. I like Bailey a lot. He's a great kid with great determination and it's clear he was put in a position where he could not succeed. He is only 21, but patience has to be running thin with him if this team is serious about making the next step. No team in this year's playoffs has a 25-30 point center on their top 3 lines. Either Bailey has to improve or the team has to improve. For the sake of the team, this year is put up or shut up for him.
Verdict: Re-sign, 1 year qualifier.
Blake Comeau, RW, RFA
AT: I loved what I saw from Comeau this season. Yes, there were some stretches of inconsistency, but overall I saw his game mature. However, a player like Comeau IMO is replaceable. If the right trade comes along and you need to throw in a player, I can see Comeau as the one going. I would love to keep him after his progression this year, but you can't make every player "un-tradeable".
Verdict: Re-sign, 3 years, 7-8m deal. If right trade comes along, throw in as trade chip.
CH: I completely agree with Alex here. Comeau is a very nice third line player, but in the grand scheme of things he is certainly replaceable. I wouldn't just throw him away because I'm not sure where the Islanders will be able to replace his 24 goals. Long term, I don't think he's the answer, but he definitely deserves a short-term type contract.
Verdict: Re-sign, 2 years, $4.25 million deal.
Trevor Gillies, LW, UFA
AT: I think Trevor's a really nice guy in my interactions with him and I loved that he stuck up for his teammates, but he's a liability on the ice with his penalties. Sorry Trevor, gotta go.
Verdict: Let go.
CH: Yeah, there's no need for his on-ice shenanigans at this point. As much as I hate to admit it, he went over the top in the Pittsburgh game and to take another long-term suspension the game he got back...that's irresponsible at best. Nice guy, but nope. If the Islanders want another goon, there's plenty to go around though I don't think it's even necessary.
Verdit: Let go.
Bruno Gervais, D, RFA
AT: No. Defensive liability. Team NEEDS to improve, and he is not the way you do it, even as a 7-8 defenseman.
Verdict: Double no.
CH: Might be the nicest guy on the team, but it's time to move on. Wish him the best of luck.
Verdict: Let go.
Zenon Konopka, C, UFA
AT: I like Konopka a lot. He became a vocal leader for the team, can win important faceoffs and can chip in 10-15 points a year. Having him and Haley on the same line again would be great. Definite re-sign for me.
Verdict: Resign, 1-2 years, 600K per.
CH: This can go either way for me. I don't think the team is just going to forget Konopka if he isn't re-signed, but at the same time it's nice to have a player in the room who will stick up for anyone and everyone. Fact of the matter is though, his faceoffs are great but the rest of his game just doesn't compare well to his fourth line center competitors. He changed the culture and will forever be remembered for that if this team does well, but I think the team needs to upgrade his spot.
Verdict: Let go, reluctantly.
Jesse Joensuu, LW, RFA
AT: Would be fine for depth, but I'm indifferent either way. Wasn't impressed with the games he played.
Verdict: Re-sign for very cheap or let go.
CH: A very decent Bridgeport call-up. Not sure if he wants to stay in North America to play in the AHL though. He may decide Finland is a better option. And that's okay.
Verdict: Re-sign for a 1 year qualifier if he agrees to start in Bridgeport again.
Radek Martinek, D, UFA
AT: I like Radek. I really do. But with Ness, Donovan, possibly Wishart and of course De Haan in the system and Radek getting older, I think it might be time to part ways. Unless he's willing to sign a cheap 1-2 year deal, I'd advocate cutting him.
Verdict: Let go unless very cheaply signed for a year or two.
CH: I love Radek Martinek and appreciate the amazing amount of service time he gave to this organization over the past 10 years. But having him and Jurcina and Eaton and Mottau on the same blueline is just asking to be using Matt Campanale's again. Unfortunately, it's time to move on and get a top-4 defenseman in his spot moving Mottau down to #7 and Eaton/Jurcina as the bottom pairing where they belong.
Verdict: Let go.
AT: Finally, we have Ty Wishart, Jack Hillen and Dylan Reese. Wishart is still young and I believe will develop into a solid D-man. Hillen is good as a 7-8. Reese was pretty bad from what I saw from him. Keep, keep, let go.
CH: As far as these guys go, I pretty much agree with Alex here. Keep Wishart (you have to after giving up Roloson for him). Keep Hillen as the #8. Let Reese go, but sign some veteran AHL defensemen.
Micheal Haley, C, UFA
AT:A name everyone in Islander-land knows, and everyone in Penguin-land wants to eviscerate from the Earth. I'm almost abnormally high on Haley Haley brought back a much needed toughness to the Isles in that infamous February brawl, and showed that if you go after our players, it will not go unnoticed. The notice being in the form of Haley's fist in your face. Haley showed he can score, he has some wheels and is a piece in this Isles team that should and will be quintessential to any future Islander playoff team.
Verdict: Re-sign, 2 years, $550K each..
CH: I like Haley, but I don't know how important he is to the future. Once you get to the fourth line, the parts are all relatively interchangeable. I think the Islanders are best served getting a fourth line veteran with playoff experience like Ryan Johnson (the Pens did this with Craig Adams via trade in 2009). Haley, in my opinion, is a depth call up type of player who can fill in when necessary, especially against division opponents.
Verdict: Re-sign, 1 year, 2-way contract for $550K
Josh Bailey, C, RFA
AT: This is a no-brainer for me in terms of resigning, the question is how much and for how long. We know the talent with Bailey is there. We saw it in the beginning of the season and in sporadic points throughout. His inconsistency was the problem. I believe Bailey will turn into a solid 55-60 point center, and could be a staple in the organization if that skill ever comes to fruition. Worst case scenario, if Garth sees things how I do, he'll draft a center in this year's draft and said center will take Bailey's place in 2 years after his deal is up. I believe in Harvey D--, er... Joshua Bailey.
Verdict: Re-sign, 2 years, 2.5m deal.
CH: Oh, the Josh Bailey argument. I'm sure there will be plenty more of that to go around here for quite a while. I like Bailey a lot. He's a great kid with great determination and it's clear he was put in a position where he could not succeed. He is only 21, but patience has to be running thin with him if this team is serious about making the next step. No team in this year's playoffs has a 25-30 point center on their top 3 lines. Either Bailey has to improve or the team has to improve. For the sake of the team, this year is put up or shut up for him.
Verdict: Re-sign, 1 year qualifier.
Blake Comeau, RW, RFA
AT: I loved what I saw from Comeau this season. Yes, there were some stretches of inconsistency, but overall I saw his game mature. However, a player like Comeau IMO is replaceable. If the right trade comes along and you need to throw in a player, I can see Comeau as the one going. I would love to keep him after his progression this year, but you can't make every player "un-tradeable".
Verdict: Re-sign, 3 years, 7-8m deal. If right trade comes along, throw in as trade chip.
CH: I completely agree with Alex here. Comeau is a very nice third line player, but in the grand scheme of things he is certainly replaceable. I wouldn't just throw him away because I'm not sure where the Islanders will be able to replace his 24 goals. Long term, I don't think he's the answer, but he definitely deserves a short-term type contract.
Verdict: Re-sign, 2 years, $4.25 million deal.
Trevor Gillies, LW, UFA
AT: I think Trevor's a really nice guy in my interactions with him and I loved that he stuck up for his teammates, but he's a liability on the ice with his penalties. Sorry Trevor, gotta go.
Verdict: Let go.
CH: Yeah, there's no need for his on-ice shenanigans at this point. As much as I hate to admit it, he went over the top in the Pittsburgh game and to take another long-term suspension the game he got back...that's irresponsible at best. Nice guy, but nope. If the Islanders want another goon, there's plenty to go around though I don't think it's even necessary.
Verdit: Let go.
Bruno Gervais, D, RFA
AT: No. Defensive liability. Team NEEDS to improve, and he is not the way you do it, even as a 7-8 defenseman.
Verdict: Double no.
CH: Might be the nicest guy on the team, but it's time to move on. Wish him the best of luck.
Verdict: Let go.
Zenon Konopka, C, UFA
AT: I like Konopka a lot. He became a vocal leader for the team, can win important faceoffs and can chip in 10-15 points a year. Having him and Haley on the same line again would be great. Definite re-sign for me.
Verdict: Resign, 1-2 years, 600K per.
CH: This can go either way for me. I don't think the team is just going to forget Konopka if he isn't re-signed, but at the same time it's nice to have a player in the room who will stick up for anyone and everyone. Fact of the matter is though, his faceoffs are great but the rest of his game just doesn't compare well to his fourth line center competitors. He changed the culture and will forever be remembered for that if this team does well, but I think the team needs to upgrade his spot.
Verdict: Let go, reluctantly.
Jesse Joensuu, LW, RFA
AT: Would be fine for depth, but I'm indifferent either way. Wasn't impressed with the games he played.
Verdict: Re-sign for very cheap or let go.
CH: A very decent Bridgeport call-up. Not sure if he wants to stay in North America to play in the AHL though. He may decide Finland is a better option. And that's okay.
Verdict: Re-sign for a 1 year qualifier if he agrees to start in Bridgeport again.
Radek Martinek, D, UFA
AT: I like Radek. I really do. But with Ness, Donovan, possibly Wishart and of course De Haan in the system and Radek getting older, I think it might be time to part ways. Unless he's willing to sign a cheap 1-2 year deal, I'd advocate cutting him.
Verdict: Let go unless very cheaply signed for a year or two.
CH: I love Radek Martinek and appreciate the amazing amount of service time he gave to this organization over the past 10 years. But having him and Jurcina and Eaton and Mottau on the same blueline is just asking to be using Matt Campanale's again. Unfortunately, it's time to move on and get a top-4 defenseman in his spot moving Mottau down to #7 and Eaton/Jurcina as the bottom pairing where they belong.
Verdict: Let go.
AT: Finally, we have Ty Wishart, Jack Hillen and Dylan Reese. Wishart is still young and I believe will develop into a solid D-man. Hillen is good as a 7-8. Reese was pretty bad from what I saw from him. Keep, keep, let go.
CH: As far as these guys go, I pretty much agree with Alex here. Keep Wishart (you have to after giving up Roloson for him). Keep Hillen as the #8. Let Reese go, but sign some veteran AHL defensemen.
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