The Islanders are just about in the same position as teams that have started to sell off some future unrestricted free agents. The Canadiens dealt Hal Gill to Nashville this past week and the Lightning sent Dominic Moore to San Jose.
The Islanders have a few upcoming UFAs who either have drawn interest or could in the final eight days before the trade deadline, most notably goaltender Evgeni Nabokov and right wing P.A. Parenteau.
Ness impresses
The coaching staff likes what it has seen from rookie Aaron Ness, who was a plus-2 through his first six games entering Saturday night. The ugly injury to Travis Hamonic opened the door for Ness, who had been having a solid first pro season in Bridgeport when he got the call-up on Super Bowl Sunday.
In a similar vein, Hamonic came up Nov. 22, 2010, when Mike Mottau was sidelined after taking a puck to the face. Hamonic proved to be just what the Isles were looking for: a steadying force on defense and a self-assured young man who played and carried himself back then as older than his 20 years.
Ness impresses
The coaching staff likes what it has seen from rookie Aaron Ness, who was a plus-2 through his first six games entering Saturday night. The ugly injury to Travis Hamonic opened the door for Ness, who had been having a solid first pro season in Bridgeport when he got the call-up on Super Bowl Sunday.
In a similar vein, Hamonic came up Nov. 22, 2010, when Mike Mottau was sidelined after taking a puck to the face. Hamonic proved to be just what the Isles were looking for: a steadying force on defense and a self-assured young man who played and carried himself back then as older than his 20 years.
I've wanted the disappointing Rolston,Pandolfo ,Mottou ,Staios and Eaton to be dumped and replaced with several Bridgeport youngsters.It gives Snow an idea of which youngsters are ready to take nhl roster spots.
Anyone know how many points out the Isles were when they traded for Smyth?
Could be wrong but I thought Isles were in 7th or 8th when they made the trade but fell back a few spots after the trade before they sneeked into the playoffs on the last day of the season.
I've wanted the disappointing Rolston,Pandolfo ,Mottou ,Staios and Eaton to be dumped and replaced with several Bridgeport youngsters.It gives Snow an idea of which youngsters are ready to take nhl roster spots.
For me, Eaton can find his way to the bench once hamonic returns. Id also like them to bring up donovan to replace Jurcina. Eatons soft play cost us a goal last night and Jurcinas plus/minus is horrid. Id much rather see donovan and ness in the 3rd pairing. Yeah i know, dont rush the prospects...but....if not then bring in someone via trade that can play the damned game.
Could be wrong but I thought Isles were in 7th or 8th when they made the trade but fell back a few spots after the trade before they sneeked into the playoffs on the last day of the season.
I thought they were in 6th that year, than when DP got hurt they fell to 9th and ended up squeaking in on the final couple of days.
I thought they were in 6th that year, than when DP got hurt they fell to 9th and ended up squeaking in on the final couple of days.
That's how I remember it. The Islanders were looking real good(ie were 6th and looked like they would finish there) when they made the deal then Dipietro got his first in a long line of injuries like 1 or 2 games after the trade
With the Devils looking like they'll take down MTL....the Isles continue to get help to stay alive in this race.
The real question is which Isles team will we see tomorrow? The exuberant, passionate team we've seen glimpses of or the lackluster team that seems to fold every time they play a meaningful game. Great chance to get within 4points tomorrow and above .500
