Trade Rumors and Free Agent TalkTrade rumors, transactions, and free agent talk. Rumors must contain the word RUMOR in post title. Proposals must contain the word PROPOSAL in post title.
I am a little concerned about MMs comment that Lukowich fills out the defense. He has never been a top-4 dman, and Sterling has never had much confidence in Martinek.
I don't think all that much of Lukowich, but I think a signing like this makes much more sense than a longterm contract for a higher level dman.
I think you can assume that this marks the end of any possibility that the Isles will resign Hamrlik. And, as much as I like Hamrlik, I think that is probably for the best.
we might be priced out for Gratton. I figure he will make 1-1.5millionish.
Never know these days what a player will get. But 1.5 mil does sound right....
Considering Scatchard 2.1 ---> W.Primeau 1.1.
I like the Lukowich signing and I would love for the Isles to get Gratton if possible. I think Gratton would do well here b/c he'd be expected to fill Scatchard's role. Not be a number two scoring centerman that he was projected to be since his high drafting.
while it is true that lukowich could be a decent #5 d-man, as well as sopel, as well as martinek, that leaves the isles with only 2 top four d-men on the roster (zhitnik and janne). anyone care to explain how the isles plan to get through this season with that ridiculous defence corps?
while it is true that lukowich could be a decent #5 d-man, as well as sopel, as well as martinek, that leaves the isles with only 2 top four d-men on the roster (zhitnik and janne). anyone care to explain how the isles plan to get through this season with that ridiculous defence corps?
Sopel was on Van top defense pairing for three yrs. He is atleast a #3 dman. IMO this was a good pick up for the Isles. Lukowich is a good #4 dman, who can add some toughness to the team.
Sopel was on Van top defense pairing for three yrs. He is atleast a #3 dman. IMO this was a good pick up for the Isles. Lukowich is a good #4 dman, who can add some toughness to the team.
Way off topic! Where did you get that avatar. Damn she's hot!
while it is true that lukowich could be a decent #5 d-man, as well as sopel, as well as martinek, that leaves the isles with only 2 top four d-men on the roster (zhitnik and janne). anyone care to explain how the isles plan to get through this season with that ridiculous defence corps?
I basically agree with you, although I think Sopel is OK as a #4 guy. The Isles problem is that they lack a suitable #3. If we had resigned Hamrlik, for example, you'd have
Janne N. - Zhitnik
Sopel - Hamrlik.
But, as it is, we'll probably have a few rough nights.
I once had high hopes for Martinek, but his injuries intefered with his development.
Depending on the dollar amounts, I like this signing. He brings a lot of things we need... grit, character, defensive responsibility and experience. a pairing of him and Sopel could work out surprisingly well, as they both have almost precisely opposite strengths and weaknesses and could balance each other out.
edit: 2 years for 2 million is solid. Good pick up.
Depending on the dollar amounts, I like this signing. He brings a lot of things we need... grit, character, defensive responsibility and experience. a pairing of him and Sopel could work out surprisingly well, as they both have almost precisely opposite strengths and weaknesses and could balance each other out.
edit: 2 years for 2 million is solid. Good pick up.
I agree, I think he's a steal at that amount. I also beg to differ with those who say he is not a top 4 dman. He played almost 20 minutes a night on Tampa, was +29 and blocked a ton of shots. That's a solid No. 4 dman on almost any team in the league. He'll look great on our second pairing with either Sopel on Janne, his stay-at-home steadiness going hand in glove with their offensive proclivities. I know I will get flamed for this, but he reminds me a lot of the Sainted Kenny Jonsson except that Lukowich will block shots and occasionally take the body.
Yeah Luc is solid, even if I don't think it's a loss for us, we have Kubina, Sydor, Boyle, Sarich as our top-4 then we signed Pratt and not to forget..we have a handful of def.prospects to come.
But Islanders have lost Aucoin and Jönssson, that will hit hard on them, even if they got Zhitnik.
