hockey

New York Islanders: Even more minor signings for Bridgeport

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New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have continued to sign all their free agents, and none of them are named Mat Barzal or Ryan Pulock. Most recently, the Islanders have been resigning all their guys in the minors. Seth Hegelson, Jeff Kubiak, Erik Brown, and Nick Pastujov have all signed minor deals. I’m actually a fan of building up the Soundtigers. I mean, Brent Thompson can’t ruin every player if he can’t keep track of all of them. In all seriousness, though, these are moves that are important to roster building. And some of these guys do have potential.

Seth Helgeson

Seth Helgeson will never make the NHL. That is not a knock at his playing ability, the real reason why is because he’s 30 years old. But that doesn’t mean he can’t make a big impact in Bridgeport. Helgeson was one of the assistant captains last year for Bridgeport, a role he’s served well for 3 years. Helgeson recorded 10 points and a team-high 95 penalty minutes. You could call him a goon, but that’s a bit of a disservice. Helgeson will help the younger defenseman develop, and that’s really all he’s there for.

Jeff Kubiak

Jeff Kubiak does have a shot at cracking an NHL roster with a good AHL season, it just won’t be for the Islanders. Kubiak is 26 years old and is not what the Islanders need. I look at Kubiak as an off-brand version of Leo Komarov. And the Isles need goal scorers, not more bottom 6 forwards who can only grind. Kubiak could make an NHL roster, but not on the Island.

Erik Brown

I actually do have a lot of hope for Erik Brown. If given the chance, Brown could light the lamps every other night in the AHL. I was a big fan of him when he was playing for RIT, and it’s because of his goal-scoring abilities. Every time he had the puck in the offensive zone, I truly believe he was going to score. Brent Thompson better develop Brown correctly, a possible diamond in the rough.

Nick Pastujov

A 7th round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Pastujov has found his way to Bridgeport. Even if Pastujov plays well enough to be traded for some return value, the organization would’ve hit on this late pick. Pastujov has a lot of unrealized potentials, and he needs to start grinding right now. No one wants to be buried in an AHL roster, but this may end up being the case. Coming into his final year at Michigan, he guaranteed a breakout year. And then continued to regress in his development. I don’t know what Pastujov has to fix, but he has to fix his game now.

New York Islanders: Comparisons for the 2020 NHL draft class

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The New York Islanders had 5 draft picks during the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. None of these picks were in the 1st or 2nd round. This doesn’t mean that the Islanders didn’t select some potentially good players. But, since NHL analysts don’t make comparisons past the first and early second round, regular fans don’t know what to expect. Here are the player comparisons for all 5 players. Also, keep in mind that I’m only using current active NHL players.

Alexander Ljungkrantz

I know for a fact that Brendan Burke will have a hell of a time saying his name every other night. I was skeptical of this pick for one reason, the production wasn’t there. Ljungkrantz played in 42 games in J20 SuperElit, and there wasn’t much I saw. Only 15 goals and 12 assists is not great production. But, he’s proved me wrong as of late. Just 2 days ago, Ljungkrantz had a hattrick with more than 14 minutes remaining in the third. In just 11 games, he has 7 goals and 3 assists. The SHL is not an easy league, but Ljungkrantz is dominating right now. He’s a grinder, and that’s why the Islanders picked him in the 3rd round—my comparison: Jesper Fast, but without that offensive output.

Alex Jefferies

Alex Jefferies’ production is absolutely outstanding. I’ve never pointed to a late-round prospect and said: “the production speaks for itself.” The best is yet to come for this young winger. I am so high on this kid—his most recent stats record as 33 goals and 36 assists in 32 games. Jefferies was over 2 points per game in the USHS-Prep. Jefferies is more of a sniper than a grinder but still plays a 200-foot game. For the sake of optimism, my comparison: Alex DeBrincat.

William Dufour

I’ve seen a lot of buzz around William Dufour. I’m not so sure I believe in it. But, there is a lot to like in his game. I see Dufour as a top-six power forward. Dufour can drive to the net effectively and has some wicked tip-ins. His goalie screens are always effective. Dufour has a nice slapshot and a good wrister. Dufour is not afraid to get dirty and will lay the body. He can definitely be a nice penalty killer for the Isles. My comparison: Jake Debrusk/Anders Lee hybrid.

Matias Rajaniemi

I really have no clue how to pronounce this name, but that’s not my job is it? Top 4 upside for Matias Rajaniemi. All over the world, Hockey analysts have raved about his skating abilities. Almost every beat writer wanted their team to draft Rajaniemi late. Lucky for the Islanders, they stole him in the 6th round. Rajaniemi recorded 2 goals and 15 assists in 39 games last year. His puck skills aren’t there just yet, but they will be. My comparison, just off size alone: Nikita Zadorov.

Henrik Tikkanen

Yes, the Islanders drafted a goalie who is 6’8. How can an NHLer go top shelf on a goalie who covers the whole net and more? Sadly, Tikkanen will not reach the NHL level. His sub .900 save percentage in the second-highest Finnish HL is not going to cut it. He’s just a really tall goalie, hopefully, he makes a difference in Bridgeport one day. My Comparison: Ben Bishop without any of the talent.

New York Islanders: The Islanders’ plan for the rest of free agency

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New York Islanders, Johnny Boychuk

The NHL 2020 free agency has officially hit a dead period. What do I mean by a dead period? I mean there’s absolutely nothing happening at all. This dead period is where New York Islanders‘ general manager Lou Lamoriello thrives. Lamoriello knows how to make a splash out of absolutely nowhere. I mean just a week ago, Devon Toews was traded out of nowhere. Lamoriello has something up his sleeves and all it takes is one move to put it all in motion. What is his true plan though?

Trading Away Johnny Boychuk and Leo Komarov

Oh, it’s a long-overdue move for the Islanders. If the Islanders can somehow dump both these players and retain no salary in return, Lamoriello will be one of the greatest general managers’s in Isles history. This move opens $9 million in cap space. Do you know who costs $9 million dollars? Mat Barzal.

It’s no secret that these two are on the trade block right now, but that doesn’t mean this move is bound to happen. Yes, I know for a fact there are a few suitors for Boychuk, but the deal isn’t right yet. Yes, I also know that at least one of the second-round picks from the Toews trade will be used to ship Boychuk off. Finally, I know that Leo Komarov will be moved with the other one.

Signing One Top Forward

There are only two top forwards left on the market. One doesn’t have an agent and the other one wants a one-year deal. The Islanders must sign either Anthony Duclair or Mike Hoffman. If the Islanders sign either one, this will end up being one of the most successful free agencies in a long time. I’d rather the Islanders sign Duclair, due to the fact that he has less of an ego. But, no one can complain if the Isles sign Hoffman.

Resign the Rest

Mat Barzal and Ryan Pulock will be resigned, but not yet. The Isles know that they’ll be able to retain both of their superstars. Knowing this, Lamoriello has decided to resign/sign other minor players. Islander fans, Barzal and Pulock are not going anywhere. Lamoriello has them in his pocket, it’s okay.

New York Islanders: Matt Martin reportedly preparing to sign

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New York Islanders, Matt Martin

New York Islanders‘ long term enforcer, Matt Martin, is closing in on a contract to return to the Island. Martin is almost like the modern-day Mr. Islander. Every Islander fan loves him and wanted him to re-sign.

Lou Lamoriello is finally getting the deal done. Arthur Staple, longtime Islanders’ reporter, states that as many as 7 teams inquired on Martin last week. There have been reports that Martin took a hometown discount in order to return to the Island. I’ve projected his contract length and cap hit down below.

Length

This will not be a one year deal. It won’t be a one year deal because Ross Johnston won’t ever take his place. Isles fans have to be happy about this, though. Martin was one of the best players on the Islanders during the playoffs.

Martin is also lightyears better than Johnston. Yes, Johnston can hit pretty hard and fight everyone. Martin can actually forecheck effectively, score key goals, move the puck around, and still be a top enforcer in the league. This deal must be at least 2 years long. I wouldn’t be surprised if the deal is for 3 years. He’s a key piece on the Isles, and that needs to be recognized.

Cap Hit

As previously stated, Martin most likely took a hometown discount. This means he isn’t getting paid $3 million a year like his linemates. That doesn’t bother him though, he’d rather play on the Island than anywhere else. He’d take $700k from the Islanders before he takes $5 million from the Rangers. That’s loyalty in it’s purest form, and that’s why the fans love Martin.

No one wanted him to leave the first time, and no one wants to see him leave again. I believe Martin signed for $1.5 million a year. It’s a discount for him, but it gets the Islanders back a key piece in their lineup.

Why the New York Islanders likely elected to trade Devon Toews

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New York Islanders, Devon Toews

The New York Islanders recently traded one of their “Big 3” RFA’s. Devon Toews was shipped off to Colorado for a second-round pick in 2021, and 2022. I don’t know many Islander fans who liked this move, but this move needed to happen, it’s just sad to see Garth Snow still ruining the Islanders.

The reason why Toews is not an Islander is because of Snow. Lou Lamoriello is still dealing with his terrible contract decisions. Sadly, he had to get rid of a good player to do this. But, there are other reasons Toews was traded yesterday.

Contract Arbitration

This was probably the deciding factor in moving Devon Toews. Not once was Toews mentioned in any trades until this happened. For those who don’t know, contract arbitration is a player not agreeing with the salary he will be given, so he files for a court hearing.

The court hearing happens if the two sides can’t meet in the middle on a good contract. If that doesn’t happen, an arbitrator gives the player a contract based on other players’ contracts around the league. Lou Lamoriello got scared about the amount Toews might’ve gotten rewarded with, and here we are now. There’s not enough money to go around, sometimes you gotta be team-friendly.

Noah Dobson

The New York Islanders do not make this trade without knowing that Noah Dobson is ready. Dobson is obviously going to take Devon Toews’ spot alongside Scott Mayfield on the 2nd defensive pairing. This is a huge responsibility for the youngster, but he wouldn’t be in this position if he weren’t ready. Noah Dobson takes Toews’ spot and tries to make Islander fans forget about him. The priority of RFA’s went Mat Barzal, Ryan Pulock, and then Devon Toews. Toews thought he was first in line.

Moving Johnny Boychuk

Johnny Boychuk will probably be traded within the next 48 hours. The Isles had no capital to trade away, Boychuk less than 24 hours ago. Well, now it’s a different story. The Islanders will undoubtedly use one of the 2nd round picks from the Toews’ trade to move Boychuk. If this move happens, the Islanders have $18 Million to sign Barzal, Pulock, Martin, Greene, and another player. It’s sad seeing a good player become a cap casualty, but Hockey is a business.

New York Islanders: Cory Schneider signs and Johnny Boychuk update

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Cory Schneider, New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have finally signed their first free agent in 2020. This one is quite a shocker. It isn’t the top 6 forward that all Islander fans have been wanting. It isn’t Barzal or Pulock or Toews being re-signed. No, it’s the Islanders signing a depth goalie. But, this move makes total sense. I mean, why wouldn’t the Islanders sign Cory Schneider? He’s not the best goalie by a mile, but the Islanders have no depth. Christopher Gibson and Linus Soderstrom both left. I like this move a lot for the Islanders.

Where Does He Fit?

Schneider is almost certainly going straight to Bridgeport. But, he’s a good replacement goalie if either Varlamov or Sorokin goes down. Mitch Korn will have a field day turning Schneider’s career around. No surprise that Lamoriello signed Schneider, though.

Lou really just recycles the same eight guys in every franchise he’s been with. Schneider will teach Jakub Skarek the ropes. This is perfect for the young goalie. Every young player needs that veteran presence to calm them down and teach them a few things. The contract details haven’t surfaced yet, but my best guess is that it’s a one year deal for about $1 million.

Boychuk Traded?

This is why you clicked on this article. Lou Lamoriello has somehow found multiple suitors for Johnny Boychuk. Always reliable and up to date source, NRD, states that “Things heating up slightly… still a few yards to go, but the Isles are more confident now then they were on finding a home for Boychuk.”

They also stated that the Islanders won’t get anything major back for him. The Isles need this trade to happen. They instantly open up $5 million in cap space and can start resigning their big guys back. Don’t be surprised if it’s Ottawa trading for him.

New York Islanders: What would a Derrick Brassard contract look like?

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New York Islanders, Derrick BRassard

The New York Islanders need to clear up cap space, but Lou Lamoriello wants to keep the team together as he recently stated in a press conference. Derrick Brassard is not what he once was. But, no one expected him to be in his prime when he signed last year.

Brassard will be a cheap resign, but the Isles don’t have money to spare. If the Isles can resign all their other guys and then Brassard, it makes sense. This begs a question: What would a Derrick Brassard contract look like?

Salary

Derrick Brassard had a decent year offensively this past season. Brassard recorded 10 goals and 22 assists as he transitioned from 2nd line to 3rd line to healthy scratched over and over again. Derrick Brassard had a hell of a series against the Flyers. He demonstrated the very essence of being a veteran on a young team making a deep run.

I was very impressed by his defense all year long as well. If Brassard gets resigned, there’s no doubt that he’s either a 3rd line winger or the 13th forward. With that being said, it shouldn’t take too much to resign Brassard. I believe it will take $1.5-2 million to retain him. Not an expensive contract at all, but the Isles don’t have much cap room so it’s a risk.

Length

This deal is bad if it’s 2 years long. No way can Lou Lamoriello make Oliver Wahlstrom, or Kieffer Bellows, or Simon Holmstrom wait another year. One year for the veteran makes sense for everyone. It keeps the French-Canadien chemistry strong for another year and guarantees one of the young guys that 2021 is their time to shine.

Lamoriello isn’t void of intelligence, Islanders fans don’t have to worry. Oh, and don’t say he prioritized Brassard over Barzal or Toews or Pulock.

New York Islanders: Should the Islanders draft a goalie?

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New York Islanders

The New York Islanders finally have a pick today in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The problem is, this pick is late in the 3rd round. You’re not going to draft someone who’s ready to play immediately in the 3rd round.

So, if you have to develop this player for multiple years, why wouldn’t you pick a position of future need. I mean the Islanders didn’t qualify Linus Soderstrom, and Christopher Gibson/Jared Coreau aren’t getting any younger. With the 90th pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, I have the Islanders selecting a goalie.

Who are the candidates though?

Drew Commesso

Commesso hopefully drops down this far. In 27 games, Commesso recorded a 2.05 GAA, and .920 save percentage. Commesso is only 6 foot 2, but he takes up most of the net. Cuts down the upper angles really well, and is very aggressive.

Commessi also has some very strong legs, his kick saves are one of the best in the draft this year. His transition to the butterfly is quick and effective. His puck control is very good, and he’s calm under pressure. Commesso is never bothered by a bad goal. His rebound control is the only thing that goes against him. Could be a legit #1 one day if he keeps developing.

Joel Blomqvist

Joel Blomqvist consistently blows me away. Blomqvist showed a ton of promise in the Finnish league, as he sported a .930 save percentage for the last two years. Blomqvist is more of a hybrid goalie, switches between stand up and the butterfly. He doesn’t give many shots up high.

Blomqvist has some excellent puck control, especially for a young goalie. He doesn’t get beaten by dekes too easily. Blomqvist has some very strong legs as well, rivaling Semyon Varlamov. By far my favorite goalie that could possibly fall to #90. Whoever drafts Blomqvist is getting a great goalie.

New York Islanders: What does Sebastian Aho’s new contract mean?

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New York Islanders, Islanders, Sebastian Aho

New York Islanders‘ defensive prospect, Sebastian Aho was recently given a 2-year extension. This move seems small, but in the grand scheme of everything, it’s a huge move. Giving someone like Aho two more years at his age guarantees he’ll be playing soon. But, who could he possibly start over? Noah Dobson has priority over him. And the Islanders still have Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk around for a while. Well there’s the answer, right? One, if not two, of the Islanders defenseman, will be traded very soon.

Why?

Now I know you’ve just told yourself that I’m absolutely crazy for thinking this contract means anything. I’m not though, and the reason is in the contract. Aho signed a one-way deal. What does this mean? His salary doesn’t change if he plays in the AHL. Also, his contract clearly states “If he doesn’t play at least 58 NHL games in the next two years, he will qualify to be a UFA.”

Why would Lou Lamoriello sign Aho for two years if he doesn’t have a plan for him? Don’t act like Aho isn’t a good defenseman either. Aho recorded 46 points in 2019 and 30 points in 2020. I know that happened in the AHL, but those are some good stats regardless. Islanders could use another offensive-defenseman.

Trades

The Islanders need to move one of their older defensemen if they want Aho to finally get his real shot. There are only two players that come to mind: Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk. Everyone knows that Boychuk should be traded. He’s old and always hurt and carries a big contract. Who can handle that contract though? Oh, I don’t know, maybe the Red Wings who already had a ton of cap space and now just bought out Justin Abdelkader.

I can see why some people don’t want to trade Leddy. He’s a good defenseman, he’s offensively-minded which is great, and he’s a great veteran in the locker room. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think that the Islanders need the veteran experience right now. The Isles have a bunch of older guys who can guide the younger guys.

New York Islanders: Mat Barzal contract negotiations update

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Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders

New York Islanders‘ franchise center, Mat Barzal is due for a new contract this year. NHL free agency is about to start, so time is ticking to get a deal done. Should Islanders fans worry about Barzal leaving?

My answer: nope, shouldn’t even think about it. Mat Barzal isn’t leaving no matter what; he physically can’t leave. Barzal won’t even make it to a point where he would receive an offer sheet. Lou Lamoriello has got this in the bag, but what does the deal look like? Everything in this article is based on NRD’s most recent report.

Salary

The two sides haven’t reached a number that works for everyone. It’s similar to the Andrei Svechnikov situation. Lou Lamoriello is looking to reach a deal worth $7.5 million a year. But, Barzal’s camp has decided that that number is not large enough for their liking. Do not fear Islanders fans, both sides are very optimistic about getting a deal done soon. The threat of an offer sheet is reportedly very low. My guess is that the camp is looking for a contract around $8-$9 million range. Lou Lamoriello will figure something out, he always does.

Length

The length is not what everyone wants it to be. I can guarantee this won’t be a 7-year deal. NRD has stated that they believe it will turn into a bridge deal. A bridge deal would help both sides.

Barzal’s side gets a good deal and the chance to earn even more money in around 3-4 years. The Islanders get their franchise player for cheaper than expected and can use the extra money to resign Pulock and Toews. The flat cap also makes this contract length more likely. The Isles need to penny-pinch if they want to keep this same team together. And now that the cap won’t increase for the next two years, a bridge deal is their best bet to do just that.