Devils camp opens without contreversy, but plenty of intrigue

Posted on September 18, 2014 by hasan4978
Martin Brodeur leaving the ice possibly for the last time

Martin Brodeur leaving the ice possibly for the last time

In too many recent seasons, the Devils have entered camp with an overriding question or contreversy that needed to be addressed.  In 2010, it was the cap/roster issues due to the monster Ilya Kovalchuk contract that led to the team having short rosters early in the season and an unhappy captain refusing to waive a no-trade until the season was completely in the tank (Jamie Langenbrunner).  The next season it was Zach Parise’s impending UFA status and ownership financial problems that hung over the team like the sword of Damocles even as the Devils made a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals.  In 2012, the team had to replace one-and-done captain Parise and his 30+ goal, 70+ point production on the heels of a lockout, and also had to drag an unhappy Kovalchuk back from Russia.  Last year, there was the matter of replacing Kovalchuk who decided to stay in Russia permanently this time, as well as deal with a goaltending contreversy between draft day acquisition Cory Schnieder and franchise legend Martin Brodeur.

This season?  To be sure there are question marks and storylines…for one Brodeur’s not here for the first time in two decades (though still on the market as a UFA, now officially in career limbo), while Schnieder’s fully entrenched as the goaltender-in-chief with a new six-year extension.  Another former team legend that isn’t here is Scott Stevens, who left the coaching staff a few days before the season, following two seasons as an assistant on Pete DeBoer’s staff and several others as a special assistant.  Personal and professional reasons were the official reason given for Stevens’ departure, though NJ.com’s Rich Chere wrote – via ‘several sources’ – that Stevens didn’t feel like he had enough input in decision-making.  Whatever the reason, the organization announced that Tommy Albelin would make the jump from the Albany staff to replace Stevens, which might actually work out well considering Albelin’s worked extensively with all of the young defensemen that are going to be counted on to be in the lineup this season.

Still even Brodeur and Stevens’ departures (notwithstanding the presence of Anthony Brodeur in camp) pale in comparison to the issues of recent seasons past.  There are still plenty of question marks, to be sure – as there is with just about any team coming into camp – but at least this time around it doesn’t feel like there’s a reaper just around the corner.  With Schnieder and blueline stalwart Andy Greene signed to long-term deals in the offseason, the Devils can at least continue to budget for additions to the team as opposed to merely trying to prevent more departures…and with new ownership in its second season, there will at least be more money to spend than there was a few years back.  Also after two seasons of contreversy and an overcrowded defense, finally the shift towards having a younger defense and a more set lineup got put in motion with the buyout of Anton Volchenkov and the FA departure of solid but not spectacular Mark Fayne.  Veterans Andy Greene, Marek Zidlicky and Bryce Salvador will complement youngsters Adam Larsson, Jon Merrill and Eric Gelinas with Peter Harrold a solid #7 fillin.

Thankfully Gelinas signed earlier this week to eschew the possibility of a camp holdout, which seemed kind of likely once infamous agent Gilles Lupien started making very personal comments about GM Lou Lamoriello (not surprpising though given their history, considering it was Lupien who was famously fired by Brodeur when the goalie decided to come to his own deal with Lou to end a contract stalemate in the late ’90’s).  Even with the defense apparently set however, there’s still a little intrigue with camp tryouts Tomas Kaberle and Mike Komisarek, as well as KHL veteran Renat Mamashev.  It’s pretty unlikely that any of them beat out the kids for a spot – Larsson and Gelinas are waiver-eligible and would never get down to the AHL anyway, while Merrill was too good last year to even consider having him start the season in Albany – but one could possibly beat out Harrold for the #7 defense spot I suppose, or be on standby in case someone gets hurt in camp.

Likewise our forward lineup seems set or close to it with fourteen guys signed on one-way contracts plus fan favorite Ryan Carter, who’s attending camp without a contract but probably will be signed at some point.  Yet there are some intriguing camp bodies that could further cloud the forward picture with scoring winger Reid Boucher and former first-rounder Stefan Matteau the biggest names among our prospect base and the most likely to make an impact in 2014-15.  Both will likely start in Albany this year barring injuries and/or trades though.  Also in camp are some vet tryouts up front, including feisty Jordin Tootoo and scoring vagabond Ruslan Fedotenko, who seems to want to complete a tour of the locals after being with the Rangers and Flyers the last couple years.

Of course the biggest name among our camp invites is the most familiar/notorious to Devil fans – Scott Gomez, who was a key figure on our team during our most dominant stretch (2000-2003) where we won two Cups and three Wales Conference bowls during a four-year period.  Gomez had his best season in 2005-06 with 33 goals and 84 points.  However, Gomez soon became blacklisted among Devil fans after he made the jump to the rival Rangers during the summer of 2007, and his career fell on hard times from 2010 on after being traded to Montreal – also playing in San Jose and Florida the last couple of seasons after being bought out by the Canadiens.  Perhaps it’s telling Gomez got the number 28 (FA signee Mike Cammalleri’s wearing Gomez’s old #23), while all of the other vet invites got high numbers.  Usually lower numbers = more of a chance to make the team.  Gomez making the team would probably be bad news for the ill-fated Jacob Josefson whose career’s been plagued by injuries and benchings – though the former first-rounder signed a two-year deal in the offseason – still, if Gomez somehow turns back the clock a bit a la Petr Sykora a couple years back, he could easily outperform Josefson and win a job.  There’s also the possibility Gomez is just insurance in case the fragile Swede winds up on IR again during camp.

While I really want to see Josefson get a chance and finally make the most of it this year, part of me is hoping Gomez lasts at least till our preseason home games to see both his public pandering to the fans and the fans’ reaction since the booing never really abated even after Gomez’s career cratered.  Oh well, what would Devils camp be without at least one or two returning former players – the other returnee this year being goaltender Scott Clemmensen, who’s competing with young Keith Kinkaid for the role of backing up Schnieder this year.  Clemmensen has been remembered much more fondly by the fans since leaving thanks to his Cinderella 25-win season in 2009 that saved our bacon when Brodeur was on IR for four months.  Still, after a bad couple of seasons in Florida it’s far more likely he begins the season in Albany if Kinkaid outperforms him in camp.  That competition will certainly be an intriguing thing to watch.

Competition seems to be the new buzzword around camp in fact.  Even though most of the roster would appear to be set at the present time, there’s definite competition for forward spots among young and old players (most on short or no contracts), for places in the defensive pecking order among the younger players – including Damon Severson who might potentially be this season’s Merrill and make an impact out of nowhere – and competition for the #2 goaltending spot.  All of this is a good thing by the way…for all of my issues with how the defense was handled the last couple years, I’ve never been against competition, especially on a team that’s missed the playoffs the last couple years.  What happened on defense those two years didn’t help matters however, and seemed more like a rotation and exercise of roster convenience than an actual competition.  On the other hand, loading up on forwards to start camp this year is not exactly a bad strategy, given the number of older/injury-prone guys we have up front.

While there are certainly question marks around the Devils and how good they can be this year (and I’ll be commenting on them through camp), at least camp will be intriguing to watch without many of the worries during recent seasons.  Here’s a numerical/positional roster of everyone in Devils camp this year:

http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=730479

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Viewers Get Shut Out By Traverse City

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Derek
Rangers prospect Anthony Duclair is one of the featured players participating in Traverse City. Too bad you can't see him. The Canadian Press/Francis Vachon

Rangers prospect Anthony Duclair is one of the featured players participating in Traverse City. Too bad you can’t see him.
The Canadian Press/Francis Vachon

Every September, hockey fans get excited for its return. Not only do we get to see our teams and favorite players come back but we also get a chance to follow prospects. Whether it be during training camp, preseason or in specialized prospect tournaments, it’s nice to see who stands out. Unfortunately, for those who don’t live in Traverse City or are media credentialed, you have no way of keeping track.

Not long ago, NHL Network televised games in Traverse City. However, times have changed and not for the better. For whatever reason, they’d rather air playoff repeats than give starved fans what they want. It’s no secret I’m not fond of NHL Network or NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). I’ve always felt both league partners could do better to promote the game. While it’s not all negative during the season with NHL Network airing AHL and prospect games while NBCSN shows college hockey, there’s still collective disappointment that fans don’t get to see any coverage of Traverse City or a host of other tournaments featuring former top picks. Unless you live in Canada, you’re shut out.

By show of hands, who thinks the NHL can do a better job? This isn’t to ignore loyal reporters who at least give us something. When you are left empty handed after failing to find a decent site that has a boxscore, it’s sad on so many levels. In today’s world of social media, it doesn’t make any sense. Sure. You can follow Corey Pronman on Twitter and at least read some of his tweets. Unless you’re an ESPN Insider, you’re not getting much information. It makes blogging about it useless.

Today is the final day of Traverse City, who are in their 16th year. Throw your hands up in the air. Hooray for not giving us anything. Shame on everyone involved. Thanks for nothing!

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Devils Re-sign Eric Gelinas

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Derek

After a long wait, the Devils finally re-signed Eric Gelinas. The 23-year old offensive defenseman posted seven goals and 22 assists for 29 points in 60 games last season. Despite some defensive deficiencies which limited ice-time, Gelinas was productive. His 29 points ranked third among New Jersey blueliners. Five of his seven markers came on the power play.

Gelinas gets a one-year deal worth a reported $900,000. Along with Andy Greene, Marek Zidlicky, Bryce Salvador and Jon Merrill, Gelinas will be in competition with Adam Larsson and veteran Peter Harrold for the final spot. Given his offensive capabilities, he remains a strong candidate to man the Devils power play. With Zidlicky quarterbacking the first unit, Gelinas could slot in on either unit. Boasting a cannon, his offense is valuable. Much will depend on how much he improves in his end.

“Just happy to have everybody here, everybody ready,” Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said. “It’s the first step towards getting our team together. We’ve got all our players here and now training camp begins.”

The Devils have also invited vets Tomas Kaberle and Mike Komisarek to camp. They’ll also take another look at top prospect Damon Severson, who posted 15 goals and 61 points for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League. Only 20, the 2012 second round pick is on the fast track. But with New Jersey boasting a lot of depth, there’s no need to rush him.

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Traverse City: Rangers Prospect Lineup For Tonight

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Derek

Tonight, Rangers prospects are back in action at Traverse City. The eight-team tournament concludes tomorrow. Thus far, they’ve split two games losing and winning in overtime. In Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Sabres, Sam Noreau and Adam Tambellini scored with the latter getting the OT winner. They got strong goaltending from MacKenzie Skapski, who finished with 35 saves.

On Saturday, they blew a two-goal lead falling to the Stars in extras 4-3. Rangers goalscorers were Ryan Haggerty, Michael Kantor and Richard Nejezchleb. Haggerty had a sweet finish going five-hole to convert a breakaway while Kantor and Nejezchleb were each set up in front. Despite being unable to hold onto the lead, Brandon Halverson was impressive in net. He gets the start tonight.

Here are tonight’s lines:

Anthony Duclair-Kevin Hayes-Ryan Haggerty

Chris McCarthy-Adam Tambellini-Josh Nicholls

Logan Nelson-Nickolas Latta-Michael Kantor

Paxton Leroux-Bryan Moore-Keegan Iverson

Mat Bodie-Sam Noreau

Ryan Mantha-Petr Zamorsky

Daniel Walcott-Dallas Valentine

Brandon Halverson

MacKenzie Skapski

Scratches: Troy Donnay, Nathan Burns, Richard Nejezchleb

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Rangers Expected To Announce McDonagh New Captain

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Derek

Already into the middle of September, the Rangers are preparing for the upcoming season. With camp officially beginning on Thursday at MSG Training Center, the team is expected to announce Ryan McDonagh as new captain. Following a strong ’13-14 regular season that saw the defenseman establish career bests in goals (14), assists (29) and points (43), he emerged as an emotional leader during the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Final. Mac Truck lead the club with 17 points (4-13-17). Ten came against the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Final.

“We’ve got a really good mix of guys here, so I don’t see that happening,” the 25-year old McDonagh told Jim Cerny about whether he expected a drop off from last year. “I think we all learned a lot, saw what it takes to be a champion, and are hungry for that chance again.”

Already one of the league’s premier defensemen, McDonagh will enter his fifth season. Since coming over from Montreal on June 30, 2009, the former Habs’ 2007 first round pick has been nothing short of spectacular. Entering last year, he was already considered one of the best defensive blueliners in the NHL. Under Alain Vigneault, he developed into a two-way threat also running the power play. Able to contribute more consistently on offense, it made him one of the league’s best bargains. Locked into a long-term deal that averages $4.7 million per cap hit, he’s signed through 2018-19.

If he does indeed become the Rangers’ 27th captain in franchise history, it’s well earned. McDonagh has always answered questions win or lose. Built with tremendous character, he’s an honest player who teammates can look upon for leadership. Encouraging for the Blueshirts is that even with the departures of key cogs Brad Richards, Brian Boyle and Anton Stralman, there’s still plenty of experience. Featuring veteran blueliners Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, the club also has number one center Derek Stepan ready to assume more responsibility. Elder statesman Martin St. Louis can also be looked upon along with Henrik Lundqvist. Glen Sather also went out and signed vet Dan Boyle to bolster the power play. Throw in Rick Nash, Carl Hagelin and Dominic Moore.

For the Blueshirts, they can take solace knowing they boast a strong core. With younger players such as Derick Brassard, Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello and John Moore ready to take the next step, it should still be a competitive roster capable of challenging for first in the Metropolitan Division and a high seed.

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Back to the future yet again

Posted on September 5, 2014 by hasan4978

Scott Gomez in better times (during the 2000 SCF)

For the first time today, it feels like hockey’s just around the corner to me – which it is, with Devils camp opening in less than two weeks on the 15th and the preseason schedule beginning a week later on the 22nd.  Labor Day always seems to mark a turning point in the calendar between the beginning of the NFL and the end of summer – although you wouldn’t know it by the weather this week.  With the arrival of the fall comes the beginning of hockey, which is especially welcome this year for local fans that haven’t had much to cheer for with their baseball teams.  And as much as I’m looking forward to the NFL (even if I’m antsy – to put it mildly – about the Jets’ secondary issues) it IS only sixteen games plus playoffs and the national party day known as Super Sunday.  Hockey’s a marathon with six plus months where there’s a game nearly every night and another two months of postseason action.  Locally there’s a certain level of excitement with the defending Wales conference champion Rangers again expected to be a contender, the Islanders finally under new ownership with the move to Brooklyn imminent and a now-healthy John Tavares back in the fold.

Then there’s the Devils…truly, the more things change the more they stay the same around here.  Although clearly one of the big stories in the first couple of months this season is going to be the changing of the guard in net with Cory Schnieder firmly entrenched as the starter after signing an eight-year extension this offseason, and Martin Brodeur still in professional limbo wondering what the future holds after two decades of being in the net for New Jersey.  On defense, the Devils retained Andy Greene with a five-year extension, Marek Zidlicky with another one-year deal and also have captain Bryce Salvador returning, but they let Mark Fayne walk in free agency and bought out Anton Volcheknov to make room for youngsters Jon Merrill, Adam Larsson and Eric Gelinas.  Clearly there is going to be change in net and on the back end.  Maybe even more change is coming considering Gelinas hasn’t signed a contract yet and with rumors swirling about a camp holdout or even a trade, the Devils have been in touch with former Leaf/Canadien/Bruin Tomas Kaberle and seem ready to offer him a tryout conract.

Up front, the motto seems to be more is better.  In the case of UFA signings Mike Cammalleri and Martin Havlat, they’re being looked at to provide more scoring which is badly needed.  Aside from forward Ryan Carter still being unsigned though, every other forward from last year’s team has returned leading to a situation where we have fourteen guys signed to one-way deals.  Right now it would seem that Steve Bernier and Jacob Josefson would be the odd men out of the lineup given the fact they have the lowest salaries on the team plus the fact that Bernier was publicly scolded for his bad year last season while Josefson’s been mostly in the doghouse during the last two years.  Despite that, the former first-rounder signed a two-year deal this offseason so clearly he’s hoping to play at some point.  Our forward lineup would be enough of a story without Carter waiting around for a contract – and just recently saying that he will attend camp despite still being unsigned.  Clearly it seems as if he’s waiting for someone to get moved.  If someone is moved, my money’s on Brunner being kicked overseas since he’s also been on the outs with this staff at times despite playing most of the season last year.

And that’s not even including our other camp invite up front…it seems like every season GM Lou Lamoriello will bring back at least a couple of former Devils, it’s become a running joke to the point where one-time defenseman Anssi Salmela remarked when he was traded that he’d be back someday – and he was!  Bringing back unexpected 2009 savior Scott Clemmensen to finish out his career in Albany and be insurance for Keith Kinkaid as Schnieder’s backup is one thing.  However a few days ago in a move that was alternately astonishing and not surprising, the Devils invited Scott Gomez for a tryout as well.  Astonishing because quite honestly Gomez hasn’t been a good NHL player in five years…people that have been comparing this to Petr Sykora a couple years ago are missing the obvious point that Gomez is much farther removed (timewise) from being a useful NHL player than Sykora was two years ago.  And not surprising because this is what we do.  No matter how acrimonious the departure – whether it’s Sykora, Bobby Holik, Claude Lemieux, John MacLean – Lou always brings guys back cause it’s what he’s comfortable with, and they know the system/how things work.

Still, arguably no other ex-Devil was more hated and jeered than Gomez.  Our venom toward Holik was close (of course both guys had an obvious common demoninator – leaving the Devils for the Rangers), but the Devils won a Stanley Cup the year after Holik left so that quelled some of the venom while Gomez did what few others have accomplished and punked us the year after he left in the playoffs.  Although after 2010 Gomez became more mocked for his poor play than anything else – at one point going more than a calendar year without scoring a goal.  It’ll be interesting to see the crowd reaction during the preseason this year if Gomez does get into a game at home this preseason…our first three preseason games are on the road though so who knows?  If nothing else it adds yet another layer of intrigue to camp.

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Who’s Ready For Hockey?

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Derek

Are you ready? The one and only Michael Buffer announces that with energy and enthusiasm before a high profile boxing match. The same applies for hockey fans with the sport finally returning after a long summer. Who’s ready for hockey? With the U.S. Open wrapping up later this week in Flushing Meadows and the NFL starting up, NHL training camps are set to begin.

Before they do, prospect camps will also open up next week including Traverse City which the Rangers and Sabres participate in. The first game is September 12 with the Blueshirts facing the Stars. For more on the tournament roster, the Rangers announced who will take part featuring Anthony Duclair, Brandon Halverson, Keegan Iverson, Adam Tambellini, Kevin Hayes and MacKenzie Skapski. It’s a good way to evaluate young players to see where they are in terms of development. 

Buffalo has yet to announce their roster but features talented prospects Sam Reinhart, Justin Bailey, J.T. Compher, Hudson Fasching, Brendan Lemieux, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov. With Ristolainen, Zadorov and Reinhart likely to start the season with the Sabres, it’ll be interesting to see if they’re included for Traverse City. A great prospect tournament that features host Detroit, Dallas, Carolina, Columbus, St. Louis, Minnesota and the Rangers. The Sabres and Rangers play in the Ted Lindsay Division with Carolina and Dallas while the Red Wings, Blackhawks, Blues and Wild comprise the Gordie Howe Division.

The best part of September is tracking prospects. Which players will stand out during camps and catch our eye in preseason? There’s always competition. Young players are looking to make a good impression and stick around. For the Rangers, there should be several to follow including Duclair, Hayes, J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, Oscar Lindberg, Ryan Haggerty, Danny Kristo and Ryan Bourque. Only a handful will have the chance to compete for a roster spot. 

As the days near, we’ll have more on each Battle team. Stay tuned.

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Rangers sign former Blackhawks’ first round pick Kevin Hayes

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Derek
Kevin Hayes is the newest Blueshirt with the former Blackhawks' pick signing an entry level deal today. committedindians.com

Kevin Hayes is the newest Blueshirt with the former Blackhawks’ pick signing an entry level deal today.
committedindians.com

The Rangers agreed to terms with rookie free agent Kevin Hayes. The former Blackhawks’ 2010 first round pick opted not to sign with the club who took him. The deadline expired last Friday allowing Hayes to become unrestricted. Less than a week later, he chose New York over rumored suitors Boston, Calgary and Colorado.

At 22, the younger brother of current Panther Jimmy Hayes is coming off a breakout year with Boston College. After putting up decent numbers his sophomore and junior seasons, he erupted for 27 goals, 38 assists and 65 points, which ranked second best to linemate Johnny Gaudreau, who won the Hobey Baker. Listed at 6-3, 205 pounds, the left-handed shooting forward combines size and speed with the ability to finish. However, prior to his senior year he only totaled 17 goals. Is he a late bloomer or the beneficiary of being surrounded by great talent? Hayes played with Gaudreau and Bill Arnold, who like Johnny Hockey is a Flames prospect. A Calgary fourth round pick in 2010, Arnold was more consistent during his collegiate career hitting double digits in goals every year and posting at least 35 or more points his final three years at BC. That included his best output of 14 goals and 39 assists totaling 53 points in ’13-14.

It’s curious as to why Chicago didn’t sign Hayes prior to the Aug. 15 deadline. Editor’s Note: Correction. It was actually Hayes who refused to sign with a team that’s won two of the last 5 Stanley Cups. According to a post from Black & Blueshirts blogger Melissa Andus, Hayes had “character issues” which included a suspension during his junior year stemming from an incident at a BC dorm. The details are well known and cringe worthy. According to Andus’ sources, that wasn’t the only issue. Anytime a player of this nature becomes available, you have to think character comes into play. Especially with it involving one of the NHL’s premier franchises. Of course, the Hawks boast better prospects including highly rated Teuvo Teravainen and former 2013 first round pick Ryan Hartman.

None of this means Hayes won’t have a successful NHL career. It all depends on him. Like Ranger prospects Ryan Bourque, Jesper Fast, Ryan Haggerty, Danny Kristo, Oscar Lindberg and J.T. Miller, he’ll get the chance to compete in training camp for a spot. Competition comes from Matt Lombardi and Chris Mueller. When it comes to young players, never assume anything. I’m excited for Hayes but at the same time guarded. That comes from understanding development. Don’t assume he just blows everyone away and jumps right into the NHL. Remember Chris Kreider as exhibit A. While he had a dream run in the 2012 playoffs, he didn’t become a full-time regular until after Alain Vigneault sent him down to Hartford following a disappointing preseason. It had zilch to do with John Tortorella. Only once Vigneault liked what he saw did Kreider stay and fully develop.

You can’t rush prospects. I prefer to see the Rangers do it the way Detroit does. They are patient and give kids a taste before sending them back down for more development. No wonder Gustav Nyqvist looks like the next sensation followed by Tomas Tatar. Everyone’s already projecting Anthony Mantha following a monster year in the QMJHL that saw him score 57 goals and 120 points in 57 games. But he’s only 19. Coincidentally the same age as Rangers’ 2013 third rounder Anthony Duclair, who had a similar breakout in the same league notching 50 goals and 99 points in 59 games. Duclair turns 19 on Aug. 26. Already you’re seeing other Rangers bloggers tout him. Be careful. Duclair should also be part of Traverse City and training camp. It’ll be interesting to see how he does. I’ll echo the same for Hayes.

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Islanders sold to Ledecky and Malkin

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Derek

Yesterday, the Islanders sold a minority stake of the team to former Capitals co-owner Jon Ledecky and investor Scott Malkin. No terms were announced. Current owner Charles Wang retained a majority for the next two years. Once it’s up, the partnership of Ledecky and Malkin will take over ownership. The deal must still get approved by the NHL board of governors in September. They also meet again in December.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to become partners in the New York Islanders with Charles, and to pursue our shared dream of winning a fifth Stanley Cup for the greatest fans in the NHL,” Ledecky said in a statement Tuesday.

 

“I’m thrilled that Jon and Scott have agreed to join me as we start the Islanders’ final year at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,” Wang said. “I look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Wang became a part-owner of the franchise with partner Sanjay Kumar in 2000. The co-founder and CEO of Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA Technologies) bought out Kumar’s investment share in 2004 to become majority owner. Since the cancellation of the 2004-05 season, the Islanders have struggled only qualifying for the playoffs twice. Their last appearance was during the abbreviated 2012-13 season when a John Tavares-led team pushed the Penguins to six games before getting eliminated in the first round. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to follow up that success finishing last in the Metropolitan Division with 79 points. 

Following the disappointment of his proposed Light House Project being voted down by Nassau County, Wang was able to keep the team in New York by reaching agreement for the franchise to move to Brooklyn and play at Barclays Center in 2015. The Islanders’ lease with Nassau Coliseum expires following the upcoming season. Amazingly, it will be the final one at the only arena they’ve known since entering the NHL in 1972. It promises to be an emotional year for Long Island.

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Del Zotto signs with Flyers

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Derek
Mike Del Zotto and Carl Hagelin celebrate his first goal of the season. AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Mike Del Zotto and Carl Hagelin celebrate his first goal of the season.
AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Michael Del Zotto finally found a job. The former Rangers defenseman signed with the Flyers for a year worth a reported $1.3 million. After learning the news that Kimmo Timonen is being treated for blood clots home in Finland, Philadelphia general manager Ron Hextall acted quickly inking Del Zotto.

At 24, Del Zotto is coming off a terrible season. After falling out of favor with Alain Vigneault, he was traded to the Predators for Kevin Klein. In 25 games with Nashville, he posted a goal and four assists. Del Zotto went 2-9-11 in 42 with the Rangers. Instead of qualifying him, Nashville allowed him to become unrestricted. Two years removed from a career best 10-goals and 41 points, he found himself in limbo.

The mystifying part is he’s a good puck moving, skating defenseman capable offensively. However, his inconsistency along with at times being challenged defensively got him in trouble. It’s not a question of whether he can contribute. Rather if he’s strong enough mentally to succeed.  Once viewed as a top four blueliner and power play quarterback, his stock plummeted. Now, he gets another chance in a tough market. Hopefully, it works out. I’d hate to see him become Flyer fans frequent booing target. They’re brutal.

At the very least, Del Zotto’s addition should spice things up when the Rangers and Flyers meet. Wait till he returns to MSG. That should be a treat. Just by him playing for an enemy rival, it makes the games a must watch.  Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 19. Fittingly, Del Zotto and the Flyers pay a visit on Rivalry Night on NBCSN at 8 PM. The first meeting between the teams is followed by a home-and-home following Thanksgiving including a special 1 PM Saturday matinee at The Garden. The clubs only meet one more time on February 28 in Philly.

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