Battle Of Hudson

Following a quiet first day, the Islanders had a strong Day Two adding four to their roster. Garth Snow bolstered the D by adding physical blueliner Milan Jurcina and shot blocking specialist Mark Eaton.

The 27 year-old Jurcina, who’s spent most of his time in D.C., got a one-year deal worth $1 million. He should help take care of the front of the net along with 33 year-old vet Eaton, who has always flew under the radar. The former Predator played the past four seasons with Pittsburgh, helping the club win its third Stanley Cup last year. Signed for two years, $5 million, he’s solid stay at home defenseman who gets in the path of shots making it difficult on the opposition. In ’09-10, he finished with a career high 16 points (3-13-16) in 79 games while blocking 135 shots, which ranked 36th among all blueliners.

Both should bolster an Islander defense that still includes anchor Mark Streit, Bruno Gervais, injury plagued Radek Martinek, youngsters Jack Hillen, Andrew MacDonald and Dylan Reese. Adding depth to a shaky area is wise. But they also got experienced players who can make the blueline tougher.

Speaking of tough, the club also addressed a need by reaching agreement with former Bolt enforcer Zenon Konopka on a one-year deal. Last season in St. Pete, the rugged 29 year-old from Niagara, Ontario played his first full year achieving career highs in games (74) and penalty minutes with his 265 pacing the NHL, including a league-leading 33 fighting majors. Seven better than Ian Laperriere and eight more than current Ranger Brandon Prust. Team toughness was an issue for the Islanders with teams taking runs at John Tavares. With Konopka aboard, that should no longer be the case.

The Isles weren’t done also adding former Ranger P.A. Parenteau. After spending much of his pro career in the AHL including three seasons with Hartford, the 27 year-old from Quebec finally got a shot faring alright on Broadway. In 22 games, the shootout specialist registered three goals and five assists for eight points. Three of the points came on the power play. Possessing decent speed and hands, Parenteau just might be a surprise for the Long Island club. He certainly knows how to finish as evidenced by a couple of memorable shootout winners, including one at Ottawa with his family in attendance. For P.A., it’s a chance to show what he can do.

There are rumors that both the Islanders and Rangers may be interested in Alexander Frolov. Our nickname for him is Russian Enigma. Buyer beware.

Kovalchuk Still Deciding: As far as Ilya Kovalchuk, nothing new on the surface. Looks like it’s a two horse race for the exciting Russian who overvalued the market. Will it be Hollywood which is much closer to Russia or Newark for the sniper? Much like LeBron in the NBA, we probably won’t know until this Fourth of July weekend is out.

In between all the chaos of Glen Sather’s latest folly that left all of TSN’s panel throwing darts at our patheticness, it at least ended with some sanity as our teflon GM quietly re-signed Vinny Prospal. Supposedly, the 35 year-old versatile Czech forward who saw time with Marian Gaborik in his first year on Broadway took a discount. He’s expected to earn over a million with added bonuses that could put him over two million.

Whatever the case, it’s a sound move by Slats bringing back a good team guy who became one of its vocal leaders. Reunited with John Tortorella, he performed admirably finishing second in team scoring with 20 goals and 38 helpers for 58 points over 75 games. The fact he missed only seven speaks to his toughness as he played through pain. Prosp should return as an alternate captain. A spot he earned due to his strong relationship with the media. Win or lose, No.20 was always at his locker to answer questions.

For the Blueshirts, it concluded an interesting first day in July. One that saw Slats do everything right except the giant Derek Boogard blunder, which came in direct response to Jody Shelley bolting for Philly. Even off the ice, the Flyers still somehow push us around. Sad. If you can ignore the Boogard panic move, it actually was a good day with Sather filling a void by getting Martin Biron on the cheap to backup Henrik Lundqvist. He also re-signed Erik Christensen and got top prospect Derek Stepan under contract. A real key to the club’s future. Hopefully, they won’t put too much pressure on the 20 year-old playmaking pivot out of Wisconsin.

Perhaps it’ll convince Stepan’s college teammate and blueliner Ryan McDonagh to turn pro. He was the important piece acquired in last summer’s Scott Gomez salary dump. It would be nice to get him signed. Sather must still re-sign Dan Girardi and key RFA Marc Staal. Failure to do so would only make things more bleak in what looks to be a strong division again.

There was also talk the Blueshirts may have interest in veteran Bill Guerin, who if he signed here would turn the trick having already played for the Devils and Islanders. If they add him, it wouldn’t be bad because he’s got plenty of experience and can aid the power play. Especially in front. Something this team’s been devoid of for years.

We’ll have to see what Day Two brings, including whether Ilya Kovalchuk chooses LA over New Jersey. Well, at least there could be some drama before Fourth of July weekend.

The Devils worst fear has been realized. Paul Martin is a Penguin. While that might not seem as bad as say signing with us or the Flyers, just imagine No.7 playing alongside Cindy and Geno. It’s enough to make you cringe.

After Pittsburgh landed Zbynek Michalek agreeing on a five-year, $20 million deal, it looked like Martin would still be available. Especially after a mix up on Twitter with some having Martin done when it was really Michalek. However, the Pens must’ve been desperate to replace Sergei Gonchar, inking the former Devil to a five year contract worth $25 million. Stunning to say the least. Not so much the money as it was in line with what the market was set at thanks to the Sens overpaying Gonchar. But that Martin landed in the Steel city to play for a bitter rival.

Just imagine what those games are going to be like next year. Yikes. I can only wonder what’s on Hasan’s mind right about now. I’m sure we’ll get the particulars fairly soon. Mean time, I’m still in a state of shock over Glen Sather’s latest boo boo, handing one-dimensional pugilist Derek Boogard a four year contract worth a reported $1.65 million-per-season. Are you freaking kidding? Appalling doesn’t even begin to describe this monstrousity.

A year after Donald Brashear, our senile GM does the unthinkable. Signing a guy who can’t skate a lick and hasn’t scored a goal in four years. Only Slats could turn a promising start to July 1 into a sour day. Panic move much after Jody Shelley got three years at $1.1 million per from the Flyers?!?!?!?!?! At least the vet can take a regular shift.

I’m at a loss for words right now. Excuse me while I go to the park for a long walk to recover. In related news from a prior tweet:

BREAKING NEWS: #NYR just clinched last place in the Atlantic Division. When asked about it, Dolan and Slats laughed at the bank with LeBron.

As the clock struck noon kicking off today’s Free Agent Frenzy, the Rangers addressed backup goalie by signing vet Martin Biron. The former Sabre/Flyer/Islander agrees to a multi-year deal worth less than a million-per-season according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie. From TSN, the 32 year-old netminder is said to be earning $875,000 each year.

Not bad as he comes cheap. Hopefully, Biron bounces back from his one season spent on Long Island in which he struggled as Dwayne Roloson’s backup, going 9-14-4 with a 3.27 GAA and .896 save percentage. The former Sabre No.1 pick who once took the Flyers to the Conference Finals in ’04 has plenty of experience and should be capable of filling in when Henrik Lundqvist needs a night off. He can certainly get into 20-25 games, making Henrik’s life a little easier.

Considering how John Tortorella coaches, he has to feel totally confident in the backup to play him. Hopefully, Biron will make the decision easier. It does fill a void and also allows Chad Johnson to get another year at Hartford in the ‘A.’

Blueshirts sign Stepan: Also of interest to fans wanting to see the club commit to youth, the club came to terms with prospect Derek Stepan. The 20 year-old former Badger who the club drafted 51st overall in 2008, had a big year for Wisconsin tying for the NCAA lead in assists (42) while netting 54 points in 41 games to establish career highs across the board.

In between leading his school along with Nashville prospect Blake Geoffrion and Ranger property Ryan McDonagh to the Frozen Four before falling in the championship to Boston University, the Hastings, Minnesota native captained Team USA to a WJC gold medal- leading all scorers with 14 points (4-10-14) while being tabbed a tournament All-Star. Now, Stepan looks to make the giant leap from college to the pros. Tortorella has hinted that he wants to give serious looks at the playmaking pivot, Evgeny Grachev and Dale Weise. We’ll have to wait and see.

For the Rangers, it’s a promising start to the summer. Now, they should turn their attention to getting Marc Staal and Dan Girardi re-signed. If Jody Shelley who rejected a two-year deal worth a reported $825,000 average per Larry Brooks bolts, the NY Post Ranger beat writer speculates that they could go after tough guy Derek Boogard. While I’d like to have Shelley back, Boogard would certainly fill the bill on toughness. Plus fan favorite Brandon Prust was tendered. Another possibility could be Adam Burish, who aside from dropping the gloves, can contribute a little as he proved on the Cup champion Hawks. Chicago continues to lose players, dealing away Kris Versteeg last night to Toronto in a five-player deal that included Viktor Stalberg. Looks like the Blackhawks could have a very different look this Fall.

Christensen Re-ups: Just coming over the wire, center Erik Christensen re-signed with the Rangers for two years after turning down a similar deal the other day. It isn’t known what he received. We’ll update.

A solid move bringing back the surprise waiver pickup who performed adequately. In 49 games, he netted eight goals and 18 helpers totaling 26 points. The 26 year-old from Edmonton decided it was best to stay put with the club that gave him a second life. Nice to see.

Gonchar A Sen: In other news, the first big name to sign was Sergei Gonchar, leaving Pittsburgh for Ottawa– agreeing to a three-year deal worth $5.5 million-per-season. Pretty pricey for the 36 year-old Russian vet who’s started to break down. However, in just 62 contests last year, the power play QB registered 11 goals and 39 helpers for 50 points with more than half (30) coming via the PP. He should give the Sens’ 22nd ranked power play a boost, re-teaming with former Pen ‘mate Alex Kovalev.

A couple of other quick hits:

-Cgy signs F Alex Tanguay for 1-yr, $1.7 million
-Phi acquires D Andrej Meszaros from TB for a 2nd Rd Pick
-Phi re-signs D Braydon Coburn for 2 yrs, $6.4 M

Nothing new on Ilya Kovalchuk but Paul Martin is said to have a drawn a significant offer from an unnamed team.

In less than six hours- well at least on the East coast, July 1 will finally arrive. What should be expected? By now, you know the drill. Expect the unexpected. Some mad team will overpay Dan Hamhuis, who at least won’t have the dubious distinction of being Wade Redden. Best “first passer in the game” my ass. I hate you Slats! Tell ya one thing. Tinman better be off the roster this Fall. No ifs, ands or buts.

Mean time, those can toss darts on possible destinations for Ilya Kovalchuk. Picture logos involving the Devils, Leafs, Flames (yes, since they waived Dawes and bought out Ally), Kings along with half the KHL. No Rangers cause they’re quite limited and must give bumps up to Marc Staal and Dan Girardi while searching for a backup goalie. Johan Hedberg is our wish. If Derek Stepan is signed, that also could be an encouraging sign for Wisconsin teammate Ryan McDonagh, who the club acquired a year ago today in the Scott Gomez deal. That would also mean taking our senile GM at his word along with Tort about giving kids a shot instead of following NYR tradition.

What will Lou Lamoriello decide? He’s locked up David Clarkson for three more years at an average cap hit of 2.67 million. A good investment on the gritty do everything right wing. Tho the price could be classified overpayment. Clarkie must stay healthy which means less fights and continued increased offensive improvement. The real dilemma for the Devils is who they want back? Kovalchuk or D anchor Paul Martin? One won’t cost a fortune but the other likely will be in the same market as Hamhuis, who’s hoping someone gives him $5 million. Good luck buddy. If I’m Lou, I re-sign Martin and possibly target another D who can clear the crease. Defense has been an issue in recent playoff ousters. Perhaps it’s time for the Devil architect to revamp a blueline that too often gets pushed around in primetime. We’ll see what he’s got up his sleeve.

The Devs bid adieu to Jay Pandolfo, who asked to be bought out so he could start fresh. The popular checking/PK forward had a superb career in New Jersey, helping the club win two Stanley Cups. That included a more prominent role in their most recent during ’03 when Pando teamed with John Madden and Jamie Langenbrunner to form a dominant checking line that not only limited the opposition but also scored big goals that Spring. While it’s true he’s not what he once was, it’s still sad to see a loyal teammate leave the only team he’s known. Best of luck Jay.

What will the Islanders do? After surprisingly letting go of Sean Bergenheim, perhaps Garth Snow will look for more offense to help support John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. They did tender ’09-10 revelation Matt Moulson along with Rob Schremp. Both again will be keys to the Islanders’ success. However, much hinges on Tavares’ improvement and whether Nino Niederreiter and D prospects Calvin de Haan and Travis Harmonic are ready. Captain Doug Weight returns along with youngsters Frans Nielsen, Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau. How much change will we see? Another scorer certainly couldn’t hurt along with a bruising D to help protect the front of the net. Martin Biron likely departs with his former team Buffalo figuring to be in the mix. That could force Snow to go get another goalie. Especially with the continued uncertainty of Rick DiPietro. Possible targets are Alex Auld, Chris Mason and Patrick Lalime.

Meanwhile in Western New York, Darcy Regier is under the gun to re-sign Henrik Tallinder. Toni Lydman clearly was the weakest link and replaceable, which means Slats should be knocking down his door any minute. Are the Sabres bringing back Matt Ellis along with gritty vet Adam Mair? I probably would. Maybe Buffalo gets Ellis done and decides to go younger. Given what they saw from Tyler Ennis, figure the mini-dynamo to be a regular this Fall. Does Drew Stafford need a change? Can the Sabres contend with Derek Roy and Tim Connolly leading the charge? If Regier were smart, he’d get help for Thomas Vanek. And no. Not Raffi Torres. If they really wanted to cure their problems, they’d sign long-time killer Kovalchuk. But that’s not in their budget and would tie up too much space. Perhaps someone under the radar like disappointment Patrick O’ Sullivan might work. The 25 year-old went from a potential 30 goalscorer to being bought out by Phoenix after they acquired him from Edmonton for Jim Vandermeer. At 25, he’s still young enough to turn it around. His career high in goals is 22 along with 53 points and 82 games- all achieved with LA in ’07-08. Instead of building off it, he plummeted to 37 and 34 points respectively. He was due $2.925 million this season. Buyer beware.

So, what else is going on? Well, it looks like you can forget Evgeni Nabokov donning Halloween Flyers black and orange after they re-signed Michael Leighton for two years, $3.1 million. With Brian Boucher still around and prospect Johan Backlund waiting in the wings, the Flyers are all set. Likely destinations for Nabby are Washington or Atlanta. We think he’d prefer to play on a Cup contender, teaming with fellow Russians Alexander Ovechkin and Alex Semin. It would make sense. … The Pens blueline could have a different look much of their corps on the market including vet anchor Sergei Gonchar. He showed some signs of slowing down last year and was nicked up. Committing long-term would be a mistake. The Pens also acquired Hamhuis’ rights from rival Philly but the likelihood of it getting done are about the same chance you have of steering Megan Fox away from former 90210 star Brian Austin Green. She couldn’t do better? … In other news, the Preds acquired Sergei Kostitsyn from the Habs for Dan Ellis and Dustin Boyd. A deal that seems logical for both sides. Nashville needed scoring while Montreal a vet goalie who could help Carey Price. They still must sign Ellis. … The Oilers let go of vet Ethan Moreau, who was quickly scooped up by Columbus, who’ll assume the final year of a four-year contract at a cap hit of $2 million. The aging vet is a nice locker room presence who can serve as a fourth line energy guy. After a nice Oiler career, he moves to Ohio. … Also of note, Mike Van Ryn announces that he will skip another season while Ottawa buys out Jonathan Cheechoo. In related news, crickets could be heard at their homes. …

Finally, Rod Brind’Amour calls it a career moving into the Candy Canes’ front office. Congrats to the classy 21-year vet pivot on an outstanding career that saw him finish with 452 goals and 732 assists for 1,184 points in 1,484 games. A tremendous worker who got the most out of his talent, developing into a two-way second line scoring pivot who finished his career with 28 shorthanded goals, winning consecutive Selkes in ’05-06 and ’06-07. Best remembered for the Keith Primeau deal, Brindy sure did well for himself in Raleigh helping turn Carolina into a Cup champ. While probably not a Hall Of Famer, he was easy to admire. Kudos to No.17. … Meanwhile, Mike Modano just can’t seem to make up his mind. A day after Dallas denied one more year for Mr. Star, they re-signed Krys Barch and Francis Wathier. Ouch. Maybe Modano will return to St. Paul where it all started. That’d be fitting. Personally, I feel he should retire a Star. Him in any other jersey wouldn’t look right. No.9 will always forever be a Minnesota North Star/Dallas Star.

It was a good weekend for one Battle club. While the jury is out on the Rangers’ Dylan McIlrath gamble, Islander fans had to be pleased with what Garth Snow added to a mix that features John Tavares and Kyle Okposo.

Picking fifth overall in an unpredictable first round that saw both American defensemen Cam Fowler and Derek Forbort slip out of the top 10, the Islanders opted for offensive help by taking Swiss prospect Nino Niederreiter. The talented right wing teamed with Portland linemates Ryan Johansen and Bradley Ross to form a top scoring line that lit up the Western Hockey League (WHL) for 88 goals, including Niederreiter’s 36 ranking second among rookies and tied for first with six game-winners. He finished with 60 points (36-24-60 in 65 GP) and 68 penalty minutes, earning 2nd All-Star Team WHL honors in the Western Conference.

Most notably, the 18 year-old who’s listed at 6-2, 201 scored big goals, getting the winner to oust Russia in the WJC that advanced Switzerland to the semis against Canada. His six tallies and four helpers for 10 points paced all Swiss, earning a place on the All-Tournament team alongside Jordan Eberle (Edm) and Ranger prospect Derek Stepan. Not surprisingly, Nino also fared well in the WHL playoffs pacing Portland with eight goals while his 16 points ranked second.

No question the rising Swiss is a talented player who should please Islander fans for years to come. He combines strong skating with good skill and grit. This was one of my favorite players during the WJC because of how hard he competed. Ironically, I almost predicted Nino to the Isles figuring it would make sense to get Tavares support. Guess not everyone can be as psychic as good Ranger buddy Scotty Hockey, who nailed the McIlrath pick at 10. Props there.

“I’m trying to be a scorer one day. At the moment I think I’m a two-way player with some skills and also defensively. At the end I just want to be a goal scorer,” Niederreiter expressed Saturday while also sounding genuinely excited about being the newest Islander.

“I think it was just great. I think the whole company is fantastic. Even the place where they play, and Long Island, I think it’s just so great.”

It’s that kind of enthusiasm that should endear El Nino to Long Island.

Not only did Snow land Niederreiter but also went for potential by grabbing skilled Russian Kirill Kabanov with the club’s third pick, tabbing him 65th overall. Once considered a lock to go in the top 10, the 18 year-old left wing plummeted due to uncertainties about his future. Firing your agent prior to the Draft ain’t the wisest thing. With the KHL also a distinct possibility, that along with character issues is why he lasted so long. Will the 6-2, 173 pound Russian make other teams pay the price? He certainly has talent even if a month long negotiation for his release and a broken wrist limited him to only 22 games with Moncton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). In his first 11 games, Kabanov totaled 14 of his 23 points (10-13-23).

In 2009 at the World Under 18 Championships, Kabanov tallied 11 points (4-7-11), placing third on Team Russia. He also once finished third in scoring at the World Under 17 Championships played in London, Ontario, which featured Matt Duchene, Evander Kane and Ryan O’Reilly. It’s not a question of ability. The Islanders are banking on their potential third round steal to silence doubters with his play. When and if he signs, that day gets much closer.

The Islanders spent their other four picks on two centers, a defenseman and another goalie. Here’s the breakdown:

2 (30th overall) C Brock Nelson  US       6-3 205
4 (82nd overall) C/LW Jason Clark US   6-2 180
5 (125th overall) D Tony Dehart US        6-2 187
7 (185th overall) G Cody Rosen CA        5-11 180

Bobby Sanguinetti has found a new home. Maybe Raleigh will treat him better than how our team did. Showing the usual lack of patience after superhyping the kid from Trenton who they once took in the first round a few years ago. Though it may as well seem like a decade the way his stock plummeted in the organization.

Apparently, there was no chance to recover from Michael Del Zotto beating him out at camp last year. And Matt Gilroy impressed, giving Ranger fans false hope only to disappoint during his first NHL season. So, Sangs goes bye bye and hopefully, gets a real shot with the Candy Canes. The deal was consumated a short while ago while I was watching USA trailing Ghana at the half in World Cup play. The particulars:

NYR receive ’10 Car 6th Rd Pick, Wsh ’11 2nd Rd Pick
Car gets D Bobby Sanguinetti

Can anyone say dump much? To think that yet again, our organization went ga ga over another kid and then soured due largely to Tort to the tune that this was the best they could get back. Simply amazing. What did Sangs play in? All of 2 games? Actually, it’s five. Well, that’s an improvement over Hugh Specimen. Best of luck to Bobby. Here’s hoping his first career goal comes against us at MSG. Oh. And you know it will. It’s a Ranger Tradition.

Okay. I’m cool now. Me and Pop went for a four mile walk and it helped clear my head. All I can say is this kid better turnout good. It’s true our D is softer than molasses and could have Hostess sponsor it. And he does sound/look tough. He says they won’t regret it. Hey Rath, if you don’t, the Ranger org will be feeling ours. 😛 I have to put a little faith in Gordie Clark, who’s done an admirable job with our recent drafts.

Before I hop in a cold shower and change to head out, I just hope they know what they’re doing. This was only Round 1. Tomorrow’s a new day and a chance to continue addressing holes like the lack of offensive firepower. Let’s see what Saturday brings.