July 1st is Approaching

Well it’s almost one of the most exciting, rumor filled times of the year. July 1^st brings great excitement to many hockey fans as free agency begins for the NHL. For Islander fans especially, it looks to be one of the most exciting free agency periods in a long time. Having an owner who spends to get this team to win, coupled with buying out Alexei Yashin and seeing Smyth and Blake (most likely) go to free agency, excitement fills the air across Islander message boards everywhere.

First and foremost, I have always believed that Blake has been set on leaving the Island. This has been due to the “little things” one notices as the year progressed. This is seen from moments on the ice, to interviews after the game. Blake also has his fair share of critics which seem to point out that he is selfish with the puck. This accusation leads to remarks that he hurts the overall team performance by focusing on himself. These accusations aren’t only seen by a few people only, but are rather wide spread. Does Nolan and Snow see the same things the fans are seeing? Granted, for every anti-Blake there’s a Blake fan, but judging by “Snolan’s” intuitiveness to the fan’s thoughts and feelings, I believe they know how polarizing Blake can be amongst the fans.

For my prediction: Blake signs with the Wild

Smyth is an interesting case. Dealing Nilsson, O’Mara and a 1^st round pick for a rental player (if he leaves) could obviously leave a sour taste in the mouths of Islander fans. It may very well be a bitter feeling for Snow and Nolan as well. However, I have come to notice as time has progressed that when once fans proclaimed: “Sign Smyth at all costs!” has turned into: “Sign him only if the price is fair.” That, or, look for alternatives. Islander fans could very well be upset that after being treated like a king by the organization, Smyth has yet to sign a contract. And alternatives do exist. Gomez, Drury, and Briere and all players that could fit very well with the Islanders. If Smyth decides to leave, those are players that could be targeted for their leadership and player ability. Which one would I go for? Personally, I would go for Briere because of his great season putting up 95 points. And, since the Islanders have such a large amount of cap room, the Islanders can possibly acquire another big name free agent. Let’s hope they do.

Look forward to more info on Isles Files.

Bergenheim Signs with the Isles

Bergenheim signed a 1 year deal today valued at 500k. It will be a one-way contract so Bergy will be given a chance to prove himself in the NHL. It's a good signing; Bergenheim is a speedy and gritty Nolan type player who has the potential to make a large impact with the team at a low price.

Goodbye Yashin!

Following up my Goodbye Milbury post, I am happy to say that as I type this up at 3:18 AM on June 6th, 2007, Wang has decided to buy out Alexei Yashin and his 4 remaining years. This is truly the end of an era where Islander fans have been consistently disappointed with the lack of productivity from Yashin since his first year on the Island. Goodbye Yashin.

Goodbye Mike Milbury

Newsday reports that Milbury resigned from his position from the New York Islanders Tuesday.

Did this have anything to do with any disagreement over Yashin? Could be, but over the years Wang has shown his loyalty towards Milbury and vice versa so it is unlikely that a disagreement over this issue could have forced Wang to fire Milbury.

It would be great to see Milbury get some sort of broadcasting position with NBC or Versus because his input would be fun to watch.

The Yashin Question

It seems that this offseason, the media has finally made an effort to bring forth the issue of Islanders Captain Alexei Yashin. Can this finally be the year that Yashin's humongous contract will be bought out? Many fans sure hope so. Islander fans even came together to write a letter with over a hundred signatures to send out to owner Charles Wang alerting him that buying out the contract will do wonders for the team. The committee has so far listened to the fans complaints regarding players and let’s hope that they have Charles’ ear. “The Question York,” has been answered, and let’s hope that “The Yashin Question” will too.

Other Notes:

• Islanders signed Sean Bentivoglio To 3-year Deal
  
• Apologies for not updating the blog more often, however, from now on the blog will be updated whenever new information comes up. I hope you look forward to the upcoming free agency frenzy and a redesigned Isles Files look before the start of next season.
  

Ding Ding Ding: Round 5

Looking forward to tomorrow's game against the Rangers at the Coliseum. The Islanders some how managed to find a way to get a point from last night's game. Thankfully, DiPietro was on top of his game and played sharp throughout the night. I feel as if the Islanders are still excited over the acquisition of Smyth and feel as if they are unstoppable. That is a good thing... as long as you keep winning and playing hard. Since we played so great the last dozen games before Smyth's arrival the team has now eased up a bit. After last night, however, I have a feeling they are going to come out strong. Smyth has now felt the tension and atmosphere at an Isles-Rangers game and he will be more focused now. Expect a dominant Smyth tomorrow night.

Welcome to the Islanders, Ryan Smyth.

Earlier today Ryan Smyth was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers for Robert Nilsson, Ryan O’Marra and a 1st round pick in the upcoming draft. Great trade for the Islanders. Smyth is the type of player to improve a team tremendously--he's a hard worker with passion for the game. Let's see how the team plays with him in the lineup and Yashin back soon as well.