(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The draft is behind us and so is the initial surge in free agent signings. There has been a lull in the free agent market and a few names that could really help the Islanders in the short and long term.
Who is left worth taking a shot on?
Todd Bertuzzi, Left Wing—Why? Size, strength, goal scoring ability and he should come cheap given his penchant for injuries.
What would it take?—One year, $3 Million.
Alex Tanguay, Left Wing—Here is a guy that I cannot believe is still available. Either his agent is asking for stupid high money or general managers are scared of his injuries the last two seasons. Tanguay is still young at 29 has great play making ability and can score. Snow should go after him.
What would it take?—Five years, $24 million.
Travis Moen, Left Wing/Right Wing—Banging forward that can skate. Energy guy with an edge. What would it take?
Two years, $2.2 million.
Nick Boynton, Defenseman—The Islanders have some depth at Defenseman, but Boynton may be coming into his own at 29. Eats minutes and is reliable in his own end.
Beyond these guys, there isn't much that's attractive out there, or should I say suits the Islanders. Playing GM for a minute I would offer contracts to Bertuzzi and Moen and test the water with Tanguay.
Looking forward to the season the Islanders aren't expected to do much. This is where I am going to disagree with the people and there are a lot of them who will predict the Islanders to finish at or near the bottom of the NHL again.
I am not predicting the Islanders to make a miracle playoff run here, but I think challenging for one is not out of reach. The main reason for this is simple.
Golatending—Dwayne Roloson. Say what you want about Roloson's age, but the fact of the matter is he is an excellent goaltender and does not have a lot of miles on him. He has backstopped Edmonton to respectability in recent years after coming into prominence with the Wild. Roloson will bring stability to the Islanders in net whether Dipietro is ready or not and will play to a 2.80 Goals against and a .915 save percentage.
Yan Danis and Joey McDonald last season were just fill ins in a lost season and this season Roloson changes all that. The Islanders do not have a question mark in net anymore.
Depth at Goaltender
1. Dwayne Roloson
2. Rick DiPietro
3. Scott Munroe
Defense—When healthy, the Islanders ice a good to very good defense core.
We all marveled at the skills of Mark Streit last season and he will be the centerpiece of the Islanders defense again.
Brendan Witt and Andy Sutton will provide the crease clearing hard nosed presence.
Oft injured Radek Martinek can be a serviceable defenseman if he can manage to stay healthy. It remains to be seen whether Freddy Meyer and Bruno Gervais can hack the NHL level as last year was a step back for Gervais. One more addition through the free agent market would be wise.
Defense Depth Chart
1 - Mark Streit
2 - Brendan Witt
3 - Andy Sutton
4 - Radek Martinek
5 - Bruno Gervais
6 - Jack Hillen
7 - Freddy Meyer
8 - Andrew McDonald
At Center, the Islander Roster is set. Doug Weight will provide the veteran leadership.
John Tavares and Josh
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