Friday, February 12, 2010

Trade Freeze & Cold Wars

The Olympic trade freeze is making a mess out of the March 3rd trade deadline dealings as some rush to make deals now while others are forced to sit on their hands for the next two weeks.

In our own little corner of the NHL, we have a different problem: Our standings prior to Monday will determine whether the Islanders will be buying or selling. (Or so I've heard.)

I've also heard that weeks back, when it looked as if the playoffs were well within their grasp, plans were being formulated by the sales and marketing departments. Perhaps that was the kiss of death to the season as the Islanders then headed into a 7 game losing slump, followed by a shoot out win, followed by yet another regulation loss. Points squandered as other teams bypass them in this insanely tight race for that final playoff spot.

Personally, I don't want the 8th playoff spot if it means they'll play five games in the first round and then get tossed. As nice as it is to extend the season for another two weeks, as a fan, it's painful to get your hopes up only to have them hit the deck by game three. Yeah. Been there, done that. It hurts.

Currently, while all along the plan was to trade Marty Biron and keep Dwayne Roloson, reality has made that plan about as realistic as me losing 15 lbs by June. Sources on the net say the brewing interest is in Dwayne Roloson and not Marty Biron.

On a personal level, I wouldn't mind keeping Marty around to back-up Rick as he can be solid (as proven on Tuesday) and he is great on the bench and in the locker room. But I know the plan all along was to use him as a trade chip when Rick was healthy. (Hence the one year deal for Marty and the two year deal for Roli.) Luckily, it wasn't a secret to Biron either.

But the 40 year-old goaltender with the contract of $3Mil for one more year and the winning record is the one drawing interest. That is going to require a change of strategy for GM Garth Snow.

I'm guessing he's had to change plans a few times these past few weeks as veteran D Brendan Witt didn't draw any trade interest and was put on waivers. He is playing in Bridgeport and it is said the Isles are not planning on putting him on re-entry waivers. As a UFA come July 1st, it seems that Witt will be playing his last days in the organization in a Sound Tigers jersey. Not horrendous, but certainly not the best fate for an established NHLer. .*Never trust information on the web. Just been told he's signed through 2011. Okay, Now I have to go investigate this later when I am on lunch. Thanks Nicky!


While the Islanders are developing the talents of such youngsters as MacDonald, Kohn and newest call-up Matt Martin, Andy Sutton has now become a target for teams looking for a big body with established skills. Uh oh.

Sutton has been reported as saying he would like to stay on the Islanders, however if the right deal comes along, certainly they can't refuse.

I can only assume, privately, there are teams eyeing other Islanders players they feel can fill a grey area on their roster. I won't say 'hole' because for sure the only ones on our roster that are 'hole' fillers, we certainly will not part with. (Kyle is ours, don't even think about it! ANY of you!)

The Islanders play the Lightning on Saturday and the Senators on Sunday. In all honesty, if they can squeak out one point in two days, I'd be surprised. Expect the "For Sale" sign to go up in Uniondale by Monday.

2 comments:

NickD at NYIslandersCountry.com said...

"'m guessing he's had to change plans a few times these past few weeks as veteran D Brendan Witt didn't draw any trade interest and was put on waivers. He is playing in Bridgeport and it is said the Isles are not planning on putting him on re-entry waivers. As a UFA come July 1st, it seems that Witt will be playing his last days in the organization in a Sound Tigers jersey. Not horrendous, but certainly not the best fate for an established NHLer."

Witt is signed thru 10/11 season. He'll have to pass thru re-entry waiver at some point this year or before next season starts.

Dominik said...

@NickD: FYI, he won't have to pass through re-entry waivers before next season starts. That stuff is "reset" over the summer, so as long as he stays in the AHL through the end of this season, he can technically start next season on the NHL roster without being exposed to waivers.