Charles Wang Talks About Rick DiPietro

In a surprising find this morning on Facebook, here is an article in the NY Times written by veteran hockey writer Jeff Z. Klein on Rick DiPietro's contract buyout. What is surprising is not just that the NY Times has an article about the Islanders in the off-season, but that it also includes ACTUAL quotes from Islanders owner Charles Wang.
How did he manage that? Did he tie him to a chair? I'm just a little surprised. But the article has some great information in it.
First piece of information, we can finally lay to rest that Garth Snow gave Rick the 15-year-contract. He may have been the one in the room signing it, but as I've said many times before -- it was all Charles Wang. According to the article, it was even the beginning of the end for then Isles GM, Neil Smith.
So as the hours until noon tick away before RDP's waiver period ends, read Jeff's article and harken back to the time when maybe, had Rick had a Marty Broduer style career, this 15-year-deal would have been a really good idea.
Sideboards: I am beginning to really wonder what Garth Snow will do about filling the holes in his team. The free agent pool seems to be thinning and while many names are being thrown around by the fan base, there is nothing concrete coming out of the Isles camp.
Speaking of Camp; don't forget the scrimmage on Thursday, July 11th. Your first glimpse of the newest Isles prospects along with some you may see on Bridgeport and even on the Islanders. Tickets are only $10 and it is so very worth it. Should be a fun evening of hockey in July.