Archive for September 20th, 2009
Puck September: New York Islanders
This past summer has been all about the money. There was the unrestricted free agent *frenzy.* That was around the same time the Phoenix Coyotes financial problems came into the spotlight, when BlackBerry billionaire Jim Balsillie threw his two cents into the fray and the league kept talking out of both sides of its mouth. You know, the place they seem reluctant to put their money in.
Screwed up contracts — both legitimate Chicago fuck-ups and the over-spending variety — became commonplace, and some players decided to gamble on the bigger payday in Russia. Terms like “escrow” and “cap numbers” came to be a part of the conversation, too. Then there was even more change — and even less sense — from Patrick Kane, who allegedly tag-teamed a Buffalo cab driver with his cousin over 20 cents.
It seems talk of climbing out of this recession has put money on the mind and our mind on the money, so in the spirit of cash, let’s take a look at all 21 teams 30 teams as training camps get set to fire up this month. Like most financial ventures, some teams will offer a greater return than others.
LONG ISLAND ISLANDERS
Atlantic Division
2008-09 record: 26-47-9, last in the division, last in the conference, last in the universe
Cap space: $20.475 million
Tip sheet:
At one time there used to be a dynasty on the island…Who coaches this team? Scott somebody, I think…The Mike Milbury Era set this franchise back at least a decade…There is real concern that Rick Dipietro will never be a factor again. Remind me when he was…Kyle Okposo should really learn to keep his head up if he wants to remember the John Tavares period.
Fun fact:
Unlike the rest of the planet, New York Islanders fans have no problem with Clark Gillies being in the Hall of Fame.
You should really invest in this club because…
Doug Weight. Edmonton should have never let him get away.
The bottom will fall out with…
Tavares over-hype. Good luck even approaching those expectations, kid.
Key acquisition:
I love the Dwayne Roloson/Martin Biron pick-ups this summer. It gives them some stability back there, which will be needed when the deficit is six heading into the third period.
Bottom line:
As long as they keep retiring those numbers from the ’80s dynasty, everything will be fine. Give the fans what they want!
