*9 pm: At the NY Islanders Open House tonight, I had a chance to meet a few fans and chit chat. Some of them were at the Charity Event on Sunday at Adventureland. I was pretty surprised and happy to hear that it was fan favorite Trevor Gillies who had the longest line. Some waited 45 minutes to get a photo and autograph of the big man in the white Panama hat.
Also heard that Zenon Konopka was also great with the fans and very funny. What is not funny, but is an incredible read is Chris Botta's article on Fanhouse if you haven't read
this yet today do so.
Newsday's Katie Strang has a brief interview with Nino regarding the one game suspension of Mike Cammalleri. I listened to Mike's recorded reaction to his suspension and while it was politically correct, I have one very large problem with it.
THERE WAS NO APOLOGY!!! Where was the apology to an 18-year-old kid who is just starting out??? Shouldn't a seasoned veteran of the game that we all hold in such high regard offer just the slightest bit of remorse for taking a kid out of a game? Suppose he really hurt him? I am very, very unhappy with this.
So was Nino in the amount of punishment he received. Get used to it kid. Especially if you're an Islander. (DOH!!! Conspiracy theory!!)
Look for a brief interview with Radek Martinek tomorrow. If I can get it transcribed.
OH! And Dale Tallon had some interesting things to say about Michael Grabner in an article today in the Miami Herald. But while he may have been pretty straight forward in his answer, we have to call to mind the things that were said about others who ended up thriving on Long Island.
“I was not surprised [Grabner was claimed], but he didn't have a very good camp and didn't earn a spot on our roster,'' Tallon said.
“I was disappointed with his play. He has a lot of potential but you have to earn your playing time here. Reputation doesn't mean anything to me. It gives an opportunity to someone else. We liked his speed and his skill. He didn't show any skill in camp. He can skate and has skill but didn't show any of it.''
Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanthers/2010/10/erik-gudbranson-doesnt-sign-returns-to-juniors-grabner-grabbed-by-islanders-cats-raise-165k-for-canc.html#ixzz11XHNt8Af
Original Post:
According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the NY Islanders have claimed Michael Grabner off waivers from the Panthers.
Today is Grabner's birthday no less. Welcome to New York.
The 6' 170 lb Austrian was drafted by Vancouver at 14th overall in 2006. He has been playing in the AHL for the bulk of his time as a professional. He did play 20 games and earn 11 points with the Canucks last season.
According to TSN:
ASSETS: Skates exceptionally well, has great goal-scoring touch, soft hands and offensive instincts. Can play either wing. Knows how to put the puck in the net.
With a salary of $765,000 (according to THN) and being a waiver claim, this isn't going to help the NYI in salary numbers.
In other news, also from Mr. McKenzie, Jeff Tambellini has been placed on waivers as well.
Also reported on Twitter, the Isles put Andy Hilbert (who had a bad crash on the ice this morning according to Newsday's Katie Strang) on waivers.
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