I just think AHO is too small in mho. Hickey 2.0 who also was on the outside looking in when Trotz took over. Just my opinion of course.
- nyisles7

I actually don't think Hickey would be the worst 7th D either for a lot of teams around the league

But I get the comparison. The difference, imo, is Aho probably has a bit more offensive upside. So if you're going to be undersized and average at most aspects of the game, it helps if you have that one skill or ability that stands out a bit. I don't think Hickey has that. Aho might...hard to say since we haven't seen much of him.

I agree with Chief though...it'll probably be Gustafsson, and really he's had a good enough camp to justify it: As-advertised offensively and he hasn't been a disaster defensively.

Ironic that u were posting this as I was typing my nonsense. I guess you can scratch Ross from my thoughts but I am pretty sure they waived Ross last year when they had to be cap compliant.
- niteislander

Nope he was on the roster all year.

My 2 cents on who will be waived to get under cap until they are allowed to put Boychuk on LTIR day 1.

They will be $6 mill over so will have to waive about 6 guys to free up that money. My guess is it will be Panik, Leo, Ross, Hickey, Schneider, MDC, and a few other AHL guys like Czarnik, Timashov, Bardreau...etc.

bottom line is I don't think they will waive guys that might get picked up like Bellows.
- niteislander

This is from the Staple article I mentioned the other day.

but Uncle Leo could very easily be on the season-opening roster. The Islanders will try to maximize their long-term injured reserve space afforded by Johnny Boychuk’s cap hit of $6 million, and the best way to do that may be to have Komarov ($3 million cap hit) and/or Thomas Hickey ($2.5 million cap hit) on the 23-man roster when teams need to become cap compliant the week after next.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
49s
Barry Trotz: Semyon Varlamov will not play in either of last two preseason games for #Isles. Still pointing at having him available for Oct. 14 opener at Carolina but Trotz admits that may not happen.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
10s
Samuel Bolduc (soreness) and Matt Martin (ankle) both skating with #Isles

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
49s
Barry Trotz: Semyon Varlamov will not play in either of last two preseason games for #Isles. Still pointing at having him available for Oct. 14 opener at Carolina but Trotz admits that may not happen.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
10s
Samuel Bolduc (soreness) and Matt Martin (ankle) both skating with #Isles
- eichiefs9

Would have to say that Varly must have a groin injury. If that is the case, let him heal as this season will be a marathon not a sprint. The only thing that makes me nervous is CS backing up Sorokin.

Would have to say that Varly must have a groin injury. If that is the case, let him heal as this season will be a marathon not a sprint. The only thing that makes me nervous is CS backing up Sorokin.
- Nfdbulldawg

He had a knee injury that bothered him in the playoffs, could be lingering issues from that too.

Sorokin can handle the first 3 games, but then we have 3 in 4 nights which means someone else would have to play at least one of them.

I actually don't think Hickey would be the worst 7th D either for a lot of teams around the league

But I get the comparison. The difference, imo, is Aho probably has a bit more offensive upside. So if you're going to be undersized and average at most aspects of the game, it helps if you have that one skill or ability that stands out a bit. I don't think Hickey has that. Aho might...hard to say since we haven't seen much of him.

I agree with Chief though...it'll probably be Gustafsson, and really he's had a good enough camp to justify it: As-advertised offensively and he hasn't been a disaster defensively.
- UIF

I think Gustafsson has looked very good on the PP when utilized there.

This is from the Staple article I mentioned the other day.

but Uncle Leo could very easily be on the season-opening roster. The Islanders will try to maximize their long-term injured reserve space afforded by Johnny Boychuk’s cap hit of $6 million, and the best way to do that may be to have Komarov ($3 million cap hit) and/or Thomas Hickey ($2.5 million cap hit) on the 23-man roster when teams need to become cap compliant the week after next.
- Isles

I get utilizing the most of the LTIR as possible however I think if one of the lower priced options are playing better they will taken. That said I think Leo will be on the opening roster. As far as the 7th DMan I feel as Chief stated and UIF said as well Gustafson might make the cutover Hickey and should be cheaper.

I get utilizing the most of the LTIR as possible however I think if one of the lower priced options are playing better they will taken. That said I think Leo will be on the opening roster. As far as the 7th Man I feel as Chief stated and UIF said as well Gustafson might make the cutover Hickey and should be cheaper.
- nyisles7

I hope so

I'm not sold on Bellows either. He had a great game against the Devils minor league roster so it's a little misleading imo. Maybe they move him for a 2nd or 3rd? Rather then lose him for nothing. Might have to settle for a worse pick with teams knowing he'll most likely hit the waiver wire for free

I hope so
- Isles

Have to dress your best team so I think this is what LL and Trotz do. Going to be interesting to see which route they go.

I'm not sold on Bellows either. He had a great game against the Devils minor league roster so it's a little misleading imo. Maybe they move him for a 2nd or 3rd? Rather then lose him for nothing. Might have to settle for a worse pick with teams knowing he'll most likely hit the waiver wire for free
- Isles

Could probably use him or Aho to grease someone into eating Komarov or Hickey's deal to free up a little cap space. But then maximizing Boychuk's LTIR comes right back into the conversation, so who knows.

Have to dress your best team so I think this is what LL and Trotz do. Going to be interesting to see which route they go.
- nyisles7

True but they also are going to need every penny they can get especially if they want to do something at the deadline. Might have to go with lesser guys just to start the season to get the most cap space and it might cost them a player or two on waivers. They are going to have to make a decision what they value more. Going to be interesting in a few days with what moves they make

Could probably use him or Aho to grease someone into eating Komarov or Hickey's deal to free up a little cap space. But then maximizing Boychuk's LTIR comes right back into the conversation, so who knows.
- eichiefs9

I haven't been this intrigued for final rosters in a long time

Barry and Lou love their tough guys so I'm going to be surprised if they try to put Johnston on waivers. I would rather trade him out west for anything then to lose him for nothing and watch him land in the Metro or Eastern Conference. I could see the Devils putting in a claim if he becomes available. Plus I think the games vs the Rangers are going to be a blood bath the first few times they play

https://twitter.com/Tfaga...tatus/1445509581996650505

https://twitter.com/Tfagan40/status/1445509581996650505
- Isles

James Nichols
@JamesNicholsNYI
·
2m
Austin Czarnik, Grant Hutton, Otto Koivula, Paul LaDue, Dmytro Timashov, Mitchell Vande Sompel, Parker Wotherspoon all on waivers #isles

https://twitter.com/Tfagan40/status/1445509581996650505
- Isles

Lehner said on Spittin Chiclets that Reavo is terrified of snakes.

So if anyone has any leftover rubber ones from Tavares Night v1.0....I know how to put them to good use

James Nichols
@JamesNicholsNYI
·
2m
Austin Czarnik, Grant Hutton, Otto Koivula, Paul LaDue, Dmytro Timashov, Mitchell Vande Sompel, Parker Wotherspoon all on waivers #isles
- Isles

Andreoff and Bardreau too

The "who gives a shit" group

Lehner said on Spittin Chiclets that Reavo is terrified of snakes.

So if anyone has any leftover rubber ones from Tavares Night v1.0....I know how to put them to good use
- eichiefs9

Snakes, Ross, and Chara.

Lehner said on Spittin Chiclets that Reavo is terrified of snakes.

So if anyone has any leftover rubber ones from Tavares Night v1.0....I know how to put them to good use
- eichiefs9

Also who isn't?

Also who isn't?
- Isles

I mean, I don't like snakes...but I wouldn't run in the other direction if I saw one.

Unless it's one of those "kills you instantly" ones, in which case I'd outrun Usain Bolt and probably leave a mile-long trail of diarrhea behind me

I mean, I don't like snakes...but I wouldn't run in the other direction if I saw one.

Unless it's one of those "kills you instantly" ones, in which case I'd outrun Usain Bolt and probably leave a mile-long trail of diarrhea behind me
- eichiefs9

yeah I'm not talking about garter snakes

yeah I'm not talking about garter snakes
- Isles

Well I know you've accumulated quite the collection of trouser snakes