The Foreseeable Future: Mainstays and Cast Aways

What will the NYI roster look like in 2010-11?

As this blogger looks into his crystal ball, it would appear there is some writing on the wall as “year two” of the New York Islanders overhaul is coming to a close.

There have been some pleasant surprises this season, and also some let downs. The rosters have been frozen for the Olympic break but the March 3rd trade deadline looms near. An argument can be made that the Isles have substantial amount of “core” players. The big question is if it’s the proper time to start adding in some free agents to fill in the gaps.

The Islanders currently are sitting pretty in 13th place in the Eastern Conference but are only six points out of a playoff spot (as of 2/18/10). For a moment, let’s forget the implications of making or not making the playoffs. Let’s take a moment to identify the players who are here to stay for the long run, and which players are primed to be shown the door. Who is here to stay? Who will be the cast aways?

Here To Stay:

Matt Moulson – Matt has been the biggest pleasant surprise this season. He is second on the team in scoring, with 36 points and holds one of the best plus/minus stats on the team for the forward position (-1). He has 22 goals and is on pace for 29 goals and 47 points. Not bad for a guy that was a depth signing in September ’09. Matt Moulson should be paid after the close of the season, and handsomely. Factoring in the scoring touch and nose for the front of the net, it’s clear that this is no one-year-wonder. But, he’s currently on a one-year deal so Garth Snow better make a decision promptly after the season.

Andy Sutton – Sutton has had a phenomenal season and has shown he can play for a full season without injury – well, aside from that little two-game suspension served for squashing Pascal Dupuis’ face into the boards. He also has an expiring contract after this season and he can be a valuable trading chip. Even though Sutton is 34-years-old, I would sign this “old man” for another three years if I were an NHL team that is looking for toughness on the blue line. Sutton failed to live up to expectations prior to this season, and is playing suspiciously well for a guy in a contract year. Alas, his exceptional play and big hit mentality can not be ignored.

Matt Martin – This young man has only played four NHL games this season. In those games he has two assists and 22 penalty minutes. In only four games, he has shown the ability to hit and fight better than any other player on the current roster. If he plays out the rest of the season the way he’s played in his short two-week tenure, it will be hard not to keep this kid on the NHL squad permanently in 2010-11. He was brought in to crash-and-bang and that’s what he is doing – oh yeah, and he also parks himself in front of the net on the powerplay.

Andrew MacDonald – Another pleasant surprise, but on the defensive end. MacDonald proved he has a good shot, but most importantly, poise with the puck. He is a product of the Islanders farm system and has been groomed slowly and it shows in his game. He rarely panics and makes good decisions with the puck. He should definitely be a mainstay next season. Pay the man.

Cast Aways:

Richard Park – The only Korean player in the NHL was a savvy veteran that got under the skin of every opposing team on game night – up until this year. Park’s season has been filled with shots that miss the net, goals that were disallowed, and a plus/minus that can make a grown man cry (-20). His time in Islanders Country has come and gone.

Jon Sim – Chalk up another disappointing season for Mr. Sim. He was brought in to provide secondary scoring and to be a pest around the ice. Well, he got the pest part right – err, sometimes. He has one great game this season where he bothered the Boston Beanstalk, Zdeno Chara, to the point of madness. Other than that, his occasional goal and punching bag act got old quick.

Jeff Tambellini – Tamby showed scoring touch and was an ace in the shootout, but could never stick to the NHL roster under Ted Nolan or Scott Gordon. In his 170 NHL games, Tambellini has 18 goals and 45 points. Not so hot for former first-round pick who was supposed to be a top-six sniper. He has only played in 26 games this season and has been a healthy scratch for the rest. This young man will most likely need to find fortune with a new team in 2010-11.

Doug Weight – After being named Islanders Captain, Weight has slacked in the point production department. He has been nursing a shoulder injury since exhibition play, and turned 39 on January 21st. It would appear, judging by his play and an expiring contract, that Weight will be a one-year captain and hang up the skates for good after this season.

While this is an abbreviated list, these are the main players who are most likely to be added/subtracted to the 2010-11 roster. Who will replace the dearly departed? The answer remains to be seen.

Here is a list of players that are riding the pine and are teetering on an Islanders return next season;

LW – Sean Bergenheim – Bergy is a wrecking-ball type that works hard, has speed, and has had the ability to score. Though he has less than 10 goals on the season, he has ability but finds it hard to stay healthy.

D -Bruno Gervais – He showed flashed last year with a strong second half. He had a weak first half again this season and hasn’t shown positive progress.

C – Rob Schremp – Rob is a solid offensive producer who is still relatively green. The potential is there, and he will be given a chance to produce for the Islanders. If the Isles stay the course and build through the draft without picking up free agents, Schremp stays for at least another season. Schremp was picked up off waivers from Edmonton earlier in the season.

D- Freddy Meyer IV – Meyer is a gamer and would make an excellent seventh defenseman on any NHL team. A starter? Not so much. He is more of a utility fill-in player that is kept around for depth.

G – Martin Biron – Marty caught some bad luck this season. In most of his losses this season, the team has failed to score in front of him. He has had some good games but it’s difficult for him to keep the game under 2 goals. He has one shootout on the year.

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