If the Islanders didn’t care about sacrificing their first-round pick and a top prospect, maybe they would be one of the major players in the bidding for Tampa Bay center Brad Richards at today’s NHL trade deadline. But even though they need a true No. 1 center, general manager Garth Snow has said he’s committed to building the right way with a mix of draft picks, prospects and key veterans.
So, where does that leave things with their current top-line center Mike Comrie, who signed a one-year deal worth $3.375 million in July and has expressed his desire to remain with the Islanders? As of late Monday night, Comrie had not agreed to a contract extension with the Isles, and while both sides have said there’s no urgency to complete a deal by the 3 p.m. deadline, teams that are desperate to add a center for their playoff run might well come knocking hard on Snow’s door.
Colorado’s signing of Peter Forsberg eliminated one possible landing spot for Comrie, who might have lined up next to former Edmonton teammate Ryan Smyth. But Dallas, Vancouver and Columbus are said to be hot in pursuit of Richards. Only one can win. If Montreal outbids Ottawa for Atlanta forward Marian Hossa, maybe the Senators would have an interest in bringing back Comrie, who went to the Stanley Cup finals with them last June.
Once Richards and Hossa are snapped up, it will be interesting to see what value Comrie has to the rest of the league. It’s not easy to land a skilled center, and that holds true for the free-agent market this summer. Calgary’s Daymond Langkow is viewed by many as the top available center headed for free agency. He’s got 24 goals and 52 points while playing with the likes of All-Star Jarome Iginla. Comrie has 18 goals and 45 points playing with one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league.
Because of his lack of size and strength, it’s hard for Snow to pay Comrie the big bucks some No. 1 centers command. But the Isles would love to have Comrie remain as their second-line center and have offered him a long-term deal to do it. Unlike most players, Comrie isn’t concerned with long-term security as much as he wants to play a key role with a team trying to build a serious Stanley Cup contender. But if he’s going to play top-line minutes, a source close to him said, he should be valued accordingly.
If Snow doesn’t sign Comrie or trades him, then what do the Islanders do at center? Do they start over again this summer? They could be one of several teams vying to overpay Langkow, but odds are they’d lose that bidding war.
Some criticized Snow for overpaying Comrie in July, but he’s on pace for about 24 goals and 60 points. It makes sense for Snow to try and re-sign Comrie even if he has to pay a little more than he’d like, especially if it’s a short-term deal. Maybe he’ll figure out a way to trade for another capable center before next season. San Jose’s Patrick Marleau hasn’t performed well in the shadow of Joe Thornton. Possibly, he’s a candidate for a change of scenery.
But that’s a subject for another day. This is trade deadline day, and we’ll all find out soon enough where Comrie fits in the Islanders’ scheme of things. In the meantime, Comrie had a good line yesterday in which he offered a realistic view of how players should view the trade deadline.
“Really, if you look at it, probably 80 percent of the league is expendable,” Comrie said. “There’s about 20 percent of guys that sleep well the night before a trade deadline. That’s the facts of sports. But it’s something I don’t think too many guys are worried about in here. Whatever happens, will happen.”
Comments (20)
Very good article Greg.
Everything is relative.
By the way,
The Vatican turned down a combination deal involving Steady and KH.
Steady insisted on Boar's Head Cuts in the sacristry, while KH demanded a contract stipulation keeping leaven and starch out of the shirt collars and cuffs of the ushers.
It got ugly in the apse and Nick had to be called to restore order.
Candyman traded in his M+M's for real rosary beads and Coral
Isles put a straw in the Holy Water.
The whole convention came to an end when D-money got busted for sacrificing a Dall Sheep on the altar.
And then the Isles played the Penguins that night.
And AZS and Merrick showed up at NVMC dressed as Shamu.
And everything got right again.
bill,
I apologize for confusing you with "older" Bill in my earlier posts.
I think Comrie will make a great 2nd line center on our CUP team.
and he's got Duff to backup Brinkley in the stands.
505 - from the last thread: not worried, just bored...like I said, I've been working and my mental breaks include thinking about trades, refreshing all hockey websites every 25 minutes, and posting here...I am on your side my brother!
Biggest game of the year tomorrow (or today at this point)....
d-money
Thinking about trades is detrimental gymnastics.
eats you up.
I am sitting here on Hockey's Xmas Eve and sipping whiskey and listening to some Allmans.
hey... you wanna go catch the core of 4? I looking for a partner.
Bill,
So I was "spot on" with my Alzheimer's rant?
I appreciate your old time hockey thoughts.
Cuz I am there.
It's great to remember the "Old Garden"
Logan sez.
"Unlike most players, Comrie isn’t concerned with long-term security as much as he wants to play a key role with a team trying to build a serious Stanley Cup contender. But if he’s going to play top-line minutes, a source close to him said, he should be valued accordingly."
A "source close to him"??????
Is that.....
A/ Duff?
B/Duff's Hollywood agent?
C/Any one of 16-20 D-men from opposing teams who have routinely scattered away his cream puff passes?
D/Some long term furniture salesman from his dad's business who once laced his own skates in a HS tournament and now has a greater understanding of the pro game?
E/None or all of the above?
MIKE COMRIE.
PAY ATTENTION.
You are a middle to upper tier NHL player.
Yet, someone who has been trade bait year after year.
A guy who has no home in the NHL.
But, nevetheless, someone who is a legend in his own mind.
We all have visions of grandeur, there are grander visions that can be experienced by becoming a vital cog within a Championship Program.
At what point do you decide to be a 2nd line center that gets his name on the Cup , as opposed to a Hollywood Icon living the life as the 1st line center on the Kings?
GO FOR THE GLORY OF THE WIN, MIKIE!!!!
Accept Garth's offer...
Long Island is only a cheap LIRR ride and the IND ride to a great lay.
Be the Bourne/Merrick of the new Isles.
You've got enough money.
Well said 505
Happy Trade Deadline Day Guys!!!!
Sorry that I didn't have time to get any of you guys a card.
I'm sitting here at work with the CBC and City TV's Toronto affiliate infront of me. Ya gotta love that both networks break in at the top and bottom of the hour with important NEWS pieces .... The Hockey Trade Deadline ... they tell you to tune into NHL Network or Hockey Night in Canada Radio for round the clock coverage and breaking news. Gotta Love It!!!
Toronto being shown right now infact in last night's game destroying Ottawa.
I'm with 505 regarding the whole deadline hoopla .... we can only sit back ... relax and wait for the day to unfold. 3pm is only 7 hours 12 minutes or so away.... we'll know soon enough.
Re: Offering Comrie to another 1 year extension. I haven't heard that one. Also .. what is the point? Only to gaurantee that at worse we have a #2 level center on the team for next season?
I am going to entrust Snow to do what is best for the long term develpment of a "new" core of future Stanley Cup winners in an Islander uniform ... while at the same time keeping the team viable enough to make the playoffs and go deep this season.
That should be his concern... and if T.O. doesn't want to part with their #1 to dump BM's salary .... let 'em choke on it.
The Isles are going to have to wait for some other teams to fight over some prime players before players like Satan, Tank and Comrie are demanded.
My next entry will most likey be after the deadline passes .... so till then .... I'm sure we will be looking at a slightly different team to play tonight.
Later Skaters!!
I don't think we'll see any movement from the Islanders until the big names are moved, then we'll see how much interest there is for their players.
Comrie signing is official
1 year 4 million
Man, hockey ratings are pretty bad, even though they are improving and the Ranger ratings are better than the awful Knicks and Nets. The below is from Neil Best in todays Newsday:
Perhaps riding momentum from last season's revival, the Rangers are up 104 percent to 1.1 percent of homes; it is exceedingly rare for them to be ahead of the Knicks regardless of the teams' records.
Meanwhile, on FSNY, the Islanders are up 85 percent - from 0.13 percent of homes to 0.24 - and the Devils are up 41 percent to 0.31.
Hossa to Habs
Richards to Dallas ....
That is the word right now ... whether it is confirmed or not .. I have no idea. CBC didn't go into details ... just said that it is unconfirmed report .. and details of players involved are still being ironed out. ... blah blah blah ....
That gives Snow more time to negotiate for the other teams looking to pick up on the Comrie, Satan tier type players ...
Still can't find anything with the Comrie signing.... and again Why? Are our prospects for a #1 center that bad?
Back to work for me
19 isles click on my name (netminder 39)
I think signing Comrie to a one year deal was smart. Obviously Snow was mildly impressed with what he brought to the table, but doesn't feel he was worth the first line money he is looking for. So the one year deal will keep him hungry to prove them wrong.
Just so everyone knows, I will be at the Coliseum all day today - it's even posted on the Islanders site. Should be exciting experiencing a deadline behind the scenes!
http://www.islesblogger.com
Quote: "i heard a report that the Isles reacquired Jason Blake and Bryan McCabe from the Leafs for a draft pick, Tambellini and Campoli"
OHMYDEARFREAKINGGODNOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
please dear god dont let that be true.....dont bail out the leafs, let them suffer....let them be us for a few years....
Prospal to Flyers???
Canadian TV ... always ontop of things ... no mention of Comrie deal though.
They aren't confirming any of these trades or signings ... they must have some type of inside reporter at the NHL offices that are approving trades ... b/c they state that details of players involed are pending.
OK ... I really gotta get back to work.... LOL!!! This time I mean it .
Later Skaters
Nova-give that one a rest-A bored rag fan posted that. Use your head!
Not true, no move like that has been made.