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Free Agent SIgnings
Mason Raymond; 2 years for a total of $4.8million
The veteran forward has been brought in as a short term fixture, until the younger forwards in the organization are NHL ready. The hockey world is well aware of Raymond's skating ability, and his ability to move up and down the lineup. GM Wolf couldn't get Mason to agree on a one year deal.
Bogdan Kiselevich; 1 year at $880,000.
One of our Russian based scouts spotted him, watched him and submitted a glowing report. A team of scouts was assembled and dispatched to Russia and Bogdan was thoroughly scouted. Bogdan doesn't have any outstanding talents but he does most things well and that makes him a complete player. GM Wolf offered a 3 year deal but Bogdan was adamant on signing a 1 year deal.
Andrei Sigaryov; 2 years at $550,000 per - with a two way clause.
Another young player who impressed the Islander's brass with his ability to play all 3 forward positions. He needs time to develop but he could become a second line player one day. He has a lot of similarities to Josh Bailey.
In a different type of free agent signing, the Islanders hired another goaltender coach (Terry Hunter) and another defensive coach (Mike Jackson).
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As usual, there was a huge amount of money thrown into the UFA bonanza pool, here are some highlights:
Marian Gaborik - after spurning the Islanders, Gaborik signed a 3 year deal worth $3,800,000 per season, with the Buffalo Sabres
Daniel Sedin - leaves Vancouver to go to New Jersey (3 years at $6,600,000 per season)
Henrik Sedin - leaves Vancouver to play in San Jose (3 years at $6,000,000 per season)
Joe Thornton - has traded the west coast sun for the sun of Tampa Bay. Two years worth a total of $11,340,000
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From Around the League:
To the Coyotes: Nail Yakupov
To the Oilers: Max Domi
To the Sabres: Chris Tanev, rights to Ben Hutton, rights to Joseph Cox
To the Canucks: Nikita Zadorov
To the Kings: Torey Krug, 2015 2nd Round Pick (Boston)
To the Bruins: Jeff Carter
To the Ducks: Ondrej Palat
To the Stars: Tyson Baille
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Pre-Season 2014-2015
The Goalies
Braden Holtby was okay during his first season with the Islanders, but he definitely digressed as the year went on. In fact, he lost his starting job to Anders Nilsson during the final 1-2 months of the season. Anders Nilsson was steady when called upon, a good sign for a backup goaltender. As the new season approaches, there will be a lot of pressure on Holtby to improve his game.
The Defense
The addition of Bogdan Kiselevich to the team has improved the quality and depth of the team's defensive corps. This defensive core got an unexpected bonus courtesy of the Waiver Wire as the Detroit Red Wings tried to send Dany DeKeyser to the minors but he was instantly snatched up by the Islanders.
With these two newcomers patrolling the blue line, Griffin Reinhart and Ryan Pulock have been sent to Bridgeport for further seasoning. Joining them on the minor league team were Andrei Pedan and Aaron Ness. Reinhart and Pulock still have good upside but the window may have closed for Pedan and Ness.
Matt Donovan, cleared waivers, and was also sent to Bridgeport. Long time NHLer Lubomir Vishnovsky also cleared waivers and he will spend the season in Bridgeport. Vishnovsky has one year left on his contract and he'll be making $6,000,000 in his final season.
The Forwards
This will be pretty much the same group of players that powered the Islanders to a top 3 offense last season. There wasn't much of a challenge for roster spots this year as most of the prospects aren't good enough to play in the top nine.
Mason Raymond is the one new addition who will start opening night with Tavares and Okposo. The other new addition, Andrei Sigaryov struggled to adjust to the smaller North American ice surface. Hopefully Andrei can work on and improve his game in Bridgeport.
Ryan Strome shocked many in the NHL community with his strong performance last season and he'll be expected to produce again this year.
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