January 2015
A 4-4-2 month saw the Islanders drop a spot in the standings. Goal scoring isn’t a problem but the goals against continues to creep up - as the Islanders goals against totals continues to increase in each month of the current season. Not good.
In an effort to shore up the defense, GM Wolf sent promising youngster Ryan Pulock to the San Jose Sharks for veteran Marc Edouard Vlasic. Vlasic recorded 6 assists in his first 7 games, and while the PK unit didn’t improve during the month, the PK unit also didn’t bomb. Hopefully, the PK unit can start to improve.
To the Islanders: Marc Edouard Vlasic, 2016 4th round pick
To the Sharks: Ryan Pulock, Taylor Cammarata, Devon Toews, 2017 6th round pick
This was a real, real tough trade as Ryan Pulock was considered a future anchor of the Islanders defense core. The addition of Vlasic has allowed the Islanders to demote Brian Strait to Bridgeport of the AHL. There is no doubt that Vlasic has upgraded the talent level of the defensive core but team cohesion may have become an issue with the hockey club. In 10 games this month, the team allowed 31 goals. Again, not good. Perhaps most disturbing - the giveaways continue to hurt the Islanders. What’s a coach to do when his best d-man has developed a tendency to play hot potato with the hockey puck?
Contract News
Frans Nielsen has re-upped for another 3 years at $4,833,334 per season. Even at the ripe old age of 31, Frans continues to produce offensively but perhaps more importantly, his play away from the puck remains sound. A true pro.
Eddie Lack has signed a 2 year extension worth $3.1M, or $1,500,000 per season. Lack has stabilized the backup goaltender position for the Islanders.
Ryan Strome has agreed on a 1 year bridge deal, worth a reasonable very $3,000,000.
Kevin Poulin has agreed to a 2 year, two-way contract. Poulin’s signing gives the team depth at the goaltender position.
Negotiations continue with Casey Cizikas and minor leaguers Alan Quine and Scott Mayfield. The management team is currently having in-house discussions on the futures of Radim Vrbata, Kiril Petrov and Darren Helm.
From Around the League
Bryan Little blew out his knee, expected rehab time will be 12 months. Ouch. This is the worst injury of the season, thus far.
For the second consecutive month, rumours continue to circulate out of Vancouver - as Willie Desjardins is still on thin ice.
Jim Rutherford of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the latest executive to find himself on the hot seat...
And the League Standings
