March 2016
Easily the worst month of the season, as the Islanders posted a 6-7-2 record. With 42 goals scored and allowing 46 goals against. The team ran into some injury problems within their blueline. The lack of defensive depth will need to be addressed during the off-season.
After the trade deadline, a few teams placed decent players on the waiver wire, but we couldn't claim any of those players because we are currently at the maximum contract limit of 50. Again, this will be dealt with during the off-season.
Despite the disappointing month, we have already qualified for the playoffs.
Contract News
Radim Vrbata, after registering only 4 points in his last 15 games, has been approached about a contract extension - turns out he's seeking a contract of $6,000,000 for one year. That would be a significant bump above the $5,000,000 that he's making this season. No thanks.
Stephen Johns - despite not having even played a single NHL game in his career, Johns has signed a 3 year contract worth a total of $4,500,000. Fortunately, it is a 2 way deal.
Brian Strait - if anyone benefitted from the blueline injury bug of this month, it was Strait. Not only did he manage to get some games in but he also signed a two year contract extension worth $950,000 per season.
Two way deals were also signed with James Wright (C), Chris Gibson (G) and defenders Tom Nilsson and Kevin Czuczman.
From Around the League
Shocking news out of Nashville as rookie Kristian Nakyva's career came to a sudden end, as he suffered a career ending concussion. The rookie managed to score 10 points in 42 games this season.
And everyone's favourite borderline lunatic - Steve Downie - will be out for six months as he suffered a scary neck laceration.
GM Jimmy Rutherford, who has been on the hot seat in Pittsburgh, fired his head coach Mike Johnston, and replaced him with recent (Minnesota) cast-off, Mike Yeo.
Don Maloney, the general manager of the Arizona Coyotes has dismissed the rumours of his impending firing by firing his head coach Dave Tippett. Micheal Stewart has been hired to lead the rebuild in the desert state.
John Hynes, the coach of the Devils is also on the hot seat as are GM's Jarmo Kekalainen (in Columbus) and once again, Jim Benning of the Canucks is desperately fighting to keep his job.