Hurting Hillen?

Currently, Islanders defenseman Jack Hillen is not playing. Does this go against Snow's philosophy of not having veterans take ice time from the younger guys? They are moving Weight to the wing, from his career centre position, to accommodate Tavares. Tambellini is also sitting, but he has been given a full shot, over several years, to show what he can do at the NHL level (and not impressed). Hillen is still a developing defenseman; why not sit Meyer and play Hillen? You will need defensive depth over the course of the year, but is Hillen's development best served as just a depth guy playing sporadically?

Isles say Hillen plays in one of the back-to-back games this weekend, but they need to get him more ice time.

Weight And Comeau In For Thursday

Doug Weight and Blake Comeau are ready for Thursday's game against Ottawa. With Weight coming off injury reserve someone will have to be moved off the Islanders' roster.

Isles say Rechlicz is sent to Bridgeport, but who else comes out of the game lineup?

Isles Name Weight Captain

The New York Islanders have named Doug Weight as their new captain. The choice was made through a player vote. Richard Park, Brendan Witt, Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo have been given assistant roles.

Isles say a good choice for a still rebuilding team.

Isles Carry Roster Maximum

The New York Islanders are entering the season with the NHL maximum 23 players on their active roster, 14 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies. Weight (groin), Nielsen (knee), Reich (broken wrist), and DiPietro (knees/hips) are on injured reserve. A game lineup can only have 20 players; who are the odd men out on Saturday?

Isles say they dress 12 forwards and six defensemen; Rechlicz, Thompson, and Gervais sit.

New York Islanders: Next Captain

Who should be captain for the Islanders next year?

Isles say have three alternates (Streit, Weight, and Okposo), but no captain. Wait, to name a captain, until this young team matures and a leader develops among the young guys.