Building The Isles

This Islanders team does not have the talent to be good now. That said, the current approach, build from within through the draft, supplemented by free agents, as, and when appropriate, is the right approach to building a sustainable winning team (ex. Wings, Devils). Attempting to build your team via free agency has hardly ever worked (ex. Rags, Leafs, Flyers). In fact, has it ever?

This is a long process and the Isles started pretty empty. The team also needs a draft guru; Jersey, David Conte, and Detroit, Jim Nill and Ken Holland, have their guys; I'm not convinced the Isles currently have theirs. The Isles need to stick with this rebuild and in three to four years will be a good on-ice team ready to challenge for playoff success.

Isles say good to see Hillen in the lineup this weekend, he looked pretty good.

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.

Jack Hillen Inked To Two Year Deal

The New York Islanders have reached agreement on a two year, one-way contract with RFA Jack Hillen (reportedly for $520k per year). The move leaves Blake Comeau as the Islanders only unsigned RFA.

Isles say the Islanders won't be sitting a young defenseman and the veterans are starters, look for a move on the defense.

Isles Sign Thompson, Two RFA's Remain

Avoiding an arbitration hearing, the New York Islanders have signed RFA Nate Thompson to a one year, two-way contract. RFA's Jack Hillen and Blake Comeau remain unsigned.

Isles say this is a depth signing and with an improved roster, barring injuries, he'll be with the Sound Tigers for most of the year.