The past week has been insane for Islander fans. First they lose Smyth, Kozlov, Blake and Poti and then they sign Sim, Fedotenko and Bill Guerin. While those signings still don’t make up for the losses of the players I’ve just mentioned, it’s still a start.

Sitting in the press box at Keyspan Park in the middle of a rain delay, I find out the news that Guerin is an Islander and I feel like I just had a Whopper JR. at Burger King. I’m not completely full by any stretch of the imagination, but I know if I have a few more, I’ll be on my way.

With a few solid players still available that the Isles can take a chance on, I’m confident that the team that gets put on the ice this season will be competitive.

However, while I love the deal and I think the Isles are looking better and better as each day passes, I still think they need to make a few more deals before they can get closer to calling themselves a playoff contender. If Guerin is healthy, he’ll score anywhere from 55-75 points, which takes care of making up for Jason Blake’s offense, but the real question is who passes to him?

Mike Sillinger right now is really the only option the team has and while I think he’s arguably the best all-around player the team has right now, he’s better suited to be on the second line with Hunter and Hilbert. If they can find someone the likes of Comrie or someone else that can put up anywhere from 55-65 points a season, then I think the team may be looking much better. As well, I’d love to see the Isles take a chance on someone like Jeff Friesen or Dave Scatchard who are both in desperate need of a change of scenery and a place where they can get some minutes on the powerplay and contribute more.

If these guys can get some ice time, I don’t see any reason why they can’t put up 15-20 goal, 35-40 point seasons and add some depth to the third and fourth lines. I don’t know how you guys feel about Friesen, but I think Scatchard would be a perfect hit on the team and if the Isles bring back Asham and Simon, how’s that for a checking line?

Uh huh, that would be nuts my friends, nuts indeed.

Alright, this game is about to start and I need to get started on my recap for NYSportsday.

Let’s go Islanders.

Posted under Isles Thoughts 2007