With Mark Streit comfortably in tow, the Islanders had a far more successful July 1st than they did last year, and certainly a more productive day than anybody expected. Still, their work is not yet complete.
While Streit did play some forward last year with Montreal, the Islanders still need far more scoring help. Michael Ryder was an option, but he's off to Boston. There are still plenty otalented names out there. As good of a job Snow did getting his player at his price, there will have to be other similar moves. Remember, part of free agency is getting the right pieces in place that will entice other players to come.
So far, so good. As for the future? Doug Weight seems like a guarantee to come to Long Island eventually. While the last thing the Isles need is another aging veteran, they could do worse than Weight, who's won a Cup and could teach the youngsters a thing or to while playing some good hockey. There are quite a few other options out there; it'll be interesting to see how Snow plays this. I'd say he's earned the benefit of the doubt so far.
With Marian Hossa (reportedly) signed and Mats Sundin being offered big money, it's possible that the big guns will be off the market sooner rather than later. That's when we'll see what direction the Islanders take. For the first time in a long time, I'm not cringing at the thought of who Snow might bring in. That's the surest sign of progress so far.
While Streit did play some forward last year with Montreal, the Islanders still need far more scoring help. Michael Ryder was an option, but he's off to Boston. There are still plenty otalented names out there. As good of a job Snow did getting his player at his price, there will have to be other similar moves. Remember, part of free agency is getting the right pieces in place that will entice other players to come.
So far, so good. As for the future? Doug Weight seems like a guarantee to come to Long Island eventually. While the last thing the Isles need is another aging veteran, they could do worse than Weight, who's won a Cup and could teach the youngsters a thing or to while playing some good hockey. There are quite a few other options out there; it'll be interesting to see how Snow plays this. I'd say he's earned the benefit of the doubt so far.
With Marian Hossa (reportedly) signed and Mats Sundin being offered big money, it's possible that the big guns will be off the market sooner rather than later. That's when we'll see what direction the Islanders take. For the first time in a long time, I'm not cringing at the thought of who Snow might bring in. That's the surest sign of progress so far.
EDIT: The Isles signed Weight to a one-year deal this evening. It is what it is, but it's a deal that will probably do more good things for the Islanders than bad. Hey, at the very least, it's an upgrade over Josef Vasicek and Ruslan Fedotenko.
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