Stranded on an Island

 

Everyone knows the position the Islanders are in. They have roughly $3.9 million in cap with one more player to sign. In most cases, that would be doable, but in this player's case—yeah, not so much. That player is Matthew Barzal, and even at a home discount, there no chance he signs for that.   

This much we know: the buyout option is out the window. The Islanders are shopping Boychuck all over the world. It isn't that Boychuck can't play; teams are balking at his cap hit. They have a similar problem with Mr. Ladd. What makes his contract particularly troublesome is that it is a bonus-driven contract that makes it almost impossible to buy him out.  

The Islanders are down to one option, which is a trade. They have options. Their next best chance at trade bait is probably Bailey. Teams that need a playmaker could use the forward. He has a good rep as a penalty killer and teams love his skating. I have also been told that teams like his versatility; he can also play centre. Cal Clutterbuck is another asset the Isles could deal. Cal is a solid fourth-liner and penalty killer. Again, the main obstacle is his cap. Clubs would be more willing to take on his cap than Boychuck's. The Isles could waive Leo Komarov with Boychuck and Ladd. With the cap they have left, they might be able to sign Barzal. 

Last Word

My biggest beef when it comes to the Islanders is Josh Ho-Sang. They have to play the kid if they want to show him off to the other NHL clubs and get something of value for him. The Isles are not going to use him, so they might as well try to get something for him.  

I want to thank my friends Thomas Boyle and David Weintraub for their help with this blog's material. 

Randy.  

Why I think hockey should be cancelled

I know this choice won't be popular with a lot of you.  At first, I was like the rest of you: play hockey! But I listened to some of the reasoning. Right now, for me, it is all about the safety of the players. There is a sense that there is another outbreak of the virus coming. The chances of players catching the virus goes up.

I know the chances are still pretty good that the players will be fine. To me, there has to be a time when we say health comes first. I get that the players want to play, and I understand that the owners are trying to recoup their losses. But isn't there a time where common sense needs to come into play? The players have not played in months, making them vulnerable to injuries. What happens if the Flames lose Gaudreau, putting next season at risk? It is common knowledge that the Flames would love to grab Hall next season. Can they afford Hall with Gaudreau still in the line-up?

Then there is the issue of the starting date of next season. Gary Bettman said the owners do not want to lose any games next season. They want eighty-two games for next year's season. Put that into perspective—another season going into July. Does the NHL want to compete with baseball pennant races? 

With all that has been going on of late, I feel you cannot rush back into playing just to determine a champion. We have to consider the ramifications of playing the season. You can't tell me that some yahoo is not going to try to see the players.  Mark my words, there will be fans trying to worm their way into seeing the players.

Randy

P.S  I know it is moot. They are playing. But I had to put it out there. I think it is the wrong choice.