What'd I Miss???

TED IS DONE

On July 14, the Islander and their coach, Ted Nolan, decided to part ways. Nolan got a lot out of the team, but due to what was cited as "philosophical differences", they decided to end the tumultuous relationship and Nolan was the one to go.
My opinion...See ya! I am not shedding a tear for someone who wants to fill the roster with 18 grinders simply because they have heart. Someone who also would not commit to a youth-movement, which is something this organization has needed for quite some time. Coach brought a lot of good, but it seems now that he also brought a lot of bad. There are reports of times that he double-crossed players to make them look like they had lied. And there were times where he would simply ignore his assistants and/or management. Oh, and who can forget that home-and-home against the Rangers...you know, the Dubie-gate?
I, for one...and its mostly just me...wanted this. Ted is a veterans coach and the Islanders are a young team. Kyle Okposo, Blake Comeau, Tambellini, Bergenheim, Campoli, Gervais...all young kids. Teddy needs to coach a team like, say, San Jose. An older bunch that needs that guidance...or maybe its time for Teddy to stop coaching in the NHL. His last 2 stops have ended prematurely and maybe there's something to the "blackballing".
Don't get me wrong, I by no means wish anyone out of a job here, but I just think that Teddy wasn't right for this current Islanders team and they are better off finding someone who is completely on board with a rebuild and enduring some growing pains

IT'S NOW OR NEVER TAMBS!

Speedy winger Jeff Tambellini signed a 2 year deal with the Isles. He passed up a qualifying offer of $660,000, which would've been a 2-way contract for next year, and instead took a one-way deal for $550,000 next year an $625,000 in 2009.
Jeff has flat out OWNED the AHL the past few years, but his success has not translated to the big club. Many people, myself included, feel it was because of Ted Nolan. Nolan took Jeff and gave him 8 minutes a game...if that. I really never understood it and its part of the reason I am glad Teddy is gone. A player with the wrist-shot Jeff possesses should have no problem scoring goals at an level, and a lot of that time should be on the power play.
Jeff's chance has come now though. With the firing of Nolan, there's nowhere to hide if he fails. He is going to get top 6 minutes, along with rookie Kyle Okposo and another young player in Blake Comeau. In the past it was him being misused by coaches, or the fact that he was young and "needed more time", but I am cautiously optimistic this time. With the addition of Streit on the PP, Tambellini will have plenty of room to walk off the boards and fire a wrist shot..

BERGIE'S BACK!

Shortly after firing agent-to-the-holdouts, Mark Gandler, fan favorite Sean Bergenheim signed a 2 year deal, worth $1.725 million. The contract pays Sean $800,000 in '08 and $925,000 in 2009.
When Sean first filed for arbitration, I felt things could get messy. It wasn't long ago that Mark Gandler cost the young winger a full season in the NHL for playing a game of "chicken" with the Isles front office. He lost. And Sean lost a year of possible NHL hockey because of it. I called for Sean to fire his agent, and, I would like you all to forward your thank you letters to my office. Seriously though, I was happy to hear the news that he canned the agent and it seems evident that Gandler was the issue, because a few days after, Sean's locked up for two more years.
On another note, Sean is donating a portion of his salary to RexCorp Islanders Inspire, an Islanders Children's Foundation. This is something that the current Islander captain, Bill Guerin, started last season and is an incredible display towards the local community. I applaud Sean, Bill, and all other Islanders involved in this charity, as it is a great thing

FRANS NIELSEN SIGNS 4 YEAR CONTRACT

Perhaps the oddest signing was that of center Frans Nielsen. The fact that Frans signed isn't what the odd part, but its the fact that an unproven young center, who will fill a role that, frankly, a lot of people are filling on the Island, got a 4 year deal. Even more bizarre is the fact that it is a one-way deal, meaning he is all but assured a spot on the big club, beginning this year.
Frans' contract breaks down so that his 4 year deal is spread evenly. $2.1 million total means %$525,000 per season.

Personally, I like Frans Nielsen, but a 4 year commitment is far too long. He has spunk, and sure, his salary is very cap friendly, but for a team that barely is at the cap floor that shouldn't be an issue. Hopefully Frans puts up decent numbers, and since he will be on the 4Th line, barring an exceptional showing in camp an the preseason, I wouldn't be upset to see 1o goals and 10 assists this coming year.