Here is a list whom they picked up over the last few days:

Center Greg Moore, left wing Matt Moulson, right wing Greg Mauldin and defenseman Mark Flood, Goaltender Scott Munroe, left wing Jeremy Reich and defenseman Brett Westgarth. All seven players were signed to one year two way contracts.

Some background on each player, as found on the Islanders Website followed by my own brief opinion or thoughts:

Greg Moore

Moore played within the New York Rangers’ organization the past four years, skating in a total of six games for the big club during the 2007-08 season. While playing for the Rangers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, the 6’1, 210 pound center compiled 58 goals and 74 assists for 132 points in 224 games during his four seasons. The native of Lisbon, Maine, was selected to represent the Wolf Pack in the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic game for PlanetUSA. Moore is a graduate of the University of Maine where he played four years, accumulating 66 goals and 41 assists for 107 points with the Black Bears. In his senior year, Moore led Maine in scoring with 45 points (28 goals and 17 assists). He was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft where he was selected 143rd overall in the fifth round.

Islesblogger’s take

Key words, product of Maine – we know how Garth Snow loves to take from familiar areas, but there could a diamond in the rough there with Moore. Firstly, Moore has SIZE – 6′1″ and 210 lbs makes the current crop of centermen with the Islanders look a bit small. Skill wise, Moore seems to have put up decent numbers in College and in the Minors – so it’s a bit of a crap shoot to expect him to do anything more then get his cup of coffee with the Islanders should dare I say it, injuries arise.

Matt Moulson

Moulson has totaled six goals and four assists for 10 points in 29 games with the Los Angeles Kings during the last three seasons. A native of North York, ON, Moulson played the majority of his time in the Kings’ organization with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, where he tallied 74 goals and 86 assists for 160 points in 188 games. Prior to his professional career, Moulson attended Cornell University, where he graduated in 2006 after accumulating 138 points (71 goals and 67 assists). Moulson led Cornell in scoring his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was originally a draft choice of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft where he was chosen in the ninth round, 263rd overall.

Islesblogger’s take

I get nervous when I read how players had scoring prowess in college and juniors – I really do. Here we have a player who lead his college team in scoring and then came to the AHL and put up just under a point a game. Taken in the ninth round in 2003, Moulson is an older player who has very little NHL experience, but could be a potential surprise – much like Tambellini (any coincidence with the Kings? Hmmmmm). Worth a shot checking him out for a season, another decent depth player for Bridgeport.

Greg Mauldin

Mauldin has spent the past two seasons with the Binghamton Senators, AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. In 151 games with Binghamton, Mauldin scored 39 goals and 45 assists for 84 points. The 5’11, 197 pound left-wing was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets, 199th overall in the seventh round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He was born in Holliston, Mass., where he went on to play college hockey at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst. Mauldin played three years for the Minutemen, scoring 94 points (48 goals and 46 assists) in 98 games. At the completion of his junior year, Mauldin skated in six games for the Blue Jackets. He played the following two years for the organization’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, recording 19 goals and 37 assists for 56 points in 122 games. Mauldin was traded to the Houston Aeros at the end of the 2005-06 season, playing in 11 regular season games and scoring 4 points (1 goal and three assists).

Islesblogger’s take

Key words again – Holliston, Massachusetts – Garth sure does like those Mass natives. This is a player whom is hard to judge just by reading into his stats. Obviously the team sees something there by way of scouting, he doesn’t exactly scream out goalscoring machine – but could play well in a role player situation. However, being listed at 5′11″ and 197lbs sort of limits what type of role he can actually fit in and play. More Bridgeport depth.

Mark Flood

Flood, a native of Charlottetown, PEI, has played for the Albany River Rats, AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, the past three seasons, racking up 63 points (19 goals and 44 assists). The 6’1, 195 pound defensemen began his pro career with Syracuse in the 2005-06 season. He spent the next two seasons with the Crunch, scoring two goals and two assists in 17 games. Flood also saw time with the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL during the 2005-06 season where he played in 50 games and totaled 25 points (11 goals and 14 assists). Prior to his pro career, Flood skated four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Peterborough Petes scoring a total of 25 goals and 94 assists for 119 points in 253 games. Flood was selected in round six of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, 188th overall.

Islesblogger’s take

Your typical puck moving defenseman, Flood is listed at 6′1″ and 195lbs – he is said to possess a heavy right handed shot and can pot you a few goals on the power play. As you can see above, Flood has yet to really be given his big break in the NHL. With our New York Islanders and a constant revolving cast of misfits players, we know it will only be a matter of time until his services are called upon. With the way Garth snow and the scouts have picked defensemen the last few years – this one seems like it could have a low risk – high reward type of impact in my eyes.

Scott Munroe

Munroe, an undrafted goalie from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, has been a part of the Philadelphia Flyers organization for the past four seasons. He received his first call-up to the National Hockey League last year with the Flyers. The 27-year-old net-minder posted a career year last season with a record of 31-19-0-4, a save percentage of .926 and four shutouts. Munroe led the Phantoms to the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of the past two seasons. During the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs, Munroe made 65 saves in a five overtime contest against the Albany River Rats to earn the victory in the longest game in American Hockey League history.

Islesblogger’s take

Another goalie? The Islanders have been doing their best to restock a much needed position in the organization. With the status of Rick DiPietro being up in the air (as if it ever changes around here), the Islanders selected two goaltenders at the 2009 entry draft last week and have now signed the Phantom’s Calder Cup specialist. Look for Munroe to maybe get a spot call on backup duty here and there, but mainly vie for a position down in Bridgeport now that Peter Mannino, Yann Danis and Joey MacDonald have not been brought back this season.

Jeremy Reich

Reich has played in a total of 99 NHL games scoring two goals and four assists while compiling 161 penalty minutes. The Craik, Saskatchewan, native has been a part of the Boston Bruins organization for the past three years and played under Islanders head coach Scott Gordon his first two seasons with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Last season, the 6’1, 196 pound left wing, served as the team captain of Providence, setting single-season career high numbers of 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 76 games. Reich was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (39th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

Islesblogger’s take

You all asked for muscle, you got it – just not in the form you were expecting. Reich is another mid-sized enforcer poached from a familiar territory – the Providence Bruins. Scott Gordon must have been chomping at the bit to get this player, as you can see from his picture and some stats above the boy LOVES to scrap. He appears to be a leader and has quite a few NHL games under his belt at 99. I would look to him to play the role played by Nate Thompson and Joel Rechlicz last season and get the nod when there is a known need for enforcement. With a familiarity of the player by the head coach of the parent club – I wouldn’t be surprised if Gordon almost doesn’t give him a spot right out of camp.

Brett Westgarth

Westgarth played the last three seasons in the AHL. Last year, the 6’2, 215 pound defenseman played for the Worcester Sharks, AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, scoring nine points (2 goals and 7 assists) while totaling 137 penalty minutes. Westgarth, a native of Amhertsburg, ON, is a Princeton University graduate who skated for the Tigers from 2002-2007 where he compiled four goals and 20 assists for 24 points.

Islesblogger’s take

Finally, more of what we DO NOT HAVE, a relatively decent size defensive prospect who could potentially take the role of a shutdown man (ala Brendan Witt). Obviously Westgarth isn’t known for his puck moving ability and with 137 penalty minutes – clearly plays his game a bit differently. Kudos to the scouting staff for finally figuring out that every defenseman we pick doesn’t have to have a strong offensive game. Of all the moves, I think taking a chance on a defenseman you think fits a DIFFERENT type of need in the position is a step in the right direction. If it doesn’t work out, he is on a one year deal – you walk away.

In closing, the Islanders have picked up a bevy of prospects for really nothing – which is a bit risky only in you never really know what you will get when you roll the dice. Picking up free agent players like this is really no different then drafting in a sense – it takes good scouting and research to find that “diamond in the rough” player who will be serviceable not only for your farm team, but eventually your NHL club.

For now, those whom were expecting the Islanders to land some marquee free agents or a player along the lines of Mark Streit last year, you will have to wait a few more days – or take solace in knowing our current number one goaltender is Dwayne Roloson. At least he finished last season with a winning record, that’s a plus right there folks.

I opened up Newsday today as I do every morning and read every story as I sipped my scolding hot 7-11 coffee and found a story on the Lighthouse Project. It is something that has been a regular fixture in the local section of the paper as of late, as the momentum for the project has been steadily increasing over the last few months. I will be honest about one thing, no – make it two things; I REALLY hate politics, I mean with the fire of a thousand burning suns type of hate and I really don’t know enough about the process to make educated comments regularly. It’s not that I haven’t been afforded opportunities to either – Katrina Doell of the Lighthouse Development Group has invited myself and other bloggers to countless public and private meetings and rallies – they are usually while I am at work and for the most part cannot sneak out (trust me, I would if I could in order to educate myself).

In case you do not know, the Town of Hempstead is opening up the enviornmental review to “local government officials, representatives from involved agencies such as the state departments of Transportation, Health and Environment; the Uniondale school district; and residents near the site” for a 45-day public comment period. Whatever enviornmental concerns there are with any of the groups listed, they will work through them together and move another step closer towards allowing Charles Wang and Scott Rechler to break ground or in any case onto the next step in the process.

Here is the Newsday story:

The public will soon be able to weigh in on the environmental impact of the Lighthouse project, which proposes a community around an upgraded Nassau Coliseum.

Lighthouse principals Charles Wang and Scott Rechler have proposed a $3.7-billion development to include 2,300 living units and 1.5 million square feet of office space, shops and restaurants.

On Aug. 4, the Hempstead Town Board is expected to hear concerns from local government officials, representatives from involved agencies such as the state departments of Transportation, Health and Environment; the Uniondale school district; and residents near the site.

Hempstead officials said its consultants will use input from the public hearing to make sure all issues are addressed in a final environmental impact statement.

Some weighed in with concerns early on in the process.

Nassau County’s public works officials said in a May memo they would need proof the project has sufficient facilities to store drainage runoff, a proper destination for storm water overflow and an erosion control plan.

County health officials said in a 2008 letter they were concerned about water and sewer availability; the design of the sewage disposal system; any potential contamination on or surrounding the site; whether a licensed inspector will check for asbestos before any demolition; and hard-wired carbon monoxide alarms and a ventilation system in the underground parking garage.

An attorney for Garden City has cautioned that if the environmental review is “short-circuited” and doesn’t adequately address the adjacent village’s concerns, including water and air quality, they would sue the town and developers.

Hempstead Village officials have said the Lighthouse draft environmental report ignores their community’s downtown redevelopment, and that a lawsuit is possible.

Uniondale school officials have said they believe the developers’ estimate of an additional 330 school-aged children is low.

Today, the Hempstead Town Board is expected to declare the Lighthouse developers’ draft statement on environmental impact ready for public review, opening a minimum 45-day public comment period.

The August 4th meeting will take place at Hempstead Town Hall and is two sessions: 9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. If you can make it, I urge you to show up in support of the project – but remain respectful in doing so (naturally).

Update 12:00pm

Just got word from the Lighthouse Group that there is also a meeting this week and a clarification of the Newsday article:

At the regularly scheduled Town of Hempstead Town Board meeting at 10:30 a.m. on July 7, the Town Board will take a step toward final zoning approvals with a vote on the completeness of the Draft Generic Environmental Studies. These studies were conducted in cooperation with the Town of Hempstead. The meeting will be held at Town Hall, located at One Washington Street, Hempstead, NY.

Please note, a story which appeared in the July 6, 2009 edition of Newsday incorrectly stated that this meeting was being held on July 6.

The same Newsday story also indicated that the Town will be holding public hearings related to the project on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. More information to follow from the Town of Hempstead on the time and location of this important meeting. The public hearing is the most important time for supporters of the project to turn out and let their voices be heard. Please put this date on your calendar!

We look forward to seeing you at these important events.

For more information check out Katrina Doell’s blog The Light Post or The Official Lighthouse Project website.

This move addresses a need, but is two years for a 40 year old goalie the smartest?

Per Greg Logan’s blog.

The Islanders have reached agreement with Edmonton’s Dwayne Roloson on a two-year deal believed to be worth $5 million. Signing a veteran starting goaltender solves their top priority, which was to have a 1A-caliber backup for starter Rick DiPietro in the event his injury problems continue.

Roloson turns 40 on Oct. 12, but he was the Oilers’ MVP last season with a 28-24-9 record, 2.77 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. He also recorded a spectacular .930 save percentage for Canada at the World Championships, a gold-medal effort.

Just got a confusing press release from the Isles that says WE got the conditional pick:

The New York Islanders have acquired Tony Romano and a conditional pick in the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for center Ben Walter. 

Romano played the last two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League.  The Smithtown, NY native was the leading scorer for the Peterborough Petes last season, scoring 36 goals and 33 assists for 69 points in 65 games.  The year prior, Romano skated in 66 games for the London Knights and registered 22 points (12 goals and 10 assists).  Romano was drafted in the sixth round (178th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and played that same year for Cornell University where he totaled nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 29 games. 

Walter spent the last two seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he accumulated 116 points.  He played in a total of 12 games for the Islanders during his two seasons with the organization scoring one goal. 

Per NHL.com:

The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders swung a small trade Tuesday. The Devils sent Tony Romano to the Islanders in exchange for Ben Walter and a conditional draft pick in 2012.

Walter, a former fifth-round pick of the Boston Bruins, has 22 games of NHL experience spread over four seasons, including two with the Bruins and the last two with the Islanders.

He played in four games last season while also wracking up 50 points in 65 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. Walter has averaged 20 goals and nearly 56 points per season in the AHL since turning pro in 2005 after spending three seasons at UMass-Lowell.

Romano, 21, the Devils’ sixth round pick in 2006, has spent the last two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, first with the London Knights and then with the Peterborough Petes. He had 69 points in 65 games last season with Peterborough.

Ok so Romano is a 21 year old prospect (and Smithtown, NY native) who has not played at all in the NHL just yet, not really any different then Walter and his cup-o-coffee. Romano is listed at 5′7″ and 170lbs but his offensive numbers seem to indicate he uses his lack of size well enough to get to scoring areas. I am unsure if he played with Tavares at all, but it just seems they seem to be targeting players from the same systems and organizations – for whatever that is worth. You can read more about Romano on Hockey’s Future.

Like I said, this isn’t exactly the same as the Rangers shipping Scott Gomez off to Montreal for Chris Higgins, but it’s a start. Only two more days till the free agent frenzy begins.

With the 152nd overall selection, they selected 6′2″ 214lb centerman Anders Lee from Edina HS in Minnesota.

The only information on the net on Anders Lee comes from Hockey’s Future:

History

2007-08: After two successful years at St. Thomas Academy, Anders Lee transferred to Edina prior to this season. He enjoyed a stellar junior campaign at Edina High School, where he played alongside Edina’s two junior sensations Zach Budish and Marshall Everson. Lee finished third on the Hornet roster in scoring with 54 points (32 goals, 22 assists) in 31 appearances. His 32 goals were second on the team and he averaged 1.74 points per game. Among the accolades Lee received included a spot on the Pioneer Press All-State First Team and an honorable mention to the AP All-State team. Lee, who has carried a near 4.0 GPA at Edina this season in addition to his excellence on the ice, has garnered considerable interest from a number of D-I schools, most notably from Harvard.
Talent Analysis

At 6’2.5/213 lbs, Lee is a man-child. It is easy to spot him on the ice because of his imposing size and tremendous strength. He is exceedingly strong on his skates and quite mobile. What stands out about Lee’s skating however is the great balance and agility that he has for such a big man. He also has some speed to go with it. Lee utilizes his large frame, strength and long reach to great advantage. He is not only a difficult player to move off of the puck, but he can also power his way through the opposition’s checks too. He is very strong along the boards and in the corners. Where Lee’s use of his size and strength are particularly noticeable are in his relentless drives to the net and in protecting the puck. He can also deliver some bone-jarring hits as well.

One of Lee’s greatest attributes is his very heavy shot. He can get pucks to the net and gets his shots off very quickly. He is a smart player who competes hard and sees the ice remarkably well. He is defensively responsible and is a competent penalty killer.

An area where Lee really excelled this season with Edina was on face-offs. He possesses nice hands and is very poised with the puck. While his passing skills are good, it’s an area that can and should improve with maturity and development.
Future

One dilemma that Lee poses to prospective NHL teams who are considering selecting him in this year’s draft is that he has also excelled at and has drawn considerable scouting interest in his other dominant sport – football.

Unfortunately, there is NO other information on this prospect just yet.

Some info from My NHL Draft:

A player who has a solid all around game and does a lot of things right. He has decent offensive skills, putting up 18 goals and 41 points in his rookie season in the OHL last year. He is capable of far more offensively. He is a great passer, has great skating ability and a knack for finding room for himself.

This player is definitely very crafty with the puck when pressured. He also has a very nice set of hands and should shoot a little more than he does. He does need to get a little stronger in his upper body, to be able to better battle in traffic. He’s a good solid prospect who at 5-11, 185 lbs will get a little more filled out. We like his upside.

Isles Official’s Outlook found this neat video of a shootout with Koskinen as well, it was worth sharing. Koskinen is the second goaltender shown in the white jersey.

Information on Nilsson is a bit hard to find, but I did manage to find some information on NHL.com.

The story gets more and more interesting as the day goes on.

Information on the goaltender of the future for the Islanders courtesy of Hockey’s Future:

History

2007-08: Spent the majority of the season with the Blues of the SM-Liiga juniors, posting respectable numbers after 20 games.

2008-09: Played for the Espoo Blues and posted a 1.91 goals against average and .912 save percentage after 33 games. Was passed over in the 2008 draft.
Talent Analysis

Koskinen’s greatest asset is his size, which he uses to seemingly fill the entire net and he covers a lot of space in the butterfly. He is inexperienced in terms of the number of games played and has not had a lot of international experience – excelling in the SM-Liiga where he ordinarily does not see the booming slapshots or accurate snipers more common in North America. Still learning as a goaltender, he must work to improve his quickness and foot speed. Very good at anticipating chances and setting himself to limit scoring opportunities. Quality teammate who has earned the respect of the veteran players in Espoo.
Future

Rated as the second European goalie by Central Scouting, in a bad year for European goalies.

Day two is usually much, much faster for rounds two through seven, simply because the teams do not come up to the stage for each pick. It’s also easier for the media because the only players who may actually be here are the ones who could have went in the later part of the first round or in the second and third – so there is less interviewing to do. It’s also nice that it starts earlier – we get to rest up in the afternoon for one last night in Montreal.

Here are the Islanders remaining pics for rounds two through six, barring any change I will update everyone as it happens:

(Round 2) 31st Overall
(Round 2) 56th Overall (Formerly belonged to Boston)
(Round 3) 91st Overall (Formerly belonged to Pittsburgh)
(Round 5) 122nd Overall
(Round 6) 152nd Overall

The Islanders start off today with the first pick of the second round where there are plenty of very talented players still available. Think of it as an extra first round pick if you will – there were players projected to be taken last night who slipped past the threshold into round two.

Stay tuned folks.

Just walking past Brian Burke being interviewed, the topic of John Tavares came up. Several great points:

When asked if talks for the number one pick ever went past an initial inquiry, Burke said “I asked Garth what it would take and it involved a lot. I asked Garth if it was even a road worth exploring and he said no”.

Burke also went on to talk about hearing how the Islanders were after Duchene and NOT Tavares. Seems Burkie and Logan had the same sources – unfortunate for both parties, good for the Islanders.

You never know what you’ll hear down in the interview room. I am glad Ken made me wait.

In your face Brian Burke, in. your. face.

Picture of the interview

Picks now in the fold (updated follwing De Haan trade):

(Round 1) 1st Overall (John Tavares)
(Round 1) 12th Overall (Calvin De Haan)
(Round 2) 31st Overall
(Round 2) 56th Overall (Formerly belonged to Boston)
(Round 3) 91st Overall (Formerly belonged to Pittsburgh)
(Round 5) 122nd Overall
(Round 6) 152nd Overall

It appears as if there is a plan in action here, or could the Lecavalier rumors be true?

In all seriousness, who do you think will fall into the Islanders lap at the 16th pick? Do you feel they will make a trade to move up even more? Interesting situation going on here in the first round.

Time for a poll!

While we are at it here is another good question:

I will continue to update as it happens.

An aside, I will be unable to provide many links to anything outside of my own site for the time being because the internet is HORRIBLE again this year. Worst case scenario I will continue to update from my phone.

Ok – let me get them in while I can. Doug Davidson over at Isles Official’s Outlook has a live blog going on, join in on the discussion!

As has been the norm, Dom over at Lighthouse Hockey has numerous post and discussion threads going at the same time. I wish I could give him a hand today or even get over there to comment, the net slows to a crawl if I navigate anywhere other then here to click “update”.

Chris Botta is blogging from the press box over at his site live from Nassau Coliseum – check it out

It’s just about t-minus ten here. Anyone out there getting excited?

7:15pm Gary Bettman comes to the podium to a bunch of boo-birds. He butchered a French introduction – I give him an A for effort.

Just got a text that Logan thinks Duchene is a certainty – we shall see bout that Logie.

7:18pm Here we goooo!

7:19pm John Tavares!!!

Thank the lucky stars! After all that silence, like a vacuum the Islanders pick who they should’ve just announced from day one! Roger Farina made it on the jumbotron, ‘Grats Rog

Ok, being we have a gap until the next pick, we are gonna run down to talk to Tavares. Hopefully I can get some pics.

Ok, so we are all here sitting in the arena. Seems there was really next to no follow up to the planning on the Islanders part. We knew sitting in the media risers would be next to impossible. We have spent about an hour getting lead all over the place by NHL officials, each of whom didn’t know what to do with us.

We chose to sit in an unused row of seats near the media risers.

We have internet, which is a plus – but there isn’t anywhere to power laptops over here.

Not having a very good start of the 2009 Draft.

Is this an omen?

I am officially pissed off.
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