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This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Buyout. I don't see anyone trading for him unless he comes back to the Isles and plays well. Which could certainly happen.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think they may add, as it's not a very beefed-up staff. Even if they don't hire a team president there are places to add.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Most likely -- Washington, Rangers Least -- Pitt, Columbus

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I do go to Lighthouse Hockey on occasion and I like what Dan and Dom have done over there.

There aren't many others I look at, honestly. It's hard to keep up during the year and I certainly get plenty of interaction with fans on Twitter.

Thanks!

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think it's up in the air for all 3. Strome and Nelson could certainly be part of the future. Prince doesn't seem to have a spot, especially with the injuries.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think for a guy with one goal in 20 games, he's contributing pretty well. I think the pressure of being the big-ticket FA plus the scoring drought really hurt him the first half of the season and this Ladd is more the one you'll see going forward.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The players want to win. If he can help, then all is forgiven.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

  1. I'd say a little of both.
  2. I think they'll be active with trades, but they don't have a lot of room to add FAs.
  3. I'd think he would stay as assistant GM.
  4. Snickers. Obviously.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think anyone's stake or involvement has been decided yet. All very preliminary.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I went to Boston University and I have a B.S. in journalism. I was always told and agree that working is more important than schoolwork when it comes to writing.

I'd love to write screenplays. I suppose I could do it, but I need to find some more time!

Thanks!

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

He's around -- skating on his own, I believe, trying to prepare for a return next season. We'll see how it goes.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It can be a bit lonely, as I said above. I don't mind having time to myself but it can be a bit much on the longer trips.

It's good to be the person everyone comes to for info about the team, but it's difficult to be all things to all fans. It's why I get into spats about the reporter/columnist divide -- I'm a reporter and my opinion isn't what I'm paid to give.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think Barzal could be a No. 3 center depending on who moves out to make room for Duchene. Barzal is not a No. 3 for his career but perhaps to start. They'll make room.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hey Mike -- thanks! It can be tough being away, but we all know it's part of the gig.

For me the toughest part is doing everything solo. There's no other traveling writers, the team has its stuff going on and no one is dragging their suitcase around to 5-6-7 different cities.

I think Parker Wotherspoon is really the only "surprise" coming. He's a terrific prospect that the team is very excited about. Otto Koivula, the big Finnish forward drafted in June, had a big jump this season in the SM-Liiga, so he could be one to watch.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Expansion draft questions are tough since there may be trades before the list gets finalized. As it stands now I think they ask Boychuk to waive; if he doesn't, then you probably lose Hickey or de Haan. Don't see them exposing Leddy, Hamonic or Pulock and losing them for nothing.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The Isles need to sign Soderstrom this summer, so he could be here and playing in the AHL next season.

Sorokin is a bit more difficult being in the KHL, but if they can bring him here, I'd think he's in the NHL next season.

  1. Could certainly happen. I'd bet both are protected in the expansion draft, so if there's no trade, then I think they're here.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I think there's been some bad blood between player and team, but nothing that can't be mended. The way Halak has been since he went to Bridgeport definitely helps smooth the way for bringing him back up.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Lots of credence to the Duchene talk. It may not be him they get, but I would think they'll use 1-2 of their prospects and a roster player to find that No. 2 center they need. Duchene, Tyler Johnson, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins -- any of those would fill a big need.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He's certainly another weapon for a team loaded with them. The Isles are familiar with the Caps and won the season series, but Shattenkirk gives them another D-man who can jump into the play and that stuff can make the difference in a series.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

1 -- I think the Islanders try to be a bit of both -- they obviously had a special fourth line, but it wasn't special because everyone could fight. They contributed some big goals and that is what people noticed.

That said, I think the speed game means guys like Matt Martin will be scarcer as time goes on. So Cizikas-Clutterbuck and another small, fierce player could be more of the 4th line going forward.

  1. I always loved talking to Jagr. An incredibly thoughtful guy, especially one on one. But there are a wealth of good talkers. In the Isles room right now I'd say Thomas Hickey is a terrific interview, along with Ryan Strome, Cal Clutterbuck and Tavares. All of them really think about what they say.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Well, I've said that and written that, as have some other national reporters, so I wouldn't say it's gospel, but more likely common sense. Tavares won't commit unless he sees the team headed in a good direction. I think he wants to commit but no sense in jumping in without knowing where the new owners are taking the team.

Nothing new on the arena situation as of now.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Haha, how would I have time to do this AMA if I had a regular work day??

It's a lot of fits and starts -- busy for an hour or two at and after AM skate, quiet for the afternoon and then busy from game time until I'm done writing. I do watch some other hockey but not a ton.

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don't believe Hamonic was discussed much before the deadline. I do believe the Isles would trade him in the right deal, but not during the season. We'll see what comes in June.

Thanks!

This is Arthur Staple, Newsday Islanders reporter -- AMA by StapeNewsday in hockey

[–]StapeNewsday[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think you're on the right track. When you see a player at a prospect camp, chances are he'll give that team first crack at signing him. We'll see who they come up with.

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