Isles to Bring Back 1972-73 Jersey as Third

Just like we have assumed, it appears confirmed that the Islanders will use their royal blue jersey that they wore in their first season, as their new alternate/third jersey.

Howard Berger of Hockeybuzz made a post on his blog that describes all of the alternates being used next year. Some of them were quite interesting. But the one that matters most to us is the one about the Islanders:

"NEW YORK ISLANDERS: The Isles are going back to their original road jersey from 1972-73, when they joined the NHL along with the Atlanta Flames. It is a royal-blue base, with broad orange and white stripes on the arms and at the bottom of the jersey. The uniform numbers – as they appeared during the club’s inaugural season – are orange with white trim. Player names will also be orange. The Islanders switched to white jersey numbers after their dreadful first year in the league; when they compiled a 12-60-6 record… worst, to that point, in NHL history."

I'm pretty darn excited about this. In the 06-07 season, the Isles brought back this jersey for one game. It will be exactly the same as that, just in the RBK EDGE cut, I'd think.

What I do want to know is if they will wear a navy blue helmet and shorts like they did in that game last year.


Anyway, I can't say that it is completely confirmed until I see Greg Logan post it. I'll be waiting for that now.

Gervais Signs a 3-Year Contract

Isles RFA Defenseman Bruno Gervais has signed a three year, one way contract with the New York Islanders. He will earn $522,500 in the upcoming season, $800,000 in 09-10 and $900,000 in 10-11.

Gervais Nears Long Term Deal

Spiller to Devils

Just popping in quickly here, as I'm hearing that Bruno Gervais could sign a long term deal as soon as tomorrow, per RDS.

EDIT: It also seems that Isles RFA Matt Spiller has signed with the NJ Devils.

Frans Nielsen Re-Signs For 4 Years

Frans Nielsen and the Isles have agreed on a 4-year contract worth $2.1 million. It is a one way contract, assuring him a NHL roster spot. He will earn $525,000 a year.

Third Jerseys Confirmed For 2008-2009!!!

Today, there was a post on IslanderMania by someone who came into contact with the Isles Team Store, confirming there will be third jerseys in the 2008-2009 season. What they are, we still don't know.

Some good news to end off our Thursday.

Mathieu Schneider Long Island Bound?

There is a rumor that a trade may be going through that would mark the return of Matt Schneider. I'll have more on this, as we see if it is true.

2008-2009 Schedule Released

Just like I had told you guys yesterday, the 2008-2009 Schedule has been released.

I will put it on the sidebar soon.

NHL Schedule to be Released Tomorrow?

Word is that the 2008-2009 NHL Season Schedule will be released tomorrow. I will put the Islanders' schedule on the sidebar, where I currently have draft listings. I do have some info on the schedule, though.

The Isles will open on October 10th at the New Jersey Devils. The next night, the Isles will play their Home Opener against the Blues. The schedule will have several Saturday games, as well as several matinees, and will have games on a few holidays.

Just some quick info.

Bergenheim Agrees to 2-Year Deal

Colliton and Walter Also Sign New Contracts

Sean Bergenheim has avoided arbitration, signing a two-year deal worth $1.725 million to remain an Islander. This happened a week after he fired his agents, who had originally forced him to file for arbitration.

“We’ve always had a high regard for Sean,” general manager Garth Snow said. “The events that transpired a week ago allowed us to get this done.”

Bergenheim will once again be a RFA when this new contract ends. He will make $800,000 next season, and $925,000 the year after.

This also comes a day after the re-signing of RFA forward Jeff Tambellini.

Ben Walter and Jeremy Colliton have accepted their qualifying offers, which are both 1-year 2-way contracts.

Tambellini Signs 2-Year Deal

Isles RFA winger Jeff Tambellini signs a two-year deal worth $1.175 million to stay with the Islanders.

It is a one-way contract, as he hopes to prove himself as a top-6 winger. Tambellini will make $550,000 next season and $625,000 in the 09-10 season.

Ted Nolan Fired

Isles' Coach Ted Nolan has been fired this morning.

"Ted has helped us achieve some success over the last two seasons, however it has become clear that we have philosophical differences and have decided together to part ways," said Snow. "Since last season and continuing into the summer, I have realized we do not share the same philosophies. I would like to thank Ted for his two years with the team and wish him the best."

"I have a list of several qualified candidates. After a thorough process, we will hire the very best coach to lead the Islanders on the ice."

"While I am disappointed I will not be coaching the Islanders next season, there have been philosophical differences and we’ve agreed it’s a good time for me to move on," replied Nolan. "I want to thank the Islanders organization for giving me a chance to coach in the NHL again. I have tremendous respect for what the team is trying to do and I wish them well."


I have one comment:

WHAT?

Bergenheim Fires Agents to Avoid Arbitration

After filing for arbitration over a week ago, Isles RFA winger Sean Bergenheim has fired his two agents, in hopes of avoiding arbitration.

Snow and Bergenheim are currently negotiating, and I'd expect to see a signing to come soon.

Please Garth, lock him up long term!

Good Luck Davison, Regier, and Johnson

The Isles have lost three more players to free agency. Rob Davison has signed with Vancouver, Steve Regier has gone to the Blues, and Aaron Johnson inked a contract with the Blackhawks.

I wish the best to all of them, but I really hoped we would keep Davison. I am not at all a happy camper right now.

Isles Sign Witt to a Contract Extension

The New York Islanders have signed Brendan Witt to a 2 year contract extension. Witt will earn $3 million a season. He is now under contract through the 2010-2011 season.

"Over the last two seasons, Brendan has been a warrior for us on the ice and a great leader off the ice," said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. "We're thrilled to keep him in an Islanders uniform."

"My family and I are excited to stay on Long Island for the next three years. We love the community and our fans, and I couldn't be happier," said Witt. "I want to thank the Islanders organization and the fans for making Long Island our home."

After signing a three-year contract with the Islanders in July 2006, Witt's contract would have expired in July 2009. It now runs two years after, and the contract will expire in July 2011.

Up and Running

I got the work done way faster than expected. We now actually have a full archive in the archive page! Click the "Archive" link to check it out.

On the page, it says, "2007-2008 Season Archive". In my terms, a hockey season will be August to July. So once it turns August, there will be a new Archive page for the 2008-2009 season. Just to keep things more organized.

I will be doing a few different things to this site over the summer. You'll see more of these maintenance days.

Closing For Maintenance...6/8/08 6:00 PM

Islander Zone will be closed for maintenance on Tuesday July 8th, 2008 at 6:00 PM EST until further notice.

I'm adding a small thing to one of the pages that I have always wanted to add, but the process cannot be completed without closing down the site for public viewing. The process should take 30-45 minutes most. Just giving a heads up before hand.


Thanks.

No Part 3....

I'm not making a Free Agency day 3 today. Not enough big names left. If the Isles sign someone, I'll make a post about it.

Free Agency Madness; Day 2

ISLES RUMORS:

-Isles interested in Georges Laraque (30%)

-Isles talking to Pavol Demitra (20%)




BLOGGER'S THOUGHTS:

-After a goalie filled day 1, with the Isles signing D Mark Streit last night, we head on to day 2, with top free agents Marian Hossa and Mats Sundin still on the market. Although they are most likey not Long Island bound, I have a handful of rumors still out there to start the day.

-I'm progressively working on updating the rosters and such.

-Yann Danis. That's our goalie right there!

-Hossa....Detroit? One year? What the hell?

-Doug Weight is an Islander. Nice.

-Huselius front is looking good. I'll look more into this.

-Ehh...Huselius thing looks like a fake rumor, sorry.

-Huselius..gone. Ughh.

ALL NHL OFFICIAL SIGNINGS:

(9:24 AM)
-Vancouver signs Ryan Johnson for 2 years $2.3 million

(10:30 AM)
-Tampa Bay signs Janne Niskala (undisclosed)

(11:13 AM)
-Carolina signs Josef Melichar for 1 year $1 million

(11:46 AM)
-Carolina signs Joni Pitkanen for 3 years $12 million

(12:15 PM)
-NY ISLANDERS SIGN YANN DANIS (undisclosed)

(12:36 PM)
-Detroit signs Marian Hossa for 1 year $7.4 million

(1:00 PM)
-Calgary signs Jim Vandermeer and Curtis Glencross

(1:05 PM)
-Dallas signs Sean Avery for 4 years $16 million

(2:33 PM)
-Ottawa signs Sean Donovan (undisclosed)

(3:03 PM)
-Ottawa signs Jarkko Ruutu for 3 years $3.9 million

(3:43 PM)
-Atlanta signs Ron Hainsey for 5 years $22.5 million

(6:20 PM)
-NY ISLANDERS SIGN DOUG WEIGHT FOR 1 YEAR $1.75 million

(9:23 PM)
-Columbus signs Kristian Huselius for 4 years $19 million

Free Agency Madness; Day 1

ISLES RUMORS:

-Doug Weight to sign with Isles (70%)

-Ron Hainsey to sign with Isles (20%)

-MARK STREIT TO SIGN WITH ISLES!!! (100%) - OFFICIAL




BLOGGER'S THOUGHTS:

-If we are in the rebuilding mode, why are we trying to sign older players? We already have Guerin and Sillinger. Who knows?

-Ryder would be a good pickup. I'll look deeper into this and see what's really happening. Nothing is official yet.

-Wow, goalies are going everywhere today.

-Isles have to be doing something soon.

-Goodness. Tampa is going to be a contender next year.

-8 goalies have new homes so far today. Amazing.

-Well, Rolston is gone. Epic fail version 2.0?

-Streit!!! WOO!!!




ALL NHL OFFICIAL SIGNINGS:

(12:52 PM)
-Tampa Bay signs Radim Vrbata for 3 years $9 million

(12:55 PM)
-Boston signs Blake Wheeler to an ELC

(1:03 PM)
-Toronto signs Curtis Joseph for 1 year $0.7 million

(1:58 PM)
-Minnesota signs Andrew Brunette (undisclosed)

(2:50 PM)
-Phoenix signs Kurt Sauer for 4 years $7 million

(2:53 PM)
-Washington signs Jose Theodore for 2 years $9 million

(3:03 PM)
-Colorado signs Andrew Raycroft for 1 year

(3:07 PM)
-Detroit signs Ty Conklin for 1 year $0.75 million

(3:09 PM)
-Phoenix signs Todd Fedoruk for 3 years

(3:24 PM)
-Toronto signs Jeff Finger for 4 years $14 million

(3:38 PM)
-Tampa Bay signs Adam Hall for 3 years $1.8 million

(3:40 PM)
-Pittsburgh signs Eric Godard (undisclosed)
-NY Rangers sign Aaron Voros (undisclosed)

(3:41 PM)
-Florida signs Cory Stillman for 3 years $10.6 million

(3:41 PM)
-Chicago signs Cristobal Huet (undisclosed)

(4:02 PM)
-Colorado signs Darcy Tucker for 2 years $4.5 million

(4:14 PM)
-Tampa Bay signs Olaf Kolzig for 1 year $1.5 million

(4:27 PM)
-Ottawa signs Alex Auld for 2 years $2 million

(5:04 PM)
-Buffalo signs Patrick Lalime for 2 years $2 million

(5:40 PM)
-Chicago signs Brian Campbell for 8 years $56.8 million

(6:01 PM)
-Columbus signs Mike Commodore for 5 years $18.75 million

(6:06 PM)
-Philadelphia signs Ossi Vaananen for 1 year $1 million

(6:15 PM)
-NY Rangers sign Patrick Rissmiller (undisclosed)

(6:24 PM)
-New Jersey signs Brian Rolston for 4 years $20 million

(6:32 PM)
-Philadelphia signs Glen Metropolit (undisclosed)
-Philadelphia signs Nate Raduns (undisclosed)

(6:34 PM)
-Vancouver signs Darcy Hordichuk (undisclosed)

(6:42 PM)
-Toronto signs Niklas Hagman (undisclosed)

(7:18 PM)
-New Jersey signs Bobby Holik for 1 year $2.5 million

(7:37 PM)
-NY Rangers sign Wade Redden for 6 years $39 million

(8:16 PM)
-NY ISLANDERS SIGN MARK STREIT FOR 5 YEARS $20.5 million

(9:58 PM)
-Boston signs Michael Ryder for 3 years $12 million