Free Agency - Who Will the Isles Target?

The draft is behind us and July 1st is only two days away. GM Garth Snow said that the team would not be much different than the 08-09 team. Obviously, Tavares is already a difference. But who will the Islanders target on the free agent market come Wednesday?


*Veteran Winger*

Plan A ALEX TANGUAY
A skilled, fast, veteran LW that has put up 80+ points only a couple years ago. He is just 29 years old, and would not be a poor addition to the lineup to complement one of our young centers.

Plan B MIKAEL SAMUELSSON
A bit older than Tanguay, and much less talented. Still provides veteran leadership to the lineup and 40 or so points.

Plan C ALEXEI KOVALEV
Likely more of a longshot, but Kovalev may look to Long Island if he does not get money elsewhere.

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*Enforcer*

Plan A COLTON ORR
Someone will be needed to protect Tavares. Colton Orr is the perfect fit. The Islanders will not have a plan B and C for this position.

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*Veteran Backup Goalie*

Plan A TY CONKLIN
Conklin has made the Stanley Cup Finals in both of the past two seasons. He'd be a solid 1B to DiPietro. The Islanders will give him a look, but he likely won't be interested.

Plan B BRIAN BOUCHER
Would not be likely to play as many games as a Ty Conklin, but would be a serviceable backup if DiPietro remains healthy.

Plan C MATHIEU GARON
Just won the cup with the Penguins, and will likely look to sign somewhere that he can start 30-40 games. Long Island would be the place for him.

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*Longshots*

Plan A MIKE KOMISAREK
Every team loves a little star talent. The Islanders will give an offer to this Long Island boy, but Komisarek seems to like being away from his home.

Plan B MIKE CAMMALLERI
One of the top point scorers in the league in the 08-09 season, and will go where the money takes him. The Islanders may give him a good offer.

Plan C SEDIN TWINS
Henrik and Daniel Sedin will seek around 5 or 6 million each, and the Islanders are one of the few teams who could give it to them.

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And that's all. I don't see the Islanders doing much, but they will sign a couple. Don't expect Rob Scuderi to be in an Islander uniform, even though he is from LI. The Islanders will not be interested in Hossa or Gaborik, even though they can afford them. Bouwmeester would be great, but he will search for a more competitive team.