What Players are the Keepers Moving Forward

[steveat]

i meant that as a good thing. And Bailey is 22. Really its ridiculous how everyone has given up on him bc he was rushed. Hes played well as a third line wing. Okposo is signed cheap, and when not expected to carry the load, hes fine as a third liner. If you can get rid of him then fine, but for 3 more years his cap hit is low. Wang wont move him.

I am one of those guys that hasn't given up on Bailey. He's got skills. but I just don't think (outside of JT) that we have someone he can get mentored from and I am not sure if Nielsen is the guy to do the mentoring. Would much rather have him on a line with a successful verteran on his downward part of his career....ie Iginla...man would that be perfect.

I do have to say that I am about to give up on Okposo. The guys is just lazy...period. Watch him after a line change. He doesn't even coast to the bench...he drags himself there...the guy has no stamina.

I just don't like his work ethic.

 

[Veteran journeyman]

I am at a loss of what to do with Grabs. I mean the guy is fast, good reflexes and a guy most teams would want on their side. the thing is, I don't think he fits on the team. The guy needs MORE ice time period, but we can't give it to him. TBH....he really does fit the Canucks mold. I'd like to package him and maybe a player or two more for an impact wing for JT. I really like Grabs, but unfortunately he is not gonna get what he deserves here unless something changes. If he could ONLY get his hands to a higher calibre.

Am I the only one that thinks this?

I think we are super deep with regard to the bottom 6 role, but that is mostly due to poor development....so the guys we drafted to potentially play top 6 are actually playing bottom 6 mow or in that limbo area where they could move up, but because of our coach...they don't...partly anyway.

Getting rid of Grabner is foolish I think, and giving up a rare weapon. There's so much you can do planning around a player with that kind of speed and who can anticipate passes and plays the way he does. This whole "we can't give him more ice time"...I really must be missing something, but...why not? Bailey has two goals. Okposo has two goals. These are the wingers we give second-line minutes to over Grabner. Are we sacrificing that much by giving him some of their ice time?

Another thing...about his hands...they're pretty darn good when picking off passes or taking bad passes in full stride without missing a beat. Could he score on more of his chances? Absolutely. But let's be honest here...he finishes enough to blow his fellow forwards outside of JT and Moulson completely out of the water.

 

[beach]

I am at a loss of what to do with Grabs. I mean the guy is fast, good reflexes and a guy most teams would want on their side. the thing is, I don't think he fits on the team. The guy needs MORE ice time period, but we can't give it to him. TBH....he really does fit the Canucks mold. I'd like to package him and maybe a player or two more for an impact wing for JT. I really like Grabs, but unfortunately he is not gonna get what he deserves here unless something changes. If he could ONLY get his hands to a higher calibre.

Am I the only one that thinks this?

I think we are super deep with regard to the bottom 6 role, but that is mostly due to poor development....so the guys we drafted to potentially play top 6 are actually playing bottom 6 mow or in that limbo area where they could move up, but because of our coach...they don't...partly anyway.

Yep, we don't need Grabner, and like other posters suggest, we don't need Moulson either. I hear the stick boy has a good wrister. I'm sure that will replace the lost offense. The real problem is not with them, it is with the surrounding cast of losers. You guys talk about Bailey like he is Adam Oates. Bailey, the great passer, has three assists. Okposo sucks. These two and our Defense are the team's biggest problems.

 

[IslesRock4]

Yep, we don't need Grabner, and like other posters suggest, we don't need Moulson either. I hear the stick boy has a good wrister. I'm sure that will replace the lost offense. The real problem is not with them, it is with the surrounding cast of losers. You guys talk about Bailey like he is Adam Oates. Bailey, the great passer, has three assists. Okposo sucks. These two and our Defense are the team's biggest problems.

Okposo and Bailey are not the team's biggest problems. The team's biggest problem is what they lack, not what they have. I'm just about done with Okposo too, but if we're just going to replace him with some other scrub, we might as well keep him. The idea of "getting rid of" guys like Bailey and Okposo works on the assumption that they'll be replaced with actual NHL talent, and Islanders fans know that's a foolish thing to assume in this organization.

 

[Quicklime]

Okposo and Bailey are not the team's biggest problems. The team's biggest problem is what they lack, not what they have. I'm just about done with Okposo too, but if we're just going to replace him with some other scrub, we might as well keep him. The idea of "getting rid of" guys like Bailey and Okposo works on the assumption that they'll be replaced with actual NHL talent, and Islanders fans know that's a foolish thing to assume in this organization.

I think of it as giving the ice time to more deserving parties - I know he's just been sent down and all, but I'd be amenable to benching Okposo in favor of Ullström on a trial basis just to see how one reacted to being taken off of the ice and the other reacted to being offered a little more responsibility for a few games. Plus, the 'A' that is misplaced on Okposo's jersey could wind up on Martin's in such an instance, which is something I'd really like to see. As for Bailey.....I see some effort and the occasional flashy display of passing....I think if he spent the summer with Tavares and Martin, he'd see his point totals start coming up next season. Okie's looking like he's in a sort of comfort zone between his contract and being a popular guy in the locker room, but that doesn't make him a leader.

Of course, this all functions under the idea that Capuano is willing to juggle a line or two rather than 'let the kids play,' something I'm getting progressively more upset about.

(P.S.: The Isles need to be far less 'gun-shy' with Poulin. I'd have started him against Pittsburgh and given him the chance to sink or swim. For real, just remove the pacifier and let him get some ice time, already.)

 

[beach]

Okposo and Bailey are not the team's biggest problems. The team's biggest problem is what they lack, not what they have. I'm just about done with Okposo too, but if we're just going to replace him with some other scrub, we might as well keep him. The idea of "getting rid of" guys like Bailey and Okposo works on the assumption that they'll be replaced with actual NHL talent, and Islanders fans know that's a foolish thing to assume in this organization.

You are exactly right, and that is what I am getting at. Other guys, like Martin and Cizikas fulfill a role as muckers, hitters, with the occasional goal. Bailey and Okposo need to score and they do not. They are the weak link on offense.

And you are right also about needing to replace them with something better, or why bother. But THAT is the problem with this organization. That said, we should not then think that all is good with Bailey and Okposo. They ARE the problem. Those two positions and where they should be line-wise, along with a severe need for better D-men, are holding the Isles back from being a playoff team.

 

[Jester9881]

And Bailey is 22. Really its ridiculous how everyone has given up on him bc he was rushed. Hes played well as a third line wing. Okposo is signed cheap, and when not expected to carry the load, hes fine as a third liner.

Everyone keeps saying this..... everyone keeps saying they want this team to improve.

So, if they're going to improve the roster.... and Bailey/Okposo are good 3rd liners.

Who do they replace? Grabner? Martin? Ullstrom?

All 3 of those guys have proven more usefull than Okposo/Bailey. At the very least, you have to give one of them up if you intend on improving the roster.... because having those two stiffs on the second line is doing the rest of the team a disservice.

 

[InformTheMasses]

Everyone keeps saying this..... everyone keeps saying they want this team to improve.

So, if they're going to improve the roster.... and Bailey/Okposo are good 3rd liners.

Who do they replace? Grabner? Martin? Ullstrom?

All 3 of those guys have proven more usefull than Okposo/Bailey. At the very least, you have to give one of them up if you intend on improving the roster.... because having those two stiffs on the second line is doing the rest of the team a disservice.

I have to agree with this. I had said, and still think it's premature to cast-off Okposo or Bailey prior to the trade deadline of next season. Bailey will be 24 then (He's been 23 all year, not 22) and Okposo will be 25. By those ages and with that many NHL games under their belts they better be able to show a lot. To this point they have not.

I was one of Okposo's few supporters heading into this season. His game has regressed in every area, it's frustrating, because he does have the talent to flourish in the NHL, WHERE DID IT GO?

As for Bailey, put me in the group of people who don't see much use/ability from him. He isn't big, he isn't fast, He isn't strong, he doesn't win puck battles at an amazing rate, he doesn't have a good shot, he's an average defender and passer (his passing ability is GREATLY overrated here, so is his defense for that matter). I really don't see anything that stands out and makes me want to keep him. He has time to change that, but not much, and I don't think ability is just going to appear. We are getting to the point where We have brought along Bailey for 5 years and he's going to be 24 years old on Opening Night next season, how much longer are we going to wait? Are we supposed to make a 7 or 8 year investment in a player HOPING something clicks? Ditto for Okposo.

I wonder what this board would have said 5 years ago after the Islanders drafted Josh Bailey in the first round. And I said The Islanders most recent first round draft picks (Okposo and Bailey) in 5 years from now in the 2012-13 season will combine for 42 Games Played 4 Goals 10 Assists and 14 Points.... COMBINED. HMMMM I'm hopefull that in 4 years from now, Strome and Nino are a little more successful.

We are getting to the point now that Younger, more determined players (Cizikas, Martin) are outplaying these guys and deserve more ice time than them, flat out. Heck Ullstrom deserved more ice time based on his play this year (I wont even go into Grabner, that's just a joke that he plays second fiddle to Bailey and KO).



ANYWAY... What I am getting at Is this: OUR PROBLEM AS AN ORGANZIZATION IS NOT BAILEY AND OKPOSO............

It's Forcing Bailey and Okposo undeserved playing time, and not using more effective players like Cizikas, Grabner, Martin, and even Ullstrom more often than the underachievers.

This is going to be a HUGE issue b this time next season, there are a bunch of talented kids ready to play soon (Strome, Lee, Nelson, Sundstrom, Nino to name some forwards). That if called up should not necessarily start out on the 3rd or 4th line and earn more minutes over Bailey and Okposo.

It's a small problem this year that is frustrating, if this persists next year it's going to lead to much bigger problems.

 

[LeapOnOver]

People who aren't considering Bailey a keeper are crazy! He's the best passer this team has outside of Tavares. He plays a very solid game, he's come a long way, and to me is at worst a third liner going forward. He's still young enough that it could eventually click and become a 60 point type guy. Not a world beater but a good 2nd liner IMO.

BUAHAHAHA!!! Funniest thing I have ever read!!!

Bailey a keeper

 

[LeapOnOver]

I have to agree with this. I had said, and still think it's premature to cast-off Okposo or Bailey prior to the trade deadline of next season. Bailey will be 24 then (He's been 23 all year, not 22) and Okposo will be 25. By those ages and with that many NHL games under their belts they better be able to show a lot. To this point they have not.

I was one of Okposo's few supporters heading into this season. His game has regressed in every area, it's frustrating, because he does have the talent to flourish in the NHL, WHERE DID IT GO?

As for Bailey, put me in the group of people who don't see much use/ability from him. He isn't big, he isn't fast, He isn't strong, he doesn't win puck battles at an amazing rate, he doesn't have a good shot, he's an average defender and passer (his passing ability is GREATLY overrated here, so is his defense for that matter). I really don't see anything that stands out and makes me want to keep him. He has time to change that, but not much, and I don't think ability is just going to appear. We are getting to the point where We have brought along Bailey for 5 years and he's going to be 24 years old on Opening Night next season, how much longer are we going to wait? Are we supposed to make a 7 or 8 year investment in a player HOPING something clicks? Ditto for Okposo.

I wonder what this board would have said 5 years ago after the Islanders drafted Josh Bailey in the first round. And I said The Islanders most recent first round draft picks (Okposo and Bailey) in 5 years from now in the 2012-13 season will combine for 42 Games Played 4 Goals 10 Assists and 14 Points.... COMBINED. HMMMM I'm hopefull that in 4 years from now, Strome and Nino are a little more successful.

We are getting to the point now that Younger, more determined players (Cizikas, Martin) are outplaying these guys and deserve more ice time than them, flat out. Heck Ullstrom deserved more ice time based on his play this year (I wont even go into Grabner, that's just a joke that he plays second fiddle to Bailey and KO).



ANYWAY... What I am getting at Is this: OUR PROBLEM AS AN ORGANZIZATION IS NOT BAILEY AND OKPOSO............

It's Forcing Bailey and Okposo undeserved playing time, and not using more effective players like Cizikas, Grabner, Martin, and even Ullstrom more often than the underachievers.

This is going to be a HUGE issue b this time next season, there are a bunch of talented kids ready to play soon (Strome, Lee, Nelson, Sundstrom, Nino to name some forwards). That if called up should not necessarily start out on the 3rd or 4th line and earn more minutes over Bailey and Okposo.

It's a small problem this year that is frustrating, if this persists next year it's going to lead to much bigger problems.

I agree with a lot of this although Okposo is a notoriously slow starter much like Iginla and he IS struggling this season but coming off a career year into a lockout year i'm still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because I have seen him produce much more than Bailey ever has.

Moving on to Bailey.... to the people that think he is a third liner at worst you need to trade out that worst for best. I agree 100% with the above post. He is not a strong player in any of those areas. He is the definition of a mediocre all around player. His puck possession is not that great, he doesn't win many battles, he's not fast, he has gotten stronger on his skates but he's not a checker, he has better than average vision but lower than average hockey sense so that evens out. He's just not as good as many hoped he would be. IF the younger guys coming up CAN'T outplay Bailey we are in trouble.

 

[Islanderfan17]

Tavares - For obvious reasons

Moulson - Consistent 30 goal scorers don't grow on trees

Grabner - His speed is a weapon that not many teams in this league have, we'd be stupid to ever let go of him as long as he is that fast

Hamonic - Solid stay at home D-man with untapped offensive potential

Martin - Hits and some secondary offense, definitely a keeper

Nielsen - Probably the most important role player on the team, he can play in any situation and is the best shootout weapon in the league

Cizikas - See Martin, still developing

Bailey - Second best playmaker on the team, has become a decent two way forward

Strait - Think Garth may have gotten another waiver wire steal here

Streit - I know some people don't like him and he definitely has flaws, but he is a #4 D-man at worst with offensive talents that aren't easy to find on the back end

Nabakov - The most stability we've had in net for awhile, I say we give him a 2 year contract and worst case scenario, if one of our young netminders steps up, we have a solid backup who can serve as a mentor.

This is of all the guys on the current roster

 

[A Pointed Stick]

You are exactly right, and that is what I am getting at. Other guys, like Martin and Cizikas fulfill a role as muckers, hitters, with the occasional goal. Bailey and Okposo need to score and they do not. They are the weak link on offense.

And you are right also about needing to replace them with something better, or why bother. But THAT is the problem with this organization. That said, we should not then think that all is good with Bailey and Okposo. They ARE the problem. Those two positions and where they should be line-wise, along with a severe need for better D-men, are holding the Isles back from being a playoff team.

THIS. A million times sweet mary, THIS!

 

[Hipster Doofus]

Moulson, Tavares, Nielsen, Cizikas, Grabner, martin, and McDonald (ideal bottom 6 guy).

On D
Hamonic, MacDonald, Strait (under contract and not a likely trade chip)

Im open to trading most anyone on D if its not for crap. Streit should be kept but Im not opposed to moving him andor Viz at the deadline

 

[LeapOnOver]

Haha, even reading more crazy love for Bailey...WOW!

Why am I knocking Bailey and not MM? Easy, Moulson actually does 1 thing WELL! He scores.

Bailey does NOTHING exceptionally well or even better than average. He is an all around mediocre player. Honestly, I don't see him being any better than Blake Comeau at this point and if we lost him to waivers I'd consider it addition by subtraction. You can make a case all you want for why he is our second best passer (BS, Nielsen is a much better passer than Bailey will ever be) and that he has excellent vision (that he neither has the hands, nor hockey IQ to make stellar plays with) but in the end it does have to translate to helping your team win hockey games and Bailey just doesn't do that. I'll even leave the stats out of the equation for now to help those who are "baffled" chew on more evidence for his dismissal.