Excited to be intrigued again.
Mike and Dan recap another busy week for the Islanders, with free agent signings, a prospect camp and other energizing events to keep us buzzing through the summer.
The Islanders started free agency by giving big money to Alexander Romanov and retaining Tony DeAngelo, two somewhat surprising moves that had some fans shaking their heads. But as the signing window opened, some tidy pieces of business emerged: team-friendly deals for Simon Holmstrom and new guy Emil Heineman, an actual NHL backup goalie in David Rittich and a potential homerun in forward Jonathan Drouin. Finally, they snagged sought-after Russian import Maxim Shabanov, who saw the Islanders as the best fit for him. Suddenly, a pattern was formed of risk-free short-term deals that should help next year’s roster.
Meanwhile, the future continues to look bright after their first prospect camp in seven years let a new batch of Uncles grab some of the spotlight. Matthew Schaefer, Cole Eiserman, Isaiah George and others got to flash some skills and personality in front of clamoring fans, and saw the passion they can look forward to as full time Islanders. It was a surprisingly inspiring time and let us head into the offseason feeling good.
Finally, we take a tour around the NHL at some of the notable free agents who signed elsewhere and say good bye to the awful TSN Free Agent Frenzy Show (and, unfortunately, the wonderful Bob McKenzie).
Thank you all very much for listening this season. This is the season finale but Country Club tier members at the Patreon will get content all summer long including a special standalone Master Leaf Theatre releasing next Wednesday.
REFERENCES
- Check out these videos when you can. They’re pretty informative: newly-bearded Patrick Roy, new BPT coach Rocky Thompson and new assistant to the GM Matt Martin.
- TSN’s Free Agency list is better and more useful than the eight hour show they put on.
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PLUGS!
- Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch. As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.
- The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.
- Visit Lighthousehockey.com for the most up-to-date Islanders news and discussion.
- Islanders Anxiety podcasts are part of the Fans First Sports Network (@FansFirstSN).
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