Who authorized this engagement with fans?
The Islanders’ first summer prospect camp in five years has wrapped up, and it was a smashing success. Lots of new blood got their first exposure to the organization, while fans got to — imagine that! — interact and cheer them on.
Meanwhile, coach Patrick Roy and new Office Guy Matt Martin spoke with media after a very eventful week for the franchise.
Islanders News
- You never know how these will work out, but the Isles won the sweepstakes for diminutive but talented KHLer Maxim Shabanov, who should at least help the power play. [LHH | Post]
- Patrick Roy had his post-prospect camp media availability, talking about the offseason moves, prospects, moving Mat Barzal back to center (with Jonathan Drouin on Bo Horvat’s wing) and also noting he regrets his harsh words about Anthony Duclair’s play late last season. [Isles | Isles video | Newsday]
- Another sign of a new era: Matt Martin (now with hair beyond his ears, OMG the horror) was allowed to talk to the press about his impressions and transition from player to the front office. He’s pleased that so many prospects took time with fans this week. [Isles | Newsday] Here’s video of his availability. [Isles video]
- With the Islanders having a summer prospect camp again, NCAAers like Cole Eiserman could attend his first. He sounds thrilled, and ready to build off a great freshman year. [Isles]
- And here’s Rocky Thompson talking about joining the organization and taking over Bridgeport. [Isles video]
- Highlights from the blue-white scrimmage. Prospects uniformly came away jazzed by the sold-out crowd cheering on a scrimmage. Also: Prokhorov is a giant. [Isles | Isles video | Newsday]
- Get to know goalie draftee Burke Hood, who absolutely has to make the NHL because I need that name in my life. [Isles]
- Flyers fans cope with missing out on Shabanov, try to convince themselves it’s for the best. [BSH]
Elsewhere
- Nikolaj Ehlers, the last premier free agent from this summer’s modest class, joined the Hurricanes. [NHL]
- Brent Burns is still at it, chasing a Cup in Colorado at age 40. [NHL]
- The Sharks added two veteran defensemen, including Dmitry Orlov (via UFA) and ol’ Islander friend Nick Leddy (via waivers). [NHL | TSN]
- And ol’ friend Anthony Beauvillier has found a two-year home (maybe) in D.C. [NHL]
- The Penguins sent goalie Alex Nedeljkovic to the Sharks. [NHL]
- Bourne’s thoughts on all the UFA signings. [Sportsnet]
- Evidently James van Riemsdyk is still active, played for Columbus last season, and joins Detroit for the upcoming season, which is approximately Year 9 of the Yzerplan. [NHL]
- Evidently Utah was ready to bid a ton on Brad Marchand (they liked how he licked opponents). [RG]