In hockey, a rebuilding process generally follows one of two possible directions:
It can be successful, and the team will get better with each passing game, as we have seen in Pittsburgh, Washington and Chicago.
The alternative, of course, is that the rebuild fails, with confidence-shattering results, which is exactly what the New York Islanders experienced in the 1990’s, when Mike Milbury was in charge.
The initial stages of the process held much promise, as the team drafted the likes of Zigmund Palffy, Bryan McCabe, Zdeno Chara and Roberto Luongo, to name a few. The Isles also traded for young talents such as Kenny Jonsson, Oli Jokinen, Eric Fichaud and Bryan Berard, and everything seemed to be going according to plan.
Of course, that future was never to be, as “Mad Mike” shipped several of those players out of town, showing little patience with the team’s rookies and getting unequal returns on those trades.
For all intents and purposes, the rebuild was over faster than you could say “Bryan Smolinski.”
That was over a decade ago, and since that time, things have changed for the better on Long Island.
Many of the decisions Milbury made were met with raised eyebrows, and with Garth Snow now at the helm, our eyebrows remain raised. That sense of skepticism comes with the territory.
When Snow was originally hired, the move was criticized and ridiculed by just about anyone with a working brain and some hockey knowledge. The Islanders looked incredibly foolish, having hired Neil Smith, the architect of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion- New York Rangers, that summer.
Smith even made an immediate impact, drafting Kyle Okposo and Andrew MacDonald in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft (Okposo and MacDonald are two of the biggest pieces to the team’s new-found success). Unsatisfied, he then shifted his focus to free agency, bringing aboard veterans Mike Sillinger, Tom Poti and Brendan Witt.
Citing philosophical differences between Smith and team owner Charles Wang, the Islanders fired him and then shocked the hockey world, announcing that ex-backup Garth Snow would become the GM of the organization.
The move was not as unfathomable as some might have thought. Snow does have a Masters Degree in Business Administration, which he obtained from the University of Maine.
There is however another side to Mr. Snow, which I was quick to point out at the time, though I have rarely seen it mentioned by others. I’ve always felt that being a former goaltender, Garth has seen the game better than most, and therefore recognizes talent when he sees it.
That type of vantage point gives him an edge, a luxury that positional players simply don’t have. It’s the same thing with catchers in baseball. Think about how many MLB managers are former catchers and you’ll notice a trend.
The Isles made the postseason in Snow’s first season at the helm, largely due to a blockbuster deal he orchestrated, landing Ryan Smyth while hardly putting a dent into New York’s farm system.
The move put Snow on the map, and he was named Sports Illustrated’s 2007 NHL Executive of the Year shortly thereafter. However, his early accolades did little to quiet the naysayers, and the following season proved to be a disappointing one, with the Islanders missing the playoffs.
It was at that point, that Snow and Wang announced that the New York Islanders would be committing to a full-scale rebuild. In the last few seasons, the team has drafted well, adding Josh Bailey, John Tavares, Travis Hamonic and Kevin Poulin, all of whom have contributed on the NHL level this season.
There are more top prospects in the wings, such as Nino Niederreiter, Calvin de Haan, Kirill Petrov and Kirill Kabanov, and the Isles are likely to get another top-five pick at the upcoming Entry Draft.
Not only has he drafted well, but Snow has made some savvy moves when it comes to free agency. He signed Mark Streit for an absolute bargain, making Rangers GM Glen Sather look rather silly for vastly overpaying Wade Redden, and he found Matt Moulson, seemingly out of nowhere.
The additions of Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron last year helped solidify the team’s goaltending, and plucking Michael Grabner off the waiver wire ended up being a stroke of genius.
Snow has also become rather effective when it comes to amassing draft picks, and he’s often been able to trade players for more than he acquired them for (see James Wisniewski).
As the 2010-2011 NHL season winds down, the pieces are finally interlocking and the results produced have been striking. The Isles have won 11 of their last 19 games, and are among the best teams in the league since the All-Star break. They’ve beaten playoff teams, knocking off Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Anaheim and Montreal.
New York has three players with 24-plus goals, in Matt Moulson, Michael Grabner and John Tavares.
Travis Hamonic and Andrew MacDonald have emerged as quality shutdown defensemen, and there’s probably a Selke Trophy with Frans Nielsen’s name on it for the splendidly versatile Danish forward, sometime in the future.
This team has bought in to head coach Jack Capuano’s system, they’re firing on all cylinders at just the right time, and no matter how you slice it, the terms “Islanders” and “pushovers” suddenly don’t seem very synonymous. The future is bright, and at their current pace, the Isles might actually be playing meaningful games, come next March.
In the meantime, they’ll finish the season as strong as possible, but regardless of what happens, the New York Islanders and their fans can count on one thing:
That long-promised future begins now.
Comments are welcome.
Thank you Daniel for a very enjoyable and spot on read. I have been following the team since their inception and feel that something very special will happen for this franchise sooner than later. The players and Coach Capuano deserve alot of credit for overachieving since mid-December and the team is developing a real chemistry together. I will agree that Garth Snow has made some very resourceful moves as GM, but I believe he has been a disspointment in his relationship and communication with Islander fans. I also believe that Charles Wang has been much too quiet this year, creating an air of un-certainty with fans over the teams future in LI and the ability to truely land an arena deal. Thanks again for a great article!
The Isles made the postseason in Snow’s first season at the helm, largely due to a blockbuster deal he orchestrated, landing Ryan Smyth while hardly putting a dent into New York’s farm system.
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Before that so-called “Blockbuster” trade for Smyth the Islanders were sniffing for a home ice play-off spot. After that so-called “Blockbuster” trade for Smyth the Islanders had to settle for eighth place. So I’d say that they made the post season “in spite of” that trade rather than “largely due” to it.
Great article. I’m usually caught saying this every year, but this year feels different; “Wait till next year.”
Our core is the best its been in 20+ years, and if Montoya can continue to contribute, we should be a playoff shoe in for 2011-2012.
Dave W…your out of your mind if you think tavares plays like plekanec. He is absolutely getting better as his confidence raises playing in the league. He’s not putting up Stamkos numbers however he doesn’t have lecavs and st.lious either. Tavares at this point is the least of my worries, he’s our centerpiece and we will be very succesful with him
I would always be careful forecasting any team for “greatness”, too many failed projects litter the NHL; teams can reach a ceiling at middle of the pack and still be prety good.
and, what is Tavares? the next Crosby?
so far, no.
Or is he the next Anze Kopitar or Tomas Plekanec? occasionally brilliant, but not really top tier in the NHL? Jury is out.
Great article. As an isles fan I thank you for saying some nice things about the rebuild. I originally was very against the rebuild, seeing that New Yorkers don’t really accept them, but this team is playing fantastic and they are improving TOGETHER. Keep this team together. Add one strong piece on the blue line and they can do sone serious damage for years to come.
Let’s go Islanders!!!!!!
Good article. This team has been playing its heart out and are seeing results. Good to see it being recognized. Coach Jack appears to be a good fit for the team as they are responding to his system. Appear they have 3 strong lines with 30 and 20 and 15 goal scorers. 4th line are the bangers and protectors. D-men are 7-8 deep with DeHaan expected shortly. Nino may make a presence next year. All good.
Now the bad. DP contract puts this team at a competitive disadvantage in a cap-based league. This situation has to be resolved (retirement, buyout) or something. A trade is out of the question b/c no one is going to take on a 10 yr contract with an oft-injured goalie whose skills have been diminished due to injury. Do contracts have injury clauses or something? Without this addressed the players will start resenting the mediority in net as well
Love the article but I believe there is one small inaccuracy. As I recall, Garth Snow was still the back-up goalie, not the ex-back-up goalie, when he asked to be considered for the job of GM.
Daniel,
This is a great piece – perspective is often lost on today’s fan. While The NHL is turning more into the NBA by focusing only on a few names the average fans are losing sight of what Hockey is all about. It is the ultimate team sport that requires stars as well as foot soldiers. These teams take years to cultivate. Who wants a team that makes the playoffs each year but has no chance of advancing past the first round? Build a young core and keep them together. It pains me to admit that even the Rangers appear to be getting that message as well. I never knew of this site before your article. Thanks again
Just want to point out that in the late 90s – much as it kills me to say this – not everything was “Mad Mike’s” fault. He was forced to dump salary by a set of skinflint owners. Great article otherwise and I can only hope you’re right!
Thanks for writing a great article on my beloved New York Islanders! It’s great to hear the optimism! I agree with the point that Islander fans were not at all happy with Snow when he was hired, but besides signing goalies all the time, he’s done an excellent job being patient and building this team the right way, I think we’re all very happy with the job he’s done. And once Capuano had a chance to do his thing, this team has been playing great and look like they’re having fun. Watching Capuano walk off the ice when the Islanders won in OT against toronto the other night, he had the kind of smile that just looked very satisfied… I think he knows what’s happening. Watching this team right now is really fun. They play really hard every night and can compete with anyone(I like the shootout rally helmets too). The dark ages look like they’re over, and if they can keep this team together for the coming years, we will be proud Islander fans for a long time to come. This group is only going to get better and could make some consistent Cup runs soon. Damn I love this team!!
Thanks for the compliment! It is important for hockey fans to realize that not only is the team getting better, but that there’s a following. Isles fans exist, they’ve got passion and there are plenty of them.
Thank You Mr Friedman for writing a very intelligent article.As an Islander fan,it is refreshing to see someone who actually took the time to write about what is really happening in the rebuild of this team.Living in southern Ontario,I have to listen to these so-called reporters/journalists who see the replays and hi-lites and make the odd comment about the Isles.Most are “The laughing stock” “A joke of a team” “Nothing but goons”…they remind me of George Costanza…instead of reading Breakfast at Tiffany’s,they’d rather rent the movie and base they’re reporting on that.My hat’s off to Garth Snow for putting a team that has character,heart and a no-quit attitude.They are a fast hard working team that’s fun to watch.In a way it’s nice the team gets the praise,but on the other hand it’s better when teams see that it’s only the Isles and when the game’s over,they’re left saying “WTF just happened” “They’re playing loosy goosy with nothing to lose” “We weren’t playing to our potential”….BLAH BLAH BLAH….
and I agree, some of those excuses are just absolutely ridiculous
Great article, I love the optimism, which seemed to have completely vanished during that lossing string earlier in the year. I am so excited for this team, and what the future holds, Zach Parise would and should be the number one target, I would throw max salary at him. Unfortunately its a long-shot, maybe his buddy Kyle can convince him to come. Any way great read, Lets Go ISLES!!
First of all, thanks so much for the read and the compliment! I think we can all look to a brighter future for this team.
Regarding Parise, the Isles would have to give him an offer sheet, he’s a RFA not unrestricted. Depending on how much more the Isles would offer to pay than the Devils, the Islanders would have to give up several draft choices to New Jersey in exchange for signing Parise. To me, that seems like way too much.
Excellent article! As a fan that was five years old the last time the Isles won a cup, it was a breath of fresh air to read. I agree completely with the thought process here, but my only concern is the arena issue and whether it will eventually be a deteriorating factor to the hockey operations aspect of the franchise as we near 2015. The fact remains that this team may not be on Long Island after the lease is up. That is the scary part for Islander fans.
I honestly think that there are enough options within that area for the Isles, should they fail to reach a deal with the town of hempstead. Don’t forget, the Nets are building an arena in Brooklyn, and Queens wants to build one near Citi Field.
Wang’s not moving this team, the only reason he ever eluded to a possible relocation was to try and call Kate Murray’s bluff, and she didn’t fall for it.
Also, think about it this way, if the team starts winning and fans are packing the building every night, you think he’s going to move the team from a market that provides a guaranteed fan base that loves the team, to a city where all of those factors remain unknown?
I agree with the Queens option, but I don’t think there is room for the Isles in Brooklyn because of the Rangers. Having lived in Brooklyn my whole life, Islander fans are few and far between. I agree that Wang will not move them, but will he sell them as the lease is expiring? I heard from someone who works for the team, that given the team’s current situation with the arena and lease agreement, they could sell out every home game of the regular season, and go all the way through the cup finals, selling out every home game, and still lose 2-4 million dollars.
right thats true, but by 2015 it won’t matter, b/c by that point they’ll either have an agreement with the ToH, or an arrangement to play in a state-of-the-art facility elsewhere, so they will have those other necessary revenue streams
I love how you leave out the yashin/peca years when we kept making the playoffs and the rangers were the laughing stock of the nhl. The early 2000’s weren’t as bleak in islander country as you’re making them sound
i didn’t mention the 2000’s, this wasn’t supposed to be a historical overview of the team, the only reason I brought in the 90’s was to compare that rebuild attempt to the current one
What about Swed. Daid Ullstrom, Rhett Rakhshani and Rob Hisey they’ve been good in Bridgeport. Question next year who is playing goal??? Most fans want DP gone.
Ullstrum’s an intriguing prospect, b/c he has skill but hasn’t really fully adjusted to the North-American game yet, so I still think it will be a while until we see him. Rhakshani’s definitely a promising player, he won’t wow you with his skills but he’s hard-working and a natural-leader. I think he’s a year or two away from challenging for a roster spot but he’ll get some looks and call-ups in the next season or two. I wouldn’t be shocked if Hisey got a call-up or two next season either, but again, not ready to challenge for a spot on the team.
As for the goaltending situation, its a big mystery. Nathan Lawson seems to be the odd-man out, because if DP is healthy, then ideally you’ll have DP and Montoya on the NHL team, which means Poulin and Koskinen will be in Bridgeport. So Lawson would either have to play in the ECHL (which he’s too good for honestly) or he’d need to be moved to another team willing to give him an opportunity.
I don’t know how willing the Isles are to give up on DP, I think this whole issue will hit a boiling point eventually, but when exactly is uncertain.
Hopefully Narbokov sees a good future and wants to play
that would certainly be a welcome gesture on his part, but probably a long shot.
Great write up, I found this on the Islanders website. I think you are on the mark. Being a die hard and really growing up playing hockey when the islanders made their 93 cup run, I have followed them ever since. Given I was about 8 at the time, but living on the island and meeting guys like Nystrom, Hart, and Bossy while playing hockey further solidified my love for the team. I guess the point to be made here is that watching this “specific” rebuild and watching the last two years of strong season play is very different then this years play. We can say now that we have seen the emergence of two lines that can score. We are seeing the emergence of a third now in the Cozmonaut line and have a solid 4th line. Our D when healthy on paper is mid pack and will be further bolstered I believe. The team is just clicking and firing on all cylinders as you said, its different than the streakiness of the past. Even when they lose there is an effort that can be liked. The lines are not juggled and everyone is comfortable with the system. The players seem to believe in the system and the coach and have been executing. They also believe in Montoya who has a great stat, he has not let in one first period goal. Acquisitions of some vets would be great, I would take a top 6 forward and top 4 Dman, but will be happy with a top 6 guy like Laich. Not to mention the prospects and this years draft picks. It had to start somewhere. I am excited as ever.
Thanks so much for the compliment and the read! (and for pointing out that the article was on the team website, I honestly had no idea and am shocked beyond words right now)
You make a good point when you say it had to start somewhere. Sometimes as fans that can be the most challenging part of it all, but with a little patience it pays off in the end. We’re finally getting to that point.
I can’t contain my excitement about the future of this team either.
Just to add a little to the article, the Islanders will likely have 5 twenty goal + scorers at the end of this season. First time since 1993 I think. They may have had 6 or 7 twenty goal + scorers this season without the injuries. They also may have plucked another gem from obscurity in acquiring goalie Montoya.
I absolutely agree with your point about Montoya, and they have depth on offense now. I’m not sure Parenteau (who I’m guessing is the 5th player you’re talking about) will reach 20 goals by the end of the season, but its definitely possible
I love the article and feel that they are heading in the right direction. They believe in them selves more and more and it shows. Let’s not forget that some if not most are in their early 20’s and the addition of Striet will just solidify the blue line even more. Basically they have been given a chance to play in the NHL and are starting to make the best of it Montoya looks solid and is among the teams players who where drafted in the 1st round- Okposo. Tavares, Grabner, Montoya, Wishart, Bailey, DP. Plus they have strong guys coming up, Both Kirils, Nino, DeHann, Nelson, like you said and if half pan out and are added to this team then bring back the glory years for L.I.!
thanks so much for the compliment! glad you enjoyed.
Yes, this team is very close to contending in the playoffs. I think they still need a couple of veterans who know how to do the little things right, guys who can take pressure of the younger core players.
Good article, but you can not give Neal Smith credit for drafting Andrew Macdonald. That was entirely Ted Nolan, Macdonald’s former Junior coach. In the sixth round where picks generally don’t pan out, the floor was open to all to put forward names of longshots. It was Nolan who strongly advocated rolling the dice on Macdonald.
you’re right, it was Nolan’s request, but at the end of the day it was a joint decision. I brought it up more to show that Garth didn’t draft him, rather than to advocate for Neil Smith
I’d buy into this more if the Islanders remembered the season begins in October and not January. They always seem stronger when the season’s already lost. Playing in the Atlantic Division makes things even tougher.
they’re a young team…things like this take time. my point is that they’ve finally hit their stride.