The New York Islanders organization had a lot of energy going into their Prospect Mini-Camp, facing what was described as an “overwhelming amount of interest” that led them to have capacity limitations. The team offered a “limited amount” of entry wristbands to fans wanting to come observe the Mini-Camp at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset on July 12.

Five television cameras were on hand as well.

The reason for the buzz over a Prospect Mini-Camp in Long Island? John Tavares, of course. The number one draft pick took to the ice for the first time wearing a powder blue Islanders jersey and seemed to generate a great deal of excitement on and off the ice. Tavares skated in Group 1 with fellow 2009 draft picks Calvin de Haan, Casey Cizikas, Anders Lee and goaltender Mikko Koskinen.

“This is an exciting time for all of the prospects,” Islanders Executive Director of Player Development Bryan Trottier said. “It’s their first impression of Long Island and our first impression to see them skate as a group. It’s a great time for our entire organization.”

The five television cameras were especially stuck on Tavares, following him on the short walk from the dressing room to the ice surface. The buzz wasn’t lost on anyone.

“I’m as excited as everyone else to see John on the ice,” Trottier said. “It’s a fun time for John, it’s a fun time for the Islanders and it’s a fun time for the fans.”

Tavares proved himself to be quite the humble player, telling press that the Prospect Mini-Camp wasn’t about him. “It’s a team game and those guys mean as much as I do,” he said. “I’m a humble guy. I don’t want to be treated differently than anybody else. I have to earn everything like everybody else, so I just want to come and be a hard-working guy.”

Having now taken his first step as a member of the New York Islanders, Tavares is ready to check out what the club has in store for him.

“It’s exciting to have this opportunity to be selected first overall and be going to a great organization with a lot of tradition like New York,” Tavares said. “It’s been a fun time for myself and everyone involved. I haven’t played my first game yet, it’s nice to get my first practice out of the way today.”

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

With the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders have selected John Tavares. Fans were hopeful that GM Garth Snow would make the move and he pulled the trigger on it moments ago, selecting Tavares from the OHL.

This gives the Islanders a goalscoring forward with a strong sense of positioning and polish. He knows how to finish with the puck and can play well with some of the strong two-way forwards on the club. Tavares will be one of the first snipers to hit Long Island since Ziggy Palffy in 1999.

It looks as though Garth Snow finally kept his cool and made the right move with this draft pick. The revitalizing of the Islanders can begin.

The Ottawa Senators have taken a key step towards adding some offensive depth by adding centre Mike Comrie and defender Chris Campoli from the New York Islanders. In return, the Sens sent Dean McAmmond and San Jose’s first-round pick in the upcoming draft, obtained via a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, to Long Island.

“We haven’t been a very good offensive team and we’re getting two guys with that ability,” Senators GM Bryan Murray said about the deal.

The team gets a puck-moving defenceman, filling a position that has been sorely lacking since Wade Redden left. In 51 games with the Islanders, Campoli had six goals and 17 assists. Murray is excited about this part of the trade. “He’s young he’s mobile, he plays power play, he makes a good first pass. We feel he can bring some good play to our team,” he noted.

Comrie, of course, is making is second tour of duty with the Sens. He was a part of the team’s 2007 Cup run and will probably fit seamlessly into the roster.

“I played in Ottawa before and I know what’s at stake and what it’s like,” Comrie said. “It’s an exciting place to play and a great group of guys and I’m obviously thrilled about the opportunity to play on a great team.”

Murray added that more moves could be in the future for the Senators.

As the March 4 trade deadline approaches, we’ll have all of your up-to-the-minute news and trades. Keep it locked right here the best coverage in the blog business.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

Having been out of action for all but five of his team’s games this season, New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro has ended his season officially.

With two surgeries in four months and persistent issues, DiPietro elected today to shut it down for the current NHL season and heal properly. There is no anticipation of future surgery, but the goalie will not return to action in order to allow inflammation to heal and the knee to properly regain its activity.

“Everyone’s consensus is that Rick should rest the knee, allow the post-operative swelling from two surgeries in a relatively short timeframe to resolve, and get him ready for next season,” said Dr. Elliott Hershman, an associate team orthopedist. “At this time, we’re not anticipating any further surgery but we’re certainly following this knee to make sure that the inflammation and swelling does resolve on a more permanent basis so he is able to return fully.”

This news has got to sting for DiPietro and Islanders management, as the goalie is currently in the third year of a massive 15-year deal worth $67.5 million. Long Island GM Garth Snow has said that he is not concerned that DiPietro will be able to play out his contract fully, however, expressing optimism in the goalie’s full recovery and return to form.

“We’ve taken all the correct measures and the right steps throughout this process. Talking to the doctors, that scenario has never come up,” Snow said. “Obviously, when you have a goalie of Rick’s calibre, it’s disappointing when you don’t have him in the lineup. We got more than one set of eyes to look at him and we just wanted to take our time and make an informed decision.”

So now, as the Islanders get set to enter the All-Star break with the fewest wins and points in the National Hockey League, the team will have to assess how it will play out the remainder of the year. For poolies who selected DiPietro, moves have likely already been made. Islanders fans also probably knew this news was coming, but like the inauguration of United States President Barack Obama, there’s nothing quite like making it official.

Posted by Jordan Richardson.

To cap off “The Chris Simon Trilogy” here at HockeyDraft.Ca, I will finally close the book on the Chris Simon tale of woe until our next adventure takes place.

Chris Simon has been handed a 30-game suspension from the NHL. At least he gets to set more NHL records. Simon’s 30-game ban is the longest in the modern NHL, breaking the previous record of 25 games held by…….Chris Simon. This is the seventh suspension in Chris Simon’s career. The man who has been suspended for stomping with a skate, a stick attack, kneeing, cross checking, elbowing, cross checking again, and alleged racial remarks (whether he called Mike Grier a “monkey” or the “N-word” doesn’t soften the blow, kids) is arguably the most notoriously dangerous player in the game, at least in the NHL’s modern era.

Chris Simon doesn’t get it. He was supposed to be a hero for kids everywhere, a man who overcame his own demons with alcoholism and rose to the top to win the NHL’s greatest prize, the Stanley Cup. Instead, Simon will be remembered as the guy who forever put himself ahead of his team and the guy who seemingly had a screw loose.

Justification at this point doesn’t matter. There is no justification, just like there was no justification for other incidents similar to this. Whether we’re talking about Martin Havlat or Jesse Boulerice, it doesn’t matter. Incidents like these have no place in the game and when a player like Chris Simon appears to be attached to so many of these incidents, it’s time to start asking questions. It’s not about being “biased” or disliking Chris Simon. It’s about asking the tough questions to keep players that bust their asses on the ice each night safe from harm.

Is 30 games enough? Many pundits and critics with ages of hockey experience that have seen all sorts of ugliness in the game say that it’s not enough and that Chris Simon should be barred for life because of his reputation, his history, and the obvious tendency he has to do it again. Many say that Chris Simon was given a gift in his life and overcame a lot to get to where he is in the NHL and to raise the Cup above his head. He squandered that gift, however, and he continues to do so with little to no remorse.

Had Chris Simon’s incident with Ruutu been a one-time deal, perhaps we would not even be having this conversation. But, as outlined before, it’s hardly a one-time deal. Simon embarrasses himself, his team, AND the sport of hockey when he acts in this manner. He creates bad press for the NHL, especially in the United States, and he continues the stereotype that hockey is a game filled with goons, thugs, and frontier justice.

Some blame the instigator rule. Some blame the lighting. In the incident against Ryan Hollweg earlier in 2007, Simon himself blamed the stars in his eyes. So what?

The Islanders made excuses for Chris Simon in the incident against Hollweg and they’ll make excuses for him now, acknowledging the suspension but putting him back on the ice when he returns. And, if history repeats itself like it usually does, Chris Simon will make no effort to be more diligent in minding his play. He’ll be the same Chris Simon, a player who plays over the edge and is a danger to others.

There’s simply no excuse for that.

Okay, so I made that last part up.

Nonetheless, New York Islanders forward Chris Simon has taken a paid leave from the team after his latest penalty for attempt to injure an opponent. I talked about this situation at length yesterday, but almost as soon as I had posted my entry, more news on the subject came down and I could not resist discussing this today.

Simon agreed with top Islanders brass on Monday after reading my blog post and agreeing that he needed to seek some help for whatever issues he has inside of him.

“The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for,” team owner Charles Wang said in a statement. “They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart. We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counselling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again.”

Simon met with Wang, coach Ted Nolan, and GM Garth Snow during practice on Monday and it was agreed that the 35-year old winger should seek some help for his issues. The group also met with team captain Bill Guerin and a few others to discuss the situation in detail. After the discussion, the decision to seek help was made.

Simon missed the first five games of the current NHL season while serving the remainder of his 25-game suspension for his vicious stick attack on Ryan Hollweg, also discussed yesterday. Despite this obvious pattern of abuse, the Islanders seem to think that the best answer for Chris Simon is some sort of professional help.

“We discussed the measures we have to take,” Nolan said. “Chris is very remorseful and very sorry for his actions. As an organization, we don’t condone it. We don’t appreciate the thing he did. On the flip side, we have to have some compassion, some understanding and some support.”

According to reports, the Islanders didn’t even entertain the idea of releasing Chris Simon. The organization would also not reveal the type of “help” Simon would get or how long his tenure of assistance would last.

“There is no excuse for my actions and I apologize to everyone involved,” Simon said in a statement. “The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team. I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I’m proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.”

Simon apologized to Ryan Hollweg as well.

Chris Simon may well be the most useless and dangerous player currently playing in the NHL. I say this without hyperbole or apology and I invite anyone with an argument to what should be a a fairly obvious point to make a case for Chris Simon in the NHL. I see no plausible or practical reason as to why this useless, reckless, and careless individual should be rewarded with the privilege to continue playing hockey in the National Hockey League.

The latest incident, as many of you know, involved Jarkko Ruutu of the Pittsburgh Penguins. On December 15, 2007, at 14:06 of the third period of a New York Islanders home game against the Penguins, Tim Jackman of the Islanders and Jarkko Ruutu of the Penguins had some words between benches during a stoppage of play. Chris Simon skated in behind Ruutu and tripped him up. As Ruutu fell to his knees, Simon unspeakably stepped on the back of Ruutu’s leg with his skate. Simon was given a match penalty for intent to injure and is likely awaiting a lengthly suspension.

With a player like Chris Simon, however, and an incident as grossly disgusting as this one, is any suspension long enough? Surely I’ll sit here and report about the length of the suspension, but looking at Chris Simon and his contribution to the game of hockey, I can’t see how anything short of a lifetime ban from the sport in North American would suffice. Simon is an idiot that recklessly endangers other players on the ice. He appears to have something wrong with his brain or perhaps even deeper inside that throws aside all common sense and replaces it with something akin to somebody with brain damage. He’s just not right in the head.

The game has had its share of ugly incidents with ugly players, no doubt about it. Ruutu is no saint himself. But the act of physically stepping on someone’s leg with a skate? You’ve got to be kidding me!

Simon’s track record for this type of nonsense is well known. It was in March of 2007 that the Ryan Hollweg incident took its place as being one of the ugliest incidents I have ever seen in hockey. Simon checked Hollweg into the boards and no penalty was assessed. Simon suffered a concussion on the play. But never one to know how to retaliate properly and drop the gloves or something, Simon hits Hollweg in the face with a two-handed slash with his stick! In the face! Luckily Hollweg escaped serious injury (and death!) because his shoulder pads actually blocked a part of the hit. But I’ll say it again, regardless: Chris Simon hit Ryan Hollweg in the face with a two-handed slash!

Chris Simon stepped on Jarkko Ruutu’s leg with his skate!

Chris Simon has been suspended a total of seven times. Seven times! In 1997, Simon made racial remarks to Oilers forward Mike Grier, calling him the “N-word.” Simon was suspended three games, but the incident was never proven and the incident was said to have been in response to remarks about Simon’s Native heritage. Fair enough, we’ll let that slide.

Simon was suspended in the 2000 Playoffs for cross-checking Peter Popovic across the throat. He was suspended for two games in 2001 for elbowing Anders Eriksson. Simon was suspended twice for crosschecking Ruslan Fedotenko in 2004, then jumping on him and punching him. Simon was suspended in 2004 again for kneeing Sergei Zubov.

Simon was a member of the Washington Capitals when they went to the Stanley Cup finals in 1998. He had been enjoying great offensive success that season until a shoulder injury knocked him out for much of the playoff run. He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in December 1998. Simon returned the next season and was the team’s leading goal scorer in the 1999-2000 season with 29 goals in 75 games. He would never again break the 20-goal mark, however. Simon also made it to the Stanley Cup finals with the Calgary Flames in 2004 and played for the Flames for two seasons before being signed as a free agent in 2006 by the New York Islanders.

Chris Simon hasn’t commented on the latest incident in a long string of similar incidents. He did apologize to Ryan Hollweg and the league, stating that there was “no place in hockey” for what he did. It seems, however, that Simon is struggling to understand that there is simply “no place in hockey” for a player like him.

New York Islanders defenseman Bryan Berard will miss at least two weeks as the result of a groin injury. Berard suffered the injury in a 4-3 overtime victory over the visiting New Jersey Devils last Saturday.

The Islanders signed Berard to a one-year contract after inviting the 30-year old defender to training camp. He has two goals and two assists in five games this season. Both of his goals were game-winners scored on the power play.

“I’m confident Bryan will do everything in his power to get healthy and back in the lineup soon,” Islanders head coach Ted Nolan said in a statement. “The good news is our blue-line has a lot of depth, so this is an opportunity for other players to step up.”

The Islanders’ next game is Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Islanders play just five games, all at home, in the next three weeks.

Well, the hammer fell on Islanders’ defenceman Sean Hill. He was banned for 20 games by the NHL for substance abuse. The banning is effective immediately, so Hill will miss game 5 of the Buffalo/Islanders series and the next 19 games.

Hill apparently violated the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. As a part of such a suspension as determined under the CBA, Hill will be referred to the NHL/NHLPA Program for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health for evaluation and possible treatment.

The suspension is to take place without pay and will include the playoffs of this year, plus any subsequent games in the next NHL season. Hill’s contract with the Islanders expires at the end of the current NHL season.

My predictions for the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs will be featured first. Tomorrow, I will feature my picks for the Western Conference First Round. I’ll pick a winner, explain why I selected that winner and will highlight a player to watch for both teams. Discussion is encouraged, of course!

Series A - #1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #8 New York Islanders

My Pick: Buffalo Sabres will win this series. It’s hard to bet against the best team in the league this season against any other team, but I don’t think the Islanders have the unity or the core players to make it happen much into the post-season. While Ryan Smyth may help them somewhat, the rest of the team is too used to being missing the playoffs than they are to playing deep into the post-season. The Sabres are too fast, too strong and shoot the puck too well for the Islanders to put up much of a fight. Sabres in 5 games.

Players to Watch: For the Sabres, it won’t get much better than Daniel Briere. Keep an eye on the speedy forward throughout the playoffs and be sure to include him in your pools and predictions. He’ll be tough to beat. For the Islanders, Ryan Smyth will be the player to watch for his leadership and his ability to change a game with his attitude. Watch for Smyth to attempt to lead the charge for Long Island.

Series B - #2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Tampa Bay Lightning

My Pick: The New Jersey Devils will take this series. While Tampa may come in firing on all cylinders, the Devils have too much experience and too much of a strong foundation in the record-breaking Martin Brodeur. Brodeur is passionate about winning and Tampa really has no comparison player in their line-up that can steal games. John Tortorella will coach the living daylights out of his team in the playoffs, but his passion won’t override the firm ability of the Devils. New Jersey in 6 games.

Players to Watch: For New Jersey, it has to be Martin Brodeur. Watch for him to make saves he has no business making and to change the play by robbing Tampa’s forwards blind. For the Lightning, Vincent Lecavalier will be the man to beat. He’s Tampa’s team leader in points for the regular season, with 108 and he’s played in all 82 of the Lightning’s season games. Lecavalier will dominate much of the offensive play if he can sneak the puck past Brodeur.

Series C - #3 Atlanta Thrashers vs. #6 New York Rangers

My Pick: I’m leaning towards Atlanta here. I think with their late additions and the experience of head coach Bob Hartley, the Thrashers could edge out the Rangers. The aging Jagr will try to lead the charge, but I think the Thrashers are faster and *gasp* more talented than the New York Rangers. Thrashers in 6 games.

Players to Watch: For the New York Rangers, it’s Jagr time. With his skill and leadership ability, watch for the team around him to get better and stronger into the post-season. As for the Thrashers, the difference maker will likely be Marian Hossa. Hossa has lit the place up this season, scoring tons of points and becoming the first Thrasher ever to score 100 points in a season. His impact will be felt in the playoffs.

Series D - #4 Ottawa Senators vs. #5 Pittsburgh Penguins

My Pick: I’ll go with the Senators here. Not meeting Toronto will do them a favor, as will meeting a team that gets most of its scoring from rookie talent and a reliance on old-time enforcers to do the job. Ottawa also has a significant edge in goaltending. While it won’t be easy, I think Ottawa’s skill will eventually trump Pittsburgh’s and the Senators will win the series in 7 games.

Players to Watch: For the Senators, keep your eye on Dany Heatley. He will be an impact player in every sense of the word, using his ripping shot and skill to get to open spaces and fill the net. Pittsburgh’s player to watch couldn’t be more obvious than Sidney Crosby. It will indeed by the first post-season that Crosby has played in and he won’t take his playoff debut lightly. He may well be the most prepared player on the ice throughout the entire first round, so watch for him to try to make a huge impact.