I agree with DaJetsGuy. Arron Asham is a fine defenseman, but I don't think defense should be the Islanders' priority this offseason. They need goals, and the 10 points Asham has put up this season just isn't going to cut it from the blue line. I know the Isles' experienced what it's like to get some scoring and little defense out of one of our blue liners (ahem MARC ANDRE BERGERON ahem) and I'm not saying that's what they should acquire. But they need to get some guys who can score, plain and simple. We've all watched them tough out the lack of goals this season (currently lowest in the league in scoring in terms of goals/game) and that is obviously the most glaring need.
Also, Asham is -6 on a pretty good Devils team. So maybe my comment about him being a fine defenseman is out of line anyway.
I agree that getting Asham back could be useful...But why bring him back as a DEFENSEMAN? Last I checked he played winger. Probably a good idea to keep him there, where he has played his ENTIRE career.
Not a hater, just like accuracy in posts...especially from a SUPERSTAR with a reputation of 95.
No way! The Islanders have plenty of third and fourth line wingers who can play hard but not put the biscuit in the basket... I'd rather see Colliton, Comeau, Regier, Nielsen or Walter getting substantial minutes than bringing Asham back.
The Isles need a true top-line center and a scoring winger, preferably a right winger to replace Miro...
Sorry about that, RichSPilot. Wrote it before 9 a.m. I think, probably my first mistake. :) I'm sure if you check around my other posts you'll see that I know my Isles.
It's all good. It's been a Looong Year for us. I went to 5 games this year only saw only one win. Last game was IN Fithydelphia 3 weeks ago...I'll never make that mistake again.
Yeah, but he brings some experienced toughness and 10-15 goals. I think him getting 8-10 minutes a night would be good.
And yes, a true top-line center is needed.
I think we can get Asham-like production out of a winger who won't ask for $1 MM per. With Guerin, Hunter, Okposo, Bergenhiem and Tambellini likely to occupy five of the top six winger slots next year and our hopes of bringing in a scoring winger, that leaves two wingers needed. Personally, I'd rather have Blake Comeau and Andy Hilbert occupying those two slots than Asham...
I went to 5 games this year only saw only one win. Last game was IN Fithydelphia 3 weeks ago...I'll never make that mistake again.
God am I with you hear. The only win I saw live was on Al Arbour Day. Other than that I have seen Chris Simon stop Jarkko Ruutu, a bad loss the the Sabres and Marty Biron make 40 saves across from a terrible DP. Pray for Kyle Beach and better days in '08-'09 boys!
i agree with dukfuke. we have enough third and fourth line wingers. we need to shore up our first and second line guys. younger guys can do just as good. plus they are cheaper. Its all about the youth movement right now. if you wanna build a contender you build through the draft with a few key free agents. building from with in wins championships. Big trades and over priced free agents accomplish nothing as we have learned during the MILBURY era. terrible.
I think getting Aaron Asham back would be a very big help for the Islanders, They really need to do alot on this team during the offseason cuz if they wanna make a stanley cup playoff they gotta get some player sto help them beside Okposo and Dipietro
Good : He is a tough kid , fearless will take one anyone and can hold his own too ! Which also happens to be a lot more than I can say about a lot of guys on the team last season ( attended 30 of 41 home games ). Will protect young players from getting pushed around ( that is sorely needed no matter what " era " of hockey we are playing/watching).
Not so good : He doesn't score , but hey, who does on this team and until we solve that problem we ain't going nowhere anyway so we might as well have him around to protect and serve ( at least for one year ).
