That is the question.
The rumor mongers and bloggers are out in full force. It’s one of the most wonderful times of the hockey year – trade deadline day. You all know the names, you all know the buyers, but some of the sellers are still unclear. Where do the Isles fall into this?GM Garth Snow and crew appeared to have positioned themselves to be buyers by dumping the likes of Mike York and Alexei Zhitnik off the books. Last week, the PP got a much needed shot in the arm with the addition of Marc-Andre Bergeron from Edmonton. Today to further boost the offense, they plucked Richard Zednik from Washington for a pick. But are the Islanders done? All eyes are suddenly on Jason Blake.
The Islanders winger who is in the middle of a career season is also without a contract for next year. Two weeks ago, he expressed his frustrations over not being signed beyond this season to the local paper saying that if he didn’t get a deal done by tomorrow’s deadline, he’d leave in the summer. The same paper today has confirmed that several of the powerhouse clubs in the West are expressing interest. According to coach Ted Nolan, the Islanders are listening. Nolan was quoted today after practice in Newsday saying that the Islanders were entertaining offers for Blake and would do just fine without him in the lineup. “Jason, as well as he’s been playing, has only had one or two goals in the last [11] games. I don’t think he’s scored a whole lot. Our team relies on different people on different nights,” Nolan said. Not exactly a vote of confidence from the coach.
Blake has been a fan favorite since his addition late in the 2000-01 season for his tenacity, hustle and tireless effort on the ice. He quickly gained a reputation around the league as an agitator and became notorious for being able to throw players off their games. In 2002-03, he found his scoring touch in what would prove to be the first of now three consecutive 20+ goal seasons. Why would the surging Islanders trade Blake?
Why not? Blake was acquired for a mid round pick and has certainly proven to be a steal. And while his numbers overall have been impressive this season, lately they have not been, totaling just 6 goals in the last 22 games, a far cry from his early scoring pace. Considering what the cost has been to move other rentals, like Peter Forsberg, Keith Tkachuck, Craig Rivet, even a player the likes of Shane O’Brien have fetched, the Islanders should seriously considering moving Blake if the package is right with picks and the right prospect and/or player. When or if Billy Guerin is moved tomorrow will just help inflate Blake’s price amongst Western Conference teams who missed out on Forsberg, Tkachuck or Nagy. The return could be a once in a lifetime chance to add some serious talent to the Islanders already strong prospect base.
Will moving Blake automatically classify the Islanders as sellers? Absolutely not. There are still plenty of names out there for the Islanders to persue to improve themselves. With Alexei Yashin due back possibly this week, that alone is a significant acquistion that will surely improve the club.Buy low, sell high Garth.
