The Four Fishermen

After an unproductive day one that left Islanders nation hanging their head in disbelief with the news that Garth Snow had offered more money and long term contracts to the bigger named UFA defensemen yet could not get them to sign with the organization, day two saw a flurry of Islanders signings.

Albeit, second tier players with potential who are all serviceable in their own right however, unless the rumors are true that there is a chance the Islanders and UFA winger Alexander Frolov can come to terms on a contract, I would not be overwhelmed by the additions from today.

On Friday July 2nd, 2010, with America’s birthday just two days away, the Islanders created their own fireworks.

Garth Snow reached out to the agents of Mark Eaton, Milan Jurcina, Zenon Konopka and P.A. Parenteau and in return, all players signed on the dotted line.

Where shall we start?

Mark Eaton has been a part of the National Hockey League, playing his first game with the Philadelphia Flyers during the 1999-2000 season.  Ten years later, Eaton has been a part of both the Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins organization, winning a cup with the Penguins in 2009.

Over the course of his ten year career, Eaton has appeared in 531 NHL games and has scored 23 goals adding 55 assists for a total of 78 points. Known to be more of a shut down type d-man, Eaton will bring size and smart defensive ability to the blue line on the Island.

Milan Jurcina, though hampered with injuries through his career, if fully healed he will be a very solid addition for what was originally led to be a younger blue line on the Islander for the upcoming year.

However, at only 27 years of age, the five year NHLer may just be entering his prime. Jurcina has appeared in 319 NHL games for three different NHL teams. With his time in the NHL, Jurcina has scored 15 goals and added 38 assists for 53 points. He is a plus ten for his career and, again, as long as the Slovakian native has fully recovered from his hernia issues that only allowed him to compete in 44 games last season he will be a solid addition to the defensive pairings.

Zenon Konopka is a five year veteran in the NHL.  Known more for his toughness and grit, Konopka will arrive on the Island to provide energy an grit to the bottom six units. In 113 games played, Konopka has racked up the penalty minutes sitting in the box for a total of 377 minutes. If his AHL game can balance out at the NHL level, he does have the ability to be a very good third liner with the ability to score 12-15 goals a year while creating space and wearing down the opposition.

P.A. Parenteau doesn’t have far to travel to play with his new team  Acquired by the New York Rangers from Chicago in October of 2007, the youngster has yet to get a real crack within the NHL. An original draft pick of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 9th round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, he has yet to prove his value on NHL ice.

Stated to be a project by some, in 22 games this year for the Rangers Parenteau tallied a total of eight points (3g, 5a).

Pending the results of the Alexander Frolov discussions, Parenteau will either start the season with the Islanders as a bottom six player, or possibly get to learn the system down in Brigeport to start the year.

By no means am I saying that either is a guarantee however, the scenario behind acquiring a project type player such as Parenteau remains a question mark until the coaches see how he fits during training camp and pre-season.  There is a possibility he starts the season with the club, but if not have no fear Isles fans, better things come with proper time dedicated to becoming a better player.

Of course, no big names to fill the seats will arrive on Long Island this year.  Again, something that will haunt the Isles until things change from an organizational and political standpoint.  However, Frolov would not be a second tier player if he does indeed come to the Island.  He is a player who automatically makes the top six that much better, and scarier at that.

It will also help Neiderreiter and Kabanov develop further without forcing them into the spotlight of the NHL. Garth Snow is not a stupid man, so I do encourge all you who support the organization to remain calm and keep the faith. Sure, it’s already been a long time of dealing with the growing pains but sooner then you know that will all change.

Those changes start with the Town of Hempstead’s approval for a new arena. However, I promise to get deeper into this during the summer so stay tuned.