Offseason Look: Phase One

After last night's disappointing loss, I would like to take a moment to look into this upcoming offseason and predictions for re-signings. Here's a list of players currently on the Islanders roster that are unrestricted free agents:

Bryan Berard
Rob Davison
Wade Dubielewicz
Ruslan Fedotenko
Freddy Meyer
Miroslav Satan
Joe Vasicek

....my predictions for these players....

Bryan Berard is as good as gone. To me I do not see the point in re-signing Berard, he has not played well this season and he is not young. The comeback was a good story, but time to move on Bryan. PEACE!

Rob Davison is definitely going to be re-signed. The Islanders made the move at the deadline cause there is something they like about him. They are not going to just give up a draft pick for a guy who is going to play half a season (I know, Ryan Smyth). Plus I think Davison will thrive considering he is actually getting a chance to consistently play on Long Island, because he was not getting as much playing time with San Jose.

Wade Dubielewicz is gone. I know Islander fans are thinking, "NO WAY" but there is a team in the NHL that will give Dubie a chance to play consistently or at least split time. He has proven to be a solid NHL goalie despite his size. I think the Isles will want him back but will not be willing to pay the price Dubie wants.

Ruslan Fedotenko should have been traded at the deadline, and will not be on the team next season. Tenk played good for a month and a half this season, but for most of the season he just looked lost on the ice.

Freddy Meyer will be re-signed. I think the Islanders realized they made a mistake when Freddy got put on waivers by Phoenix, and jumped at the opportunity to bring him back. He has played solid all season and deserves a new deal to stay with the team.

Miroslav Satan will most likely be re-signed. He has a house on the Island and will probably sign for a "hometown discount". If I were the Islanders I would not be throwing money at Miro because I think he has maybe one more good year in him.

Joe Vasicek will be re-signed. Ted Nolan appreciates hard work, and Vasicek was all about hard work all season. I think Vasicek and Hunter were the under the radar offensive spark plugs for the team this year, plus he flourished in Ted's gameplan so he is going to want to stay.

Conclusion

Bryan Berard - Gone

Rob Davison - Staying

Wade Dubielewicz - Gone

Ruslan Fedotenko - Gone

Freddy Meyer - Staying

Miroslav Satan - Staying

Joe Vasicek - Staying

.....In the next couple of days I'll break down the predictions for the minor league unrestricted free agents.....