Joined by friend Matt Strauss, we remember two modern Weird Islanders who felt like they were around more than they actually were; Parker Wotherspoon because of his many years in the AHL and Dmytro Timashov because of how he came to the Islanders.
Parker Wotherspoon is not an exciting player. As a defensive defenseman, his value is in doing his job effectively and without notice. After almost 300 games in the minors, he finally got a chance in NHL and got to play in his hometown, where picked up his only
point with the Islanders before was sent back down again. But he emerged the next season – and is currently – giving other teams the kind of defensive stability the Islanders, frankly, could use a little of right now. We recount his short time in blue-and-orange and the few memorable moments he had.
Dmytro Timashov was an exciting player – for a moment, at least, and in a city that makes a big deal out of any tiny thing that seems to have some kind of juice. But his Islanders tenure was even shorter than Wotherspoon’s, and whatever we thought he would be, he wasn’t. What he lacked in longevity, Timashov made up for in bizarreness, so at least we have that.
We thank Matt again for coming on and picking two great current Weird Islanders. Check out the Weird Islanders Extra! bonus episode at our Patreon to hear more about Matt’s work at Pitchfork and our debate on the Islanders goal song.
WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL
- After 293 games in their AHL system, Wotherspoon finally got a chance to play for the Islanders against his boyhood team in Vancouver. Lots of cute pictures. He also scored his only Islanders point in this game! A secondary assist on a Casey Cizikas goal.
- It’s paywalled, but here’s the lead to a Boston Globe article about Wotherspoon: “No matter the assignment, defense partner, or dance partner, the first-year Bruin has proven he is a player his teammates — and the coaching staff — can depend on.” Okay then.
- Wotherspoon finally got an NHL goal as a member of the Bruins last season against the Lightning.
- Here’s another glowing article from the Boston Herald.
- This possibly AI-written article wraps up Wotherspoon’s time with the Bruins. As a depth defenseman, he had a quality 2023-24 and a disappointing 2024-25.
- Penguins fans were… underwhelmed by his signing with their team this offseason. (But Pens fan JFresh seems optimistic!)
- One thing we can say Parker Wotherspoon is good at: naming European nations.
- We’re sure Leafs fans were rational and level-headed when Timashov scored his first career goal against the Bruins.
- This about sums up the very bizarre Dymtro Timashov Islanders experience.
- Ranked No. 19 in The Athletic’s 2019 prospects rankings. Amusingly above actual NHLers Mason Marchment (No. 24) and Pontus Holmberg (No. 25), and well below Freeport native Jeremy Bracco (No. 2) and Pierre Engvall (No. 9).
What makes a “Weird Islander?”
We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:
- Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
- Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.
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