The Islanders threw us a curve as they wrapped up preseason cuts and reassignments by announcing the signing of Logan Stanley as Big Veteran Defenseman. Season-opening rosters are due throughout the NHL today, and certainly Stanley was not on our radar entering the weekend.
There are also several “he’s fine, it’s just maintenance” injury situations as camp winds down, so it seems there are a few moving parts that could linger into the season.
Brayden Schenn and Matthew Schaefer were described as precautionary
after “tweak” during preseason, Tony DeAngelo missed for a “maintenance” day, and of course Mathew Barzal missed the whole preseason with his (presumed knee inflammation) but will travel with the team to Toronto where they open the season on Wednesday.
Islanders News
- As Stanley stepped in, Isaiah George (thought by some to be poised to grab a roster spot), Cole Eiserman, Kashawn Aitcheson and Vitek Vanecek (if he clears waivers) were assigned to AHL Hamilton. [Isles]
- Pete DeBoer said not to read the Stanley signing as disappointment in George’s progress, said it’s part of “the journey.” (Honestly, with all these vets and now Stanley, too, it didn’t look like a top-six job was even available unless George wowed them.) [Newsday | Post]
- Stanley was skating with his old junior club awaiting a contract. DeBoer says he doesn’t buy the knock on Stanley’s skating, calling him “light on his feet,” and he likes adding a huge guy who can clear the front of the net, throw hits, fight and “can also play.” [Isles]
- 7 facts about Stanley, who will wear #8, is 6’7, 231 lbs., 28 years old. [Isles]
- Season preview: The Isles, of course, feel they have a good hockey team. [Newsday]
- Is that Ondrej Palat-Casey Cizikas-Anthony Duclair trio really gonna be a line? [Post]
- Victor Eklund made every case to make the team. [Post]
Elsewhere
- SO many players (71) on waivers over the weekend, most of them clearing. [Sportsnet]
- Big storylines for the coming season are largely in the East. [NHL]
- Once top-ranked James Hagens’ draft fall lit a fire under him. [NHL]
- His new captain in Boston is David Pastrnak. [NHL]
- One “bold” prediction for each team, though most are not bold. [Athletic]
