Despite re-signing him to a one-year deal before the season, the New York Islanders haven’t given Jean-Francois Berube a shot to earn his paycheck.
The Isles re-signed Jean-Francois Berube to a one-year pact this offseason.So far, the rookie netminder hasn’t competed in any games. This begs the following question: why would a team sign a player just so that that player can sit on the bench the entire season?
It’s a perplexing question that likely doesn’t have a plausible answer.
Honestly, it’s not like Jaroslav Halak has thrived. And it’s not like Thomas Greiss has been that incredible, either. There’s no reason not to give Berube a shot.
“I want a bigger role next season,” he told reporters. “Past couple years I played 40-45 games, that’s when I perform the best is when I play a lot, but again it’s the management’s decision.”
Garth Snow claimed Berube, 25, off waivers last season. He was 3-2-1 with a 2.71 goals-against average and received routine praise for his strong work ethic and athleticism.
After Allan Walsh, Berube and Halak’s agent, ranted on Twitter about the team’s goalie excess, rumors circulated that the Isles had placed Halak on the trade block. Although the veteran netminder is injury-prone and has a hefty contract, there are teams that would surely take him.
- Head coach Jack Capuano has been the subject of some, uh … criticism? Matt Di Giacomo pleads that he should be fired. Don Sav speculates that he might live in Garth Snow’s basement (like, seriously). Yours truly determines that Bob Hartley would be the best available replacement.
- Anders Lee has struggled this season, so he went to the New York Giants practice facility to review some film from his football days with former Notre Dame teammate Romeo Okwara.
