The New York Islanders home opener is exactly one month from today, and the players are prepping for a season of redemption.
The New York Islanders rookie camp is set to begin on September 8, but that hasn’t stopped other Islanders — and former Islanders — from getting the ball rolling early on.
A healthy mix of players hopped onto the practice ice at Northwell Health Ice Center for some practice, including the following, according to Arthur Staple of Newsday:
Much larger #Isles group on ice today: Ladd, Eberle, Leddy, de Haan, Cizikas, Gionta, Gudlevskis have joined in.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) September 5, 2017
Out of the crop of veterans, it’s an interesting note to see that new member Kristers Gudļevskis, acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason, has joined in on some extra practice. Gudlevskis is likely competing for a roster spot for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and is looking to take advantage of what could be his last chance to make an impression with an NHL club.
That guy with the Leafs helmet is still here too
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) September 5, 2017
As for former New York Islander Matt Martin, it’s evident his deep ties to Long Island are still very much intact. The 28-year-old LW continues to practice with his former teammates, playing his first NHL season away from the Islanders in 2016-17.
Andrew Ladd Reassures Fans
Andrew Ladd spoke briefly on the looming cloud that is John Tavares‘ expiring contract, stating the following according to Arthur Staple:
Andrew Ladd on Tavares talk: "I think we know more in here than everybody else on the outside, so we’re comfortable where it’s at." #Isles
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) September 5, 2017
John Tavares’ pending contract is going to be a hot commodity this coming season, and with the way things have played out, things will get hotter as July 1 approaches. There’s nothing that any pundit can do to suede Tavares one way or the other, and Ladd has made a sharp point that he, as well as the rest of the locker room, is comfortable regarding its progress.
Brian Compton also took an opportunity to reassure fans with his ever-optimistic perspective:
And yes, after speaking with him today, I still firmly believe Tavares is staying. #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) September 6, 2017
Matt Duchene
The Matt Duchene drama in Colorado continues, with the star forward not reporting to the Avalanche pre-training camp typically held by the captains. Gabriel Landeskog weighed in, per SportsNet:
“For whatever reason, (Duchene is) not here. But I know everybody that’s here right now — we’re all excited to be part of this team and we’re all excited to get going with the season. Ultimately, we all want to figure out a solution to this problem — that’s what we’re really excited about, and what we’re looking to do.”
Training Camp seems to be the unspoken factor in how Duchene’s situation plays out and it seems that friction is building between the two sides with every passing day. Islanders GM Garth Snow is surely watching the situation unfold with great interest — as will nearly every other league executive.