Barclays Center has been criticized for having poor ice by certain players since the Islanders became tenants two years ago, but captain John Tavares, is trying not to analyze it too much. 

"I don't try to think about it a whole lot, I think the more you worry about it the more kind of gets in your head,'' Tavares told Newsday on Tuesday afternoon. "It's obvious we're not playing in a traditional rink that was built for hockey. "They've done a lot of work just to make it playable for us over the last couple of years, just trying to make the conditions as best as possible with what you can do." 

Brian Erni, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive Posts

Corey Pronman is the NHL prospects writer at The Athletic. I recently had a chance to sit down with him and get his impressions on the Islanders' system, including some of the players who are soon expected to graduate to the big club. Here's what he had to say on some of the team's top youngsters...

The New York Islanders lost to the New York Rangers 1-0 on Neal Pionk's overtime goal on Monday at Madison Square Garden. >> Read more

Andy Graziano: SNY.TV: 

The New York Islanders missed the Stanley Cup playoffs last season by one point, in large part due to starting the season 6-10-4. The points that teams bank earlier in the season come home to roost when the hockey season hits games Nos. 50, 60, 70 and beyond.

Although the Islanders recorded 58 points over their final 45 games last year, their slow start cost them. Whether the fault belongs to the players, former head coach Jack Capuano, the special teams or another factor, the result -- a spring and summer spent watching other teams battle for perhaps the most prestigious trophy in sports -- is done.

Brian Erni, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive Posts: There's this moment when you get off the Meadowbrook Parkway and merge onto Charles Lindbergh Boulevard that you catch your first glimpse of the Nassau Coliseum on the horizon. At this point in my life, I have seen it so many times that it had become old hat. But on Sunday, as it appeared in the distance, the modern new steel slats created such a stark contrast against a bright September sky that it caught me off guard.

I hadn't been to the Nassau Coliseum since Game 6 of the first round of the 2015 playoffs, when I left it in my rearview mirror, tears in my eyes, after the Islanders' 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals. I hadn't even seen it since. So when the gussied up exterior initially shocked my system, I wasn't sure what to expect.

But as I'd learn throughout the day, this was the same Old Barn I left 27 months earlier. No amount of steel or paint could change that...

Recap

John Tavares scored the Islanders' first and final goal of the game to lead the Islanders to a 3-2 overtime win over the Philadelphia Flyers in the first preseason game of the season. >> Read more 

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

The summer is over. Fall has arrived and with it, the return of the NHL. Training camps around the league will all be open for business soon, with the first on-ice sessions slated to begin Friday morning.

For the Islanders, it seems every year lately has been 'make or break,' for a variety of reasons. This year, however, the term might never be more accurate as the team looks to re-sign their franchise captain, finally bring some closure to a long, drawn out arena drama and return to the playoffs. The results of those three factors, each under their own cloud of uncertainty, could also decide the future fate of long-tenured general manager Garth Snow, who seems to be running out of time to turn this team into a true contender.

Islanders D Alan Quine is out 4-6 weeks due to an upper body injury, the team announced Tuesday.

A sixth-round pick by the Isles back in 2013, Quine played his first full season in the NHL last year. He notched 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 61 games. 

Brian Erni, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive Posts

It's a tough blow for Quine, who really could have used the training camp to make an impression on Doug Weight. But for one of the younger players in camp (namely guys like Matt Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier), Quine's misfortune creates a huge opportunity.

The Islanders returned to the renovated Nassau Coliseum on Tuesday for the start of Rookie Camp practice.

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Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

Brian Erni and I complete our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 New York Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

It's now full steam ahead to the beginning of training camp, as rookies are first on ice September 8, followed by veterans September 15.

Contract details via nhlnumbers.com and stats courtesy of hockeyreference.com.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman doesn't think the Nassau Coliseum is a viable option for the Islanders to return to, according to Newsday.

"I don't view the Nassau Coliseum as a viable option," Bettman said Friday. "Ultimately, whether or not the Islanders want to consider that and bring it to the league or something, you've had to ask them about it. But my gut reaction is it's not a viable option."

Barclays Center is reportedly unhappy with the Islanders as tenants, and the team has been seeking other options.

Speaking to Newsday at the Islanders Captains Retreat on Wednesday, former Islander Ed Westfall said he hopes the team can figure out its arena troubles.

"It must be so difficult for Mr. Ledecky and his partner [Scott Malkin], trying to figure out the best thing to do for the team," he said. "And the fans, they've been kicked all over the place. Nobody gave two hoots about them."

The Islanders have been reportedly seeking a new home on the Belmont Park site as they attempt to leave Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Westfall was openly critical of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. 

Islanders C John Tavares' contract extension is still an elephant in the room, but his teammates don't believe it will impact the team as he heads into the new season. 

Several Islanders have been participating in informal skating at Northwell Health Ice Center, and many asked what they thought on Tavares' situation. They don't believe it will be a distraction if his contract isn't settled by the start of the season. 

"Knowing how Johnny deals with things, his personality, I think that's what makes it a non-factor," LW Andrew Ladd told Newsday's Arthur Staple.  "He's so good at handling, whether it's the questions or the talk that comes with it, I don't see it being an issue. I think we know more in here than everybody else on the outside, so we're comfortable with where it's at."

Islanders RW Jordan Eberle took the ice for the first time with a handful of his Islanders teammates on Tuesday, and said he feels rejuvenated by a change of scenery.

"I needed a fresh start, to get some change," Eberle, who was traded to the Islanders on June 22 for Ryan Strome, toldNewsday's Art Staple. "I'm happy to be where they want me, to get an opportunity, and I think this summer was one of the better ones I've had getting ready for an NHL season."

And while most assume Eberle will get first crack at a spot on C John Tavares' wing, LW Josh Bailey's career year in 2016-17 could certainly act as a case for him remaining on his captain's flank.

"I'm all for winning, whatever makes this team better," Bailey told Staple. "That's what we're all focused on. Everyone here knows, wherever they put me I'll go out and give it my all, hopefully contribute the same way I did last year."

Brian Erni, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive Posts

Andy Graziano and I are taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September.

Though reports have said otherwise, Islanders C John Tavares did not turn down a $84 million extension, per Newsday's Arthur Staple.

The two sides have actually yet to talk about the numbers side of Tavares extension. Instead, Staple is reporting that Tavares wants to see how everything progresses with the Islanders organization as a whole. 

Specifically, Tavares is waiting to see what happens with the Request For Proposals that were issued in July regarding a possible development of a new arena at Belmont Park. 

Brian Erni, SNY.TV:

Andy Graziano and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September.

Contract details via nhlnumbers.com and stats courtesy of hockeyreference.com.

72 - Anthony Beauvillier - LW

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

Brian Erni and I continue our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 New York Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September 2017. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward and oh, yeah, that pesky John Tavares extension...

Islanders RW Josh Ho-Sang feels the media is trying to draw C John Tavares to Toronto, but he doesn't think his teammate is paying much attention to the noise. 

Tavares, who has one year remaining on his contract, has yet to receive an extension on his deal despite the Islanders saying he is the face of the franchise. Because of this, the 26-year-old has drawn speculation as to where he might land if he hits the open market.

The Maple Leafs are one of those teams, but Ho-Sang can't see Tavares even thinking about going to Toronto. Instead, he believes the media wants him up there. 

Brian Erni and I continue our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 New York Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September 2017. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward and oh, yeah, that pesky John Tavares extension.

Contract details via nhlnumbers.com and stats courtesy of hockeyreference.com.

The Islanders' future at Barclays Center is unclear, but it looks like the arena may have scored some points in creating a better experience for hockey fans, according to J.D. Power.

The J.D. Power Fan Experience Study measured customer satisfaction of the major pro sports teams in four major markets across seven factors (in order of importance): seating area and game experience; security and ushers; leaving the game; arriving at the game; food and beverage; ticket purchase; and souvenirs and merchandise. Satisfaction is measured on a 1,000-point scale.

Andy Graziano: SNY.TV: 

For all the griping, some right and some wrong, it seems as if Barclays Center actually held up their end of the bargain in 2016-17, improving the fan experience as they said they would, according to... the fans themselves.

Barclays Center owner Mikhail Prokhorov would like the Islanders to play a large portion of their games at the renovated Nassau Coliseum for the 2018-19 season, reports Josh Kosman of the New York Post. 

According to the report, Prokhorov has about $165 million invested in the Coliseum as both Barclays Center and the Islanders continue to work on a new lease. Either side can opt out of the current lease in January. 

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV: 

The story that just won't go away continues to dominate the headlines for the New York Islanders this summer. And there's no reason it shouldn't, as there is some belief it is directly tied to the fact captain John Tavares remains unsigned with unrestricted free agency looming next summer.

Islanders captain John Tavares is not in a rush to sign an extension with the team, he told Newsday's Art Staple on Wednesday.

"For me, there's really no rush," Tavares said. "I'm trying to determine things, let the process run its course, keep the lines of communication open, keep it all internal and it's been good so far … In terms of signing a new contract, there's a lot that goes into it. To really dive into all the details, get into all the conversations I've had with Garth [Snow], the team and Doug [Weight], I don't think it's productive to the situation and the negotiating. I prefer to keep it all internal, that's the best way to keep it all open, honest and healthy."

Tavares recently said he's had "great open communication" with the team regarding a potential contrtact extension.

The Islanders announced that F Shane Prince had ankle surgery and will be out 4-6 months.

As the press release mentions, Prince was battling a high ankle sprain at the end of last season. After rehabbing on his own, he felt more discomfort and alerted the Islanders' medical staff.

They tried to further rehab the injury, but they found it in Prince's best interest to have surgery. He received the surgery, and is doing well. 

Brian Erni, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive Posts

Andy Graziano and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.
 

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September.

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

Brian Erni and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point. 

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as free agency and potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward.

Brian Erni, SNY.TV: 

Andy Graziano and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September. 

Contract details via nhlnumbers.com and stats courtesy of hockeyreference.com.

66|Josh Ho-Sang|C/RW 

The Islanders announced they signed F Stephen Gionta to a one-year, two-way contract.

Newsday's Arthur Staple reports the contract is worth $650,000 for his time in the NHL, and $225,000 for AHL time. 

The 33-year-old played in 26 games have the Islanders last season where he notched one goal and five assists. He also played seven games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders AHL affiliate, talling one goal and two assists. 

Brian Erni, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive Posts

Andy Graziano and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point. 

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as free agency and potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward.

Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan told NHL.com's Jon Lane that he believes John Tavares will remain with the Islanders after his current contract expires. 

"He's not a guy to beat around the bush with those kinds of things," de Haan said of Tavares. "He's straightforward about things like that and there's no reason why he should lie about things like that. At the end of the day it's going to be his decision but I don't see him leaving, personally. It's good he's mentioned it a few times over the course of the summer." 

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

Brian Erni and I continue our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

The Islanders have signed D Calvin de Haan to a one-year, $3.3 million contract just before his arbitration hearing, per NHL Network's Mike Kelly. 

de Haan was one of 30 NHL players to file for arbitration by the July 5 deadline. The two sides have been in contract talks since he completed his three-year, $5.9 million deal. 

"Calvin is a home-grown product of the organizatino and has developed into one of our top defenseman during his time with the organization," Islanders president and GM Garth Snow said in the Islanders press release. "He plays important minutes for our club and we're excited to have him back for one more year."

Islanders captain John Tavares said he's had "great open communication" with the team regarding a potential contrtact extension.

"It's obviously a great place to play, I've enjoyed my time being an Islander and I want that experience to continue," Tavares told TSN. "For me, I just want to get ready for the upcoming season and work on being the best player I can be for the Islanders."

Tavares is reportedly still not ready to commit to the Islanders, Art Staple of Newsday reported last month.

New York state officials have released a request for proposals (RFP) to develop the 43 vacant acres at Belmont Park in Elmont.

The Islanders, who can opt out of the remaining 23 years on their lease with Barclays Center in January, are expected to be a bidder.

Newsday's Jim Baumbach reported in February that the team is working with Oak View Group, a sports arena development company backed by Madison Square Garden, on their proposal. Now, Robert Brodsky reports the group already has rendering of a potential arena in anticipation of the team's bid.

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

The Islanders have not had an arbitration case that actually went to the independent decision maker in some time. I'm not sure many can even remember the last time it happened.

The one that sticks out in my head, and maybe the only one, is Mike Milbury and Tommy Salo in 1997. The Lubomir Visnovsky case does not qualify, as that decided the status of the defenseman's contract clause, rather than salary.

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

Brian Erni and I continue our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September 2017. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward and oh, yeah, that pesky John Tavares extension.

The Islanders have signed Connor Jones to a one-year, two-way deal, the team announced Thursday.

Jones, 26, made his NHL debut with the Islanders last April 2.

The Islanders had made Jones a qualifying offer on June 26 in order to retain negotiating rights.

Brian Erni, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive Posts

Andy Graziano and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as free agency and potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward.

The Islanders have agreed with Adam Pelech on a four-year contract, the team announced Monday.

Pelech's new deal is worth $1.6 million per year, reports Art Staple of Newsday.

"Adam has proven at a very young age that he's capable of playing an important defensive role on our team," Islanders President and GM Garth Snow said in a press release. "He will be an important piece of our defensive core moving forward and I'm excited to watch him continue to develop at the NHL level."

The Islanders had extended a qualifying offer to Pelech on June 26 in order to retain negotiating rights.

While forward John Tavares is willing to wait on signing a contract extension with the New York Islanders, people around the league believe the franchise is right to be patient with him, according to the New York Post's Brett Cyrgalis.

Tavares, 26, has one year and a $5.5 million cap hit and has been eligible to sign a contract extension since July 1, however the former No. 1 pick has not yet signed a long-term deal.

People around the league, according to Cyrgalis, believe the Islanders are right not to panic in this situation. Tavares reportedly prefers to stay with the Islanders, however several other teams could pursue him if he tests the open market. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2018. 

Tavares recorded 28 goals and 38 assists in 77 games for the Islanders last season. He underwent surgery on his hand in April and is expected to be fully ready for the 2017-18 season.

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

The Islanders announced they promoted Greg Cronin to associate coach. 

Cronin had served as an assistant coach with the Isles for the past three seasons. He also served as an assistant coach from 1998-2003 before taking over as head coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders affiliate, from 2003-2005.

Before his reunion with the Islanders in 2014, Cronin was an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs. He helped lead the Leafs to the playoffsf during the 2013-14 season. 

Cronin also has international experience, serving as an assistant coach for Team USA at the World Hockey Championsihops in 2011 and 2012. 

Islanders captain John Tavares is reportedly still not ready to commit to the Islanders, Art Staple of Newsday reported earlier this month.

To that end, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet notes:

"I've said a million times that I believe John Tavares's first choice is to stay with the Islanders. But, if he does decide to leave, why do I have visions of him taking less money to play in Tampa Bay?"

Brian Erni, SNY.TV:

Andy Graziano and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as free agency and potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward.

Brian Erni, SNY.TV:

Andy Graziano and I have begun our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as free agency and potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward.

Goalie Christopher Gibson and the New York Islanders agreed to a one-year, two-way deal, the team announced Friday.

Gibson, 24, played four games with the Islanders in the 2015-16 season, going 1-1-1 with 11 goals allowed, an .882 save percentage and a 3.40 goals against average.

Last season, he played seven games for the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, giving up 16 goals and recording a .912 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average.

The Nassau and Suffolk legislatures will host a bicounty news conference Friday to urge the Islanders to return to Nassau Coliseum, according to Newsday's Robert Brodsky and Jim Baumbach. 

Nassau legislature wrote to Islanders' owners Jonathan Ledecky and Scott Malkin saying "give the idea of returning the team to its true home every consideration possible." Nassau Events Center put $165 million into the Coliseum to increase its capacity to host an NHL team. 

"We have been assured by NEC that they are very willing to make necessary modifications to accommodate an NHL team," the Nassau letter read. 

There has been opposition to the Islanders potential return as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said "we do not view Nassau Coliseum as a suitable option for the Islanders." Experts say that the Coliseum would also need to add luxury suites, and increase the size of the locker room to go along with adding seats. 

Andy Graziano, SNY.TV Twitter

Brian Erni and I continue our annual season review, taking a look back at the 2016-17 Islanders and analyzing each player's performance in a down season that saw the team miss the playoffs by one point.

We will be offering two reviews per week that will take us right through to the beginning of training camp in September 2017. Of course, there are a couple of things to sort out prior, such as potential trades that could alter the look of this franchise going forward and oh, yeah, that pesky John Tavares extension.

The Islanders are hiring another former teammate of head coach Doug Weight in Kelly Buchberger, the team announced Tuesday.

Buchberger served as head of player personnel for the Oilers last season. He was also an assistant coach for the team for six years. 

This is the second ex-teammate Weight has brought in from his days with the Oilers. Luke Richardson, who has been head coach of AHL Binghamton for the past four years, was also hired.